So my cousin asked me yesterday at Thanksgiving, why I haven't updated my blog with my weight loss progress. I answered that I have simply been busy exercising and cooking! I fit those two important things into every free nook and cranny of my busy life. I am glad I have re-prioritized my life though, because it has definitely paid off. I am now down to a size 4 and my energy level amazes me.
My new goal is to tighten up a bit more, and to do that I am back at the gym. I love that I now have the variety of cardio options that my home gym could not provide, but I do admit that the plethora of weight machines does intimidate me. I usually workout at night on my way home from work. It is a bit more of a challenge to get myself in the gym since I really loved working out around 9:00 am, when Enzo takes his first nap. But luckily for me, I must pass the gym on the way to my house, so there is that big glaring sign there to remind me (or guilt me) into turning in to the parking lot. I am always glad I did at the end of the workout.
A lot of people have been asking me what I eat. I usually start my day with steel cut oats with ground flax seed, agave nectar and fruit. One of my favorite snacks is cinnamon and raisin Ezekial bread with coconut oil spread on top with chopped bananas. I also love Nutivas hemp protein shakes. Lunch is usually a sandie on Ezekial bread with lots of goodies like avo, spinach, tomato, pumpkin seeds, gosh I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Dinner is usually thrown together since I will be at work to eat it. I love to make some brown rice or quinoa and throw some beans or tofu and sauteed veggies on top. I get all my goodies at Henry's (my new obsession) or Vitamin Shoppe, but you can find most of this stuff at a regular grocery stores.
And how did I do yesterday, Thanksgiving? I did great!I had an amazing time hanging out with the familia and had some yummy treats too. Here is how I got through this Holiday without guilt:
1. I changed the focus in my mind from food to family.
2. I ate as I normally do throughout my day. I did not skip meals to compensate for the extra treats I would be having later. I made sure I drank plenty of water and watched my portions.
3. During the feast, I chose foods that were closest to my normal everyday diet. I watched my portions and listened to my body to tell me when enough was enough. Key thing was that I didn't obsess about the fact the the foods were more fattening then the ones I normally prepare, I just made the best choices I could.
4. I treated myself to some of my cousin Sheri's famous dessert bars. Not the whole thing, but I still had some. BTW, they were amazing!
I have read many different opinions on how to get through the holidays. Some people eat as much of whatever they want and start over in January. Some avoid parties all together. But I enjoyed my approach this year very much and will do the same through Christmas. Plus exercise and good nutrition are stress fighters!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
shopping
I love to shop for obscure things. Most women love to shop for clothes, but I love a good health food store expedition. Yesterday I visited Vitamin City in San Dimas for the first time in years. My dad introduced me to the tiny store in high school and I quickly became a fan. They carry all organic products and a lot of vegan friendly foods.
Things have really changed from the last time I have been there. The store was a bit bigger since they took over the business space next to them. They have also reorganized, with taller, better stocked shelves. It was great fun shopping for the different foods you can't find in a regular grocery store, and it smells so good in there. They sell fragrant organic soaps and oils which lightly scent the small market.
I picked up some quinoa, which I have yet to try. Other items in my brown bag where Almond milk, vegan protein powder, organic black beans, frozen berries, and Berts Bees lip balm (the minty one).
I plan on taking some pictures of myself and posting them soon. I am pretty nervous about that, even though nobody is reading my blog, because they will be out there for the theoretical people to see. But I'm pretty proud of how far I've come.
PS. I can almost do a pull-up again. Gosh I remember having to do 4 sets of 20 as a gymnast!
Things have really changed from the last time I have been there. The store was a bit bigger since they took over the business space next to them. They have also reorganized, with taller, better stocked shelves. It was great fun shopping for the different foods you can't find in a regular grocery store, and it smells so good in there. They sell fragrant organic soaps and oils which lightly scent the small market.
I picked up some quinoa, which I have yet to try. Other items in my brown bag where Almond milk, vegan protein powder, organic black beans, frozen berries, and Berts Bees lip balm (the minty one).
I plan on taking some pictures of myself and posting them soon. I am pretty nervous about that, even though nobody is reading my blog, because they will be out there for the theoretical people to see. But I'm pretty proud of how far I've come.
