The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades!

Hey Blog Peeps!  This one won't be AS lengthy a blog as normal but I do have some updates I want to share.  I got a great response on my Facebook page from Jennifer Rumple- Biggest Loser Season 12 At-Home Winner.  I blog about her a lot because she is so inspiring.  Check this out.  I posted a link to the blog here on her wall and she keeps up with me here too.

Hey Jen!!! Still busy here fighting the good fight. I got a copy of Bob's book for my birthday. I too am now 40! I finally posted a new blog. love reading your posts and keeping up with you! *hugs*

               Jennifer Rumple

• GINA! Not only do you LOOK great, in the pouring rain I might add ... you LOOK like you FEEL fantastic! I am so incredibly proud of you and what you are doing for YOURSELF! You set a goal ... stated it out loud, told the masses to hold you ...accountable and you are following through with your word to make you a better, healthier you! That takes courage and self-love lady! It only gets better from here! So proud of you. Please ... continue to send me links to your new posts. I DO have you bookmarked, but when you inform me of a new one ... more chance I'll check it out! SO PROUD OF YOU! Keep going! x #INSPIRE 

May 22 at 8:28pm ·

                   

• Gina Lipari
• Thank you so much Jen! I DO FEEL AMAZING! I also finally dropped a couple of pounds! Today I weighed in at 209. Only 4 lbs down from when I met Ali in April but I am shooting for the biggest number I can get before she returns to Kansas City in Sept. Thanks for all your great posts. This last one with the before and current pics is spectacular. Your story is so similar to my own and sometimes your descriptions of things sound like my own. Thank you for your openness and willingness to share. *hugs* THANK YOU FOR THE INSPIRATION AND CONTINUOUS ENCOURAGEMENT!

  

BTW peeps here is her before and after she posted.  CAN YOU SAY AMAZING???

Jennifer Rumple at 345 and today

Ok  now for some updates.  Last Saturday I participated with my friends Dusty and Heather Blegstad in the first annual Promise Walk for Preeclampsia in Blue Springs, Missouri.  I always enjoy spending time with them and seeing OMI!  Here is a pic of me with Dusty and Omi from that day. 

Dusty and Omi Blegstad with me at the Promise Walk 5.19.12

After the walk I decided to stop by the mall since I was off work and I was out so far east of the city.  So when I went I stopped by Torrid (my favorite clothing store) and they asked me if I wanted to try on the jeans in the store because they were having a denim sale and they said they would take my picture as Torrid Diva of the Day and post it to their Facebook page. Of course you know I said YES!! I mean you dont have to ask me twice to get my pic taken.  So here it is to share with all of you and yes the jeans are Source of Wisdom brand size 16 and they are the most amazing jeans EVER so you know I bought them.  :)

LOVE my new skinny black jeans!!!

Life is amazing at 40!  I am enjoying my life like never before.  Every year at my workplace we have a Challenge between the departments that lasts for about 6-8 weeks.  There are different events and the team with the most points at the end of the Challenge wins a big trophy and party for the department.  It is competitive but FUN!  Anyway, there was a 1 mile walk/run on Wednesday and I went down there and I made the mile in 13.11!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  YAY!! I have never run a 13 minute mile before.  My best was 14 and odd seconds but still close to 15.  I was so excited and I placed 6th and got 30 points for my team.  Here is a pic of me at the end of my run at the Challenge I took with my phone LOL!

GO GRAY!!!

This was a great week for me.  Last Monday I had my kettlebells class and with a different instructor and it was AWESOME and I am sure that it helped me bump off the 2 pounds I finally lost this past week. We did a full on kettlebells class as opposed to a circuit training.  I felt that class all week in my quads and hamstrings.   I am now down to 209 and 199 is only 10 pounds away!!!!  COME ON ALREADY!

   I worked out really hard this past Wednesday and Thursday.  Swimming, walking, PiYo.  My friend Melinda came to my gym and went swimming with me on Thursday.  The instructor I worked with for Kettlebells was talking to me and that is how I found out about Flirty Girl Fitness being offered at my gym.  I was so excited.  Before she got there I had attended my very first Flirty Girl Fitness Class.  IT WAS FUN TO GET MY SEXY DIVA ON!!  I worked up a good sweat and I am so anxious for tomorrow's class. We did 6 dance routines in the hour class and one of the moves was called the "Flashdance".  One of my very favorite dance movies of all time so getting to do a move from that was SO COOL!!   Check out Flirty Girl Fitness at Flirty Girl Fitness.  They were calling this class "Cardio Dance" until the instructors got their "Flirtification".  Now the class is on.  The concept began in Canada and I had seen it featured on one of my Canadian wellness shows called Alive and Well with Michelle Harris where she attended a class at a Flirty Girl Fitness Club in I think Vancouver.  So that is how I had heard about it before.  I love the sexy dancing stuff because it is truly when I can become my sexy girl alter-ego LOL!

Flirty Girl Fitness is FUN!

When I got to the pool after class my friend was waiting for me and I swam 22 laps in the lap lanes and did some upper body work with a noodle.  I was there almost 2 more hours.  It was a great workout day.

I was also excited to learn that my workplace is again offering free Zumba classes.  I have missed that.  So tomorrow would have been my first class but I have a committee meeting to attend at the same time so I guess I have to wait until next week.  I love getting my Latina dance on.  Its like I picture Shakira, JLo or Selena in my mind and just go for it LOL! 




