Oprah's bootcamp - but on raw!!!

[catherinethegreat]

Oprah is starting a 12 week bootcamp this Monday Feb 14th.

I've decided to go for it!

So this thread is dedicated to the bootcamp and anyone who is interested in doing it with her while getting support from the raw forum.

Here is a link to a very inspiring article she wrote - that made me feel interested.

http://www.oprah.com/presents/2005/bootcamp/commit/commit_main.jhtml

( if this link doesn't work go to http://www.oprah.com )

You can find all the information about the bootcamp - the exercise plan - the commitment - and the meal plan.

the only thing on the meal plan that applies to me since I'm all Raw is:

*You must stop eating three hours before bedtime. Do just this, Oprah says, and you'll lose weight.

So I'll be incorportating that into my 12 week program.

On Monday Feb 14th Oprah's TV show will be all about - how she lost the weight and how you can too - if you have a chance to watch or tape it - I'm sure it will help you with this program too.

If you are interested and need support from the Raw family - this is the place!

You can do it - I know you can !!!!

Love
*catherine

[RawNaturale]

Hey, I was cruising around the site and saw that people can create their own "O" Bootcamp group. We could create one and get the raw lifestyle "out there" a bit more on her site. A little raw promotion would be great to further "the cause", eh?

Julie

[RawTruth]

Hey, Catherine ~~ I'm "maybe" interested. I don't have time at the moment to explore the link, but I was planning on start getting in shape using The Miracle Seven tomorrow - does the Bootcamp require a certain type of exercise be done?

[catherinethegreat]

Hey Rawnaturale - great idea - I'll go post a thread on her forum too for the RAW Foodies!

But my main support will be on here. I can add al ink on her forum thread with a link to Alissa's sight!

Hey - now that's promotion!

RawTruth -

You know - I think if YOU feel that it's your 12 week bootcamp and you are wanting the support of this thread as you go along - I say YES! Why not? You can print out her commitment sheet and write in what your 12 week exercise program will be.
I mean - we are adjusting the food program already!!!

I think for me the point is to believe I can do this - and get the support from everyone to change my entire life. Which starts by being 100% raw - and then modifying my daily schedule with exercise.

love
*c

[Sharon in Colorado]

Hey Catherine,

I'd like to check it out! Which thread is yours? Gosh there's so many....

Do you have a name in your O group?

[RawNaturale]

I did a search and there are no raw foodie groups. Ok, we just GOTTA get Alissa on Oprah.

Julie

[catherinethegreat]

ok - I just submitted a RAW foodie thread on her forum and I'm waiting for approval so as soon as I get the thumbs up I will post the link here.

Yes - Alissa on Oprah would be amazing.
( I wouldn't mind being on the show either - it's been a dream of mine for YEARS! )

we could do a

Before and after the raw food diet show on Oprah.

Alissa could share her book - website - her story and then
we could come on and show photos of before and after!

hahahahahaha!

I need to write Oprah!

( don't think I won't! )

*c

[RawNaturale]

Well, the best publicity out there these days seems to be to go on Oprah. Or get arrested for a murder for hire scheme. So we'll opt for getting Alissa on the show.

If we have a raw food group on that site, we could get a lot of traffic from folks who are just curious. That's what happened to me, just cruising around on the net.

I'd like to see the raw food movement take off like low carb did. Hey, I can dream... :rolleyes:

[catherinethegreat]

I don't think it needs to just be a dream - I think we can MAKE IT HAPPEN!

*c

[FEELIN'GOOD]

Wouldn't that be great! If raw could be as popular as Lo-Carb!!!! Wow! I sent the Oprah show a few emails about Alissa... back in October- I knew she was a fitness guru and she has an open mind to look at things... I never heard from them, but maybe this could work!!!!

I loved Oprahs testimony! She is so down to earth...This is a great idea!

All best wishes to you Catherine... I will read more about what it entails and I will probably join in too!

:D
Melissa

[catherinethegreat]

Hi Melissa!

That is SO great that you sent Oprah a letter. I'm going to try it too!

It would be fun if you joined the bootcamp!

*c

[Ireland]

I'm in. :) Are we all starting on the same day? Or can you join anytime? Who's the Sarge around here anyhow!!!!! ?

[catherinethegreat]

Since it is her bootcamp!

Of course anyone can join in and do a 12 week program based on the time they start....but for me I'm going with the start date as Valentines day - my love offering to myself - even when it hurts!!! lol!

So I guess if people want to join the bootcamp - orah.com is the place to get the info - and if they want support - and are raw - they can come here and we can cheer each other on.

as ekkogreen says

RAW! RAW! RAW!

*c

[Wendy]

Don't be surprised if Oprah's show ignores you. I sent a certified letter about the fibro treatment (using thyroid) that got me out of bed. I even mentioned that a business associate of mine that has been on the show before who also had fibro (Sugar Rautbord, she was just on Dr. Phil this week in a show about women who want to marry rich men). She ignored me. Sugar is a socialite and an author. You'd think that'd be some pull, but no..... Plus fibro affects mostly woman and about 6 million people.

[Ireland]

Okay, yet another question...because we're raw and this is slightly modified, can the exercise be modified too as long as it's the same amount of times a week and for the same amount of time each workout?

I go to Curves. As I said before, it's a half hour workout with a 10 minute stretch/cool-down. Curves is all about resistance training and cardio.

And, does walking count? Because I want to commit to walking daily. And how about raking the lawn for 45 minutes...I actually did this today after my walk. I absolutely amazed myself with my energy, it was awesome!
Please forgive me if I'm asking too many petty questions, I just want to be on the same page as everyone else.

[catherinethegreat]

Hi Walkin' on Water!

I think you can create whatever program you want to and take Oprahs 12 week bootcamp to mean that you will do whatever your program is - no matter what - for the next 12 weeks. Starting tomorrow.

I would write up a little contract with myself that states what those things will be so that it's not vague and you can hold yourself accountable to that commitment....and

remember that we get to have fun with this too.

I'm SO looking forward to it - even though I know it's going to be so hard.

I'm already having a very hard time not eating 3 hours before I go to bed.

One amazing gift tonight: Jerry is going to let me borrow the car in the morning before he goes to work so I won't have to take the bus. Saves me 2 hours of my day in travel. What a HUGE blessing that is!!!!

So for me - I'm going to do her exercise plan as she wrote it out - and the two days where I have to so a second workout - I will do something here at home so I won't have to stress out so much about buses and time and my day. Might get a pilates tape or something. But tomorrow I won't worry about that since I'm not required to do that.

Can't wait to hear how it goes for you!

I have my bootcamp contract here - awaiting my signature.......

I'm going to sign it right now.

Here I go!

*c

[Alissa]

Im confused. isn’t her show Monday (tomorrow) about this and how she lost her weight and all of that? How do you guys know this already?!

[Sharon in Colorado]

WOW - Whatcha rakin'? Snow? Do you still have leaves on the ground? ;)

Catherine - What's the name of our O group? We're putting you in charge here, but we need to find out the name of it so's we can join and all. How about the Rawee O's? LOL

Run with it girl.

Run with it!

[Ireland]

Alissa, apparently, it's on her website. The show tomorrow is about how she's lost the weight she's lost already this past year or so. She wants to lose a little bit more while doing the bootcamp. Now if I could just remember what time her show is on...

Oh and Sharon....yes, leaves! I didn't rake them up last fall and very strangely, all the snow is gone already. I just moved here in September so I thought it was normal. Guess they usually have snow for awhile yet, aren't I lucky!

Catherine, thanks for the reply. Okay, I see what you mean. For me, it'll be Curves and walking. I'll just rev up my motor a little higher each week. :)
I'm sooooooooo glad you have a vehicle to use in the morning, that will make it way easier for you for sure!

[catherinethegreat]

Alissa,

I watch Oprah all the time nad in between her show they will tell you what's going on next week - so this week they've been just completely advertising this bootcamp. So I went to the website and found out that the instructions were already posted for us and you could join a support group on her forum.

I think tomorrow we get to hear her story and the country gets to hear about the bootcamp from start to finish.

Sharon - I named the group - something like
Raw Foodies

But They haven't approved it yet....Not sure how long that takes. I did put Alissa's website link on it - maybe they don't want that?

If it's not up tomorrow - I'll try again with another raw food name...like friends of alissa cohen.....lol...reminds me of the AA secret code name
"friends of Bill W." hahahahaha!

I'll let you know if it gets posted and what it's called.

I'm almost more into having our bootcamp support group HERE on this thread....but I'd love to advertise the raw food folks on her website too.

If you have any other questions - feel free to post them. I'd love to hear how it goes tomorrow.

And yes - Walkin'....I too am THRILLED I can drive to the gym tomorrow!!!!!

Plan for day 1:
Prep tonight - bag for the gym.

get up at 7:30
leave by 7:45
gym by 8:00ish
do the workout!
home by 9:00ish

anyone else have a plan for the workout?

*c

[Wendy]

I don't know if you guys know this, but if you do workout first thing in the morning, you will burn more fat than if you do it other times of day. Working out first thing is great, it is effective, and it's over and you don't have to worry about it the rest of the day.

[catherinethegreat]

I apprecaite it Wendy!

[Alissa]

Oh gotcha,
A friend told me to watch it Monday as i don’t always catch it. So i was wondering how you knew already. Thought you had the inside track to oprah that we needed to know about: p
Thanks for posting my web site on her site. Don’t know if they’ll put it up but that would be nice!

[Sweet lips]

My plan for Day 1

Deep Breathing exercises for 15 minutes x 4 session today.

That is what I am allowed to do at this time

[deb]

:D

I'm in!

I was trying to come up with something like this to do... getting ready for the sunset cruise and this is perfect! I already have 45 minutes of cardio in this morning!

OK... let me get this straight...

30 minutes of cardio for 5 days; 60 minutes on the 6th day. Every two minutes make it a little more difficult. Every day take it up a notch.
Each week extend the workouts by two minutes (2nd week 32/64, etc).

Also do a second 30 minute workout... 5 minutes cardio / 5 minutes weights - two days a week (mine will be Tuesday & Thursday)

I'm doing my main cardio on the rebounder. 30 minutes Monday-Friday... Upping the ante by increasing arm movements, speed and/or both. On Saturday, I will do 60 minutes (adding 2 minutes each week).

We are also taking a 15-20 minute walk every morning. And a long 1-2 hour "pleasure walk" on Sunday. (I'm not taking a day off.)

I put the challenge on a page so I could print it out and the part of the eating plan I'm following. Here it is if anyone wants to print it...
http://www.boomspeed.com/dkcp/bootcamp

[Sharon in Colorado]

If it's not up tomorrow - I'll try again with another raw food name...like friends of alissa cohen.....lol...reminds me of the AA secret code name
"friends of Bill W." hahahahaha!


*c


That is funny! If that doesn't work, Enemies of SAD? I saw a group called "Double Stuff Oreos" on there. :eek:

I can imagine our group would kick butt, because it's a healing group, not just a weight loss group. I mean how many of those groups are going to get off their meds, have boundless amounts of energy, and have clearer skin?

[FEELIN'GOOD]

On DATELINE last night, one of the ladies on their weightloss show trained with Bob Greene (Oprah's trainer). She lost 50 pounds within and 8 month period! Wow....

I'm in on this one- I dropped out of the fast :( I really respect all of you who are continuing... and I'm rooting for you all the way!!!! But this is something I WILL commit to. I NEED to excercise... and I like her treadmill idea about running for 5 minutes then doing floor work then back on the treadmill.... I think I can handle that! Besides, I'm going to Mexico in 18 days... I need to tighten the rumpus, or I'll have to wear my Delta Burke bather with a sheet attached... :eek:

Okay.... we need one of those rants that they chant when soliders march...like,

Veggie chewers yes we are-
Heat and meat...won't have no more-
We like our salads yes we do-
Crisp romaine and raw carrot stew-
Soda pop we do not drink-
Alcohol makes us stink-
....

anyone care to add lyrics????

This is fun already!
:D
I'm off to the treadmill- will report later!
Dismissed....

[catherinethegreat]

Feelin' Good
That just cracked me up!

I may have to take that with me to the gym!

I did it!!!!! First day of bootcamp.

this morning -
woke up at 7:30
out of th ehouse by 7:45
got to Gym by about 8:15 ( I forgot people go to work! )
treadmil for 30 minutes increasing the resistance every 2 minutes
I was dizzy when it stopped and I did a 5 minute cooldown.
Incline was at 7.0 speed was 3.4
I jogged a little bit in there - but kept it at a fast walk this time.

I went to the weight room and it was *GASP* filled with bulky wieght training guys.

Walked in and out of there twice.
Decided it was ok - to go home and do the weight training with my little 3 lb weights today - and I most likely will buy more weights for the house. Maybe I can do the weights during Oprah's show every day. lol!

Felt good to go

I actually was talking myself out of doing it the way Oprah wrote it out - but I felt everyone else doing it - including Oprah and thought - no just keep going.

So the group support really does help me get through!

Tomorrow I'm going to get up an hour earlier so I don't have to watch the clock.

Can't wait til 3pm to watch Oprah and see what's up!

ok - I haven't heard back about the group I formed so I'm going to try again.

*c

[coffeesquirrel]

hey this is a grooven idea and since i need to start doing something anyway this will be pretty grooven.. so twelve weeks starting today yes? i'm gonna jot down what i'm gonna have to do as far as working out and since i'm on the mc still (day 12) food before bed should not be a prob lol this so rocks.
coffeesquirrel :D :D :D :D


p.s. do we have a sarge?

[kiwikid78]

What time and channel is Oprah's show on?

I just saw this thread intime to start today with you all!!

[askcassyfirst]

Hey there. I am in for this program too. I am currently trying to download the Adobe software so that I can view the contract on Oprah's website and all. But I am sure that I can make the program fit what I do. I am already doing the power yoga every weekday, and I have a step thing at the house so I can use that too.

Weights I can also do at the house since DH bought a set of them in different weights last year....I think the cardio thing will be the hardest for me. I am more into the intense yoga that really gets me to sweat, rather than running these days. However, I will try.... :)

Also, Cat, I agree with you. The not eating three hours before bed may be an issue for me too. Mostly cause I go to bed fairly early. If I eat around 745, this means I can't go to bed till almost eleven...Perhaps I should think about it a diferent way...and just eat my last snack earlier? :) :)

What if we do a weekly thread on here, such that we won't have to scroll between tons of pages? Say, like WEEK ONE Bootcamp...etc. YOu could start the thread on mondays? Just a thought for those with slow internet connection. (We have broadband, but my system is slow since it is maxed out for memory...)

We are all going to do great with this...

Cassy :)

[flutterfly]

I joined this morning but didn't have time to let you know because I was off to the gym. I can't do a lot of weights because of the injury I have but I walked on the treadmill five (5) miles.
This is going to be fun doing it with this group. Hope you hear about the "Raw Foodies" soon

[RawTruth]

You guys are too much! Now I'm befuddled with too many decisions to make -- should I do the juice fast? the blended meals and the juices? Oprah/Catherine's boot camp? Just finish my 30 day challenge? Yikes!!! I guess I'll watch Oprah today, check out the website and decide then. Melissa, your lyrics are perfect, you funny girl!

[catherinethegreat]

http://www2.oprah.com/tows/program/tows_prog_whenwhere.jhtml

This link brings you to her site where you can findout local listings.

AS far as how is the Sarge???

Oprah is!!!

I'm happy to set in as the raw bootcamp sarge if you want one - but I don't think it matters when you have Oprah!

*c

[flutterfly]

I want the Sarge to come right here to my home and really get on my butt. Is that possible lol?

[catherinethegreat]

Man after you just ran 5 miles on the treadmill I need you to come kick MY butt! That is amazing!

[catherinethegreat]

ok -

here is more info I heard on the show that's not on the website:

1. Own the number that is on the scale on your first day. Don't avoid it.

2. Set a goal

3. Sign the contract

4. The hill or incline is more important then the speed on the treadmill. They were going all the way up to 10.5 at one point! Keep that in mind.

5. If you have to hold on to the treadmill bars with your hands - you are going too fast - slow it down so you can let go.

6. It's more then "I'll try to do the bootcamp" need to say " I've decided."

7. For the " no eating 3 hours before bedtime " it's easier if you give yourself a time when you stop eating - no matter what.
Like 7:30pm as a cut off time. Oprah would say no to eating out with friends if it was after 7:30. ANd if she missed the 7:30pm cut off and didn't eat dinner - she would make tea and e-mail others on the bootcamp instead of cheating.

8. You can only have 2 slips of your program - and then you are out.

( of course we won't know unless you post it - but you will know - and you deserve to not sabatoge yourself. )

9. Eat a Good Breakfast every morning.

10. at least 48 ounces of water every day.

*~*~*~~

I'm going to buy Bob Greene's new book
Total Body Makeover. That's the book she was showcasing this time.

*~*~*~~

Oprah does Pilates - in Addition to the rest of the workout - not to lose weight and she stated and so did Bob Greene - that pilates is not used to lose the wieght - only the cardio and aerobic will help lose weight. Pilates added to her workout - and you can add it too - or yoga. But it isn't a replacement.

That's it - It was pretty inspiring. I'm comitted to the 12 weeks as she wrote it out on the website and her show.

I love the idea of having a new thread each week for the bootcamp like Cassy suggested. Like: WEEK ONE OF BOOTCAMP.

But I also like having it all in one place.

Any thoughts on this?

ok - I"m off to get us a raw food support group on Oprah.

*c

[Wendy]

Body for Life by Bill Phillips is a great book to learn how to lift weights, and I think it is also a 12 week plan.

I used to work out with a personal trainer and went to a gym where most of the people competed in bodybuilding competitions. I used to be intimidated by men working out but because now I know what I am doing, it doesn't bug me at all.

I haven't been able to work out in 4 years that way, but it might be a good idea to get a trainer to teach you so you feel comfortable with what you are doing.

[RawTruth]

So, Catherine, you'll let us know which way we're going, right?

I'm going to keep my entries in a Word document until we know where we're posting, then cut and paste. I did a 1-1/4 hr. walk (a little more than 10,000 steps) this morning and still have my resistance workout ahead of me.

Waiting with bated breath (oops, I better breathe better I pass out).

[catherinethegreat]

RAWTRUTH - yes - I just signed up again on Oprah.com for another support group

I named it Raw Foodies

But I haven't heard back.

I think this might be the best place to start at this point. I actually don't really want to be on another support group forum. One is PLENTY!


