Looking forward to an EPIC semester!

I started classes again this week and I'm do happy! It has been an amazing start to an amazing semester. I am taking a total of 3 Phys Ed classes and all of then are perfect in their own way. My first class is the Adaptive Physical Ed. I love this class! First of all it rocks because I get to have the same class as the special needs students. This group of people are just amazing. They are fun and full of life. Just overall some great individuals, I can't wait to get to know them all!
Today, another PE professor came in and talked to me about making a personalized plan that I can approach at my own pace. He wanted to make it a mix of weight and cardio circuit training. He promises it will be more cardio then weight lifting, since I am not body building, I am trying to shed pounds! I loved the sweat I worked up so much today, I took a picture for this blog. Sweat it out, baby!!

My second PE class is just a PE Lab. I can go in and basically do whatever I want in there, accept on days that he wants to do class weight circuits. Totally looking forward to circuit days! We are required to keep a exercise journal, which is something I have been wanting to do for a few weeks now anyways. As you can see these classes just keep getting better and better!

The last class I am taking this semester, is my beloved Hatha Yoga class. Now this class, I have a deep love for. After my first official class yesterday, I think I'm hooked. I was so sore going into class from my other gym classes from the previous day. Well, after class was done, nothing. Nada. No pain, soreness, or stiffness at all. I felt so free to move, flexible, and lifted. I felt like the weight of the world was lifted of my shoulders and I could breathe! Physically & spiritually. Words cannot describe how great I felt. I will master yoga. I am in it for life.

On another subject, I have started an 8 week challenge with a friend of mine. It's called "The 8 week weight loss challenge" and their are rules from Bob Harpers, The Skinny Rules, in it. My husband has agreed to join me in the challenge and work out 6 nights a week! This is such a big step for him! He didn't want to go full on and exercise more then like once a week! Now he it's even watches what he eats and makes smarter choices. He has lost almost 10 lbs in the past week. He keeps going with this and he will get to his goal in no time! I'm am a proud wife. I love him and the level of support he is giving me. 

Have a beautiful day!
Eat clean.
Train dirty.
You are worth it.

Emotions and Updates.

I have a whole plethora of emotions going on inside me, and I'm not quite sure how to handle it. I haven't been able to come up with even one cent to get to this casting call. The "Donation" blog post I wrote a few weeks ago has a whopping 57 views and not one donation. I need help.

 I know I really need to be making a video to submit, but in the rules it says that someone else has to be holding the camera so I can be in front of the camera the whole time. The problem, my husband works all day long and my mom also works and doesn't have time to do it. I feel like I am being a burden to my family by asking them to take time out of their day for me. I know I need to submit something to Holland Weathers and the BL casting team, but I feel like time is just slipping away from me!!

From all this stress I haven't been eating and exercising regularly. I have gained 5 lbs in the past week. I am SO mad at myself right now. I can't even think straight. I NEED to get on this show.

I feel like I am having a MAJOR struggle trying to get my family on board or at least being supportive to me and my life change. I don't think they get that I will DIE if I fail at this mission it get fit. I need their support and I feel like I don't get what I need from them.

Please pray for me. I am just not seeing the light.
If you would like to donate to my cause, please see the blog post before this one.
 Thank you, Carissa <3

I joined BobHarper.com!

Yesterday I joined and I am so excited! I watched what I could. I have worked out yesterday and today. I am so tired. It's bedtime!

I am officially taking DONATIONS!!

Yesterday I was contacted by one of the main Casting Directors for The Biggest Loser by direct message on twitter. She said that she wanted me to get to a casting call because she had  "noticed u on twitter!"

I am SO excited and REALLY motivated.

Here's where you come in. I need your help to raise the money to get to the San Diego casting call. It takes place on July 21, 2012.
PLEASE donate whatever you can, EVERY PENNY COUNTS!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you have ANY questions, please comment and I will answer all of them.

If you are interested in donating to me, please leave a comment and we can set something up!