The Zumba party resumes at my workplace YAY!!!

I am still awaiting the opening of my pool at my apartment complex.  It is going to really help me when I am crunched for time.  I can get a quick workout in and then go to work without having to leave my home.  Its really the only home workout I am interested in.  You know how some people are turned off by going to the gym or going to a class and would rather stick in a DVD in the privacy of their own home- that is great if that gets you moving but I would rather do pretty much anything than that.  So come on already with the pool!

I am also awaiting the summer schedule of roller skating at River Roll to start.  It gives more options when they are open so I can sneak in a roller skating outing.  I LOVE TO ROLLER SKATE!  I can dance and skate and its too awesome.  Roller skating is a total body workout and burns approximately 400 calories an hour for someone at my current weight and height.  If you are curious how many calories a certain activity burns for your specific weight and height check out Calorie Burn Calculator at Fitday.com.

 

YEP YEP!



 This Saturday I am participating in the Hospital Hill 5k.  It is my first time at this race so I am excited.  This race consists of a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon.  It is a LARGE race.  People come from all over to take part in this one.  So next week I will be posting some pics.  My goal for the race is 45 minutes but if it is hot outside and since I have worked an entire 10 hour shift prior we will see how that goes.  Wish me Luck!!!  Hospital Hill Run

I got the Bob Harper Book "The Skinny Rules" for my birthday and I have been reading it and following what I have read so far.  One of the rules is to drink a LARGE water before every meal.  It does make you feel fuller and water intake has always been a difficult thing for me because I associate water with swelling in my body BUT since I have done this I am losing so it works!   Also following the protein at every meal and for someone who weighs 200 lbs or more should be taking in 100 grams of protein a day.  This is hard to do but since I have been I am losing so again, Bob the MAN knows!  He also says you should eat an apple and berries every day.  The fiber in an apple is high and helps the body with natural cleansing process.  I have also been doing this.  Another rule of the book is eating Lean and Green after lunch.  I have also been following this.  Get your good healthy carbs in at breakfast and lunch.  I cant wait to weigh in next week because this week is a water retention week (aka PMS).  GET THIS BOOK!  An example of a breakfast for me that is high protein, high fiber:  1 smart alternative bagel (110 calories and YUMMY!) two slices of canadian bacon (60 calories and 12 grams of protein per serving) I like Brie cheese but it is fatty.  But for breakfast I feel like I can afford the calories.  1 oz of brie is 95 calories and 5.9 grams of protein.  Then I use spicy mustard and a slice of tomato and two eggs (eggs have 6 grams of protein per egg)  and it is awesome!  I also use Hood brand Calorie Countdown Reduced Fat Milk that has 1g carbohydrates, 5g protein, 70 calories per serving.  I will use this with Special K protein plus cereal that has 10g protein per serving.  Greek yogurt also a fave of mine has 14g of protein per serving and it comes in many flavors etc.  Just be careful some have a lot of sugar and also look for 0% fat. I have also been on an avocado kick too.  But again be careful they are full of healthy fats but have a lot of calories.

Panera Bread restaurants have a new Turkey Avocado BLT that is 260 calories for 1/2 sandwich and 16g of protein.  I pair that with the You Pick 2 deal and get a 1/2 Greek Salad 190 calories 5 g of protein and the apple.  I love Panera because the calorie values are posted right there on the menu for you to see and pick the best choices.  The only downfall is being there with the muffins, scones, etc. and if you cant say no to those dont go in there!  They also have a wonderful Acai Berry Unsweetened Tea that is awesome!

Over the weekend I got to spend some time with my Rodriguez family to celebrate my cousin Bryanna's 8th Grade Graduation.  I was glad they had grilled chicken and deviled eggs.  PROTEIN!  I had a small spoon of the mac and cheese and a small spoon of the potato salad and a slice of the black icing cake.  I freaked out because I had to work that night and I had black lips from the icing.  That will teach me to eat the cake!!! It wore off in time THANK GOODNESS!

Me and Bryanna

Memorial Day weekend I made my way to the cemeteries to have conversations and visits with my great-great grandparents, great-grandparents and grandparents, great-aunts and uncles.  I have been going to the cemetery since I was a little girl.  My grandfather would lovingly cut fresh roses from our front yard to take to my grandmother.  It was never any of the plastic or silk stuff we have today.  If you are Italian you understand.  You go early just before the weekend to make sure your stuff is out for any other visitors to see.  Its tradition.  I look forward to this time every year.  Thankfully we have had some beautiful weather here and it wasnt too hot.  I go to approximately 50 graves per year of my ancestors.  But this year I only made it to 10.  Next year I will be more prepared.  I even got in some walking.  Always park a bit from where you are going and walk as much as you can.  Get those extra steps in

             

                                             My beloved "Paw and Grandma" and 

                       My wonderful Great-grandparents "Nani and Nanu" and Uncle Theodore

           My Great-Great Grandparents                    My Grandparents- I never got to know

