Tracy H

This week I made the winter broccoli soup from Pearla's website. I added chopped up baked chicken, fresh parsley, and some alfalfa sprouts when I served it. It was delicious, easy and quick!!

Tracy Hoenig

This week I think my biggest obstacle has been being injured.  I have not been able to work out in a week and I am suffering some serious withdrawals.  I am hoping to be back at it next week.  Overall though I think my biggest obstacle has been myself.  Changing the way you think and the things you do for years and years has been very challenging.  Only recently as the pounds seem to be finally coming off, have I noticed a small change in the way I think about myself.  I think I may be finally "getting it" and making changes that are actually going to last.  I am not sure how I have overcome it, I don't think I am done overcoming it, but it just seems to be happening slowly over time. 

Tracy Hoenig

PERSEVERE

Persist no matter what.
Endure discomfort.
Request help.
Steadfastly hold on to your beliefs and values.
Envision triumph.
Very consistently keep at it.
Embrace adversity as your teacher.
Refuse to give up.
Enjoy and celebrate every tiny bit of progress!

Megan & Dave

What motivates me?

Pearla you are what kicked off the start to a healthy lifestyle and are a big part of what keeps me motivated.
David is also a huge part of my success and is a constant source of motivation!   And class, Thanks to everyone - these last couple of sessions have been fabulous. All of your successes also motivate me!   Lastly, having my wedding in less then a year is also going to help me get in the best shape! :)
Thanks!
Megan
And for Dave :
" Pearla and everybody elses successes in class motivates me and the feeling that i have after working out"

Shannon Cote

I feel motivated when I can motivate others.  If someone can learn something from me, or do something that they thought they could never do, I feel empowered and want to do more.  I love being able to help others, and knowing that I may have said something that helped someone makes me strive for more.  Thanks Laura for that...I was feeling down in the dumps today, but your saying that I have helped you put a smile on my face.  I appreciate that...and it motivates me :)

Laura E

I have thought a lot this week about what motivates me. For me, the biggest motivation has come from doing for myself physically what I thought I couldn't do, or achieving weight loss that I had started to believe would not be possible prior to starting on this path with Pearla and Johnny. Listening to everyones successes and stories about their journey has been so encouraging and helpful as many days you feel you are on your own "island" when you are surrounded with people who don't have weight struggles. I always feel motivated to tackle a bigger challege working out when I think of Shannons races and how she also thought she wouldn't be able to do it all. Kudos to you all!! You all motivate me.

Laura

Are you an enterprising person?

An enterprising person is one who comes across a pile of scrap metal and sees the making of a wonderful sculpture. An enterprising person is one who drives through an old decrepit part of town and sees a new housing development. An enterprising person is one who sees opportunity in all areas of life.
- Jim Rohn

Tracy Hoenig

What motivates me...? For me, I think that changes constantly. What is motivating me this week is that I went shopping this weekend and I was able to fit into a size that I haven't worn for probably 4 or 5 years. That is motivating. I refrained and only bought two pairs because I want to go shopping when I am even smaller!! It makes it much easier to say no to the cake that is in the office for someone's birthday or the bread basket thatwas on the table when I went out to eat with friends last night!
 Tracy Hoenig

Thnaks Shannon

No matter what it is, there is nothing that cannot be done. If one manifests the determination, he can move heaven and earth as he pleases.

— Hagakure.

Congrats Shannon, You are my hero!

So I ran my race on saturday.  about a half mile in, i was in severe pain.  dont know why.  my gut was killing me, and my lungs were on fire.  i had worked late out in the cold til midnight friday night.  cold does not do well with muscles.  i wanted to bail.  but i was like screw it, lets see how it goes.  at mile 1, i was on pace to beat my record, my first mile was at 7 something. thats super fast for me (could be why i was beat!!!).  my last race was 917.  my goal going into this race was to beat the (28:05)  917, i wanted to beat a 9 minute mile.
mile 2 feeling worse.  i think the cold was doing crazy things to my lungs.  at the water stop i grabbed a sip and stopped to tie my shoe.  from mile 2-3 i had to stop 3 times to tie my fucking sneakers the damn things kept coming undone....  anyhow, at like mile 2.5 i saw my mom on the side line. i was like fuck this, im in pain and this sucks, but who cares im almost done.  even if my time sucks, im almost done.  i kicked up a notch, and finished at 26 minutes.  NO SHIT!   26 minutes!!!  My worst race was my best race!!!  Can you believe it!!!  i didnt beat my record, i shattered it!!!!!!  ended up 8:36 mile!  Cannot tell you how good I felt about myself.  I am not easily impressed with my accomplishments, this was i was thrilled!

just as i told you before, when you think you cant go on you really can!!!!  perseverance my friends pays off dividends.  i am still riding high.  did i win the race, no, did i do my personal best HELL YES!  did i exceed my expectations, HELL YES!  Am I super excited and impressed and waiting to do it again, HELL YYYYYEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS.

