DAY 15- BRING IT ON FRED!

Boot camp Saturday... Fred ran us ragged. I mean we used the steps, our legs, our own momentum, straps, balls, balance, abdominals and everything in between for an hour and 1/2. Literally I was dripping sweat and breathing hard in the first five minutes. I know I burned 1000 calories plus some. Then Christina and I went for another 30 minutes of cardio. I don't think I have ever sweated as much in my life.

Afterwards I was flying high, but then the crash and sudden burn. I had to take a nap I was so exhausted. I'm feeling much better now.

D. spiced up our workouts for this week. Last night we had to walk up and down stairs for thirty minutes doing a lunge up two steps at a time then running back down them. The humidity was so high that I was drenched in sweat immediately. It was a good workout. My legs were jelly by the time it was over. Tonight it was weights while we walked, but that really wasn't bad. Tomorrow we will get up and spin. Then Tuesday back to the gym for a killer workout with D.

Feeling great. Seeing results on the scale and with the measuring tape. Although I can't tell a lot by looking at myself. I must keep heading forward.

HIGH POINT: I feel very blessed in all of this. God has answered a long requested prayer. His answer like I have stated before is not what I would have chosen but I can see His way is and will be so much better for me in the long run.

LOW POINT:Tomorrow is the pound plunge weigh in. I don't think I will be the winner this week because the scale hasn't moved for me this week seeing how I am holding a lot of "water weight". But hey- that will be gone in a couple days and the my actual weight will again be visible.

Misty "keep dropping" Lowe

DAY 12- I NEED A HAND

If you see me face down in my dinner plate tonight, it's simply because I cannot move my arms. They feel as heavy as 100 lb weights. Needless, to say I think that introduction sufficiently lets you know that tonight D. at West County Fitness kicked our butts...actually it was are arms she killed. You think I am joking but I literally can't lift them. I am in pain just typing right now. So I think I will just plunge my head in to my plate of broccoli tonight and eat like the little piggies do... Just call me "Randy".

Seriously, today was okay. I think I ate all my meals on time but totally forgot to eat my yogurt before I got to the gym. I am still contemplating spinning but I cannot seem to drag my butt out of bed before 5:20 (which is when I get up & head to the clubhouse to hop on the elliptical for an 1 hour). Spinning starts at 5:15....that means I have to be out the door by 4:50 with extra prep the night before (gotta take my work clothes with me because I will leave from there).

I know eventually I will get it in gear & make it there for spin. Keep me in your prayers! I will say the exhaustion has ceased and know I only experience the typical exhaustion all mothers/ wives feel. SUPERWOMAN? The eating is routine and I think by week 4 it will be as as routine as brushing my teeth or taking a shower.

Can we say LIFESTYLE change....seriously ladies I doubt any weight loss will stick unless we decide to decimate our poor eating habits and lack of working out. I am willing to admit I am fat because I was lazy, ate crap and ate toooooooo MUCH.

HIGH POINT: Actually being able to stand on my own at the end of our Dorianna workout. Declining dessert at work and being okay with it.

LOW POINT: Being offered an awesome looking piece of cake at work today and actually thinking for a second about eating it....hey no one would be the wiser- right? But I made a commitment so I declined.

Misty "Arms Dropping" Lowe

Day 11- ARE YOU READY FOR A MIRACLE?

Are you? Ready for a miracle that is....well Dorianna took our measurements today. I am doing awesome. Tomorrow will officially be 2 weeks we have been dieting with exercise.

I am going from:

TO:

I know you are dying to see them so here we go:

Beginning: Now:

Bust: 39.5 38.25

Waist: 38 36

Hips: 43.50 42.25

Thighs: 25.50 24.75

Knee: 14.25 14.25

Calf: 15.75 15.5

Bicep: 12 12

Forearm: 10.25 10.25

TOTAL: 5.5 inches overall in 2 weeks

So I am doing great. Feeling excellent. Got the routine down. It's been hard- is still hard. Now it is time to kick it into high gear. Watch out spinning- here come the girls.

HIGH POINT: Dropping 5.5 inches overall & 9 lbs in 2 weeks. Having Matt (a trainer at the gym) and D. tell me they could see a difference in the way I look already....AWESOME!

LOW POINT: Still feeling like a chunk-a-dunk whenever we do core work. I mean I have no core power...I shake like a willow tree in a monsoon.