I had some time to talk with my cousins while at Bryanna's party.  My cousins and two of my aunts listened and encouraged and had questions all about my weight loss journey.  I am always excited to talk about this.  Its my passion in life right now.  We talked about everything from my run, to my goal weight, to walking around looking at yourself naked in the mirror and sexual activity (yes my aunt was appalled but hey), to female issues and complications to weight loss to emotional issues concerning my daughter and yes my grandson.  My cousin admitted that when I first started that she didnt believe I would actually do this.  I know that all of my family probably had the very same thought.  But it all comes down to that I did this for my health and that being sexy, 40 and happy are all perks of that. I knew when I started that there would be doubters, I also knew that as I progressed and was successful that there would be "haters".   Its all about your frame of mind.  I was tired of simply existing and I WANTED TO LIVE!  I mean not just breathe, eat and sleep.  I mean, experience, enjoy, savor, reflect.  I wanted a life that I can say was rich and fun and meaningful.  I had to let go of the painful emotional barriers that concern my complicated family relationships with my father, my brothers and my daughter go so that the weight would also, well, GO. Emotional and mental barriers to weight loss are also important to confront or else the weight will not come off.  You have to love yourself.  You have to get that emotional support from other sources if you cannot get it from the ones you love.  This talk made me feel really good and Veronica, Melissa, Aunt Sandra and Aunt Theresa- I LOVE YOU!

Well so much for not being lengthy.  I got my fan photo from my birthday outing to the Royals game that I posted on FB but I will also post here.  I had a great time and I think the smile says it all.  I am happy, I am healthy and I feel sexy and as my body progresses toward my goal.  40 is FABULOUS and I am in the best place I have ever been in my life.

 There are those shades I am referring to! 

 It is a simply gorgeous summer day here in Kansas City and I cannot wait to get out in it.  I am at the genealogy library as I post this blog so I am going to do some research then hit jazzercise @ 430pm out here in Independence then go to PiYo at 630 and end the day with some swimming.  Tomorrow is a full day of fitness as well.  ENJOY YOUR LIFE- ENJOY LIVING THAT HEALTHY FUN LIFESTYLE and as Ali Vincent would say LIVE BIG!    Till Next Week Blog Peeps- *hugsandsmiles*

                                            





"You may think you’ve got a long way to go, but you need to look back at how far you’ve already come." Chef LaLa



Hello Blog Peeps!!!  I have much to blog this week since I am a bit behind.  I will be posting in sections because this is a long one!

RACES/WALKS

I will start with  Sunday, April 29th and the 4 Mile Trolley Run that benefits Childrens Center for the Visually Impaired.  This is a huge race.  Over 10,000 participants every year and this year was no different even in the cold and rain. I felt like I raced conservatively because the ground was wet, I was afraid of my knees swelling and keeping me from my ultimate goal of weight loss.  An injury would really set me back at this point.  But I did push hard and there were some parts I actually ran, like running.  It felt good but it still scared me.  I couldn't believe I could go for as far and long as I did without getting winded or out of breath.  So that was my accomplishment during that race.  I actually finished with the almost IDENTICAL time as I did last year.  1 hour 3 minutes and 47 seconds.  It was actually 7 seconds slower than last year but with the road conditions and my fear of injury it is understandable.  I can talk about it positively now but I was pretty bummed out that I didnt finish this race in under an hour which was my goal.  Plus a side note- my registration never got there from my work who sponsors the race so I had to race under one of our HR peoples bib and time chip.  So here is my time and results under Andrea McHardie.  Trolley Run 2012 Results  Here are also action photos of the race of me also under the same name Trolley Run 2012 Photos

On May 6th I participated in the March of Dimes 1 Mile walk in Downtown Kansas City.  My good friends Heather and Dusty Blegstad organized a team for their son Omi called Omi's Homeys.  I walked with them last year for the same race.  This time we had a thunderstorm complete with pouring rain and thunder and lightning... But we braved it and made it through the walk. I purposely parked far from the walk site and made 3 trips back and forth to my car besides the 1 mile walk so I know I had logged close to 3 miles for that afternoon.  Thankfully I have an awesome BIG umbrella.  And what is cool is that I fit under the umbrella!  Here is a pic of me after the walk.

I am walking tomorrow in another 1 mile race but I intend to walk 3 around the track for the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia Awareness.  This is also in honor of Omi who is such a wonder kid and his parents are the BOMB!  It will be fun! 

I signed up for two more races coming up outside of the ones that my place of employment sponsors.  I signed up for the Hospital Hill 5k in June and The MLB All-Star 5k in July.  Kansas City is the host of the All Star Baseball Game this year and this one promises to be a fun one!  Work sponsored ones that are next are the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure in August and the Broadway Bridge 5k, for Special Olympics in September and the Riverside Riverfest Levee 5k and 10k benefiting Northland Animal Welfare Shelters also in September.  My goal is still to get in 10 Races/Walks for the year. If you live in the Kansas City area and are interested in the Hospital Hill or the MLB All-Star 5k, here are the links.  Both Races will fill so definitely get your registrations in.  MLB All Star 5k in Kansas City Hospital Hill 5K and Half Marathon in Kansas City

INSPIRATION FROM ALL SOURCES

Jennifer Rumple the Season 12 At-Home Winner of the Biggest Loser is one of my biggest inspirations and I just love her.  She keeps inspiring her followers on her Facebook page through her video posts, her commentary on her life and struggles.  She responds personally to her followers including me.  Here are a few exchanges I chose to share here because INSPIRATION COMES FROM ALL SOURCES.  You must surround yourself with positive energy and encouragement if you are on this journey ESPECIALLY through rough patches where the scale isnt moving, injury is keeping you held back, whatever it is.  You also need that "at-a boy!" when things are going good and you are working especially hard.

