It's time for INSANITY!

It's been quite a year for yours truly, Girl Six. I've gone from knocking on size 12 to fitting nicely into a six (the holy dress size grail) and bumped back up to size 8... Yep, it's true. I fell off the wagon. After working by butt off (literally) to reach my size 6 goal last spring I spend the summer having a heck of a lot more cocktails than workouts. My metabolism was on fire for a bit, so I managed to maintain but over the past month or so about 8-10 pounds have crept back onto my body. Thankfully, I haven't completely lost my sense of fitness. The work I did this year was about so much more than weight loss and that has proven useful in my effort to refocus and get back on track. Enter the Insanity workout by Shaun T:

JWoww Loses Weight, But Gains no Style

The "Jersey Store" reality star known as JWoww (real name Jenni Farley) was spotted in Las Vegas recently looking considerably smaller than the view public knows her to be. Truthfully, she didn't need to lose any weight, but the loss puts her more on par with the hollywood standard. Unfortunately, unlike many stars who lose weight then improve their style with a now eager stylist, Ms. Farley's fashion sense is an dreadful as ever. The Jersey girl has reportedly been offered numerous shows and a spread in Playboy to the tuneo $400K... I guess the countess was right: money can't by you class.

Gwen Stefani Shows Her Bones, Eats Pizza

In a sea of celebrities that have daily access to all the finest things in life, there are very few that actually seem to have "it all." There are a sprinkle, however, whose live come across as just perfect - Gwen Stefani is one of these. The woman has had an amazing music career and her move into fashion with her line L.A.M.B. has also been very successful. Add to that she is happily married and with two healthy kids. Amazing! She comes across as genuine, if not sugary sweet, so all the kudos in the world to her! And then there's this: at 37 she has a rockin (trim but not too skinny) body... and she eats pizza?! What kind of alien creature is she???

The Last Ten Pounds

It's official, folks. I'm facing that final stretch that's so infamously difficult. With just ten pounds to go my goal is well within reach. After losing 35+ it should seem an easy feat, but as many dieters know those last few pounds are always the hardest. To be honest, however, I haven't really been trying super hard. Having built up a nice store of lean muscle mass, I'm kind of coasting on my vastly improved metabolism. I feel good and look decent, so the whole "I hate looking in the mirror" factor is no longer a motivator. In addition, the less you way, the few calories you need to sustain yourself - which, of course, means calories cutting will have to be more drastic than ever. But since I'm definitely on some FINISH WHAT YOU START stuff this year, I'm ready to buckle down and go all the way. 134, here I come!

photo via anfas.org

Exercise Update: Interval Training

A little over a month ago, after completing Jillian Michaels' 30-day Shred, I turned my attention to interval training. At first I devised a few of my own workouts that consisted of timed plank jacks, mountain climbers, or running. They were okay, but I suspected that they didn't have the punch of a system developed by a professional. Next, I turned to my trusty

Style Motivation: Swimwear

It's beach season! That means months of calorie counting and sweating through my sports bras are about to be weighed against the mighty challenge of walking about in public wearing only my underwear (basically). Happily, I'm feeling very much up to the challenge. The funny thing is, in years gone by I've had a better body than I have now, but far less confidence. I don't need to look like a Victoria Secret model; I'm fairly fit and very happy. Cheers to that!

So for the first time maybe EVER I'm excited to go swimsuit shopping. The suit above, worn by Lauren Conrad, is so lovely.

This is Me: May 16, 2010

Wearing a size 6! After 15 months and several false starts I am thrilled to write that I wore a size six dress this weekend. Yay! This Cynthia Steffe dress was was not zipable back in early April, but now I can zip it up with no problem.

Biggest Loser Contestants Reap Their 'Style' Rewards

As you may figured out from the title of this blog, my weight loss journey was inspired by my desire to fit into a number of size 6 dresses that were crowding my closet. Of course, now the goal has evolved into a broader one of creating a lifestyle of fitness. Still, getting to slip into a slinky dress that would have previously rejected my size 10 (going on 12) body is an AWESOME payoff. That's why I can really relate to the Biggest Loser contestant when they go on their makeover shopping trips. It's seems shallow, but it be quite a profound moment. Ultimately, life is what you make it and all you have to do is DECIDE that you wants something, and it can be yours!

