Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day everyone! It is HOT, HOT, HOT here in Milwaukee today. I had no idea how hot is was going to be when I woke up today. Yes, I had seen the forecast on the news, but for some reason I forgot how hot almost ninety degrees feels. Maybe because we haven't had much of a spring around here this year? 


I had another lazy morning with Brad, but I can't really complain about that. I'm really enjoying being off of school for the summer and having time to relax with no worries. Ok, there always seems to be something to worry about, but no school ... for now. Although, I did realize that my Praxis II test (the second test I need to pass in order to student teach in the spring and subsequently graduate from college) is rapidly approaching. I'm not really good at studying for tests (one of the reasons that I love Alverno, the college I attend --- we rarely have them!). However, this test is really inevitable, so I suppose I should start reviewing. I'm not too concerned about the math and English sections; those are my strengths. Social studies (history in particular) and science are a different story. I borrowed some BrainQuest cards (remember those?) from Brad's little sister, so I decided that I should take a stab at those tonight. We started with the "America" stack. All I can say is yikes! I'm a lost cause ... Oh well! All I can do is hope for the best. 


We saw the Hangover 2 last night. I know! We are movie machines this weekend! I don't mind it though. "Staying in" means drinking less means being more healthy. :) Although I did have a  strawberry kiwi slushie last night. Yum! No popcorn though. I was too full from dinner. Brad's family offered to share with us, so we had mini burgers and steak sandwiches. I had one of each with some veggies. I grabbed some fruit too, but didn't even have room for that. I think my stomach is shrinking?!


Today, after being lazy until about noon-ish, I finally worked up the motivation to move. I planned on going to the WAC, but when I realized how beautiful it was outside, I decided to attempt another outdoor workout. I knew that I wouldn't get a lot of running in (after my less than satisfactory experience with outdoor running on Saturday), so I just did a few laps of running and walking around the high school track nearby and then threw in a bunch of other random exercises like jumping jacks, squats, lunges, squat jumps, mountain climbers, push ups, and planks. After about thirty minutes, I was worn out and plenty schweaty, so I walked home to finish up with some ab work and a nice cold shower! 


I spent the rest of the day over at my friend Kaitlin's house for a cookout. It was awesome to spend some time with friends and get some sun. Some of us got some more sun than others (someone *cough* Kaitlin *cough* might look like a lobster). Today's weather is dfeinitely not something we are used to so far this year in Wisconsin. In fact, it was actually a little exhausting. I think little Jayden was happy to cool off for a bit in the basement. 

I know I was happy to get home and enjoy some air conditioning. Although I know I should not be complaining, because we are lucky to finally have some nice weather. But how about a happy medium?


How was your Memorial Day weekend?


P.S. I've lost three pounds since I started eating healthy and working out again. Yipee! Not that it's the weight loss that counts. I'm really feeling a lot better about myself as well! But all of this hot weather means less clothing, so I have to admit that being down a few pounds is a great feeling. Until next time! -K

Why Work Out?

Aaaand, the rain has begun here. I'm so glad I got a car wash today. (Can you sense the sarcasm?) But it was for a fundraiser for the boyfriend's younger brother's volleyball team, so I don't really mind. I also picked up some nuts and a pumpkin muffin from the bake sale. I'm looking forward to enjoying those later in the week. One of the "old me's" would have  gone straight for the cookies or brownies and the other would have avoided the bake sale all together. I'm glad that I've been able to find a happy medium.


So, I saw the movie Bridesmaids last night, and I only have one word to describe it .... HILARIOUS! I totally loved it! I may or may not have forgotten to eat dinner before the movie, but I talked Brad into going early, so I could stop and get some frozen yogurt (AKA my new obsession) before it started. It had strawberries, pineapple, and granola, so that counts as a meal, right? ;) I also had some popcorn at the movie. I can't resist that stuff. It wouldn't feel right to see a movie at the theatre without a little popcorn. No butter for me, though, so I felt good about that.


Now, I know you're all dying to know if I worked up the motivation to work out yesterday. I did! Was it my best workout ever? Definitely not. But am I glad I got my butt up off the couch? Absolutely. I waited a little bit too long to make it to the gym (they have limited hours this weekend because of Memorial Day), so I attempted to run my intervals outside. Why is running outside so much harder than on the treadmill? I'm not going to lie. I hated it. But I made it through about twenty minutes of random intervals (run for as long as I could, then took a break and walked for a minute or so). Although I couldn't really handle any more running after that, I wasn't quite ready to be done (not to mention that I was still a ways from home). I decided to stop in the parking lot of one of the elementary schools to do some step ups, lunges, squats, jumping jacks, butt kicks, and push ups. Let me just interject here and say that I have no idea where the motivation for this came from, but I was really proud of myself for doing it. I used whatever was around (stairs for step ups and the bike rack for standing push ups) to get the job done. Then, I did some speed walking to get home and finished up with some ab work and stretching. 