Shannon

Hi Everyone,

The problem with weight loss is that it doesnt always come quick, and it usually doesnt come easy.  If it did, everyone would be thin, right?  Unfortunately, most of us have slow progress, some of which we do not even see right away.  The scale doesnt always go in the direction we desire, the pants don't fall off as quickly as we would like.  We get caught up in the "why bother"...I want to tell everyone not to get stuck in that mentality.  Its real easy to give up, not as easy to push through difficulity.  Everyone can succeed...put your mind in "go" and move forward.   Success will come.  Patience is necessary. 

I am a big fan of "motivational" quotes and themes.  I found this one that makes me smile and puts me in "go" or "win" mode.  Happy Motivating!!!

"You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win."
Zig Ziglar

Shannon

Taco Seasoning Recipe - Tracy Hoenig

Hi Everyone
Came across this recipe if you like tacos or taco salad. - it was delicious!

Tracy Hoenig

Flour, 2 tablespoons. Whole Wheat Flour
Sea Salt, 1 teaspoons. Be careful with it. A little goes a long way
Paprika, one big teaspoon. This gives it most of its color.
Onion powder, one big teaspoon.
Cumin, one big teaspoon.
Chili Powder, 1-2 big teaspoons to taste.
Garlic powder, one teaspoon.
Oregano, 1 coffee spoon…not too much.
Ground Cayenne pepper or Hot red pepper, 0-1 teaspoons to taste (makes it hot)
After you fry up your meat, add a quarter cup of water and a tablespoon of this stuff and stir it around. Let it boil until it turns into a thick sauce and reduce heat (this is also a good time to melt cheese on the meat, btw).

Pat

Never did this before or have I seen one, so this could be
weird....I did some things well this week...water, protein,
walking...did some things not so well...a carb craving that
lasted two days.

Laura E: Big Thanks to ALL

I will admit, it has been a little "freeing" to not obsess about the scale this week.  Listening last week to each one in class really added to my letting go of the number and making the journey the prize.  Henry's words to continue doing the right things will pay off. Shannon's triumph at completing her 10K made me feel like I too could accomplish more than I may be thinking I am ready or capable of….why not give it my all and see what happens. Tracy's continued push and not giving up continues to keep me pushing forward. (I get that same "clogged" head) and Dawn's great choices on her vacation made me get through a BBQ birthday party on Sunday with some of my own food and not feeling a bit odd about bringing my own meat instead of the processed hot dogs….Meaghan and Dave make me want to go climb a mountain, and I find the partnership they share in this process is inspiring. Pearla and Johnny, your words, encouragement and faith in me, makes the process enjoyable and achievable.  So, now that I have gushed on…..a BIG THANK YOU to all of you who are all part of my little successes each week and I look forward to continuing them with everyone.

Tracy

I really enjoyed Laura's revelation this week to stop looking at the scale. I feel it has been detrimental to me as well. I expect one thing and don't see it on the scale and it really messes with my head. It can screw up a whole day or more and that is all it takes some weeks. I am trying to follow the same philosophy and listen to my body and feel how my clothes fit. This week I got to wear my favorite shorts that I haven't worn in two years and it felt great! If I just watched the scale I wouldn't have even tried them on. I am starting to get that this takes time and it is not going to happen overnight. Have a great week everyone!

Thank You Laura

Laura,
I want to THANK YOU for opening up and sharing last night in class. Every word you spoke is exactly what I've been feeling and experiencing myself. It felt good to know I wasn't in it alone.
Thanks for bringing it home girl!
Dawn

keep at it Tracy

Tracy, 
The road of weight loss is not without its bumps.  I thought you did excellent considering you were on vacation and took the time to do all that exercise.  I go on vacation, allow myself to completely enjoy myself and just get with the program when I return.  If you are persistent in the long term, short term bumps will not matter.  We didn't gain weight overnight and we won't lose it overnight.  Just stick with the program and you will be fine, good luck!

Henry

We've all been there~

"Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly"

Tracy Hoenig

Well last night was very disappointing and frustrating for me. I am trying to get past it and not sabotage myself by eating crap to feel better - so far so good. Hopefully by tomorrow I will be over it and ready to move forward. I am going to work on a menu plan like Pearla suggested and do the shopping for it - that should help. Next week is another week. I read a quote that I liked "it doesn't matter what happens to you, it matters what you do with it"
Have a great week everyone!

Laura E

Congrats Tracy on maintaining focus over vacation.  I personally have had a tough week and lost some focus over the weekend (darn alcohol……).  I do know that it was only a minor bump in the road towards my lifestyle change.  Thank goodness for Pearla's words of encouragement and Johnny's workout.  Being able to read Pearla's email telling me to keep going and not beat myself up (I was feeling guilty, not to mention physically beat up and off kilter) first thing in the morning as well as some tips for getting past the bad spots and weekend weight gain makes me WANT to get back on track and not keep the bad habits going by giving up.  I was actually looking forward to sweating with Johnny that evening at my workouts.  It is a comfort through this journey to have such strong support when needed.  Both Johnny and Pearla had words of encouragement, stories to share of their own moments and steps to keep me going.  THIS is the reason I know I am where I need to be with the people I need to have in my path helping me, motivating me and praising the successes and efforts.