For the people who've signed up for bootcamp - let's start here for the first week and then we can take it from there for next week. We might start a new thread - we might just keep this one. Like the Marathoners thread - it just goes and goes, but I like that it's all the same subject in one place. :D

you can report your start weight - your goals - your commitment - your daily routine - or just say hello once in a while and let us know how you are doing! If you need support this is the place.

Ready set .....go!

[deb]

Deb Day 1...


Cardio - 60 minutes - 45 rebounder & 15 walking
Weights - 10 each - bicep curls (10 lb), tricep extensions (10 lb), frontal raises (10 lb), lateral raises (1 lb on these)

I did 60 minutes of cardio and can already tell I'm going to be one stiff mama~mia tomorrow. No problems with the ankle though. I also did some arm weights and CAN NOT BELIEVE how weak my arms are. I'm using 10 lb weights but maybe need to go down a notch? I can't even do the lateral raises (finally did them with 1 lb weights).

I am surprised I was able to do this much today. I have lots of energy and feel like I could do more. I'm not sure I pushed myself as hard as I should have. I had to keep getting off the rebounder to rest... my shins were tightening up.

Oh, and the squats... I can't do one squat! Even holding on!

Ah well, you gotta start somewhere, huh? This fat is coming off here ya'll! I ain't even playing. :p

Weight is the same thing it was two weeks ago - 284
Go figure.

[RawTruth]

My Goals:

My bootcamp goals do not involve losing weight. (I am 5'10", weigh about 135 lbs., and wear a size 8/10.) I'm naturally thin, but this doesn't mean that I'm fit and healthy!

I do want to:

build my muscles
be stronger
strengthen my core
increase my cardiovascular fitness
move with fluidity and grace


I used to be able to easily change a tire (if necessary), lift heavy boxes, bound up stairs two at a time (just 3 years ago), ride my racing bike along the beach bike path to Newport Beach and back (30-40 miles, maybe), and paint a room without aching the next day. I've always been very flexible (can almost touch my palms to the floor, etc.), but I don't want to delude myself into believing that's tied in to my overall fitness level. I want to be able to do all of these things again -- and do them effortlessly. I'm thinking that 12 weeks is long enough to meet these goals. If anyone who is involved in the fitness world knows differently, please tell me, because I do want to have realistic expectations.

Bootcamp Day 1:

I walked over 10,000 steps this morning. Yay for me. There's the cardiovascular aspect.

I will be doing The Miracle Seven this evening and also using a stability ball to do core work. I used to weight train (I trained with one of the first coaches to work with women in California back when many of you were preadolescent - !!!), but have reasons why I'm doing the Seven, instead. I'll talk tomorrow about how that went or, perhaps, edit this to include it.

Confession time: I'm not really a "joiner" and am not sure that I'm a good "team player." Professionally, I've been a facilitator and leader and, personally, have tended to kinda go my own way, meeting the high goals and accomplishments I've set up for myself. However, over the last 7 months, because of huge shifts in my relationships and in my sense of well-being, I've joined groups, attended meetings, and begun to give and receive support where before I would have toughed it out by myself. Where I am in my life now, doing it alone just doesn't work anymore. So ... my first online step was joining this forum. Now, I've decided to do the bootcamp -- Oprah said today that decide was the operative word! I guess I'm writing this to ask my fellow bootcampers to bear with me ... since I'm new at this reaching out stuff.

It's getting dark and chilly here, which I loathe, so I'm going to fix the pasta and marinara sauce to cheer myself up (and maybe add a little more cayenne to warm me up!), do a few errands, and hit those Miracle Seven even though I feel like burrowing into my sofa. Can't do it, though, because I know that ... two slips and Catherine will kick me out!!!

[askcassyfirst]

Hi. I didn't watch the Oprah show, but I read over everything on the link you posted. I thought I would post here my intention & plan for the next 12 weeks. I just typed it all into my journal, then I realized you had decided to use this thread as the support thread. I will quote least I need to type again...


I am feeling a bit intimidated by the whole concept, now that I took a REAL look at what this is going to mean in the course of my day. It is one thing getting up at 5:50 am to do yoga, which I am not going to drop from my routine. But this means I will have to get up at 5am in order to accomplish the additional activities. It is not that that is a big issue for me. I mean, I used to get up at 445am in order to walk before the heat of day...oh well.

I have come up with two different options. The first applies if I decide to do the stair stepper machine I have at home. It will also mean doing more of a relaxed Hatha Yoga instead of my normal Power Yoga routine...I am not sure I can give that up for 12 weeks, so I am including a second option which I will decide to use after this week should option one seem too drastic of a swap for me. Both options are high intensity. One just stays closer to Oprah's plan-o-gram.

Here is option one:

MONDAY
5am-5:20 Stomach and Arms Free Weights
5:20-6:00stair climbing aerobics
6am-7:00 Yoga (including slow warm up and down to relax)
---thinking that the yoga will be a nice cool down, and if I need to drop something out of the routine, cause I wake up late, this way the yoga can go. This way I won't miss a workout.

TUESDAY
5am-5:20 Stomach and Legs Free Weights
5:20-6:00stair climbing aerobics
6am-7:00 Yoga

WEDNESDAY
5am-5:20 Stomach and Arms Free Weights
5:20-6:00stair climbing aerobics
6am-7:00 Yoga
---this will also be a double up day, in which I will do the floor exercises and extra stair stepper stuff in the evening.

THURSDAY
5am-5:20 Stomach and Legs Free Weights
5:20-6:00stair climbing aerobics
6am-7:00 Yoga

FRIDAY
5am-5:20 Stomach and Arms Free Weights
5:20-6:00stair climbing aerobics
6am-7:00 Yoga

SATURDAY
(no time schedule, as it is a sleep in day)
Stomach and Legs Free Weights
Tibetan Rites - Extra Spinning
Stair climber 30 minutes - 1 hour
Double up Day- Floor exercises with Stair Stepper circut.

SUNDAY
A day of rest.... :) :)


Option two, my secondary plan if I decide that I don't want to do the stair machine...:

MONDAY
5:30am-6:00 Stomach and Arms Free Weights
6am-7:00 Power Yoga

TUESDAY
5:30am-6:00 Stomach and Legs Free Weights
6am-7:00 Power Yoga

WEDNESDAY
5:30am-6:00 Stomach and Arms Free Weights
6am-7:00 Power Yoga
---this will also be a double up day, in which I will do the floor exercises and extra stair stepper stuff in the evening.

THURSDAY
5:30am-6:00 Stomach and Legs Free Weights
6am-7:00 Power Yoga

FRIDAY
5:30am-6:00 Stomach and Arms Free Weights
6am-7:00 Power Yoga

SATURDAY
Stomach and Legs Free Weights
Tibetan Rites - Extra Spinning
Stair climber 30 minutes - 1 hour
Double up Day- Floor exercises with Stair Stepper circut.

SUNDAY
A day of rest.... :) :)


I am excited to have a boost of excitement about resistance training again. I want to include more of that in my routine. I used to work out on the weight pile all the time, and it has been lost over the past year or so. My real reservation about this program is about the extra cardio. I find that I like the simple smooth workout I get from yoga, and perhaps that is what makes me feel a bit reserved in my enthusiasm about the official Oprah bootcamp plan using the cardio machines. I know I CAN do it, but will I want to is the question..We shall see.

Also, I think that I can manage this if I do a couple of modifications. These days I have been doing yoga only a few days a week, and that is all. So, using my own version of this bootcamp, I can still take it to the MAX. After week one I will make the decision about the doubling up cardio on top of my yoga. After all, I am doing power yoga, and it does make me sweat and get my heart racing. I wonder if I could count that as a cardio workout. It is not quite the same as Pilates like Catherine mentioned....After all, this is MY BOOTCAMP, and it is for me & my health, not to fit into a mold for anyone else.

I will give it a week to decide if option two is it.

My goals?
-Greater strength & leaner arms.
-Get back on a morning schedule.
-Continue on high raw.

I signed the contract with the following additions: "I will do my best to make healthful food choices, staying high raw while limiting my raw dairy & sprouted grains consumption."

Cassy :)

[catherinethegreat]

Thanks for everyone's posts about what they are up to and what the goals are.

I am concerned about the 2nd workout days as I won't have the car to get BACK to the gym a second time and the hour bus just doesn't feel acceptable with my life!

Any ideas????

I want to do what she posted as her bootcamp. I did hear her say that you can do the entire thing at home with the kit that she gave everyone on her show.

I think I'll go to the bookstore after the gym tomorrow and get aht book ( unless it already flew off the shelves! )

GOALS:
1. remain 100% raw
2. 20 pound weight loss
3. More energy, strength, discipline
4. Shift emotional eating to emotional exercising!
( or not acting out at all emotionally! )
5. Fit into my skinny jeans!!!!
6. Non reaction to what my mind tells me
7. Really have fun changing my life!

Today I did the treadmil and was very dizzy at the end - could barely stand up !

So I know I need to take it slow.

Tonight I still need to do the free wieghts - I'm starting with 3 lb. since that is what I have.

Drank 1 liter of water today so far.

Glad you are all doing this for yourself.

And

YES - please create this for yourself. If Oprah's bootcamp isn't right - but you want to create a commitment and a bootcamp for yourself - please join us! I know Sweetlips is modifying it and joining in!

[deb]

Thanks Catherine for starting this thread! It was just the shot in the arm I needed.

I'm glad you repeated the quote... "Shift emotional eating to emotional exercising!" I thought that was great!

I taped the show but lost the last 15 minutes. Did anything much happen after the guy walked out that had lost 500 lb?

[askcassyfirst]

Cath:
Cool. I think that making this my own, will be the key to my success. I find that when I try to uphold others visions of perfection, I get bogged down dreadfully. I did the whole BOdy for Life plan, and that was really great for helping to bring consistancy & organization to my workouts. But like this bootcamp, I made a few modifications based on the equipment I had, and the space I had to do it in.

That is how I made raw work for me for so long...I worked it into my own routine...

This is exciting.

Cassy :)

[catherinethegreat]

Deb - Actually your post this morning that you ahd already worked out - was so supportive to me - I even saw your face there with me at the gym as I tried to deal with another 15 minutes on the treadmil!

So thank YOU!

And no I didn't hear anything more then what you saw ont he show. Everything that I felt was imprtant from the show I listed above, so I think that was all said in the beginning of the show.

Cassy: I know the feeling. I'm ALREADY feeling bogged down by the secons wqorkout two times per week and how to get to the gym that second time without a car. I'm going to have to modify that workout with something else. I live on a very steep hill so I'm considering using it in my workout - although I'd prefer to create something inside so I can't use Rain as my excuse not to workout.

I bought a power ashtanga yoga tape and haven't done it yet.
I may do that - but I'm going to check out Bob Green's book and see if there is anything else I can do at my house instead of going to the gym again.

I ate my dinner - even though I wasn't hungry - because it was close to the 7:30 cut off time. and then I over ate because of my fear of being hungry and the emotions that come up.

I've decided that it's ok for now to be doing that as a transition to this new timeline.

I am going to drink water for the remainder of my evening.

*c

[Wendy]

Deb,

If you haven't worked out with arm weights in a while, I would start with a 3 lb weight and work up. 10 lbs is a lot to start with if you have nothing there. You will probably over do it. When I started weight-training, we started with 10 lbs but I was on a heavy duty program in a bodybuilding competition gym and on a very strict diet, in ok shape when I started and also in my early 30s. I am not saying you can't do it, I am saying it would probably be better to start out lighter. With the rebounding you already do, you probably have good cardio, but your muscles in your arms will be differently prepared for body building exercises.

[RawNaturale]

Hiya Deb,

No, not much happened after the 500 lb loss guy. I was hoping more of the show would be devoted to her work with Bob Greene rather than trotting out all of the success stories. I wanted to see more of what her experience was. But that's ok, it was inspiring anyway.

Hey, Catherine...she did say that Bob's program could be done at home, no gym, etc. There are some resistance bands and a big ball thingy (LOL...I forgot what they call it) and a few other items, but it doesn't look like a big outlay of $$ and could probably be purchased at Wally-world.

Well, now that you guys have all inspired me, I'm going to hop on my elliptical trainer. :)

[flutterfly]

Starting wt. is 112# on the 14th - Want to get down to 108#
my goals are to tighten up my skin. at 58 that is a real goal
I will workout 4 days a week- eat as raw as possible
Daily I will work my upper body with weights that are from 5-10 pounds for at least 10 min's a time. 3-4 days a week I will walk 5 miles on the treadmill. I will do the stretches that I have been doing since Aug for my injury.
How is that for a routine? That should do the job in 12 weeks. If not I will still have to show the results I get at Cruise date lol.

[Sharon in Colorado]

I was too busy yesterday to catch the show. I wonder if there's a repeat somewhere on cable? I know some of her overflow goes on to the Oxygen channel.

Anybody know?

[catherinethegreat]

Hey Sharon - I'm happy to make a VHS for you if you want it.

Not much more on there then what you see on this thread - accept for her staff that did the challenge so you can see before and afters.

*c

[Sharon in Colorado]

Oh - Catherine, that is so nice of you to offer that! I think I'll just re-read the website though. I get plenty of motivation here already!

[RawNaturale]

It's up...Raw Foodies is now on Oprah's O Groups!

http://boards.oprah.com/WebX?13@82.Qn4AbLeUX91.5@.f074c94

[coffeesquirrel]

this is what i want to change in my life as a result of the 12 week bootcamp
I want to build more muscle
I want to find joy out of more then just a pizza box.
I want to be able to play freely and with more abandon
I want to be able to let my life find other focus's other than food.
To be able to dance. (my secret passion that i have never followed because of insecurities about my body)
To feel good about me. (my biggest goal)

i put in my journal yesterday but here's the lowdown.
monday
wed do my leg press and my pilates (for core strenth) and some jump friday rope.
sunday will be chest and back strenth training and resistence training
tues
thurs
sun
and on sat i will do nothing and rest.

did the monday workout yesterday prob about 40 min but no jump rope as i just added that to the list for cardio stuff.

ok i think that's about it. coffeesquirrel

[Sharon in Colorado]

Fitness goals:

shape, tone, build lean muscle
lose flabbiness without losing weight
regain stamina
redefine waist

Continue on recumbent bike for 5 miles a day
add extra activity daily
add weight resistance

[FEELIN'GOOD]

Wow you guys are doing great!!!! I haven;t really started yet- I did a little on the treadmil yesterday, but my kids kept bugging me- but last night, I talked to my husband and we are working out a plan that will have him watch the kids so I can workout in peace! So I will keep you posted-

Catherine- you are a great sarge- you have your troops all syked and ready to go!

Cassy great job! So detailed!

Futterfly you are so cute at 112! I haven't weighed 112 since I was about 13~ You should see wonderful results from this program! Can't wait to hear about your progress!

Raw Truth- I'm glad that you are joining in! You are right, even the thinest of folks are sometimes not the fitess- so good for you to take this challenge on yourself!

Coffeesquirrl- great start! You guys are so inspiring...

Keep it up and I'm hoping to do a combo- join this and try the Liqua fast once more with blended soups and smoothies-

I'll check in with you guys later... keep it strong!
Melissa

[RawNaturale]

To be able to dance. (my secret passion that i have never followed because of insecurities about my body)

Hey coffeesquirrel, I feel the same way...I used to dance at the clubs when I was a size 12. Um...not now, at least not in public. :rolleyes: There's some commercial about a "Big Guy's Dance Contest" and it shows some "big guys" dancing at a club. I dance to gospel music in the barn so now Anna tells me I would win the "Big Girls Dance Contest". Hey, it makes us laugh. I've always wanted to take a hip hop dance class. Watching the folks on BET, they've GOT to burning some calories to do that. :eek:

[coffeesquirrel]

hmm i know and they made it look so dang easy lol i would someday love to learn the latin dances and such... but i love any type of dancing ..well except the polka lol. it's so freeing and fun. hmm this could be a great way to do a little cardio.. you know someday once we are at our desired physical shape and health we are all gonna have to meet and throw a raw food party with lots of laughter and dancing. It would just be awesome to meet you guys in person because your a hoot on here and everyone has such good energy. wow gives me the tingles.. love you all. coffeesquirrel


oh and something i forgot before is that i never want to say the phrase " i will do ... when i get healthy (or thin)" never never never again ... dirty words

[askcassyfirst]

I am giggling, since I realized indeed as Feelin' Good said, my plan sure is detailed. Bet that illustrates my personality doesn't it? LOL :) I am such a maniac for planning & am compulsed to do it whether it seems right or not! (Nickname--Monk)

Anyway, I did yoga for 45 min today, 20 min resistance training, and 25 minutes on the stair stepper. Finding my pace...

Am working from home today, so I may take a walk later just to get air in my lungs...

Cassy :)

[catherinethegreat]

YEA! RawNaturale has already visited - I'd love for us to stop by there and report how well we are doing with a 100% Raw ( or whatever you are doing at this time )

it's called

Raw Foodies

http://boards.oprah.com/WebX?13@82.Qn4AbLeUX91.5@.f074c94

I wonder if more raw foodies will find it and join. We will have to name drop Alissa Cohen and her website!

Loved hearing everyone's posts this morning!! Totally inspires me to keep at it.

And the dancing --- yep - I have a dream to sing and play guitar.
And Jerry and I met on the dance floor at a wedding and I'd love to dance more - we NEVER do anymore. A goal for the end of the bootcamp is to go out dancing!!! I bet I'll have more energy then I do now.!

*c

[catherinethegreat]

Day 2~bootcamp

got up at 6:30am!!!!

weigh in at gym 148
weigh in at home 143

hmmmm which to choose!!!lol

30 min. treadmil - incline got up to 10, speed went up to 3.5 and then down to 2.2.

did the weights today in the weight room! only 2 people in there.

Went to barnes and Noble and bought the Bob Greene book

Today is suppose to be my second workout day - but I need to figure out what that is if I'm not going to the gym 2 times. If I can't find out what it is easily in the book - I'll do the power yoga tape for today.

Hope you are all enjoying the transition! THis is HUGE! You should be proud of yourselves for DECIDING to change your lives on every level.

I decided to start attending my spiritual communities groups again. It's been 3 years and I felt like I needed an overhaul - of mind - body - and spirit.

This bootcamp helps me to change in other areas too so I'm grateful!
Thanks for being here!!!!
*c

[lallen13]

Ok, I want to join!!! i will check out Oprah's site later but this has been fun reading all the people on here that are starting the boot camp. I have been raw for 2 weeks and need to start an exercise program.

[RawNaturale]

My exercise report:

25 mins on the Elliptical
70 minutes of heavy duty goatpoop shoveling (believe me, this is a workout!)

