I Can't Believe I'm Posting This On The Internet

Alternately titled: "My 30 Day Shred Results"

Yesterday I hit 30 days straight with the lovely Jillian Michaels as my trainer (via her DVD of course). I have to say I am really glad I stuck with it. I have real muscles. I don't feel like I'm 90 years old after walking up 5 flights of stairs. My asthma is more under control. I'm not winded after a long bike ride (or marathon sex). I could take Jillian Michaels in a fight. OK, maybe not that last one.

I took pictures at the beginning thinking maybe I would post them with after photos. I debated last night and said to myself "Really? Do you really want to post a picture of yourself in a sports bra ON THE INTERNET?!"

But I really, truly believe in this workout plan. I may not have knock-you-out-of-your-seats results. But I have results. After only 30 days. And to me, that's saying something.

Results:
-4 lbs.
-1.5" around waist
-1.25" around hips
-.5" around upper thighs
::I can button a pair of capris I couldn't even fit into last summer
::Yes, I've been "fake and baking" for my upcoming Florida trip
::Yes, that is the same outfit, 30 days later :)





Along with the 30 Day Shred workout, I followed a healthier meal plan: ate a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and organic foods; no fried or fast food; cut down on dairy, enriched flour and processed sugar; increased my protein and fiber intake; and drank lots of water.

[Not saying that there wasn't one Saturday I may have indulged in a large scoop of peanut butter, caramel and chocolate ice cream, but let's just keep that between us.]

So, if you're looking for a workout that you can fit into your day and get results, I would definitely recommend it. I plan on continuing it for another 30 days in fact! Except today. Today, I'm taking a day off in celebration :)

Plank Position Is A Bitch (And Other Things I've Learned From Jillian Michaels)

Fifteen days ago I became a Shred Head (here's proof). In other words, I've let Jillian Michaels, a trainer from The Biggest Loser, tell me what to do for the past 2 weeks+.

I decided to tackle the "30 Day Shred" for a few reasons: its 'lose up to 20 lbs.' tagline, the fact that I will be taking a beach vacation and wearing a bikini in the beginning of May, and because I have seen many other bloggers have success (with pictures to prove it!) on this program.

I am officially halfway through and sadly have little to show for it. I took measurements and pictures on day 3. I've lost about 2 pounds and a few tenths of an inch around the thighs and waist. I'm not discouraged yet, but I am beginning to wonder why I haven't had the results that others have had so far.

I do notice that my endurance has greatly improved (although, I started Level 2 a few days ago and am still struggling to keep up). I've developed visible muscles in my arms and have moved on from the "girlie" push-ups. And surprisingly, I actually look forward to working out every day. So, definitely improvement.

A few phrases that make me want to punch Jillian Michaels in the face:

• Get down in plank position.
• There is no modified version of this move, I have 400 lb. people that can do jumping jacks.
• Just think about going jean shopping.
• Give me a couple more.

If Jillian isn't the devil, I am going to be so screwed in hell.

Since I started the shred, I have been trying to eat healthier in addition to working out every day. I have increased the protein and fiber in my diet, have cut back on carbs and eat vegetables like they're going out of style. I never thought I'd become a drinker of protein shakes that's for sure. For anyone that drinks them, what brand/flavor do you buy? I started with a vanilla whey powder, but the strong smell was a huge aversion. A friend of mine told me to switch to the soy powder to help with the smell. He was right it doesn't have the bad aroma, but he failed to mention it tastes like chalk! I know it's important to increase the protein in your diet when you are exercising regularly, but I'm not sure where to go from here. Suggestions? Any other advice about diet/meal plans?

And to my fellow shred heads: am I expecting too much at this point in the program?