Today, on the other hand, I decided to head to the WAC almost as soon as I woke up to avoid yesterday's problem. This weekend has definitely reinforced what I already knew .... it is harder for me to get the motivation to workout when Brad is home with me, because I don't want to leave him. We don't get to spend a lot of quality time together during the week, so I really appreciate hanging out on the couch when we can. BUT, I don't want to get into the groove I've been in for the past nine months, so I have to get past this. I usually wake up before Brad, so if I head out right away, it's not a big deal. Plus, he is totally understanding of my desire to be more healthy (even though the fact that I haven't shared my blog with him yet is obviously killing him, haha). 


I'll close my blog today with one final thought that I read in a guest post on one of my new favorite blogs to read, Peanut Butter Fingers: "Remember that working out isn’t just about burning calories and losing weight. Exercise for your mental health, to do something positive for yourself, to take care of your body, to ward off disease and sickness, to improve your confidence and build relationships." This is something that I plan on trying to remind myself each and every time I need a boost of encouragement. As much as I want to burn calories, lose a few pounds, and maintain my weight loss, I need to remember that there are tons of other benefits that come from my daily workout. Until next time! -K


Why do you work out?

Margaritas

Hola! Today is definitely a lazy Saturday so far, but I can't say that I really mind. I got to sleep in with the boyfriend, which doesn't happen much during the school year.  Since then, I've been really productive. My day has consisted of: (1) eating some cereal and a banana for breakfast (2) reading blog after blog after blog (I'm obsessed), (3) eating leftovers from last night for lunch, and (4) watching some Law and Order: SVU on the couch. :) I am working on getting the motivation to workout. I'm thinking about going for a run outside, since it is semi-nice out today.

After a visit with my dad last night (still no improvement on his leg), I met up with my friends Kaitlin and Erika and Erika's little boy Jayden. We headed to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. Not only is the Roadhouse one of our favorite restaurants to hang out at, but it was my friend (and co-worker at The UPS Store) Adrian's last day working there. He got a job as a police officer and is moving onto bigger and better things. Congrats Adrian! You are one cool dude and have been an awesome friend to me so far. 

First of all, how adorable is Jayden? I am so happy for Erika, and she is a great mommy to the little guy. I know that it's not always easy being a single mom, but she is doing her best! And Jayden has lots of aunties who love the heck of out him, including me! (Doesn't it look like he is giving a thumbs up? HOW ADORABLE!)

Somehow Adrian talked Kaitlin and I into splitting a pitcher of Strawberry Mango margaritas ... not the healthiest option in the world, but totally worth it. They were delicious!

Since Adrian is super supportive with my quest to be health-concious, he suggest the grilled salmon. Since I love fish, I was totally on board and ordered that (sans the lemon garlic butter) and a baked potato. I contemplated between the caesar and garden salads (knowing that the garden salad would be the healthier option), but I absolutely can't resist a Texas Roadhouse caesar salad and decided to splurge. That is the difference between the old and new "healthy me." I think the reason that I was unable to keep up with last summer's lifestyle was that I was so extremely dedicated. I mean, of course this was fabulous , because I lost over 60 pounds in less than four months. However, when I had a taste of "regular" food again, I went a little overboard, instead of integrating it into my healthy lifestyle. Therefore, this time around, I am doing my best to let myself enjoy the things I love in moderation. So far, it is working great! 

When my meal came, I immediately cut the baked potato in half, imagining that I would (and should) have some leftovers. Oh, and remember the roll I was dying for? I didn't even end up having one! I decided to save it until after the meal to enjoy as a sort of dessert. Except, between the margaritas and my meal, I was too stuffed to have one! And like I mentioned before, I enjoyed the leftover half of my meal for lunch today.

I added a salad for some veggie power! And the nice thing about eating at home is that I can use my "healthier" condiments like spray butter and fat-free sour cream. Score! Ok, that's enough for today. Going to see the movie "Bridesmaids" tonight. I heard it's super funny and was shot in Milwaukee. I'll let you know what I thought!


What's your favorite restaurant to enjoy a meal with friends?

Hungry or Bored?