Jennifer:  4/25/12 Checking in with everyone! It's been a crazy week ... hope everyone is sticking with it! Hope you feel me sending positive vibes to GO HARD, KEEP FOCUSED and STAY STRONG as you fight for you! :) When it comes to nutrition, exercise and motivation ... which one is hardest for you and why? I bet I can guess! :) x #INSPIRE

Me:  4/25/12  Nutrition for me too. Portion control, measuring, counting, tracking everything, cravings but only during pms BUT i have been fighting those and winning this month. Like Marie I have learned to love working out. I tried my very first PiYo class tonight and Monday I will try my first Kettlebells class. I also struggled with motivation but like I said yesterday my motivation has been renewed.

Jennifer:  4/25/12  so incredibly proud of you girl! LOOK HOW FAR YOU HAVE COME! You are an inspiration! Keep going! Let me know how you like your kettle bell class - @MyTrainerBob would be proud (you should snag his DVD by the way - he's bad ass as you know! :) )

Me: 4/29/2012:  I did the 4 mile Trolley Run/Walk in the cold and rain today. I was hoping to finish the race in under an hour but the wet conditions made me fear injury so I got practically my identical time from last year and finished in 1 hr 3 minutes and 47 sec pacing a 15.57 min mile. I feel as though I could have done better but I am happy to have finished and gone ahead in such icky conditions. Doing these races is tough after having worked a 10 hour shift the whole night before so it makes me wonder sometimes how I would do fresh without having been up all night working. Anyhow I did something good for my body today. My right knee is killing me but hopefully with rest I will be ok for work tonight. Have fun at the finale! I posted a blog this week that is very detailed about what I have been up to and of course I mentioned you! Have a great week. :)

Jennifer:   Gina Lipari:  you are such an inspiration lady! When you do something even though you don't want to do it, but KNOW you should or need to do it ... that's character building! That's called DIGGING DEEP! Good girl! Send me a link to your blog again - MUST bookmark it this time! :) BE sure to ice! ICE is your friend! :) 

On May 11th Jen posted a pic of herself sitting in a school desk chair with arms.  You know the ones- wooden, metal arms, scary if you are overweight.  She posted how sitting in this chair made her feel.  It was the most awesome heart-felt and visual post.  I felt as though I was in the room reading it.  I posted in response to this pic.

Me:  5/11/12   I still overcompensate for space I dont need, pulling miles of seatbelt when I no longer require that amount. I can get into my car holding my purse AND bags of groceries and fit :) there is space- lots of space between me and my steering wheel; my gut no longer sits rubbing the bottom of it! And yes when going out to eat I can sit in the booth and not have to scope out what other seating there is in the restaurant. WONDERFUL FEELINGS! Thanks for sharing you look great in that desk chair! :)

How can you not be inspired by someone like this who genuinely wants to continue to inspire others and just wants everyone to feel as good and be as healthy as she is???  I cannot wait for the day I am at that level.

Ok, Ali Vincent the First Female Winner of the Biggest Loser Season 5 is another inspiration of mine.  As you know I met her back in April and she challenged me to lose 40 lbs by September.  So far I have been killing myself but to no avail.  But I havent given up and I will lose as much of that 40 by the time she returns as is possible.  I participated in a Twitter Party she had a few weeks back and I won an autographed copy of her book "Believe It Be It".  I received it at my doorstep the other day and here is a pic of it!  So cool and really gave me a boost!

Its hard to read from the scan but it says "Gina- Thanks for all your Support!"  LIVE BIG!  Ali Vincent FFBL (first female Biggest Loser)

I met a great new friend when I met Ali back in April when she visited Kansas City.  My friend Melinda and I have been walking on Fridays together and today when we met for our walk she had a birthday gift for me.  I was OVERJOYED at this gift.  Bob Harper, trainer for the Biggest Loser has a brand new book out called "The Skinny Rules".  It just came out and needless to say I was thrilled.  Here is a pic of me and my book and the nice things she wrote to me inside the book.  Can you say INSPIRE?  Again, INSPIRATION COMES FROM ALL SOURCES.

Ok, now a couple of weeks ago I was busy being involved with my Cousin Payton's "Flat Payton" school project.  While doing that project I was at Crown Center after visiting the Sea Life Aquarium and wandered into the Crayola Store.  The girl behind the counter I recognized immediately as one of my former Girl Scouts.  I was a leader for 12 years.  Anyhow, I purchased 2 postcards in the store and she rang them up, politely told me thank you and SHE DID NOT RECOGNIZE ME!!!  That is until I smiled.  I have trademark "Rodriguez Family Teeth".  When I smiled she ran from around that counter and hugged me and it was the greatest feeling.  I was totally inspired by her reaction and getting to see her again, whole and healthy instead of old frumpy and 300 lbs!  Thank you Gina!

Last week I was running errands for my mother and while at my old neighborhood grocery store, I was leaving and there was a woman with her two children I recognized immediately as another one of my Girl Scouts.  She had seen me a few years back and I was over 300 lbs and pretty miserable.  I got out of my car and greeted her when she saw me and she went on and on about how great I looked.  That felt amazing to me and she did my heart good to see her.  Thank you Tara!

EXERCISE CLASSES, ETC.

