Haters

So I got my first internet "hater" today...

Basically some random person on Instagram asked me "How can you be a coach when your (their misspelling, not mine) not in shape."

I could take this 2 ways. I could cry and hide and delete the comment and worry about how I can be a good or effective lifestyle coach with Beachbody extolling the virtues of health and nutrition and fitness when I am not in perfect shape myself (YET!)

OR

I could continue to inspire others on THEIR OWN journeys to health and fitness. The journey that begins with a small step that is often hard to take. The journey that started for me 4 years ago when I weighed over 300lbs. The journey that has helped me lose 70lbs in 4 years.

I began my Beachbody journey a LOOOONNNNNGGGG time ago (back when Power 90 was really the only thing out there). I started and stopped and started and stopped and started and stopped... you know the deal right? I lost a little, I lost a lot. I have plateaued for over a year. I gave up on myself and believed again. I gave up again. I believed again.

But throughout my journey - this one that I have been on for most of my life I have done at least one thing. I have been HONEST with my online community.

I am not perfect. I have 50lbs of fat to lose. I don't eat perfect every day. I don't always commit to my workouts. I give up and then start again. I do that a lot.

Since becoming a Beachbody Coach a little over a year ago, I never give up on myself for long. I never give up on my clients. I push and check in and motivate and encourage myself and others. I help. I listen. I offer tips and tricks and ideas and more importantly than anything else, I offer wisdom from someone who has BEEN THERE. Someone who is still on the journey. Someone who knows exactly how hard the struggle can be.

I am there for anyone who wants help with their struggle. Free. No charge - if you choose to take advantage of some awesome programs and supplements and nutrition, GREAT. If you want to pay it forward and help others by becoming a coach FANTASTIC. If all you want is someone to listen and maybe help motivate you out the door on a one mile walk - I will be there.

So thank you random internet hater. If you chose to spend the time to comment and try to tear me down, I must be doing something right.

21 Day Fix - Day 0 - getting ready

So today I start the 21 Day Fix from Beachbody. The program is designed to help you jump start weight loss from a plateau, lose weight to help hit an event goal or really anything else you want to do to be healthy and fit. I have been sitting on the same plateau for a long time and my goals for the program are:

1. Dial in my nutrition - nutrition is 80-90% of a fitness program and mine has not been what it should be.
2. Break through my plateau. I have been bouncing around the same 5-10lbs for over a year, and it is time to leave those pounds behind for good!
3. Create new habits to help me reach my long term health and fitness goals!

I will be updating this blog and my youtube channel regularly as I go through the program so follow me here, on Facebook or on instagram (@coachbeckycooper) for more details!

I am ready to change my life, my fitness, and my health - are you?

BUT...

As frequesnt readers (or at least as frequent as I post ;) ) will know I have been doing the Body Beast program from Beachbody. I am half-a$$ing round 2 currently waiting for a different program that comes out on Monday, but I follow a Facebook Page called Body Beast for Women and the creator of Body Beast Sagi Kalev. Along with being a super buff former Mr. Israel, Sagi is a sweet thoughtful person that shows he cares for the people that follow his program and need his help. Today he posted this question in the Body Beast for Women group.

"Good Sat ladies. I hope and wish you all an amazing weekend.
I do have a question for you all to think about and share with us.
How Often do you say the word BUT..... How often do you say No before knowing..... and then The BUT comes up... 
Whats holding you back from working on your dream and wishes?
I am looking forward reading your comments and write my answers to this question."

My response was this:

This is very thought provoking. I say it far too much, and I am slowing realizing it. I would eat better BUT it is too expensive. I would get in shape BUT I don't have time. I would do my workouts BUT I am too tired. I would go to the gym BUT I just don't want too. I would buy clothes that fit me and look good on me now BUT I want to lose weight first. BUT is holding me back from living my life.

BUT is holding us back. BUT is really fear. Fear that we cannot be perfect, we cannot live our lives, we cannot do the things we want to to achieve happiness, so we shouldn't even try. So my February goal is to stop letting BUT and FEAR hold me back from living my life and reaching my goals.

What is your BUT? 

An hour is just too long!

I can go for a LONG run. I did a half - marathon and was on my feet running (Galloway style - run/walk intervals) for 3.5 hours. But I just can't do other cardio for that long. I get bored, I make excuses, I just never get it done.

And I am not alone!

