So Many Things To Look Forward To!!

Hello All,

Here we are mid-week not long before we all get to enjoy the weekend. As you all know the weekend is not the time to slack off on monitoring our eating or letting our work out regimens fall to the waist side. That was one thing I had to learn fairly quickly when agreeing to participate in this challenge.

There is no way I ever want my hard work to go to waste and I want to see results dog-on-it!! LOL.. I see and feel the results in ways that I didn't expect, but am pleased all the same. My progression has been steady, and I've learned so much along the way...

Did you know that between the elliptical machine and the treadmill both are equally as beneficial?

* Whichever your preference choose the one that is going to help you be most consistent. You get out what you put in so pick the one that you love and go hard each and every time... and results will follow, neither is better than the other.

Did you know that even though you may have a problem area you want to work on (or several) that there is no way to just do problem area weight loss?

*Yep, if you want to get the best results do workouts that work your entire body, and your body will start transforming all of the problem areas on its own as your whole body transforms. Just always make sure that you include weight training in your weekly rotation at least twice a week, and try to get your cardio 4-5 times a day.

Hey, did you know Go Red for Women has its own fragrance??

*Yes, I found this out today while out shopping, and it smells fabulous!! It's in a cute slinky bottle with the Go Red logo and is on sale now for $19.99 (check your nearest mall for retailers). Grab a bottle and support Go Red for Women and smell fabulous while doing so!! ;D

Well, I know I am excited about the Go Red Luncheon are you?? It will be a great time and very informative too!! It's important as women to have the advantage over heart disease and what better time than now?? Tell the ones you love, as we help change lives one heart at a time join us for the Go Red Luncheon on Friday, Feb 26th at 9:30 am at the Marriott Hotel. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

DEE

Oh, what a beautiful morning...oh, what a beautiful day ~

I've got a wonderful feeling, everything's going my way!

Well, there I am, right in the aisle between cosmetic counters in a very public Macy's department store smiling at the camera! Notice anything different? My neck is skinnier...this lifestyle change is beginning to pay off and I have to be my Biggest Cheerleader to keep on going so forgive me if I seem stuck on me...'cause I sort of am...for now. LOL

It's critical and essential that we each be all about ourselves, getting healthy right now is going to give us all more time with our families and friends, right?

Anyway, had the most fabulous time this morning with my new girlfriends and fellow challengers! We tried on clothes, modeled our fashions, had makeovers and a photo shoot! When I say my inner Diva surfaced - I exaggerate not. I mean, lights, camera, action...I think - no scratch that - I know that I am meant for the stage! WOW - who knew that getting your act together would lead to fame and fortune? Ok, well, no fortune yet but it's coming!

Seriously, we have been so supported and encouraged by Allison, Michelle & Wendy, how can we not continue to be focused on getting heart healthy! And education? Even though we have been blessed to have extras - yay - everyone on the team has shared knowledge with us & there are tools available to you that won't cost a dime...everything you need can be found by following the 5 of us and checking out the online tools.

One of the biggest things I've learned over the past week is that if I don't carve out the time, if I don't plan and create a more balanced life, I have no one to blame but myself. My game plan was to be involved in so many different projects and activities that my need to eat constantly would be brought under control. And for the most part, it has. But can I tell you, listen up sweet peas, changing the food without adding activity adds up to a big ZERO. I know you knew that...I just had to remind myself (smiles).

So, no beating up on myself - you shouldn't beat up on yourself either - any error we made in the past is just that - it's in the past - behind us (uh, oh...that could be literally or figuratively - ha) but you get my point. Let's promise ourselves to live in the moment, moment by moment, making correct choices and yielding to the heart healthy habits our bodies naturally crave.

Will you join me? Over the next 3 days let's have more fruit, more veggies, more water, more exercise and less STRESS! I mean it gals and guys, dudes and dudettes, let's keep the main thing the main thing. If *it* is not adding to my success on this journey to new life, then it really is not important and does not deserve any of my energy.

I heard Jillian say last night on Biggest Loser that when you are stressed, your body retains water. I just read (for the 1000th time at least) that the bigger your waist, the harder your heart has to work. My trainer, Kara (love her!) accepts NO excuses. And God, in His Word says that our bodies are temples and should be treated as such. (1 Corinthians 6:19). Pick one and stick with me over these next 3 days. I need your support - you need my support!

To your hearts,

Sweet Dreams~

Jessica

Getting Better By The Day!! : )

Hello Ladies!!

It's been a bit of a roller coaster... I must say, BUT I'm still here and still truck-in (lol)...

While I have also been guilty of falling off the wagon.. I've been able to regroup and get back on and pick up right where I left off..

OKAY!!.. SO MY THING IS.. I ALWAYS SEEM TO FALL OFF THE WAGON WHEN "AUNT FLOW COMES TO VISIT"!!!!!

I can't stand it, I HATE IT, but it NEVER seems to FAIL!! I get in the mode of "what I want is what I want" and I Eat It... (lol), My body gets achy, I get moody, and if it's not making me happy at that moment I'm not doing it...

I'm sure you all can all relate, In the meantime I have finally had my assessment appointment last Wed with my personal trainer Kara. I went in feeling really good about it and was excited to get guidance on what I could do to physically transform my body.

It went pretty well actually... I did a lot better than I thought I would, and was rather surprise at how my body has been responding to my workouts. Today I had my first real personal training session, and it really helped me understand getting the most out of my workouts.

I was shot by the time the hour workout was done, but it was well worth it. On another note, every day I have been charting what I'm eating, what time I ate it, and what I did to work out that day.. And boy has it been helpful!! I am a very visual person so it helps to be able to look back and see how I felt, what I ate, and my progression in my workout status.

FYI... I ran on the treadmill yesterday and was able to get my 2mile run in less than 30min.

I COMPLETED MY TWO MILE RUN IN 27.35 minutes!!

So I'm really excited because I also increased my speed, and I can really tell I'm improving.. and my husband even noticed while we were running together and commented on that I am improving too... so that really felt good.

Well since I have my road map to success after meeting with the personal trainer for my first actual workout session, I'm expecting great things... I'll be keeping ya posted!! ;)

P.S. I plan to do a lot better when that "special" time comes along... I refuse to let it be the DEATH OF ME!!

CHEERS!!

59 Minutes...Ready, Set, Go!

Greetings America~

Thinking big and reaching wide...my name is Jessica, I am a work in progress, and YOU are about to become part of my world. Welcome!

The BASICS: Who, What, Where, When & Why?

Me, transforming my life, right before your very eyes, beginning now, because I want to live. Come join me?

FACTS: I love food. Looking at it, reading about it, preparing it, tasting it, and creating fond memories of great dining experiences. Food - glorious food - I'm always anxious to try it.

I do not love exercise (in general). Push-ups, sit-ups, stair climbing, and bike riding are all word combinations I personally believe should be eliminated from everyday language. Ha.

CHALLENGE: To reverse, or at a minimum, to marry the 2 sentiments above until they become a balanced and healthy component of my life.

GOAL: Fantastic Numbers & New Life

Lower weight, lower bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and losing the mask...my sleep mask, not the one I wear everyday to make people more comfy around my aching soul. [ouch, must reframe - sometimes truth hurts]

MANTRA: I am standing on the promises of God, yes and Amen. I am standing firm and nothing shall move me. I am giving myself to God as He who began a good work in me shall complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6, Mark 11:24, Jeremiah 29:11

So, here we go...joyful hearts...let's GoRed and let's get well!

p.s. Thank you American Heart Association