I am still loving my PiYo class and last week I noticed a definite difference in my flexibility and ability to do more in the class.  I am so glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone and decided to do this.  Katie my instructor is very happy go lucky and physically a rock and understanding of everyone's capabilities.  Its an awesome class and I highly suggest taking it if it is offered where you are somewhere.  I am also LOVING my kettlebells class. Jessica is an awesome instructor and we do a circuit training that is familiar to me from my days of boxing circuit training with Franchesca and Paul.  A half an hour class that really delivers.   For those of you who dont know what Kettlebells are here is a pic of one way they are used. I also added a pic of a PiYo exercise that we use too. I noticed my strength has improved in the 3 weeks I have done the class just by being in Jazzercise and doing a tough strength routine and it didnt even faze me.  And I even went up on weight for that class.  Truly an awesome feeling. 

I also got to go for my gym orientation and got a list of machines to use, how many reps, etc.  So now my strength training will really begin.  I cant wait to try my list out tomorrow at my gym.  I know this will help me over the hump/slump I am in.

There are times lately when I am in Jazzercise class that I get very emotional.  I find myself holding back tears because there are times when I am hopping, jumping and dancing that I am in awe and disbelief of what my body is now capable of.  There was a time I could never have dreamed of making my body move in such a way.  I love it when it hits me like that.  I truly appreciate the body I have and what it is becoming.

I am currently Jazzercising at least 3x a week, PiYo 1x a week, swimming 2x a week, walking 2-3x a week, kettlebells 1x a week and now I hope to be using the machines at the gym 2x a week as well.  I will keep you updated on my progress.

WEDDINGS, BABY SHOWERS, MOTHERS DAY AND MY 40TH BIRTHDAY! 

This week has been tough as far as my food intake.  It started Saturday with my cousin's wedding.  It was a BEAUTIFUL wedding and I had a great time.  I made sure to dance and have fun.  They had a buffet with rice, beans, pasta, pork and chicken for burritos, tortillas, salad and fruit and of course alcohol and wedding cake.  I skipped the rice, beans and pasta and went strictly for the pork and chicken with 2 corn tortillas, salsa that was hot and out of this world and the salad and some watermelon.  I did have a slice of wedding cake and one vodka and soda with a splash of cranberry.  I felt good about how I did.  Here is a pic of me at the wedding with my cute cousin JJ.



the wedding cake

 A week before that I had attended my cousins Baby Shower but I did not have cake or any snacks there and was very proud of how I did.  Here is a pic of me with my cousins at the shower.

I feel skinny in that pic!!



Mother's Day my mom and I went to the Golden Ox, a Kansas City steakhouse for dinner.  I could have done better there too and indulged in dessert. 



Me and my mom at the Golden Ox

My gift to my mother for Mother's Day came on Tuesday night when we I took her to see the movie Dark Shadows.  It was so awesome!  Anyhow we went to the dine-in Cinema Suites at the AMC theater in our Power and Light District downtown and again, appetizers, dinner, dessert..... YIKES!  But the movie was great and we had not experienced anything like that before. 

Wednesday I turned 40.  Yep I am there but I feel as though I am in the best shape and health of my life.  I had a blast with a good friend and we went to see the Royals play.  I had an amazing time.  But of course I had a Royal Blue Margarita and a hot dog and funnel cake fries.... again this vacation has been restful for me but the food has been a definite issue.  I cant complain it has been fun and now I just need to get back to my discipline.  I did notice how I didnt have to worry about getting through the turnstiles at the ticket gate at the game.  It was weird.  I just walked through and as I exited on the other side, I realized what I had just done.  I walked through the turnstiles without worrying if I would fit through there or not.  AWESOME!!

 

 A View of the K (Kauffman Stadium) for the Royals vs. Orioles 5.16.12

I went walking yesterday and today in my park.  Today my friend Melinda joined me and we had lunch at our Organic store Green Acres Market.  Our choices were sensible and we enjoyed the time together.  I am blessed to have great family, good friends and have had an amazing week off.  I still have 2 more days.

WEIGHT LOSS RECIPES, LINKS, ETC.

I will close with links to some of my favorite finds as far as links to good tips, recipes, etc. as of late.  Here are some awesome recipes from Chef Lala Chef Lala, Rocco DiSpirito Enchilada Recipe by Rocco Fitness Magazine Fitness Magazine Healthy Recipes

Also dont forget to check out the latest episodes of LIVE BIG!! With Ali Vincent on the Live Well Network.  Her shows can be seen online here http://www.livewellnetwork.com/

The new season of Extreme Weight Loss Makeover Edition starts Sunday, June 3rd on ABC with Chris Powell.  I love that show.  Its no Biggest Loser but it does well to keep me going until Biggest Loser Returns. Extreme Weight Loss Makeover Edition

They have already cancelled The Revolution on ABC but they had some great weight loss success stories.  If you didnt catch it on air take a look at some of these peoples successes here The Revolution Success Stories

There is also http://www.sparkpeople.com/ and http://www.spryliving.com/ that have great tips, recipes and are two of my favorite go to websites. 

Well, that finally wraps up my blog that has been overdue for the past two weeks.  I am off to live life outside of the internet and spend the rest of my day shopping for some cool new things.  Until we blog again!  MUCH LOVE!!  GET YOUR INSPIRE ON!!











Hey Blog Peeps!! Que Pasa?  What's Happening?  LIFE IS GOOD here in the big Kansas City.  I experienced so much of my city this past week.  First, my cousin Shug's bride to be Erika had her bachelorette party and I was lucky enough to get a Saturday night off work and get to go.  My first happy moment of the evening was when I was selecting what I was going to wear and I pulled out my tightest pair of size 16 black jeans.  Usually I have to really suck it in to get them on and wear spanx to pull it off.  But that night they slid on without any trouble and I even had room!!!! I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT!  I can tell in my clothes my hard work is paying off.  What a wonderful feeling!

