Get Fit With Barbie

RESET: I have a new blog!!!

2010-03-21T23:01:00.001-05:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

Please go to my new blog space:

WWW.GETFITWITHBARBIE.COM

I'm in the process of decorating, please move with me!!!

Barbie, PhD

Passion and Freedom

2010-03-19T21:18:00.003-05:00

FSC=FIVE STAR DIAMOND COACH!

Dear Boys and Girls,

It's ironic that I feel the need to blog about passion and freedom while being dead tired tonight. But I just have to share.

Yesterday I achieved a dream that had never really been a dream prior to, um, maybe last month: I became a Five Star Diamond Coach. It was never my intention to grow a business. I distinctly remember the night I called my coach to tell him that I wanted to coach, but asked him to please never talk to me about the business. I wasn't interested in making money. Somehow, in my mind, doing what I love and getting paid for it, conflicted with each other.

I just did what I did and, organically, coaching just sort of grew into this "thing." Ya, it's totally awesome that I am able to earn a living, a real living, helping other people get fit without feeling like I'm hustling. I felt this incredible sense of freedom this evening as I treated myself to a pair of shoes at DSW. Yea, they were only 49.99, but I don't know, something about not having to worry if I'd break the bank if I bought these shoes gave me an incredible sense of freedom and comfort.

Lately, more and more folks have been reaching out to me to sign up as coaches, not because they're hungry for money, but because the idea of doing something that they love and being able to earn an income doing it speaks to them. This morning I had the pleasure of speaking with two incredible women. The first was my very own life coach, Mary Coussons-Read, who recently decided to become a coach on my team. Her mission? To help women be fit in their forties! You can check out her blog at www.fitnessthatfitsyou.com I also spoke with Gwen, a BB customer, mom, and triathlete who wants to combine her personal training experience along with BeachBody. Her true passion? To help young girls improve their self esteem and get fit "from the inside out."

I guess what I'm getting at is that being a coach has allowed me to wear a hat that I never even dreamed of. I simply wanted to inspire and help people get fit. But being a successful coach is affording me the opportunity to help other men and women pursue and achieve their dreams and life passions within and beyond the realm of fitness. Now, that, boys and girls, is indescribably cool.

Barbie, PhD

After Hawaii, After the Cleanse, Real Life

2010-03-18T18:35:00.005-05:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

I was about to say that I "survived" the Shakeology 3-day cleanse, but really, it didn't feel like a struggle at all. This morning I woke up "back to normal," six pounds lighter or the same weight as before my trip.

When people write to me asking me about the Slimming 2-day formula, I tell them that I've done it, but that afterwards, I felt as if I wanted to eat everything in sight. Part of me was a little afraid of that happening this time. Maybe because I was aware of it, it didn't happen.

This morning, yes, I woke up hungry, but I felt ready to eat clean. Oatmeal, with a touch of peanut butter, egg whites on the side: YUM!

Snack: same ol' thing: 2 rice cakes with almond butter. Yummmm!!

Lunch: I actually had a Shakeology shake as a meal replacement because my fridge was empty and I didn't feel like eating out.

After work, I rushed to the supermarket and stocked up my fridge.

Dinner? Darn, I should have taken a picture. It was pretty! I had colorful peppers sauteed in a touch of spray olive oil, chicken breast (about 6 oz), onions, Mrs. Dash, and a bit of almond milk ( I was pretending it was coconut). I also had 1/2 a sweet potato since I'll be doing weight training in about an hour.

Hawaii was beautiful. I miss my boyfriend who is staying there longer to build his team. But I'm glad to be back to my normal life.

There's no place like home.

Barbie, PhD

Day 3 of the Shakeology Cleanse

2010-03-17T21:14:00.003-05:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

It's 9pm. I'm totally fried after having had an amazingly productive and exciting day. I woke up super excited about starting an email series for coaches on my team. I had so much to do today that I hardly had time to think about the fact that I was on a Shakeology "cleanse."

So: How'd it go?

To be honest, it was great to not have to think about cooking and real eating for three days. There wasn't any food in my fridge either. Yup, I made my own salad from the local deli (it was surprisingly good) and had it for dinner three days in a row.

I feel great. Unlike the 2-day Slimming Fast, I felt energetic while doing the Shakeology cleanse. Getting through my workout was tough last night and today, I skipped cardio. But that's okay, my body probably needed the break.

Tomorrow I get back to super duper clean eating and my regularly scheduled workouts. I'm ready for "real foods," meaning, egg whites, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, fish, veggies, and chicken.

It really is crazy how I felt my body getting used to Bubba Burgers. How very easily we can stray? Ain't that something.

But, Barbie's back, refocused. Determined. Ready.

And now, off to walk the dogs.

Bring it!

Barbie, PhD

Dream Vacation: 12 Days and Four Pounds Heavier

2010-03-16T21:25:00.003-05:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

I just got back from the Top Coach Trip to Kauai, Hawaii where I spent 12 days...and where any and all eating clean rules were broken. No wait, I should say, where I broke any and all clean eating clean rules I had ever set for myself.

This blog post is not about beating myself up for having a glass of wine with dinner or an occasional lava flow (pina colada with strawberry puree. Omg, can you say calories and sugar galore?).

Really, I'm not trying to beat myself up, but I do wonder why it's so hard to stop at the first dish or two of naughtiness. Eating clean makes you feel good and energetic. Looking fantabulous in a bikini gives you confidence. There really is nothing like it.

Yet, after day 2, after partaking in the desserts (oh, my, were they amaaaaaazing) and sweet potato salad, along with six other dishes in one sitting, I once again experienced the feeling of being a potato on two sticks.

Hmm, I am human after all. Isn't that nice? It is, but how annoying?! I know you're all saying, "Oh, Barbie, you've worked so hard, you deserved it!" I know! I know! I did! And I enjoyed it! But, like so many other people, I found it hard to stop at the first few bites. One day of sinful indulging turned into two and three and four...

To my credit, I didn't have multiple drinks on any given night. My conscience wouldn't let me. I often opted for a glass of red wine instead of the mai tai my heart desired. So, i did exercise SOME self control. Wait, no one was keeping count but me. My belly felt like it was expanding with every passing day, and it was, the scale proved it, and the mirror didn't lie.

But it's just interesting, all of it, how or minds feel guilty when we splurge, how our bodies don't feel great when we overeat, and how quickly our bodies can soften.

Kauai, Hawaii was absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking. But, honestly, I'm glad to be back. I am a fan of order, of structure.

I'm not a big fan of doing cleanses, but after 12 days of feeling and being "off track," I gladly embraced the Shakeology fast posted on BeachBody's nutrition expert, Steve Edward's blog:

Shakeology Cleanse

Three Shakeology during the day, followed by a sensible salad for dinner with 4 ounces of chicken for three days.

For some reason, it just felt right. I wanted to give my body a break from all the cooking and eating and crunching and drinking.

Day 2 down. I feel good. Better.

Oh, how I wish I were, um, non-human sometimes. How I wish I could be perfect and come back from vacation feeling light and airy.

Instead, like so many others, I feel like a farm animal, ready for change.

But, not for long. Bring it!

Barbie, PhD

Some Wins are Disguised as Losses

2010-03-03T08:40:00.005-06:00

View the Finalists

Dear Boys and Girls,

On Sunday night I went to sleep at 10pm, when I heard Jason call from downstairs: "It's up!" He was referring to the Grand Finale Announcement.

