Swimmin’ in the AB jar
Heyyyyyy 😀 How are ya? Hope everyone is having a fabulous night! I’m glad you enjoyed the baby puppy pictures. They’re funny little things 🙂
Today has been pretty bueno- I took the week off from teaching aerobics to have a break and get the casa put back together, especially since I start teaching yoga next week (!) and I’m taking over as the lead fitness instructor at the gym. So I’ll be in charge of the monthly class schedule and payroll and am really excited about it– anything to spiff up the resume is a good thing!
In between training appointments today, I snacked on some fruit:
When I got home from work, I took a swim in the almond butter jar and then decided to make some lonchi.
Roasted brussel, tomato and zucchini with a 1 egg + 1 egg white puff (sprinkled with chili powder) and goat jack cheese:
Glorious!
I went to the bookstore and read for a while, then to Bizzle and the health food store.
Snack:
When I came back to the casa, I wasn’t quite ready to hit the gym yet, so I laid on the couch with the puppers and snacked on sauerkraut while I read.
Heaping bowl of sauerkraut = surefire way to go over sodium levels for the day
It’s just so good, though 😉
Has anyone else read “Unwind”?? I finished it today and it was AMAZING. Very intense. I’m all about the teen novels lately, haha.
After a little veg sesh, I hit up the gym for some shoulders, chest and triceps
| Warm up | Elliptical | 5 minutes |
| Dumbbell upward row | 8 lbs each/ 10 lbs each | 1 set of 12/ 2 sets of 10 |
| V-rope tricep pressdown | 40 lbs/30 lbs | 2 sets of 10/ 1 set of 12 |
| Stability ball pushup | body weight | 3 sets of 12 |
| Overhead press | 10 lbs each | 3 sets of 10 |
| Fly machine | 35 lbs | 3 sets of 10 |
| Supine tricep extension | 8 lbs each/5 lbs each | 2 sets of 10/ 1 set of 10 |
| Stability ball side laying lat raise | 5 lbs each | 3 sets of 10 on each side; no rest in between |
| RAD (revolving apparatus of death aka treadmill) | 50 minutes | Walking 4.2 mph at 2.5% incline for 30 minutes with the new Shape mag; speed intervals for 15 min; cool down 5 minutes |
| Total time: 1 hr 30 minutes |
It was a good workout! Chugged an unpictured Sun Warrior smoothie upon walking in the door 🙂
I’m off to make some dinner –the pilot had Alton Brown’s meatloaf that I made earlier today- and hit the hay. Two interesting things are happening tomorrow:
1. I’m finally getting blood work done. I canceled my appointment twice because I’m a giant chicken -the only man who can take my blood is Edward Cullen- but tomorrow’s the day. I really want to make sure my vitamin levels are good and also have no clue what blood type I am (bad, I know). The pilot is going with me to hold my hand and help me after I faint. Any words of bravery for me?? I’m seriously the biggest needle-phobe you will ever meet.
2. My good friend Ron (*cough* Mr. Georgia *cough*) is training ME tomorrow. I like to get trained periodically because it’s easy for us to get stuck in ruts, too, so we’re going to swap some info tomorrow while he trains me. I’m pretty stoked about it, especially because it will give me some new ideas for the Winter Shape Up (January 18 2010- Mark your calendars!).
I’m off! Have a great night <3
xoxo,
Gina
Update on the BC she-bang: (Guy readers might want to bid adieu to the rest of this post) Quite a few of you have asked me for an update on how things are going since I quit taking birth control. To be totally honest, I feel TIRED. Like really, really stinkin’ exhausted. It’s not to the point where it’s really gotten in the way of anything, but there are quite a few days where I could crawl into bed and sleep the day away if I could. From what I’ve read, this is totally normal and will get better with time, so I’m willing to deal with it unless it gets significantly worse or doesn’t improve in a few months. In that case, I’ll make an appointment with the doctor.
I’m still tracking my cycle by doing the fertility awareness method (from “Taking Charge of Your Fertility”) and to my surprise, it was completely normal after I stopped taking the pill. Keep in mind though, that this isn’t the case for everyone and it can take a few months to get things back in order.
