A Few Updates....Give-a-ways, Push-ups, Body Fat Checks...

Good morning everyone!

It's a beautiful Saturday morning here in God's country. I thought I might use this post to update you all on a few things that are going on.

101 Push-up Challenge tomorrow: It has been four weeks since my husband and I have last attempted 100 push-ups. Tomorrow is our 101st month wedding anniversary and we will be attempting 101 push-ups. Last time, I was able to do 62 and he did 48. We have been working hard all month on improving our push-up strength. We only missed one day. I'm hoping to crank out 80 and so is my husband. Of course we will strive for 101, but there is still 102 next month. I better be able to do it soon because my belly may start getting in the way. *smile*

Polar Bear Plunge today: Today in our town is the official polar bear plunge where you get dressed in you swim suit and "plunge" into the recently broken up ice-water...all for a good cause. I'm feeling a little ambivalent about doing it this year. I have till 3:00 p.m. to decide whether I should do it...What do you think? Should I?

I'm just not sure about waltzing around in a bikini in the middle of winter...maybe if I was in some high heel shoes on a stage...

My First Upcoming Give-a-way: I have already received some things to put together for my first ever give-a-way from a company that I am really excited about. I can't wait to start taste-testing some of the things. And, yes, some of their food I can eat. Yeah!!

Tip Top Tip Award: Kyle Gersham awarded me the Tip Top Tip award for my post on working your lower abdominals. Thank you, Kyle. I also have some additional advice on the lower abs that I may present next week. I recently went to see a physical therapists for something, who told me I had weak lower abs. "Thank you very much for that, by the way." She showed me the proper form for how to work those abs. It's actually a little tricky, but something everyone can do at home.

My shoes are on the way: I received an e-mail from Amazon that my five clear inch heels are on the way. Maybe they'll come today or Monday or Tuesday. Hopefully the size I ordered will fit. I can't wait to show you all when they come.

I may be more tired: It's true. When I worked out during the first trimester of my last pregnancy, I wasn't as nauseous...but I was definitely more tired. There's been a few times this week, where I've felt more tired. I will continue with my regular work-outs, but I have noticed that ....I love to sleep. But, hey, I'm seven weeks along and still no signs of nausea.

I dropped 1% body fat: If you recall, I have been tracking my body fat. It was measured by fat caliper testing again last Tuesday. The last time when it was measured was three weeks before, I had dropped 4% body fat in three weeks. This time I dropped 1% body fat in three weeks. What's interesting is that I did not lose any weight. In fact, my weight remained the same. So, what that means is that I lost fat and gained muscle, which is exactly what I want to do.

During those past three weeks, my eating increased with all of the cooking and baking of new whole foods "healthy" recipes. I have recently recalibrated my calorie intake and macro-nutrient intake. On days when I do cardio and weight lifting I give myself between 1,700 and 1,800 calories with 28% of those calories from healthy fat, 35% from protein, and 37% from carbs. On days when I work out only once a day or not at all I eat between 1,400 and 1,500 calories. I would also like to do an upcoming post on macro-nutrients. This is something else I learned at that nutrition class.

My weight has remained constant: In the past two weeks since I found out I was pregnant, my weight has fluctuated up one pound, then down one pound...back and forth or sometimes the same. I take that to mean, that I am basically at the same weight.

A Pull-up Challenge: I have mentioned doing this before. But I think I would like to begin doing this next week. A few days ago at the gym, I had my daughter help me up onto the pull-up bar and I cranked out five pull-ups, and could have kept going, but didn't. When I was in high school, I was able to do four sets of six pull-ups. I had to work up to that with the assistance of a trainer. I would like to incorporate pull-ups into my work-outs...three days a week like with the push-ups. So, beginning Monday, I will do as many as I can to see where I'm at. I'd like to work up to four sets of six like in high shool and then go from there.

I have a grain grinder: Upon finding out that their daughter is interested in whole foods and making her own bread, last week my parents blessed me with three containers of whole wheat berries, and borrowed me a "grinder" so that I can grind up my wheat grain and make freshly ground wheat bread. I haven't had the chance to do it yet, but I will and am very excited about it.

Last but certainly not least: I'm soaking beans: Some of you veteran cooks out there may laugh at me, but I put some beans to soak in the crock pot last night. I am very excited about soaking beans. I keep reading about it, but have never done it. So, finally last night I started the bean soaking process and will be making a bean soup today. Plus...do you all realize how cheap beans are? It may take a bit, but I intend to get good at making some tasty bean dishes to compliment our family menu.

Well, thank you all for taking the time to read. Sorry, I haven't posted any pictures lately, but I have been feeling a little more tired than usual and sometimes it's just easier to type something out.

I ALSO wanted to welcome all the pregnant bloggers out there. There are at least three other ones that I have discovered. I can't wait to share the pregnant journey with you. Oh, and for the non-pregnant ones...I'm excited to share it with you all as well.

Have a great day!!!