Enter Beachbody - they now have 2 (almost 3) workouts that are about 30 minutes a day! No wonder I love this company. :) I am a mom, a wife, a teacher and carving out 60 minutes to workout just doesn't happen for me. But I can find 30 minutes. I can find 30 minutes every day!

P90X3 (watching the informercial now) is P90X accelerated! I did P90X and had great results but couldn't keep it up. The time just killed me, and I quit 6 days before the end of the program. I tried INSANITY and did 1 week, but again, the long workouts, while awesome just didn't fit my schedule.

P90X3 is 30 minutes a day. FocusT25 is 25 minutes a day (5 days a week!) 21 Day Fix is about 30 minutes a day WITH a revolutionary portion control clean eating program to help you dial in the most difficult part of anyone's fitness journey - nutrition!

I am starting the 21 Day Fix as soon as it comes out - February 17th or earlier! Come and join me on my journey and see how much you can change your life in a short amount of time.

I am changing lives and chasing awesome this year. Come join me.

www.beachbodycoach.com/coachbeckycooper

Changes, still making changes

I started my Beachbody journey in December of 2009 (for the 3rd or 4th time) with Turbo Jam and Power 90 at 290+ pounds. I started, I stopped. I started, I stopped. I did this over and over again. I was fat fat fat. I had Postpartum Depression, I hated myself and my body. I couldn't stand to have my husband look at me, let alone touch me. I had serious gallbladder disease (and had to get it taken out in 2010). I did P90X in the summer of 2010 - 84 days of it. And I hated every minute. I was not losing weight. I was not losing inches. I was eating crap and fooling myself that it was okay. I would binge, I would eat in secret... I had problems. I did 1 week of Insanity, and "rested" for 4 or 5 months. I started Turbo Fire in January of 2011 and made it through a month before I started student teaching. Not that I did the program right. Hated long workouts, never made it past Fire30 and the HIITs. Made some changes, dropped some weight (not a lot. I hovered between 280 - 270, up and down, up and down...) I was in a car accident in June of 2011 and extremely lucky to walk away with a broken wrist and scrapes and bruises. The ambulance took me to the trauma center in the nearest big city because "no one will believe you walked away from that wreck alive".

The accident took a physical toll on me, and an emotional one on my marriage. I found running and inconsistently ran and did strength training at my college fitness center. Still ate crap, made some changes and hovered around 260-270. On Antidepressants, but still emotionally scarred. Running more consistently and in the winter of 2012 moved to a more whole foods based diet. Stayed in the 250s but far more flab than anything else.

Then something (inspiration, lightning bolt, cosmic head slap) hit me. I decided to become a beachbody coach. I restarted TurboFire (still not "really" following, but better) and I got Body Beast. Whoa. Serious changes ahead!

Since January of 2013 the weight on the scale has only gone down another 10lbs - but now I bounce around the low 240s, and the bouncing gets lower every week. The BIGGEST changes have come since June 2013 (around Summit). I am getting help with my emotional issues. I am changing more and more for the better every day!

Body Beast has contributed the most to my physical changes. Some measurements have not gone down much, but that is because my body composition is changing so much. Consistency is the key. When I truly committed to myself and my journey each small change added up. Again and again. Good choices led to more changes and better choices and more changes - a perpetual cycle. I am not done, but I am firmly on the path.

Since the beginning of my journey I have lost about 50lbs, completed a half marathon and learned to love and appreciate what my body can do for me when I take care of it. This isn't the end, but the beginning...

Introducing the 10-Day Shakeology Challenge

Introducing the 10-Day Shakeology Challenge

 Deadline to Enter is July 15, 2013. Challenge begins July 27, 2013 

This is a fun and easy weight loss challenge that anyone can participate in.  We will use Shakeology daily, workout 30 minutes a day (your choice), and track our results in a private online group.  This is a great, fast and fun way to jump start your weight loss, clean up your nutrition, lose a few pounds before a special event or after a bout of poor food choices that we all go through now and then.  Read below for details on how to join our next group and order your Shakeology.  Be sure to send me an email so I know to include you in the group.  We start a new group each month and there's no limit to how many times you can participate.