I am keeping it real ladies. It ain't over until this fat lady turned Phat lady SINGS!!

Misty "Keep Dropping" Lowe

DAY 9- Weigh In

Okay, today was a nice relaxing Sunday that just happened to start bright and early at 6:30 with me stepping on the "Scale" but no need to worry ladies I surprised it with a left hook and it was over with before it ever got started. So officially in the last 11 days since starting this thing I have officially lost 9 lbs. YIPPEE!

I am very excited and cautiously optimistic. I will say one thing- when you see some results it makes you want to keep moving forward.

It was a really uneventful day. Very routine with the diet and exercise. I know you want some exciting story or simple truth to take away from reading this thing, but really we all know life isn't like that at all. Most days are mundane, ordinary, routine. You get in gear, do what you need to - most of it you could do with your eyes closed- and hopefully you enjoy the life within and around you. Today was like that. Ladies, at a certain point this weight loss thing is something you have to just DO. No whining, no wishing it could be simpler. It isn't. If you want to get it off and keep it off there is not quick fix.

If you need some help contact a gym with qualified trainers & nutritionist to help you. If you live in the area, contact Dorianna or Gerrad at West County Health & Fitness. Even if it is just a little 15-20 lbs., having a mapped out, healthy way to do it will get you there quickly and with some better habits. (At least that is what I am banking on)

HIGH POINT: Kicking the crews butts at weigh in. Dropping 9 lbs total so far. Shout out to my adversaries: Jen, Ted, Christina, Bob, Steve, Emily & Ashley- YOU ARE GOING DOWN...you better find something to hang on to because I am about to blow you away!

LOW POINT: Having delved so deeply into the garden patch I don't crave chocolate instead I am desperately craving milk- (which we all know is not completely enjoyable without cake... ugh!)

Misty "Finally Dropping" Lowe

Day 8- Body Blast

Today instead of our training with Dorianna at West County Fitness we took Fred's "Total Body Blast" boot camp style class.

OMG! An 1.5 hours of hurt pumping, jumping, running, kicking, punching, ab crunching mania. I mean I just know I probably burned 1k calories in the class alone not to mention the additional cardio I did afterwards & the 45 min. of cardio I will do tonight before bed. Working it out baby!

I also wanted to touch on some information that a lot of you may not have considered when undertaking a large weight loss program. You will be moody, tired and your nerves will be frayed. When your body starts processing different food (not the processed stuff we eat) like veggies and extra protein plus eating more often and adding exercise (some of which will be out of your comfort zone and/ or beyond your ability), you will cry- get made- feel defeated & think the whole thing is pointless. But DO NOT DESPAIR! DO NOT QUIT! Press on. Remember you are a strong woman. You were built so that another human being could live inside of you and come out of you- If you are capable (and most of you have already been there & done it) of doing that, you can do this. This is nothing compared to the complex matter of developing life inside you!

LOW POINT: I don't think I had one today. In the words of Ice Cube "Today I didn't even have to use my A.K., I got to say- today was a good day."

HIGH POINT: Remembering my body is a great work because God has made us wonderful, splendid creatures. I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.

I will post my new weight tomorrow! Hope I win our weekly weigh-in!

Misty "Dropping Extra" Lowe

Day 6 - A ROUTINE PITY PARTY

The routine is starting to set in and because of that the eating & fixing food takes a lot less time. It has become less of a focus too. My energy can now be spent doing something else. Like my workouts. So I think next week it will be time to kick it up a notch in the cardio arena. So spinning has been on my mind. I took spinning before and LOVED it. So I'll give that a shot. Maybe it will give me a boast I have been missing since I can't run right now.

Other than routine, today I shall throw a pity party. The scale is not my friend. The "Scale" has joined a group of crazed cage fighters that have come together in a battle royal to kick my a!!. Unfortunately, the "Scale" (an evil scaley creature with a wicked cool costume) has the upper hand, and it is pissing me off.

I mean come on how long can "it" hold on to the championship title here. I got to find a way to hit it with a chair when its not looking. With all this training and low calorie eating I am doing I (and you as well) would expect me to be dropping weight like nobody's business. But no, the "Scale" is standing strong with chocolate, donuts, and cellulite in its corner. But, I vow over anything else that I will defeat the "Scale" once and for all in the name of all women everywhere. I will scratch its batteries out if I have to.