Happy Friday everyone! Not that Fridays really matter to me during summer, since everyday is like a weekend. :) I'm still excited for this weekend though, because I don't have to work or any other responsibilities really. I am excited to spend the three-day weekend with my boyfriend, my best friend (who is coming home for the weekend), and whoever else wants to hang out!


I haven't written in a couple of days. When I started my blog, it was my intention to write everyday, but now I am realizing that might not happen. Life gets busy and sometimes when I get home, I just feel like a little relaxing. I will have to settle for almost every day.


Wednesday an interesting day. I taught Jazzercise in the morning, then found out that my dad is in the hospital. He has cellulitis in his leg and is recieving antibiotics through an IV. He should be okay (I'm hoping and praying!), but will have to spend seven to ten days in the hospital. I stopped to spend some time with him in the hospital. Then, I headed to my mom's for some lunch -- we had tuna on sandwich thins with some fruit and veggies -- then headed to the grocery store for a few things. I have the best mom ever who helps me stay healthy by helping with groceries sometimes. Healthy food is expensive! I picked up some whole wheat tortillas, grape tomatoes (my new favorite! I can't believe I used to think that I didn't like tomatoes), trail mix, and some other goodies.


After our trip to the grocery store, I headed to work at The UPS Store. I only have a couple of weeks left here (I'm at work right now) until I leave to start my summer job nannying. That will be such a crazy transition, since I have worked here for over FIVE years, but I am looking forward to starting a new chapter of my life. (More on that later ...) Since I am leaving, I am "training" someone at work. I use the term training lightly, because Joe used to work here a couple of years ago. I thought he would need a "refresher," but he is doing great, so I am finding myself EXTREMELY bored at work. For me, bored=hungry. Sometimes, I find that I have serious trouble differentiating between the two. Of course, I want to listen to my body and fuel it with the healthy snacks that I packed for work when it needs it. But sometimes I'm not so sure that it does. This is something that I really struggle with. Can anyone relate?


Yesterday, I was excited to get back to the WAC. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Jazzercise, but I am really enjoying my new gym membership. It's been awesome trying out lots of new fitness classes, working with trainers, and challenging my body to do new and different things. Yesterday morning, I took a cardio kickboxing class taught by my trainer Jenny, followed by a yoga class. Cardio kickboxing was HARD! A good hard, of course, but I really had to reach deep within myself to find the strengh to pull through. I consider myself to be in okay shape. I'm not a fitness superstar, but I work out regularly. Well, within the first 10 minutes of this class, I was already thinking of how I could sneak out. Then, I slapped myself in the face. Well not literally, but you know what I mean. I am not a quitter, and I want results! Plus, my trainer was the instructor, and I didn't want to look like a big fat loser in front of her. But most of all, I didn't want to let myself down. I fought through the pain, made it through, and felt a million times better about myself as a result. Then, I headed to yoga to calm myself down. Not that yoga isn't a major challenge for me either, but I'll save that for another post.


Needless to say, I woke up feeling pretty sore this morning. So sore that I almost considered taking a day off. I recognize the importance of giving my body a rest every now and then, but I decided that a workout might loosen me up a bit and actually make me feel better. I was right. Since the group fitness classes are cancelled for the weekend, I did thirty minutes of intervals on the treadmill (three minutes running at 5.8 and one minute walking at 4.0), then the strength training circuits that Jenny designed for me. I'm feeling good about all the calories that I burned, because I am heading out to eat at Texas Roadhouse with my best friend Kaitlin tonight. I plan on ordering a fairly healthy entree, but will probably indulge in one of the delicious rolls with sweet cinnamon butter that they have there.


Overall, I feel like I am getting back into the swing of things. Making healthy eating choices is starting to come more naturally again, and I'm craving less and less ... well, crap. I did indulge TWICE yesterday, but I don't even feel bad, because I've been making good choices and they were "good choice indulgences". After lunch, I had half of a "monster" cookie that my friend Lauren baked for me. It was made with healthier ingredients like dark chocolate and all natural peanut butter, and most importantly, it was DELICIOUS. Then, after dinner, I decided to use a coupon I had for a frozen yogurt shop at Bayshore. I AM IN LOVE! (Don't tell my boyfriend, although he won't read this, since I haven't allowed him to see my blog YET ... another topic for another day ...) I decided on fat-free vanilla fro-yo with three topings: fresh strawberries, mangos, and granola. I think I would rather have this than ice cream ... and this comes from an extreme ice cream lover. Just more proof that healthy can be delicious!

Ok, I think that's enough babble for today. I included a picture of the fro-yo for your viewing pleasure. Just keep in mind that I am not a professional blogger with amazing pictures ... this one came straight off of my cell phone with horrible lighting. Still, I decided that describing that bowl of delicious-ness did not do it justice. Until next time!


