• 20Nov

  Spontaneous a la Pasta

  The Journey No Comments

  Yesterday I had a nice carb heavy lunch.  It included 2 of my daily 5 fruits and veggies.  Sometimes ordinary food taste better when I slow down and enjoy.  It also helps when it looks good.  Leftovers in a take out box never look as good as the real thing.  In my mind, I know there the same, but I always let my husband have them…unless it’s Italian.  What?  Did someone say tomato and basil?….yum.

  

  Spontaneous a la Pasta:  While the pasta was cocking I sautéed some tomatoes & turkey.  Then, seasoned with basil and garlic.  At the end, I added a little alfredo and tossed it all together.  Not extremely healthy, but great flavor.

  (When I finally do take the time to make a meal, I make a ton of it, so I have leftovers, and so I don’t have to cook all the time.  Yes, I did cut up my banana instead of just shoving it in my mouth = )

  1. Physical Fitness: Exercise 5 days a week
  Yesterday hubby went out and got the rest of the groceries while I stayed with the kids and did an excellent workout.  I like the flexibility of being able to work out at home and at the gym.

  Bike: 4 min warm up
  Abs: 100 various sit ups
  Arms: Did I ever work my upper body.  I did 20 push ups, then I maxed out (go until I can’t do any more then do 5 more) on military press, tricep kick backs, tricep extensions, lateral/posterior/frontal raises, curls, reveres fly, and lateral rows (I use to strengthen my shoulder.)  Either way I felt it in the best of ways.

  Tonight I get to meet with a physical trainer.  I need to know what I want to focus on  before I go, so I can make the most of my workout/training session.  I think I’ll focus on lower body.  Hamstrings, gluts, inner thigh and outer thigh to be more specific. Wow, that sounds like many women’s problem areas.  I’ll share any new tips she gives me.

  2. Mental Fitness: Set and complete 5 daily goals every day

  Today
  - be grateful
  - read 5 min
  - make lintel soup
  - meet with trainer
  - 5 Min Blitz the house

  3. Financial Fitness: Set aside or come up with $500 for San Diego
  Yesterday when my hubby left for the store I quickly scanned thru a stack of coupons.  It was at least $8 worth.  Now, I’ve already over spent in the food budget, so I won’t be depositing the difference.  However I know I can come up with another $50 or even earn it.

  4. Social Fitness: 5 Connect with five people daily…baby steps
  Yesterday was the first day I had to actually put thought into this one.  I called a few people to say hi.  I found out my that my grandma (who grew up in Hollywood) got to meet Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Elvis Presley.  She said that they were just like everybody else, but the only difference is they spent an hour in makeup.

  5. Nutritional Fitness: Eat 5 Vegetable or fruits daily
  I had 5 servings of fruits and veggies yesterday.  Pumpkin, broccoli, banana, apple, edamame.  Today I had leftover pumpkin oatmeal for breakfast.  Lunch I’m hoping to have the soup done by then which is loaded with veggies.

• 19Nov

  Pumpkin Oatmeal Attempt

  Something 8 Comments

  At the grocery store last night I passed some canned pumpkin and figure I’d try to make something with it…another veggie to add to the menu =).

  Because I’m too lazy to read or find one of the five recipes I saw last week, I figured I’d throw it together with oatmeal, add some cinnamon, and sweeten to taste. Honestly it was pretty good and I feel very healthy.

  

  1. Mental Fitness: Set and complete 5 daily goals every day
  These are slowly becoming habitual, and I still love crossing them out.

  Today
  - be grateful
  - read 5 min
  - prep veggies
  - exercise 15 min weights
  - 5 Min Blitz the house again

  2. Social Fitness: 5 Connect with five people daily…baby steps
  I went to the party yesterday night before the gym and met all sorts of neighbors. The only thing I could talk about was fitness and blogging. That’s what I’m into. Someone asked if I had read any good books lately and all I could say is, “I only like reading medical journals.“ I didn’t get into the details of how serotonin is produced or how Ekhart Tolle “A New Earth” is changing the way I see things. Certain things just don’t always make sense to others, depending on what phase of life there in or what there into. Like MizFit says “Fitness isn’t about fitting in.”

