The Kat Files

I’m on Day 9 of the North Cypress 14-Day Challenge, and I’m actually having a terrific time. This challenge, like the T-Shirt Challenge, has given me the opportunity to try new classes. On the first day of the challenge, I let Shelly talk me into taking a P.U.R.E. class. Intense! The class reminds me of the Insanity DVD program/Jackie Warner’s Power Circuits. You go through a series of stations led by personal trainers. Each station has a different exercise that is performed for about a minute or two depending on the exercise. I left the class thinking “I’ll never take that class again.” WRONG! I took it again  Monday night, as well as last night. On Friday evening I had my training session with a personal trainer. One trainer session is included in the challenge. My trainer worked me hard. My body felt it the next day. After my run on Saturday morning, I took a Barre class with Shelly who had just finished a spin class. The Barre class is a combination of principles of ballet, Pilates, and yoga. It targets the core, hips, thighs, buttocks, and arms. Out of all of the classes I have tried since joining North Cypress, this is my least favorite. In all fairness, I plan on taking the class again; however, it will be on a day or night separate from any other activity and not after a trainer session. Shelly and I both went into that class sore AND after just working out for 45 minutes. Also, Shelly had her trainer session on Friday morning. We’re NUTS! I was stiff, sore, and uncomfortable. It even hurt to sit. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to walk Sunday morning. I did take Sunday as a rest day. Alas, Shelly and I prevailed, and we are both back at it for another week  of the challenge.

In addition to new classes, I’m trying new foods. I’ve added raw spinach to my salads. I’ve incorporated balsamic vinegar into a few of my meals (salads/pasta). The eating plan calls for Caramel Corn Rice Cakes by Quaker Oats. One rice cake is 0 fat grams; 50 calories, 3g of sugar, and 1g of protein. They are pretty good. The plan calls for spreading some Almond Butter on it; however, I’ve been eating them plain or with peanut butter. I haven’t tried Almond butter, yet. It is something I plan to try very soon.

For anyone interested in the Meal Plan for the 14-Day Challenge:  Meal Plan   (This is 1,550 calories per day.)

For anyone interested in the Workout Plan for the 14-Day Challenge: Workout Plan

Healthier Lifestyle 8-Week Challenge Update

My week #6 total was 156 points. I earned 181 points for making healthy choices and 0 points for weight loss. Our points for no sweets or sugary treats were doubled this week. I lost 2.5 pounds (YAY!) which makes my weight 132 pounds; however, I earned 0 points for weight loss because my lowest weight was 131.5 pounds.  Moonius Maximus earned 112 points. He earned 107 for making healthy choices and 5 points for maintaining his weight loss. His weight is still 184 pounds. We have two more weeks to complete this challenge.

Recently, I had the opportunity to write down some goals for different areas of my life. I’m hoping to write a post or two about them soon. Some of the goals are for 2013 while others are something I would like to accomplish in the future. Every day brings opportunity. Sometimes, the opportunities enrich the journey you’re presently on. Sometimes, the opportunities open new doors and lead you in another direction…a direction that may bring you more fulfillment, define your purpose, or  just make your life flow smoothly. Whatever the day brings, be PRESENT so you don’t miss the opportunities.  Happiness!

“You know. Life’s short. If you don’t try new things, you’ll never know what you’re best at. And you can only make time for new things by quitting the things you know don’t work for you.” ~Meg Cabot, Teen Idol