My goals:

Increase raw food consumption
Lose weight, but don't obsess
Do my yoga tape 3x a week
Elliptical 4x per week, increase to 30, 35, 40, 45 mins

My food today:

Goatmilk yogurt smoothie w/banana 1/2 mango, 6 strawberries
Banana, 1/2 mango, honey tangerine (all organic!! yippeeeeee!!!)
1 small avocado

Now I'm heading to the grocery to get some zukes, squash and tomatoes to make Alissa's marinara pasta (the book and dvd's came today...WOW!! I love them!).

Julie

[karotw]

Hi everyone!

I've been eyeing this thread for a couple of days but did not have enough time to look through it. Well, this morning I found the time and I'm hooked. I'm sorry that I didn't get to watch Oprah yesterday, but I think I've gotten the "gist" of it. Thank you Catherine for your thoroughness.

This is exactly what I've been looking for. Accountability! Not only do I get to show up to myself each day, but also to all of you that are traveling along this path, too. (and all those others on the O groups, too!).

Goals for now:
1. Lose weight (20-25 lbs for this 12 week time frame)
2. 100% Raw for those 12 weeks (and beyond)
3. Moving my body
4. Consciousness around both food and movement
5. Improved health
6. Deciding to do this, and doing it. No more "trying"

Okay, I probably have more but that's good for now.

Looking forward to joining you all on this journey!

Karen

[sweetgoddess]

I will delete this message after its been noticed Catherine~ Your inbox is full-cant message you lol

[flutterfly]

Man after you just ran 5 miles on the treadmill I need you to come kick MY butt! That is amazing!

I don't run, I power walk.Couldn't run if I wanted to and a big rabid dog was chasing me lol :eek:

[catherinethegreat]

Glad to have more people joining in on the bootcamp today!

lallen13 - have fun with it!

karotw - now we have this in common too! Yeeehaww! You go girrl!

RawNaturale - My financial manager is hear today working with me and I read to her your post about goatpoop shoveling. You should have seen the look on her face - cracking up! We had a good laugh!
*c

[karotw]

So is there anyone out there would be willing to call me at 6:15 a.m. (Pacific time) to help me get up in the morning? I've struggled so much with waking up on time this last 6 months and it's all I can do to get out of bed before 7:45. But I need this time in the morning to exercise.

I'm sure once I've done it for a little while, it won't be a problem anymore, but it doesn't seem to be something I can do without help. . .

so, short of someone calling in the a.m., does anyone have any suggestions? :o

Thank you!
Karen

[FindingMegan]

I posted on the Oprah Raw Foodies thread and wanted to post more here. This is just what I needed to get myself committed after falling off the raw food challenge 2 weeks ago.

I truly feel 100% raw vegan is right for me and I know that consistent exercise is so important.

My personal bootcamp goals are:

1) 100% raw vegan starting 2/16 and continuing for 12 weeks (and beyond)
2) Workout 6 days/week for a total of 8 workouts
3) Visualize nightly on what I want to look & feel like at the end of 12 weeks
4) Finish my Garden Diet courses
5) Go from 113 lbs. to 101 or 102.
6) Firm up - increase muscle definition (in time for summer)
7) Let go of food as an emotional crutch

My workouts will consist of consistent Oxycise or Lifelift as the base. I have ordered The Miracle Seven and may incorporate those moves. I will also mix it up some by adding either free weights or my Total Gym for definition. I would also like to eventually begin yoga again too. I have never been consistent with exercise, so I will consider myself successful if I do 8 workouts/week of any movement.

My thanks to everyone's enthusiasm on this thread. It has truly gotten me psyched up for action. :D

[Sharon in Colorado]

RawNaturale - My financial manager is hear today working with me and I read to her your post about goatpoop shoveling. You should have seen the look on her face - cracking up! We had a good laugh!
*c

RawNaturale - check out fitday.com You might be surprised to find an activity like the one you do. I remember seeing wood-chopping and hay shoveling on there!

Sometimes I think the best kind of work-out is something we have to do anyway...so it's not an 'extra' chore. Like not too long ago when people didn't have all the conveniences we have today. We have washers and dryers and dishwashers, so now we have treadmills and weights and stationary bikes. I think most people are unhealthier due to our minute society.

[askcassyfirst]

Sharon, I totally agree! My first several months raw I was walking everywhere, and since I wasn't working I had the time...Now, with a job that keeps me busy 50 hours or so a week, and in an office nonetheless, I have little chance to walk to whereever I want to go. I often find myself pacing at work to keep my circulation going. One woman even brought in a mini trampoline for us to use...

It is too bad that modern times have brought more sedentary lifestyles, but I am greatful that it did bring vehicles...I so appreciate being able to shop a store miles away and bring home the food without it spoiling in the FL sun!

Cassy :)

[catherinethegreat]

karotw

I am getting up at 6:30 and if you want a call at 6:15 I can do that!

it will be a good thing for me to commit to so I get out of bed too!

You can private message me about the details!

*c

[flutterfly]

Today I did 5 miles on the treadmill. 3.8 MPH at an incline of 1.5
Free wts. for 20 mins. On the bean for 10 working abs.
I ate banana /nut smoothie for breakfast salad for lunch and another banana/nut smoothie for dinner. Also had my 48 oz of water.
The rest of you are doing so well !!!
I also am signed up under the Raw Foodies. What a great challenge. Alissa, are you going to do this with us?

PS.
Thanks Lookin Good :D

[RawNaturale]

It's official. I'm down 15 lbs. Just had to share my loss with you. ;)

[catherinethegreat]

THAT IS SO GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D

I'm totally inspired to keep going - I was not looking forward to my second workout today....but your post is getting me off my booty!

*c

[kiwikid78]

Hey Raw Naturale,
That's awesome. I'm so pleased for you! You must feel proud of yourself! Great motivation to keep going eh?! 15 lbs is a milestone!!

Keep it up,

Megan

[flutterfly]

It's official. I'm down 15 lbs. Just had to share my loss with you. ;)

Good job. How long has it been since you started?

[catherinethegreat]

ok so I just watched the after show from the bootcamp show.

The main things I learned from the after show:

1.The gang from Oprah's office that did bootcamp together claimed that the buddy system was the reason they were able to make it through. They met every morning for the workouts.

~ Bob Greene highly recommended having a buddy or support system in place.

2. Having a motivator ( besides the goal )
the guy who lost 500 pounds said it was his family and friends

3. Bob was saying that the low carb diets and all the different diets are really just calorie reducing diets - disguised in different forms of diet - but restricting certain foods. But that you will not lose weight and keep it off without exercise.
~ Oprah says put on a pedometer and see how much you walk per day and record that. You can also go to Bob's website and record it and it will keep track for you as you go. Not sure the website link.

So my thought is that maybe we buddy up specifically for this. Find another person doing bootcamp and write to them daily or somehow be accountable with them? thoughts???

I must say that I had Sweetgoddess ( and still do ) as my raw buddy and that one person changed my life - because I was able to share on the boards - but then get really really brutally honest with her. And it made us laugh out loud and bond through the process.

Anyhow - just a suggestion.

I still have to do my second workout - and I don't want to. But I will.

*c

[RawTruth]

Wahoooo! How great!! All that shoveling makes a difference, no? And ... I think you should dance NOW. It's the greatest cardio workout. I'm just gonna put on some fast music and go for it in addition to my walking. It sure can't hurt and it always makes me smile (makes my dogs laugh, though!).

Karen & Catherine -- I want a wake up call, too!! Maybe, since we're within mere miles of each other, we can alternate the calling ... ?

[RawNaturale]

Thanks for the cheers. I was pretty happy to see that scale drop. I had only lost a pound last week and was down 4 this week. I've been trying to eat healthy/drop weight since 1/3, flutterfly.

I think the buddy system is a great idea, Sarge... :)

[flutterfly]

You have done extra great since 1/3. I really thought you were going to say longer. wow!

[catherinethegreat]

RawTruth - - what if I call Karen and then she calls you?
I don't need a call - it will really make my boyfriend sad if the phone rings!
He doesn't get home from work until 10:30 most nights - goes to bed at midnight or later - so he sleeps until 9am. Now I'm the opposite. Funny thing. I've been imagining myself as a gal who gets up real early to work out - for the past 10 years and now I'm actually doing it.
The weight loss thing just about makes me blow my top if I think about it since I haven't lost any weight yet. So I get to cheer extra loud for you all and keep on moving.( wow did you hear that victim just chime up there! I'm noticing that I'm addicted to the victim too. Gotta let that one go! Starting a gratitude list tonight! )
Oh my - "sarge!" that just cracks me up - I just dropped and gave myself 20 sit ups and then another 20 sit ups. Push ups didn't quit happen tonight.
I'm feeling the need to read Bob's book so I have more ideas for the second workout.
I did go for a walk today to the grocery store and cariied groceries home which were heavy...so that counts!

*c

[RawTruth]

PUSH UPS?!?!?!?!? Are you serious? I can't do a single pushup with my pipestem arms! (I still like the dancing idea!)

Actually, I don't need a wakeup call. As I was falling asleep last night, I told myself to wake up at 6 a.m. and I obeyed myself. Wow, well trained, huh.

I like the buddy idea. I told the friend I walk with about the boot camp challenge, but she isn't all that interested.

[catherinethegreat]

ok - THAT is something I can do!
I LOVE that. Makes me laugh when I dance.

Such a great idea.

*c

[Ireland]

RawNaturale, that is so cool! It's always a long road back to healthy for a lot of us, but you're on your way. :)

[RawNaturale]

Anybody going to get Bob Greene's new book? Just curious if anyone has any comments on it.

I did well last night...I made the zuke marinara and it was yummy. I didn't do any snacking of any kind after that, either. That no food after 7:30 is a killer though. Anyone have any thoughts on it since we're doing raw? I wouldn't think an extra veggie after 7:30 would be bad, but maybe not fruits.

Julie

[racheljj]

I'm going to join you all and do this high raw. I plan to start on Monday as I'm planning out what I will do.

Rachel

[coffeesquirrel]

raw natural ... congrats on the weight loss. that is so awesome.. (i'd sure it was the barn dancing that put you over the top lol)

last night i so so so did not want to workout but as i did not want to be in trouble with the sarge i did it and i felt so great after. (my cells where pretty happy and if i'm not mistaken i heard a little dancing going on in there .) I had grand plans to get up extra early this morning and do a workout but alas my bed was so warm and i do so hate to wake up the cat so i sleep till my normal time.. (not the best excuse but it was the only one i could think of) :D will do it over lunch .

To find in ourselves what makes life worth living is risky business,
for it means that once we know we must seek it. It also means that
without it life will be valueless.
~ Marsha Sinetar

[catherinethegreat]

I bought his book yesterday and started looking through it - the one thing I like is that he gives you more exercises - and stratches to do then Oprah did - and there are pictures so you can figure out what the heck he is talking about.

Not sure if I will read it or not. There are a lot of words in there.

But I may slowly make my way through it. I wasn't as excited about the book as I wished I was.

But I'm sure once I "decide" to read it - I will find some helpful hints there.

*C

[FEELIN'GOOD]

Catherine- thanks for the comments on the book, I was considering getting it too- but if it is too 'wordy' I don't think I will enjoy it... maybe I will thumb through it at Costco when I go today.

Rachel- So glad that you are joining in!!!

RawNaturale- That's terrific! 15 pounds is HUGE!!! Did you watch the Oraph show when she showed what 5 pounds of fat looked like???? It is a ton! I'm proud of you gal! Keep moving and the rest will slide right off! We are here cheer you along!

Cassy- I hope you didn't take offense to my comment that you are so detailed... I don't think that you did, but just to be sure I wanted to check in.... I'm lacking organization in my life- so I think it is awesome that you have it together like you do! I love the detail- it gives us who arn't so together a little guide to success :D Keep it comin'!

As for me:

Yesterday- I did the FIRM cardio workout + the Venna & Nenna Bellydance workout. I also got in the spa and did a little water arobics (just flapping around like a fish on a hook really, but the hot water felt good on my already sore muscles!)

As for food- I ate broc and carrots tossed with sea salt then I poured hot (not boiling) water over the top and let it drain through a strainer- It makes the broc limp and warm enough to taste wonderfully! I also drank an orange juice and banana smoothie for breakfast. For lunch- I had an avocado with tomato and cilantro. I also drank cuc juice and a ton of water all day... I feel great!

Today- I hope to do the routine all over again, but add some treadmill... I may even get in a pilates video if the days goes well!

Good luck all!
Melissa

[catherinethegreat]

Forgot that on the after show - Reggie - the makeup artist who did the bootcamp with Oprah - said that he would notice a huge difference when he left his negativity at home while working out. He only allowed positive thoughts in - and it changed his workout tremendously.
*c

[coffeesquirrel]

got my pilates done over lunch but i had to do other stuff too so unfortunitly i did not get onto the leg press but purhaps tonight after the little one is in bed. :) loved the idea of putting hot water on the broc to make it taste better.. i will have to try that. cheer's coffeesquirrel

[karotw]

I could have swore I posted here earlier. . .it's been that kind of day!

Catherine - thanks for the wake up, even though I was already up and dressed when you called, knowing that you were going to call was the motivation that I needed! I went to the gym, did 30 good minutes on the treadmill and about 15 minutes of dumbell exercises. I did the same thing last night, too.

I thought maybe that I would feel like I was behind because I didn't start on Monday, but Monday is actually going to be rest day, so it's all worked out quite well.

Congrats to you, RawNaturale, on the weight loss!!

Yea Coffeesquirrel! Awesome about the pilates at lunch time.

Feelingood - I love Veena and Neena - I've just been too ashamed of my body lately to do it. . .you inspire me!

Rachel - welcome!

RawTruth - I'll call if you'd like me to. . .I believe that if I do this for a week or two with some consistency that it will cease to be a problem waking up in the morning but I know how motivation helps me. . .let me know!

Flutterfly - you go! I long for the day when I can go 5 miles in a work out. . .it's small steps for me at this point

Everyone else - I wish you the best today as you continue this journey. . .thanks to all of you for your inspiration. .

The neatest thing about today is that I'm eating raw and I have no desire for anything else. . . and I exercised. . .who'd a thought:D

[Sweet lips]

Catherine,

How do you join the Oprah Groups? Which group is ours Raw Foodies or Rah Rah Raw and please give me total instructions on how to do this.

[flutterfly]

I'm going to join you all and do this high raw. I plan to start on Monday as I'm planning out what I will do.

Rachel
Nice to have you here with us Rachel. How are you doing? :D

[FEELIN'GOOD]

Feelingood - I love Veena and Neena - I've just been too ashamed of my body lately to do it. . .you inspire me!

Karen- There is nothing to be ashamed about if you are in your bedroom- just Nenna, Venna , and you are gettin' your freak on girl! I tell you what, that workout is effective! My love handles are fading and I feel like I have control of my upper stomach (yes, I have 3 apparently :eek: ) It is fun too- my daughter does it with me. The first time I did their basic workout, I was so sore the next day, I felt like I was hit by a truck- literally! You are off to a great start Karen- keep your head up and set your goals! You can do it!

[RawNaturale]

Oh cool, they accepted Rah Rah Raw...I submitted that at the same time Sarge did. Maybe I'll go over there and post a bunch of raw links (like this one!) so people who might cruise by it can get a feel for the raw lifestyle.

Ok, THIS JUST IN!

I had my psych appt today (every 3 months whether I need it or not) and my doc is way cool. He's a power lifter, too. Anyway, he noticed I'd lost weight and we talked about going raw and what exercise I'm doing, no sugar, all whole foods, no chemicals or processed foods or drinks, blah blah blah. (Also, I'm still drug and alcohol free so that makes a huge difference in my mental states, LOL.) Anyway, without my even asking him, he said that with my current eating plan and exercise, we might be able to taper me off ALL of my meds eventually. Whoo hoooo! That would be great! I have severe depression and have never been able to go off meds without dire consequences. Anyway, he cut one back and we'll see how I do over the next month. My weight gain was after going on these meds in '96, so I would be thrilled if I can go off them for good.

Ok, I'm taking my selves out to the barn now to feed goat babies. ;)

[askcassyfirst]

Wednesday bootcamp checkin. This program is really great. When my alarm went off this morning I was like, gee, the bed is so warm. But then I thought, it would only be an extra hour of sleep, and that I have committed to doing the extra exercise, and viola, I was up and out of the covers before I could hit the snooze button.

I did some stepper, plus yoga, and resistance abs and legs. For my leg exercises I did squats, lunges, calf raises and stretches. I love how the muscles feel warm. Then did the stair stepper for a bit. I am a bit sore like, in my chest. Probably since I have not done the chest presses as much as I had yesterday...I am using 8 & 15 pound weights. I used to bench much more, but it is harder when you are using free weights to do the flys and stuff.

RawNaturale-that is wonderful about being able to reduce your meds. It must be great feeling that you did yourself. YOu commitment to yourself. That is so empowering...

FEELIN'GOOD- How nice to be able to exercise with your children! I would think that would be great motivation for both yourself and them.

karotw, flutterfly & coffeesquirel - keep up the great work.

Cat (Sarge) thanks for leading the pack!

To everyone else I missed, and those who are lurking: We will complete this challange in mid May, with high spirits, clean bodies and strong toned bodies. I am thankful for the inspiration!

Cassy :)

[catherinethegreat]

Love hearing everyone's posts today!

Here is my quick report:

got up at 6:30am

treadmil 30 minutes incline 5.5 speed 3.5 miles 1.45

Food side note: I went to whole foods and had this green cabbage salad that I thought looked good and the ingredients looked like all the stuff I usually eat RAW....but then I realized the honey and the almonds are not raw -and guess waht - my body has been telling me so the entire day. Blech!

Went to a class tonight - brought my own dinner but wasn't hungry and my 7:30pm ean time came and went. At 8:00 it was a little snack break and I drank my water and wasn't hungry.
Now I'm home - Jerry is eating - and I'm not hungry. I felt antsy when I got home because of the ritual to go to the kitchen and eat...but that passed very quickly. I'm going to keep drinking my water ( it will be 2.2 liters when I'm done with it tonight. ) and go without dinner.

Feels so good and affirming to stick with this even when it's out of the ordinary to not snack or eat dinner.

karotw- glad the call was helpful - let me know if you still want to do that - I'm happy to do whatever works best for you. I'm considering getting up at 6am and in that case I may not be able to call because I'll already be at the gym - but I'll keep you posted/ Glad you are enjoying the adventure!

Sweet lips - You can go to
http://www.oprah.com
and find her link to the bootcamp - sign in - or register - and you can look up either group. I started the Raw Foodies group and RawNAturale started the Rah rah raw! So you can use both or one or whatever you like. I haven't been over there since I signed up - that website is SO DARN SLOW!!! BUt I think it's fun that we have it on her website!!!