Laura Espinosa

Tracy Hoenig

Well my vacation has officially ended, not too happy about being back to work, but I'll live!  I think I did pretty well last week, I brought my own food so my eating was good.  I didn't do so well on the drinking, didn't do it in excess, but had a drink or two most days.  After my first bike ride, I set a goal of 40 miles for the week between walking and biking, I ended up with 51.5 miles plus some kayaking!  I got up early every day and exercised for a minimum of 1 hour and some days 2 hours.  We'll see what the scale says on Wednesday, now it's time to get back into a daily routine.  This week I want to add more cardio to my schedule than I was doing before vacation.  Have a great week everyone!!

Tracy Hoenig

Don't forget to DREAM...

"Dreams are a projection of the kind of life you want to lead. Dreams can drive you. Dreams can make you skip over obstacles. When you allow your dreams to pull you, they unleash a creative force that can overpower any obstacle in your path."

~Jim Rohn

Congrats Tracy!

I did something today I haven't done in over 20 years. We went for a 12 mile bike ride up a hilly road and I made it without stopping! I am quite proud of myself but boy does my butt hurt! A year ago I never would have made it - thank you Johnny!
Tracy Hoenig

A Complaint Free World... A MUST Read

Hey Gang, 

Read a book that will do us all some good.  A Complaint Free World by Will Bowen.  

It's an easy read and well worth the time!

Pearla

Vacation / Tracy Hoenig

Well my vacation has officially started. My goals are to not drink...much, to eat right, and exercise every day. So far so good. I got in 5 miles this am and only had 3 beers yesterday. I want to shoot for 5 days of no alcohol - we'll see how that goes. I have to say even though it is only Sunday, I already miss Johnny and my weights. On my walk this am I tried jogging small distances and when I wanted to stop I could hear him in my head saying "you can do this - how bad do you want it" and I made it a little further. Have a great week everyone!
End
Tracy Hoenig

Excuses

Don't Make 'Em....Don't Take 'Em!

Have a Happy Healthy Weekend Everyone!

Pearla & Johnny

Shannon

I'm constantly looking for motivation.  I'm always trying to find something to give me that little push.   Sometimes its a nice comment from my husband, sometimes its a glance in the mirror, sometimes its a phrase that I run across.   I enjoy things that make me smile (duh, don't we all...). 

Today this is what made me smile:

"A person who wants something will find a way.  A person who doesn't will find an excuse"

Hope you find something today to make you smile.

Shannon :)

Laura Espinosa

Anything worth having is worth working for……let’s all walk a little extra today, move a little more and eat a lot better. Good luck to everyone on your daily goals!

Shannon Cote

“When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place”

Persistence

Being persistent is extremely important when you are trying to implement a change in your life. You will accomplish much more by constantly trying than constantly giving up. Consistency is how you build a solid foundation. Without consistency forming good habits to replace bad ones or new habits to make life better will be virtually impossible. Of course, there will be failure…but that is when persistence becomes even more important. You must remind yourself of the concept two steps forward, one step back. You will overcome the failure and bypass it with even more success.

Goals

Hi All!!!


Ok so in keeping with my new goal "add cardio 5 days per week" I went for a run this morning. Everything about the run was painful Everything in my being was telling me to walk. My shins were killing me, shin splints in full effect. Nothing about the run was fun. It was a beautiful morning and I kept trying to think about that. Then reality set in and I realized that the only way to reach my goal is to continue. So continue I did.



Two good things came out of it...

1) I didnt give up! I am on my way to reaching that goal!

2) I realized that when you think you can't continue, you really can...



Sooooo....for everyone trying to reach those goals, just remember that you can DO and you can ACHIEVE. Every step forward is a step in the right direction. Keep plugging along :)

Boosting Your Metabolism

	Fire	Metabolism
To Start	Add Wood & Fire	Add Food & Water
To keep going	Add Wood	Add Food
Fast Burning	Add Pine Tree	Add Carbs
Long Hot Coals	Add Hard Wood	Add Protein
Eat every 2-3 hours to keep the fire burning, any longer than that and your metabolism will slow. Our bodies are amazing machines, it will store fat for extra energy in case it needs it. So if you want less stored fat...NEVER go longer than 3 hours without “Re-Fueling”!

Have Vision~

“You've got to think about 'big things' while you're doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction.” -Alvin Toffler

Big Thing- Visualize that your body and mind exactly as you want them to be.

Small things to do:  Eat 20+grams of lean protein 5-6 times per day every 2-3 hours and read something positive for at least 15 minutes per day!