  3. Nutritional Fitness: Eat 5 Vegetable or fruits daily
  Speaking of MizFit. She asked me “…how can I help motivate you in the 5 fruits and veggies realm?” I never thought of vegetables as being motivating area. I realized that when I eat vegetables I’m happy.

  So, I made this cheesy little sign that said, “Veggies = Happy” Then I found out that my stainless steal fridge isn’t magnetable. Weird. Anywho, I put it on the side. The whole time thinking, “I should just go peel some carrots and stop making this cheesy sign“. I had fun doing it. My son made his own little Picasso creation.

  I’m glad I took some time and made it. It will be a nice reminder of why I “want” to eat veggies and fruits, rather then just thinking I “need” to.

  

  I ended up with 7 servings of fruits and veggies. Spinach, tomato, brussels sprouts, apple, freeze dried fruit (yum), broccoli, and a banana. Oh yea! I felt better then ever, with lots more energy, and lots more happy.

  4. Physical Fitness: Exercise 5 days a week
  I’m becoming a night owl. I went to the gym at 9pm, did a 60min cardio workout. I haven’t sweat that much sense a spinning class I took 10 years ago back in college. Then when I got home my hubby informed me that we were out of formula. That’s one thing I can’t hold off on.

  I bought some more fruits an veggies while at the store. I’m liking the steam bags they have now, and got some pre-shelled edamame and snow peas. Now, edamame I can get excited about. A vegetable and a protein. Two birds, one yummy treat. (Is is a vegetable? Or just a legume).

  5. Financial Fitness: Set aside or come up with $500 for San Diego
  I went thru the budget and found $450. That never happens, but like I keep saying, everything is falling into place lately.

  I had set aside money for next spring semester, and my hubby decided to just get it over with and will be done before then. I’m glad I’m keeping track of things, or I wouldn’t have had money for that semester, which now gets to go to the; fitness goal adventure/his graduation party fund…aka San Diego.

  Happy Healthy Wednesday!

• 18Nov

  5 Min Blitz & Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

  The Journey 6 Comments

  1. Mental Fitness: Set and complete 5 daily goals every day
  Because these goals tend to help in my five main focus areas, I figured I’d list them first.

  Today
  - Be Grateful done
  - Read 5 min done
  - Meditate 5 min done
  - Call and resolve issue done
  - Straighten home 5 min at a time (5 Min Blitz) done

  5 Min Blitz:
  I loved the 5 Min Blitz With a total of 30min I straighten my entire home. Not organized just cleaned and straightened. I gave 5 min to main areas; kitchen, dinning, living area, bathrooms, bedrooms, office. I literally set a 5 min timer on my microwave and then only gave each area 5 min. Yea there were some that could use some more, but if I simply do this every day I’ll eventually get to everything. In between the 5mins I would first cross it off (just because if feels good), and then spend quality time with the boys, and do the normal every day tasks like clean up after breakfast, rinse out sippy cups, and change diapers. I noticed that the boys didn’t get as rowdy, or fussy with me not being distracted for 30min at a time. Great results. You will definitely be hearing more about this in the future.
  
  2. Social Fitness: 5 Connect with five people daily…baby steps
  Yesterday was easy because I ran errands all day. Today will be easy to if I go to a party tonight. There’s a reason to go. Man, I really am not naturally social, but as you can tell by my blog, when I start talking, or writing I never stop.

  3. Physical Fitness: Exercise 5 days a week
  Like this morning post said, I already got one good work out in this week. Time for another. I want to work out in the morning but I will be getting up at 4:30 so I can be back before the hubby leaves at 5:30. I need to work on getting up at 6:30 then 5:30 and work back to 4:30.…or just make my self do it once, and I’ll be so tired, I’ll be able to go to sleep early. I’ll figure it out. I actually love being up that early, and with a baby I’m up earlier then that all the time.