FEELIN'GOOD - I'm totally interested in that workout now!!! Glad you posted about it! Sounds like a hoot and a real hard workout!

RawNaturale - ok did I say lately that you RAWK~! That is SO great about the meds. I too have been on meds for the past year ( and about 10 years ago I was on them ) and I weaned myself off of them before raw - and I had to go back on them - and now I'm 100% off and feeling a LOT better. I wish you the BEST with that - I know it can be tricky to get off of them.

askcassyfirst - You are amazing girl! All that in one day. amazing amazing.

Hope you all had wonderful - powerful - affirming days today. And that you really KNOW deeply how incredible you are and all that you are doing to give yourselves the BEST LIFE EVER.

I love that quote from Oprah.

Live your best life ever.

What have you got to lose???

*catherinethegreat. ( the gal with the invisible tiara on...lol! )

[jorjeni]

Can we start at anytime???

I plan on doing the 30 day challenage starting in March I don't know about the working out right now with my medical problems but I do belong to a club that has a infred sauna you can burn up to 600 cals. for sitting in there for 30mins. So I was thinking of doing that as my doctor and I decide if I need to have surgery again.

[racheljj]

Thanks to everyone for the welcome.

Hey, Flutterfly. I'm doing good--just trying to recover from an exhausting weekend/week. And, I'm gearing up to start this boot camp!

Rachel

[coffeesquirrel]

wow cassy your a busy chica, feelin'good i have the belly dancing video but have not done it in a long long time lol thanks for reminding about it. lol I much prefer my erotic dancing video which is fun and cracks me up to no end lol . oh hey yesterday when i went home i finished up my workout with getting on the leg press ... yey you know for those of you with kids i read somewhere that if your kids see you workout and or workout with you they have a 60% better chance of being healthy adults.. so yey for the kids getting into the act. am gonna be doing the arms back and chest today yay. i'll check in later coffeesquirrel

[RawNaturale]

Hi Jorieni and welcome! Yes, start it whenever you can/get prepared. I don't think there are any set rules, per se, just do it! :D

Man, all of you guys are totally inspiring. Cassy, I need some of your energy. WOW! http://216.97.116.55/GRAPHICS/6/notworthy.gif

Sarge, way to go on not eating after 7:30. I managed not to either. I had some beet/kale juice with Anna at 8:00 after we finished goat chores, but ate nothing after that, and normally I would have.

Ok, after chores I did 31 mins on the elliptical this am (up 6 mins from Monday). For brekkie I made a Raw Paradise smoothie, my own creation, thankyouverymuch. It had raw, fresh goatmilk yogurt, banana, papaya, strawberries, coconut oil and flax oil. MMMMMM! Where's the chops licking smilie? LOL

I'm heading out now to run some errands, pick up some artesian water from the fountain, goat chow, cat food, etc.

Everyone have the best life ever,
Julie

[catherinethegreat]

jorjeni - You can join any time you want/can. Anyone is welcome - and you can create your own 12 week workout - especially with health concerns!!
The Infra red sauna needs to be in my house - I'd just sit in there all day!:D

My Day 4 report~woke up at 6:30 - fell back to sleep - woke up at 7:15! Missed my call time to Karen this morning! OOPS Sorry KAREN!
WEnt to the YMCA - 30 minutes on treadmil final was 3.5 speed at 3.5 incline, 5 minute cool down.

U2 rocks my world when I work out - I have the new CD and the beat is so fast ( perfect at 3.5 on the treadmil! )and it's so great to listen to - I want to wave my arms around and dance on the treadmil! lol...think anyone would care?!?!?!

Did Bob Geene's exercises when I got home. I'm going to make a copy of those pages in his book so I can just do them at the Y before I get on the treadmil.

ok - I think I lost a pound. I can feel a difference in my belly.
The scale at the Y said one pound - but at this point - who really knows if it's accurate. But I feel different.

There is a class here in LA called the S factor. It's a strip dancing on the pole - exercise class!!!! I've been wanting to take it for MONTHS now - but I've been too embarassed.

I'm going to find out if they have tues and Thurs classes!!!

OR buy the DVD and do that at home!

You can even buy a pole that you can attached tot he ceiling - and then you can remove it. Its not permenent.

Here is the link for anyone who is curious

http://www.sfactor.com/index.asp

Tee hee - - blush blush!

The gal from Desperate Houswives - Teri Hatcher does this exercise class and said it changed her life.

Have a great day - and as RawNaturale - Oprah - and I - all love to say
Live your best life ever!

xoxoxox!

*c :D

[catherinethegreat]

ok - I just went to see the S factor to make sure I gave you the correct link - and they have 2 new intro classes - so I SIGNED UP !!!!

I'm going to my first class Sat. March 6th at 8pm...

Oh my!

I can't wait - AND I'M Terrified!!!!!!!!
seems like my life is all about pushing the envelope and getting out of my safety zone!!



:eek:

*c

[FEELIN'GOOD]

Catherine- you are too cute! Pole dancing XXXercising? Hahaha :) Just kidding- sounds like it would be fun! The Bellydance DVD is not really hard to do, it is just very toning... the moves are easy, but the next day, your body has awoken lots of sleepy muscles... I want to get the next DVD in their series- I have the beginners one. The FIRM videos are the best in my opinion for getting in shape- their site is:

http://www.firmdirect.com/homepage.asp?source=goog&keyword=the%20firm-%20videos

As for me:

Yesterday- I did the Bellydance workout and I walked 3 miles on the treadmill. I also did about 30 minutes of crazy dance with my kids in the living room. They thought it was a party :D

FOOD: I had some broc w/ sliced almonds- a few pieces of raw fudge- and a huge salad for dinner. I also had a x-tra large banana/orange smoothie for breakfast and a green drink for lunch with a bunch of Kale/Cucumber/cabbage- not bad!

Let's keep it going guys!
Melissa

[coffeesquirrel]

WOW YOUR GO CATHRINE LOL SOUNDS LIKE LOADS OF FUN ***please do report back and let us know what it was like. kewl kewl kewl coffeesquirrel

[karotw]

Hello!

I am sooooo glad that we are doing this.

Here is my report for today. I got up at 6:25 a.m. (a minor miracle) and was at the gym by 6:45. 30 minutes of cardio on the cross trainer today. It was harder work than yesterday and I was fighting it at times, but I just kept reminding my to just be present with my body. Worked pretty well. I was had almost decided to just do the cardio and go home, but I checked my messages after the cardio and Catherine had called me, so I was inspired and went upstairs and did my 15 minutes of dumbell work. I still have a 30 minute "extra" to do at some point today (I'm really trying to follow the plan Oprah has on her website), but I should have time later for that.

Everyone seems to be doing so well!

Feelingood - I am in such a good place right now that I think Neena and Veena need to get dusted off. May even go buy myself a new scarf. . .I really like bellydancing. . and the ab benefits are great.

Though, I'm thinking that Coffeesquirrel has the right idea with the erotic dance tape or Catherine with the pole dancing. . . hmmm. . .the possiblities are endless! Keep us posted. . .;)

RawNaturale - how awesome about the Dr. visit. What a wonderful gift you are giving you body and mind! Oh, and give the baby goats a pat for me. . . .It's been far too many years since the last time I petted a baby goat :D

Cassy - You Go!! You are so commited. Can't say that I didn't hit the snooze this morning, but I do know what you mean about just getting up and going. Keep up the good work!

Catherine - Thanks for the call today, even though it was late. I'd like to say I don't need them, but if you are willing, I might want to keep going for another few days. . .like this morning, even though you didn't call before I left, knowing that you were going to call got me out of bed. . . Totally you call, though. . .oh, and if you are going earlier, that's fine, you can call me earlier, too. . just gives me a little more time in the a.m.
I'm going to have to burn some CDs with really rocking music - U2 is good and may mix it up with a little of Rob's techno LOL. Anything to keep me inspired.
Congratulations on signing up for the S Factor class. . . I'm going to have to find out more. . .

Jorjeni - welcome!


Okay - today's interesting thought. I have struggled with body image and anxiety and at times have been so freaked out about what other people would think of me that I wouldn't even leave my office all day to avoid being seen. Things are better now, but I still struggle with things like exercise classes at the gym and I prefer to be on the workout machines on the back row. Well, haven't had much choice at the gym lately (very crowded) and I haven't even been aware of the fact there are people around. I've been doing weights in front of the mirror and I'm not having the "ew" reaction when I look at myself. . these are all good things. . .and today I even considered that going to one of the morning step classes might okay to do. . .progress!

Keep up the great work everyone!!!!

[krysnted]

I heard about the S factor in 2003. I immediately ordered her first video! This last year I went back to school full time, so I have lost all exercise and healthy eating desires. Thanks for reminding me about the video, I will get it back out and try the Oprah bootcamp too. This website is the most motivating site I have ever come across. Thanks for the inspiration, for I really hate to workout.
Krys

[catherinethegreat]

krysnted - glad this website is so positive for you!!! WE all love it ! :D
SO....DO TELL.....what is the S factor like???
What is the video like - is it worth the money? If so I can take her intro class and then buy the DVD. MUCH less expensive.
*c

[RawNaturale]

Check out this website...I might be able to get my groove on in the privacy of my own living room. So now I can WIN that Big Girl Dance Contest. :D

http://stores.justaboutfitness.com/Search.bok?category=Dance+Fitness

[flutterfly]

What a busy day. I did not get to work out today on the treadmill but did the free wts at home. Tomorrow will be the treadmill again.
The rest of you are all doing very good. Keep pumping !

[FEELIN'GOOD]

RawNaturale: These two looked pretty interesting- Jeff Costa's Cardio Striptease Workout Volume 2 & The Art of Exotic Dancing FOR EVERYDAY Women: Develop Your Routine (That one really cracks me up! Like practice for work?!) Let us know if you try them- and we want pictures or better yet, video :D

Seriously- the Paula Abdul ones look pretty good. I love her dance moves... and she is so sweet on American Idol.

Please share the S-Factor with us- the fact that you can buy an adaptable pole kills me!!!! My husband would think his fantasy has finally come true if he saw that in the living room! :D

Today I have been busy- had a meeting at 7:30am :( Then I had to get some computer stuff from FRYs for work... now it is raining and I am tired from being up so early. I may take a little nap then get on the treadmill... I need some get up and go today... SARGE, where are you?????????????

Melissa

[askcassyfirst]

Thursday bootcamp checkin:
Did YOga, free weights for arms and chest and shoulders plus ab work. Also did 25 min on stepper. Did all this while watching TV...more TV than I have watched in a while. Mostly cause I need batteries for my mp3 player! Must deal with that.

Sounds like everyone is staying positive and on program...I am enjoying the free weights. I missed them...

Cassy :)

[catherinethegreat]

Hi there - I'm here - Sounds like Feelin'Good had an exhausting day!
Hope you were able to take that much needed nap and find the energy to get in your workout too! Today I kept imagining Oprah doing this for herself. The music really helped me get into a groove too. oh - something I used to hear when I was newly sober and considering whether or not to go to a meeting:

"do you really have something better to do?!"

This helped me get my booty to that meeting - realizing that my own efforts to doing my life on my own terms had got me in big trouble. Hope this phrase is helpful!!!!

I had a much needed day of rest. I'm used to going to bed around midnight or 1am and getting up around 9:30.

Now I'm going to bed at midnight or 1am and getting up at 6:30. So today - after my morning workout - and lunch with friends - I gave myself permission to take a power lounging day. Napped from 4:30 until 7pm! I have had horrible acid reflux today - and it's been around for 2 days now. But today was the worst!! Worse then before raw! So I knew I needed to be gentle and just heal.
Haven't done my second workout for the day. Need to catch up. Yoga tonight sounds very good.

Since I woke up at 7pm - I made dinner - the marinara sauce over zucchini noodles. Ate 2 bites of it and had to put it in the frdige as it came to 7:30pm. So another day with no dinner. And I must say I'm not freaking out. I think because Oprah did it - and talked about those days without dinner. If she can do it - so can I.

I've been listening to my mind chatter about eating "normal" today. So fun to watch the mind do it's thing and try to sabatoge me. I want an icecream cone when I'm in Spain in May, I want sushi, can't I eat sushi with no rice?, I want to just make a hamburger, I want to not have to plan my meals.

ok - logic:
It's not May yet and I'm not in Spain right now. So I don't have to worry about that today.
Sushi is an option. I can stop being vegan if I want to. but not when I'm obsessing about it. That usually means that I have some transformation that is going to happen and if I go eat what my mind is telling me to eat - I will miss the opportunity. Reminds me of when I was new to AA. Not acting on a thought - is very empowering, but can be so challenging to remember that the mind isn't always telling the truth or guiding me where I REALLY want to go.
Just making a hamburger - has consequences. Think that thought ALL the way through - like Just having a little drink or one cigarette....has that every worked for me before? I'm an all or nothin gal - so ....nope!
Planning - ahhhh yes - I think I need that book Raw in 10 minutes. And I need to go read more recipes and make a few stand by's to have around for when I'm hungry. Right now - there are no options in my kitchen. And grabbing fruit - is out because of the candida. So my choices are very narrow - or so it seems.

Sorry my posts are so long on this thread - this particular post I needed to write as I have been listening too long today to my mind go and go.

If it wasn't for all of you and your commitments - my ship might sink. So thank you for doing this for yourselves!!!!!

I LOVE hearing how your day went - and knowing that we are together on this one - even though ultimately it's a personal challenge.

love,
*c

[catherinethegreat]

wow we made it to day 5!!!! YAHOOOOOOO! :D :) ;)

Today

woke up at 6:30am
YMCA
treadmil 30 minutes incline 6.5 speed 3.0 5 minute cooldown.

Still need to do my second workout from yesterday.
I may go to blockbuster and see if they have exercise dvd's I can rent. ?

I need a great dancing DVD. So I may get one from the link that was posted. But I'm afraid to spend money on something that I haven't seen.

breakfast - made my own applesauce - from the book - eating without heating. Boy was it tasty. Eat it with raisins and smeared it on manna bread.

Hope the rest of you had a great workout today!

Tomorrow is the double day!!!!!

I know we can do it!

xo
*c

[RawNaturale]

You know, Sarge, it would be fun to do a video swap club. You know, you get tired of one and you could trade for awhile with someone (provided you're confident you'll get it back...). Hey, I wonder if Netflix has exercise videos...

Today I did an hour of wallpapering (hey, it was a workout! well, almost) and then I did 30 mins on the elliptical. I will do some resistance band thingys this afternoon.

For lunch I made a yummy salad using Alissa's ginger dressing --- used lime juice instead of lemon. YUM! Snack was 2 apples and breakfast was another Tropical Paradise smoothie.

Oh, I unloaded and stacked 900 lbs of feed last night...not my feed...goat chow. :D

Here are our newest little goat beasties:

[catherinethegreat]

SO CUTE!!! I want one - or two or...maybe a herd !

Need to get to a petting zoo so I can see some live and in person.

Maybe you could have a bootcamp weekend where we all come out and shovel poop out there and bond with the little babies! lol!

Good idea about the video swap. I have 2. I never watch them. Both are yoga videos. I'd love to swap with someone for a week.

*c

[RawNaturale]

Glad you like the beasties. They are so fun when they're little. I'm their "mama" since we hand-raise them. They see me and they start screaming for milk.

My videos are yoga, too. I just remembered that I bought a copy of The Firm but now I can't recall if I sold them on amazon or not...will have to go look.

Ok, back to carpet-ripping exercise...I'm re-doing the back bedroom and we discovered hardwood floors. Soooo, no more nasty carpet!

EDIT: I forgot about this site...it's very cool if you want to look up a video and see real-life reviews of it (not a sales pitch).

http://www.videofitness.com/

[twinyoga]

Just checking in for a moment today (I'm trying to stay away from the computer these days and be a little more productive around the house).

Anyway, I started Oprah's bootcamp and love it! I only want to lose about 10 lbs. max but I'm following all that we should be doing. I've exercised every day (running, yoga, and weights are my exercises), drinking my water, not eating after 7pm, and enjoying it.

Have fun.

[askcassyfirst]

HOw cute! Baby goats! :)

Bootcamp checkin for friday:
Did yoga & Freeweights for legs. Felt much stronger on the squats than I did the other day. Was running a bit late so I didn't get to do the extra stair stepper, but I did my yoga high energy...

I am chewing lots of gum today, but I got the zylichew as per the recommendation on the board. I can't recall who posted it, but it is much better then Peelu when it comes to dental work. Gum is a touchy thing for me...can lead to chain mint eating...But it keeps my mouth cleaner I find. Does gum count against you on Oprah's challenge? I should have it a no no for me, since it is a pretty bad vice for me.

Cassy :)

[catherinethegreat]

Saturday - for those of us who started Monday - is our day to double our workout time.

Oh Boy.

Here we go!

Look forward to hearing how it went for you!!!!!

p.s. you know that post where I said that I would kick you out if you slipped more then 2 times??? I just can't do that - only oprah can! And she won't either. it's just you - and you.

*c

[RawNaturale]

Good thing you're not kicking me out! I was just going to post that last night was our "cheat night" and we ate Thai food. We do that once a week for sanity purposes. I am having an easier time adjusting to raw than Anna is, but I will probably keep one meal a week where I eat what I want. Or think I want... :rolleyes:

I did 31 mins. on the elliptical and some light upper body work in the afternoon. I ate splendidly on track (until we had our dinner), and I didn't have any dessert or anything afterward. Didn't want it, which is a good sign.

I am doing a salt flush this am, so my workout will be in the afternoon.

Sarge, have you looked at Bob Greene's book any more? Liking it any better?

[catherinethegreat]

Good morning!

Yea - I've been reading bob greenes book and I'm liking it. I'm also reading Detox your World by Shazzie and Raw Family so the raw books are holding my attention much more! But I think it's a good book actually. Right now I am reading about how you really can't flatten the tummy with diet alone. ( although I have done it with diet alone ...but I was also doing colonics every other day to get the poop out! lol)

I'm thinking of posting key points from the book as I read it - just for something to ponder during the week.

Thai food ...yummy.

Sounds like you've got some good balance going on at your house. ANd no dessert - that is faboooo!

Yesterday I was in a meeting with a client from 4:30 - 7pm so I rushed to make dinner before my 7:30 cut off. Made a salad and ate it at 7:30pm - finished by 8pm. I was not interested in skipping dinner 3 days in a row.
Although I bet my tummy would be flatter today !!

Guess I should go to the gym for my hour treadmil.

I let myself sleep in today and now it's sort of screwed up my schedule.

Oh well. It's Saturday.