How to Get Started and Rules of the Challenge:

**Sign up with us, as your coaches, (for FREE). Sign Up For Free Here**

Send us an email at coachfabbecky@gmail.com  to let us know you're ready to take the CHALLENGE! (Include your name, address, and phone number)

• You MUST have at least a 10 day supply of Shakeology. You will consume at least 1 shake per day as part of your meal plan.
• Send me your starting weight and waist circumference the MORNING of Day 1.Follow the meal plan and guidelines that we will provide you once you are registered.
• Send your exercise and food journal to me nightly.
• Shakeology MUST have been purchased by me, your sponsoring coach! You can purchase 10 individual packets or a 30 day supply of Shakeology. Either way is fine with me. 10 packets of Shakeology are $56 and includes shipping and handling or $50 for Hampton Roads pickup (must be paid via Paypal). Please allow at least 5-7 days for you to receive your order prior to the challenge start date.
• At least 30 minutes of exercise 8 of the 10 days during the challenge is required. We don’t care what you do but this is the minimum. I can provide you with a few workout ideas/sample plans or you can use one of the workout programs that our team recommends including P90X, INSANITY, LES MILLS COMBAT, TURBOFIRE, TURBO JAM, FOCUS T25 or there are so many more options. As your coach, I will help you find a plan that fits your needs!
• PLEASE feel free to invite your friends, family or anyone that would benefit from this challenge. The more the merrier!

**There is no product guarantee on 10-day pack option and returns are not accepted.  30-day bottom of the bag guarantee is available only when you order a 30 day supply of Shakeology.  To order a 30-day supply of Shakeology, visit myshakeology.com/coachfabbecky Select the HOME DIRECT option and receive FREE SHIPPING. You can cancel at anytime.   

11 Days until I turn 35

On November 17th I will celebrate my 35th birthday and 6th wedding anniversary (yes I got married on my birthday, mainly so I could remember the day. Plus I love November). Every year since puberty (the last 20 at least) I have vowed to lose weight and be fit before my next birthday rolls around. Some hit and miss success, but never lasting weight loss. I do not want to make the same vow this year. I want a more tangible, measurable goal. One that will push me, test my limits and resolve, and help me be a better person in the long run (pun intended).

I would love to lose weight, and be fitter than I was on my last birthday, be more in shape than I was at my first anniversary (granted I was 9 months pregnant with the monkey that year). I would like to weigh less than  I did when I got married, or less than I did when I met my husband.

More than those things though, I want to be strong. I want to set a hard high goal and reach it. A big goal. One that seems almost impossible. I want to achieve the impossible.

Goals for my 35th year

1. Walk or run every day - at least one mile. I want to have a streak so that by this time next year, my mileage is over triple digits. 
2. Super big goal - run/walk 3500 miles my 35th year. I know it is almost 10 miles a day. I will actually have to work up to that amount. But I am going to do it. I am making a vow, a resolution, a super goal to run/walk at least 1750 miles this coming year with a super duper goal of reaching 3500. 
3. Eat to fuel my goal. I will not follow a diet or a plan. I will be reasonable in my eating, and work to ensure that what I eat fuels my goals and my life. 

There is no doubt that this will not be easy. But "If you shoot for the moon and miss you still wind up among the stars".

These are my stars for the next year. I'm going for it.

Pumpkins in the Park 2012 Recap

Ran my second Pumpkins in the Park 5K yesterday. This was the first race I ever ran when I did it last year, and it was fun to run it again already knowing what the course had in store for me. I ran it a little slower than last year (44:23 this year, 42:18 last year) but this is the cost of not running all summer. Still, I had fun, I had a cute costume, I got out for a run and over all had a good day. And some day I will remember to take more pictures of things to add to my blog but as I forgot again, here is the one picture of me in my costume after the race :)

I received many compliments on my tutu, and I was quite proud that I made it myself. I have one planned for my Turkey Trot in brown and orange and another for the It's a Wonderful Race in red and green :).

Anyone else get out and race this weekend?

Running Buddies

.

I have not been running. Considering that I have a race in 9 days that is not a good thing. But after applying for jobs today, I came home and decided to go for a 3 mile run with my boys before dinner. Running buddies make all the difference.

The Monkey, Running Buddy #1 (always tries to get me to go on late night runs).

 The Moose, Running Buddy #2 (any run over 1 mile and he falls asleep)

We did a pretty fast 3 miles considering the hills and the 100+ lbs of stroller and kids. I am hoping to get a job soon - talked to a staffing agency today - but the best ones will require an 1.5hr one way drive. I am more than willing to do it, but it means that I am going to get my butt out of bed at 4 every morning if I want to run outside.

 Me, after a 3 mile run, feeling fantastic!

I also need to be more dedicated and consistent in my runs. I need a gigantic in my face push every day. So I decided to take my window crayons and write my running schedule for the next few days. I know the monkey will look at it when he gets home from school and if I have not checked off my run, he will want to go with me. I am going to write strength training on the other window.