  4. Financial Fitness: Set aside or come up with $500 for San Diego
  I cut out a bunch of coupons this morning at least $30 worth, and only of items we already buy. I also like the advice that Stephenie gave. When I spend under my budget immediately set it aside or move it into savings. When I don’t do that, I know in the back of my mind that I under spent and spend it the next time I’m out shopping.

  5. Nutritional Fitness: Eat 5 Vegetable or fruits daily
  I’ve already had 3 serving today just with lunch. I had the most delicious lunch today, and it looked so good I wanted to share.

  Turkey Meatloaf (recipe below), Brussels Sprouts, Tomato
  

  This is more like what I usually have for dinner. I’m starting to realize that the reason I’m so tired around 4 in the afternoon might be that I don’t eat enough after breakfast. Well today I feel very full. I’ll probably have more carbs for dinner with more vegetables, and some fruit latter as desert. The meatloaf actually had a serving of vegetable in it.

  Turkey Meatloaf
  3 egg whites
  ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
  ½ cup ketchup
  1 tsp onion powder
  Dash of Seasoned Salt
  Dash of Mrs. Dash Table Blend
  1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach
  1 lbs lean ground turkey

  Mix it all together and stick it in a coated loaf pan. Spread a thin layer of ketchup on the top and bake at 350 for 60min. It’s delicious.
  
  Variations:
  This is the first time I used shopped spinach. My aunt uses meatloaf to get what ever vegetable needs to be used, or that her kids don’t like, and she tosses it all in a blender then adds it to the meat and oats. 1 cup salsa can be used and even used as a substitute for the ketchup to make it healthier. You can add Knorr Vegetable Soup mix in place of all the seasonings with a little black pepper. Finally, you can use a whole onion, in place of the onion powder. Simply, you can do what ever you want, just make sure you give it some good flavoring. If it ends up too runny add more oats. If it ends up to dry add another egg white.

• 18Nov

  Ride Em Cowboy…Girl

  Physical 4 Comments

  I had a great workout last night. I went to the gym for the first time in 3 years and did a 35min elliptical workout. I don’t hold on and just move my arms like I’m actually running. I get more of a workout that way. I have to use more muscles to just stay on the machine…whoa whoa there. The last gym I was at the machine kept bucking me off.

  I meet the gym manager, and guess what…the suspense is building….she’s a surfer. Coincidence? I think not. Being that I live at least 700 miles away from the nearest beach it was very big deal. Lets just say there aren’t a lot of people who have even been to the beach…let alone are interested in surfing, and least of all actually surf. The people here call the muddy lake shore a beach. What??? It was very confusing as a kid. My friends invited me to go with them to the beach. I thought they were inviting me on vacation with them. Nope they were just going to the lake. You could imagine my disappointment. As a kid the lake was just a bunch of muddy water with no waves. Boring! Well, at least to an ungrateful 9 year old.

  Here’s to ungrateful 9 year old’s and bucking ellipticals. Happy Fitness and Happy Tuesday.

• 17Nov

  I’m Enjoying the Present Now

  Something 6 Comments

  I had a very good weekend…then I crashed hard on Sunday. My emotions are still all over the place. I’m not sure if it’s serotonin, new birth control, the first PMS I’ve had in a 1.5 years (pregnant then nursing), or crazy unorganized weekends that throw my system out of whack. Either way I recognized it, and…

  OK, I just got distracted my almost 3 year old just said, “super fork going to take a huge bite.” Don’t know where he came up with that. I’m glad these boys are good eaters, and I‘m amazed by how well he‘s suddenly talking.

