I love you Zumba

Most of you know how much I LOVE me some Zumba. Well it's been about 9 months since I've gone consistently. No, I'm not prego. BUT my dear friend Rhonda (my Zumba BFF) got prego (YAY) and had a beautiful baby last month. This means she will get to go back again in January. I now feel like my life is put back together and can enjoy Zumba. Now, she is not the reason I quit going to Zumba.. I just got LAZY and thought I was comfortable where I was at. And now I'm uncomfortable, in tight clothes, feeling like a crazy person. Rhonda has been one of the only people I know that has helped me continue working out. She gives me that sense of accountability. At the end of the day, it's all up to me. But, it sure helps to have a buddy. HOORAY!

So, instead of a post about how lazy and terrible I've been and deep thoughts about what I know I should do... I am going to make some reasonable goals and hope you will all help me be accountable for them.

*These are NOT New Years resolutions. I hate those... never have been something I do. Just some workout goals that happen to start right about now.

1. Stop focusing on what I didn't do

2. Zumba it up 2x week

3. Drink lots of water

4. Get better sleep

5. Weight train at least once a week

These are maybe not the goals you would set for yourself. However, I feel they are goals that I can achieve and feel good about. So, here's to accountability.

Boo-Yah!

To be or not to be...

Remember my last post in SEPTEMBER? When I said, I feel gross and need to work out more? Don't worry. I haven't seen the gym since late August. That is right, I said AUGUST. I stopped caring. I figured working out and eating healthy was inconvenient.

How ungrateful of me. I should be treating this healthy, beautiful female body of mine like I appreciate it. I see so many people that aren't able to walk, or unable to do a full workout due do a disability. Yet, here I sit with a perfectly healthy body... and let it rot. While Cold Stone makes a fortune off of me.

I still don't really feel motivated to eat better, let alone work out. However, my body aches, I sleep like SHIZ, I don't have any energy during the day, and lets face it I don't feel good about myself. Oh, and all of my clothes are tight. It seems overwhelming when I think about the fact that I'll have to eat like a rabbit the rest of my life in order to avoid this feeling. Or, that I'll have to fake tan, get fake eyelash extensions, (already got the boobies part down) and become a typical gym rat that takes two hours to get ready for the gym, in order to get where I think I should be.

You see, it's just that. "Where I think I SHOULD be" is what gets me down. I look at others and think, that is going to take a LOT of work. And then I give up. Why do I have to be what others are? I don't. I know better. I need to get my mind frame back to this:

1. TRY-ing is better than nothing
2. It takes one second to make a good eating decision over a bad. The feeling afterwards is INCREDIBLE.
3. Sleep is my best friend, why am I not working out so I can get better sleep?
4. My boobs hate me when I work out, I need a SUPER sports bra.. anyone?
5. I don't have to be perfect, or skinny, just happy with myself. The inner confidence will shine brightly.
6. Getting in a routine is the most important. NO excuses.
7. It's not about my weight, it's about being toned, in shape, and happy!
8.You bet Dance Central counts as a workout at my house!

Time to get my flabby ass in gear. I got a golds pass... anyone go to the Spanish Fork Golds??

SICK

I feel so bloated and gross...

I've gained 5lbs since July

I eat like SHIZ and hardly ever workout

I drink regular soda every day

My clothes fit a little tighter

I have a double chin

I need someone to FORCE me to be consistent

I need to be locked in a room and starved.

Damnit.

How's that for negativity??

HOWEVER, I know I am beautiful. Inside and out. It's not about being skinny, it's about feeling good and healthy. I have very poor discipline. Talk is cheap, I need to get in gear. I feel like I've fallen into a butt crack and need to get outta there, FAST.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

HOW do you mothers balance kids, cleaning, laundry, husbands, dinner AND still manage to workout and eat healthy? Most of the women I know that are in the BEST shape, are mothers. I can hardly manage all of that with myself, Chance and the dog. So, I've spend the last few weeks thinking about going to the 5:45 am turbo kick class at Sweaty Chix so that the workout part is done before I even start my day. I went this past Friday, and it KICKED my trash. I loved it.

