Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge ~ Day 8 & 9

So....I was hoping to try to boost my weight loss since it was moving along at a snails pace and decide to do my fast completely for 3 days. Since my budget won't allow me to fast completely for longer periods of time I will fast for 3 in a row as many days as I can. So now for the really good news.

In 2 days I lost 5 pounds!!!!!

Yay for me!!

I have to say the first day is hard and food cravings come on strong. I know I was only eating a salad for dinner but when you are looking forward to that at the end of the day, it does wonders to help you stay on track and juicing for most of the day. I did eat some watermelon which is allowed on a fast and believe me it is welcomed. Watermelon is so thirst quenching, nutritious, and it is called the diet fruit....so eat up and enjoy.

So I was 201 pounds when I started this blog and I am now down to 196. I have a LOT more to lose but I am going in the right direction! I walked last night with my neighbor for 2.87 miles in an 54 minutes. I felt great. I beat my miles of exercise from last week but to be fair, I only started logging them on Thursday of last week and this week's log began on Monday. But nonetheless, I went from 6 miles last week to 12 miles so far this week and I still have 3 more days to log in some workouts. I am feeling great and I am looking forward to dropping more pounds for Izzy. I'm 11 pounds down so far, 75 more to go!

NOW, I want to hear from you ....the ones who are taking the challenge. Even if you did not lose yet, share some of your experiences with me. We cannot be in this together when we don't share so I encourage you to. We can help motivate one another in this journey....

There are but a few pieces of motivation for me

Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge ~ Day 7

Today I had a nice tall glass of freshly juiced apples! Did I say delicious before? I LOOOOVE fresh apple juice and so does my son. It makes me look forward to the morning and when I drink it, I wake up instantly and have enough energy to ride my bike with my son to his school and back. 

When I got back from riding the bike, I juiced a half of a watermelon and cut up the second half and stored it in containers.

I want to talk a little bit about the benefits watermelon

Watermelon has a colorful history. Originally grown in the desert, they were a source of water for travelers, which is where their name originated. They made their way to America in the 1600s and are now enjoyed around the world. Available year-round, the watermelon is much more than a simple summertime snack. Packed with health benefits from lowering blood pressure to preventing heart disease, watermelon makes a wise addition to your diet.

Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Adding watermelon to your diet may help you decrease that risk factor, according to the Department of Nutrition at Florida State University. Researchers evaluated the effects of watermelon supplementation on the blood pressure of pre-hypertensive subjects. The results of the study, published in the January 2011 issue of "American Journal of Hypertension," show that six-week supplementation with watermelon lowered blood pressure and improved the health and function of arteries. Anti-hypertensive action is said to be from watermelon's L-citrulline content, which converts to L-arginine in the body, a known blood pressure lowering substance that relaxes blood vessels.

Improves Insulin Resistance

Insulin is a hormone in the blood that regulates blood sugar by helping it enter cells. PubMed Health explains that when the body does not respond properly to insulin blood sugar stays in the bloodstream. To counteract that occurrence, the body produces more insulin, and the excess insulin and sugar in the bloodstream have a negative effect on the kidneys and triglyceride levels. Watermelon's L-citrulline content raises L-arginine levels which helps reduce circulating blood sugar levels, excess fat and cholesterol levels in animal and human subjects, according to a study in the December 2007 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition."

Contains Lycopene

Watermelon contains lycopene, a phytochemical that is responsible for watermelon's bright red color. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that lycopene is also an antioxidant that can reduce the chance of heart disease and cancer in humans. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York reports that lycopene consumption may be effective against breast, lung, stomach and prostate cancer.

Nutritional Benefits

Watermelon contains several important vitamins and minerals. Watermelon contains a fair amount of vitamins A, C and the B vitamins. Minerals include potassium, manganese, copper, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorous and iron. Add protein and fiber into the mix and you have an exceptionally healthy treat. With only 46 calories and 11 carbohydrates in a 1-cup serving, everyone can enjoy watermelon.

Sources:
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/415346-is-watermelon-good-for-health/#ixzz1XKA9JpcX

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/493530-watermelon-juice-for-hydration/#ixzz1XK83t9fB

Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge ~ Day 5

Ok, so today I start 2 new classes and a new year in my online Associates Degree program at the University of Phoenix! I am excited but nervous because the format and requirements have changed a bit and I am hoping that I do not miss posting assignments on time.