PS. I can almost do a pull-up again. Gosh I remember having to do 4 sets of 20 as a gymnast!
Monday, September 28, 2009
background
I have been wanting to loose weight since the birth of my first son almost 6 years ago. I thought my body would just bounce back since I had always been athletic and never had trouble shedding any extra pounds whenever necessary. The weight never came off and I packed on even more pounds with my second pregnancy. With this weight came the depression that looking in the mirror created. I felt thin and young, but the reflection showed me something different. I couldn't believe the way I looked. Not to mention the way the foods I was eating made me feel. I rarely went to bed without taking tums to help my upset stomach from over-eating and choosing the wrong foods. Chronically tired, I napped during the few hours I had with my children. I did not want to leave the house because I did not like the way I looked and felt. My poor husband, who loves the outdoors, tried every weekend to get me out of the house, with very little success.
So, a few month ago, I decided to loose the weight. I knew the way that I was going to do it was the same way I had done it before; healthy eating and exercise. It was slow going, but at least I was going. I lost a few pounds and people started to notice, which felt great. That motivated me to continue. One night, my husband bought me an Oxygen Magazine from the market. On the cover was a very muscular woman; a little too muscular for me. However, when I opened and read the magazine, I discovered some really great material. Most importantly, I came across a woman named Tosca Reno, during my reading, and her books about Clean Eating. I was curious. I learned that 80% of weight loss comes from a healthy diet. This was news to me. This curiosity would lead me to buy two of her books on my next trip to the market. I poured through the pages every chance I got. I became so excited to be learning so much about this Clean Eating and decided that I would give it a try. However, I was skeptical.
Not skeptical that it would work, but that I could stick with it. I had never enjoyed fruits and vegetables before (ironically I ate a strict non-animal diet before I was married in 2002). The recipes in Tosca's recipe book looked great, but could I really eat carrots without ranch dressing or broccoli without smothering it in cheese. Additionally, 5-6 meals a day was going to mean a heck of a lot of prep time in the kitchen. Here is what happened when I tried eating clean...I felt great. I was loving eating every 2-3 hours because that is when my body seemed to want to eat anyway. I could not believe how amazing the fruits and vegetables actually tasted clean. I no longer went to bed feeling sick to my stomach. I was no longer driven by the monster cravings to eat sugar or fatty foods. I lost weight and felt great. My energy levels increased.
I am here today, 18 pounds lighter and loving it. I am motivated to spend every day doing things that make me a better and happier person. I am nowhere near my goal, but I can see it getting closer every day. This is what I would like to share with you.
So, a few month ago, I decided to loose the weight. I knew the way that I was going to do it was the same way I had done it before; healthy eating and exercise. It was slow going, but at least I was going. I lost a few pounds and people started to notice, which felt great. That motivated me to continue. One night, my husband bought me an Oxygen Magazine from the market. On the cover was a very muscular woman; a little too muscular for me. However, when I opened and read the magazine, I discovered some really great material. Most importantly, I came across a woman named Tosca Reno, during my reading, and her books about Clean Eating. I was curious. I learned that 80% of weight loss comes from a healthy diet. This was news to me. This curiosity would lead me to buy two of her books on my next trip to the market. I poured through the pages every chance I got. I became so excited to be learning so much about this Clean Eating and decided that I would give it a try. However, I was skeptical.
Not skeptical that it would work, but that I could stick with it. I had never enjoyed fruits and vegetables before (ironically I ate a strict non-animal diet before I was married in 2002). The recipes in Tosca's recipe book looked great, but could I really eat carrots without ranch dressing or broccoli without smothering it in cheese. Additionally, 5-6 meals a day was going to mean a heck of a lot of prep time in the kitchen. Here is what happened when I tried eating clean...I felt great. I was loving eating every 2-3 hours because that is when my body seemed to want to eat anyway. I could not believe how amazing the fruits and vegetables actually tasted clean. I no longer went to bed feeling sick to my stomach. I was no longer driven by the monster cravings to eat sugar or fatty foods. I lost weight and felt great. My energy levels increased.
I am here today, 18 pounds lighter and loving it. I am motivated to spend every day doing things that make me a better and happier person. I am nowhere near my goal, but I can see it getting closer every day. This is what I would like to share with you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
