Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Water check!

How is your water intake going so far today?  Yesterday I had the BIGGEST headache in the evening.  I couldn't figure out where it was coming from until we were out on our family walk.  I didn't drink enough water.  As soon as I got home I made sure to drink some extra water and the headache went away.  So today I'm going to make sure I keep on top of staying hydrated. 

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Try it Tuesday

Two weeks ago I was watching Hungry Girl on The Food Network and saw a recipe that I just had to try.  I canned some red peppers the week before so I was set.  I used the Laughing Cow Garlic & Herb rather than swiss since I'm not a fan of swiss.  It was DELISH and the hubs loved it.   


Fancy 5-Minute Grilled Cheese 

PER SERVING (entire recipe): 200 calories, 7.5g fat, 816mg sodium, 23.5g carbs, 5g fiber, 4.5g sugars, 11g protein -- PointsPlus® value 5*
Ingredients
 
  • 2 slices light bread
  • 1 wedge The Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss cheese
  • 1 piece jarred roasted red pepper (packed in water), patted dry
  • 1 slice fat-free American cheese
  • 1 tbsp. light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Brummel & Brown), room temperature, divided
  • 2 dashes garlic powder, divided
Directions
Spray a grill pan with nonstick spray and place over medium-high heat on the stove.
Lay bread slices on a flat surface, and evenly spread the cheese wedge onto one slice of bread. Slice red pepper into strips, and evenly place over the slice of bread spread with cheese. Top with the slice of cheese, followed by the other slice of bread.
Spread 1/2 tbsp. butter onto the upward-facing slice of bread. Sprinkle with a dash of garlic powder.
Gently place the sandwich in the hot grill pan with the buttered side down. Carefully spread the remaining 1/2 tbsp. butter onto the upward-facing side. Sprinkle with the remaining dash of garlic powder.
Cook until the cheese has melted and the bread is lightly browned, 1 - 2 minutes per side, flipping carefully. Eat your sandwich and enjoy it!
MAKES 1 SERVING

Monday, August 29, 2011

Weekly Weigh-In (and other rambles)

162.4 -- I made Oatmeal cookies Saturday and really regretted it yesterday.  The saying "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" might be a bit wrong with these cookies. lol

Well we survived the hurricane without any major damage.  Some small branches down in the yard, lots of leaves and one of our sheds has a broken caping for the siding, but all in all we were extremely lucky.  It was really one of the most scary times in my life, especially when we were watching the news around the time the boys were getting ready for bed and a tornado warning pops up, and we were located in that warning box.  Thankfully we were at the very top of the warning area, but the 10-15 min distance from our house and the concerned cloud was a little too close for comfort.  If we ever have another hurricane I would greatly appreciate it could come during the daylight hours and not nighttime.  I think I got maybe 3 hrs of broken sleep that night.

During my run this morning I either saw a shooting star or an asteroid or something like that.  It was pretty cool.

So here we are ready to start another week.  In my exercise world, this is how the week should shape up for me:

Monday - 3 mile run
Tuesday - 35 min cross
Wednesday - 2 mile + strength
Thursday - rest
Friday - 50 minute cross
Saturday - 4 mile run
Sunday - stretch & strength







Saturday, August 27, 2011

4 miles done!

this morning I woke up and headed out the door for a 4 mile run before the storm started.  Hopefully power doesn't go out (but that doesn't sound very likely) and I will be back on here as usual.



Thursday, August 25, 2011

Preparation

So far this week I have actually been able to follow the training plan for the week, but the rest of the week is going to be off.  Today is my rest day because of the hubs work schedule.  Tomorrow I'll do 2 miles on the treadmill + strength.  It's looking like we're going to get hit with Irene on Sunday, so I will not be out running in a hurricane.  I'll do the 4 miles on Saturday and something probably Jillian Michaels On Demand on Sunday. 

So within one week we will have had an earthquake as well as a hurricane.  Today I think it's finally time for me to stop procrastinating and put together an emergency kit that I've been wanting to do since the earthquake/tsunami in Japan.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Try it Tuesday

This weeks Try it Tuesday: Weight Watchers Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies.  I don't think I ever shared the recipe, but if I did, it's good enough to share twice.  I first made these one snowy day last winter while the boys were outside playing with their daddy.  I didn't have chocolate chips on hand, so I substituted them with raisins and the cookies turned out just fine.  For those who use WW Points Plus, the value is 1pt per cookie. 