I had zero doubt in my mind that I would be a finalist. So: when my name and image did not show up on the screen for the Women's age 30-39 category, I was surprised, disappointed, yea, okay, maybe even completely and totally shocked.

Congratulations to all the Grand Finalists! You have overcome so much and have a unique story to share. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I hope you continue to make change and touch as many lives as possible.

I spent most of Tuesday crying, not because I did not win, but because I was overwhelmed by the comments on my facebook page, the emails, the phone calls, and the love in this house.

I may not have been a finalist, but I AM a winner.

Being CHOSEN as a finalist was out of my control. Achieving my goal of ELITE FITNESS was not. I achieved my goal of 12% body fat, have touched and continue to touch so many lives, and omg, have you seen my body??! I have honestly surpassed my hopes and expectations. I look at the women in Oxygen Magazine and can't believe that I look like many of them. Talk about a dream! I have achieved it!

So: what changes after having "lost"?

Okay, so, I won't receive the $5,000 for being a finalist. It never was and will never be about the money. And this is not a post about coaching, but thanks to the coaching opportunity, let's just say (and I promise I say that with modesty and gratitude!) that I can earn that in just a couple of weeks.

And I won't be recognized on stage. I have to admit, as I trained like a horse the past six months, I kept visualizing myself winning on stage. So, yes, maybe the recognition part is the part that stings the most. But wait, have I not already been recognized? There isn't a single day that goes by where I don't receive an email from someone who tells me that I have helped changed their lives. Boys and girls, THAT IS WHAT MATTERS.

So: WHAT NOW?

I won't be defined by an event, a decision that was out of my control. Remember: we have the power to design our destinies. I will continue to train with intensity because it brings me joy and I will continue to share my journey with others.

Now on with the ride!

Barbie, PhD

Confetti Not Necessary

2010-02-26T16:23:00.005-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

While we waited last evening for midnight to arrive, in hopes of hearing who the Finalists for the 2009 Million Dollar Body Game would be, Jason said, "You could cut the air with a knife."

So true. I was filled, and still am, with anticipation.

We just got word from contest officials at BeachBody: the big announcement has been postponed until Monday. And so, we must wait.

Okay, so I can relax. The knot in my stomach went away. I guess I'm used to waiting. Don't get me wrong, I so want to know!! But, along this journey I've learned to be patient, patient with my results, patient with my coaching business. And truly, as I wrote the other day, win or lose, I have already won.

Over the past few days I've noticed that my results seem to be getting better and better. My legs are getting more muscular (not bulky) and I'm feeling more at home in my new body. I know it's ridiculous that I thought that maybe my results would vanish over night. But aren't most of our fears irrational anyway?

Without the pressure of getting contest ready, I've relaxed into my routine of fitness and clean eating. I just eat when it's time and press play six times a week without bells and whistle. Now that I think about it, I think for a moment I felt as if I were doing something wrong. Shouldn't I be obsessed and razor sharp focused all the time?!!

Oh, wow, and here I thought I had nothing to blog about. No bells and whistles, just a normal lifestyle of eating clean and pressing play. I think I can deal with that.

Bring it, people. Confetti not necessary.

Barbie, PhD

Win or Lose

2010-02-23T18:42:00.006-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

On the eve (or two) of the big announcement, I thought I'd share how I'm feeling.

Maybe I should be on pins and needles. To my surprise, I'm really not. Well, yes, of course, I'm a little anxious. Okay, maybe a lot. :) My goal was to be a finalist. I trained AS IF I would be one. How else can you achieve something if all the while you think you'll fail? But truly, finalist or not, win or lose, I have already won and been paid and repaid a million times over. And no, I'm not talking financially.

Getting ready for the photoshoot and achieving my fitness goal of 12% bodyfat by the end of January required a lot of work, dedication, and focus. I did it. The day after the photoshoot I was (irrationally!) afraid that my new fit body would go away. It hasn't. I'm getting stronger, better. The best is yet to come.

Sweet potatoes, lean meats, fresh veggies, whey protein, egg whites, cardio in the am, resistance in the pm, have all become a way of life. This fit body, it's mine. The confidence, sense of achievement, all mine. And I get to share my success with others so that they, too, can achieve their fitness goals.

It really is a beautiful thing.

The past month has been very stressful for me because of life changes both in my personal and professional life. Yet, in all this I have discovered that I am not so easily derailed. No matter how stressed I have been, my workouts and clean eating have always been a top priority. Oh, wow, fitness and clean eating have become a habit, a good one. I know they are the foundation to a happy, centered life.

I've been blogging less, yes. But, that's temporary. Remember, I'm here to stay. The best of me is yet to come.

Barbie, PhD

ANOTHER EATING CLEAN CHALLENGE STARTS MONDAY, FEB 22, 2010!!!

2010-02-21T09:31:00.004-06:00

SECOND EATING CLEAN CHALLENGE!!!!!! FEBRUARY 22nd TO MARCH 12th!!!!

Dear Boys and Girls,

We're still adding up the pounds lost from the last Eating Clean Challenge which ended yesterday, but I think we've lost over 200 COLLECTIVE POUNDS.

I would say on average people lost around 3 to 10 POUNDS in 20 days. Some just lost inches, which is awesome!!!

I hope you will consider joining us on facebook. To find me, go to:

http://www.facebook.com/BarbieDecker

and if you need a coach, email me at coachbarbie@gmail.com

Bring it, folks!!

Barbie, PhD

****

If you adhere to these guidelines, you will see big changes. DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF little slips here and there. But if you fall, pick yourself up again. It's consistency and not perfection that gets you to your ideal body!

DATES: February 22 to March 12

PART I of III:

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT:

1. You PRESS PLAY Five or Six Times a week, depending on your program. If you miss a workout, you're out of the challenge.

If you are not doing a beachbody workout, you should aim to do 3 resistance days and 2-3 cardio days.

2. You EAT CLEAN six times a week. YOU GET ONE CHEAT MEAL PER WEEK, NOTTTT a CHEAT DAY.

3. No additional cheat snacks. ONE CHEAT MEAL PER WEEK. PERIOD.

NO ALCOHOL DURING CHALLENGE PERIOD. YUP!

4. You MUST report daily for the preceding day on this EVENT page. Feel free to post comments, questions, struggles, triumphs here. :) We're in this together!

5. You have until Tuesday morning to take your measurements AND pictures. You don't have to post them, but you do have to take them. A lot of times you won't lose pounds, but your body will change. Don't miss that event!

THE PRIZE: A NEW FIT YOU!

Are you ready?

PART II of III:

EATING CLEAN DEFINED:

RULE 1: You eat 4 to 6 small meals per day, ideally breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and dinner. That means that you are eating every 2 to 3 hours.

Your body needs to be fueled. Eating only breakfast, lunch, and dinner is not okay.

RULE 2: You eat at least 1250 calories (unless you are less than 5 feet tall). I am putting this down because this challenge is about eating clean and being healthy, not about starving yourself.

A few people have asked me if I eat very low calories. For the record, I eat about 1800 to 2000 calories per day these days!

