Monica's Quest- Day 5

This morning I had the best fit club class. I had about 7 people in attendance and we did kickboxing. At first I was a little timid about what to teach them, but as soon as the music started, I was in the zone and I made the class move. Man, did I make them sweat. It felt so good. When I got home I was exhausted. I LOVE THAT FEELING!! After doing step aerobics for 3 days, it was a good change of pace for the class. If you were wondering, I teach the class myself. I don't do any videos. I have been teaching aerobics for 4 years now (mostly to my upperclass students at the high school I teach at). Hopefully soon, when I lose some major weight, I will go and get my aerobics certification. Then I can teach in the health clubs and pass on my love of aerobics to others. I have to thank Cherilyn, my sister, for taking me to my very first aerobics class at BYU with Barbara!!! It created a monster! Love Ya, Monica

Monica's Quest- Day 4

I love being active!!! I often sit and wonder how it is I can accomplish so many great things. If it wasn't for my extra pounds, I would be doing really good. Losing weight for me has always been a struggle and I just have to realize that I have to train harder and longer than most people on the planet to see or get the results that I want. It sucks, but I just have to put into perspective what I would be and look like if I wasn't as active as I am. It is a very scary thought and I never want to find out. One day at a time is all it takes! The work that I do each day is important in helping me achieve sef-actualization! (Abraham Maslow)! Monica :D

Monica's Quest- Day 3

Mind over matter, mind over matter, mind over matter. The mind is such a powerful machine in our bodies. Today was really hard for me. I was thinking negatively and that didn't help with my self-esteem. I know you are all thinking that this is only the 3rd day, but every day there is some sort of struggle for me. It all starts with my inner thoughts. I will be working really hard on keeping those inner thoughts positive so I don't act in a negative way. I have my fit club tomorrow and friday, (I was off today) so that will help a lot. A thought to leave you..." a journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step". So true, so I will keep on stepping! Monica

Monica's Quest- Day 2

Last night I went to an open gym for volleyball at the high school. I was so self-conscience about what I was wearing ( a t-shirt with no layers) This is a big deal for me. I find comfort in layers. I am really trying to except what I have become. It was only a big deal for about 5 minutes and then realized that the players would think more of me if I was active and participating. It worked like a charm. It is really hard for me to sit out of anything, so I had a very fun night. I did however, realize how important it is for me to lose weight. I would be able to do so much more with the girls. I would be able to actually play and not worry about my shirt flying up exposing my "giggles". I had my second fit club this morning and it rocked. I think that participating in any type of aerobics, whether it is step, toning, pilates, or kickboxing, it takes me to my happy place and it makes me want to accomplish all that I can. A big thank you to those endorphins that visit me after each and every workout. It will happen for me, but I must be patient. All in all a very good and sweaty day!! :D Monica

Monica's Quest to Lose the Weight!!

I have to admit that writing on a blog was never really something that I wanted to do, but I find real reasons to believe that it will help me in my efforts to lose weight. It has been a struggle since my teen years to find a healthy balance between nutrition, exercise, and my overall mental well-being. You would think that being a physical education/ health/ and aerobics teacher that I would have all the right tools to assist me in this lifelong quest. Wrong! I do know a lot about overall wellness and fitness, but making it work for me has been the ultimate challange. I have challenged myself to lose weight before the start of the next school year so I can be more of an example for my students. I think they will listen and take what I say more seriously. With this being my motivation, I know I will be successful because I will look better and feel better about myself. I will try and write a daily journal to let everyone be a part of my quest in becoming physically fit. There is some components of this quest that I would like to share with you. If I lay it all out, then I will be more accountable in this quest. The most important component, (and the hardest for me) is my nutrition. I have found a very successful program called the "Six Week Makeover", that I have lost 30 pounds in the past years. I haven't gained those 30 lbs back, but I have so much more to lose. IT is awesome because I eat a lot of compex carbohydrates, lots of lean proteins, loads of veggies and just enough of the "right" fruits to get that sweet fix. With the program I am eating 6 times a day and watching my serving sizes. Next I have a kick butt exercise program that should help me with burning calories and fat. I am doing a fitness club at the high school that I work at. I have invited lots of my students and church ladies to come so I can help them to become physically fit. I will do a 1 hour session on monday, tuesday, thursday, and friday. We will be doing step aerobics, kickboxing, circuit training, hi/lo, pilates, and lots of toning. This is my favorite part. On wednesdays, I will be going swimming. I am also coaching volleyball next year, so we have open gym three times a week. I will be running, jump training, and playing a lot of volleyball thorughout the summer! I am then going to fit cross country running in as well. ( I am thinking wed, friday, and saturdays) I think I have the fitness component under control. Well this first entry is getting really long, but I know that good things will happen for me this summer. I will give you an update on my daily endeavors. Wish me luck! GO MONICA!!

Snacks on the Go*

Always on the go? Here is a simple list of healthy, quick food to grab when on the run. Just remember to be good about eating the correct portion size.

1. Avocado and whole wheat crackers
2. Almonds and grapes
3. Bran cereal and reduced-fat milk
4. Beef jerky and a piece of fresh fruit
5. Black bean dip and veggies
6. Cottage cheese (non-fat or low-fat) and fruit
7. Carrots and humus
8. Celery sticks with dill and non-fat or low-fat cream cheese
9. Chicken salad and pineapple
10. Fruit and low-fat yogurt
11. Fat-free refried beans and Flat Out bread or tortilla
12. Hard boiled egg with Dijon mustartd and celery
13. Kettle-corn (94% fat-free) and a bottle of flavored calorie-free water
14. Ricotta cheese (non or low-fat) and fresh fruit
15. Salad bar from the grocery store
16. Spinach salad with non or low-fat dressing on the side
17. Steamed vegetables and spray butter
18. Take-out egg drop soup and steamed vegetables

Hope fully this will give you some ideas to improve your snacking.

*information provided by Weight Watchers Regional Manager, Robin Bingham

Yep, Another Post by Me

I'm afraid that I may be the only one contributing to this blog, but that just gives more attention to me! So I will carry on. . .

Do you know what? I like being active! Who knew?! Being active and involved is getting very fun. Before I looked for every moment to do personal hobbies like reading, scrapbooking and such. These days I can't wait for my next run to see how far I can go, to get on the basketball court for the next game or being outside chasing the boys. I spent an hour this afternoon just shooting hoops today in the neighborhood ghetto court with two other ladies. It was so much fun! I still enjoy being crafty and reading but if there is a chance to play sports, I'm game.

I feel so much more alive these days than I have in a long time. My confidence just soars when I tell people I just ran 4.5 miles or get high fives when I make a nice jumper outside the paint. And today I was asked to be on a softball team and I hope to set up a few tennis matches in the next month. What a much funner way to live than moping around feeling sorry for my overweight, in-active self!

I look back to how I used to be in high school and miss those days where it was all about the next game. I want some of that glory back, the glory that I am an athlete and love sports. I know people question me when I say that I played three sports in high school. I sure don't look it, but you know what, I will get back there again. I promise you that! Next time you see me, you will think I am ten years younger fitting into those lovely polyester, purple basketball shorts with the thick gold stripes.

Now, there is a sight to behold. . . .