Bar Review: My Fave Meals & Snacks On The Go

For me, the key to losing and maintain weight is successful snacking. Allowing myself little indulgences along the way helps me to feel satisfied and focused on the ultimate goal of being fit. Snack bars are a great way to have a treat that tastes great AND have good nutrition. I try to stick with bars that have as many organic and raw ingredients as possible. Calorie counters beware! Just because these are healthy, doesn't mean you can chomp away on these like carrots. Some of them pack a considerable punch in the calories dept. On my daily budget, for example the Probar has enough calories for an entire meal. Here's a quick list of some of my favorites.







Ingredients: Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Dry Roasted Peanuts, Organic Raisins, Dry Roasted Almonds,

Style Motivation: 'Ride' by Ciara

Way to put us all to shame, Ciara! And by "us all" I'm putting Beyonce, Rihanna et. al on notice! Ciara may not be the best vocalist, but she has a good enough voice and she's blowing everyone any with her dance skills (this generation finally has a Janet Jackson!). And her body in this video for "Ride" is amazing!

I've been feeling a bit of diet fatigue lately. Either not recording or going over on my daily calorie allotment (oops). But watching this makes me want to get back at it and fast! I have a beach trip in June and I'd love to be able to wear a bathing suit like that for it... not that the suit and fur is at ALL my style - I'm just aiming for the body would allow me to get away with it :) Watch the video after the jump

My New Strategy: Interval Training

Now that the 30-day shred is over, I'm finding myself feeling a bit nervous. I'm so exciting about my new muscle tone and level of overall fitness and I don't want it to go away! In addition, I'm still 15 to 20 lbs away from my goal, so I have to push harder than a maintenance level routine.

I've been hearing a lot about interval training, so I'm giving that a go. The word is that the method delivers results by using shorter, more intense workouts. Supporters say it's better for burning fat than long, moderate intensity workouts. So pain for 20 minutes vs. discomfort for an hour... Which would you choose?

This is Me: After 30day Shred - April 5, 2010

So this is me post-30 day shred. I wasn't that impressed with the visuals, which is why I wasn't all that eager to post this photo update. THE GOOD NEWS: when I took  a look at last month's update I do see change, but it's more an improvement in tone than a reduction in size.

Style Motivation: Spring 2010 Trends

This year there are several trends that demand a fit figure to pull off the looks. Not that fashion is the most important reason to aspire to fitness - but it sure is a good motivator! Here are our top 3 trends worth the sweat.

Oh My Melons!

Woohoo! I just finished day 28 of the 30 Day Shred and I am pumped (hence, the start woot)! Feeling especially strong and energetic today, I must be experiencing that homestretch wind at my back. That, or the cantaloupe I ate about 30 minutes before my workout is f*cking awesome. It's likely some of both, but here's a bit about the nutrition of this awesome fruit.

WORK IT! Not just Weight Loss, but Fitness Gain

When you're just starting a workout regimen it can be hard to imagine that getting all huffy and sweaty might actually be something you could look forward to on a day-to-day basis. But I'm happy to announce that I have hit that beautiful sweet spot where relish the flushed face and damp hair produced from pushing my body to work hard. I welcome the burn of a plank jack or a chair pose because I can see clearly the difference in my heart strength and muscle stamina. Not to mention that the number on the scale is steadily dropping (yay). I am officially within

Nadine Coyle Skinny - Before & After

Above left: Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle spotted in L.A. looking very skinny. Right: Nadine in 2003 looking healthy and trim.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the type of thing that serves as inspiration to me. Not because I want to waste away to nothing they way this poor girl has - quite the opposite. It's photos like these that remind me that the healthy way is always going to be the best way. In some of my lowest points I've thought about starving myself and getting super skinny, like some sort of masochistic fashion-induced fairytale. In fact, that might be easier because it's a brainless, Jillian Michaels-free approach. But then I see photos like this and I remember that starvation is just sooo unattractive. Not to mention unhealthy!

400 Calorie Breakfast: Banana Nut Parfait w/ Agave Nectar

This is an absolutely delicious breakfast that's also full of good nutrition, including calcium, omega 3s, potassium, and protein. You'll feel like you're eating dessert! In fact, I was so gung ho about chowing down, I got about 2/3 through it before I thought to take a photo. Here's what's inside (it's actually less than 400 cal!):

1/2 cup low fat yogurt (60 calories)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (185 calories)
1 medium banana, sliced (105 calories)
1/2 tbsp light agave nectar (30 calories)

Tea Time!