  …I was all over the place, easily distracted, angry, irritable, and forgetful (that’s nothing new, but intensified). I think that a little time away every day at the gym will really give me the “me time” I haven’t had sense I had my first kid. I just realized that I haven’t had a gym pass sense I had my first baby. Wow! We’ll that’s all in the past.  I’m enjoying the present now.

  1. Social Fitness: 5 Connect with five people daily…baby steps
  Sunday was easy to meet this goal, now that everyone is back to work, this is where I need to step it up and get out, call some one, or even IM.
  
  2. Physical Fitness: Exercise 5 days a week
  I completed this one last week. I didn’t get it done Saturday but got a great intense bike ride in Sunday morning. I’m meeting with the gym owner today to get my key fixed so I try and go at 5am before my hubby leaves for work.
  
  3. Financial Fitness: Set aside or come up with $500 for San Diego
  I’ll be updating the budget today, from the past weekly expenses, and to add the new monthly gym fees into the mix.

  4. Mental Fitness: Set and complete 5 daily goals every day
  I have been setting goals every day, and I’ve been pretty good at completing them. I just need to look at it sooner on some days. On Saturday when I realized I had forgotten, I set some simple ones at 9pm.
  
  Saturday
  - Take a shower done
  - Write a post for today done
  - Eat dinner done
  - Watch an episode with hubby done
  - Exercise 20 min (completed Sunday morning)
  
  Sunday
  - Eat a salad
  - Bike 20 min done
  - Take a shower done
  - Make cheese bread done
  - Eat dinner at Moms’ done

  Today
  - Call dentist and re-schedule done
  - IM hubby for his schedule done
  - Exercise 20min 35min
  - Check out free photo book deal not free
  - Straighten house (not this time, hubby did it when i was at the gym…smart man.)

  5. Nutritional Fitness: Eat 5 Vegetable or fruits daily
  Still not doing too good with this one, but that‘s why I chose to work on it. This goal is opposite of the social goal, in the sense that it’s easier to eat healthy when I’m at home during the week.

• 15Nov

  What I Want More Is…

  Something 2 Comments

  Funny Irony:
  Just after I finished yesterday’s post “Don’t Take Life Too Seriously” I found that my 3 year old gave himself a tattoo, gave his baby brother a tattoo, and also tagged the couch. Vandal =) It’s just a couch, and luckily it’s a dark brown leather couch. The couch only took a second to wipe off, the kids seem to absorb ink. “We don’t write on people”

  Just before the tattoo and graffiti crime, he was holding a book and asked me to read to him. I cleared a spot on the couch for him to sit and said, “I cleared it off so you can sit on it.” He proceeded to climb onto the couch and sit on his book. LOL!!! I love my boy’s. One things for sure, they keep me busy and laughing.
  
  1. Social Fitness: 5 Connect with five people daily…baby steps
  Had a little too much fun yesterday and didn’t get home until 3am. We’re both very interesting in health and fitness, and randomly found out we buy the same Magnesium supplement. She’s one of those people in life that I know I was suppose to meet. I’ve never had a better time, and felt more like myself then I have in a long time.

  As soon as I wrote down this goal people have been calling me every day to do something. Usually I have to work at it, but this goal was obviously meant to be. Call it karma, creative subconscious, fate, coincidence, or a blessing not so in disguise. Either way I notice it, and I’m grateful.

  Today…thinking…thinking. Yup, I meet my quota. Unintentionally. This one is always easier on the weekends. During the week I’ll see how it goes. If it ends up always happening with no effort, then perhaps I’ll; step it up a notch, add a few more weights on the side, and make sure I’m still progressing.

  2. Physical Fitness: Exercise 5 days a week
  With yesterdays spontaneity going until 3AM I did not jump on the bike or do some weight training when I got home, or when I woke up for that matter. I’m not letting myself off the hook. I need one more day this week to reach my 5th day and I’m doing it tonight. Man, I’m starting to feel like I’m writing my own destiny.