So in a nutshell, yes, I feel really tired (which is probably more difficult on me since I don’t usually drink caffeine) but it’s not anything too bad. My skin is still looking good, I’m only moody for about one week out of the month (sorry, Pilot! haha) but it still feels really good to not have to take a pill every night. And remember, I’m not knocking the pill in any way- I took it for twelve years! It’s just time for me to figure out my body and make sure the oven is ready for future little Fitnessistas and Pilots 😉
Updated to say: A reader, Jessica, has actually started a forum to discuss going off the pill, what to expect, hormones and symptoms. It’s an awesome, brand-new site, and she really hope to have an amazing group of girls on there to discuss their experiences. Check it out here 😀
54 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I’m excited for the winter shape-up! But is it ok to get blood drawn and work out in the same day? That would be my only fear…but besides that you’ll be fine 🙂
i’ll have to ask.. my appt is in the morning, so i’ll be able to ask before i work out. thank you for the reassuring words 😀
I didn’t comment earlier, but the pups as babies were so adorable 🙂 My husband and I are actually considering a shiba inu (because a dalmatian alone isn’t high maintenance enough, ha!)
Thanks for the bc update- I’m not going off mine anytime soon, but will eventually and it’s good to know what to expect 🙂 Have a great night and training session tomorrow!
ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! Congrats on head fitness instructor! That is awesome. I know you will make an awesome GFM!! I just got my blood work done yesterday! Good luck, just talk to the pilot the whole time about something completely off subject. <3! I will be thinking about ya. And enjoy the training appointment
thank you friend <3
xoxo
How did you make your egg puff?! That’s cute!!!
just sprayed a glass bowl with nonstick spray, put the egg and egg white it, whisked with a fork, and microwaved for about 1.5 minutes
Hey! Blood-drawing is right up my alley!! (OK that sounds SO messed, but what I mean is that I get my blood drawn regularly because of a history of severe anemia.)
SO. TIPS! Um, you want to get the needle in your non-writing arm. If you have less prominent veins, specify beforehand that you want the BUTTERFLY NEEDLE. (This is a smaller needle for thinner veins.) Ideally, you really don’t want to be doing weights with that arm until at least 24-48 hours after the blood-drawing sesh. That is just because the vein is still punctured and lifting heavy objects will cause a lot of pressured blood to flow to that area, eventually bursting through the little hole and seeping under your skin. You will have a lovely purple hue over the spot the next day. Just sayin’. OK and do NOT look at the needle. Most likely the nurse will be trying to distract you by asking you questions about your life or something or other while the blood is being drawn, so just engage her. Play along.
And lastttly, good on you for doing the blood test! The most exciting part is finding out the results – it always makes me feel like I’m back in grade school and anxiously awaiting my report card or something! Well, the blood test IS kind of like a health report card, after all, right? 🙂 Best wishes!
wow thank you so much for the info and tips! 😀
Glad you are taking a much deserved week off from aerobics. And next week sounds so exciting for you with the upcoming Yoga classes!!
Don’t sweat the blood thing tomorrow. It’s a cinch. I have had to had mine taken SOOOO many times and I think I’ve just gotten so use to it. I think the thought of it is worse than the actual procedure. honestly, it takes less than a minute and it doesn’t hurt at all! 🙂 You’ll be great. 🙂
Congrats on the new position, lead fitness instructor!! Very exciting!
Congrats on the new position! That is fantastic, I am so excited for you. I can’t wait to hear about your training session with Mr. Georgia. It should be interesting, to say the least! Don’t worry about the needle. Just don’t look at it, turn your head the other way, and don’t forget to breathe 😉
I recently went off the pill as well. I took it for a couple years. It really helped regulate my period and completely erased PMS for me. I loved it. Then I realized that I actually turned into a raging biotch with all the hormones. Needless to say I’m off of it now and WAY happier!
Congrats on the new position btw! Very exciting!
I am completely with you on the fear of needles-legitimately thought that I had a phobia of needles. actually saw a therapist to deal with it. basically, if you think about it as a positive step toward your health & well being, that’s what helped me most. as much as i was afraid, knowing that i was healthy and had adequate levels helped me to get through it. one tip that I followed was to lay down(some places have reclining chairs) this prevents you from fainting in a chair. also, chew some gum or drink something with sugar afterward- in case you do feel lightheaded. hope this helps!
thank you, those are wonderful ideas!
Good luck with the blood draw, I agree with Alethia’s tips, especially the butterfly needles, they’re lifesavers for me as I used to have alot of blood draws done.
Wow congrats on your gym promotion! And I’m intrigued that you said you were going to be teaching yoga! Did you get your RYT through Yoga Alliance? What school did you go to? I love hearing about the schools and yoga programs that instructors went through and their thoughts about them. Please share!
Congrats on taking over as lead instructor!
Jenna
We just had a blood drawing en-masse at work and I had to giggle because I’m very afraid of needles but I didn’t want to look like a sissy. So instead of acting scared I struck up a SUPER awkward conversation with the guy in line behind me as a distraction and abruptly walked away when it was over. I feel a little rude now but you do what you must (hopefully I never see said gentleman again.) So basically what I’m trying to say is you could talk to the Pilot (and not, say, a random stranger) as a distraction!