SO, Monday's I'm going to Zumba or Hip Hop at night (also at Sweaty Chix) and then Wednesday and Friday mornings at 5:45 am I'll do the killer turbo class or whatever it's called. I can't remember, all I know is my body will never forget... HA. And they also have this class on Saturday mornings it's called Circut Shock at like 7am. It is my FAVORITE workout class in the world. NEVER crowded and is always a killer workout. If we're not out of town, I'll be doing that one as well.

If any of you ladies are going to these classes, please let me know. I'd love to join you! I am also going to start eating A LOT less after 5pm. This will help me lose weight, instead of maintain the weight I'm at..... like I've done for the past year. NOT on purpose. I just struggle eating well and working out together, as I've mentioned in my previous blog posts. Well, here's to feeling good. Even if I make a million mistakes along the way, I will NEVER give up.

Peace

Disappeared...

Sorry I have fallen off the face of the blogging earth. Most of you are my Facebook friends, so you know I am still alive. I have been so overwhelmed with planning girls camp and expectations that I have let myself go quite a bit. I have not gained any weight, but I haven't worked out hardly at all since the last week in June. EWWW.

I really enjoy working out, I can finally say that for the first time in my life. I am finally done with camp and summer craziness that I'm ready to get back on track. I started a group that is going to go to the local high school and run bleachers or the track once a week. I have also committed with a friend to go to Sweaty Chix at 545 am for a tae bo-ish type workout at least 2 times a week. I am also going to go to Sweaty Chix's Hip Hop Hustle class on Monday nights.

ACCOUNTABILITY is the key for me. I have a ton of Real Estate school hours to get done before the end of September, so early morning workouts are going to work best for me. I love working out early, it starts my day off just right.

So, here we go!

Must go together...

Working Out + Eating Right = Awesomeness!

I am doing one or the other..... I never combine the two. I am lazy, full of excuses, and wasting time unless I do them BOTH together.

I quit drinking soda over a week ago. I feel incredible. Things in my body feel better, I am sleeping better.. etc. I haven't had the desire to have a drink.. I sound like an alkee..

I've been going to a new zumba class at Energy Explosion.. loving it. Not crowded (removes the "I will sock you if you don't back off and stop breathing your zumba all over me" rages) and also a fun teacher!

I have also been meeting up with my awesome, dedicated friend, Susan. She comes over 2 times a week at 6:45 am to work out with me. Those are my BEST days. I make better eating choices because I work out early.. instead of working out later at night to make up for calories I shouldn't have had that day.. I'm finally feeling like I am doing these things because I like them and not because I "should".

ps.. going to Lake Powell in 2 weeks... not even close to where I want to be at. BUT.. I'm 10 lbs down from February. SOMETHING is better than nothing.

I have a sign I wrote, next to my bedside that says "just do what you can Leslee". I expect too much of myself, I drive myself crazy. I was saying my prayers a few months ago and that was the answer to my prayers.. it came to my mind right after the prayer. "Just do what you can, Leslee."

It helps me a ton.

xoxo
Les

Up we go...

This blog was supposed to be a reminder of those moments when I feel all motivated and ready to rock.... however, it is turning out to be a reminder of the times when I hate this. And when I get knocked down. BUT I ALWAYS get back up again, and I ALWAYS will. That is what it's all about.

That 10 lbs I lost, was cheated weight loss. I did the HCG diet. Bad choice on my part because I had my "lady time" for 4 out of 5 weeks STRAIGHT and then didn't do the doo doo for 2 weeks... Dr. said to stop doing the diet and become best friends w/laxatives and water, YAY me......

I COULD have kept that weight off, however... I was so excited about having lost 10 lbs that I figured I could eat whatever because I was skinnier now. HA.... we all know better. Top that off with COMPLETELY slacking on my workout schedule as well.

6+ lbs later, I'm here feeling gross, knocked down AGAIN and discouraged. AGAIN... Last night consisted of me kicking my own trash for getting back to basically where I was. Bloated, tight clothes, irritated at myself, negative, and in the "gave up" mode. Why is it that I am all or nothing.. gung-ho or junk food queen? Neither seems to last too long, but this up and down business is BALONEY. I have to get it together, and remember that it's not about being like so & so that is a workout queen with a killer body and major self discipline. It is about daily choices, taken one at a time and pushing myself to the point of SUCCESS and positive feelings. Those little choices will make a big difference. If I become aware of them, and hold myself accountable for my choices, I truly believe things can change. Cheesy to say but "if it is to be, it's up to me."

