Honestly now, there are so many foods and food ingredients now that we aren't supposed to eat, that we are allergic to, that will make us prone to disease, that will make us gain weight...the list just goes on and on. My poor youngest sister is having digestive issues with gluten and dairy. She doesn't complain much, but it has to be miserable. I guess for her not feeling sick is worth the food she can't eat. My friend over at The Good Life is on a gluten diet and now can't eat corn. The list just goes on.
I'm doing a 15-day cleanse right now. It's specifically for someone who hasn't ever done a cleanse before. It's just 2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules at night. The suggested diet includes raw fruits and veggies, raw almonds and seeds, multi-grains, brown rice, eggs and lean protein. Basically, the cleanse will work best if your diet consists of only these foods, but there should still be benefits if you aren't.
I'm trying to follow the food list. Key word...trying. For some reason, eatin eggs early in the morning makes me ill. Maybe it's the strong smell. I am a girl who needs her protein and complex carbs. So what am I to eat...fruit and nuts? Exciting. No yogurt, no oatmeal, no bread. Oh I know there is stuff out there creatively made that would fit on the list. But I don't have tons of money to go out and spend either.
It's not just the cleanse that I have an issue with. It just seems like food these days is so processed and altered it's next to impossible to easily eat well. It requires special shopping and preparation. Buying certain kinds of food. Looking at ingredients. I do a lot more of it now than I used to.
My own little uneducated philosophy is that we've broken down our bodies to the point where they can't handle even good foods. I hope that through seeking some help, my sister can get her body healed enough to enjoy a little gluten and dairy in her life.
There are so many flavors and textures in the foods God created. I have to believe they were meant to be enjoyed. We should not have to subsist on bland boring diets. Our taste buds have become warped too...we don't enjoy those natural flavors as much and crave the artificial stuff.
So tomorrow morning I will wake up, take my two capsules, wait 30 minutes and look longingly at my oatmeal cereal mix that I love so much, and eat some fruit and nuts. Cheers!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Fare at the Fair
Our family went to our summer fair yesterday. We managed to last for 8 hours--pretty great for a 4yr old and 1yr old. We had so much fun. The fair itself was enjoyable, but the most extraordinary part was being together as a family. With Bean working 55+ hours a week, our time together as a family of 4 is quite limited.
If there is one thing a Fair is known for, besides toothless carney's and rickety rides, it's FRIED FOOD! They fry everything there. And it all smells and looks SO good. Normally would I be interested in fried avocado? I don't think I would. But at the fair, it just calls to me. (don't worry, I didn't answer)
For someone who is trying to maintain weight loss or lose more, a fair full of fried food is nothing but a danger zone. I knew I would definately want to enjoy some of the fair food, but I didn't want to overdo it.
We found out we could bring a cooler into the fair and check it for free at Guest Services. We could also bring in sealed bottles of water. Not only did this save us money, but it saved me some calories!
I determined ahead of time to only eat something if I was genuninely hungry. No eating just for the sake of eating. And I wanted to be sure to think about what I was eating not just mindlessly putting food in my mouth.
I was very successful in not overeating. In fact, the only food item I ate on my own was a cinnamon roll. I had a taste or a few bites of a few other things, but I didn't over do it.
Although my brain was telling me to eat dinner at home later that night, I felt very full, so I resisted the temptation to eat out of habit.
These are the examples I hope to set for my children. We can enjoy special treats at special times. But we don't need to overdo it just because it's there.
If there is one thing a Fair is known for, besides toothless carney's and rickety rides, it's FRIED FOOD! They fry everything there. And it all smells and looks SO good. Normally would I be interested in fried avocado? I don't think I would. But at the fair, it just calls to me. (don't worry, I didn't answer)
For someone who is trying to maintain weight loss or lose more, a fair full of fried food is nothing but a danger zone. I knew I would definately want to enjoy some of the fair food, but I didn't want to overdo it.
We found out we could bring a cooler into the fair and check it for free at Guest Services. We could also bring in sealed bottles of water. Not only did this save us money, but it saved me some calories!
I determined ahead of time to only eat something if I was genuninely hungry. No eating just for the sake of eating. And I wanted to be sure to think about what I was eating not just mindlessly putting food in my mouth.
I was very successful in not overeating. In fact, the only food item I ate on my own was a cinnamon roll. I had a taste or a few bites of a few other things, but I didn't over do it.
Although my brain was telling me to eat dinner at home later that night, I felt very full, so I resisted the temptation to eat out of habit.
These are the examples I hope to set for my children. We can enjoy special treats at special times. But we don't need to overdo it just because it's there.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
I said No!!