Ladies, I won't let you down...I will fight to the finish. Until this "Scale" gives in and gives out, I will remain in the fight and continue to close line this heifer until its down for the count. TKO baby!

High point: Feeling better about the routine of it all. Oh, I can't forget- finding an awesome photo of a scale on google....What can't you find on google?

Low Point: Not dropping a crap ton of weight this first week of the diet.

Don't forget me ladies. I refuse to bow out.

Misty "Eventually Dropping" Lowe

Day 5- I Will Survive

Okay, it has officially been week one since we started this challenge. While we still have 3.5 weeks of the current diet and 5.5 months of this thing left, I feel like today for the first time I was in a routine today. So days like this make me think I can stay the course.

LOW POINT: Getting on the scale and it showing I have gained 2 lbs. UGGHHH! It is probably because I am so bloated & my intestinal track is not "regular" since starting this diet. Then my hubby got on the scale and has lost 2.5 lbs this week. Good for him....maddening for me since I am working my ever loving behind OFF!

HIGH POINT: Making my meals in no time flat. Getting to take a nap. Having a b.m.

(okay so that is not a topic people like to talk about but I want to keep it real with you & give you all the ends and outs of this deal. I was told that this happens sometimes when your body starts processing more protein than it is use to and some of the veggies cause issues as well.)

Got to gear up to go do cardio. We worked out with Dorianna tonight at West County Fitness. She kicked my butt. We worked every part of our body-again. I hate squats and we do lots of them in different version.

I am even more sore than I was yesterday. Even the day off in between is not enough to get the ache out of my muscles. But hey at least when I lose the fat, my body will be toned BABY!

Misty "Not Dropping" Lowe

DAY 4- EYE of the TIGER BABY!

Day 4 and I am picking up steam. I must say that eating every 3 instead of every 2 hours has been a huge help. My body can actually speak to me know- (I mean tell me when its hungry,etc). So I am less tired (probably because I went in a little later to work so I could get more rest).

Dinner tonight was delicious for a change. Don't get me wrong- it was the same thing I was supposed to be eating but prepared differently. Yummy! I forgot food could taste good.

So today at work I talked to one of my female co-workers about my endeavor to go from fat-2-Phat. We were discussing how Abba Father had been talking to me about the fact that this is an answer to my prayers just not the one I would have chosen. Because God knows what I need better than I do. So I told her how I thought I would probably learn things from this I had not anticipated learning.

For example, I say God I want to lose weight- I expect the result to be that I go on a fad quickie diet and it actually work . God hears my prayers and knows that a fad diet or anything other than this kind of weight loss plan isn't going to work for me in the long run. He in his infinite love and wisdom provides this knowing it will help me lose weight, become more confident, help my daughter in the future. All of those are great but God is also teaching me commitment and discipline.

HIGH POINT: Well, Dawn (the lady at work) said I was onto something but had missed a big lesson that God was trying to teach me- bringing my body into submission to his will. In doing so He was teaching me obedience. WOW!! Light Bulb went off! God has great plans for me. Plans to prosper me and not to harm me. Leave it to Yahweh. Oh, how much he loves me.

LOW POINT: Waking up this morning almost unable to move.

Well, today was really positive overall. I think I might make it. Thanks for the support ladies.

Misty "Got 2 drop" Lowe

Day 3- I AM TIRED!!

Okay, so you got the gist of my daily schedule of food & working out. There is no down time. I am exhausted. I have no energy & I think I could sleep for a day....but even if I could - I can't because I would have to get up after 2 hours & eat again....HA HA. It is so tiring I am delirious.

So all day today I wanted to give in not because I wanted a Twinkie but because I was so tired of eating. I know it is hard to believe that on any diet you'd be tired of eating. I am so full ALL the time that I could vomit....ugghhh!

Dorianna changed up my scheduled today from every 2 hours to every 3 hours. Thank goodness.

I am glad that I have faith and hope in God because if I didn't I would kind of feel lost and alone. It is funny I have been praying about my weight and the need for a change. Well, God answered my prayers. Of course, he did so in a way that I wasn't expecting but that is usually His way. He always gets it right though because He knows me so well.

Okay so here is what you've been waiting for:

LOW POINT: The fifteen bazillion times I thought about giving up today. Being exhausted just raising myself up to get out of bed.

HIGH POINT: Realizing one more way Abba Father loves me and sometimes that is more than enough even when I don't think I can make it. He knows!