  3. Financial Fitness: Set aside or come up with $500 for San Diego
  “Well…..I can start this one out by not spending…” Yea…This would be one of those plans in sand. I made a conscious decision. I HAVE A GYM PASS. I haven’t had one in years, mainly due to my stubbornness, and harbored feelings. Over that. Excited to add some variety, and more importantly weight to my fitness plans.

  Other then that, doing very good and bought $0.50 ice cream cones verses $3.50 Zukas. It’ll adds up fast. I’m serious. We tracked it, and we use to spend over $600 a month on fast food (non date night, or grocery food). Track what your spending and you’ll be surprised where your money has been going.

  4. Mental Fitness: Set and complete 5 daily goals every day
  I’m in the habit of setting these the night before and….yea yea yea excuses. Not this time. I’m not letting myself of the hook. I know I have 5 more things that I need to do and will still do tonight.

  -Take a shower
  -Write a post for today done
  -Eat dinner
  -Watch an episode with hubby
  -Exercise 20 min

  5. Nutritional Fitness: Eat 5 Vegetable or fruits daily
  I had a salad, apple, and banana so far. I guess that means I’m having vegetable stir fry for dinner.

  What I Want More Is:
  What do I really want? There are times when I really “want” chocolate, but perhaps that’s not what I need, and I really want to not have a headache an hour later. So, in that case what I want more is….not to avoid an unnecessary headache. This time I’ll opt for a glass of water, vegetables, exercise, or even blog about it =)

• 14Nov

  Don’t Take Life Too Seriously

  The Journey 4 Comments

  Social Fitness: 5 Connect with five people daily…baby steps
  Yesterday afternoon I found out the Great In-Laws were visiting my In-Laws. I spontaneously packed up the kids and went for a visit. It was fun, the kids had a blast, and did pretty good for being up so late.

  That’s two days in a row I’ve been social. Sounds weird to some, but I just love hanging out with my boys (hubby definitely included). As part of this months focus I will connect with five people daily. Yesterday I more then met my quota. There were 13 people there and does not include our family of 4.

  Yesterday I also found that one of my best friends was going to be staying at her aunts near by. So, today I’m packing up the kids again and meeting up with her. We always have a blast, because. We go months or years with out talking and just pick up where we left off.

  Physical Fitness: Exercise 5 days a week
  Even with the spontaneity I still workout after putting the kids down. I did a 20min cardio, Turbo Jam Style.

  Financial Fitness: Set aside or come up with $500 for San Diego
  Well…..I can start this one out by not spending. It’s always easy for me to come up with something I “need” to spend money on, even when it’s not in the budget. Today I’ll pack the boys, and I a sack lunch. That won’t only make it cheaper, but healthier.

  Mental Fitness: Set and complete 5 daily goals every day
  

  -Take a shower before kids wake up done
  -Eat a salad
  -Pack up for a day in the car
  -Enjoy spending time with Brittney
  -Exercise 20 min (Driving home at 2AM I decided I had a little too much fun with Brittney.  No regrets.)

  Nutritional Fitness: Eat 5 Vegetable or fruits daily
  I had a banana in my oatmeal this morning…that’s one. I plan on having a salad for lunch, an apple, a cup of pre-shelled soy beans, and some sort of vegetable with dinner….that’s five.

• 13Nov

  3 Month Stats: That Can’t Be Right

  The Journey 6 Comments

  OK, I’ve been holding out on everyone. I’ve been waiting to see if it wasn’t just a fluke. I try to go off of the average high number on the scale, and it was just jumping all over the place. Finally it leveled out and this morning I weighed in at 156lbs. I have a spring scale so I’ve had my husband adjust it to match the electric scale at the gym. Then, when I stand on it, I try it a few times, bounce a little to make sure I’m getting a good reading.