3 miles down this week, 10 more to go.

Run Your BQ

So I signed up for Run Your BQ - a program designed by Strength Running's Jason Fitzgerald and No Meat Athelete Matt Frazier. I am miles from a marathon or an actual BQ race (Boston Qualifier - as in qualify to run the Boston Marathon) but I like the idea of having real running coaches helping me refine my training and design a plan that suits my needs. Someday a BQ and maybe even Boston itself will be in my future, and I believe that it's never too easy to prepare and plan!

With that in mind I did a 2 mile run tonight under the beautiful full harvest moon. The night looked so inviting that I had to go out and commune some with nature. Let the Goddess light my way and lift my feet, connect with my spirituality in one of my favorite places. It felt good. I felt good. And I can't wait to get back out there tomorrow.

The struggle continues

I still want a cigarette, but it is not so bad anymore. I have made through the most difficult first three days, and I know I will make it through the rest. Now I need to run. I need to really run, to get back into the groove of running or run/walking 3-5 days a week. I need to be strong and find a strength training program that does not bore me so I can stick with it.

I think I have found a job. Certainly not what I wanted to be doing, but good enough for now, and something I would not feel bad about leaving in 10 months or less if I get the chance to teach somewhere.

I need to train. I am running 4 races this fall. a 10K 10/20/12 in PA & a 5K in Rochester (October), a 4M in Webster (Thanksgiving), a 5K in Seneca Falls (December). I want to stay busy and strong and healthy. So I will struggle on to find my groove of health and happiness.

I want a cigarette.

I quit smoking 4 years ago when I got pregnant with the moose. For years afterwards the smell or taste or even one drag off a cigarette would make me nauseous.

And then I moved to New Orleans without my family. A month of stress and schools and more stress, and a night out with a couple of fellow teachers and I bought my first pack of cigarettes in 4 years. And then I kept buying. Add more stress of losing my job and coming back to New York... I really want a cigarette. But the Monkey did not like to see me smoking. I did not like smoking in front of him. So I promised him I would finish my pack and there would be no more cigarettes. Mommy would not smoke anymore. About 18 hours in, and I really want a cigarette. But I do not have any. I will not go to the store to get any. I will not "bum" one from anyone. I know a few days of cold turkey will power and it will be better. And I know I will continue to want a cigarette for years. The problem with an addiction is you really don't ever get 100% over it. At least I did not.

I am going to focus on moving my addictive tendency to something healthier at least. In my efforts to help me through the roughest part of quitting, I am going to get a treadmill (probably from Craigslist or garage sales) and every time I feel the desperate need for a cigarette, get on and log a mile. My goal is at least 3 miles or more a day through the winter so I can go into Spring healthier than I have been for many years. I have also signed up for 4 races in the next 3 months. Forces me to go for runs/walks - I already spent the money on the race fees - and means that after the first one I can't take a break from running for too long, because another race is just around the corner. I am going to try and find one every 4-5 weeks to get me all the way into spring.

Not everything is going how I pictured it. Losing my job and coming back to New York is not what I planned. Running races and being happy with my family is what I planned, and if New York  is where that happens for me for now, I will make the best of it and concentrate on health and happiness and loving my family. The rest is just details.

My Whole30 Journey

In June I purchased a book - It Starts With Food - a guide to a 30 day Paleo food journey intended to help people change their lives and improve their health by following a few basic paleo rules. My personal paleo journey has been haphazrd at best for the last 6 months (did great in January and then...) and I felt like this book would help me make some additional changes. Even knowing the paleo "rules" and following them some of the time, there were things I was doing (or not doing) that I know I should (or shouldn't...) Artificial sweetners still entered my diet on a daily basis. I am addicted to cheese (love cheese...) and even though I don't regularly count calories, when I do they are always too high, paleo foods or not.

Enter Whole9.

The Whole9 Life, Whole30 challenge rules are simple.

1. Paleo foods - Meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruits, nuts & seeds (but only if they do not set you off)
2. no "paleo" substitutes
3. No dairy (except for ghee)
4. Food has to conform to the 5 Whole30 rules (all described on their website)
5. No paleo substitutes.

For me giving up cheese and other dairy will definitely be hardest, and I will admit right now that I am not giving up my 2Tbs of heavy cream in my coffee. I keep trying black coffee and hate it, and now that I am officially a teacher in New Orleans and am lesson planning far into the evening and up very early to start my school day I will NOT give up my coffee. But the rest is doable for me.