So I usually don't do this (okay in the last couple of blogs I haven't) but I wanted to send some SHOUT OUTS to those who have got my back.

To you guys I want to say thank you. I am a blessed woman and don't I know it. Thank you for your patience, your support, encouragement and your accountability.

Steve (my awesome supportive hubby)

Ainsley (my sweet baby girl)

Christina (a best friend and partner in crime)

Bob (full of encouragement)

Mary (my running buddy- you & I have traveled many miles together)

Emily (you always find some words to inspire & it's nice to know someone w/ the same struggles)

Jen (you keep me rolling- thanks for all your exhortations)

NO ONE CAN DO THIS ALONE. Ladies, if you want to drop the weight or heck do anything that will take your time, energy or dedication - you got to have back-up.

I love my peeps. Thanks,

Misty "Humbled" Lowe

DAY 2: CAN I HANG IN THERE?

Well, I don't know what else to tell you but it was the 2nd day and it is not any easier. Actually, I think it was harder. I swear I am WORN OUT. So tired. I feel like if I am not eating, then I am preparing food to eat and when I am not doing that I am exercising. But I have to stick it out and make it a routine. I said I wanted a life change. Well, this is it.

I am excited about the initial weight loss in such a short time. We weighed in on the Pound Plunge today (a competition between Me, Steve and some of our friends to lose the most weight in 60 days). The scale we use for that said I'd only lost 5 lbs. that was a bummer & then Emily weighed in and had lost 5 lbs too. I know she worked for it too. But it still was bitter sweet. But Bob won with 6 lbs. Still have 53 more days to go....so it is anyone's game.

So here it is:

High Point: Being able to make it through 2cups of broccoli, and my hubby at mac-n-cheese for dinner and I didn't even want any.

Low Point: Realizing that this thing is for real and I have 3.5 more weeks of the same food EVERYDAY. Plus, I have to find time to prepare 5 out of 6 meals everyday for work.

Well. I guess I can take a mom's day off after this is said and done & just sleep for a week. I think I'll need it.

Hey, check out westcountyfitness.com and go to the staff pics to see our awesome trainers: Gerrad & Dorianna. They are so strong & healthy.

I'm out...Nappy time for me....

Misty "Just Dropping" Lowe

Diet Day 1

So I'll give you a quick run down on what is going on today. We started the diet- BORING! Usually the hard part about trying to eat right is knowing what you should eat, how much and when. This diet provides all that information to me and being the detail oriented person I am- I love that part. However, I realize the hard part is going to be making sure I have the stuff I am suppose to eat at the times I am supposed to eat. You may not think that hard but think about this- it's 11 am and your taking the kids to swim lessons or some other activity. Your diet tells you that at 12 you must eat. No problem if you have prepared that meal & have it ready with you in the car. But what if you don't and you run late getting back & its not prepared....your late on eating & timing is everything!

So besides figuring that out, the workout today kicked my butt. We started out on these ropes & straps. That plyometetric exercise is KILLER. I hate squats (and it shows) and we did almost everything in squat position today.

Okay, so enough whining- I got myself into this fat and now I have to work myself out!

There are a couple of things I wanted to talk with you about today. I know that it may seem I'm doing all of this to look good. That is partially true. If that is conceited or something- what can I tell you? But there are other far better reasons.

They are:
1.) I want my daughter to see me looking and feeling healthy.
2.) I don't want my daughter going to school and kids saying her mommy is fat. (Kids think a lot of their parents in those early grade school days and hearing that hurts)
3.) I want to set a pattern of behavior that my daughter can follow. One where food is energy and exercise is essential to good health and a well formed physique. I do not want her to yo yo diet, worry & fret about her weight or even see it as an issue. I want her to have healthy habits that make it a none issue.
4.) I want to feel freer when I make love to my husband. I worry to much about the fat here and there and it makes me self conscious.
5.) I want to wear super cute clothes! (I know- but it's TRUE!)

I wanted to tell you as well that I think we as mothers have to get our butts in gear. Even if you are the weight you want to be or you look like you want in clothes, you should ask yourself- are my habits healthy? Do I set a good example for my kids when it comes to food? Do I let my kids eat crappy food because its easier?

I know I haven't set good habits for Ainsley to see in me but I have always tried to make her meals nutritious. Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to be self righteous. I've made mistakes. But as moms we want our kids to have better than we have and do better than we have. I definitely don't want my girl struggling with the things that tear me down.