  

  10 lbs. Yahooooo!!! That’s exciting, motivating, and just awesome. 10 lbs in 3 months is healthy and gradual. My goal isn’t to lose weight, but I figured with optimal fitness being my goal I will lose a little fat gain a lot of muscle and top out around 20 lbs lost. So, in that sense I’m half way there. These last 10 lbs will take a while. I’ll be gaining muscle, cutting fat, and just getting fit. Fit feels good. It was a pain at first but I’m starting to love it more and more every day.

  Here’s a Funny:
  The other day I stood on the scale and over the weekend I had gained 15+ Lbs. WHAT! That can’t be right. I got off it again and checked to make sure it went to 0 (in case my hubby had a strange sense of humor). Stood on it again and still, not even close to where it use to be. It was enough that I forgot what I use to weigh, or questioned that I was reading it wrong this whole time. Finally, I walked out of the bathroom and started to think, when suddenly I realize that I’m holding my 20lb 8 month old =) That’s worse then finding your glasses on your head. I laughed so hard I cried. I should start a blog “you know you’re a mom when…” you don’t realize there’s a kid on your hip.

  Needles to say I was never happier to find out that I had actually gained a few lbs, better then 20 =). It’s all about perspective. Have a happy Thursday.

• 13Nov

  3 Month Photos: Not Too Shabby

  The Journey 10 Comments

  Not too shabby =) OK, I’m starting to look pretty darn good, and more importantly I’m starting to feel great!

  

  It’s been a bit of a roller coaster, but anything worth working for usually is. I started of gun-ho then slowly crashed here and there, re-did everything a few times, and crashed again. It’s almost like learning how to drive a car with out breaks, or a bike without training wheals. Well, learning form my mistakes is the best way to learn. I can’t say how many times I though “I’ll never do that again.” Never say never, but perhaps, “I’ll remember that the next time I…”

  I’ll post weight and measurements later in the day. During the kids naps I’ll take my measurements, and weight. I didn’t take before measurements, but I have some from the first month that will work just fine.

  Next Months Fitness Focus:
  Now would be a great time to re-focus, and keep moving forward.

  Financial Fitness: Set aside or come up with $500 for San Diego
  Mental Fitness: Set and complete 5 daily goals every day
  Physical Fitness: Exercise 5 days a week
  Nutritional Fitness: Eat 5 Vegetable or fruits daily
  Social Fitness: Connect with 5 people daily…baby steps

  Yes, I have a 5 thing going on. It just made it easier to pick a number.

• 12Nov

  Ouch, I’ll Feel That Tomorrow

  Physical 2 Comments

  Nothing like the “sick to my stomach because I worked my abs to exhaustion” feeling. Seriously it’s a “hurt-so-good“, and a very good appetite suppressor. I’m still working out every day lately and today was another night workout. I would like to switch to mornings and just need to make the change.

  The Turbo Jam’s Ab Jam kicked my abs. Literally. I’ve been doing 100 various sit ups lately, but this really exhausted the muscles. I was struggling. In a good sense, and it was fun too. I did it once before a while back and could barely finish it. The first 10 minuets is standing abs, and the second is floor. The standing abs are also incorporated in the other turbo jam workouts.  No, i’m not selling Turbo Jam, I haven’t monetize this blog at all yet, and if i do it will only be for things i truly love, and so far Turbo Jam is high on the list.

  I’ve seen a huge difference in my waist line. That along with biking and various weight lifting, have made exercising fun for me, and when it’s not fun I do it anyways to help get my attitude back in gear. I feel better after a good workout.

  3 Month Anniversary:
  Tomorrow is my 3 month anniversary of starting this blog. I’ll be posting new pictures, measurements, weight, and more importantly fat %. I’m most excited for the pictures. Yes, the thing that I over contemplated at first and was almost terrified to do…wear a bikini online…has now become my favorite. Only because it inspires me, and hope it inspires others. Yes, I inspire myself at times, and watching myself transform is inspiring and it’s motivation to “keep on moving forward“.

« Previous Entries