I posted a desperate ad on facebook for an early morning workout friend, and now I have a few! This morning my friend Susan and I woke up at 645 and worked out. I am NOT a morning person, and it felt so great to start my day off on the right foot, instead of working out later at night to make up for the crap I ate that day, I worked out early and made good choices because I felt great.

PLEASE PLEASE LESLEE, remember how good that feels, and how crappy you feel right now in your big jeans and remember that you CAN and WILL do this one moment at a time. Even if it is already close to swim suit time and you're not where you want to be.. you've got to start somewhere and NOW is the time.

Peace.

Consistency......

Why do I struggle so bad with being consistent with ANYTHING..

spiritual
personal
working out
eating healthy

anything that I set my mind to.. I KILL IT for a good solid month.. then it's like I'm bored with it and onto something else.... or just give up.

I get a mind set of NO EXCUSES...
I truly have no excuses, just laziness and boredom. I have honestly never pushed myself (physically) harder than I can do. EVER.... I know if I did, it would feel amazing and that would get me hooked. I almost feel like I am in my "safe" zone. And just don't take the risk.

I have LIVED outside of my comfort zone in so many areas of my life, especially professionally. I enjoy a challenge and love to get a task done!

My focus, is to have consistency and have a state of mind that I CAN push myself and continue to physically challenge my mind and gain control of the thoughts that slow me down.

One day at a time.
Instead of trying so hard to reach my "goals" .. I will just start with being consistent and challenging myself. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by all these goals.

xoxo
Les

Zumba Twins - Zumba He Zumba Ha

LOVE ME SOME ZUMBA!!!!!!! This is my new fave. These cute girls that teach the class make it SO much fun!! I've missed going and can't wait to get back on the bandwagon of going again!!

Slacker...

I have not really posted for a few weeks or whatever because ....

I am officially off my bandwagon.

In a slump.

Feeling defeated.

Feeling bloated.

Feeling lazy.

Eating whatever the heck I want, "because I deserve it with all the stress I've gone through".

All of this, is ridiculous. I feel that way BECAUSE I haven't worked out only TWO times in the last like MONTH. NO JOKE..

However, one of the 2 times, was the new hip hop hustle class at SweatyChix... it RULES!

Anyways, I have been super fiesty and impatient the last week, waking up in bad moods, and just feeling irritated. I know working out can help all of this "so called slump" disappear. So if I know this simple equasion is solved by exercise, then what the crap is my problem? Why is it so hard to get back on track once you've EASILY fallen off?

I was doing great, tracking my food and exercise online, doing weigh in's w/my old trainer.. etc

It seems like when I have all of these things to keep in schedule with, is when I fail the most. I get overwhelmed with all of the tasks and answering to things that I just give up. I'm SO up and down with this. I look at some of my FB friends and see that they just naturally seem to have it down, why not me? I know it's "just a decision you have to make" but why do they make it look so easy?

Blah Blah Blah, right? Poor me... HA. There is my vent. I am going to get my ACE back in gear. I can promise you all that right now. I owe it to myself. I have taken on so many things that take up my time: girls camp director, activities committee, work, real estate school, and somehow I am going to MAKE time for working out and eating healthy when I usually need to make a quick decision of what to eat. (I have HUGE amounts of respet for all of you moms out there, HOW do you do this with kiddos????)

I'm going to start over again, seems like I do every 3 or 4 months.. so back to Zumba for me. (I got sick of it 2 times a week, it wasn't as exciting for me and that ended up in me not working out at all... not an option). So going is better than nothing at all!

Wish me luck. Here we go AGAIN.

ps. if you're reading this, please comment! Even if it's annonymous. Tell me what your struggle is with being healthy or getting healthy?

Peace!

Les

Dance

I went to a dance competition for a friend this past weekend and realized I MISS dancing.