I get my blood taken every 12 weeks because I am hypothyroid – and trust me, I HATE needles. I just think of how blessed I am and how much worse it could be, and turn my head the other way. They usually tell me not to carry my purse or lift anything with that arm for the rest of the day, so you may not want to lift afterwards! I usually try to do it on an off day. 🙂
Good luck with the blood work! What’s with you and I and the sauerkraut lately? I can’t get enough of the stuff. If you add a little stevia or agave and some caraway seeds, it is CRAZY good.
Hopefully you don’t faint a la manana! I went off birth control a while back, and I actually felt completely normal (other than the initial nervousness). It was one of those things that I thought you had to do when you got married to make sure you didn’t have babies immediately, but I realized after a while it just wasn’t for me. Everything was normal when I came off, but I know it’s not that way for just anyone. Night!
I can’t wait to get off the PILL!!!!
Being head fitness instructor sounds awesome! Congrats. When you’re getting blood drawn, try not to hyperventilate — if you do, you’ll pass out (trust me, it’s happened to me many times). Instead, try taking even, deep breaths, and it’ll be done before you realize it!
i think that’s my problem, too- thank you!!!
CONGRATS on your promotion! So exciting, Gina!!!
I’ve had blood work done a lot to try to see what’s up with my stink energy levels… just don’t look at the needle, try to take regular breaths, and you’ll be fine. Good luck!
Anxious to read more about your BC issues… thanks so much for sharing with us.
Tips for blood draw from a girl who draws blood for a living:
RELAX. Yes, its difficult when the anxiety levels are high, but when you are relaxed, it means your veins are relaxed which makes it a lot easier to get the needle in. Chatting and laughing during the procedure will help with this.
HYDRATION: No, you don’t need to drink gallons of H2O before you go – especially if you’re doing fasting bloodwork, but staying hydrated makes it easier for us to draw blood as well because it increases the fluid volume in the veins.
STAY WARM before the blood draw. Keeping warm also dilates the veins, making it easier for the phleb to draw.
If you’re freaked out by the size of the needle, you can request a butterfly needle (although keep in mind the draw will take longer because the phleb will need to pull back slower on the syringe to avoid hemolyzing (bursting the red blood cells) your blood)
Do not (and I’ve had patients do this) try to bite the person drawing your blood 🙂 And if you start to feel faint, lay back and ask for a small glass of OJ – Do NOT (and yes, I had a guy do this once too!) take your pants off.
Good luck! Don’t worry, phlebs the world over are used to seeing patients who are afraid of needles. A good phleb will listen to your fears, reassure you of your safety, and talk you through the procedure.
thank you so much!
i promise i will not bite and will keep my pants on 😉
Congrats on your promotion! It sounds like exciting news. I also dived into the AB jar and it was delish!
Hope everything goes well. I have been passing out at doctor’s appointments lately too and I don’t know what’s wrong with me! I have been putting aside my appointments too, but if you can do it, I can too!
Gina, congratulations on your changes at work! Made me happy to read that 🙂
I had to have a blood test when we moved to NZ for the visa. It terrified me too, but when I explained my phobia to the doctor he was really good about it. He had Andy sit in with me and talk to me about anything but, whilst I looked the other way, and then (because my phobia is more about the blood than the needle specifically) he ran it out of the room so I never had to see it. I think it’s great you are going to do this out of choice (I once let an opportunity pass me by to do something that could have been pretty great, because it required another blood test – pathetic moi!).
I’ll be looking forward to the 18th Jan!
Gina! I actually just got my blood drawn today and I have to tell you–it’s really not that bad! Most of the nurses/assistants that do it are very experienced and can do it in a way that makes it not too painful. It just takes a second and it’s over before you know it! Now, if only I had h ad a pilot to keep my mind off it…woulda been in bus! 😉
GOod luck!
Hi! Congrats on the lead fitness instructor at the gym!!! I’m with you on the drawing blood thing 😉 I don’t like it either but I’m always excited as to what are the results 😀 I’m sure yours are great!
WOW WOMAN. You have kicked 2009 in the arse and taken its name—whats left for 2010?! 🙂
cant wait to hear about the training session.
off to google him 🙂
Miz, who feareth the needle as well. TRULY.
Congrats on the new job title! Getting blood taken won’t be as bad as you think..just hold your breath and look away..that’s my technique!
Gina,
One of my good friends from high school could *not* handle getting her blood drawn – she passed out every time! Two things that helped her a lot were: 1) Asking the technician if she could lie down while they do it, and 2) Listening to her ipod. The music distracted her from what was happening. Oh, and, obviously, don’t look!