We started off the night with a dinner at Manny's Mexican Restaurant.  I watched everything that went into my mouth.  I had grilled chicken fajitas that were awesome.  I had a lovely "Skinny" Margarita and Iced Tea.  A bit blurry but you can see that this looked good. 

After Manny's we went over to Erika's house and she opened gifts and there was of course more alcohol.  I brought my own "Skinny" Margarita and had vodka and soda.  The KC Strip Party Trolley Bus came to the house and picked us up. We stopped at a bar called The Well in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City.  I saw Gala Apple flavored Stoli Vodka.  I had that with soda and it was YUMMY!  We also stopped at a place called the Velvet Dog and finally we went downtown and I swear I thought I stepped out in Los Angeles!  This club was called Luna and it was right out of a Paris Hilton party reality show.  I had the BEST time.  I danced with my cousins up on this ledge by the DJ.  Amazing fun.  And I got carded at the door.  REALLY???  It made my day!!  I never got carded when I was 19 and sneaking in bars much less now when I am going to be 40 soon.  I danced and danced and danced some more all night.  I wanted that calorie burn but I also wanted to have fun and I really did.  Here is a pic of me and my cousin Alesia with the big Purple Bunny that drove us around on the Party Bus.  I HAD A BLAST!  I cant wait for the wedding. 

Another cousin of mine, my lovely cousin Nikki who lives in St. Joe, Missouri sent me the most wonderful message just out of the blue the other day and I want to share it with you.  "I was looking at stuff online about weight loss tips n tricks and seen this picture and thought of you. You have come such a long way and I am so proud of you!"  How can this not make you cry and feel inspired that your family supports you in such a way?  Here is the pic she attached to that message.  Thanks Cuz! *muah!*

She also asked me a couple of questions today that I want to answer here because someone else may be wondering the same things.  "Hey So, i have a question, should i eat and then work out or work out and then eat? also, since im just starting out, how long should I really work out? how many ounces of water should I drink a day? sorry for all the questions!"  First I LOVE QUESTIONS!!!  Secondly, you should eat before working out to give you the energy to power you through your workout.  You should also eat after a workout but this should be protein.  Protein is essential for recovery after a workout.  It should be a protein shake, bar or another protein source.  Water... if you aren't hydrated weight loss cannot happen.  My trainer Franchesca always said you have to drink at least a gallon of water a day.  A gallon is 128 ounces.  I strive for this all the time.  I know you can do it Cuz!  Thanks for the great questions.  Ali Vincent answers questions like these all the time on her show.  You can catch it online or on air on The Live Well Network.  Live Big with Ali Vincent

As many of you know I struggle with fatigue and terrible food cravings during PMS.  I have been fighting PMS hard this time.  I did make it to workout anyway during times of extreme fatigue and I made some good food at home to counter those crazy cravings.  I wanted salty/crunchy stuff so I made dip from light sour cream and salsa and had Genisoy Brand Soy Crisps that were garlic and onion flavor.  110 calories for 17 of them!!  They are similar to a rice cake.  I also made a pizza using a low carb tortilla that had 70 calories and used light olive oil to make it crispy then put pizza sauce, light mozzarella , olives, onion, peppers.  It was YUMMY and satisfied my cravings.   There were some wonderful alternatives for "pub or bar" food favorites and appetizers on Dr. Oz this week.  Check this out! Dr. Oz Reduced Calorie Restaurant Appetizer Favorites

This week I will hit 50 classes for the year at Jazzercise.  I cant wait.  50 out of the 150 I need for the year to get the new shirt for this year.  I assure you I will be working out there a lot with this 40 pound challenge I am doing.   I also tried something new this week.  I didnt think I would be able to physically do it and I was afraid of being the "big girl" in class but I went out on a limb and tried the new PiYo Pilates Yoga fusion class that started at my gym yesterday.  They agreed to allow me to try the class before investing 17.50 for the series that lasts until June 6th.  Let me tell you it was tough but I did it and I was SO PROUD of myself for being able to do it.  I love it and cant wait for next week.  And I wasnt the only "big girl" in class and I was able to double up mats so I wouldnt hurt my knees.  I can do this!!!  After the class I made my way down to the pool and put in my time there and then closed the gym down with walking 2.5 miles on the indoor track. 

I got a lot of extra workout in this week too.  My 8 year old cousin Payton from Ohio sent me her Flat Payton to take around Kansas City.  This past week I was a tourist in my own town.  I took the stairs EVERYWHERE and walked as far as I could.  I still also managed to get my regular workouts in.  I went to Bass Pro Shops, walked at their Waterfall Park there, went to Crown Center and walked in there and visited the Sea Life Aquarium, the Animal Tales and Trails Free Exhibit, the Crayola Store.  I also went to the WWI National Museum at Liberty Memorial, Union Station and the Country Club Plaza to name a few.  Here is a link to my photo album posted on Facebook of my adventures with "Flat" Payton. Photos of Adventures with Flat Payton in Kansas City  It was a lot of fun and I found ways to incorporate exercise into each day's activities.  Big Plus!!  When I went to the Plaza with my mom we went to lunch at Seasons 52 Fresh Grill and everything on the menu is under 475 calories.  The food is fresh and seasonal-hence their name.  It was the best tasting food I have had in a very long time.  We LOVED it!  Here is a pic of the flatbread my mom and I shared and the lovely raspberry gorgonzola spinach salad I had.  I cant wait to go back!  Seasons 52

