a countdown, success and more!

First of all, I've broken the 4lb. barrier and have now lost FIVE POUNDS!  Woohoo!  And my husband has lost 5 too!

some things that have helped with my success:

My husband's support and that we're in this together!  Don't think I'd find quite the motivation without him by my side!

Having a fridge stocked with a VARIETY of fresh fruits and veggies!  

Having a freezer full of great, protein choices...chicken breasts, deer meat, and turkey!

...and by being able to make quick and easy recipes like this,

Tuna Salad Wrap

 8oz Tuna, drained
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 cage-free egg, boiled and sliced
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (not 100% what we're suppose to be using, but better than mayo!)
sprinkles of flaxseed meal for added omega 3's and fiber!!
lettuce leaf serving as tortilla


Mix and enjoy!  This was really good and filling too!

Last night was a turkey meatloaf that was a HUGE hit!  I used a tip found in an old Fit Pregnancy magazine that used 1/4 of fat free milk added to the ground turkey and egg...makes the meatloaf extra tender and delicious!  My boys ate it all up and my husband thought it was great too!  I served that with steamed broccoli and a fruit salad medley!  SO yummy and sweet!


The hardest part is definitely having food on hand and ready to prepare...most of the protein must be thawed and cooked so lots of planning ahead, but that's a good thing!  Keeps us on track...


We leave to see these guys in 2 weeks, so we're very excited about our family of four making memories at Disney World...let the countdown begin!

Mickey and friends, here we come!

As I've been doing my treadmill/exercise equipment research in  HOPES of getting a treadmill at some point soon, I thought this information was pretty cool, especially for those of us that have a huge interest in the latest workout equipment and trends in the fitness industry!

*Cybex is also the official fitness equipment seen on NBC’s The Biggest Loser.  

Cybex Wins Prestigious FIBO Innovation Award 2012

Ground-breaking stabilization on Cybex Bravo Press and Pull combines advantages of multi-function cable systems, single-function fixed-path strength equipment; gives users more variety with faster, safer results

MEDWAY, MA, (April 24, 2012) – Cybex International, Inc. (NASDAQ: CYBI), a leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment, recently received the prestigious FIBO Innovation Award 2012 for the patented Progressive Stabilization system featured on its Bravo Press and Bravo Pull strength machines. The award was presented at the annual FIBO trade show on Friday, April 20, in Essen, Germany.

“We set out to combine the advantages of isolative strength training equipment with the advantages of cable press and pull equipment, and Progressive Stabilization was born,” said Ray Giannelli, senior vice president of research and development for Cybex International. “We’re thrilled that the FIBO Innovation Award jury saw fit to recognize this advancement in exercise technology. It inspires us to continue creating better ways to work out.”  

Multi-function cable systems traditionally provide a variety of movement options in one machine with limited stability and strength gains. Single-function fixed-path equipment traditionally provides stability and increased loading with limited movement variety. Utilizing Progressive Stabilization, Cybex’s Bravo Press and Bravo Pull are the first multi-function cable training stations to offer the stability and strength potential found in single-function, fixed-path equipment along with the expanded movement variety typical with multi-function cable training systems. The Bravo Press and Bravo Pull also offer no-stability or partial-stability settings, allowing trainers to create workouts that build strength and skills in a progressive, highly effective manner. 

“With the growth of functional training products and programming, be it in one-on-one or group fitness sessions, the Bravo series is the ‘must have’ equipment for any size facility. Alone, combined with the Arc Trainer or bundled with other functional training tools, it’s a proven performer when it comes to results,” said Lisa Juris, vice president of marketing for Cybex International.

“Progressive Stabilization combines the best of multi-function cable systems with the best of fixed-path single-function systems, and the result is a better strength workout,” said Dr. Paul Juris, executive director of the Cybex Research Institute. Bravo Press and Bravo Pull with Progressive Stabilization provide a 212-percent increase in load capacity and a 184-percent increase in core activation compared to other free-standing machines, according to a study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst Department of Kinesiology. “What this means is Progressive Stabilization gives users a greater variety of training options and delivers what users want: faster, safer results,” said Dr. Juris.