RULE 3: This is more like a guideline than a rule. You follow something close to a 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat diet. For those of you doing carb manipulation or following a special plan for diabetics, that's fine, too. Again, I just don't want folks to think they are eating clean if they eat 4 bowls of cereal per day. Your meals have to be balanced.

If you need a meal plan, email me or ask your coach. If you are BB Club Member, you can print one out. It's up to you to substitute foods from Michi's Ladder. I'm super busy guys, so please don't ask me to figure this stuff out for you.

RULE 4: This is the real challenge part: YOU EAT ONLY FROM THE TOP 2 TIERS of MICHI'S LADDER 6 DAYS A WEEK. That means that you cannot have bagels for breakfast nor frozen yogurt for a snack. Top 2 tiers. Period.

I see that bagels are now in the top two tiers. I would stay away from them, but if they are in the top two tiers you can have it.

To See Michi's Ladder, sign on to your teambeachbody account. Go to EAT SMART Tab and you'll find it there.

If you are not a FREE BeachBody community member, go tohttp://www.tinyurl.com/coachbarbieFREE to join so you can have access to Michi's Ladder. I will also become your free coach.

NOTE: When I first came up with this challenge, I was afraid that it would be too restrictive. But, our results speak for themselves. That said, this is the challenge and these are the rules. If you accept to enter it, then you also accept to enter the NO WHINING ZONE!

Are you ready?

Bring it!
Barbie, PhD

**** ADDENDUM: Shakeology, Recovery drink, protein supplements, coffee, natural almond/peanut butter, and almond milk are ALLOWED. *******

For women, and this is MY PERSONAL OPINION, who are trying to lose weight, I would stay clear of the recovery drink. After resistance workouts I have a meal replacement shake. It can be Shakeology or another kind of meal replacement.

PART III of III: Barbie's PERSONAL Meal Plan.

I've been getting LOTS of emails asking me to list what I eat. Here is a little (kinda long actually) video of my eats.

Note: What I don't eat:
Dairy
Alcohol
Sauces
Actually, there are other things I don't eat...see below.

Basically, if it's not on my menu listed here, I don't eat it. So, while almond milk is good for you and so is whole grain cereal, I just don't eat it. It works for me and it doesn't mean you have to or should do that. If you eat from the top two tiers of Michi's Ladder, you're good to go. If you want to achieve elite fitness, then, yea, MAYBE you have to give up certain things. Again, this is what works for ME. I do not feel deprived. I'm a pretty boring person who doesn't mind repetition. :)

I do allow myself one cheat meal per week. That means that I do eat dairy, but ONLY during that cheat meal. I gave up alcohol altogether.

Barbie's Meal Plan: (about 1700 to 1900 calories, more or less. I haven't counted lately)

Cardio, one hour in the morning,
If it's very early, I will have a meal replacement shake

or

Breakfast:
1/2 cup oats
6 egg whites

Snack:
2 hours later
2 brown rice cakes
1 tsp almond butter on each (no salt on rice cakes and raw almond butter)
scoop of BB whey protein with water. Yum!

Lunch:
veggies
protein: 6 ounces of chicken, fish, eggs. Here is where you need to vary it up. Try different veggies, different fish, spices, etc.

Snack:
2 tablespoons of hummus
cup or two of veggies
scoop of protein and water

dinner:
1 or 2 cup of veggies and protein (Again, vary it up!) about 6 ounces

dinner2: (about two hours later)
1-2 cups of veggies and protein (about 6 ounces)

Before bed:
1 scoop of whey protein with Casein in it. Available at GNC.
1 scoop of creatine.

AFTER RESISTANCE WORKOUT, usually in the afternoon, I have my shakeology or meal replacement.

I hope this helps!

Constant

2010-02-15T19:41:00.003-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

I had to remove my post from the other day because I realized I may have spoken too soon and too publicly. Um, sometimes when it comes to work life, it might be better to not to lay it out on the table for all to see. As my writing group asked me, "What is your addiction to truth." Oops! I guess I like to share, I guess!

Anyway, life has been full of change lately. I passed my review after thinking I might not pass and I am faced with some tough decisions about the direction I want my career to take. Jason, my boyfriend, just became a full time coach and we are now officially living together. That means learning how to share space and workout times. All that, while fun, has a control freak like me a bit frazzlefrazzle.

I like to do things when I like to do them, like workout. I now have to take another human being into consideration when working out! But, I'm ready NOW, I say! Jason is more laid back. In a little while could mean 20 minutes or an hour. So, yes, we are both learning to adapt to different temperaments, different needs, different schedules. It's a wonderful thing that we have common goals: to get super duper fit.

I have to say, I'm so glad he's wholeheartedly embraced my super duper clean eating. He's eating Barbie-style and likes it.

Anyway, change is a process, but that process is also not always easy. And yet, yes, yes, yes, I can proudly say that I am hanging strong and putting my fitness and health first despite all the different changes going on.

I know people get disappointed when I don't blog, or at least I think they do. But, I'm over the guilt! I have to take care of me first and I am available to my coachees via email and facebook.

Gimme a few days, this Barbie is still here, pressing play twice a day, eating clean, and ready to come back strong.

Bring it!

Barbie, PhD

CASEIN

2010-02-08T13:00:00.009-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

Folks have been writing to ask me about the particularities of certain supplements, and the truth is, I often don't know! I learn by asking personal trainers and people I know who have gotten amazing results about their supplementation, and then I try it for myself.

Using google to find further information and answers to my supplementation questions may not be the best, most scientific way, but there really is a lot of good information out there. Or, at least, there is enough information out there for me to make what I believe are informed decisions.

So, boys and girls, I'm not suggesting that you take casein or not. I'm simply sharing what I do with you. I looked online to find more info. Remember, you can do the same.

I hope this information is useful!

To your health,

Barbie, PhD

****

Video on Casein

Here is a simple, but good video on what casein is and what it does:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcnJBm7436k

CASEIN. Definition: A milk phosphoprotein, casein is present in the milk from all mammals. It is found in dairy products such as cheese, milk and yogurt and is also used independently as an emulsifying and binding agent in countless processed foods, including “vegetarian” cheeses, "vegetarian" meats, cereals, breads and supplements. Other forms of casein commonly found in foods are Ammonium Caseinate, Calcium caseinate,Casein Hydrolysate, Iron Caseinate,Magnesium Caseinate, Paracasein, Potassium Caseinate, Rennet Casein, Sodium Caseinate, and Zinc Caseinate.

Source:
http://dairyfreecooking.about.com/od/dairyfreeglossary/g/casein.htm

*****

The Advantages of Casein Protein Powder

Biological value of casein powder: 77

Casein powder is not as well recognized as whey protein powder, and doesn't have as high of a biological value. Don't let this turn you off from using casein however, as it can be a valuable tool in your muscle building supplement regime.

Here are the main advantages of casein powder:

High glutamine content - Of all four of the protein powders, casein contains the highest amounts of the amino acid glutamine, which can benefit bodybuilders and athletes by helping preserve muscle mass and aiding immune system function.

More thorough absorption - Since casein powder moves through the digestive tract more slowly than whey protein, it is likely that the body will be able to absorb and use the protein more efficiently.
Whether one serving of slow digesting casein powder will result in great muscle gains than multiple small servings of fast digesting whey protein is debatable. Of the two studies I could find that compared consuming one large serving of casein powder to multiple small serving of whey, one favored the whey protein, while the other deemed them equal.