*c

[FEELIN'GOOD]

RawNaturale- let me know how that salt flush doo's ya. I may do it tomorrow and start my first MC.... fun :D I wanted to know how harsh the salt flush was... and how long before you have 'results'... I am going to church at 10:30 am... I wonder if I will be safe if I do it before I leave... I don't want to be on the pot in church- yikes!

Catherine- you are doing so great at keeping this all together! Thanks again!

As for me, the last few days have been crazy. I did workout though- not as tough as I would want but pretty good. I do 3 miles a day on the TM and do crazy dance for 1/2 hour or the bellydance workout. Today, my MIL and SIL are coming over... it will be a challenge to eat raw while they devour chinese food... oh well. I have some organic collards, and I am hoping the restaurant will load me up on RAW STIR FRY so I could make some wraps... yum! At least I won't feel left out!

Catherine- I also want to wish you luck tonight with the party! I hope I can make the next one- We had this planned with my MIL for a while now. Are you going to Natures First Law's party on April 23? It sounds like it will be a blast...

Take care... I will try to check in later... you guys are all doing so great! We are gonna look so Gooooood!

Best-
Melissa

[catherinethegreat]

WOW I'm so amazed that I got through the hour workout - it was 3.5 miles!
WOW WOW WOW.

also...drumroll please..........

I lost my first 2 pounds!

YAY!!!!!

Guess my body was trying to tell me to WORKOUT in order to LOSE WEIGHT. And that just eating raw wasn't going to do it for me.

I must also report that I did the first 1/2 hour on the treadmil as I always do and worked my way up to 6.5 incline and 3.5 speed - then did the entire thing all over again. I think I could have gone longer!!

Today is the potluck at my house but the rain is making me want to have a rain check. I just can't seem to get in touch with RawTruth to let her know. The streets here are very flooded. I heard that there were 270 accidents between midnight and 7am !! No need to add to that. I say - stay home!

Hopefully she will get my private message as I cannot find her phone number.

I'm curious about the salt flush too. I can't afford the colonics this week. But I think I would benefit from the salt flush. Maybe Monday?

Feelin'Good - good luck with the lunch today - Chinese ..oh MAN that sounds good.

Hey I was remembering something that helped me when I was newly sober and people thought I should go have a drink - because I had matured enough (LOL)
My motto was - Just because you Can do something doesn't mean you should.
For some reason this helped me so much in my life.
Now I'm finding it to be helpful again when my friend says - ohhh this cream of asparagus soup is so good, I'm sorry you are missing out.

Oy vey. Give me a break.

ok - I'm off. I'm going to do my second workout today - a power yoga tape I have and have never done. Should be interesting since I DON'T WANT TO.
Boy my mind can be so definant.

ok - have a great day today!
love
*c

[deb]

:D :D :D :D


Wow, you guys are doing great!

I'm still at it but am having to work up to my original plans. It was a little too ambitious...

[RawNaturale]

Hey Melissa...if you did the salt flush at 7 am, you should be fine for church. I did mine at 7 and was "done" within an hour or so. It's pretty quick. I did the salt deal b/c I read that some folks do this after a "non-raw/cheat" meal to get the system flushed out so the stuff doesn't just sit there.

Anna and I had "Fun with Beets" this week... :o Um, if you've never juiced beets before, be prepared for pink pee. And fucsia poop. LOL It was a trip, I tell ya! I got this hushed, but anxious phone call from Anna at work saying, "My pee is PINK!" :eek: Funny stuff.

Ok, I really don't feel like doing the DREAD Mill, but I'd better do it before Anna gets home. Then it's drill sargeant with the chores. :rolleyes:

Oh, Sarge, yes, if you want to post Raw Nibbles from your reading, please do! I'm all ears. Or, I guess eyes in this medium.

[catherinethegreat]

Lmao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

[askcassyfirst]

Saturday BootCamp Checkin: I am really feeling the burn with the double workout...Well, I say that not because 2 workouts in one day are particularly hard, but how I chose to do this. :) Always the glutton for punishment I am. Just kidding. I am not playing the victim, but here is what happened today:

I got up late, so I didn't exercise this morning. I knew I had to do two shots then this evening. So, I did a 40 min taebo cardio tape, and then 20 minutes of pilates, followed by 10 minutes of upper body yoga sculpt, and then 5 minutes of ab sculpt. (ALL IN A ROW, no breaks.|) I can't say I am particulary sore, just a bit tired on the edges. (Just got out of a nice warm shower.)

THe yoga sculpt stuff is from a Karen Voight DVD I just got. Pretty cool tape actually.

I ate well today, if not a lot. But all raw minus the gum.. I will write more in my journal...

Cassy :)

[FEELIN'GOOD]

The DREED mill.... love it!

SALT WATER FLUSH: Okay- I just drank the quart of salt water- wasn't as bad as I thought.... but not inviting either :eek: 15 minutes gone by and nothing yet. So today, is the first day of my MC. I want to do this to finally break away from my cravings and clean my insides and start a fresh start.... I haven't broken my RAW streak, but I still feel bloaty and not clean- I have that 'not so fresh feeling' :D Hopefully this will make me feel fresh along with the MC and I can continue to go forward in my cleaning process....

Well, I did fine with the Chinese food thing yesterday- I made a collard wrap and filled it will fresh veggies- I did dip it in the spicy mustard they provide, but it was such a small amount, I don't consider it a problem... and I was feeling sorta deprived, so I had 2 bananas dipped in honey then dipped in almond butter- then sprinkled with almonds slices.... it was ALL raw and it was ALL good! I am very proud of myself for pushing the chow mein and the kung po away.... YIPPEE!

No exercise yesterday- I need to make up for it today.... After church I will be pumping it up!

Have a great day guys!
Melissa

[RawNaturale]

Ok, rock on girls! Melissa, I hope everything was "exorcised" before you went to church. "Oooooh, that girl got demons in her belly!" :eek:

I was wiped out today for some reason so I did some intense nap-ercise this afternoon.

I have been all raw today and Anna loved the ginger dressing I made for salads. We had a "Kitchen Sink" salad today...you know, the ones with everything in them but the KS.

Off to feed goat beasts.

GO BOOTIE SISTERS!

[flutterfly]

Ouch! my poor arms. Hope they get use to this soon. This is really fun to do with everyone.
I just watched Alissa's DVD again. That is such a boost from me. Besides yeaterday and the night before I went to a Women's weekend seminar. They showed us how to find what you were put on earth for. I am following that already.
Happy workouts ;)

[sweetgoddess]

You are all doing GREAT on this bootcamp!
Flutterfly that womens weekend sounds fabulous.

Cat~ Your inbox is FULL again ;) ! xo

~~OOOOPS I meant Sarge! ;)

[catherinethegreat]

Sunday check in

Today is my day off - and I missed it. Last night I kept thinking about going to the gym in the morning -and then remembering that I didn't go on Sundays. So I think I'm officially addicted to going to the gym.

:p

I made 2 CD's today of music to workout with.

and barely ate anything today.

coconut smoothie for breakfast
and
a large salad at a brazilian restaurant and a side of hummous and I asked for cut up veggies to dip into the hummous and they brought steamed broccoli...?? so we had to ask again, and got great sliced carrots, celery, cucumbers, tomatos. It was perfect. The salad had toasted brazil nuts and black beans on it - but I didn't care - not enough to make a difference in my raw life.

I'm VERY sore today - and in general have had a very difficult time with my knees. When I sit down it's extremely difficult to stand up. Reminds me of my ex-boyfriend who had rhuemetoid arthritis. ( sorry about my spelling )
I hear it's from the candida - but I'm not feeling that that is the case. I've added more flax oil to lube up the ol body and joints -

Tonight I'm doing some serious power lounging with Jerry - and get ready for week 2 of boooooty camp! ( get my backpack all packed and ready to go. )

Until the s factor starts in 2 weeks I'm considering my second workout being an extra 30 minutes on the treadmil added while I"m already on it in the morning.

I'll be doing an hour( plus 2 minutes that we add this next week ) on the treadmil Tuesday and Thursday and Saturday.

When S Factor starts - if I love it - I'll change to going to a class or buying a video and doing that. Jerry approves!

Feelin' Good - how did the rest of the salt flush go???????

*c

[racheljj]

I'm going to start Oprah's boot camp lightly this week (just to get into the habit and get used to the exercise and eating this way) but start officially next Monday. (Partly because my children and I are sick. Thankfully, I just have a light case of this flu but I sure don't feel like doing an intense workout today--just some light walking). Anyway, I created a checklist to mark off each day once I start this officially. What do you guys think of it? Did I forget anything? I've created this in Excel and will print if off each week and then write down what I actually do each day! What I eat, what exercises I do, etc. I think this will help me to stick with it and not accidently mess up, yk. Rachel

Week One

Stop eating after 7:30
Eat fist size portions
Drink 48 oz water
Connect with a buddy
30 min. intense workout
Resistance training
TR extra workout
Sat. double workout day
No white stuff to eat
No baked goods
No sugar
Eat protein
Eat two pieces of fruit
Eat lots of veggies
Eat 15 nuts per meal
Eight AM breakfast
Ten AM snack
Noon lunch
Two PM snack
Four PM dinner
Six PM snack

[RawNaturale]

Looks good, Rachel! That's great that you are getting into booty camp. :) About the fist-sized portions...I wouldn't hold that to leafy greens, or even most non-starchy veggies. From what I understand, we can eat those until satisfied. I can honestly say, I've never abused my veggie eating priviledge with those foods! Now Krispy Kreme doughnuts, on the other hand... :eek:

[catherinethegreat]

Welcome to booty camp!! lol!

Your list is great and I think I'm going to take your lead and make a little form for myself to fill out daily as well.

The only thing that I felt might be too strict is the diet part and the times that you are going to eat.

But I bet you will find out if it fits for you after you do this for a week.

Let us know how it goes!

*catherine

[catherinethegreat]

CONSISTENCY IS KEY (pg 76)



" Of course there will be occasions when you miss a workout or even two. However, it's essential that you not let it turn into three, four or even more days. It's not uncommon for people who have missed their workouts to feel angry at themselves for slipping up, and then to let that anger boil up into defeat. "Why keep at it when I obviously can't stick to a schedule?" they ask themselves. That's the absolute wrong attitude. So you missed a few workouts? You're not going to lose a lot of fitness in a few days, but you will if you let it stretch into a week or more. That will take you back to square one, and it'll be all that much harder when you begin again."


" Don't let missed workouts make you feel as if you might as well eat whatever you want because you have to start over anyways. Be 99 percent consistent, deal with the little inconsistencies, and get back on track. Pledge to yourself right now that when you embark upon this program, you're in it everyday of the 12 weeks. Stay with it, and it will be all that much easier to transistion into being active for the rest of your life. "

- Bob Greene
from Bob Greene's Total Body Makeover.

[askcassyfirst]

Thanks for posting that Cat. I just couldn't get out of bed this morning, having stayed up way too late last night. (and that was really bad since I was watching a birthday cake pastry making competition on the Food Channel! They were quite beautiful, more like sculptures.)

My plan is to work out tonight instead. It is hard when you only have so much time before the work bell rings.. :) I will report back here with my accomplishment.

Good news, this is week two! (Sunday day off was nice, although my shoulders are sore from the yoga sculpt DVD I did on Saturday.

Cassy :)

[catherinethegreat]

glad you found htat helpful Cassy!

And MAN do I LOVE the food channel - especially when they do the party competitions and stuff like that!!!

I've had to change my habits and I now watch the fine living channel instead.

I do love GOOD EATS and all the competitions though and sometimes I'll watch it.

My Monday check in:

34 mintues on treadmil
incline 7.0 speed 3.0

( these are of course only the highest amounts - and not what I did the entire time! )

Breakfast - coconut, banana, cinnamon smoothie. SLURP!

Have a great day today everyone!!!

Just do your best - that always changes depending on the cirumstances.

*c

[karotw]

Hey there!
I always vanish on the weekends (very limited computer access) - but I'm still here. Will have to do more individual comments later - but it sounds like everyone is still on board and doing their workouts. Yea!

Friday was good - did my regular 30 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes of weights and an "extra" workout of about 20 minutes. . .

Saturday was okay - did the 30 minutes on the cross trainer and about and hours worth of carrying stuff up and down the stairs. . . .figured that's the weights for the day - haha.

Sunday was not so good. As I had started on Tuesday (rather than Monday) last week, I was going to have Monday's be the day off. But after not being able to do much of anything on Sunday (I was so tired), I took the day off and I'm planning on today as a workout day (right after work, I will have time).

I'm still motivated, though, and really more and more excited about exercise each day. I can feel all of my clothing fitting better, my skin is so soft and I'm sleeping really well. . . raw, combined with exercise, what a great thing!!

I will check in more later. . .keep up the good work everyone! We are all awesome.

BTW - the baby goats are TOO CUTE. . . ; )

[Sharon in Colorado]

Good list Rachel, I agree you might want to be more flexible with meal times, especially if everyone else isn't ready for dinner by 4.

I for one am not ready for boot camp!

LOL ... I'm going AWAL :eek:

I have been putting all my focus on my 30 day challenge, and since I can't do too much new stuff at one time, I'll wait until that chapter is over (plan on staying raw mind you) so I can add more. I've also been practicing breathing tech's for Network Spinal Analysis, so it's been doing one thing at a time for me.

I wish you all the best on your endeavors and will join you all when I can!

[RawNaturale]

Glad you had a good weekend, Karen!

This am I did 41 minutes on the Elliptical... :D That's up from 25 minutes early last week. It was strange though -- yesterday I "felt fat". I hate days like those. :rolleyes:

I have been totally raw today and it's already 3:10. Yay me. I am hungry right now so I'd better go gnaw on something before I do something bad. Actually, as Anna pointed out this weekend, there's nothing in our house to be bad on anymore! Good riddance.

[flutterfly]

Breakfast. Pears and bananas
Treadmill 3.6 MPH at an incline of 6.0 for 5 miles.
Lunch. Corn chowder, mock salmon with onion crackers.
Dinner pea soup and a spinach, red pepper salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing.
Upper body work out for 30 min's.
I am feeling good today ;)

[askcassyfirst]

A big resounding welcome to all those who have joined us...

OK. Cassy's Monday evening bootcamp checkin:
Like I posted earlier, I was way too lazy this am to get up on time, so I exercised after work instead. I did a 40 minute yoga sculpt DVD, which by the way is pretty intense..(my body still feels contorted.) After which I did 15 minutes on the stair stepper just to make sure my heart rate was high enough.

THe DVD had enough upper body work using my own weight, planks, etc, that I am really feeling it tonight. Feels good though. I feel it more then I do following my free weights. I think I may do this a bit more often! :)

I am really tired, so I am crashing out a bit earlier than the 3 hour no eating window, but it can't be helped. I wrote in my journal about this, so I won't go into it here, but the no pm eating is an issue for me. I don't eat bad foods at night, only berries and the like, and the "forbidden" concept is not a healthy one for me. Makes me want to eat anyway, even when I am not hungry! I ate some seed crackers...punishment? A thousand lashes with a wet noodle...hey, even that old silly childhood saying involves cooked food. Perhaps I should substitute a mung bean sprout? (I know, I entertain myself...) :)

Cassy :)

[racheljj]

Hi. Thanks to all of you for your well wishes and advice. As many of you mentioned, the fist size portions is mainly for protein and carbs--so that I don't overeat at a sitting. I agree that I can eat a larger portion of salad or veggies at a meal.

Catherine, I agree that the diet part might change a bit. I want to start with that, though, and see how it goes. I may end up adding more fruit, for example. And, the times to eat are just guidelines to help me remember to eat smaller portions several times a day. :) Thanks for sharing the quote from his book. Do you recommend it? I tried to buy it but they've sold out everywhere around here.

Hey, Sharon. Dinner around four to five is typical for us since I have to leave for work at five-thirty. But, I will be flexible. :)

I was so sick yesterday! My temp was up to 103 and I took three naps! Definitely a good thing that I'm starting boot camp next Monday as I couldn't exercise intensely at all so far this week! I'm still exhausted this morning. I'm glad to see that all of you are doing so well, though, and I can't wait to join you next week!

Rachel

[askcassyfirst]

Tuesday bootcamp checkin:
Woke up early, did power yoga and upper body free weights. Felt a bit tired, mostly since I just exercised the night before. (every time I planked, I looked at the floor with envy..oh-to sleep in...

I imagine this is what athletes go thru...years ago I used to split my routine, evening and morning, I think this is a good idea if one has the available time in the schedule...But I have soooooooo much on my plate.

Food choices are on track, noted in my journal. Hope everyone else is making good progress.

Cassy :)

[catherinethegreat]

( I miss deep thoughts on Saturday Night Live - so funny! )

Pg 87

Having strong abs and a strong back, in particular, helps protect your spine from daily wear and tear. Having a strong midsection will also enhance your ability to do every other fitness activity, from walking to weight training. Few people realize it, but just about every move we make engages or initiates from the core of the body. Perhaps that's why abdominal muscles are often neglected. Unless we are going for the classic"six pack", most people give the abs a pass.
While we are on the subject, there are a few misconceptions about abdominal exercises that I'd like to clear up. The first is that you need to do hundreds upon hundreds of sit ups to see any results. Despite the fact that sit-up overkill seems to be a point of pride for some people, it's somewhat of a waste of time. A good, effective range of abdominal exercises will do the job with far fewer repetitions- generally 15 reps each exercise and anywhere from 1 to 3 sets depending on your level of fitness. If you're doing a whole lot more then that, your form will probably suffer and you won't get the benefits of the exercises. A better strategy then racking up repetitions is to increase the difficulty, which you can do by adding sets, using an incline bench, or using a weight.
Another fallacy about abdominal exercise it that they will give you a flat abdomen. Unfortunately, working your middle won't whittle it down - losing fat is the only way to do that, and burning more calories then you consume is the only way to lose fat. But abdominal exercise will strengthen your abdomen, improving your posture and the way you carry yourself. This will enhance the way you look, no doubt about it. Further, as you begin to lose fat and your abdominal muscules come to view, you will have a firmer, better-looking middle. Just don't count on crunches alone to make the fat disappear.

****

Hope you find this helpful in your daily food - exercise plan!
*c

[catherinethegreat]

Last night I went to bed at 7pm! so not only did I get 10 1/2 hours of sleep but I missed dinner again. The amazing thing is - I didn't get up in the middle of the night for a snack!! YAY ME!

Today
Y at 7am
treadmil 32 minutes up to 8.5 incline at 2.8 speed
then did some bob greene stretches
then did a second workout at 8:10 called TOTAL BODY WORKOUT.
it was an hour long - and it was HARD!