-Carissa Johnson

Bob Harpers beginner weight loss video kicked my beginner butt!

Last night I brought home Bobs excersise DVD for beginners, and oh em gee! I was nice and sweaty by the end of the 45 minute workout. I slept like a log and woke up refreshed and ready to tackle the day! I am on my way to Walmart to restock on some essentials and restock my fridge with some produce, Bob style.
More to come! Stay tuned. :D

MyFitnessPal App Info.

If you use the App called  MyFitnessPal please add me! My User name is, carissavirlea. Thanks!

One is better then none!

This week I am a total of 31 pounds down! That is one more pound then my last weight-in/check-in. Everyday I am changing. My thought process about food has made a total 180, and my focus is on fuel for the body. Lately I have been consuming meal replacement drink recipes that I blend myself. Most of the time there is kale and/or spinach in the smoothie, adding some powerful nutrition! It's amazing because you really can't even taste the greens in it.
My sugar cravings are making themselves less and less invasive in my daily thoughts, then again I would really like to find a low calorie sugar free cupcake recipe!
Yesterday I went out in my new yard and started to plant my garden, again. I have recently moved and that is my my posts have been random and far between.

As you know, I have been reading Bob Harper's new book, The Skinny Rules. I want to post my thoughts about some of the rules, while still respecting the guru, Bob.

Rule #2: Don't drink your calories.


Bob says that you shouldn't drink your calories, and I mostly agree with this rule. No soda. No fruit drinks. Nothing but water and unsweetened coffee.

I 100% agree with no soda and juice because of all the sugar content. The part of this rule I have a problem with is the bland coffee. I love my coffee in the mornings and I totally have switched to sugar-free coffee creamer or even just some non fat milk and cinnamon with some Stevia to sweeten. I understand that a lot of sweeteners like Equal, Splenda and sweet n' low are not recommended by almost all fitness professionals, but stevia is so much DIFFERENT! It is made from the root of a stevia plant and sweetens just enough to take the bitter away. Ugh, coffee is my liquid weakness. I'll admit it. Bob says that HE would much rather be eating every last one of this calories, but the good thing is, I am willing my eat a few less calories to be able to have my daily Cup O' Joe. Maybe someday I will be able to drink it bland, but for now, I will just stick to the good stuff, in moderation of course!

I hope that you do buy this book, because it has really changed my life and it is just simply amazing :D

I burned over 1000 calories today!

So today I went to the gym, and there was something in me that just said "go hard or go home" (I think it was Bob's mean green meal replacement drink!). And that is exactly what I did. I used 5 machines and burned over 1000 calories! I am very proud of that number.

The Skinny Rules, by Bob Harper: Rule #1.

I got Bobs new book (#1 best selling NYT), The Skinny Rules about two weeks ago. I love it! Seriously, these "Non Negotiable" rules are the tools I have been using to help me on this journey.

Rule #1, Drink a large glass of water before every meal, no excuses.

Bob says to have a large glass of water on your night stand at night and drink it within 15 mins of waking up. For some reason this seems to be the hardest rule for me, so far!
Oh well! I'll get used to it eventually. Change is hard, but it's worth it. I am worth it! We are worth it!

More rules, and thoughts on them to come! Stay tuned!

SMOOTHIE TIME! My very own amazing recipes .

SO recently I recieved my SIGNED copy of Bob Harper's new book, The Skinny Rules. I have been reading it every evening, and I LOVE IT. A few days ago, I bought a blender. For a mid day boost and meal replacement, I have had real fruit smoothies, with vanilla almond milk, banana and/or Greek yogurt to sweeten it and make it creamy.
 Each recipe is about two servings because I have been making my husband drink them with me and he LOVES them! If you don't have someone to share the epic goodness with, just save it for another serving later! If you want to make it more of a dessert type of thing, add a dollop of fat free whipped cream on top! By using "no sugar added" frozen fruit, you get the same nutrition, and you eliminate the need to to use ice in the smoothie!! Bob Harper approved! Blend on high and YUM!