Tea time was especially important to me when I started my reduced calorie eating plan, and it continues to support me in my weight loss goal. Having something hot, flavorful and low to no calorie available to you is a great way to keep from snacking or overeating. My favorites re the mate blends from Guayaki and the many varieties of Yogi Teas (click pics above for more info).

The energy tea from Yogi is a good alternative to coffee and Red Bull, which I am guilty of having often. Yogi also has a variety called Muscle Recovery, which is supposed to

400 Calorie Dinner: Tuna Steak & Quinoa

This is a delicious meal that is very filling. In fact, I hate half and was feeling satisfied so I set the rest aside. I relaxed for about a half hour then proceeded to do my daily shred. After I came down from my exercise high I ate the rest - it was a perfect post sweat snack!

30 days to 30!

Ok folks it's time to push it! For all my jibber jabber about this being a lifestyle rather than just a diet, I still have a burning desire to look as hot as possible on my 30th birthday. And it's 30 days away! Hence, I've added Jillian Michaels 30 day shred to my workout regimen. Yes, ADDED. That means in addition to an hour of power yoga, or 45 minutes of tae bo or a couple hours of brisk walking, etc, each day I will be sweating it out for 20-25 minutes with the kick ass trainer from the Biggest Loser. In a word: ouch.

Leona Lewis is a Size 6 Now

British singer Leona Lewis recently dropped two dress sizes - from a UK 14 to a UK 10. And guess what? UK 10 = US 6! I can type all day about how she was pretty before - and she was! But let's not forget the title of this blog. I think she looks great and hopefully she won't get smaller. It's a shame that Grazia magazine styled her so horribly for this shoot.

400 Calorie Dinner: SAVORY SALAD

My dinner tonight was so yummy! And it was less than 400 calories. It may look like "just" a salad, but it left me satisfied and energized. Despite the fairly lite calories, this meal provides 13.3 g protein and a good does of vitamins and omega 3s.

This is Me: March 1, 2010

This is Me. Scratch that... this is my body, as it is on the first day of March 2010. It's been nearly a year since I published my "Getting There!" post and, as you can see, I clearly fell off the wagon during these 12 months. Like wayyy off the wagon. So far off the wagon left me in the dust then lapped me at least once. The good news is

500 Calorie Dinner: SALMON + Cheesy Bread

You know calorie counting can be a real pain when you're just getting started, but after a while - once the comfort of habit sets in - it's a very enlightening process. Paying attention to every morsel you put in your mouth is let about being obsessive and more about be aware. It takes a little time, but you start to really understand food and portions, and you realize why you're under or overweight. And while there's more to life and health than just calories, knowing the energy (and the type of energy) contained in the food you eat will laying the foundation for automatically making good choices.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss

Since I turned 18 and went off into the cruel world of adulthood my weight has been way up and way down for a variety of reason. Now that I'm about to hit the big 3-0 I'm ready to turn a corner and keep my weight right where I want it (a size 6). This means long term weight loss.

Unfortunately for us yo-yo dieters, weight loss of the long term variety does not come fast.

Viva Exercise TV!

I've never been good at starving myself (not that that's EVER the way to go), so when I'm dieting getting regular and vigorous exercise is always very important. And since I'm not a runner (and I can't afford to take dance right now) I thank goodness for Exercise TV. I love using their on demand videos to get great cardio and toning workouts. The one draw back is

The 'Skinny Girl' is Pregnant... and Still Skinny

So clearly I don't pay much attention to celeb gossip. The word got out last October that Real Housewives of New York star Bethenny Frankel is pregnant, but I only found out this week. The "Skinny Girl" chef strutted her 5 or 6-month bump down the runway for The Heart Truth's fashion show last Thursday in NYC.

What is the 'Ideal' Body Type?

Working in fashion, I spend my days looking at very young, very slender bodies. All day. Every day. So it goes without saying that my perception of what is ideal is somewhat warped. It doesn't help that I spent a good bit of my youth in traditional ballet training. To my affected mind, skinny is where it's at.