Sunday, May 26, 2013

JumpStart To Skinny: RESULTS!

This morning, I am ecstatic. I set out a goal for this program, and not only did I surpass it, but I hit a number I never thought I would see! I met my yearly body fat goal that I set in January, and I now have over two times more muscle on my body than fat. I.am.ecstatic.

I am so happy to say that I am through this program! Not because I couldn't hack it, but because I accepted and completed this challenge. I love anything that challenges me, whether it be my mind, my muscles, or my willpower. This program challenged all three of those areas, but my willpower was definitely challenged the most.

See all that food?! That's just a few days worth!

Three weeks ago, I was in a different place mentally. I found myself slipping back into old habits, fighting myself the entire time. I was nibbling on foods I knew were not good for me. Although I hadn't packed on the pounds, I knew it would be a matter of time before I did.

This program forced me into clean eating, 100%. Normally, I eat about 60-75% clean, so this was hard for me. No carbs after lunch, and all that baby spinach! Don't get me wrong, I love spinach, but this was a lot of spinach for me.
I was also faced with the fact that I still emotionally eat. A lot. I didn't realize how much until I wasn't allowed to snack anymore. I had to make a conscious decision to walk out of the kitchen when I was just wandering in there to nibble. Even with all I've learned about clean eating, working out, and facing my emotions head on, rather than eating them, I still want to turn to food when I'm feeling overwhelmed. I really started to break that habit with this program, and that is very freeing for me. I learned a lot about myself and my eating habits.
 
Although this program has it's own workout program to go along with it, it wasn't advanced enough for me, so I continued on with Bob's workout plan on his website, which is Bathing Suit Bootcamp right now, along with running. My workout habits didn't change, only my eating. I still worked out with high-intensity workouts 5 days a week (2 on, 1 off, 3 on, 1 off), just as you are supposed to do with this program. I got in extra workouts when I could too, often running with my kids in tow to and from the elementary school my son attends.
 
My Final Numbers
-Pounds Lost: 7.5
-Inches Lost-waist: .5
-Inches Lost-hips: 2.5
-Body Fat: 2%
-Muscle Gain: .8%
 
 Three weeks isn't a lot of time, but I made incredible numbers in just 21 days. I am honestly shocked at how well my body responded to this program, and I will do this probably 1-2 times a year just to reset my system and keep myself on track. I'm drinking so much more water now, too, which is great!
 
Today, I won't totally wreck my system either by going out and having a big "splurge day", I don't feel right about it. I might have a healthy dessert, some creamer in my coffee, and nothing with spinach in it, though ;)
 
If you have the dedication, the drive, and the planning skills to give this program a try, I highly recommend picking up this book and trying it out! What do you have to lose (besides pounds?!)?
 
HarperGirl
 


Saturday, May 18, 2013

JumpStart to Skiny (70% through)

The warmer weather really snuck up on me this year. Between running my new home business, tending to my 2 kids, my husband being deployed, and my oldest in Kindergarten, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the calender a few weeks ago! I needed to make teacher gifts, prep my shop for summer, and prepare for beaches! It really goes to show you that the older you get, the faster time seems to go.

I announced on my Facebook page that I am doing the Jumpstart to Skinny program that Bob Harper just released. I wanted to give a first-hand review of this program. I haven't felt my physical best in the past six months or so. I balanced out a little, hit a plateau, and although I was still working out like crazy and eating right, nothing was happening anymore. I was in a slump, and that has never happened to me before. I needed something to help me feel my best for the summer! I looked into cleansing programs, fasting, juicing, you name it. I wanted something natural, that wasn't expensive, and that I could realistically do at home. Then...Bob announced his new Jumpstart program on Facebook! I almost did a cartwheel in my living room! He saved me again.

FYI: The Jumpstart To Skinny program is an introductory program to his other book, The Skinny Rules. It's intended to put you in place to start The Skinny Rules when you are finished, but it's not a "must". I personally already do most of the Skinny Rules already, so I'll transition quickly back into my routine, with a few modifications!


I downloaded the book immediately to my Kindle and read it all in a day. It's a very short read, because the back half of the book is all recipes and workout movements. I read all of the rules, I made a grocery list, and set a date to start. I like to start fresh on Monday's, so I started 2 weeks ago on Monday.

Now, as far as the rules...it's not going to be easy. This is a 3 week program. Of course, it's going to be hard. It will be even harder if you're used to eating very unhealthy foods. This program has been difficult for me, even, and I eat about 70% clean everyday. You have to cut back calories. I cut 1/3 of my daily intake for this program, but the great thing is, I've never eaten SO MUCH per meal!

Some great things about this program:
-I am never hungry. I leave the table after each meal more than satisfied, and most days, I end up saving a good portion of my lunch for later because I can't finish the rest of it.
-You can snack, as long as it is on the approved list of foods.
-Bob breaks it down to where there is no guessing, it's all right there.
-He tells you why each rule is in place, and why this program works.
-The workouts are easy, and he has a bunch of modifications for beginners to advanced.
-You can have coffee. I call that a win.

Personal Gains So Far:
-I've lost 5lbs so far, and almost 2% of my body fat.
-I'm leaner. I'm not bloated at all like I was.
-I no longer need or crave salt, or use coffee creamer. The sugar cravings I had are still there, but they are really dwindling.
-I have more energy!
-The first week alone, I lost about a .5lb every day!
-I got to try a bunch of new, clean meals that I actually like and will fit into my normal meal rotation. 
-I no longer snack on useless junk during the day, and no longer crave to do that. I replaced my "snack time" with something else and found that I really don't need that snack; I just think I do.
-The program has gotten me used to drinking my water! I was bad about that. I never drank enough, and now I make sure I get it in!

With the great results I've had, a close friend of mine decided to buckle down and give it a try too. She's down 4lbs after just 3 days! I am incredibly proud of her and her dedication! She has shown such progress in just a couple of days, and I've been talking her through some of her cravings. She has picked up a water bottle instead of a snack, and I know how incredibly hard that is. Way to go!

Is the Jumpstart program for you? I can't tell you that. What I can say is that if you're looking for a great program to get you on track for summer, try it!

Once I get my final results next week, I'll post again and let you all know my final numbers!


Consult your doctor first, and make sure you can do this program.

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