When I need a protein boost in the middle of the day I also add one scoop of "Jillian Michael's Vanilla Whey Protein Powder" to any of these. Here are a few recipe combos I have tried, enjoy!
 

The dark and creamy berry smoothie

1 c. Frozen Blueberries

1 c. Frozen Strawberries

half of a banana

1 c. Vanilla almond milk 

1/2 c. Water

Mango & Strawberry MADNESS

1/4 c. EACH  pineapple, and peach

1 c. Mango (frozen)

1 c. Frozen Strawberries

half of a banana

1/2 cup Oikos Vanilla Greek yogurt

1 c. Water

Strawberry Banana Simplicity

1 1/2 c. Frozen Strawberries

1 Whole banana

1 c. Vanilla almond milk

1/2 c. Water

Let me know how they were on the comments! Thanks for reading. 

- Carissa <3

So, I have been weighing myself every day or so (Bob says to weigh yourself often!), and I have been tracking my calories in and my calories out. I have for the most part been being good at doing what I need to do. Well this week was much different. I haven't been recording my calories, and I know I have been over eating. I started moving to a different place, and it has been a hard week on my weight loss plan. This week I have gained about 5 lbs. I am not proud of this, but it isn't the end of the world, AND in no wary is this a set back. I still feel like I am more on track with my life then I have ever been. I FEEL GOOD! That's something I rarely say. I have changed my way of eating, my way of thinking, and my ways of being lazy. Let me tell you, it has payed off. And I feel like I can ACTUALLY DO THIS! This time is so much different. I don't buy the same things I used to. I don't cook with a ton of oils and butters any more. My way of thinking about food has changed ALMOST completely. I still struggle with wanting something sweet at night. I think I am in for the long haul with this sugar addiction. It's actually harder to deal with then when I quit smoking ciggarettes. There is more of a craving, and harder to say no.
I believe in me, and I want to live.
Believe, trust, change.

Wow! I've been nominated for top 25 fitness bloggers! Vote please!

@live2daycarissa Hey Carissa! Just nominated your blog on the Top 25 Fitness blogs! Lets get those votes in: http://t.co/7w0xJn0N #fitness -- Claudia Roldan (@ClaudiaR007)

Hey! Guess what?!

I am  SO excited to announce that I have lost a total of 30 lbs (170 to go!!)
I am very proud of myself. In fact I doubt that I have ever wanted anything so damn bad in my life! Haha!
I am starting to get a few supporters who randomly are fallowing my journey, and I want to thank them for everything! All the words if encouragement have been more of a help then you know. Thanks dolls!

Checking IN!

SO I know I haven't checked in for a while now, BUT it is because I have been staying active! Spring has sprung and I have lost a total of 23 lbs! I am feeling confident! I have TOTALLY changed the way I eat and the way I look at doing  anything. I no do things "the hard way" so I can burn more calories. I love thinking about my future and my new found love for myself. I was always blaming everyone else and everything else on my weight and my health. Watching NBC's The Biggest Loser, literally changed my life. I think that Bob Harper is most to thank for that. He has changed my life and made me believe in myself. I CAN DO THIS! I can be who I want to be. It was never going to be easy. In fact. I expect it to be hard, and I welcome the challenge. I now believe in myself. I believe for the first time that I can.

I am hoping to be a contestant on The Biggest Loser season 14.

Thanks!
 Fallow me @live2daycarissa on twitter.

Love you Bob!

15 more days! “@live2daycarissa: @MyTrainerBob is my #healthhero! I can't wait until his book #skinnyrules arrives! #teambob” -- Bob Harper (@MyTrainerBob)

15 lbs down!

As of today I am a total of 15 lbs down from my original starting weight. I feel like I am on the right track. I am very proud of those fifteen.

You can try, but you'll never bring me down!