What we do know for certain is that casein is digested at a slower rate than whey protein, and it does have "anti-catabolic" properties, since the amino acids from casein remain in the blood for a relatively long time. Whey protein is absorbed at a much faster rate.

When to Use casein protein: Casein protein digests slowly, making it an ideal protein to consume before bed time, or anytime throughout the day when there will be a prolonged amount of time between meals.

http://build-muscle-gain-weight.com/the-best-protein-powder-casein-egg-or-whey.html

135.8 POUNDS Down During the First Seven Days of the Eating Clean Challenge!

2010-02-07T19:55:00.003-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

Deciding to eat from only the top two tiers of Michi's Ladder back on August 20th, 2009 was the best thing that I could have ever done for myself and eventually for others. It had previously taken me a year to lose 2 lbs, but by choosing food items from the top two tiers of Michi's Ladder, I was able to lose 8 lbs in a little over a month.

Whatever it was that I had been doing up until that point had been working, but I wasn't seeing the kinds of results I was seeking. I wanted to be leaner. I wanted Abs! So, I decided to give Michi's Ladder a go, not really knowing what to expect.

I decided to set up a challenge last week because there were just so many people writing to inquire about my eating regimen. I figured, wait, duhhh, why not set up an Eating Clean Challenge and spell out the rules for everyone.

People sayyyyy the want to change, that they're ready. Well, okay, come on, then, let's bring it.

And man, did folks embrace the challenge.

In just six days, we have 120 members, and the group is growing daily! I added up the number of pounds lost since Monday, a whopping 135.8 lbs!! About 50 people responded and from those, about 4 reported having lost zero pounds and zero inches.

Two comments:

1. The challenge proves that by making small changes, like giving up alcohol, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and staying far away from sauces and other processed foods, you can get to where you want to be.

You CAN get this done! You ARE getting it done! Yes!!!

2. The challenge also proves that we're all different and that not everyone will lose weight at the same speed. That's okay.

If you are truly bringing it and are truly keeping track of your foods and eating the right amount of calories (not too few and not too many), you WILL lose weight. If you throw in the towel too soon, you'll never be able to witness the new fit you. Yup, that sucks, and it is that simple.

So, keep going. The only way out is through.

As we go into Day 8 of the challenge, I want to invite others to JOIN US. This is NOT a CONTEST. If you fall on your face and have a bad day, just hop right back on. Stop waiting for a better day to start.

Today IS the day. To join, find me on facebook: www.facebook.com/BarbieDecker and post on my page asking where you can find the Eating Clean Challenge. It's under Events, but I will point you in the right direction.

Or, just follow along, but whatever you do, Do Something good for yourself!

You've only got one life. Live it well!

Barbie, PhD

When You Struggle, Show Up Anyway

2010-02-03T16:49:00.004-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

The past few days have been emotionally challenging, which means Barbie has been craving her bed and bonbons.

I haven't given in, but I have allowed myself an extra brown ricecake or two (!) with peanut butter. Ooh, big cheat.

Today I put off working out until I could no longer put it off. If I didn't get my cardio in by 2pm, the opportunity would have been lost. I seized it.

Folks always want to know what they should do when life gets in the way. You show up, I say! It's the one thing you can control and eating well balanced meals along with exercising will make you feel better. That's a fact. To change into your workout clothes can feel like such a drag, but you'll thank yourself afterward.

Every second of cardio today felt like torture. But, every ten minutes that went by was like a miniature celebration. Yey, I'm that much closer to being done with it. Yea, wouldn't it be nice if we always felt like bringing it. Let's get real, folks, sometimes we would rather be eating pizza, sleeping, or doing something else entirely unproductive.

Another day of clean eating and pressing play is in the books. Hurray, although it hardly seems eventful.

Doesn't it suck when Barbie's not in her cheerleader mode? I personally hate it. It sucks my creativity and makes me write boring blog posts.

Mama said there would be days like these. Indeed. But it's by showing up regardless that I get abs, finally.

For those of you in the challenge: Day 3, almost done. Just keep showing up. You're one step closer.

For those not in on the challenge, you can still resolve to make some changes so you can be a fitter, healthier you tomorrow.

Bring it!

Barbie, PhD

Barbie's Eating Clean Challenge: Parts I, II, and III

2010-01-31T11:24:00.003-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

It seems a lot of folks are READY FOR CHANGE. It's time to step it up with your eating starting MONDAY.

If you adhere to these guidelines, you will see big changes. DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF little slips here and there. But if you fall, pick yourself up again. It's consistency and not perfection that gets you to your ideal body!

DATES: Feb 1 to Feb 20.

PART I of III:

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT:

1. You PRESS PLAY Five or Six Times a week, depending on your program. If you miss a workout, you're out of the challenge.

If you are not doing a beachbody workout, you should aim to do 3 resistance days and 2-3 cardio days.

2. You EAT CLEAN six times a week. YOU GET ONE CHEAT MEAL PER WEEK, NOTTTT a CHEAT DAY.

3. YOU ARE ALLOWED "ONE ADDITIONAL CHEAT SNACK" in this 20 DAY PERIOD. That means, Out of the 20 days during which you are doing the challenge, you may treat yourself to ONE CHEAT SNACK (like a cookie) in addition to your cheat meal. If you have a second cheat snack, you are out of the challenge.

NO ALCOHOL DURING CHALLENGE PERIOD. YUP!

4. You MUST report daily for the preceding day on this EVENT page. Feel free to post comments, questions, struggles, triumphs here. :) We're in this together!

http://www.facebook.com/barbiedecker

5. You have until Tuesday morning to take your measurements AND pictures. You don't have to post them, but you do have to take them. A lot of times you won't lose pounds, but your body will change. Don't miss that event!

THE PRIZE: A NEW FIT YOU!

Are you ready?

PART II of III:

EATING CLEAN DEFINED:

EATING CLEAN RULES:

RULE 1: You eat 4 to 6 small meals per day, ideally breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and dinner. That means that you are eating every 2 to 3 hours.

Your body needs to be fueled. Eating only breakfast, lunch, and dinner is not okay.

RULE 2: You eat at least 1250 calories (unless you are less than 5 feet tall). I am putting this down because this challenge is about eating clean and being healthy, not about starving yourself.

A few people have asked me if I eat very low calories. For the record, I eat about 1800 to 2000 calories per day these days!

RULE 3: This is more like a guideline than a rule. You follow something close to a 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat diet. For those of you doing carb manipulation or following a special plan for diabetics, that's fine, too. Again, I just don't want folks to think they are eating clean if they eat 4 bowls of cereal per day. Your meals have to be balanced.

If you need a meal plan, email me or ask your coach. If you are BB Club Member, you can print one out. It's up to you to substitute foods from Michi's Ladder. I'm super busy guys, so please don't ask me to figure this stuff out for you.

RULE 4: This is the real challenge part: YOU EAT ONLY FROM THE TOP 2 TIERS of MICHI'S LADDER 6 DAYS A WEEK. That means that you cannot have bagels for breakfast nor frozen yogurt for a snack. Top 2 tiers. Period.

I see that bagels are now in the top two tiers. I would stay away from them, but if they are in the top two tiers you can have it.

To See Michi's Ladder, sign on to your teambeachbody account. Go to EAT SMART Tab and you'll find it there.