I feel great now! I think this is officially my first 2 workout day.

I bet tomorrow my body will have a few words to tell me!

Hope you all are having a great day today! Don't give in to your minds! Don't believe yourself! You can and deserve to reach your goals!!!!!!

*c :D

[coffeesquirrel]

ok just checking in and yes i should be punished , very unsavory on sunday did i do my stuff nope i lazied around and just looked at recipies and then on monday ... did i do my stuff NOOOO again cooked and then went to bed. Today i promise to do my stuff although if the 2 mistake rule applies then i'm definitly out of the bootcamp. darn everyone being so faithful except for meee. and cassy doing double workouts .. (was she purhaps doing mine as well) :D lol if only that actually worked. You guys are doing awesome coffeesquirrel

[catherinethegreat]

no way jose

you're not out. good try though! lol!

no rules here - it's up to you.

Just make a new decision tomorrow.

no biggy.

[coffeesquirrel]

sir yes sir ok well i plan on getting back on the wagon today :)


raw raw raw
Coffeesquirrel

[catherinethegreat]

you are cracking me up today girrrrl! :D

[flutterfly]

I went to the gym this morning. Did the treadmills for 3 miles at 3.8 MPH at a level 7.0
After that I had a Dr. appointment. Everyone except for me wants me to get shots in the hip. I say NO, it is my body. I will be going to another Specialist for the hip and the buldging discs.
Don't really feel like doing the free wts. tonight guess that is OK because I have done them to many nights in a row already.

[karotw]

Hi All,
I'm struggling a bit right now. I did get to the gym yesterday for 32 minutes of cardio and some time with weights. I did not get up this morning. I've been really tired these last couple of days and I know I'm spending too much time working and not enough time take good care of myself. . .

I just glad to know that this board is here and that there is support. . . .often, for me, it's simply a matter of continuing to put one foot in front of the other and move forward, rather than just wallowing. . .

Anyway - Glad you are all here!


Karen

[RawNaturale]

Yes, she lives. Sorry I've been out of the loop (not that anyone missed me...sniff), but I am totally beat today. Yesterday I ate raw all day until dinner with a friend (my AA sponsor who is the bomb) and I won't go into what I ate. It was low carb though. Minus the yeast rolls. :eek:

Um, let's see...yesterday I did 38 mins on the Elliptical, then 2 hours cleaning goatpoop. Heavy, wet, nasty goat bi-product-laden hay. I kind of overdid it I guess b/c I am wiped out today. I also drove home late from B'ham last night and didn't get in until 11:30. Sheesh, what has happened to me? One night out in B'ham with sponsor and a meeting and I am dead the next day. Some party animal.

Today I have done nothing but nappercize. In fact, I am heading there again. My body says SLEEP, so I guess I'd better pay attention. Maybe I'll just blame it on detox symptoms.

Food today: 2 honey tangerines, 1 avocado, water (hard to eat when you are zzzzzzzzz)

Pray that the Energy Fairy pays a visit to me.....

[askcassyfirst]

Wednesday checkin:
Well, I let myself sleep since I haven't eaten since early afternoon yesterday. Started a Lemonade fast, (modified MC) for at least a couple of days to try and let my body heal from whatever it is that is causing my digestive woes. I think it was all the seed crackers, but I have my doubts since it was more of an IBS reaction. It may be the toxins from that virus I had last week finally making there way on out...I hope so.

But anyway, this means I am only consuming a limited amount of calories, so I needed the extra sleep this am. I will due some exercise tonight, so I am not stopping bootcamp while doing this. I think the yoga and stretching helps wtih detox anyway. On the otherhand, I also think it is important to get plenty of healing rest when doing a fast....

I may go walking tonight. Walking, or the rebounder, that might be even better.

Cassy :)

[flutterfly]

[, then 2 hours cleaning goatpoop. Heavy, wet, nasty goat bi-product-laden hay.

Those goats sure poop a lot. Lucky you for being able to do all that heavy work lol :eek:

[RawTruth]

Catherine encouraged me to return, so here I am. I wasn't able to stick with the daily routine like I'd planned, so I figured I'd just drop out, but Sarge said -- no! we're each doing it our own way! So ... I'm back. Doin' it my way.

I missed a day last week and one over the weekend. :o I've been listening to my body and, of course, pushing at the times when it wasn't actually my body but was my procrastinating that was talking. So, there were days when I needed resting. My chiro said to take it easy, so that's what I did. (See, it's his fault!)

Yesterday, I walked 1-1/2 hrs. (about 5 miles) and did the Miracle Seven. It's the first day I did all 7 exactly like the book says. It was pretty awesome, actually. As a former weight lifter, I'm fascinated by the whole concept of building muscle and definition without using weights. Plus I did stretching and went to my NSA practitioner in Laguna Beach (driving right through a tornado warning!), so there was lots of breathing exercise in there.

Today, so far, I've walked for a little over an hour. This morning was tough -- I'm having a bunch of stuff come up at night and in the morning -- I'm not real clear whether I'm tired or whether I'm depressed, so I may start setting the alarm even though that starts my day out horribly.

The eating is going okay. I'm still 100% raw -- Day 27 of the challenge -- and my Green Power juicer came today. What a behemoth!! Geez, I could make juice for the entire neighborhood. And what a b**** to clean. I immediately made carrot & apple juice and spent the next 20 minutes cleaning and trying to put it back together. I got in on eBay and no manual came with it. Grrr. To justify the purchase, I'm thinking that I just have to go on a juice fast, though. ;) Can anyone succinctly explain the benefits of juice fasting?

I'll check back in later after I've done my Miracle Seven for today ....

<Big sigh> It feels good to be back! :D

[askcassyfirst]

Well, like I said, I didn't get up to do yoga today, but I am giving myself a break since I figure I needed the rest due to the lemonade fast. Physiological rest is the best way to let your body repair. I was going to do the rebounder I have, but have decided I want to sleep instead.

It is nearly 8pm, and I want to go to bed early. I am tired. I sure my bootcamp sarge will understand. If she asks, tell her I am at the base infirmary. :) :)

;) ;) Cassy :) :)

[catherinethegreat]

WOW good to see everyone here!
I missed you RawNaturale! You are so so so great to have around!
Glad you shared your poop slingin story with us....and did you say yeast rolls hahahahaha! :D

Karotw - I stopped calling! Shall I start again? lets chat about that.
Glad you are still making efforts to take care of yourself in the way that you feel necessary. Hang in there - !

RawTruth - YAY - You're back - What a great gift to all of US! and to you of course. I can't believe you drive threw the tornado watch - I was scared and I wasn't even near it. You are a warrior!!! Let us know how your program goes for you. The miricle seven - I actually don't know what it is - I'll have to look it up online.

AskCassy - I totally hear you about needing more rest while fasting - glad you are listening to your body!

ok my little check in:

Got up at 6am
did the 5 tibeten rites ( can't do the fourth one correctly yet. )
7am gym
32 minutes on treadmil
ran errands before having to give Jerry the car back by 9:30am
walked around Pasadena today for about 4 hours.

Feel VERY sore from the second workout yesterday!
Still haven't lost a pound - the 2 pounds I lost for just one day - and they found me again. But my clothes do feel much better.

Tomorrow for my second workout - there is a yoga class at the Y so I'm going to do that. - If it seems more like simple stretching - I'll do another 30 mintues on the treadmil on Friday.

Today was rough with food - cooked food was in the air all day and it was pulling me - but I did not cave!

Gotta run and make dinner.

glad you are all still here - we all sound tired this week - and of course!!!! We all just added another extremely difficult change to our daily routine and it takes more energy then we are used to. Stick with it - I know we can do it because we are pretty amazing gals who are used to shifting our lives to better ourselves even if it hurts in the beginning.

It will change.

xoxoxox
*c

[flutterfly]

Gosh, I thought I was here too. I am working just as hard as the others so please don't forget me lol

[catherinethegreat]

sorry !!!! I saw your remark to Rawnaturale about goatpoop - but didn't see the post about today's workout!!!

I'm so lame.

*c

[flutterfly]

Just making sure I did not get lost in the shuffle. Glad everyone is doing so well here.

[karotw]

Checking in today. I did not exercise yesterday and I feel it today. Tonight I have time for a work out and will go to the gym after work, before dinner.

Thanks for the support from this thread. I am having a hard time with a lot of things right now, but do believe that the exercise is helping me to cleanse and cleansing for me includes releasing a lot of old emotional baggage. . .I literally feel it when I'm exercising and being conscious about it. . . I'm quite fascinated by the process that my body is going through. . . When I do cardio (treadmill, stepper or cross trainer), I feel pretty good, and find I can really push myself up to a point but I can hold there at that point for a while and then gradually cool back down. This feels really good to me and each time I do cardio a can do a bit more - YEA! The dumbbells had gone really well the first week, but this week, it seems that everytime I pick them up I get very angry and frustrated and resistant. I can feel anger just seething in my body. I have been known to avoid anger -push it away, pretent it doesn't exist, eat to cover it, etc., so showing up for my anger is really hard and if I manage to stay through the whole 20 minutes of dumbells, I tend to feel better when its done. . .

I'm also really hungry all the time - and not for raw food. . .I know I'm in the right place. I know that showing up each day for myself means eating raw, moving my body, and feeling my feelings. . .

Thanks for letting me share. . .

Keep up the good work everyone. Just the act of showing up here and making and effort the exercise is a great gift we give ourselves.

[askcassyfirst]

thursday checkin. Day 2 MC. feeling fine. Did yoga / 5 rites although I did not do weight training. BUt I remained active all day by walking around at work, and trying to keep shifting my position in the chair.

Glad tomorrow is friday. I am wondering if I can keep up the exercises throughout the MC. Typically I feel a bit less into high intensity, and I think that is because the lemonade drink is a sugar based energy rather than oils or protein which are more sustaining. THat is just my experience. I have always continued to walk or rebound thru this, but I typically didn't jog or do weights. We shall see.

Cassy :)

[catherinethegreat]

WOW - time flys by.

Yesterday I mentioned to Jerry that the days are going too fast - I can't get all the things done that I want to do.

Which is an amazing change considering I get up around 6:30 and go go go

and 6 weeks ago I couldn't get out of bed before 10 and doing 1 task took all of my energy and I was SO depressed.

I KNOW that the exercise is helping me with this change!

Jerry keeps telling me how thin I am! And I can tell by my belt that I'm back to where I started before the doctor put me on steroids. I still want to lose more weight - but I'm THRILLED to see this change. And I know that it's a slippery time for me because whenever I feel skinny I reward myself with foods I haven't been eating. I am very hungry for cooked foods - but have a feeling that it is because I'm on the verge of a huge transformation and I won't know what that is unless I stay 100% raw. ( I have had this exact same experience with staying sober....I've seen people miss the miracle because they chose to use again instead of going THROUGH the pain....usually the pain is just fear - that seems Bigger then we can deal with - and once I go through it - it's much smaller then I thought ) I still know I'm on high alert -

Workout:

alarm went off at 6:20 but I fell back to sleep and got up at 7:15!
So I got to the gym late - did 25 minutes on treadmil so I could get to a yoga class - which I count as my second workout.

tried on some tops today and to my surprise they actually fit ! or I should say - My ARMS fit into them. I came down a size in tops I think. and my arms aren't as fat!!!!! I haven't been able to fit into any long sleeves for months.

YAY!!!

Food -
a baggy of those baby carrots
a small container of raw hummous
raw veggie sushi...SO GOOD
All from Erewhon health food store ( I love that place )

Going grocery shopping - heading to the farmers market! Can't wait. It's not raining!

so more walking.

Glad to hear from everyone else today -

I appreciate the honesty here - so so much.

Karen - you are amazing - pushing through your anger and sticking with it.

Cassy - hope youa re reaping the benefits of the MC. Thought of you today when I ran across the yellow booklet of the MC!
Thought of Melissa too - as I remembered her saying that it jumped out at her so she picked it up. I thought about it - but then decided that my nest adventure will wait until I come back from my trip to San Diego.
I'm nervous- about raw - I'm bringing everything. SO glad there are pre-made raw foods at the health food store - like crackers - bars - meals - makes it so much easier!!!

ok - I'm outta here,
xo
*c

[twinyoga]

I'm just checking in. I'm doing to the bootcamp too. Well, kind of. I'm working out about 5-6 days a week. But that's better than the 2-3 days. And I'm not eating after 7pm. I've done this alone with all of you! I'm just not posting often.

[RawTruth]

Okay, here's my checkin for yesterday. I'm just lagging so much in the evening that I don't seem to be able to do it then.

I didn't do the Miracle Seven. I was pretty wiped out. My girlfriend and I went to downtown L.A. - the wholesale district and also near the mission (no good smells there to tempt me!) to check out products since I'm thinking of revitalizing my (teensy) online business), so I walked and walked and walked. Ended up being about the same as my usual daily cardio. The day before I'd added to the Miracle Seven by doing the lower body focused work in the book, but the squats and lunges murdered my knees and I didn't even do hardly any because they killed me at the time. So ... I got discouraged thinking that I'd always have this flat saggy butt I seem to have acquired. Oh, and did I mention the flabby thighs? I spiraled down and didn't do any yesterday so I could be sure and wallow in my misery. Oh, I did stretch a bit ... and do breathing exercises with the chiro in the morning.

Stayed cool with the food. I had my first non-vegan meal, though. Freshly made ceviche picked up from a new place -- definitely raw since it's marinated in lime juice and seasoning and not heated at all. I brought it home and spread it on some seed crackers I'd made. All I was lacking was a Mexican beer to go with it.

And, I forced myself to go to my Thursday night 12 step meeting which I've missed for 2-3 weeks. The rainy weather just knocked me out ... and, the longer I stayed away, the easier it was to keep skipping. It was definitely what I needed spiritually and provided so much support.

Today is Day 30 for me (and Pailani, my bud) on the challenge. I feel like celebrating, but, maybe I'll save that till tomorrow if I'm able to make it to Chula Vista for the raw blowout.

So far today, I've sretched, done breathing, and 2 of the Miracle 7. I have to figure out something for my lower body -- something that'll hammer my glutes and thighs without hurting my knees. Any ideas, Booty Pals?

[flutterfly]

Hi all, I have to refrain from the boot camp. My knee that I had surgery on is really bothering me. I had the surgery done about 3-4 years ago and it has never given me any trouble other than a ache or small pain before but now it is getting worse every day. Darn this getting old. I will be with you in spirit and will keep an eye on your postings. I guess I am really The Gimper lol.

[catherinethegreat]

RAWTRUTH!!! You got to 30 days!!!!! Congratulations!!!!
I hope you spend it doing something very pampering for yourself. You deserve it!!!! :D If you can make it to dinner tomorrow I would love to meet you!!!!! and treat you to a dessert for your 30 days!

Flutterfly - that is horrible about the knee!!! I'm hoping that the pain goes away quickly!!! I've had old injuries come creeping back and it was always to remind me to take it slow and stop THINKING my way tothrough the fitness but to listen to the body! I will miss you being a part of this thread - but I know you are still on the website which is so great as you are an inspiration to me!!

Twinyoga - welcome along for the ride. Hope this thread is helpful as you continue to create your dream lifestyle.

*c

[catherinethegreat]

ok - so today was the first day where I was trying to come up with enough reasons to excuse me from going to the gym. Just too tired and not into it.
But I thought - so you're tired?? Who cares. Just go. So I went.

32 minutes on treadmil.
got up to 8 incline at 2.8

Tried on my " normal weight" jeans today. Boy was that interesting. I could get them on - but had to lay ont he bed to zip them up. I wore them for a few hours even though I felt like I could barely walk in them because they were so tight. But I want to fit in them so bad I thought I'd try to stretch them out. I felt like - for so much work I'm doing on my life - I deserve to fit in my NORMAL sized jeans for cryin out loud. boohoo.

not yet.

Made my first batch of almond milk and love it. Need to figure out a better filter then cheese cloth - that doesn't work well.

Tomorrow is the double time workout.
so it's 64 minutes on the treadmil.
WOW

week 2 is almonst over already! only 10 more to go. That's nothin right?!

*c

[RawTruth]

I'm taking myself out to dinner right now to Good Mood Food Cafe. That's my 30 Day treat. Besides, my fridge is near on to empty. I ate a weird concoction for lunch cuz I was out of most everything - ick. Not sure if I'm making it tomorrow night. I think, at this point, if you see me there, that means I made it! If not, we'll meet anyway, I've no doubt. Is Catherine or Karen or any other So Cal people interested in the uncooking class that Ursula (Good Mood Food Cafe owner/chef) is doing in March? It's entrees. I think I posted about it. If not, I'll do it right away. It should be great.

I'm off to do my cardio now -- well, actually, after I eat. Another great thing about raw is not having to wait a long time after eating to exercise!

[flutterfly]

Thanks Catherine. yes, I will be watching.
Diana, how was your meal out? Good job on the 30 days. Will talk to you later

[racheljj]

I began Oprah's boot camp today! I woke up with pink eye in one eye this morning. I’ve had some sort of flu or cold symptom for over a week now, and I’m tired of it! I want to get back to all raw for awhile and HEAL! Today, I’m eating German food with our friends, though, and tomorrow, I’ll get back to all raw. I’ve already created two plans for what I eat during Oprah’s boot camp (one high raw and one all raw). Some days, I’ll eat high raw, but most days I hope to eat all raw during the next twelve weeks. And, once a week (or less) I’m going to eat extra carbs (like jasmine rice, corn chips, potatoes, cereal). I think this way I won’t feel deprived. I can choose one day to share the food with my family and/or friends. Allowing myself this once a week will help me stick with it. After my husband left for classes (we talked awhile this morning since I woke up early for some reason), I exercised. I moved from doing light to moderate exercise this week and plan to move it up to a more intense level next week when I’m not ill. Today, I walked for thirty minutes, alternating with jumping on the trampoline. Then, I did my eight minute Jorge Cruise moves (only using one pound weights this week and will move up next week). I want to improve each week but not injury myself by moving too quickly.

So, I've started but more lightly than I wanted to.

[askcassyfirst]

MOnday.

Alright, I am still in the game folks. I was off the boards for the weekend, and doing the MC, but am now back on foods. I am also back here :) !

I maintained the yoga practicing all weekend, even discovered I can still do the bridge backbend. (wrote about that in my journal.) Got a couple of "props" for lack of a better word. (a new mat, a couple of blocks, a strap, such that I can work deeper into some of the stretches.)

I need to hit it harder with the cardio, but I am happy where I am at so far.

Food at night, doing well on that goal too. Last meal three hours ago. So I guess I can go to sleep... :) (it is nigh on 11pm.)