Today was my official day 1. I will be taking pics of my meals and uploading them - the winners and losers - with any recipe or recipe link. I will be updating my LoseIt account daily to keep myself on track, and I will start running and strength training again. I have a half marathon coming up in October, and I will not be able to complete it (or the Disney Goofy challenge in January) if I do not get on the ball with training.

I wish I had thought about pics and updating before I had nearly finished my dinner tonight - it was so good!

This is the last 2-3 bites of seriously good thai style shrimp I made for dinner

Thai Almond-Coconut Shrimp - serves 1

3-4oz shrimp (mine were frozen and I thawed them completely, fresh would be even better)

1/4 large onion sliced

1 small bell pepper, sliced

1 jalapeno diced

4-5 sliced crimini mushrooms

fresh basil (to taste - grabbed a stalk or two)

fresh cilantro (same as the basil - but maybe 4-5 stalks)

lime juice

minced garlic

4tbs coconut milk

2 tbs coconut oil

splash fresh squeezed OJ

1/2 tbs almond butter

heat skillet or wok, add all ingredients except 1tbs coconut oil, coconut milk, almond butter, OJ and shrimp. Heat on medium until soft, then simmer with the coconut milk for another 10-15 minutes on low. Should smell fantastic. After simmering, remove tails and de-vein shrimp. Fresh shrimp will take longer to cook, if using frozen or already cooked shrimp, toss them in at the last possible minute - just before plating. Add shrimp and OJ, cook for 60-90 seconds Plate and add the almond butter, give a quick stir. Try not to inhale it all in one bite. So very very satisfying, and one of the only times I have cooked shrimp and not left it on too long. Will be making this again very soon - don't be surprised to see it turn up again in the next 30 days. 

Day 1 down, and I feel good.

Does it Matter?

I have not lost any weight in 6 months. Oh sure up a couple pounds, down a couple pounds, but not real significant pounds on the scale. I have not lost inches either (gained some though :P). I have not been consistent with my food or my workouts, so really it is to be expected.

I have not been without accomplishments though. I have graduated college, gotten a job, and moved to New Orleans. Since being in New Orleans (almost 2 weeks now) I have worked out at least 4 if not 5 days a week. I have done strength training and gone running. I ran 4 miles today and met a couple people from a running group that meets at Audubon Park every Sunday evening to run. I am meeting up with them tomorrow. I am positive that I will be the slowest and heaviest runner there, but I will still go and hold my head up with pride.

Why? Because I am moving foward. I am making progress. My eating has been more on track, my workouts have become consistent. I am happy (with the exception of missing my hubby and my boys, but they will be joinging me down here in the next few months) and I am making friends and I am joinging groups of other like minded people.

Eventually I will most likely lose weight - actual weight - on the scale. I will likely go down inches, lose a couple dress sizes, and gain some decent muscle. If my runs remain consistent I will get faster. If my strength training remains consistent, and I keep pushing myself, I will get stronger. So eventually it will have to workout. And right now, as much as I would like to lose a large amount of body fat, I don't think it really matters that much. I am happier. I am healthier. I am doing the things I want to do with my life. And I think, in the long run (pun intended) that is what counts.

What do you think?

Still trudging along

Still here, still going, still Paleo...

Big News - I am finally a college graduate! Didn't think it would ever happen. Hopefully before too long I will also be able to report that I am employed as a teacher. For now I am trying to get my feet back under me.

I will be back again soon...

Failure

I am a failure. Ever have those days? When the negative thoughts in your head are so loud you can't concentrate on the fact that you are actually spectacular and awesome and feel like the biggest loser out there (please tell me it is not just me!).

My weight has stalled and stagnated again, and it is all my fault. Easter candy and jelly beans (man I love jelly beans) ripped into my mind and grabbed hold and I found myself buying and eating loads of candy. I did not run three days last week, or yesterday, or Monday... so my goal of 4 miles a day is falling flat. I am already not sure I will be able to get 4 miles in today. I have a speech presentation due tomorrow, a paper due tomorrow, an assignment that was due yesterday still to complete, plus classes the rest of the day today.

Plus, it is snowing, and with the cold my motivation is practically non existent. And I do not like my daycare anymore and do not want to take my boys down there. I have 2 hours until class and enough to do to fill 10 hours more. I just want to hide and avoid it all. I need the sun and the warm weather to come back. Maybe then I can find my happy thoughts again.