In other news...today, I will be walk/jogging on my own and then my friend Meghan is coming over later to do some (boot camp) like exercises with me. Meghan is also doing a juice fast and wanting to get back into her exercise routine since she has been lagging a bit lately so we are going to motivate each other. You can do this to with a friend of yours. I say to show everyone you know the documentary "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" by Joe Cross (NETFLIX) and also watch the documentary "Forks Over Knives." Both are extremely informative, inspiring, and motivating.

                              

Trailer for Fat,Sick, and Nearly Dead                         Forks Over Knives Trailer

My goal is to motivate others while I motivate myself. One way to keep track of your progress is to join Daily Mile and friend me so we can motivate one another! You can follow my blog, create your own blog, or do a video blog...whatever works to help keep you focused... I believe the most important step is to start slow and change your diet.

When I started juicing, I got massive amounts of energy and it enabled me to start my exercise routine. When I don't run/jog/walk I dance to Just Dance 1 on my Wii or The Michael Jackson Experience on my Wii. I also have Wii Fit and I think I will start doing the Yoga exercises and balancing exercises on it just to keep things interesting. I also have a hoola hoop, a jump rope, and a bike. Change is great and it helps keep the routine from getting boring and uninteresting. Do what makes you happy and keeps you moving, even if it is only a walk around the block.

If you wish to start a juicing regime you can check out Join The Reboot which is a website designed by the creators of "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" to help support you while you begin your journey into juice fasting. Another good reboot site is their facebook page at Reboot Facebook, LIKE the page and you can converse with others on this journey and ask questions that you may have on your juice fast. I highly recommend juice fasting at least 5-10 days so you reboot your palate, detox your body from toxic food and substances, and begin to feel energy for life. Everyone detoxes at their own pace and it all depends on how much and how long you have been abusing your body. My mother has fasted for 26 days now and it took her 10 days to get over her detox and feel rejuvinated! She has been abusing her body for a long time and it took her 10 days. Some people detox after 3 and some after 5; it all depends on their body and their body's needs.

Of course you may comment on my blog and you could post your weight loss if you are doing the challenege but I recommend either starting Daily Mile or Blogging on your own and following my blog as well. If you post your blog for me, I will follow it as well.

Remember, we're on this journey together! Let's BEAT THE FAT and Let's BEAT LEUKEMIA!!

                 

Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge ~ Day 6

Ok....so....it was pouring buckets this morning and although my son and I TRIED to brave it on the bikes with our ponchos, the rain proved to be merciless so we put the bikes back and drove to school. My son got some exercise by walking home and then later biking to the recreation center but I only got a little bit of biking done when I picked him up. That's ok because I did 3 miles on the bike, 2 miles walk/jogging yesterday and 4 songs on the Wii. So I'm doing ok. Tomorrow I will try to get out and do some moving. Every other day seems to be a good formula for me, allows my body enough rest to repair.

I know I still have a long journey ahead of me but I feel so incredibly good doing what I am doing and I know that I WILL succeed! I will be so excited when I am at that point when I give Izzy her money. :-)



So I thought it would be a good idea to post some pictures of me. I have a photo that compares me from June 27th 2011 to today and I do look smaller even though the scale is not my friend and won't budge. I did lose about 6 pounds in the month prior which I will include as total weight lost for the Izzy Weightloss Challenge so she will get the money. 

Sept. 6th 2011

Sept. 6th 2011

Sept. 6th 2011

Sept. 6th 2011

Sept. 6th 2011

Sept. 6th 2011

This Photo was take on June 27th 2011

Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge ~ Day 5

Ok, so today I start 2 new classes and a new year in my online Associates Degree program at the University of Phoenix! I am excited but nervous because the format and requirements have changed a bit and I am hoping that I do not miss posting assignments on time.

In other news...today, I will be walk/jogging on my own and then my friend Meghan is coming over later to do some (boot camp) like exercises with me. Meghan is also doing a juice fast and wanting to get back into her exercise routine since she has been lagging a bit lately so we are going to motivate each other. You can do this to with a friend of yours. I say to show everyone you know the documentary "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" by Joe Cross (NETFLIX) and also watch the documentary "Forks Over Knives." Both are extremely informative, inspiring, and motivating.

       

Trailer for Fat,Sick, and Nearly Dead     Forks Over Knives Trailer

My goal is to motivate others while I motivate myself. One way to keep track of your progress is to join Daily Mile and friend me so we can motivate one another! You can follow my blog, create your own blog, or do a video blog...whatever works to help keep you focused... I believe the most important step is to start slow and change your diet.