Just wanted to share a little personal accomplishment I made today in the food area.
I have observed that I tend to eat a lot out of habit or desiring a certain taste--but I'm not actually hungry, or I know that I've eaten plenty of calories and don't need more
But it's still hard to say no and resist. Especially treats!
Today was a good day though! I knew we'd be eating a not so healthy lunch--so I restricted myself to a banana and Fiber One bar for breakfast. I didn't get a donut or coffee drink (we have an actual coffee shop) at church like I sometimes do. I did drink a Diet Coke at 10am...but the caffeine is the same as if I'd had coffee--right?
Round Table pizza and Cold Stone Ice Cream Cake for lunch (Bean's choices for Father's Day!). I kept it to 2 pieces of pizza--and blotted the grease of course. And only 1/2 slice of the cake. I did have some german chocolate cake later in the day at a friend's house.
I wasn't too hungry for dinner, so I just had 1 more piece of pizza. And although the TASTE of more ice cream cake sounded good, I legitmately wasn't hungry and in fact felt like it might make me feel sick. So I actually said NO and didn't eat anything else for the night.
Although I'm still trying to lose a few more pounds, I'm also paying close attention to how I can maintain. Today was a good lesson that I CAN do it!
I have observed that I tend to eat a lot out of habit or desiring a certain taste--but I'm not actually hungry, or I know that I've eaten plenty of calories and don't need more
But it's still hard to say no and resist. Especially treats!
Today was a good day though! I knew we'd be eating a not so healthy lunch--so I restricted myself to a banana and Fiber One bar for breakfast. I didn't get a donut or coffee drink (we have an actual coffee shop) at church like I sometimes do. I did drink a Diet Coke at 10am...but the caffeine is the same as if I'd had coffee--right?
Round Table pizza and Cold Stone Ice Cream Cake for lunch (Bean's choices for Father's Day!). I kept it to 2 pieces of pizza--and blotted the grease of course. And only 1/2 slice of the cake. I did have some german chocolate cake later in the day at a friend's house.
I wasn't too hungry for dinner, so I just had 1 more piece of pizza. And although the TASTE of more ice cream cake sounded good, I legitmately wasn't hungry and in fact felt like it might make me feel sick. So I actually said NO and didn't eat anything else for the night.
Although I'm still trying to lose a few more pounds, I'm also paying close attention to how I can maintain. Today was a good lesson that I CAN do it!
Mommy Fit...Running with Kids
Alright...it's been longer than I planned before posting another Mommy Fit tip.
Here's what I've found helpful in getting into a routine running with my kids in a stroller. Like I've said before--this is the best form of exercise for me because it doesn't require a gym membership or childcare. It sets a good example for my children and they get fresh air too.
1. Find a local area you can walk/jog with your kids. We have a lake about 10min away from our house. It has a paved path and is 10k (6 miles) total. There is another 4-mile paved road near us with one side dedicated to pedestrians.
We don't live in a super safe area, and it's really hilly with no sidewalks, so going out from the house is not really an option. If I didn't have the lake to go to, I'd probably find a neighborhood I could run in safely with my kids. Sites like http://www.mapmyrun.com/ can help you figure out the distance of your route if you don't already know.
2. Invest in a good jogging stroller! If you are going to be out with the kids more than a few times a week, this is essential. As the kids grow and get heavier, the larger tires make pushing the stroller so much easier. There is a huge spread in price for jogging strollers. At http://www.joggingstroller.com/ you can compare stroller features. However, Craigslist is my favorite place for purchases like this.
First you need to figure out what kind of stroller you want. Then watch Craigslist like a hawk! When I was pregnant with my second child, I knew a double jogger was going to be a must for me. I read tons of reviews, stopped people who were pushing double joggers to question them and finally decided the Bob Revolution Duallie was for me. It has a pretty hefty price tag though. It took me a few months of watching Craigslist, but one finally came up and I got to her in time and the stroller was mine. It was practically brand new (they were moving and downgrading to a single) and I saved a few hundred dollars buying it used. I bought a carseat adapter on ebay for the stroller so that I could snap the infant seat in before my daughter was able to sit on her own in the seat (and it provided a drink holder for my preschooler). REI often has last year's joggers in their online outlet store.
3. Timing is Everything. Choose a good time for your kids to take your run. For the past 8 months or so, our time is the late afternoon right after the girls wake from their naps. (or after I get off work) When Gracie was younger, it was easier to run during her naptime because she would fall asleep in the jogger. She doesn't sleep in it anymore. Sometimes we go first thing in the morning after breakfast and get home in time for Gracie's morning nap.