So you guys keep reminding me of all the reasons I should keep going even when I think I'd rather have a hamburger.

High Point: I got on the scale today & since Wednesday I lost 6 lbs.

Low Point: Thinking about eating some of the yummy lunch I fixed Ainsley.

As always- I'm keeping it real.

Misty "Already Dropping" Lowe

DAY 3- The FLUSH

Today was the last day of our flush. Again, the only real food we had was a salad with grilled chicken on it at the end of the day. The flush was hard simply because at about 2 pm everyday I hit a wall of exhaustion. No energy & nothing could be taken to provide it. BUT we (Christy & I)both made it through.....YEAH.

Tomorrow starts an hour of cardio in the a.m. before breakfast- can you say hello early Saturday morning. Then breakfast followed by weight lifting followed by four more meals throughout the day. Ending with another hour of cardio. Are diet for the next four weeks is the same everyday- essentially very bland, but very healthy.

Which brings me to my points of the day:

Low Point: everywhere you turn is food. There are fast food billboards & restaurants, grocery stores, people grilling on their patio and constant commercials about food. Talk about constant temptation! What even worse is that in the midst of all the temptation is super skinny people. Have you noticed- they are everywhere. I mean no offense to them seeing as how I hope to be one someday- But really does every size 2 woman with implants live in west county....Don't answer that! So it is literally like I am living in constant struggle.

High Point: I love vintage everything- from movies to furniture to music to clothes (especially clothes). So I decided when I am down I am going to go to www.poshgirlvintage.com and look at the BEAUTIFUL vintage clothing they have. My reward when I drop this weight is to buy one of those dresses (since women back then were all really small I will finally be able to wear one) & wear it!!
I know it sounds silly but I think it might be a pick me up that I will need regularly.

I have to get up early so I am off to bed. Sleep tight America and Ladies know that you are not alone in your battle with the bulge! Christy & I have taken up the crusade to end the battle & become healthy women, wives and moms. If we can do it, you can too.


Misty "Dropping" Lowe

Day 1- The Flush

Okay, so today we started the flush. Lots of fluids & what was chew-able food was simply a lot of roughage. The protein shakes were actually tasty. We got up and did a low intensity cardio- a little walking- at 530 a.m. But I felt great afterwards.

Low point: Several times today I caught myself wondering what I would eat for dinner- only to remember that a big green salad awaited me.

High point: I got in the pool after work today. As I sat there staring at my flabby middle I realized in a matter of months I wouldn't be looking at that mess any longer. In its place would be a sleek, trim middle.

Low point: While at the pool this attractive man was on his deck heating up the BBQ grill.....oh it smelt so delicious....just for a moment my heart sank and I thought of giving up.

High point: I came home, ate my salad- which was totally delicious.

Fear of the day: I will get bored and won't make it pass the initial love affair with this "challenge".

Reality Reminder: Food is not my friend, my comforter or my secret sin....it is the enemy that has turned my gorgeous physique into complete crap!

I hope someone reads this! Please keep reminding me of what is at stake!

Misty Better be -"Dropping" Lowe

Count Down to B-day

Hello- This is my first time blogging so it's silly but I am a bit nervous.

Dorianna & Gerrad Young, owners of West Count Gym in Chesterfield, MO, have created this challenge. Christina and I are the Ginny pigs!

So tomorrow starts the long journey. I am super nervous. I have tried now for 4 years to lose the weight I gained while pregnant. I mean everything- pills, fasts, flushes, working out everyday, training and running a 1/2 marathon. Nothing has done it. So here goes- no "cheat" days for Lord knows how long.

Ladies- I hope you follow us and see that struggle, the pain and the glory of reaching this lofty -seemingly unreachable goal.

First thing is a three day flush.

I am sure to be floating by tomorrow at noon. I am super excited- to think I could finally give up this battle of the bulge after four long, hard, poorly fought years. Bye-bye mushy mom. Hello hot Mama!

I am excited but apprehensive. I have tried so many times before and failed. I really don't want to this time- especially since there are so many of you who will be following us just to see that it can be done- you can do it. Also, my flabby body was photographed in bra & panties today to be placed front & center at www.westcountyfitness.com front page.....

If you check it out (when they get it up) I apologize up front for the potential gag factor!

Talk to you later. I am gonna drop this weight low!

Misty "Dropping" Lowe