If you are not a FREE BeachBody community member, go to http://www.tinyurl.com/coachbarbieFREE to join so you can have access to Michi's Ladder. I will also become your free coach.

NOTE: When I first came up with this challenge, I was afraid that it would be too restrictive. But, our results speak for themselves. That said, this is the challenge and these are the rules. If you accept to enter it, then you also accept to enter the NO WHINING ZONE!

Are you ready?

Bring it!
Barbie, PhD

**** ADDENDUM: Shakeology, Recovery drink, protein supplements, coffee, natural almond/peanut butter, and almond milk are ALLOWED. *******

For women, and this is MY PERSONAL OPINION, who are trying to lose weight, I would stay clear of the recovery drink. After resistance workouts I have a meal replacement shake. It can be Shakeology or another kind of meal replacement.

PART III of III: Barbie's PERSONAL Meal Plan.

I've been getting LOTS of emails asking me to list what I eat. Here is a little (kinda long actually) video of my eats.

Note: What I don't eat:
Dairy
Alcohol
Sauces
Actually, there are other things I don't eat...see below.

Basically, if it's not on my menu listed here, I don't eat it. So, while almond milk is good for you and so is whole grain cereal, I just don't eat it. It works for me and it doesn't mean you have to or should do that. If you eat from the top two tiers of Michi's Ladder, you're good to go. If you want to achieve elite fitness, then, yea, MAYBE you have to give up certain things. Again, this is what works for ME. I do not feel deprived. I'm a pretty boring person who doesn't mind repetition. :)

I do allow myself one cheat meal per week. That means that I do eat dairy, but ONLY during that cheat meal. I gave up alcohol altogether.

Barbie's Meal Plan: (about 1700 to 1900 calories, more or less. I haven't counted lately)

Cardio, one hour in the morning,
If it's very early, I will have a meal replacement shake

or

Breakfast:
1/2 cup oats
6 egg whites

Snack:
2 hours later
2 brown rice cakes
1 tsp almond butter on each (no salt on rice cakes and raw almond butter)
scoop of BB whey protein with water. Yum!

Lunch:
veggies
protein: 6 ounces of chicken, fish, eggs. Here is where you need to vary it up. Try different veggies, different fish, spices, etc.

Snack:
2 tablespoons of hummus
cup or two of veggies
scoop of protein and water

dinner:
1 or 2 cup of veggies and protein (Again, vary it up!) about 6 ounces

dinner2: (about two hours later)
1-2 cups of veggies and protein (about 6 ounces)

Before bed:
1 scoop of whey protein with Casein in it. Available at GNC.
1 scoop of creatine.

AFTER RESISTANCE WORKOUT, usually in the afternoon, I have my shakeology or meal replacement.

I hope this helps!

Bring it! Barbie, PhD

Barbie's Updated Meal Plan: Are You Ready to Eat Super Duper Clean

2010-01-30T18:07:00.003-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

I've been getting LOTS of emails asking me to list what I eat. Here is a little (kinda long actually) video of my eats.

Note: What I don't eat:
Dairy
Alcohol
Sauces
Actually, there are other things I don't eat...see below.

Basically, if it's not on my menu listed here, I don't eat it. So, while almond milk is good for you and so is whole grain cereal, I just don't eat it. It works for me and it doesn't mean you have to or should do that. If you eat from the top two tiers of Michi's Ladder, you're good to go. If you want to achieve elite fitness, then, yea, MAYBE you have to give up certain things. Again, this is what works for ME. I do not feel deprived. I'm a pretty boring person who doesn't mind repetition. :)

I do allow myself one cheat meal per week. That means that I do eat dairy, but ONLY during that cheat meal. I gave up alcohol altogether.

Barbie's Meal Plan: (about 1700 to 1900 calories, more or less. I haven't counted lately)

Cardio, one hour in the morning,
If it's very early, I will have a meal replacement shake

or

Breakfast:
1/2 cup oats
6 egg whites

Snack:
2 hours later
2 brown rice cakes
1 tsp almond butter on each (no salt on rice cakes and raw almond butter)
scoop of BB whey protein with water. Yum!

Lunch:
veggies
protein: 6 ounces of chicken, fish, eggs. Here is where you need to vary it up. Try different veggies, different fish, spices, etc.

Snack:
2 tablespoons of hummus
cup or two of veggies
scoop of protein and water

dinner:
1 or 2 cup of veggies and protein (Again, vary it up!) about 6 ounces

dinner2: (about two hours later)
1-2 cups of veggies and protein (about 6 ounces)

Before bed:
1 scoop of whey protein with Casein in it. Available at GNC.
1 scoop of creatine.

AFTER RESISTANCE WORKOUT, usually in the afternoon, I have my shakeology or meal replacement.

I hope this helps!

Bring it! Barbie, PhD

p.s. Please friend me on facebook to join the challenge! Also, I will post the rules of the challenge we are starting tomorrow. They are up on facebook already. See NOTES.

Changes

2010-01-29T17:09:00.003-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

It might be hard to believe, but I'm having to adapt to this new body. I mean, I had heard this was true with people who lose a lot of weight. It's like their brain can't always catch up to their new exterior. Dallas Carter, the $250,000 Million Dollar Body Contest Grand Prize Winner, told me during my trip to Hawaii that he still suffers from occasional "fat head."

I don't think I'm fat. Not at all. But, I don't know, it's kind of strange to see this thin, fit body moving around, wearing different kinds of clothes that I probably would not have worn in the past. It's a strange thing, too, to feel as if you're treated differently, more kindly, because you're fit or thin. I guess that makes up for the idiotic comments I get a work, but still.

It's nice. And it's also strangely uncomfortable and weird.

Getting to this point has placed me in an unexpected reflective space. Interesting.

Some random, but related thoughts for the evening.

A woman on Barbie's Slim Spot commented that after seeing how much work it takes to get to where I am, she's not so sure she's willing to put in that kind of effort. Why? Because it wouldn't make her happy eating the way I do. Can I say, I totally understand.

There are far too many people (I used to be one of them) that whine about not having abs even though (in their view) they eat clean and exercise. What I'm seeing lately as I share my journey on facebook and on my blog is that more and more people are realizing that if they want to get results like mine, they're going to have to, as I said yesterday, clean it up in the kitchen and then clean it up some more. You can be fit and/or lose weight with a MODERATE amount of effort. But to get super lean and super fit, to get abs, yes, at least for me, it really does take a whole lot of work. I want to see what I'm capable of and I truly am enjoying the journey. This is what I want and I am not complaining. But don't get me wrong, there are times that I 'd like to have a drink here and there, eat a nice slice of pizza on a non cheat day, and grab a slice of cheese from the fridge just because I feel like snacking on something. It's a choice to eat super duper clean and I choose to make it.

But it's an awesome thing to know, too, that you're just not willing to give up dairy, alcohol, more than once a week cheat meal, to get super lean. There is comfort and empowerment in that.

Only you can decide what it is right for you.

On that note, I'm off to dinner at my friends' house. On the menu? Super duper clean eating, of course: curry chicken made with no salt, curry powder, just a tiny bit of almond milk, and some vegetables. Yes, it's wild, almost every aspect of my life has changed. Had non-clean-eating been on the menu, I would have almost certainly said no.

Bring it!

