C25k

So, I started the c25k program four weeks ago today. Initially, I started in but because I was so heavy and have no motivation I stopped at the end of week 3. At the beginning of September I decided to give myself another shot at running. Since then I have really enjoyed running. I am not exactly sure why, but it might be the fact that I am addicted to sweating now or just my excitement. I am noticing that my body is physically changing which is pretty sweet. However, there is one downfall. The scale is refusing to move at this point. I want to push the number down but it is not working. So I am just pushing through with running three times a week and doing zumba three times a week. We will see what results I have on the scale Sunday.

With my Reaper family, we are doing a scavenger hunt for the month of October. We created a list of things we are to do within the month. The list ranges from not eating meat for a day, hopping from your home to car, and completing all your goals for the month. This challenge has seen everyone off and running and it has been a lot of fun thus far. I also decided to join a running challenge for the month. Most of the people are doing 100 miles within the month. I decided to lower my goal a bit because I am not ready for that. So, this month I am going to run 50 miles this month. I am so excited and ready to start this running challenge. 

“Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly.” ~Stephen R. Covey

☼Ashley Grace☼

Hiking

Life seems to be getting more and more hectic with each passing day. I am not exactly sure where the hours of the day run off to. School (college and subbing) are in full swing and I have started to get phone calls about October! 

This week I decided to mix things up with my exercising. What does that mean? Well, I began the c25k program, and have been running almost every other day. It is a lot of fun especially when I am able to get outside and run along the corn fields and cows. The only downfall is that people can see me especially people who I am not comfortable with, seeing me run.

I also decided to give hiking a chance since it is something I have always wanted to do but was unsure of how to go about doing it. My friend Kristine and I went to Mount Tammany along the border of PA and NJ. It is 3.5 miles round trip. The first 1.5 miles, you climb 1,200 feet up. It is certainly a good work out. I am dealing with the soreness today and the blisters! 

So my challenge for you all this week, is to try something new with your exercise routine. Do something that you have always wanted to do whether it be roller blading or ice skating. It is time to take the chains off and stop limiting yourself to what you think you can not do. Think about all the possibilities of what you can do.

Tip of the Day

Cook with the best fat burning oils: 
1. Olive oil- heart friendly 
2. Macadamia oil- Oleic Acid (Omega-9 fatty acid) 
3. Coconut oil- triglycerides

☼Ashley☼

Food Trick #1

While I was away in Cape May, I met a woman who is a teacher and also happens to be a body builder on the side. We talked a bit about my quest to lose weight and what I have done thus far and have changed in my diet. Since then she has e-mailed me a few articles that have tricks to eating. There are seven altogether so I will share them here within my blog.

Spice It Up

Include the following spices in your food while you eat.

1. Black Pepper- 8% increase in metabolic rate; reduces the symptoms of gas and constipation
2. Turmeric- lowers blood sugar
3. Cinnamon- Controls blood sugar levels; gives immune system a strong boost
4. Ginger- Metabolic boosting
5. Garlic- Detoxify the body; loosens up fat
6. Cayenne Pepper- 25% boost of metabolism
7. Chili Powder- Metabolic boost

I also thought I might include some of my goals for the month of September:

1. Lose 10 lbs by September 30
2. Exercise 5 days for 30 min. per week 
3. Purge through my big clothes by the end of September

This past weekend I participated in my 2nd 5k ever. I went to the NJ Color Run and met up with some awesome Slim Reapers from Loseit! It is so nice to interact with them and finally be able to put a face to a name, the internet walls are taken down and you can meet those who are helping and supporting you through this transition to be healthier. Here is my Slim Reaper family.

☼Ashley☼