I may not be a very good dancer, but my HEART is there. And nothing relieves stress like dance. That is why I love Zumba. I suck at it, but it's dance and I live for it! I was so depressed all weekend at the competition thinking about the stupid choices I made in high school, thinking about choosing bad things over dancing and dropping out of it all. And looking at theose young girls dancing their hearts out and doing so well. I wish I could tell them all to never give up!!

I am a fighter, and have pushed myself through many trials in my life, but for some reason I gave up on dance. After being sad about it for a few hours on Saturday, I decided, it's time to MAKE IT RIGHT! I am going to start training GUNG-HO for the next several months. I need to get firm and fit. My body is not in a position to be dancing, it jiggles :) no one wants to see that.

I might have an opportunity placed my way in the next year where I would be able to teach a hip hop workout class. And I don't want my poor lazy decisions to get in the way of dance ever again!!!

This is it my friends.. my intervention has been HAD and I'm moving forward.

Challenge: what did you give up on as a child/teen that you wish you didn't or had pursued more? Find out, and create an opportunity to get that back in some way.

xoxoxox

Jiggly Leslee

Favorite Side Dish

My sister in law Shellee shared this amazing recipe w/me!! LOVE IT!!

ROSEMARY POTATOES

6-8 red potatoes cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
rosemary (about 2 tbsp)

Preheat oven to 400 and cook on cookie sheet for 45 min


LOVE this with steak, chicken, veggies or any other dish!

Choices

It all comes down to the choices we make. The FIRST step in eating better is what you have available to you in your house. Right? I mean, I always go for what is easiest to snack on.

Sunday afternoon I threw away a VERY FULL garbage bag of crappy food. Hard decision, but I felt empowered. Like I had finally taken control of my life and got rid of an old nasty boyfriend or something awesome like that.. HA

Needless to say, I had a meeting.. AKA coming to Jesus .. with my trainer Isaiah Price (Energy Explosion) and I learned that there IS good food and it's NOT that hard to supply your fridge and belly with it!

Throughout all of my "trying to lose weight and get healthy" steps, I had decided that I was just too picky of an eater to find enough healthy meals and so I needed to have crappy regular foods more often because I didn't really have much of an option. Well, that is a lie! Even someone like ME who doesn't even like my food to TOUCH eachother, can find good healthy options.

This was what I replaced all of my crappy food choices with...

$88.00 worth of HEALTHY and filling food....
Asparagus, Broccoli, carrots, pickles, celery, dark leaf lettuce, peppers, apples, WHEAT bagels, bread and tortillas, corn tortillas, black beans, eggs, red potatoes, top sirloin steak, edemame, whole wheat pasta, granola and most of all NO sugary crappy processed food or freezer meals!!!!!!

THIS is an accomplishment, and may sounds like weird hippie food to you. BUT I am excited to cook meals like: eggs on toast, toasted turkey sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, yummy tortilla soup, breakfast burriots, chicken and pepper pasta, fajitas, steak and potatoes, red potatoes with veggies.... ETC.

Huge accomplishment for me.. I challenge you to throw away at least ONE thing that you have that is unhealthy and to stop buying it when you go to the store. Even if it's just one thing at a time that you're replacing with something healthy. I am NOT a superhuman or majorly motivated and "one of those people" , I am just as normal as you and I promise if I can do this so can you!!!

Find out...

Finding out what is in your favorite food or snack is truly the key to NEVER eating it again.

After watching the movie Supersize Me a few months ago, I have indeed stopped eating fast food hardly ever. I eat there maybe a few times a month, and I definitely am careful with what I get.

However, last night, I got two jacks cheese sticks. I posted that on my Facebook and realized that I was killing myself. My sister-in-law (owns Energy Explosion) wrote a comment that said

"Kami Houtz Price Death.... Probably so. From clogged arteries. I used to get them all the time in high school and then my sister got a job there. They literally melt 1 full cup of butter on top of the dough under the cheese. Knowing that I could never eat there again. Hope this doesn't make you mad, but I know you are working your ass off and it's sort of my job to keep people accountable. Love you!"

Need I say more? I ignorantly eat food from restaurants thinking it's just fine. A few times I have had friends say they worked there and know how they make it.. (Maglebys amazing rolls...) and honestly, I have NOT had a desire to eat any of those things since I find that out. I really need to do research on things that I like to eat when I go out to eat and then once I know how many calories and etc.. fat .. SHIZ are in it, I honestly can say I don't even crave them.