Ingredients

2 Tbsp butter, softened   
2 tsp canola oil   
1/2 cup(s) packed brown sugar, dark-variety   
1 tsp vanilla extract   
1/8 tsp table salt   
  1 large egg white(s)   
3/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour   
1/4 tsp baking soda   
3 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, about 1/2 cup   

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375ºF.
  • In a medium bowl, cream together butter, oil and sugar. Add vanilla, salt and egg white; mix thoroughly to combine.
  • In a small bowl, mix together flour and baking soda; stir into batter. Add chocolate chips to batter; stir to distribute evenly throughout.
  • Drop 48 half-teaspoons of dough onto one or two large nonstick baking sheets, leaving a small amount of space between each cookie. Bake cookies until golden around edges, about 4 to 6 minutes; cool on a wire rack. Yields 1 cookie per serving.





Monday, August 22, 2011

4.5 miles

This weekends run day called for 3.5 miles.  We were visiting my parents for the weekend so I made sure to head over to MapMyRun to figure out a run for 3.5 miles.  They live in Central PA, in a nice hilly area.  I live in a mostly flat section of NJ so I am definitely not used to running the hills in that area.  My husband joined me in the run so helped my motivation at times, but we did end up having to walk up some of the hills.  Just for comparison here are the elevations for the the run on Saturday compared to my steepest hill around my area:


My plan at first was to run the first 3.5 miles, then walk the rest of the way back.  After walking some of the run due to the lungs not wanting to cooperate by getting a decent amount of air (I think the all together higher elevation of their house compared to my house was playing tricks with me), we decided to just run the rest of the way back.  In total is was a 4.5 mile run with some walking.  Needless to say, my legs are still tender 2 days later.  Never again am I going to complain about the "hilly" sections around my house. 

Weekly Weigh-In

161.8 -- last week I made meatballs and also chili for dinners and never got around to counting the calories for the dishes and we were away for the weekend so I'm just glad I was able to hold steady!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Only Wednesday?

I had the sad realization this morning that today is Wednesday.  I thought yesterday was Wednesday (hence no Try it Tuesday) and today was Thursday.  This week is going sllloowww!

I started the morning off with a nice 2.5 mile run through the neighborhood.  It's starting to feel like fall in the morning around here so the temperature was GREAT!

Today is day 3 of no coffee for me.  I really don't like the taste of coffee so it's very creamer heavy.  Since counting calories instead of doing WW I realized how much sugar I intake from just the creamer alone so I decided to just use it as a treat every now and then.  Maybe that is why this week is going so slow...



Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Good reminder

One of the hardest parts I find for me being a mom to 2 young boys while also trying to get fit is balancing.  That is why I get up at my ridiculous time to workout.  Otherwise it wouldn't get done.  Then there are times my husband's work schedule gets in the way and I'm not able to do my morning workout (such as today).  By the time I can get a chance to exercise I feel like I should be doing something else, like cleaning the house or getting my husband's food ready for the next day.  While reading the Sept '11 Fitness magazine the other day I came across the article How to win at Losing, which featured Hannah and Olivia from the Biggest Loser.  Olivia mentioned:

"I used to put everyone else's needs ahead of mine.  Now my health is the priority.  Exercising is my me time, and I've learned that that's not selfish at all." 

It was a really nice reminder to me that I need to find that time during the day to get at least a short workout in instead of making the day a rest day.  Really if I don't take care of myself who knows how long I will be around to take care of my family?  I have to remember to put myself first in some situations and that the husband is perfectly able to take care of the boys if they are sick.  I have to remember that there are other people in the house who are capable of helping me out. 

On that note as I was laying in bed last night I double checked with my husband to see if he had to go to work early ... and he did.. so I had to skip the gym, but tonight I will do the 30 day shred.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Dailyfeats.com

Yesterday I was catching up on some magazine reading and started with the September 11 Fitness magazine.  I saw a little blurb about a website Dailyfeats.com where you rank up points by doing daily feats.  You can then cash in the points for rewards such as Starbucks gift cards, Amazon gift cards (what I will be going after!) and coupons to local businesses.  There are LOTS of ways to get points that are not just workout related so go check it out!