Barbie, PhD

My Top Coach Interview. Omg, I'm Totally Famous!

2010-01-28T13:12:00.004-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

I received this in a newsletter today, from BB. Omg, I'm totally famous! Can I just say, I'm about 13 lbs lighter than in that picture!

Barbie, PhD

Top Coach Interview

Meet Barbie Decker:
Top Coach, Region 3, Summer 2009

Interview edited by Scott Plesha

Congrats to Region 3's super motivating Top Coach Barbie Decker. Barbie's philosophy in business is to help others achieve their dream results first (she's a professor by trade). She then trains her Team to duplicate that process through passion, encouragement, and constant contact. As Top Coach, Barbie always ensures her Team commits to Game Plan #2 as she has—be a product of the product.

Watch the Barbie Decker interview.

Personal Journey
"It was 2007. I was just finishing up my PhD and writing my dissertation. I was going through a divorce. I was dealing with the recent death of my father. I was heading into an extremely competitive job market—something like one in five gets a job as a professor in my field. Things were glum, and I neglected my fitness and my health during this tough period.

"Then in May, I received my PhD, got a great job, and was able to make peace with my dad's death and my divorce. But then I saw myself in the mirror one day when I was trying on a dress, and I thought that I was fat. Desperation set in. As luck would have it though, I stumbled into my ex-husband and his girlfriend—who looked incredible. I found it she was doing P90X, went on Beachbody.com that night, and ended up buying Slim in 6.

"Within six weeks, I lost much of the weight and totally regained my confidence. The thing that struck me the most about Beachbody was the community. Fantastic trainers, wonderful supplements, and all the other people sharing the same goals as you. It's so motivating to be a part of, and, pretty soon, you become a good motivator yourself. Next thing I knew, I wanted to become a Coach. I'm no businessperson, but I really saw the Coach business in a different light."

The American Dream
"At first, I was wary about becoming a Coach. But I soon realized that caring about people and making money and helping other people weren't competing factors. They were complementary. In September 2008, I attended my first Team Beachbody event here in Dallas. When I heard the other Top Coaches speak, particularly Robert Hudgens and his wife, I was in awe. This was the American Dream. After attending this Team Beachbody event, I could see it so clearly. I saw the Opportunity bearing fruit right in front of my eyes. This is truly an opportunity to live the American Dream."

Treat Your Business Like a Business
"In only two months, I had become a 2 Star Diamond Coach. I just looked at the examples around me for inspiration. I thought, 'If they can do it, why not me?' I just believed and just went for it. Nothing has changed in terms of my care for people, and my heart is in the right place. It's just that now I treat this business like a business. All the gurus give that advice. Larry Zimberg says it. Jim Rohn says it.

"The truth is, if you treat this business like a hobby, you're going get paid like a hobby. If you treat it like a business, then you're going to be rewarded as if it is a business, and it is!"

Consistency Is King
"Number one, I am consistent. I've noticed and I actually wrote to someone about this today. So many people have a stop-and-go kind of approach. Whether they're on Facebook, they have a blog, they don't contact their customers, or they exercise and then they just stop. Then they'll go at it again after a few weeks or a few months. You don't build any momentum like that. So, I think I can attribute much of my success to my consistency. I am consistent with my own fitness, and people look up to people like that. It attracts both customers and Coaches. People want to be part of someone who is there to stay, and I tell people that all the time. I'm here to stay!"

Constant Contact
"I have an awesome rapport with my clients. Every week, I send out an email to my customers just to check in with them. There are three things that I hit on that email. Number one, I talk about my own journey, because I've had such great results that people want to know about that. Number two, I celebrate other people's progress. So, hey, Kathy lost 44.5 pounds. I almost died when I saw her progress pictures. I'll attach the pictures. For number three, I include a call to action. I tell people that if they've fallen off the wagon that they need to get back on it; they need to contact me. Or I just tell them to contact me and let me know how they're doing. We stay in touch through narrative, and it keeps the conversation and motivation going!"

Product of the Product Approach
"I have built my Team on the principles of personal development. I know many Coaches are more focused on building the business itself. That's totally cool. But that's not my approach. My approach is to support people so that they can achieve fabulous results—first! The idea is that they're going to want to turn around and help other people do the same. It's just the nature of this community. When you succeed, you want to share that success with the world. What sells is success and a passion for real results."

Goin' Viral
"One of the main reasons I'm here as a Top Coach is YouTube. When I started out, I posted a video of my transformation on YouTube. The energy around it has been amazing.

"Recently, I did a video review of Slim in 6. So far, it has 110 views. But my transformation video has 31,577 views! And that's not even updated. All this activity, combined with me placing a few links (tiny URLs) to my personal shopping cart, has been HUGE for my business. I highly recommend utilizing video."

Two a Day Keeps the Game Plan in Sway
"Since coming on board as a Coach, we've needed a system! I know my popularity on YouTube and success on the Message Boards cannot be easily duplicated. So, when Larry Zimberg and corporate unleashed the Game Plan, it was perfect. Get your two exposures a day. It's that easy.

"It's so important to commit to talking to two people a day, whether it's online, through Facebook, YouTube, Starbucks, Wal-Mart, etc. What about the electrician? It doesn't matter. Present them with 3^rd Party Tools! Then follow up. That's the system, and it's a system that really works."

It's the Shake!
"Shakeology has definitely improved my business. I'm seeing more and more new people are asking me about Shakeology. When I discuss it, I talk about my own experience with Shakeology. I tell them how much I love it! Or I hand out the Shakeology Breakthrough DVD (a 3^rd Party Tool) and follow up with a story later. They trust it more when they can relate to a story."

What Keeps You Motivated?
"I'm motivated by the fact that I've become the person that I always wanted to be. It's because of Beachbody, and I'm only getting better. For one, I've always wanted to be a public speaker. This Monday, I was asked to speak on the National Coach Call. That's just awesome. Last summer, I was asked to be the co-presenter with Larry for the Beachbody Business Briefing.

"Beachbody has just given me this platform to be the person that I want to be. How can I not be motivated? In terms of my fitness, I've never seen these kinds of results with anything else. It's always getting better."

Thank You!
"I'm very excited and thankful for the recognition. To be recognized with all the greats of Team Beachbody—Delmar Bray, Gary Mathis, Pete Pena, and all these people you hear about all the time. I cannot believe that I've made this happen!

"I've gotten here working with my Team, as a team, and by becoming the person I've become. This trip is just the icing! When I won, I wrote to my Team and said, 'I hope this shows you that if I could do it, you know, why not you?' I asked myself that same question a year ago. If they can do it, why not me? And now you should ask that also."Top

From Here to There In a Jiffy

2010-01-27T19:01:00.002-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

Today I received two questions:

The first was from one of my coaches (Hi, Donna!). She wanted to know what made me kick it into high gear. What made me give up the weekly (almost weekly!) margaritas and do what it takes to get from where I was to where I have always wanted to be. She thought my answer might help both her and the folks she coaches.

The second question was from someone on Facebook who wanted to know which program, Chalean Extreme or P90X, would get them more ripped.

(Actually, I received a third email from a man I coach. He wanted to know what else he could do to get abs on round 2 of the X.)

They are both valid questions, but I guess in the questions is the assumption, I THINK, that we can go from flabby to super fit without going through the necessary middle step of just getting fit. We all have to pay our dues and that takes TIMMMMME.