Moral of the story is, I need to do some research. I woke up this morning and went to a circut training class @ sweatychix. It kicked my TRASH across the street... Zumba is NOT enough to get to where I want to be. Zumba is a fun cardio class, that will help keep me motivated to move. But, it's not going to get that weight loss and toning that I also need. I've said a million times before that I WILL not get into a diet or work out routine that I can't handle doing for the rest of my life, so I'm taking this one day at a time. And I know what my goal is, no matter how long it may take to get me there.. no matter how many times I mess up, I WILL keep moving forward and give each new day a chance for change.

Lesson Learned:
Excuses don't make you healthy... they only prevent you from getting there.

It's all a matter of conquering your mind. With EVERYTHING, food, working out, anything you're trying to achieve. If you can get your mind to be controlled, you can achieve great things. You would be amazed at what your body can do.

xoxo
Les

A daily moment of mine.. and no, not the "I'm pregnant" one......

Who's with me on this one?

So funny, huh?


ps.. if you haven't tried Zumba yet... you haven't lived.

Food Journals

So, after a weigh in last night.. I learned I gained just 1.8 lbs over the holidays.

Oh shiz.. I was supposed to LOSE weight. Well I'm just glad I didn't gain more than that.

However, my trainer dude Isaiah once told me that a food journal is the best way to be accountable for what you're taking in each day. Now, we all know I'm the worst at being consistent with such things. If you don't know that about me, you'll figure it out by following this blog. This seems to be my problem, I do something for a while and do it 100%, then get "bored' and move on to something else. "The next new idea that will be different than the last."

Anywho,

Here's my food journal:

Home made French Dip..

And Cheesy Bread from Two Jacks

Not to mention the frozen yogurt topped with oreo's and caramel I just ate.

I've got to get in gear. All of this working out is WORTHLESS if I'm not willing to at least be a little bit better about WHAT and HOW MUCH I am eating.

Maybe I better get serious about the food journal again? What do you think?

Please tell me if you've tried the food journal or anything like that before.. I'm interested to see what works for you guys with your eating habits.

I also have an app on my phone that can track daily intake and calories. It also tracks your workout too. I just am ridiculous and don't use it. Fully knowing, it will help.

This is me.

Peace.

IF you're looking for......

If you're looking for a personal trainer that will give you ALL of the tools you need to be healthy and workout hard AND most of all be accountable for what you're doing (which I NEED).... (They're also now offering YOGA for only 5 bucks!)

check out Energy Explosion in Spanish Fork. (best part is the diet they give you, is LIVABLE!)

These guys changed my outlook on working out. They are so smart and have helped me a ton! I did things there I NEVER thought I could do!!


AND....

If you're looking for some FUN workout classes packed with energy and no accountability.. but still amazing...

check out Sweaty Chix in Springville.

Both are amazing, and whatever you can do even if it's not these is great!

I did both of these at one point in time and was droppin weight like it was HOT! I loved it!!!!!

BOO-YAH

ZUMBA!!

After a crazy day today.. I am going to NEED zumba tomorrow.

Who's with me?

COME... it's the best way to relieve stress!

8pm tomorrow @ Omega in Springville. (SweatyChix)

Peace and LOVE my friends

Thanks for following me. I'm working on focusing on posting more. I just want to have a blog for people that are normal humans that aren't workout fanatics or diet-freaks. :) Even though some of my friends are that way, all respect to them. I've decided to have less self discipline. As for now. ha ha

SO, all of you ladies that don't have as much motivation as others. Hopefully I can help be an example of still taking care of yourself, loving yourself.

See you at zumba!

YAY for ME

After an awesome 4 day trip to Disneyland.....

I pulled into my driveway from our trip and then went straight to Zumba tonight with Rhonda.

Thankfully she's devoted :)

I am SO glad I just didnt even put thought into it and went. I find that if I get too much time to think about going sometimes, I just end up talking my self out of it. Spur of the moment is my friend.

WEEEEEEEE made up for all of the crap I ate this weekend. He He He!