Today I went to the gym and spend four hours doing cardio on the elliptical and a stationary bike. I did a few other random things like some standing bicep curls and some more squats on the Total Gym, and I walked home which took about 30 mins (mostly uphill, about a mile long.)
About 10 minutes away from me ending my workout, my trainer comes to me and says " You're not gonna be able to move tomorrow". I argued that I would indeed be able to move and that as a matter of fact, "I'll be back tomorrow for more".
It made me a little bit upset and I left the gym about 5 mins before I had planned to. All I could think was "HA! Watch what I CAN do". They say that sometimes things like this can motivate you to do great things. I will do great things and I will be an inspiration to myself and others.
  I feel great today and I am not going to let the words of others discourage me. I will get this done.
Believe, Trust, Change.

Hello!

I just wanted to say that I feel like a rockstar! Getting ready to go to the gyn and sweat it out! Today I am going to believe, trust, and change. Love!

My first day at the gym!

Today my husband and I went to the gym for 2 1/2 hours. In that time I did I good amount of workouts. I used the elipitical 3 times and burned almost 400 calories! I did about a half hour of squats with the total body gym. I kept track of what I was doing and I feel accomplished :)

Making meals for the week!

Being a big fan of the biggest loser, I have taken many of the trainer tips and put them into action in my own life. For example you can make your  meals for the entire week, then freeze them for easy access! Today, I made lemon chicken stir fry with wild rice, only 270 calories per meal! By doing this it makes it easyer for you to save time cooking that you could be using to work out! I hope this helps you in your journey, because it's a lifesaver in mine. ;D

Exited about Friday! :)

Friday is the day I am going into the gym and meeting with owner of the place to get a personalized plan of action. Today was a beautiful day in Northern California and I am stoked for the upcoming weather and my upcoming future! Ciao!

:D

@live2daycarissa Thank you! Good luck on your journey :) -- SunShine Hampton (@SunShineHampton)

Sunshine from The Biggest Loser is "Tweeting" to me!

Sunshine was one of my biggest inspirations on TBL, not to mention her season was the first I ever watched! The fact that she is taking the time put of her day to encourage me, makes this journey just that much more epic.
Thanks for all the encouragement Sunshine! I need it more then you know! <3

@live2daycarissa Congrats! Keep up the good work! -- SunShine Hampton (@SunShineHampton)

My first official weigh in!

Since I am really trying to do my weight loss "The Biggest Loser" style, I have decided to make my weigh in's weekly.
This well I have lost exactly 9 lbs.
I went from 377.2 lbs to 368.2 in exactly one week.
I feel proud and accomplished.

Checked out the gym today. :D

Today was my husbands first day off this weekend and we, as planned, went to check out the local gym in our little town. We walked/jogged the whole mile. Honestly, I am quite supprised that I was able to jog, and at some points I was at a full on run! My husband told me how happy he was to see me running, because he never had before. I felt great. My knees and back didn't hurt, and it didn't feel like I was going to die! I feel so accomplished today even before I got to the gym. It was kind of hard to find but when we did we loved the location. It is off the beaten path and it feels safe. It's a small facility but it has everything we are going to need for this journey. We are so excited to start. We have an appointment next Friday at 2 pm. Looking forward to my future. <3

Goals.

Today I started this blog to motivate myself and potentially others in the future.
I weigh 375lbs as of this last Saturday 3-24-12.
My goal is to lose about 1/2 of my weight. I want to be inbetween 175-190 lbs.
I want to do this by my 27th birthday. 77 weeks and 1 day.
To reach this goal, I have figured the average pounds to lose per week is about 3.85 lbs.
I is taking me a lot of guts to put this info in the public, but I feel like I need to do it for myself. I have told the world who I am and what my goals are. I plan to do what I said. Within this next week I will be getting a gym membership for my husband and I. Lots of hard work, tears, and sweat to come. I will be keeping record of my journey with posts and photos, so stay tuned! Have a beautiful day!