What is your favorite dessert with a healthy twist? Do you have trouble with the "Am I hungry or am I bored?" dilemma?

Renamed

Happy Tuesday! So, the original name of my blog was "Two Steps Forward, One Step Back," but then I happened to come across a motivational article on SparkPeople.com which explained how "two steps forward, one step back" is usually a negative term to describe someone who is having trouble making progress. Switched around, however, it means that "instead of grousing or feeling guilty about a misstep, you can still come out ahead if you put your head down and push forward." I couldn't agree more, so I decided that the name of my blog had to reflect my new state of mind.


Speaking of pushing forward, I'm having another great day so far. My friend Kelsey agreed to join me at the gym today. (We also ran into Lauren, a friend a met while back, and then ran into again at the WAC on one of my first days there. She is super fit, and an awesome inspiration to me. I'm sure I will talk about her more and more!) The three of us took a one-hour pilates class, then got in some cardio on the treadmill for about 35 minutes. I did intervals like yesterday. Instead of timing myself today, I decided to pick a good song on my iPod while I was walking for one minute and then ran until the song was over. (Then, repeat, repeat, repeat, etc.) I never thought I would say this about running, but it was fun! For some reason, I was feeling really ambitious today, so I suggested that we hit the Cardio Fusion class after that. Yikes! This class is tough! Julie, the trainer who teaches it, does an awesome job. We were running, sprinting, lunging, doing planks and squats, and everything else under the rainbow. We were pooped by the end of class, but I'm so glad that we stuck it out!


I had a bowl of cereal before the gym, and headed to Subway with Kelsey afterwards. I LOVE Subway! We brought our subs home and ate some fruit with them. Then, around 5, I was hungry again (surprise, surprise!), so I ate a little trail mix and some blueberries. Not sure what is for dinner yet, but I play volleyball later tonight in my recreational league. We aren't very good, but it is so much fun! Later gators!


What is your go-to workout at the gym? All of the group fitnesses classes at the WAC that I go to are cancelled this weekend, because they are refinishing the floors, so I'm looking for ideas. Actually ... I'm always looking for ideas!

Fit-U #1

To those of you who survived my first post and are ready for another, here goes. I woke up today with a fresh perspective, ready to get back on the bandwagon. Believe me, it was by no means easy, but I am just keeping my eye on the prize ... feeling and looking healthy.


Since it is only my second week of summer break, I am still trying to savor it and sleep in. I stayed in bed until about 9:30 today. I had my first of two sessions with a personal trainer today, and I wanted to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Now, I am by no means an expert on this eating healthy thing, but I do my best (considering that I do not cook ... but I will save that for another post). I decided to fill up on some assorted fruit (watermelon, cantaloupe, watermelon, and grapes) for breakfast. I also grabbed a granola bar on my way to the gym - just one of those Chewy 90 calorie chocolate chip ones.


I was really excited to work with Jenny (my trainer today). You are probably thinking ... trainer?!? That must be expensive! Unfortunately, it is. I definitely don't have the money to spend on one regularly. But the WAC (short for Wisconsin Athletic Club for those of you who aren't familiar with it) offers two complementary "Fit-U" sessions with any regular membership. How is awesome is that?!? At the beginning of our 30-minute session, Jenny and I sat down and discussed what I wanted to get out of my workouts. I explained my weight loss ... and gain ... and how I wanted to make sure that I didn't gain anymore .... and even lose a little more to reach my initial goal weight. I also explained how, although I would LOVE it, I couldn't afford to work out with her on a regular basis. She was totally supportive and agreed to help set me up with a workout that I could do on my own.


I will share more specifics of the workout later, once I have it down pat. It involves groupings of two or three strength moves. I do 12-15 reps of each and then repeat the group. Jenny also encouraged me to amp up my cardio and run intervals. At first, I was terrified by the thought of running. But, then I tried it ... and LOVED it. I warmed up on the treadmill with 5 minutes of walking, and then alternated 2-3 minutes of running with 1 minute of walking for 30 minutes. The intervals helped to keep me from tiring out and from getting bored! I am actually looking forward to doing it again. Shocking!


After such an awesome workout, I was excited to fuel my body with some healthy food. I made a nice big salad to take to work with lots of tomatoes and peppers and turkey for protein. Between lunch and dinner, I snacked on some trail mix and a banana. For dinner, I made a Lean Cuisine (Butternut Squash Ravioli, yum!). Are these things supposed to fill a person up? Because it didn't quite do it for me. So, I snacked on some veggies (carrots, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cauliflower) and ranch after dinner. 


