My Yoga Poses on Instagram

Fitness Goals

Setting your goals when you want to lose weight can be a little tricky.  I hate giving out unsolicited advice when it comes to diet and exercise, because well, people can be judgmental with what you have to say and what you have achieved.  But I want to give a little hand so that you won't have to go through what I have been through that took me years to understand and apply.  This is based on my own experience, we all have different body types and tolerance (hehe!), find one that will work for you.

I began working out with one thing on my mind (well, everything else followed), that I can lose weight faster than those people who called me fat! (by the way, that was just 3 months after I gave birth)  Every time they'd see me, they'll be like "ang taba taba mo na tine.."  I was like, "Hello!  I just gave birth, give me a break"!!  I was deeply saddened by their rude comments, so I decided to work out six months after I gave birth.  Didn't want to hurry myself, baka mabinat..

I already planned on doing Hip-Hop Abs, for me, it's the easiest workout to follow and I love the way Shaun T motivates me while working out (yes, I take his words seriously!) I think it affects the way I look at my workouts.  My diet plan; eat less carbs and eat more veggies which I failed to do because I wasn't fond of veggies back then.. After months of doing HIP HOP Abs, I felt like I wasn't losing weight anymore, my body got used to the workouts that it doesn't hurt anymore, so I had to do something else, something more challenging.  I searched the net for new and intense workouts, then I found Insanity by Shaun T.  Luckily, a friend lent me her DVD's.  I encouraged hubby to join me in this challenge but it was exhausting..  I had a hard time doing it because it was so intense!  I wasn't looking forward to doing it everyday.  So, I decided to look for another workout.  Then, I found HIIT, High Intensity Interval Training ~~ is an enhanced form of interval training, an exercise strategy alternating periods of short intense anaerobic exercise with less-intense recovery periods.  HIIT is a form of cardio vascular exercise, usual HIIT sessions may vary from 4-30 minutes.  These short, intense workouts provide improved athletic capacity and condition, improved glucose metabolism, and improved fat burning. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_interval_training)

My workout takes 30sec work and 10sec rest for 30-45mins of intense workout.  I found a website that provides a free workout video called BodyRock.tv.  Although it may look like insanity, this one has 10sec rest which really helped me take a breather and then get back again with enough energy to finish a 30 sec work.  While doing this, I made some changes on my diet, just to get the result that I wanted.  I ate less at dinner, less carbs, less sweets on weekdays, gave myself cheat weekends so I won't deprive myself too much.

Oh, and to track my weight loss, I measured my body instead of weighing myself, because muscles are heavier than fats.

Now, I'm adding yoga to my workout routine, and I find it better than getting a massage for my sore muscles.

I know I don't have that "biggest loser" kind of story or a big transformation story because I didn't need to reach that state before I decided to change something about myself..  And I don't want to wait for something "life changing" before I change something..

Rainbow Loom Love

We're simply loving our Rainbow Loom, it's becoming our new past time thingy! :D  Maybe, I should start a tutorial?
We bought our bands at Toys r' Us and a lot of them were given by our good friend who bought them online.

Reversible Wonderland Bracelet

Life Saver Rainbow Loom

Blaster Bolt

Big Rig

These are some of the bracelets that I made for the kids..  I love the color combinations on these bracelets! :D

IndependenceARMy Challenge

Finally, I found some time to blog..  It's been a while.. But even though I haven't had time to blog, I still managed to squeeze in my daily workout, and I have decided to join @laurasykora, @beahcyogagirl and @kinoyoga's IndependenceARMy challenge for the month of July.  I'm on day 9 today, so here are some of my photos.

I'm loving this challenge, I'm learning new tricks and poses and discovering my strength.  A lot of people are asking what kind of yoga do I do, how many times do I workout, how are you that flexible, how did you get so strong and a lot more..  Well, I actually only do yoga once a week, on Wednesdays because that's my active rest day.  I do 45mins Vinyasa from Nike Training Club App or look for anything on youtube.  I do mostly, high intense interval training 4x a week and practice headstands, backbends and splits because I have a long way to go..  I wasn't flexible when I started, but when you practice everyday, it'll make a big difference.  I think I got stronger when I started lifting weights and adding yoga to my routine, the crowpose is a start but make sure to take all the precautions.
By the way, I just talked to friend recently and told me that I was one of their topics when they met up.  About me going upside down, doing this and that!  Hehehe! And some of my friends are complimenting me for the pose..  Thank you soo much!!  It feels great to inspire other people to get up and get moving, change their lifestyle and all.
Looks like I'll be posting more of these soon..

