Switching It Up in the Kitchen and the Gym

We're changing things up over here in the Sullivan kitchen. Well, I am changing things, that is. Keith has been doing pretty well with his nutrition for a while now, but I still indulge a little too often. I'm from the school of thought that if you really want whipped cream on your coffee, have it! If you want some chocolate after dinner, go for it! Trouble with that is that while I enjoy what's in my cup or on my plate, I don't always love what I see in the mirror. And that's not good. I know what it feels like to be in great shape and to like what you see in the mirror -- and I want that again, so here we go! 

Here is my "before" picture. Bleh! This is me at the gym Monday afternoon (still not having showered!) after grocery shopping, cooking lunch and working out. No make up -- please excuse that.

This is me now - on Monday August 12th 2013

If you're interested in the "plan" I'm losely following Jamie Eason's LiveFit 12-week Trainer program. I first heard about it on Honey We're Healthy, and if you've ever seen Megan's blog you know she is in amazing shape! Who in their right mind wouldn't want to be half as fit as her? 

 

I've never done a specific nutrition and exercise program before, but I've done my fair share of various weight lifting, running and cardio plans. Eight years ago I was what I would call a professional at going to the gym. I was there at least 5 days a week for around two hours and had a great routine going.

When I was doing my research I liked seeing that this plan allows for a fair share of flexibility when it comes to meals. I can turn almost any type of meal we already enjoy (Mexican, Chinese, Italian, etc) into a LiveFit meal.

Here is what a typical day of meals looks like:

BREAKFAST: Egg whites, toast Ezekiel bread and blue berries.

via

 SNACK: Two pumpkin protein bars and a handful of carrots or sliced bell pepper.

LUNCH: Extra lean ground turkey with taco seasoning, black beans, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo and avocado. 

SNACK: Two pumpkin protein bars and a handful of carrots or sliced bell pepper. 

 POST-WORKOUT: One scoop of chocolate protein powder + a banana.

 

DINNER: Kale salad with lemon juice and tomato, avocado, cucumber + Asian stir fry with quinoa and baked chicken.

I also really like that I'm already familiar with most of the exercises you're asked to do. At this point I wouldn't be comfortable going into the weight room and jumping on some contraption I'd never used before. I'm not looking to be super muscular or have really defined muscles, but I would like to have some definition in my arms / shoulders / back / legs and just have them be toned again.

Day One was a pretty basic workout and could have almost been done at home (besides the tricep pull downs). Here's a look at that workout:

So far things are going well! I'm still having my regular coffee (with fat free creamer and whipped cream) in the morning, but besides that I'm following it closely. I missed the gym yesterday (and likely will again today) because I have a cold, but I'll just have to count those as my Rest Days for the week. I'm looking forward to continuing this plan even closer when we're all over our colds. Wish me luck!