Does that make sense?

In my response to Donna I said, instead of seeking to kick it into HIGH gear (by giving up alcohol, dairy, and other stuff like I did eventually), how about just kicking it into gear? Had someone told me to give up dairy or alcohol altogether when I first started with Slim in 6 two years ago, I probably would have crashed and burned. Too much restriction, too soon. Slow and steady wins the race. Oh, and my favorite saying: Change is a process. It really is!

Why worry about kicking it into high gear if you're still struggling to press play 5-6 times a week and to eat clean consistently, day after day, week after week. Conquer that, and then think of the next step.

As for the program that will get you more ripped, the truth is they all will. Well, P90X and CE are both awesome programs. CE focuses more on legs and I personally love what it did for my body, more so than the X. But there is lasting charm to P90X. But really, it's a matter of preference. If you want to get ripped, you have to clean it up in the kitchen, and then clean it up some more, and maybe some more. You have to pay your dues.

Great abs are made in the kitchen. YES, Hallelujah. Great abs and a lean body also take, for most people, a heck of a lot of time, a lot of work, and dedication.

Sure, some people are genetically predisposed for great abs. I can tell you that I work like a dog for mine. Life's not fair. I'm fine with that. I'm willing to put in the work.

Are you?

Persistence. Consistency. Commitment. Time. All of these will produce great results over time. Period.

Now go get it.

Barbie, PhD

Tony Horton's Arizona Camp Photo Album

2010-01-26T20:48:00.017-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

Here are some snap shots from Tony Horton's Fitness Camp this past weekend. I don't have much to say tonight, other than I'm thankful for the journey and for the people that I have had the opportunity to meet.

Nazly, me, and Micki, another facebook buddy! Seriously, all of BB is on facebook. Maybe it's strange or weird for some, but we really are a community.

Paul Smith and me. It's crazy, I can't believe I have pecs!

Traci Morrow and I have our "sassy" pose that we do each time we see each other. I love her! She's a mom of six, in the P90X Plus videos, and a wonderful role model for me.

Downtime. I was pretty tired after the first workout. We kinda overdid it with our workouts when we got there on Friday. :)

Here I am with Nazly, my long time friend, in the hotel gym at camp. Yes, we were sharing a treadmill because the other one didn't work. Don't try this at home, boys and girls.

Deb and Angie, my facebook buddies! Deb says I'm like a BB rockstar, but I was just as excited to meet both of them. Oh, and Deb (on the left) has lost 155 lbs. So amazing! I love this community.

Monica Ward and Barbie. I love her coaching ethic and look up to her.

I knew Vita from the message boards, but had never really connected much with her. I loved her in person! Such an awesome, insightful, sensitive person.

Jason, me, and my buddies Mark Briggs and Jeffrey Armbruster.

When I introduced myself to Nicole (from Canada), she asked, "Are you the coachbarbie everybody keeps talking about on youtube?" Omg, um, ya, that's me. :)

Jason, Tony, and Barbie. Okay, I guess Tony's guns overshadow mine. I'm wearing my hooded sweater on my head only. :)
My ultimate goal has always been to just have skin rolls (instead of fat rolls) when I sit down. Even when I thought I was pretty fit, I had little fat rolls. I now officially have skin rolls! Woopee!! I have arrived!

We started our Saturday session with Yoga. I had been hoping for something a little more "fun," but it kicked my butt. Um, I love how strong my legs look here. I don't know why my arms aren't up though! Oops!

Jason's Team of coaches

I could keep posting pics, but I have to go walk the dogs and I also don't want to bore you. I'm pretty beat from the trip and a bit under the weather. Still, after teaching today, I headed straight to the supermarket to get my food for the week and got my Brazil Butt Lift workouts in.

I'm back, boys and girls.

Good nite!

Barbie, PhD

Misfit

2010-01-23T07:22:00.005-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

On Wednesday evening, I headed to The Gap and Banana Republic after deciding that I didn't want to face another day of comments regarding my "weight loss." (I'm 123 right now. I was 125-7 in December.) The truth is, I was indeed swimming, maybe drowning, in my size 6 work clothes on Tuesday. Somewhere in the land of too much extra fabric, I misplaced, yes, some of my self-confidence.

I really did almost die, sorta, when the size 0 jeans at the Gap fit, but were loose at the waist. I mean, for real? I even asked the salesperson, "Could I really be a zero?" She looked at me kind of strange, like duhhh, and replied, "Yea, you're pretty tiny."

Me? A zero? You'd think I was elated. I wasn't. I was more in shock than anything else. I never ever thought I'd be "that" girl.

At Banana Republic I felt relieved, yes, how strange, to discover that I was a 2. Ahh. I'm not as tiny as I thought.

So: I bought about six pairs of pants that fit. How wonderfully indescribable to show up to work the next day in clothes that actually fit. I was no longer lost in fabric. Instead, you could see, I could see and feel, the fit and confident person in me. I never thought that wearing clothes that fit would make should a difference. They can. I had often heard people complain on the message boards about having to buy smaller clothes, to which most of us would respond, "Girl, what are you complaining about?!" I think part of me thought that in those complaints was also a little bit of gloating, which is okay, too. Who wouldn't gloat about losing 3 dress sizes?! Well, now I understand. Buying a new wardrobe is expensive and perhaps more important, swimming in your clothes is physically and mentally uncomfortable.

Here I am at Tony Horton's Fitness Camp in Arizona. The first words out of Tony's mouth when he saw me yesterday was an almost surprised, "You're so fit." (He had last seen me in Hawaii in November.) I smiled on the inside. We shouldn't look to be validated by other people, but it felt good, I confess, to hear it from the man causing a fitness revolution in so many of our lives.

Yes. Yes, I am so fit.

The past few weeks have been interesting. I have been working towards my best body for more than two years now. All of a sudden, it seems, I have arrived to a state of super fitness and people all around me, even strangers, seem to take notice.

It's almost time for our first workout session with Tony Horton, so I have to go get ready. What a journey it has been and continues to be.

Thank you for sharing this with me.

Barbie, PhD

After the Shoot: Back to Fitness

2010-01-19T20:21:00.004-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

It's been almost a week since I blogged. Yikes! I'm sorry! The last few days have been tough and since the photoshoot, I've just been trying to catch up with life!

The shoot came and went. I have to admit, it was tougher and slightly less fun than I had imagined. It was tough to flex my abs, quads, biceps, and smile all the while striking a pose! Aside from that, though, there were certain moments where I felt like I was inhabiting someone else's FIT body. I have never been this fit and it felt strange and good to see, yes, a six-pack! I am fitter than I ever imagined I could be.

I soooo wish I could share the pictures with you, but I have to let the judges see them first. Boys and girls, I have to build the suspense and anticipation! I will say this: I feel that all my hardwork has paid off. I am incredddddibly fit.

But, oh, life is never uncomplicated for anyone. I returned to school today after a break of a month and a half. My body has changed a lot since early December. I've only lost about 3 or 4 lbs, but I'm now super duper lean....and I just knewww that my colleagues would comment on how "thin" I was.

And of course, I'm not kidding, really, every single person I ran into this morning had something to say. One person even asked me if I had been sick, although, he noted, "You don't look sick. You look good. It's just so..."

What? strange to be FIT??