When I started juicing, I got massive amounts of energy and it enabled me to start my exercise routine. When I don't run/jog/walk I dance to Just Dance 1 on my Wii or The Michael Jackson Experience on my Wii. I also have Wii Fit and I think I will start doing the Yoga exercises and balancing exercises on it just to keep things interesting. I also have a hoola hoop, a jump rope, and a bike. Change is great and it helps keep the routine from getting boring and uninteresting. Do what makes you happy and keeps you moving, even if it is only a walk around the block.

Here is today's fitness photo

I accidentally stopped my pedometer for most of my walk so I only logged 20 minutes worth when I walked and jogged for 45minutes WHOOPS!

This morning I drank the rest of my green lemonade which I posted a picture of on a previous post. My pre-workout juice is watermelon. One half a watermelon makes on entire days worth of juice!!

If you wish to start a juicing regime you can check out Join The Reboot which is a website designed by the creators of "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" to help support you while you begin your journey into juice fasting. Another good reboot site is their facebook page at Reboot Facebook, LIKE the page and you can converse with others on this journey and ask questions that you may have on your juice fast. I highly recommend juice fasting at least 5-10 days so you reboot your palate, detox your body from toxic food and substances, and begin to feel energy for life. Everyone detoxes at their own pace and it all depends on how much and how long you have been abusing your body. My mother has fasted for 26 days now and it took her 10 days to get over her detox and feel rejuvinated! She has been abusing her body for a long time and it took her 10 days. Some people detox after 3 and some after 5; it all depends on their body and their body's needs.

Of course you may comment on my blog and you could post your weight loss if you are doing the challenege but I recommend either starting Daily Mile or Blogging on your own and following my blog as well. If you post your blog for me, I will follow it as well.

Remember, we're on this journey together! Let's BEAT THE FAT and Let's BEAT LEUKEMIA!!

Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge ~ Day 4

• This morning I woke up tired but I'm doing well. I drank water and had my first glass of green lemonade.

Green Lemonade

Approximately 64 ounces for the whole jug. I drink about 16 oz glasses at one time and drink 4-6 glasses throughout the day.

Green Lemonade ingredients are as follows:
2 cucumbers
2 zuchinni or squash (optional but tasy)
1 lemon
1 pound of spinich (normally less when using kale)
(when budget allows 2 bunches of kale but can double up on the spinich if not)
1 bunch of celery with leaves
4-6 golden (or green) apples (Recipe calls for granny smith but I found golden delicious to be tastier)

So this morning I will be off to work. I have 2 massages scheduled back to back and then I will return home to complete my finals for class. I think that I will go for a walk before I begin my school work because my back hurts from sleeping on my futon mattress and I need to move my muscles to aleviate that stiffness and achiness. Not to mention that I need to exercise after not doing so for 2 days in a row! I am commited to raise money for Izzy so I am motivated to keep going.

Just as a side note... I will not post my weight again until sept 15th when I will weigh in. My body is holding onto this plateu weight and refused to show up on the scale although my body IS changing and shrinking. Since I don't want to get discrourages, I will weight in every two weeks instead of every day.

• What I want from you all today who are following me on this journey is to report your exercise for the day or if you didn't exercise today then in the last few days. Join Daily Mile and we can friend each other and you can keep track of your progress. 

Let's keep motivated and accountable. 

And now as a little reminder for why we all are here on this journey!

My son Elijah with Izzy around Christmas on 2010

Don't forget that we have bracelets on sale $5 each to help raise money for Izzy as well as many other fundraisers going on that can be found on Team Izzy Findraiser Page

Again, thank you for coming on this journey with me and I wish you best of luck!

Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge ~ Day 3

I did not get to exercise today in the traditional sense. I did go shopping for more greens, apples, watermelon, and various other healthy veggies. I carried around 6 watermelons and got a little work out there and got a chance to help show my sister how to use her new juicer. I am in finals week for my two classes in online school so this weekend is a bit crazy. I think tomorrow after work I will go for a walk by myself before I stick my head into the books to finish my finals.

Monday my friend Meghan and I are going to do some training and running so I will get my fill in then for sure. I am excited about Monday because I have not been able to exercise in 2 days and I feel like I need it and crave it now.

This is my refridgerator after today's shopping

My fridge has gone green!!!

Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge ~ Day 2 (Evening)

Ok, so I did not get to exercise today because I had a lot of running around to do with the fundraiser in Orlando for Izzy. You can check out the fundraisers that are going on now at  WOW Bright Smiles.

Anywho, I only munched on veggies and fruit at the party and I was very good. I drank watermelon juice and water after I got home and went to bed. Tomorrow my mom and I are going veggie/fruit shopping to make more juice and taking a walk or playing the Wii Just Dance.

I will keep you posted.

Thank you to Lisa Mundell Burnett for putting Izzy at the heart of her party and for making such a wonderful event and raffle to help benefit her!

You can check out photos of last night's party here... Wow Bright Smiles Spa Party Photos

Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge ~ Day 2 (Morning)

This is day 2 and I started out my morning with a fresh glass of juiced apples. I have gotta say that I LOOOOVVVVVE fresh and real apple juice and it is the only juice I can get my 8 year old son to try. Since he likes it, I buy him his own bag of apples and I make him a small glass each morning before school with his pancakes.

4 Golden Delicious Apples juiced.

For this morning's juice, however, I only had 3 apples left because I gave one to my son so he could have 2. 

This morning I will be riding my bike with my son to school. This is a new things for the both of us and one I look forward to because it helps to wake me up as well as get me moving. I need all the little encouragements as I can get. When I get back, I will be juicing another watermelon to take with me to work so I have lunch and snack. 

Tonight I go, with my mom and son, to a fundraiser for Izzy taking place in Orlando. She and I are donating a gift basket in which all the proceeds go to Izzy.

Here is the link to check out the raffle:
http://www.wowbrightsmiles.com/uncategorized/raffle-for-sweet-little-2-year-old-izzy-recently-diagnosed-with-leukemia/
The gift baskets can be raffled to those who cannot make the party and will be shipped out to the winner when the raffle is over. Please consider buying a raffle for Izzy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I will post another update later on today. I probably will not be exercising much today because of my busy schedule and the fact that I am traveling to Lutz, FL to my mom's house and then we are traveling to Orlando together.

Thank you for reading and hopefully you will be inspired to follow along in the Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge!
http://www.facebook.com/TeamIzzyDean (click the link to find out more about Izzy's Fundraising events)

Follow me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=755065109

Follow my Massage Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacy-Pickhardt-LMT/120985537955459

Follow my progress on My Daily Mile
http://www.dailymile.com/people/StacyP10

Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge ~ Day 1

Ok. So this morning I was fretting because I have been juicing for almost a month and although I feel great and have made vast improvements in my health, the scale just won't budge. So I complained a little and searched for reasons that could be causing it and trying to wrack my brain as to what I could do differently in order to see results. I drank some watermelon juice and decided to go for a walk/jog since I do not have any massage clients yet. I found an application on my Ipod Touch that will track my miles, calories, time, post on facebook, and play music for my exercise route. Great start and felt awesome. I went 2.26 miles in 45 minutes and burned 231 calories! What I did not expect and was pleasantly surprised is that my headaches are almost non existent now. Since juicing, I have been able to go outside in the sun and jog without immediately getting a pounding, overheated, migraine headache! AMAZING......

Ok...so while I was out there I was thinking about how great I feel and how I should focus on this instead of the scale. Negativity just breeds more negativity and I want more positivity in my life....and then it HIT ME!

I will dedicate my weight loss journey to Isabella Dean (a.k.a Izzy). Izzy is a beautiful (almost 2) year old little baby girl (my friend's daughter) who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia about 20 days ago. She has been fighting this like a champ and is truly inspirational to all that are blessed with knowing her. I am part of the TEAM IZZY Fundraising team but I want to do more. I am a single mother and do not have a lot of money so it is hard to donate money when I have little of it but I came up with something that I think will be easy to do AND will hopefully inspire others to follow along and raise money for Izzy.

What is this epiphany you ask?

Well............

I am going to track my weight loss on facebook and on this blog. For every pound I lose, I will donate $1 to Izzy to help her fight Leukemia. I want to lose weight and I want to gain better health and what better way to be inspired and motivated than to think of that beautiful little girl while I do it.

So, I am challenging you! Will you join the Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge with me? You can do this at your own pace, with a friend, or alone....whatever gets you there. Keep track of your progress like I will be doing and we can encourage each other.

Day 1 of Weight Loss For Izzy Fundraising Challenge

Here is goes: My weight for all to see 201 lbs

I figure that if Izzy can fight, so can I! and you! and we?

Together, let's beat Leukemia!!!