Cassy :)

[catherinethegreat]

hi!
I went down to San Diego this past weekend for a photoshoot and meetings with clients and stayed with friends. I brought my alarm clock and workout gear - But I found that the change in cities threw me for a loop. I knew where the YMCA was - and it was about 30 minutes fromthe house and I would start spinning out in my mind with all the ways and what time I should get up and how to make it work with my client schedule - that I ended up just giving myself a break. Trying to figure it out just stressed me out.

I got back last night And went to the gym this morning.
34 minutes on treadmil.
had to get my rental car back
so now I'm home and back to my usual routine.

My father alsways figures out ways to get to a gym in any town he visits - I am going to figure this out and deal as I will be going to San Diego a lot this year for photo work and I want to get into a groove. I think one thing that will help is staying at a friends house that is closer to the Y.

I did stay 100% raw and tried a few raw restaurants while I was there and visited Natured First Law - so that was fun.

Good to be back at home and back on the forum.

Hope you are all enjoying your day!!!

I would love to hear how you are doing.

*c

[FEELIN'GOOD]

Hi all and Catherine- Again I am so sorry about the Cliantro Live get together- I feel so bad that no one came! My husband had to work... but I do want to meet up with you in LA sometime if you are still up for that... sorry, sorry, sorry :(

I have been staying on track- doing 3 miles a day on the treadmil and alternating workout videos every other day. It is the most excerise I have ever done in my life! (Except for when I played tennis in high school.... )and I feel great. My dreams at night are so alive- it's like I am in a far away land living up a new adventure each night!

I have been doing my best to stay raw- it is so hard at times to find something raw that is appitizing. I love how the food makes me feel, but sometimes I wish a snack could be as easy as ripping a bag open like it used too-

I am leaving for Mexico on Saturday and won't be back until March 13th. I hope that I can maintain a high raw intake on the trip- but I am not sure what will be available to me once I am there. I am bringing tons of flax crackers, dates, fudge, celery, almond butter, raw honey, bananas, and a bag of avocados. It is a 7 hour drive for us and there will be a full kitchen where we are staying, so I think I will be okay- it is eating out that will be tough. I will have to bring some of Alissa's dressing in a bottle and pray they have great, fresh salads at the resort. Wish me luck- I will need all the help I can get! I already know I will eat 1 serving of flan while I am there- and 1 margarita- it is an international getaway I have to get a little crazy :D

Good luck to you all! Keep strong! I will be running on the beach next week and I am getting a meter to wear that will tell me how far I have gone- so the workout part shouldn't be an issue- they also have a fitness room and a huge pool- so I should have lots of options :D (Just pray that I take advantage of them!)

Take care- I will be in and out on the boards until I get back- I'm swamped with work and trying to pack- YIKES

~Melissa~

[catherinethegreat]

WOW - have fun in Mexico! Sounds like you are really thinking ahead about the raw aspect and also being realistic about what you might find there.

p.s. we will meet when the timing is perfect for us! No worries at all!

I will miss you being a part of my daily forum check in. But I look forward to hearing how it goes for you!!!!!!

*c

:)

[FEELIN'GOOD]

Thanks Catherine- I am going to miss all of you too and all of the great information that will pass through the forums during the week :( I think their is an e-cafe where we are staying and if it isn't too pricey I will try to log on and say hello. I may need some support while I am there!

Take care-
~Melissa~

[RawTruth]

Wow, Melissa, what a great getaway. It fits so perfectly into all the other things you're doing for yourself. Vacationing is such a healthy thing to do but one that most of us Americans don't do enough of -- witness our high stress rates! You've planned so well ... and, also, you've been raw for so long, I'm sure you'll sail through this with no problem.

Have a wonderful time!!

[FEELIN'GOOD]

Ahhh, thanks Rawtruth! You are a sweetie!

~Melissa~

[catherinethegreat]

Hi !

So - I've had some strange outbreaks of major swelling in my feet and legs and stiffness in my knees and ankles that make it impossible to walk - let alone do anything at the gym!

Today is the 2nd day I've chosen to stay away from the gym so I'm not doing more damage then good.

The swelling has gone down quite a bit but the soreness and stiffness is pretty amazing. I bet if people saw me trying to get up out of a chair they would say...arthritis - or something.

But - this wasn't happening before I went raw - so my theory is that it's part of my detox....part of the candida deal....When I went out of town I ate fruit pies and more salty things.

so I guess I just wanted to share that I would love some support while I take a leave from Bootcamp - until I get back to a place that I feel is ok to workout. This might be tomorrow for all I know ( I'm hoping because I miss it!!!! )

anyhow - just thought I'd let you know what was going on.

I'm big into doing things all the way - so this is difficult to allow myself to be less swollen and then continue on.

*c

[RawTruth]

I'm so glad you're listening to your body rather than ignoring it and causing yourself harm, Catherine. I'm having to do the same thing ... slowing my pace down even though I really don't want to (all or nothing, gung ho or I'm nuthin symdrome!). My knees are what're acting up. Mine, though, is because I injured them doing squats -- which I knew better than to do them, but I barreled on through anyway. And my detox right now is in the form of fatigue -- aided by my network sessions. Yike! And I was so set to boot camp myself into muscle heaven.

It's good you're realizing that it's detox ... and that you're being good to yourself.

Before you know it, you'll be back to your usual routine. A few days ... or even longer ... won't derail you. Remember, the Oprah show made it seem as if it was simple -- just work real hard, have buddies, and voila you're skinnier and fitter. But, that's not life; that's television.

You're doing great, coach/sargent/ma'am!!

[catherinethegreat]

I needed a bit of support here - I'm thinking I will go to the gym tomorrow and walk a while but not push it on the incline. I really do like the routine of getting up and going somewhere to workout everyday. Like a ritual.
I haven't left the house today and it feels a bit strange.
I'm going to go take a walk to the library right now. Should be good - about a mile walk - SLOWLY!

I've added more flax oil to my diet - replacing olive oil all together with the flax - I actually love the taste.

It's been a good work day for me - staying on top of my 2005 photo schedule and post production - which is going to help my all over mood whether I'm able to work out or not.

I have been feeling a need to go to AA just to meet people in LA and to get outside myself. But not having a car....it's tough here.

*c

[RawTruth]

That sounds like a good idea, Catherine. I've kept up my walking - 4 - 5 miles a day, just nothing that puts stress on the joints. When you start walking, do you feel okay?

If you expand to include all the "A"s (12-steps), is there a meeting close enough to you to not need the car? It's pretty important to go if you're feeling like it (like you don't know this!! ;) ). I've some website locators, if you want some.

I'm thinking of you up there -- and what's with this rain again, anyway?

[catherinethegreat]

I've looked into most of the A's and most are Spanish speaking in my area.
My favorite meeting is at the Grive which i definately need a car to get to - and It's on Sundays at 9am.

I bet if I ask - Jerry will let me use the car.

[RawTruth]

No habla Espanol, eh? What are doing in Southern California!! :D

[catherinethegreat]

all I can say is

donde esta el banio.

At least I can get to the bathroom!

[RawTruth]

Bueno! El bano es muy importante!!

[catherinethegreat]

just got back from a lovely walk to the library and back. I wish the neighborhood was pretty - so I was hunting for the beauty in it. I found a few things. Some flowers, some trees.
The library is gorgeous and I got a good walk in today.
My joints did not bother me.
YAY

[racheljj]

Glad that you're feeling better, Catherine. This week, I've been doing the basic things on my checklist every day—exercising moderately, eating small portions several times during the day and not having any food after seven-thirty.

I'm starting to feel much better and looking forward to being able to exercise more and more intensely next week!

[catherinethegreat]

Hi Rachel - thanks for the check in - sounds like you are doing great!

My mini check in - is that I'm still not exercising. So - I've officially taken this week off. Not much swelling - just joint pain. Hurts to walk...but not as much as before.

So Monday is the beginning of a new week. I'll start as if I did that last week and add 2 minutes to the workout.

*c

[racheljj]

Are you icing your legs? Taking or rubbing arnica on them? I hope they won't hurt you next week. Good luck. Rachel

[catherinethegreat]

no I honestly wasn't sure what to do - thanks for the idea.
woke up this morning and the makes of my ankles were so still it wasd hard to walk.

*c

[racheljj]

I'm getting ready to start the new week doing Oprah's boot camp, and I'm excited! I'm starting over with week one since I was sick last week because I want to do 12 weeks of intense exercises. I also was thinking that a little friendly competition would motivate me--seeing who can lose the most weight in the 12 weeks. I need to find someone to compete with. :) Any ideas? Rachel

[catherinethegreat]

you are a tough gal! Compete for the most weight lost?
I'm afraid girrrl!

I've not lost one singel pound since going raw...and I barely eat much!

So I'm going to say no way for me. I compete enough with my own ideals of perfection within myself!

I'm starting another week after not exercising this past week.
I am DECIDING to continue with the 12 weeks even with a minor physical set back. I think that is the hardets part for me - once I stop something - the momentum drops off and there is some kind of illusion that it's going to be hard. Starting seems hard - but really isn't. Right??? I guess we will find out tomorrow morning! I had my nightly bubble bath and have layed out my workout clothes for tomorrow....so I'm on schedule.

Hope to see some more of you this coming up week!

Missing you all!

Rachel - wish you the best on this week!

*c

[racheljj]

That's ok, Catherine! I think my mom's going to do this with me. And, AC said that she would compete to see who can exercise more so that’s another level of competition. I just want some extra incentive to stick with this and work hard!

I started the morning off well by walking outside for thirty minutes. Three times in the middle, I jogged for a minute each. I want to build up so that I can run/walk a mile in ten minutes. Right now, I walk a mile in about fifteen to seventeen minutes. After my walk, I used five pound weights to do my eight-minute Jorge Cruise moves for the day (as I mentioned before, I do this for my strength training because you exercise every muscle group each week and get it done quickly). I felt great after exercising! When I finished, I ate an orange.

[catherinethegreat]

Rachel - sounds like you ahd a great morning already - I look forward to hearing how it goes!

Today I actually got to the gym!!!!!! YAY :D :) ;)

32 minutes on treadmil up to 8.0 incline - at 2.9 speed
then broke out bob greene's book and did all of his stretches and weights - plus what Oprah wrote about doing on her website.

I then stopped at Bikram Yoga as I miss it and wanted to see what was going on here.

I picked up the schedule and they have a class at 9:15am. But it doesn't work with Jerry needing the car back by 9:30.

So my thought is to go to the gym at 7am - workout for an hour.
get home by 8:15-8:30 hop on my bike and bike over to bikram.

It's really close by - I think it's 2-3 miles away. And pretty flat. Just busy traffic.

I may try to bike it today just to see how long it takes me to get there and back and to see if I can deal with it physically.

I would be doing this every day accept Sunday.

hhhhm.....

[karotw]

Okay, it's been a rough couple of weeks, but that's no excuse. . .Admittedly I was hiding out because I haven't been very raw and I haven't been exercising. . . .but I'm here today and that's all that matters!

I've missed you all and this board, though I'm sure I won't have time to catch up with all the posts. . . .but it sounds like you are hanging in there and I'm excited to be back.

On the positive note. I spent the entire weekend cleaning and reworking the space in our very small apartment. There is now space to be able to do yoga or pilates or my bellydancing video comfortably and not have to more furniture first. I am seriously thinking about getting a rebounder, too, so that at least some of my cardio can happen at home!

Anyway - glad to be back. . . .more later!

[racheljj]

It is never too late to be what you might have been.
George Eliot

I ate high raw today and felt really good about that! The only cooked I had was the two pieces of chicken, and I discovered that knowing I could have some cooked protein really helped my mental and emotional state. I had a better attitude about what I was eating all day, I felt more balanced physically and I stayed full longer. What I decided is to stay very high raw for the most part. Anytime I feel like I need something more than raw for whatever reason (physical, mental or because I’m around everyone else eating cooked) I’m going to eat cooked proteins or cooked veggies. My last meal was at five-thirty, and I’m not eating anything else tonight.

Food intake:

--an orange
--strawberry/banana smoothie
--salad with raw avo dressing and one piece of chicken
--raw crackers dipped in raw carrot salsa
--raw crackers with sliced bananas and raw honey
--a fruit salad (avocado/banana/mango) and one piece of chicken

I feel like I did pretty good for the first day!

[catherinethegreat]

Today - gym at 8am ( late )
30 minutes treadmil really pushed myself today. felt good!

That is all the exercise for today - ankles and knees are actually ok when I exercise - more so then when I am sitting and have to stand up and walk.

Food wise - I wasn't hungry until about 1pm.
Made a large salad with avo- tomato-greens-sprouts and oliveoil, flax oil, lemon, kelp powder.
That was my lunch and dinner as I added another 1/2 avo and more tomatoes and kept munching away.

then made banana gelato. Holy moly that is refreshing and just the best dessert ever. put walnuts on top.

Nothing more to add today. I'm missing everyone that signed up for this. where oh where did all my support go?

[RawTruth]

Catherine! You're doing your workout again! Yay!!! And ... no ankle problems. It's like last week never happened. Hey, by the way, before I forget -- where'd you learn to do the banana gelato? And ... have you tried the orgasmic Butter Pecan ice cream yet?

Okay, my food was fine today. I wasn't very hungry yesterday or today. In fact, yesterday, I kinda forced myself to eat stuff I brought with me so I wouldn't waste it.

Today, I walked 6 miles and was quite aware of it when I'd finished. Haven't worked out yet ... and my knee's telling me no, still. Tomorrow I think I'll go back to Bally's and see about re-enlisting after all. The Miracle Seven just seems to be too hard to do myself -- even though it's powerful and I'm utterly convinced it's the way to go. It just seems to take so much longer than I plan -- and oh I don't know. I always had great results quickly with weights, though I believe that the 7 is the way to go without overtaxing joints like weights do. But ... if I'm not gonna do them ... weights are better than not doing anything, I'd say! Also found an old exercise tape, but I really want to unearth my yoga tape. My chiro says I can do yoga after all; I just need to get a type of pillow so my weird knees won't keep me from the correct sitting posture. I hope it works! I haven't done it in years and years, but really liked the discipline and peacefulness it gave me back then.

By the way, C., are you gonna answer my PM off-forum? (I'm not real subtle, am I? hee hee)

Best wishes to all the others who haven't been posting.

[jgunn]

at the risk of being run out of here on a railroad tie lol ... i have to say i find oprah to be a bit hypocritical when it comes to weight issues. She has gained and lost , yo-yo;ing her weight nearly for as long as the 18 years her show is been running. When shes skinny she wants everyone to be skinny ...when she's fat she wants everyone to accept being fat.

not to mention shes a die-hard fur wearer which just turns me right off.. people who flaunt and promote fur just arent credible imho.

her book and angel club is great though :)

[racheljj]

I woke up just a little sore today so I think I gave my exercising just the right amount yesterday! I don’t want to get too sore but I do want to feel it! Plus, I felt ready to exercise again this morning, which is a positive thing. I’m so excited because I have several others who are competing with me to see who loses the most weight in twelve weeks. The winner will get a jackpot that we all put together, but really we’ll all be winners because we’ll all be healthier and lighter at the end of the twelve weeks!

Tuesdays are our busy day, and I let myself get too hungry. I don’t think I would have eaten the chips this afternoon if I had taken the time to eat some crackers and salsa instead. It was hard since we were so busy running from place to place. I need to plan better for days like this (though I DID have the raw food with me…it just didn’t seem like I had the time to sit down and eat it whereas I could just stick my hand in the bag and eat the chips while I was driving). Instead of sitting down and reading when we got home, I did Pilates, which ended up being a challenge for me. Still, I got through it. I’m feeling the soreness much more tonight and am tired. I feel good about today, overall. I still ate a good bit of raw. Plus, I ate my last meal at five-thirty again, and although I am a bit hungry now, I’m not going to eat anything. I’m happy that I have such a positive attitude about this whole thing!

Food intake:

--half a grapefruit
--tahini milk (half a banana, water and a tablespoon of raw tahini) and a small piece of bacon
--three Applegate chicken hotdogs and half a cup of smoothie
--a small bag of Kettle chips
--fruit salad
--one piece of chicken and flax crackers with sliced banana and raw honey

Exercise:

--30 minutes walk/jump on the trampoline
--eight minute Jorge Cruise Moves with five pound weights
--20 minute Windsor Pilates DVD

[askcassyfirst]

I just wanted to let everyone on this thread know that I am currently logging my exercise and eating goals for bootcamp in my journal. As I was already doing that, and cutting and pasting was becoming a bit tedious, that is why I am not posting my results here on the thread.

However, I am still engaged with bootcamp, despite the lower back issue that popped up over the weekend...

Cassy :)

[racheljj]

Catherine,

Hi. I started the boot camp two weeks after you, but I'm doing it! I'm here if you need any support. Feel free to email me if you want to at johnsonrj@missouri.edu

Oh, and I'm posting things in my journal area too so I'll probably stop posting the same thing here. :)

Rachel

[catherinethegreat]

Hi Gang! Wed check in

Gym at 7:30am
32 minutes treadmil - up to 8.0 at 3.1 speed
did Bob Greene's stretches and weights
and a few more stretches that I LOVE

Felt great to be back at the routine of going every morning.

And I can already tell my arms are getting stronger from the weights.

YAY!

Good to hear your check in Cassy and Rachel and RawTruth! Glad you are all doing your best with whatever circumstances you are dealing with!
You all rock!
I'm bummed to hear that people are posting the exercise in their journals - only because if I want to find out how everyone is doing it will take me a lot longer then if it was just all in one place. I probably won't be going to people's journals. Maybe once in a blue moon. I don't mind the cutting and pasting my posts from here to there. It's pretty fast and easy. BUt I understnad that everyone has their own way !!!

have the best day ever!

xo
*c

[racheljj]

Well, I can just post the exercise part here, if you want. :) I'm doing just fine with that part. Today, I just did 30 minutes walk/jump on the trampoline
and then the eight minute Jorge Cruise Moves with five pound weights. My arms are sore today but the rest of me feels better. I've felt energetic and good so far this week from the exercise!

What I'm having the most trouble with is maintaining the food part of it. The first day I did just fine, yesterday I did ok, and today I did poorly. I didn't overeat, which is good, but I ate too many of the things that I wanted to cut out for the 12 weeks (rice, potato chips and chocolate cereal). Plus, I ate too much cooked and too little raw today. Any tips from the rest of you as to what helps you the most with the food part?