4. Must have snacks. It can be hard for a child to sit in a stroller for 45-minutes. Even though there is lots to look at, I can understand it gets boring. I always have a snack and a drink for the girls. They usually start with the snack. Then after 15-20minutes the snack is gone and they get their drinks. It really helps break up the monotony. Even before Gracie took a sippy, I'd bring a bottle with 1oz of juice and 2oz of water that I'd give to her about halfway through the run.
5. Nature's Toys. Miss Rose loves holding a stick in the jogger. Our previous jogger had a tray--and I'd give her a trayful of rocks and a stick, and she was a happy camper. Sometimes I'll give her a longer stick and she'll try to touch the bushes along the path with the stick.
6. Other toys and pastimes. We have some small toys and books with loops or clips on them that I buckle into Gracie's harness. That way she can't drop them--but if she gets bored they are there for her. If I'm going on a longer run, I might load my ipod with songs for Miss Rose and she'll listen to it. (I usually only use it on solo runs). I've seen some preschool age kids with a small bag of books they take in the stroller with them. Miss Rose would definately drop them, so we haven't tried that.
7. Special Treats. There certainly are days that Miss Rose protests our run. But, it's not really an option for her to determine that we don't go. When we have the time or when she needs the incentive, we will visit the frozen yogurt shop after the run, or the drive-thru Starbucks that is so conviently located at the lake entrance. (I'm always tempted to blow all those burned calories on some sort of sugary goodness...but an unsweetened passion iced tea tastes better after a hot run). We don't make this a regular thing as I want Miss Rose to have good behavior whether she gets a treat or not...but it does help at times.
8. Consistency. We didn't start doing longer walks and then runs until after Miss Rose was 1 year old. There were definately stretches of time that she was unhappy to be in the stroller. But we just committed to be consistent so that she understood this was a part of life and good behavior was expected. Sometimese we'd just let her cry it out in the stroller. Most times, it didn't last long. Gracie has been out on runs since she was 4wks old and she's very used to it and I rarely have issue with her. Stay consistent--even if it's just once a week, and the kiddos will get used to it.
It's definately a different animal figuring out an exercise routine with kids involved. Miss Rose always wants to have these long conversations as I'm huffing and puffing and at times I have to tell her "I can't talk now. Wait until Mama is done running."
But if you commit to it and stay consistent, you will find little tricks that make it managable for you and your children and find it very satisfying and rewarding. There is nothing that makes me feel stronger than finishing a good sweaty run with my double stroller and letting Miss Rose out to run with me at the end.
I can't wait until she is old enough to do a race with me! Sometime I want to have her do one of those 1k kid runs.
So get out there. Hit the pavement. You can do it!
Here's what I've found helpful in getting into a routine running with my kids in a stroller. Like I've said before--this is the best form of exercise for me because it doesn't require a gym membership or childcare. It sets a good example for my children and they get fresh air too.
1. Find a local area you can walk/jog with your kids. We have a lake about 10min away from our house. It has a paved path and is 10k (6 miles) total. There is another 4-mile paved road near us with one side dedicated to pedestrians.
We don't live in a super safe area, and it's really hilly with no sidewalks, so going out from the house is not really an option. If I didn't have the lake to go to, I'd probably find a neighborhood I could run in safely with my kids. Sites like http://www.mapmyrun.com/ can help you figure out the distance of your route if you don't already know.
2. Invest in a good jogging stroller! If you are going to be out with the kids more than a few times a week, this is essential. As the kids grow and get heavier, the larger tires make pushing the stroller so much easier. There is a huge spread in price for jogging strollers. At http://www.joggingstroller.com/ you can compare stroller features. However, Craigslist is my favorite place for purchases like this.
First you need to figure out what kind of stroller you want. Then watch Craigslist like a hawk! When I was pregnant with my second child, I knew a double jogger was going to be a must for me. I read tons of reviews, stopped people who were pushing double joggers to question them and finally decided the Bob Revolution Duallie was for me. It has a pretty hefty price tag though. It took me a few months of watching Craigslist, but one finally came up and I got to her in time and the stroller was mine. It was practically brand new (they were moving and downgrading to a single) and I saved a few hundred dollars buying it used. I bought a carseat adapter on ebay for the stroller so that I could snap the infant seat in before my daughter was able to sit on her own in the seat (and it provided a drink holder for my preschooler). REI often has last year's joggers in their online outlet store.
3. Timing is Everything. Choose a good time for your kids to take your run. For the past 8 months or so, our time is the late afternoon right after the girls wake from their naps. (or after I get off work) When Gracie was younger, it was easier to run during her naptime because she would fall asleep in the jogger. She doesn't sleep in it anymore. Sometimes we go first thing in the morning after breakfast and get home in time for Gracie's morning nap.