One more share- here is a video clip of Season 12 at home winner Jennifer Rumple showing how she lost 145 pounds in the pool.  This is awesome and you have to check it!!  I am forever in the pool and it is awesome cardio burn and resistance training.  I love Jen she is such an inspiration.  Jennifer Rumple Pool Workout Video

Finally, Rubina Nalbandian, who is a participant on Live Big with Ali Vincent has already been losing since weighing in at 386.  Her story is amazing.  She just did a hike at Runyon Canyon with Ali and other Live Big Participants for 2.5 miles.  Here is a great pic of her.  I love her and she inspires me BIG!!! 

Rubina, Alexandra and Matt- LIVE BIG!  I have that same towel!! :)

Well my time is winding down here at the library today and as always I am excited to share my journey with you.  I am definitely living the BIG life and making my way toward that 40 pound goal.  Have a wonderful week FB!!  Keep getting your INSPIRE on as Jen would say.  *peace*

 

  Here is my "skinny/strong" fave pic of me of the week. 

Week One of New Vigorous and Vivacious Motivation

Hello Blog Peeps!!  This week has been a week of finding out what I am made of.  Since last Monday afternoon when I met Ali Vincent here in Kansas City and was challenged to lose another 40 pounds by September 7th I have been more dedicated than I have been in many months.  I feel a new vigor- a renewal in my motivation.  I have longed for this feeling again.

 This week I took Ali's advice and went back to my very beginning basics.  I get a 15 minute break approximately every hour at my job during my 10 hour shift.  I have been bringing my MP3 player and headphones and been hitting the pavement in the parking lot outside of our break area.  The weather has been a crisp and beautiful spring type weather in the middle of the night when I am out there.  Simply breathtaking.  I have found that these little spurts of exercise also helped me feel renewed to go back out there and do my job with a little extra energy that I welcome!!  For the last two minutes of the break I use a curbside as a stairmaster and with a little Hinder "All American Nightmare" blasting in my headphones I tackle that curb until time to go back.  Some of my co-workers have seen me doing this and think I am crazy but I don't care.  I prefer to think of it as "crazy like a fox".

My week started with my friend Kristin from work unexpectedly joining me on one of my walks in the park.  That was great!  It made the time go by quickly and it was fun to have some girl talk time with someone who also has a healthy lifestyle mindset.  Thanks Kristin!  I have been at the park a lot this past week and I just can't describe here how much I love it.  Got lots of walking in and used my ankle and wrist weights to step it up.  I felt it in my legs and unfortunately in my poor knees.  I made it to jazzercise 5 times this past week and that was an accomplishment and last Saturday I made it to my last Aqua Boot Camp class and got some good swimming in all week.  I truly love the pool.  My knees appreciate the low impact factor but I feel so free, strong and healthy in the water. 

It has also been an emotionally trying week.  My mother has been grieving and exhausted.  We lost two of our beloved cats.  KittyBoy was with us 11 years.  He was literally my mother's shadow.  From the time he was a baby he was full of personality and my mother's constant companion.  Peanut was 14 years old.  She lived a good life too.  She loved my mother and was beautiful and smart.  I have been to my mother's home many times this past week to help her with housework, to make sure she would eat, etc.  Yesterday I made more than a few trips up and down steps in the basement, up and down the stairs in the front yard as I packed the car with stuff to haul away, moved an old couch out to the curbside down a bunch of stairs in the front yard by myself and raked leaves out of the driveway.  I counted this as calorie burn. 

After my visit yesterday I went to the pool and swam 10 laps which is a lot for me.  I breast stroke all the

way down the lap lane then backstroke back.  They are really the only two strokes I know.  Then I did some laps in the Lazy River and finished in the hot tub with the jets massaging my aching knees.  After the pool closed that evening, I went upstairs to our indoor track and walked a mile then left as the gym closed.  I thought I put in a good night of workout.  My workout game has definitely stepped up.  At my gym they are going to offer a kettlebells class complimentary if you are a member that I am dying to try out.  For those of you who don't know what kettlebells are take a look at this video clip.  Kettlebell Workout


My gym is also offering a PiYo class beginning at the end of this month.  Now admittedly my flexibility and range of motion are still limited.  My knees do not allow me to be on all fours with my weight bearing on them.  This has been frustrating for me for a VERY LONG TIME!! But I am still fascinated by this fusion class that is a mixture of Pilates and Yoga.  I have shyed away from yoga classes because of the whole getting in the floor business.  I have enough trouble with this at Jazzercise and usually have to try standing options for a lot of that.  I took a look at this video and it does seem challenging for me but I am wanting to give it a shot.  Let me know what you think.  PiYo Workout Preview

This Saturday I get to attend my "new" cousin's Bachelorette Party.  I am very excited.  But I am going to be tested with my decisions as far as food and drink.  We are going to a Mexican restaurant first, then over to her house to have cocktails and then finally on a party bus to local nightclubs etc.  My game plan is to BYOB to the house party portion of Skinny Girl Margaritas.  Skinnygirl Cocktails 

I will also have to be careful with the Mexican food and just make sure to dance my behind off and just have fun!