By 9 am, I wanted to hide in my office. After just 2 or 3 comments, I had to literally remind myself that confidence is key. I couldn't let their shocked, curious, concerned faces get to me. I know I'm fit, healthy, and happy. Who knew, being very fit can sometimes make you an outsider ...in certain circles. Tonight at a group fitness class, a woman I don't know came up to me and said, "I really like your body. Congratulations, I know you must work very hard."

I realized today just how important it is to have a strong sense of self. Part of me wanted to stuff my face at work so I could fit in. But, instead, I had my regularly programmed snack and later ate my sweet potato, chicken, and salad in my office with the door closed.

Today, I admit, was a challenge. I wish I could say that I'm immune to people's idiotic comments, but I'm not. Ahh, yes, Barbie, there is still room for growth. I think that might be a good thing. :)

Yup, we are always arriving.

Barbie, PhD

The Countdown: THREE?? Two!

2010-01-13T21:00:00.004-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

Hey, where'd I go last night?

I was too tired, too cranky, too miserable to blog. I still am, but I needed to come back just to let you know that I'm hanging in there, strong and committed. The last two days have been tough to say the least.

Today as I was paying the salon owner where I got my manicure, she asked me, "Are you doing a show soon?" I'm like ??? She said something like, "I see you with your water bottle and you're so fit. Someone as fit as you must be doing a show. You should. You look great." Um, I was wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants, but, okay! It's the second or third time this week that someone has asked me whether I compete. It must mean I'm doing something right.

Yes, this Barbie is moving in the right direction.

Thursday, Friday, and then it's time to show off what has taken me two plus years to achieve.

Sweet potatoes, baby, I will see you next week.

Bring it!
Barbie, PhD

The Countdown: FIVE! On Fear.

2010-01-11T20:07:00.007-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

After a peaceful and restful day, I could not fall asleep for the life of me last night. I was filled with anxiety about changing my diet plan.

I'm cutting back on complex carbs this week. That means that most of my carbs are coming from vegetables. Would I be able to make it without my sweet potato and rice cakes? It seems like a stupid thing to lose sleep over, but I was seriously stressed and anxious.

All of a sudden, I could totally relate to many of new folks I coach who stress about having to follow what I now see as a program that is full of awesome, well-balanced choices. Going from soda to no soda, from pizza to brown rice must be terrifying! Going from sweet potato to no sweet potato, even if just for a limited period of time definitely was.

As I was lying in bed I kept thinking, What if I mess this up? What if I binge? What if I go into Jason's P90X bars? What if I were to just say forget it and pig out? For some reason, these fears seemed like huge monsters last night. I just wanted tomorrow to come so I could I get on with it.

Tomorrow Came. I got my cardio and resistance workouts in. That was surprisingly easy.

The eating? Um, it was hard. I missed my potato and rice cake. My oatmeal! Oh, man. Can we not talk about it? Like for real. I can't talk about it. I have to focus right now.

Water intake. Perfect.

Focus. Excellent.

Results. Just as expected. Coming along nicely. I will be where I want to be in five days.

Five more days. Lesson: I had nothing to fear but fear itself.

Bring it!

Barbie, PhD

The Countdown: SIX...

2010-01-10T16:45:00.006-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

It's Sunday, glorious Sunday! Rest day. I admit, it really did feel nice to not have to fit in my workouts today. Two hours, that's a whole lot of free time! I even tried taking a nap, just because I could, but it turns out I wasn't sleepy.

Total rest and bumming out? Absolutely not. It's Sunday, time to plan and prep for Monday. That's the way it is, boys and girls!

I woke up at 6 feeling sad. Oh great, I realized I'm PMSing a week before my photoshoot. Guys might not want to hear this, so you can come back tomorrow if you like, but let me tell you: pms is the real deal. The cravings for sugar? REAL. The emotional sensitivity/sadness? REAL.

PMS always hits me, without a fail, a week before. The thing is, I don't have time to be unproductive and to give in to cravings. Water burns at 212 degrees, not at 211. That slight edge, that little extra inch, that peanut butter or potato I don't eat, at this point in the countdown, really does and will make a difference.

When I woke up this morning, what I wanted to do was stay in bed and play on the computer all day, maybe watch movies. But, instead, I knew that I had to have a plan to combat my hormones that are making me feel kind of blue and "cravey."

My ipod to the rescue. I created a TO DO LIST.

And so: I set out, earlier than planned, to do my grocery shopping for the week. I also tried getting a light spray tan. It'll show off my definition. Hmm. I like it. I don't look like an overdone potato. My place: clean and tidy. Having a clean space helps me feel good and focused. I will need that this week. My meals: packed and ready to go for a few days, at least.

After cleaning and food prepping, I sat down to work.

It's been an awesome and productive day, free of hassles and stress. Johann is better. Life is good.

I have a plan. I am determined to stick to it. Nothing, not pms, not work, not life, nothing will get in my way.

Monday: Hit me! I'm ready for you!

Barbie, PhD

Day 9 of 16: Life Lines

2010-01-09T18:34:00.009-06:00

Dear Boys and Girls,

Day 9. At five o'clock this morning I woke up to find a puddle of blood-poop in the bathroom. My dog Johann, little Mr. Hoover, has a tendency to eat everything he sees. So: I'm usually not too alarmed when he has stomach issues. But this was scary.

By 8am, I was at the vet with a very sick puppy, a healthy one, a bottle of water, a mug of coffee, and my snack (just in case).

After a series of tests and lots of meds, Johann seems to be doing better. He has a GI infection. We'll have to keep an eye on him; take him back to the vet if he doesn't improve. As I write, he's walking around looking for something to eat. Poor thing.

I'm starting to wonder if you will all think that I'm making this sh*t up! Like for real, does life get in the way that much? Apparently it does. I have the vet bill to prove it!

By 9am I felt as if I had already had a full day.

Up ahead: sprints at the track in this freezing cold weather and an hour of cardio. H E L P!!!!

Yesterday, you'll recall, I called my trainer friend, hoping she'd say it was okay for me not to work out. It wasn't. So, I showed up and got my 2 cardio sessions in. Today, the freezing temperature (it was 11 degrees this morning) and the doggie drama had me wanting to roll right back into bed, far, far away from the track.

I texted my friend Carl Mason and asked him if he wanted to join me in sprints. What? You do??!! Whyyyy??!! I didn't ask the last question, to be honest. I was just glad he and his wife, Heather, jumped on the invitation. Omg, was I thankful. Now I really had to go! There was no way out.

Heather killed us in our first (and only) 400 meters. That made me push harder than I would have alone. Carl and I came in close for the rest of the sprints (300, 200, and 3 x 100), but he still kicked my butt. Still, once we were done, my legs were screaming. Carl loved it (I think Heather did, too) and said he'd love to do this weekly. Really? Cool!

So, yes, with just a few days to go, I'm realizing even a Barbie needs a lifeline. I'm so independent that sometimes it can be to my detriment. Forget that, this Barbie is quickly learning to ask (albeit indirectly!) for help.

Up next? An hour of cardio. Excited? No, but I'm going to do it.

Six more days to go. I really can see my body changing by the day. New day, new challenges, new cuts, same determination. I like the sound of that.

Bring it!

Barbie, PhD

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Day 9 of 16: Life Lines

Meet Barbie Decker:
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