4. Must have snacks. It can be hard for a child to sit in a stroller for 45-minutes. Even though there is lots to look at, I can understand it gets boring. I always have a snack and a drink for the girls. They usually start with the snack. Then after 15-20minutes the snack is gone and they get their drinks. It really helps break up the monotony. Even before Gracie took a sippy, I'd bring a bottle with 1oz of juice and 2oz of water that I'd give to her about halfway through the run.
5. Nature's Toys. Miss Rose loves holding a stick in the jogger. Our previous jogger had a tray--and I'd give her a trayful of rocks and a stick, and she was a happy camper. Sometimes I'll give her a longer stick and she'll try to touch the bushes along the path with the stick.
6. Other toys and pastimes. We have some small toys and books with loops or clips on them that I buckle into Gracie's harness. That way she can't drop them--but if she gets bored they are there for her. If I'm going on a longer run, I might load my ipod with songs for Miss Rose and she'll listen to it. (I usually only use it on solo runs). I've seen some preschool age kids with a small bag of books they take in the stroller with them. Miss Rose would definately drop them, so we haven't tried that.
7. Special Treats. There certainly are days that Miss Rose protests our run. But, it's not really an option for her to determine that we don't go. When we have the time or when she needs the incentive, we will visit the frozen yogurt shop after the run, or the drive-thru Starbucks that is so conviently located at the lake entrance. (I'm always tempted to blow all those burned calories on some sort of sugary goodness...but an unsweetened passion iced tea tastes better after a hot run). We don't make this a regular thing as I want Miss Rose to have good behavior whether she gets a treat or not...but it does help at times.
8. Consistency. We didn't start doing longer walks and then runs until after Miss Rose was 1 year old. There were definately stretches of time that she was unhappy to be in the stroller. But we just committed to be consistent so that she understood this was a part of life and good behavior was expected. Sometimese we'd just let her cry it out in the stroller. Most times, it didn't last long. Gracie has been out on runs since she was 4wks old and she's very used to it and I rarely have issue with her. Stay consistent--even if it's just once a week, and the kiddos will get used to it.
It's definately a different animal figuring out an exercise routine with kids involved. Miss Rose always wants to have these long conversations as I'm huffing and puffing and at times I have to tell her "I can't talk now. Wait until Mama is done running."
But if you commit to it and stay consistent, you will find little tricks that make it managable for you and your children and find it very satisfying and rewarding. There is nothing that makes me feel stronger than finishing a good sweaty run with my double stroller and letting Miss Rose out to run with me at the end.
I can't wait until she is old enough to do a race with me! Sometime I want to have her do one of those 1k kid runs.
So get out there. Hit the pavement. You can do it!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Short shorts
In the last few months I've reached a long-time goal. I have had a problem for most of my adult life. Chafing. I have muscular legs and I tend to carry some of my extra weight in my thighs. I've always had to wear spandex when exercising if I was going to be comfortable. Not that I mind spandex. I've ran for a few years in the same pair of Adidas spandex capris.
I've always been jealous of the women who run by in their little short shorts and tight tank tops or sports bras.
Recently however, I decided to give running a try in some shorter shorts that I use for workout DVD's. Mind you--they aren't daisy dukes...but in the past, there would have been chafing involved in their use.
To my great surprise, I was able to run in them. Without any major chafing. Whoo-hoo. That's not to say I have these super slim thighs that don't touch at all. I guess they are just a shape now that works well with the shorts.
Me and my spandex will ALWAYS be great friends. But right now, as the weather is warm, less fabric and more airflow are enjoyable.
However, I don't think I'll ever be found running with my midriff showing or in a sports bra. Not unless there is plastic surgery involved and I don't see that happening. Two pregnancys, two 8lb+ babies and two c-sections have pretty much dashed all those hopes. That's alright though. I can still wear the short shorts. And I have beautiful babies!
on another note...
I've been encouraged this week to see a few more pounds make their exodus. It's always hard to maintain that on the weekends--especially when there are holidays involved like Father's Day and my upcoming birthday. As I've been complaining about...the last few pounds are so slow in coming off. But I've just decided that's the way it's going to be and as long as I still with good eating and exercise, they will. I am at a weight right now that I don't even know if I saw in high school! Looking back at photos, I was a bit more of a chub than I remember. A few more pounds to go, and then working on maintaining begins!
I've always been jealous of the women who run by in their little short shorts and tight tank tops or sports bras.
Recently however, I decided to give running a try in some shorter shorts that I use for workout DVD's. Mind you--they aren't daisy dukes...but in the past, there would have been chafing involved in their use.
