Back At IT

So I am back at IT! Working out and healthy meal planning! This is not easy stuff especially when you have been pretty much on bed rest for 6 weeks. I did Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred Level 1 yesterday and I will admit that I struggled through the entire thing! Before starting IVF Stimulation Meds I was rocking Level 3- the highest level! The eating healthy is not a big deal...I enjoy it!

Today is running day so I will be seeking out a treadmill because mine has bit the dust and I need to get in at least 45 minutes of cardio.

Here is my meal plan for the week: Beware I LOVE Sweet Potatoes, Turkey Bacon, Pineapple & Pistachios!

Monday
Breakfast: Kashi Oatmeal- Honey & Cinnamon with one slice of turkey bacon
Lunch: Chicken filled wheat tortilla
Snack: Almonds and two slices of fresh pineapple
Dinner: Salmon Salad, broccoli & sweet potato
Snack: Raspberry and Blueberry soy milk shake

Exercise: Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred Video Level 1

Tuesday:
Breakfast: Wheat bread toast with two slices turkey bacon
Lunch: Chicken Sandwich, cottage cheese & blueberries
Snack: two slices fresh pineapple & a clementine
Dinner: Grilled Chicken Breast, Sweet potato & spinach salad w/ balsamic vinegar dressing
Snack: Pistachios & Apple

Exercise: 45 minutes cardio

Wednesday:
Breakfast: Egg White Omelet with tomato and spinach
Lunch: Chicken Spinach Salad with Balsamic Ceasar Dressing 2 Slices of Pineapple (can you tell I LOVE PINEAPPLE?)
Snack: Blueberries & Granola
Dinner: Tilapia, steamed brussel sprouts and carrots
Snack: Banana Raspberry Shake

Exercise: Biggest Loser Cardio Blast & Sculpt

Thursday:
Breakfast: Kashi Oatmeal honey & cinnamon one slice of turkey bacon
Lunch: Subway Veggie Delight w SunChips
Snack: Banana & Pistachios (LOVE THOSE TOO!)
Dinner: Turkey Burgers with Lettuce & Tomatoe on wheat bun, sweet potato fries (baked) with 2 slices pineapple
Snack: Orange

Exercise: 45 minutes cardio

Friday:
Breakfast: Egg White Breakfast burrito wheat tortilla, tomato, spinach, onion
Lunch: Salmon Salad with Avocado
Snack: Brussel Sprouts cottage cheese
Dinner: Steak (very lean) Asparagus cooked with Rosemary & baked potatoe with olive oil butter and garlic
Snack: Celery and Cauliflower

Day off from exercise- always do sit ups and push ups- however many I can stand!

Saturday:
Breakfast: whole wheat pancakes with fat free syrup and 2 slices turkey bacon
Lunch: Turkey Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato sandwich, sweet potato fries & cottage cheese
Snack: Soy yogurt Raspberry or blueberry
Dinner: (family get together- will bring a salad)
NO SNACK!

Exercise: 30 day Shred in the morning

Sunday:
Breakfast: Go Lean Crunch Cereal
Lunch: Mazzios Salad
Snack: Banana & Pineapple
Dinner: Salmon, sweet potato with cinnamon and olive oil butter, broccoli
Snack: Almonds & Pineapple

If anyone wants to share their healthy recipes or workouts...please feel free! I am always open to new ideas!

6 weeks & 12 pounds later....here we go!!

It is no secret that women who undergo IVF put on a few pounds before and during their cycle. With the fertility meds, injections and steroids in addition to the no exercise rule it is just inevitable. Sadly, I fell victim to the IVF weight gain...after 6 weeks of no exercise, meds, and injections I gained 12 pounds. Very disheartening when I had worked so hard before my cycle to lose weight and I had lost 15 pounds in two months.

I went for my first run Thursday and I was pretty much devastated at how out of shape I was! 6 weeks ago I could run 3 miles easily...NOW...I made it half a mile and had to walk the rest. I am hoping it's just because the progesterone is still in my system and I am still weaning off steroids BUT STILL how sad! I worked so hard to get in shape and starting is just UGH! But I know I can do it and I know I have to do it!

My goal is lose 50 pounds (yes I said 50 and yes I could certainly lose 50) by our cycle in July. This is completely realistic to do in 6 months. I am totally determined to reach my goal and be the healthiest I can possibly be. Being overweight is detrimental to your IVF success and even though I am not unhealthy I could certainly stand lose a few pounds. I am Hispanic so I have always been "curvy" but I know when I was 24 years old - two years after having my second child- I weighed 120 pounds and I would LOVE to be that weight again!

So back to the trail I go- running every other day and doing The Shred every other day. Greens, high protein and portion control. It is really simple when you think about it- just eat less and move more! I am blessed to be able to stay home and work from home which gives me plenty of time for exercise and meal planning. Thank you Lord for making that possible and giving me a husband who works hard to provide for his family.

As I embark on my weight loss and IVF prep journey I will share my tips and tricks on my blog. Losing weight is about A LOT more than just physical stuff it is emotional/spiritual too so I will be touching on that as well...there will be tears...so bring your kleenex! The strength to keep going will come from God and I know He will carry me through this journey as He has done from day one. It will be hard and there will certainly be times when I want to quit or give up but I know with my faith at the forefront I will win this battle.

Until next time friends, family and fellow readers...I am going to finish my Kashi Cinnamon & Honey Oats and Turkey Bacon then get Shredded with Jillian Michaels...that should be interesting!

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5-6