Weekly Weigh-In


161.8 - close enough to last week - I'll take it!

Yesterday was supposed to be a 3 mile run.  I woke up to a torrential downpour and thunder.  It stayed that way the whole day until dinner time so I never got that run in.  Yes I could have gone to the gym to run on the treadmill, but well the roads around here were starting to flood from all the rain so I opted just to move the run to today and rearrange this weeks workouts to accommodate.

Here is what is called for this week:
     Mon            Tues     Wed               Thurs               Fri         Sat          Sun
Stretch & strength
2.5 m run
30 min cross
2 m run
+ strength
Rest
40 min cross
3.5 m run

What I'm hoping will happen is:
Mon - am run, pm Stretch & strength
Tues - circuit training
Wed - 2.5 m run
Thurs - rest
Fri-  2 m run + strength
Sat -  40 min cross
Sun -  3.5 m run

Fitness to me isn't about a crunch or a push up, it's about taking your power back.
- Jillian Michaels 





Friday, August 12, 2011

Funny Friday


Nice way to start the day

I really hate running on the treadmill.  Today was the first day in a while that I've done that since I've been running outside, but the schedule called for a run and strength training so I headed to the gym.  I was pretty impressed with my time.  2 miles - exactly 21 minutes.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Rest Day

Well today is my rest day.  How am I going to enjoy it?  Kick my feet up and relax?  No, haul 2 children around the zoo.  I think that's going to be more of a workout than some of my intentional workouts!  We finally have a break in the weather here and I cannot wait to enjoy it!

Last night I had to run out to Target.  I opted to go by myself leaving the husband and the kid behind.  As I was walking through the store all I could think about was buying something incredibly bad for me.  That darn ice cream on an end cap.  I got out of the food area and the thought of buying a Snickers bar and scarfing it down on the way home came to mind.  I am happy to report that I did not give into temptation and left without buying any junk food. 

“Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better.” ~Emilie Coue

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Holy Sweat buckets

Last night before bed I got my workout on - Jillian Michaels 6 week 6 pack.  I was DRIPPING in sweat by the time I was done.  I don't know why I thought I would be able to just skip right to level 2.  That is the only one that was on On Demand, but really?  I just about turned it off a few minutes into it because I thought I was going to die.  But I'm glad I stuck it out.  It felt like a great accomplishment. 

This morning I woke up and went for a run.   I had my 2.5 mile run figured out and when I walked outside it was foggy in the direction I was planning on running.  I wasn't dressed in any gear that would be appropriate for running in fog, so I opted for my usual weekday run instead. 




Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Try it Tuesday

This weeks Try it Tuesday is one of my new favorite dips.  Pair it up with one of your favorite healthier tortillas chips or crackers and you have yourself a somewhat healthy snack.

Black Bean Dip

About 1 1/2 cups
Active Time:
Total Time:

Ingredients

  • 1 19-ounce or 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup prepared salsa, hot or mild
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation

  1. Combine black beans, salsa, lime juice, cilantro and cumin in a food processor. Process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Tips & Notes

  • Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Per tablespoon: 17 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 3 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber; 53 mg sodium; 2 mg potassium.
source: http://www.eatingwell.com

Monthly Measurements

Last months measurements (total inches lost since 2/6/11)

Right arm: 12" (-1.")
Left arm: 12" (-1.25")
Right Thigh: 24" (-3.")
Left Thigh: 24" (-3.")
waist: 34.75" (-4.75")
chest: 40" (-3.0")
hips: 39" (-5")

And as of today (total inches lost since 2/6/11):
Right arm: 11.5" (-1.5")
Left arm: 11.5" (-1.75")
Right Thigh: 24" (-3.")
Left Thigh: 23.5" (-3.5")
waist: 34" (-5.5")
chest: 39" (-4.0")
hips: 39" (-5")


Monday, August 8, 2011

Check out this giveaway!

Head on over to The Studly Runner for your chance to win a Zensah Racerback Tank.

Weekly Weigh-In

161.4!

Finally lost the weight that I gained on our staycation 1 month ago!  Now I feel like I'm back on track.

