Zumba!!!

Today I took a Zumba class at Alvin Ailey!!!! One hour long!!!! I almost didn't go. My friend, Camille, pepped me up and motivated me enough to go. I felt so intimated just by the thought of going. I knew I was going to be the heaviest one in the class (and I was) and I didn't want to look stupid or stick out like a very sore thumb. I did good. My moves didn't always look like the instructor but I kept up as best I could. Also, it was fun - but very hard. I got really frustrated at the end when I couldn't get a tango step and because I hadn't been drinking water, I started to feel sick. So I took a moment, got some water, went to the bathroom and returned to class to finish the stretch. I am going to go again on Friday with Camille.

Soooo, I am proud of myself for going. I felt great when I was done and for the rest of the day, although tonite I am exhausted! I have a headache and I'm typing this from my bed.

What I ate today:

B: Had cereal - half cup each kashi go lean and bare naked banana nut granola with almond milk.
S: Ginger larabar, coffee
L: Lean cuisine, pumpkin squash ravioli
S: Corn chips (bad!!)
D: Burrito, tomato soup, 2 wasa wafers w/cheese

Day 19/30 EA Active

I finished up my 13th workout for the challenge (30 days = 20 workouts). Forehead dripping with sweat, which makes me feel good.

It was a great workout. Upper body focused, no squats or lunges (which I hate).

Next workout is squat holds and lunges so I need to prepare myself mentally for that. I may actually skip the squats and squat holds. Too hard on my knees. I wish they would let you sub other exercises but oh well. Maybe I'll keep the squat holds. Don't want to miss four exercises in case it is included twice.

Eating so far has been blah. Had six eggs! Made two egg salad sandwiches with l/f mayo, tumeric, mustard, diet whole wheat bread. Not sure why I did that. For lunch I am making a smoothie with orange juice, maca, banana, froz berries and some greens - maybe spinach, and flax seed. Dinner tonite is grilled steak, roasted beets, and mashed potatoes.

I want to take a Zumba class tomorrow. Hope I don't punk out.

New title. New attitude.

I retitled my blog, The Athlete Within. I wrote something down on a post-it this week at work: Honor The Athlete Within. When I think of athletes, I think of someone with determination, focus, someone who is goal-oriented, who has their eyes on the prize and knows that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

I want to be that person. I want to honor my inner athlete. I want to set goals, accomplish things, feel empowered and in control of my destiny and health. I want to make good decisions about working out and eating. I want to make my health and fitness a priority.

I am diabetic, more than 100 lbs overweight, and I seem to be going in the wrong direction. Here's what I am currently doing:

I am making green smoothies -- shakes made of greens and fruit -- and drinking a quart of this during the work week.
I am doing the EA Active 30-Day Challenge for the Wii. I am just finished my 12th workout and am on day 18 of the challenge.
I bought a workout card for Alvin Ailey Studios. I plan to go there to take Zumba twice a week to add more cardio to my routines.

What I need to work on:

Eating better. Less processed food. Watching portions. Watching the salt. Being diligent about eating well during my last meal of the day.
Sleeping more. I currently get 5-6 hours a night and this just isn't working for me. I feel so tired and it is easier to blow off workouts when I don't get proper rest. Also I know that sleep has a direct impact on weight loss.
Drinking more water. I am getting at least 6 cups a day but I've got to get it up to 8.
Taking my vitamins/fish oil daily
Getting one TB of flaxseed daily

Today I have eaten:
B: 2 fried eggs in olive oil, 2 slices wheat toast with smart start butter and fruit spread, two cups of coffee w/sugar and almond milk
L: Healthy choice portabello pasta and a can of Amy's LF Cream of Tomato Soup
S: Banana