Rachel

[RawTruth]

Rachel -- I don't remember if you've already done the 30 Day Challenge. If not, maybe that's why you're having trouble staying raw. Or ... can you avoid situations where you're tempted to eat cooked food? Personally, I did what Victoria Boutenko suggested -- evaluated places and situations in two categories: the avoidable ones and the unavoidable. For instance, going to the mall where Cinnabon and Starbuck's will reach fingers out to grab me is avoidable -- I don't have to go there, so I should avoid it for at the least the first month or two when I'm a newbie. Same with going out to eat. Too tempting. For me, a hard one was movie theaters. I saw at least two movies a week (what can I say -- film is a big hobby for me and I'm in a perfect location for it) and I had a ritual of what I'd eat there -- it wasn't really SAD, in fact, it was healthier than anyone else I knew (at my theater, I can bring in outside food and there're food vendors right there to oblige! -- so my usual was steamed veggies w/ginger soy sauce, a Granny Smith apple dipped in dark chocolate, caramel, and pecans, and a decaf soy latte), but definitely not raw!! So ... I stuck to videos at home for a while, and, when I ventured back into the land of popcorn smells and chocolate caramel apples, I went armed with tons of raw goodies.

This is really long, and I don't mean to go on about myself! But, I can hear your frustration with your eating today, and I'm hoping to give you another view. I, personally, have had to cut back on my exercise part of the bootcamp -- doing cardio (walking 5 - 6 miles), but very little else. It was just too much. But, I'm adding it back in slowly, and, as has been said -- we're each creating our own program. Maybe, to stay raw, you might look at yourself and see if you've taken on too much at once ... or ... look at how prepared you are to eat raw. More than anything, Rachel, be kind to yourself. This is a slip up and now it's over!

[racheljj]

Hi, RawTruth. You have some good points. I'm not seeing yesterday as a mess up where I have to start over or anything. I just wished I could do what I want to do. I did Alissa's 30 day all raw challenge in January. I have a family that I cook for so it's gets really hard for me. I can't get away from cooked or anything like that. Plus, when I restrict myself that much, it usually blows up with overeating in the end, which happened a little bit in Feb. Now, I just want to be healthy overall.

Here's something I wrote in my journal this morning:

I’m amazed! Here are the main things I’ve been doing the past three days: exercise every day, eat smaller portions several times a day, have my last meal at five-thirty and not eating one bite of anything after that and no emotional eating. With just these things, my skin rashes have cleared up, I’m more energetic, I get by on less sleep, my stomach is empty and light in the evening, I sleep through the night rather than waking up to go pee several times a night, I’m starting to look younger and less bloated and I’ve dropped five pounds! I kept telling myself for a long time that I wouldn’t lose weight if I didn’t drastically cut down my calories (like starving myself or fasting) or if I didn’t eat only raw. Granted I did eat a good portion of raw the past three days, but not all and not even high yesterday. Even with eating the “normal” foods and meals that my family is eating and just not overeating and not eating late at night because I was going to deny myself so much the next day, I’ve started to lose weight. I’m so happy and feel like I’m finally on the right track for me!

[RawTruth]

Good for your, Rachel. Your insight and being supportive of yourself are so evident in your journal. I really admire you not eating after 5:30 -- wow, that is one thing that just doesn't work for me. We're each so unique -- something to celebrate! Congratulations on the last three days. You go!!

[racheljj]

PS: my cut off for eating is actually 7:30--I just happened to stop eating after 5:30 the past three nights because I work those nights. The other nights, I'll probably have a snack around 7. :)

Rachel

[racheljj]

I feel so alive! Last night I felt like exercising again; I didn’t take the time to do so but I like having this much energy! And, I like that I have such a positive attitude about everything this time!

This morning's Exercise:

--40 minutes walk/jump on the trampoline

--eight minute Jorge Cruise Moves with five pound weights

We're heading out of town this afternoon so I’ll be offline until we get back home later tomorrow. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Rachel

[catherinethegreat]

Hi there - sounds like Rachel is rockin out ! very cool.

I didn't go tot he gym yesterday - so I walked 40 minutes to the post office and took a bus home.

Felt good to be outside!

Today - again didn't go to the gym - and I'm putting on my walkin shoes later today to get out and get the exericise in!

Hope everyone else is doing great today!!!!!!

xoox
*c

[racheljj]

I had a great double workout Sat morning! I went outside with our new puppy and walked a loop in my uncle’s huge backyard. We walked down the hill, up the hill, up the stairs of the deck and down the stairs for half an hour. When we went inside, I did leg lifts for my eight minute Jorge Cruise Moves. Later that afternoon, I walked the loop for another half an hour. It was the best workout I’ve had yet this week, and I feel great!

I'm torn this morning. I'm ready for a day of rest but I also feel like being more active! :)

Rachel

[catherinethegreat]

That sounds great!!!

Yesterday I went to the gym and did an hour and 4 minutes on the treadmil - the difference for me was that I grabbed some magazines and looked at pictures and read a little so time wasn't the same as it is usually with having to look at the treadmil time so that every 2 mintues you can up the speed or incline. I prefer this way much better - just doing it - when I felt like it was getting easy - I would raise the incline -
I prefer that way to the other.
I also did an engagement shoot at an enourmous place called Huntington Gardens. So another mile walking and shooting.

I bought some weights so I can do them at home and at the gym so that is going to be helpful!

I hear that doing weights on your arms can greatly reduce the flab very quickly - any one else have info on that?

anyhow - today is my day of rest.

[RawTruth]

Hi Catherine -

Huntington Gardens is great. Was that your first time there? I used to go to monthly seminars there when I was more of an academic. The tea house has a great tea -- I took my son there once when he was about 10. It was a buffet so he thought he'd died and gone to heaven. No raw version, though.

Here' are some links where you can check out stuff for your upper body and weights. I'm thinking that you're referring to your triceps when you say flab. You do need to target them directly with specific work.

http://weight-training.realsolutionsmag.com/
http://www.netfit.co.uk/upperbody-circuit.htm

Good luck!!

[flutterfly]

Yesterday I went to the gym and did an hour and 4 minutes on the treadmil - the difference for me was that I grabbed some magazines and looked at pictures and read a little so time wasn't the same as it is usually with having to look at the treadmil time so that every 2 mintues you can up the speed or incline.

Head phones are wonderful at the gym. There is no way I could stay on the treadmill for 1 1/2 hours without them. :)

[catherinethegreat]

hi Flutterfly! Good to see you here - oh man - I couldn't do the treadmil without my headphones! But the magazines seemed to make it that much better!

Thanks rawtruth for the links!!

Today I walked to the postoffice and to the grocery store. about 40 minutes of walking all together.
Felt so good to be out on a sunny afternoon - with my headphones on - just enjoying the energy of the sun and my body moving.

Hope you all are still at it - in whatever way you want to be!

*catherine

[catherinethegreat]

Well I haven't exercised since my last post.
I'm ready to recommit to daily exercise starting Monday ( although I count tomorrow as an exercise day since I will be on my feet all day running around with 3 cameras strapped to me. ( wedding day )

I always feel totally wiped out the next day.

Reading about the Rebounder Myka bought - I've been curious about them. Maybe after I buy a CAR!!! I'll buy one of those.....

*c

[catherinethegreat]

This thread feels pretty much dead...yes?

It's a gorgeous day out today so I am planning to go to Griffith Park and walk there.

Should be a new interesting adventure - I have a car today so I'm excited to change things up a bit.

Hope everyone out there is doing great!

*c

[sweetgoddess]

Just so you know, Miss Catherine the Great- you have inspired me so, and I have started walking every morning, a mile to begin with. :p
Merci beaucoup, mon amie !
xo

[catherinethegreat]

you are doing better then me!
I went to griffith park and drove around and around - and never quite figured out where to go to walk. I need a map!
but thanks for telling me that!

xoxoxox
*c

[racheljj]

Yesterday, I walked for an hour and then did my 8-minute Jorge Cruise moves with five pound weights! Rachel

[catherinethegreat]

Rachel - You are amazing!

Yesterday I watched TV all day! hahaha!

I have fallen off the oprah bootcamp wagon.

I need help getting back on if anyone has any tips

Honestly I know - all it takes is a decision.

Guess I don't really feel like making it.

*c :eek:

[catherinethegreat]

Yesterday I took a walk to the library and back. I think about a mile.
Not sure. It felt great to be outside and getting some fresh air and sunlight.

*c

[RawTruth]

I've been working with severely handicapped teens in a local high school for the last 1-1/2 weeks (which has been taxing but rewarding) and haven't taken my usual 5-6 mile daily walk. Eeek!! My mood has shifted down a bit and my productivity has lessened, too. Not to mention my digestion isn't so hot. All that from something so simple as not moving my body as much. I really prefer making my own schedule each and every day. Since my body is still adapting to all raw, I have energy fluctuations and, with still doing network chiro, I'm also having mind/body adjustments -- at random times. So, it's better to be looser with the schedule. It's kinda cool, though, that I'm having this reaction from not exercising -- it shows just how integral it is/has been to my overall health. At some point --- when my body says it's time -- I'm gonna swing into a higher gear and add more intensity to the regimen -- either the Miracle Seven again or go back to the more familiar weight-training that my body had always responded to quickly.

Just sharing --- I know I haven't been posting, but I have been reading. I'm thinking that we all bit off too big a chunk with the bootcamp by her rules. Any thoughts?

[catherinethegreat]

Hi Diana - Good to hear from you - sounds like you've been very busy!!!

I guess my opinion on the
bit off more then you can chew is

I think it can be done - all it takes is a decision - every day - to do it - no matter what.

I think it's just like deciding to do 100% raw every day.

It's easy once you really decide in your entire being to do it.

Nothing can get in the way unless you say so.

No one can MAKE you eat cooked foods

and no one can make you not exercise. It's just a choice.

I thought from the beginning that we would do the bootcamp from "our" point of view - which is
what ever feels best for you - do that.

I too noticed that when I don't exercise my energy goes down. When I do exercise my energy goes up up up.

Once my schedule changes I have a much harder time keeping to a routine then if it's the same every day.

After I went to San Diego I never quite got back up to speed. I learned a lesson there - that my mind is tricky and wants me to return to old habits. trouble with that is - then I get depressed or low because I'm not living the life I imagine in my head!

All we can do is choose in every moment how we want our life to look and take it from there I suppose.

I still dream of rollerblading at the beach.

Tomorrow is a new day....

*c

[RawTruth]

Yes, you're right, Catherine. We did decide to create it for ourselves. So each of us has been working right along -- and, you're right, getting back up on the horse (or back into the routine that works) is something we just simply need to do whenever we go off into the weeds. No self castigation. Just set those feet back in motion.

I, too, do fine when I work out at the same time every day.

[racheljj]

I’ve got the exercise part down now and plan to continue it! I’m feeling so much more active, flexible and strong since I started Oprah’s boot camp! I’m still working out the food part of it and will figure it out some day soon. Today, I ate fairly decently--didn't overeat at all. I'm feeling great! Hope the rest of you are doing well, too. Just don't give up, whatever you do! I think we are adding positive habits one step at a time with this!

Rachel

[catherinethegreat]

So great to hear your results -

I pulled my bike out of the garage today and took it for a spin down the street to see if it was ok to ride ( it was a gift and I've never riden it! )
It needs a tune up...but it was so fun to just get on it and go.

Today I watched a yoga class on tv called Inhale - on the oxygen channel.
I'm reading hte yoga teachers book and it is amazing.
Called Happy Yoga - 7 reasons why there'r nothing to worry about. by Steve Ross
If you want something inspiring to read - pick this one up!
He also had yoga positions in it but it's mainly about being happy no matter what is going on externally.

I have been seeing a lot of inner judgement from myself - and from other people on the forum about not meeting up with their ( my ) image of perfection. My ego has to quiet down already - it's so invested in being perfect - and I don't know for sure but my hunch is that perfection is not the key to happiness. Acceptance might be closer!

Anyhow - today so far - no exercise accept the mini bike ride.
It's glorious outside so a walk is on my list.

have a great day!

*c

[jmo]

Hi Catherine, If your willing to start back on the bootcamp/or some exersise program maybe incorporaing yoga a couple of days for 12 weeks again I'd love to participate as well.

My husband and I are going to be doing a 5 day hike up Mt Whitney in July, and I am in no way close to being ready for this. I really need to get off my "Kister" and do something, and I need all the support I can get.

It would be great to have some kind of a support group going for the same goal.

Any thoughts?

[catherinethegreat]

Hi jmo

I actually just got back from a hike to watch the sunset. Really made a difference in my day to make that happen!

I'd love to commit again and I appreciate your asking me to do that.

I am taping a yoga class so I have it here for free.

I never really had a goal that I remember - just to make exercise a habit -

but a goal might be a good thing to do.

I have more of a goal weight then a goal like you ahve

although I am going to Spain end of May and really want to be fit and looking good!

not quite the same as Mt Whitney!!!

I'm game to start again tomorrow.

[jmo]

Sounds Great!!! and good job on the hike today : ) OK, Lets start tomorrow. How exciting : )

I am really really new to this site so I'm not sure how all this works. Can other people join in (I hope so) and we all just post what we've been doing and give encouragment??

To tell you the truth this is the first site I've ever talked to people on (just not a real computer person), but after reading some of the posts, I just had to jump right in. Everyone seems so nice and down to earth. It seems like a comfortable place to be while starting on the Raw Food journey.

I also have the weight goal too. Seems so unfair how it just creeps on and before you know you have a closet full of cloths you can't wear.

I live pretty close to the beach and think I'm going to try to maybe walk pier to pier tomorrow. I hope it's as beutiful out as it was today : )
Mt. Whitney's only 4 months away!!

Hope you enjoy your yoga tape,

Cam

[jmo]

p/s

Spain wow! what a great trip that will be : )

[catherinethegreat]

this is the first forum I've ever joined myself!

It is wonderful! I know you will gain much from being here and reading what people say. I know I wouldn't have been able to transition without this forum! People here are so compassionate and non judgemental.


yes anyone who is interested in joining in on this bootcamp can at any time. We started on Valentine's day and many people joined but then left - so it will be nice to re-group.

All we do here is just support each others commitment to exercise and eating raw. You can do the bootcamp in whatever way works for you. It's mainly just a guideline to work with.

You can check in daily or weekly - whatever works.

Where do you live??

*c

[sweetgoddess]

I will join in! yah! :D

[catherinethegreat]

alrighty then - sweetgoddess. Good to have you along for the ride!

Today I went for an hour long walk in the most beautiful area. It was residential - reminded me a lot of Portland Oregon. Accept even more asthetically pleasing because they all hire landscape people to make sure it looks great. Gave me lots of ideas for my own front yard.
It felt good to be outside smelling all the spring flowers and being alone to walk at my own pace.

My knees, ankles, wrists, and now my elbows are still very stiff, but it seems to hurt less and less as I go.

*c

[just_jo]

Move on over, Sweetgoddess, I'm jumping on too.

Hi all, all sorts of things have been going on with me this past week, and I know I have to seriously commit myself to a raw diet.

I have been toying with it for a few years now, and when I do good, I do really good.
But when I fall into SAD, i'm baaaaaaaaaad..... but that, ladies is for another forum at another time.

I do think I'm going to start a journal down below because I have such a fog in my head I need to get it written out and I NEED the accountability.

Anyways, back to the Oprah thing, I too saw the episode with her challenge, but I don't really remeber alot of the "rules" except the cut off 3 hours before bed, and 6 days a week training with 2 sessions on 2 of those days.

Anything else I'm missing?

I know Dr. Phil had some great little pointers like waiting 5 minutes after sitting at the table before attacking your plate.

Ummm, I think something else is putting your fork down between bites, chew till totally liquified, oh dear.... listen to me, sorry ladies, I bet I'm preaching to myself.
I am facing the cold hard fact that I totally have to retrain myself to eat.

I best hurry up and get down to that journal page so I can run on somewhere a little more appropriate.

So thankful to be here...... :D

[catherinethegreat]

HI Just_jo! Welcome aboard the Oprah bootcamp on raw bus!

You can do this in whatever fashion suits you.

You are right on about her specifications:

30 minute workout every day - on the 6th day you double your time
then each week you increase your time by 2 minutes

so the second week
32 minutes every day - then the last day - 64 minutes

and so on.

And yes - 2 days per week you do a second workout - for a total of 8 workouts per week

with one day of rest.

phew.

She said something like no eating 2-3 hours before bedtime.

The rest is up to you.

Have fun - look forward to hearing how it goes.

*c

[jmo]

Hi Everyone, Cool we have more people. YAHOOOO : )

So I had a pretty good day. Despite the fact that I woke up with one of those pestery little migraines, I decided not to let it take control today.

This afternoon I went on a nice walk with my husband down at the beach. It was a little breezy so we didn't go as long as I had planned, but thats ok. I also dugg out some old dusty video tapes and found one I had forgotten about, it's a "stress relief for beginners yoga" tape. How perfect is that? I think I'll be doing this one before dinner with the family tomorrow ; )

I just recieved Alissa's book today and can't wait to start reading it and watch the dvd.

Hope you had a great day,

Cam

P/s Catherine - I live in Torrance. Hope your feeling better.

[catherinethegreat]

jmo - Sounds like a great day!

p.s. we are neighbors...I live near Pasadena.

*c

[RawTruth]

Actually, Cam, WE are neighbors since I live just down the 405 from you in Long Beach!

[catherinethegreat]

all of us just HAVE to go to AU LAC rastaurant together sometime!
( i know it's off topic ! sorry )

[jmo]

I did the yoga tape yesterday. I really think it helped me stay focused at dinner yesterday, and not go off track to bad. (salad dressing)
I think any kind of exercising gives me the extra mind-set I need to try to stay with this.

Raw truth and Catherine, Being that we kinda live near one onother, we should try to do some of the local hikes sometime.

I'm not sure how the pm thing works yet, but I'm sure I can figure it out. anyways if you want to pm me I can give you my info.

[catherinethegreat]

Hi there - Good to here that the yoga was a good thing and helped you stay on track jmo.

I took the train in to Pasadena today and walked about a mile back I'm guessing. Walked for alomst an hour. umbrella and bag with books were with me too!

Felt great to be out. I have a lot of energy today. I did last night as well. So it was good to let it all out.

I'd LOVE to go hiking.

Jerry and I actually have a hiking book that we have used on occasion that might help.

Let's plan something!

*c

[jmo]

Good job on the walk. Hope you didn't need the umbrella.

I'm home today with a nice headache, so I only did some streching.
It's soo windy outside, I feel like if step one foot out I might get blown all the way to Kansas or something.

The hiking book a great idea. We have a couple too and between us could find some pretty cool hikes to do. My husband could do the hard hikes all the live long day, but I'm just not there yet ;)