To my great surprise, I was able to run in them. Without any major chafing. Whoo-hoo. That's not to say I have these super slim thighs that don't touch at all. I guess they are just a shape now that works well with the shorts.
Me and my spandex will ALWAYS be great friends. But right now, as the weather is warm, less fabric and more airflow are enjoyable.
However, I don't think I'll ever be found running with my midriff showing or in a sports bra. Not unless there is plastic surgery involved and I don't see that happening. Two pregnancys, two 8lb+ babies and two c-sections have pretty much dashed all those hopes. That's alright though. I can still wear the short shorts. And I have beautiful babies!
on another note...
I've been encouraged this week to see a few more pounds make their exodus. It's always hard to maintain that on the weekends--especially when there are holidays involved like Father's Day and my upcoming birthday. As I've been complaining about...the last few pounds are so slow in coming off. But I've just decided that's the way it's going to be and as long as I still with good eating and exercise, they will. I am at a weight right now that I don't even know if I saw in high school! Looking back at photos, I was a bit more of a chub than I remember. A few more pounds to go, and then working on maintaining begins!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
I DID IT!!!
So the Mud Run was today. 6.2 miles. 3 big hills. 2 mud pits with walls to climb over. A small lake to walk/swim across. A final mud pit you have to crawl on your belly through.
Two years ago I did the race for the first time. I trained, but not all that much. I completed the course in 1 hr 32min. Not too bad. However this year, I trained a LOT more and focused on getting good on hills hiking/running some trails near my house.
It totally paid off. I completed the course today in 1 hr and 14min. And...it probably would have been a few minutes less if we hadn't gotten caught in several "traffic jams" at bottlenecks along the trail. Somehow, I finished 18th in my age group (30-34).
My body definately felt the exertion today...which was good because it meant that I actually did push myself and perform at close to my maximum.
I am so happy that all the trainting paid off. It feels so good to have accomplished that...14 months after having a 2nd baby!
You can do it too!!!!!
I'll get some pictures posted soon....
Two years ago I did the race for the first time. I trained, but not all that much. I completed the course in 1 hr 32min. Not too bad. However this year, I trained a LOT more and focused on getting good on hills hiking/running some trails near my house.
It totally paid off. I completed the course today in 1 hr and 14min. And...it probably would have been a few minutes less if we hadn't gotten caught in several "traffic jams" at bottlenecks along the trail. Somehow, I finished 18th in my age group (30-34).
My body definately felt the exertion today...which was good because it meant that I actually did push myself and perform at close to my maximum.
I am so happy that all the trainting paid off. It feels so good to have accomplished that...14 months after having a 2nd baby!
You can do it too!!!!!
I'll get some pictures posted soon....
Monday, June 2, 2008
Rockin' the Mileage
I was very motivated last week with exercise. I completed 19 miles in 6 days. My average is probably more around 10. Some of it was hiking/mountain climbing, but the majority was running. I felt so strong and good all week. I even was able to exercise 3x without the kids. Now that is a treat.
The Mud Run is on Saturday, so I'll be taking it a little easier this week. Need to reserve my energy for the race! That's part of why I pushed myself so much last week. I wanted to really max my body out and build some more strength and endurance which will hopefully help my perform better.
Like I've said in previous posts, my only competition is myself! 2 years ago my time was 1hr 32min. I am aiming to cut about 15min off my time. It's a challenging 10k course with a variety of obstacles (mud pits, walls, ponds, etc). I think I can do it though.
This weeks plan:
Monday: 3.5 miles
Tuesday: walk
Wednesday: 3mile mtn. climb--not going to really push myself though
Thursday: REST, stretching
Friday: REST, stretchings
Saturday: RACE
Now I need to find my next race. I think I'm going to do the Carlsbad Half in January. But I need something else between now and then.
The Mud Run is on Saturday, so I'll be taking it a little easier this week. Need to reserve my energy for the race! That's part of why I pushed myself so much last week. I wanted to really max my body out and build some more strength and endurance which will hopefully help my perform better.
Like I've said in previous posts, my only competition is myself! 2 years ago my time was 1hr 32min. I am aiming to cut about 15min off my time. It's a challenging 10k course with a variety of obstacles (mud pits, walls, ponds, etc). I think I can do it though.
This weeks plan:
Monday: 3.5 miles
Tuesday: walk
Wednesday: 3mile mtn. climb--not going to really push myself though
Thursday: REST, stretching
Friday: REST, stretchings
Saturday: RACE
Now I need to find my next race. I think I'm going to do the Carlsbad Half in January. But I need something else between now and then.
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