Ali's visit to Kansas City probably saved me literally.  I was in a dangerous place where you keep going or go backward.  I had been discouraged for a while but now I feel like I did when I first started the process.  Tonight after my library venture here I will be at Jazzercise getting my sweat on for an hour aerobic class then taking a strength training class with Body Sculpting and ending the night with my final Ballet Body class.  I will most likely be ready to be scraped up off the floor by the end of all that but it will be worth it.  Here is my autographed pic of Ali that I carry in my purse with me at all times with my former "fat" pics to remind me of my purpose and my goal. 

My nutrition has also come back into play and that is why this week ended in victory with a 2.5 pound loss.  I am ECSTATIC!!!  I have really been tracking, being mindful to eat every 3-4 hours, getting lots of protein in and a significant decrease in carbohydrates.  I am counting my PointsPlus and trying hard to get that balance of eating right and the workout in sync.  So far so good and I feel really good.

Still looking ahead to the 4 Mile Trolley Run on April 29th.  I would LOVE to complete this race in under an hour.  I will be pushing hard and will definitely be posting pics here of the race for all to see. 

Well I had better get going so I can enjoy some of the wonderful sunny weather we are having here today and get prepared for my classes.  HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEK!!  I will keep everyone posted on my progress.  I will leave you with one more motivational pic as I sign off.  Till the next time we blog- So long :)



WOW From Difficult Week to Whirlwind Week

Hey Blog Peeps!  As many of you know that follow me on Facebook I met Ali Vincent here in Kansas City yesterday!  For those of you who may not know who she is, Ali is the first Female Overall Winner of the Biggest Loser.  She won the title on Season 5 of the show and she now has her own show on the Live Well Network. Live Well Network

She was taping a segment of "Ask Ali" for her show Live Big With Ali Vincent.  I got to talk to her and tell her a bit about my story, that I have lost over 100 lbs. and I had "before" pics to show her.  She was very happy to hear about my weight loss, hugged me and and she then challenged me to tell my weight on national TV which I did because its a number and its a temporary state.  I am proud of my weight because it shows how far I have come.  Then she challenged me to lose 40 pounds- yes you heard correctly- 40 pounds by September 7th when she returns for a Live Well Expo here in Kansas City that will promote healthy lifestyles, wellness, physical fitness, etc.  So being 3 days under 5 months out I have my work cut out for me.  So when my co-workers see me walking around our parking lot on breaks and putting in 10 minutes of stairs etc. they will think I am crazy BUT I am dedicated to this challenge.  I will weigh less than my original goal weight when I complete the challenge. 

Meeting Ali was a turning point for me and I knew it would be.  I had tears in my eyes when I talked to her.  I told her I was up for this because I had come this far and there was no turning back.  I meant that.

Because I have had multiple knee issues in the past that have set me back I have been resting 3 out of 4 of my work days and working out hard on my days off.  But this will now have to change because my weight will not decrease with that many days of no exercise.  So I will have to return to Sundays or Mondays being my rest day.  Since I seem to have brain decay on Monday (my Friday) I think this may be the day.

So my goals for this week are simple- track everything that enters my mouth; get to jazzercise every chance I get, get to the park and walk my behind off LITERALLY and get brave and use the weights and weight machines at my gym.  Also I need to get in my swimming and use noodles and water weights for resistance.  Ali said you can NEVER have enough cardio but strength training has to be there.  She suggested I wear ankle and wrist weights to workout at Jazzercise and use the ankle weights at work.  So I do have a pair of them and I am going to put them to use.  She also suggested that the very best gift I could purchase for myself is a Bodybugg.  A Bodybugg is a calorie tracking device worn on the arm.  It is used on the Biggest Loser Ranch on all their contestants and Ali wears hers religiously.  Here is a link to see what it is.  Bodybugg.  I am going to make the investment on payday IF I dont win one on the twitter party that Ali is hosting on Thursday where 2 BodyBuggs will be given away.  Yes I had to sign up for Twitter which I did not want to do but it will be cool.  You can follow me there at ginalipari@twitter.com

So we will see where we are next week.  I will need the support of all my friends and family to do this.  So if you are available to come swim or take a jazzercise class with me or just want to go roller skating or for a walk, let me know!!  I will take the extra calorie burn assistance where I can get it. 

My favorite Biggest Loser Contestant and At-Home Winner from Season 12 Jennifer Rumple gave me a shout out when I was feeling low last week that I want to share with you. " Gina Lipari ! Shouting your name right now! I JUST saw this post! I will pick you up, toss you about and stick my foot in your butt lady! :) We ALL struggle! That's when you gotta dig deep and find out what really makes Gina ... Gina! You'...re a fighter! Look at what you've done for yourself already! I'll read the post as soon as I can ... till then ... this is your SHOUT OUT to know I believe in you, YOU BELIEVE IN YOU ... and YOU CAN AND WILL attain every goal you set for yourself because you know anything is possible with belief in self and hard work! Now go get it! :) x #INSPIRE."  She is great and I appreciate her encouragement.  Here is a link to her latest video on Street Workout Tips that Save Money.  Check it!  Street Workout Tips

Here are my pics from my meeting with Ali.  She is awesome!  She will be keeping up with me and my progress.  Its on Peeps.  Have a great week!  I am inspired by so many who are out there doing the things they need to do to live the healthiest happiest life they can.  Share with me!!  LOVE HUGS and get your SWEAT on!

Me and Ali Vincent-the First Female Overall Winner of the Biggest Loser

Me and two other fans of the show with Ali.