Today begins my 10k training.  Holy cow I didn't realize how far 10k actually is until last Friday when I reset my odometer to drive to one of the grocery stores I frequent.  What I felt should have been at least 6 miles wasn't even close.

This weeks workouts will look like this except I'm going to switch Thursday and Friday around due to my husband's work schedule. 

Week
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
Stretch & strength
2.5 m run
30 min cross
2 m run
+ strength
Rest
40 min cross
3 m run




Thursday, August 4, 2011

Fresh veggies!

The boys and I were out in the garden this morning and found some treasures!  Little hands were eager to pick a few things that weren't quite ready, but we have green peppers, black beans, cucumbers and tomatoes.  The red tomatoes are from my neighbor's sister's farm.  She saw we were outside and brought them over for us.  This year my garden is growing quite a surplus of cucumbers, which is great because the boys LOVE them.  It makes for a nice healthy addition to snacks and meals.  Still waiting for those zucchini to grow!  Last year they were the only thing that grew in the garden and this year they are the only thing NOT to grow.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

What was I thinking?

Yesterday I didn't do my workout until 9:30pm.  I did the 30 Day Shred, which I also did Monday night.  Oh.My.Gosh.  This morning at 5:05 when my alarm went off I was hurting!  But that didn't stop me.  I did get up and out of bed for a run.  What really motivated me was knowing the weather outside was perfect for a run.  We went for a family walk after dinner last night and there was low humidity.  A perfect night.  Today's high is supposed to be 79, so I knew this morning would be beautiful for a run.  And it was. 

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

10k training

So as I've posted already, I'm signed up for Run the Bridge in November.  Yesterdays run got me excited about running again so I looked up a 10k training program.  The most I've run has been 5 miles, and that was just a fluke of a day.  I've heard great things about Hal Higdon programs and it seems to work with my schedule so it's what I'm going to go with starting this coming Monday.  I may have to switch some days around though if Sunday mornings get to be too tight with getting the clan ready for church. 

Training for your first 10-K
Week
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
Stretch & strength
2.5 m run
30 min cross
2 m run
+ strength
Rest
40 min cross
3 m run
2
Stretch & strength
2.5 m run
30 min cross
2 m run
+ strength
Rest
40 min cross
3.5 m run
3
Stretch & strength
2.5 m run
35 min cross
2 m run
+ strength
Rest
50 min cross
4 m run
4
Stretch & strength
3 m run
35 min cross
2 m run
+ strength
Rest
50 min cross
4 m run
5
Stretch & strength
3 m run
40 min cross
2 m run
+ strength
Rest
60 min cross
4.5 m run
6
Stretch & strength
3 m run
40 min cross
2 m run
+ strength
Rest
60 min cross
5 m run
7
Stretch & strength
3 m run
45 min cross
2 m run
+ strength
Rest
60 min cross
5.5 m run
8
Stretch & strength
3 m run
30 min cross
2 m run
+ strength
Rest
Rest
10-K Race

It's 14 weeks until race day, so that will allow me to repeat weeks if needed.  I'm excited!

Try it Tuesday

This weeks Try it Tuesday is the 20-Minute Treadmill Hill Workout.  

I stumbled across this workout which is from Aundrea Hasselbach, founder of tread20.com one day while browsing a Facebook status.  I gave it a try last week.  The workout is only 20 minutes, but it was a quick, sweat filled 20 minutes for me.  I really loved having to run the hills.  When on the treadmill, it's something that I normally do not do.  

Head on over to Fitness Magazine and check it out!


A few giveaways on other sites

If you're feeling lucky head on over to these 2 sites and enter for your chance to win!

- Running Chics Clothing Giveaway

- SPIBelt Giveaway

Good luck to you!  But hopefully I'm the one who wins . lol

Monday, August 1, 2011

Weekly Weigh-In

165.4 - Yup that's a gain.  Honestly it wasn't a surprise for me.  I indulged this weekend going out to eat on Saturday and yesterday at my Sister-in-law's baby shower.  Oh the cake was delicious!  2 slices delicious.

The good news though is that it's a new day, it's a new week, it's a new month!  This morning I woke up and went for a run.  That felt great.  It was my first real run since the 5k July 4th.  It's time to start getting ready for November's 10k.  

“Attitude: It is our best friend or our worst enemy.” ~John C. Maxwell