Good luck! And congrats on the promo!
Emma
hey girl! don’t stress just close your eyes and picture Edward Cullen being the blood taker instead of the random person in scrubs 🙂 that should make it a piece of cake. haha i kid but for real good luck!
congrats on the promotion! that’s super exciting and you’ll definitely be great at it 🙂
CONGRATS on the promotion! Would love to have a job like yours someday – right now I’m a work-at-home mom with a 5-month-old so I get my exercise from taking care of him! You know, since you’ve been off the pill a few months and feel tired…maybe you’re prego??! Hee, hee, just kiddin’! 😉 If you’re charting your cycles, I’m sure you know exactly when your fertile time is. Oliver is our “honeymoon souvenir” because we weren’t as diligent in paying attention the week after our wedding and I ovulated a bit early.
im so scared of getting my blood taken too! i recently had it done for only the second time ever (and then a third a week later) and i think i just built it up so much that when i actually had it done it wasn’t so bad! hope it goes ok!!
I just look away and it’s over before you know it. I just don’t like the initial prick, then it’s okay. Great job on your new position! They are lucky to have you.
thank you, i’m excited to see you today!
Congrats on the new position! Wow Lead Fitness Instructor is awesome. You’re going places, lil lady 🙂
thanks girl xoxo
Good thing that you are off the BC–being on it was the worst thing i ever did to myself. It totally messed up my hormones. I got off it 2 years ago and almost immediately started to feel better, but my cycles HAVE NOT GOTTEN BACK TO NORMAL YET! So, you are truly blessed to go back to normal right away.
With my high raw vegan diet I was able to correct most of BC induced problems [hypothyroid, depression, etc.], but still have to work out a couple of issues with the help of my naturopath… So, word to the wise–if you are not on BC, don’t ever get on it! If anyone knows what one might expect getting off that evil, evil thing called “birth control” that would be me… unfortunately ;(
Good luck to you!
Good thing that you are off the BC–being on it was the worst thing i ever did to myself. It totally messed up my hormones. I got off it 2 years ago and almost immediately started to feel better, but my cycles HAVE NOT GOTTEN BACK TO NORMAL YET! So, you are truly blessed to go back to normal right away.
With my high raw vegan diet I was able to correct most of BC induced problems [hypothyroid, depression, etc.], but still have to work out a couple of issues with the help of my naturopath… So, word to the wise–if you are not on BC, don’t ever get on it! If anyone knows what one might expect getting off that evil, evil thing called “birth control” that would be me… unfortunately ;(
Good luck to you!
Oh, one more thing… congrats on your teaching position–it is super awesome, one of the things on my TO DO list for this coming year.
And don’t be affraid of the needle–i have to do blood tests every single month [courtesy of BC side-effects]–there is nothing to it. I hold on to the table with my free hand and look away when they poke me, while taking a DEEP cleansing breath. The rest is easy. 🙂
I’m a needle-phobe, too! I had to get a complete blood count as part of a bunch of migraine screenings. Maybe sure and tell them up front that you’re nervous about needles. If you prefer they use one arm or the other, say so. You can also ask to lie down, which is a really good idea if you are likely to faint. I cried like a little baby chicken during the CBC. My boyfriend held my hand the whole time, which helped. I had to get an IV shortly after for my CT, and I fainted. It was terrible. I avoid needles at all costs, but sometimes you just have to do it.
Just wanted to say THANK YOU, because I had my first breakfast cookie this morning and I am IN LOVE.
goodluck with the bloodwork and have a wonderful New Year’s 🙂
Congrats on the new jobbb that is suh-weeet!!! Make sure u have a tastay sweet treat awaiting u after you get your blood taken, I always take the full liberty to eat a huge cookie afterwards- i mean just to maintain proper blood sugar levels clearly ;D
I saw you “tweet” this morning about not having to get your blood drawn because of eating breakfast, sorry! I know you don’t want to prolong it too much.
That’s so exciting that you’re going to be the fitness instructor! If there is anyone I think would be great at that job, it’s definitely you, Gina! 😉
thank you jenn! 😀
Congratulations Gina!!! I wish I lived near you so you could train me! You make workouts seem like so much fun and not a chore, which is something working out should never be.
girl, i would love to train you! 😀 we’d mostly just be hanging out, but lifting weights at the same time 🙂
Oooh, I had a bowl of sauerkraut yesterday too. YUMMM! Congrats on the lead fitness instructor. That’s awesome!
I’m SUPER excited for the winter shape up! It’s marked on my calendar and I’m ready to go!
excellent issues altogether, you just received a new reader. What would you recommend about your publish that you simply made a few days in the past? Any sure?