17 more days! Let the count down begin!

I finally started Hip Level 8 this Wednesday (took Tuesday as a rest day to recover from too much food and wine over the long weekend, per usual) and I feel like I'm in the home stretch as far as Meta goes. Level 8 is tough! But more doable than level 7, I think. I'm still adding in mat arms and standing abs nearly every day as well. I think my arms are actually showing some improvements!

Unfortunately, my results haven't been that startling and I blame that mostly on my diet. I've been stuck at around 129-132 for weeks now. I am toned. I am fit. But that stubborn layer of fat is making me nuts! I loose a few pounds then gain them right back.  It's mostly because my diet gets off track on the weekend and in the evening. I've informed my husband that we can no longer keep chocolate, chips or cookies in the house as a tired and stressed Jessica has a little to no will power at night. Thank goodness he's supportive! I really want to get into the 120-125 range before this whole thing is over. I'm feeling really motivated to make this happen! Need to be in a swim suit for work at the end of the month several times a week. Yikes!

Last week I started drinking green smoothies (click for the recipe) for breakfast and this Tuesday I started drinking them for both breakfast and lunch. Then I have a protein and veggie packed dinner and maybe a little wine. ;)

We had this yummy salad with rainbow trout Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday I had lentil soup, chicken breast and this vegan pumpkin bolani, which is a current obsession of mine as well. Anyways, low cal and filling dinners. I also had a babybel cheese and an apple for a snack Thursday afternoon since I exercised 4 times in 25 hours (getting after it!), I was a bit more hungry than usual. I'm super sore too! Must be the new level, the sprints or a combo. Either way, I'm definitely swollen. Hopefully by next weekend I'll be making real progress.

So far in 3 days I've dropped 2 pounds and am at 131. I'm have a wedding next Saturday and a big 90th birthday party this Saturday, tomorrow. Both events will be filled with family members I hardly ever see, so would like to leave a good impression. I am going to do my best to watch portions at these events and eat as well as I can. Since I will be traveling over night(s) this will be tough.

Happy Friday to you all!
Cheers!

I am also continuing with my changed up cardio. After work Wednesday night, hubs and I did a walk, jog, sprint, jumping jack circuit at the nearby park. It was so fun to have a friend to workout with and keep me challenged! I hope we can do this weekly, but all depends on the weather and Ed's schedule. If he can't make it and it's not pouring, I'll do my best to do it alone.

I am also adding in Jillian Michael's Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism. It's such a great cardio workout! I did it Thursday morning before work and I was still sweating after my shower. Today I have a long walk with lots of hills and possibly some stair climbs planned as I run errands on foot. Got to fit in cardio when you can!

Green Smoothies!

I have been a skeptic that anything, especially something as terrible sounding as a green smoothie, could actually help to reduce sugar and general food cravings. I thought I'd test them out, as at this point I've plateaued and am looking to kick start some weight loss. I think they may be the key to pushing me through this 129-133lb land I've been living in for so many weeks. I want to get to 120-125 land!

Last week I started drinking them just for breakfast. Now I'm on Day 3 of drinking them for both breakfast and lunch. I drink half a jar every 2 hours starting at 8am. Then I eat a healthy and veggie packed dinner. So far I'm down to 131 from 133 on Tuesday.

Here is my recipe:
1 cup plain kefir (packed with probiotics and lean, lactose free protein)
2 cups water
1 small steamed beet (I used the pre steamed from Trader Joes)
1/4 cup frozen pineapple (my fav) but any fruit will do
1/2-1 scoop green powder, I like ProGreens or GreensSuperfood
As much spinach, kale and romaine I can cram into my blender
Juice from 1-2 lemons
Blend on high for 30 seconds
I do this twice to make about 8 cups, 2 quarts. I divide this between 3 mason jars. I also add 1 tsp of chia seeds to each jar. I give each jar a good stir and a shake. Make sure to chill them in the fridge.

Plain Kefir, love this stuff!

Powdered Greens and Chia Seeds

This green smoothie has settled and needs to be shaken up before drinking

So far I feel great drinking them all day! My cravings are much more under control and my digestion is superb. (TMI) I also think my skin is looking pretty fab! I will do one more day tomorrow of all day smoothies and then most likely go back to only mornings on the weekend and eat a simple lunch.

Tracy says to save your calories for one meal a day and eat super low calorie for the rest of the day. This actually seems to work for me as I love to relax at the end of the day and have a nice meal with wine to unwind. I'm hoping that green smoothies will continue to help me achieve my goal!

Cheers!