Goofy Plans

I have mentioned before that I want to do the "Goofy" in 2013 - Disney World Half Marathon on Saturday, followed by the full on Sunday in January 2013. And possible the 5K or 1M kids fun run with the Monkey, he loves to run with me :)

So I am going to train for long runs. No tempo runs, no track, no speed work - the thought leaves me cold. Just 4-5 days a week of hills with a long (1-2 hour) run on Saturday and an even longer (3-4) run on Sunday.

For April, my goal is 4 miles a day, every day. Some runs, lots of walking. May it will be 5 miles a day, with of course longer weekend distances. Some 5-10K races thrown in when I can find and afford them. June 6 miles... you can see the progression right? Every month I will increase the daily mileage to match the month. I will be going s l o w... to decrease injury, and building overall stamina and speed. And I will keep eating a Paleo-Primal diet. No grains, lots of meat, veg, fat, some fruit and the occasional sweet potato (most likely on long run days).

I reserve the right to adjust this when I need to, but right now, this plan makes me feel good.



I'm goofy, and next year, I'll have proof :)

Crazy

Am I crazy?  I feel crazy - well a little crazy. Warm spring weather brought back my desire to get outside and run. Of course when I saying "run" I don't even really mean run. I mean, not in the sense of being able to go fast or keep a pace or do tempos runs or speed work or anything. I mean, push the boys (each kid 35+lbs, stroller at least 30lbs...) up and down hills (all I got around here) for as long as I can without them trying to make me crazy (er).

I am going to run the Goofy challenge at Disney World next January. A half marathon on Saturday, and the full marathon on Sunday. It sounds nuts, running 39.3 over 2 days, but I feel like I can do it. So I am going to train with that in mind. My goal for running will be a medium long run on Saturday with a Long long run on Sunday.

I have crazier dreams too, but I am not ready to lay them out just yet.

Kettlebells and Cold Baths

Okay, so I don't want to brag or anything, but I am looking hot lately. Like super hawt :) I have energy galore, I don't want to pass out and fall asleep in the middle of the day (as long as I avoid dairy) and I am running again - and I am going to do my first half marathon in 6 weeks. :)

But back to becoming a rock star paleo running mom. Kettlebells. Kettlebells are awesome! My neighbor and I have been doing them for about a week now, and I can see some toning benefits in my lower body. I need to make them heavier (I made my own kettlebell so I could adjust the weight) to get more out of the upper body, but this is just the best workout. 8-12 minutes and I am done with strength training. Another 20-40 for a good walk/run and I have hit all my fitness goals for the day.

And my upper body is losing fat. My weight really hasn't changed it is staying steady at about 249+-1lb, but I can almost see my overall body fat percentage dropping, so I know that the weight will eventually have to follow. Right now I am doing my best not to freak about it, keep eating my healthy Paleo-Primal diet, and enjoying the want/need/desire to move and be active again.

Overwhelmed by Information

I have been lifting weights since I was 15 years old. Way before it was "cool" or even very common for women to lift anything heavier than a vinyl covered 3lb dumbbell. I have tried every variation of every program there has ever been - I think almost literally. I have lifted light weights for a ridiculous amount of reps. I have lifted heavy weights for 6-8 reps. I have done body weight, I have done free weights, I have done machines. And I feel like I have never really made real progress. I admit I have had issues sticking with stuff sometimes. But when months of consistent and ridiculously hard work have yielded little visible results, it gets harder and harder to keep going.

Starting my Leptin Rx six weeks ago the program meant no working out. My muscles are/were sugar burners, not fat burners. I need to work on changing my brain chemistry and body chemistry so that I burn fat. Now that I have meet most of the change requirements, I am ready to start getting back into exercise. And I feel a little mental pressure in that I am getting some interest from schools out of state to teach next year. I want to be in the best shape of my life when I start teaching in 5-6 months. So I am trying to figure out a program that with 6 months of hard dedicated work will yield some visible results. I just don't know what to do anymore. One of the Beachbody programs I already have? Something cobbled together from my fitness magazines? Something from one of the countless exercise books I have? Something from any number of DVD programs? I just don't know anymore. I love lifting weights, I feel strong when I do it, but I feel like I need some structure, and my brain just isn't up to figuring it out right now. Part of me thinks I should do a program I have that is laid out for 90 days so I don't have to think about it, but I get so bored... I don't want to start the same program I have started and never made it past 2 weeks again... I haven't even watched most of the workouts because I never get that far in the program...

I just feel a little hopeless and confused right now (as well as extra fat and out of shape today). I need to do something, but what?