My Crow Pose Progress

The Superfood Grocer

I've been searching for healthy food or any vitamins to add to our daily food.  Take note, I wasn't looking for any "magic" diet pills or food that claim to help you lose pounds fast.  I'm not a big believer of anything with "fast" results when it comes to health..  To achieve a healthy state takes time and energy, and I don't see myself relying on their "magic" for a long time.  Plus, think about their side effects...  Going healthy is my best choice, for all the obvious reasons.
Then, I found The Superfood Grocer, they sell organic, natural, plant-based superfood like Spirulina, Camu-Camu and Maca Power to name a few.  I ordered their Superfood Starter Pack B which consists of Spirulina, Maca Power, Malunggay, Raw Cacao Nibs and Coconut Sugar.

As you adopt a large serving of Super Green Smoothies into your daily habit, you will be experiencing, among others:

• More energy (waking up feeling energized, not sluggish)
• Less cravings (from superior nourishment)
• Faster recovery
• Balanced hormones (no more menstrual cramps for women & milder menopausal symptoms)
• Glowing skin (from the inside out)
• Super immunity from disease
• An overall Supercharged, more vibrant you 

They provide recipes, guides and even workshops, just visit site to know more.

The Fun Farm at Sta. Rosa Laguna

I've been meaning to go to this farm since I saw their Country Fair "Balik-Bukid", just didn't have the time and hubby doesn't believe it's a "fun" farm.  Anyhow, I insisted, I booked our day travel last Feb 25.  The place wasn't hard to find, it's inside Sta Elena Village in Laguna.
Since we were early, we bought breakfast at Mcdonald's (it's at the gas station before the exit at Cabuyao) and ate at the car because hubby wasn't sure if the farm has clean tables and all.
I booked our farm visit just by texting them, they replied with our visit schedule, what's good about this farm is that they don't overcrowd/overbook, so you'll enjoy all their amenities without the lines.  Entrance fee is P300.00 (2 yrs old and above) inclusive of all the amenities!  Super sulit when you get there!

At the entrance

Fun Find: Water Dumbbell

Found this refillable water dumbbell at Saizen, Trinoma!

 

My Denlim's Kitchen Experience

We were invited to an advance birthday dinner of our friend Tony at Denlim's Kitchen in San Fernando, Pampanga.  It was the first time I heard about this restaurant, so they tagged us to their facebook account to get a first look at what they offer.  Saw their famous Beef ala Dione and Pugon Liempo, it looked promising..  Plus, it was in Pampanga, must be worth the trip!
Denlim's Kitchen is strictly by reservation private dining in his kitchen, he only accepts one group at a time.  I suggest you make a reservation way ahead of the time.

We had a mini tour at the 2nd floor, it has lots of awesome collectible antiques.

Denlim's Kitchen

THE FOOD

Training Shoes and Turning 32

I never really thought of investing on my training shoes, I always buy any gym shoes that looked good and were on sale.  Anyway, nasa bahay lang naman ako nag wo-workout.  But ever since I changed my workouts into high intensity, intervals, I've been having a hard time with my gym shoes.  Turns out, there are the right training shoes for every workouts and all.  Made to work for you.
So, since it was my birthday last December 26, I asked hubby for a decent training shoes.  I've been eyeing the Nike Free Bionic shoes.
I'm a happy girl!



Nike Free Bionic Women's Training shoe designed for high intensity, training, boot camp, intervals, kickboxing or your favorite gym workout.
Tried it out the next day (yea, I was really excited!), it really made mountain climbers, burpees, squat jumps and more easier and safer to do.  It's like your barefoot but with the right protection and support.  Indeed a good investment, especially when I workout 4-5 x a week.
Now, I'm ready to take the 30 day workout challenge again!



Conversations with my kids:
Kian: Mommy, you're losing too much weight na, you're so payat na.
Me: No, I'm not!
Kian: so, what do you call that slim body??

Me: arrghh, I'm getting old!
Andi: 32 is old?

Khloe: Mommy, you're so beautiful! I love you!

I love my kids!!!  Love 'em to bits!♥ They give honest opinions!