Overall, I'm feeling pretty good about myself today. Solid workout. Healthy food choices. Hopefully I can keep this up! 


What is your favorite healthy snack?

First Post Ever

So, I've been reading a lot of blogs in my free time lately. Yes, free time ... what an interesting concept in my life. But it's summer break! And I'm really enjoying it. So, I decided that maybe someone, even if it's just one person, might be interested in reading about my life. Don't worry, I'm not blogging about my WHOLE life, although that could get interesting. I'm blogging about my health ... more specially my weight.


For those of you who know me, you know that I lost a lot of weight recently. Well, maybe it wasn't so recently. It was almost a year ago already. ACTUALLY, I just realized that tomorrow will mark the one-year anniversary of my first day at Weight Watchers. What a perfect time to start my blog!


But I don't want to get ahead of myself here. Let me start from the beginning. (FYI, this post might be a tad bit lengthy, as I have a lot of background to set. I hope you don't mind!) I've never been a little girl, at least not as long as I can remember. I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. I remember going on a major diet between middle and high school and losing a hefty amount of weight ... maybe 30 pounds or so. Good job, right? But then, I returned to my normal eating habits and the weight crept back on. I was feeling pretty big again during my sophomore year of high school, so I went on another crash diet, lost some weight, and ... you guessed it, started eating crappy again. 

Still, at least one good thing did come out of my sophomore health craze. I discovered Jazzercise. Never before in my life had I found a method of exercise that I could stand. I have been a dancer all of my life ... not that I have a dancer's body. But dancing is my thing, so I always found myself bored out of my mind at the gym and couldn't run a mile to save my life. My first Jazzercise class was love at first step! I had finally found a workout that I enjoyed and that I have stuck with to this day. (I did take a hiatus when I met my first boyfriend. Of course, as a high school girl, I thought that spending time with him was more important than working out and taking care of my body. What was I thinking!) About two years ago, I became a Certified Jazzercise Instructor. This is something I'm really proud of. I know, I'm a dork, and I might be blushing right now.

Anyways, during junior year of high school, boyfriend number two came along. With boyfriend came worsening eating habits and decreased exercise. Maybe some of you can relate? If I could go back in time, I would definitely make some different choices, but I guess that is what experience is all about. I happened to stay with this boyfriend for over four years. It was an on and off, very unhealthy relationship. Those four or so years of my life were not the healthiest, in so many aspects. I started attending college at UW-Madison, but became homesick quickly. After three semesters, I transferred to Alverno and switched my major to Education ... two of the best decisions of my life. Academically, things were looking up, but I guess I failed to notice that my weight was, well, kind of spiraling out of control. Finally, last May, I woke up and realized that something needed to change.

I called my mom, and hoped that she would embark on my journey to get healthy with me. She did, of course, because that is what moms are for. We signed up for Weight Watchers on Sunday, May 23rd, 2010, and for the next four-ish months, I never looked back. I stuck DILIGENTLY to the plan, and worked out almost every single day. By the middle of September, I had lost over 60 pounds. (NOTE: This is not a normal rate of weight loss. Somehow, it just happened.) I also managed to inadvertently snag myself a new beau, and couldn't be happier in that department. I was thinner, fitter, and more confident. Overall, I was feeling fantastic. And best of all, I had done in a totally healthy way. No crash dieting ... just good, old fashioned healthy eating and exercise. 

Okay, this is totally embarrassing, but I guess that is what this is all about. Here are some before and after pictures for your viewing pleasure ...

 Before (at a Jazzercise convention in New Orleans in April 2010)

After (on the eve of my 21st birthday in September 2010)

THEN ... a new year of school started, I turned 21, I started living with my boyfriend, blah, blah, blah. Let's just say that I haven't been as committed over the past nine months as I was last summer. Ok, by not as committed, I mean barely committed at all. Working out once a day turned into maybe once a week. And healthy salads, sandwiches, and snacks turned into eating fast food in the car and stopping at the school vending machines. Needless to say, I gained some weight back. I know it's not the end of the world, only a few pounds. But I miss the healthy me. And I would hate for a few pounds to turn into a few more pounds.
So, I thought I'd write about it. I figured there must be some people out there in the same boat, looking for some support and willing to support me. I recently joined the WAC, since I've been teaching less and less Jazzercise classes (due mostly to location and the price of gas). I will keep you updated on my eating and fitness habits as much as I can ... to keep me honest. :)


What keeps you motivated to live a healthy lifestyle?