Cold Hard Tips

As a Sagittarius, I am known for being well, a bit blunt sometimes. So I thought I would dish out some brusque health tips for anyone who needs a little ass-whoopin'. I know I sure could use one once in a while.
*Sensitive peeps might want to stop reading here.

1. STOP MAKING EXCUSES - Nobody cares why you didn't work out or why you ate an entire pizza with a carton of ice cream on the side. The excuses you are making are falling on deaf ears. You are only hurting yourself. Do something about it.

2. FUGGETABOUTIT - Take the following foods out of your mind, away from your reach and out of your mouth. It will suck at first, but you will start to feel so much better in other ways that when you actually do eat it again, you will have a complete shiz-attack (literally, be near a bathroom).

• Chinese Food
• Mexican Food
• Fast Food
• Sugar
• Salad Dressings
• Creamy Sauces
• White Bread/Pasta

3. LEARN IT, LIVE IT, LOVE IT:

• Fruit - apples, oranges, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, grapefruit, watermelon - you get the picture.
• Veggies - Salads, spinach, peppers, artichokes, zucchini, asparagus, green beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli - once again, you get the picture.
• Cottage Cheese
• Kashi Cereal
• Yogurt
• Egg Whites
• Chicken, Fish & Turkey
• Whole Grains - Quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat

4. COUNT CALORIES - You will freak out when you realize how many calories you have actually been consuming. 1500 is my maintenance range. I dropped down to 1200 when I was in "loss" mode. Yes, you might be hungry at first, but you will shrink up your stomach and train your body to eat less food. (NOTE: It might be different for you based on your size, gender, etc. So find out. It is your responsibility to know how many calories you need on a daily basis.)

5. GET MOVIN' - exercise, walk, run, skip, jump, box, lift weights, hike, have lots of sex, ski, dance, play squash, play tennis, play basketball, do karate, race your kids, play soccer, get movin'. Burn calories any way you want to~there are so many activities out there you are bound to enjoy one of them. (If not, refer to #1). Once again, it may suck at first but once you get in the routine, you will start to crave and need exercise.

6. LEARN TO COOK - or at least how to make healthy dishes. In this modern Internet world, there are millions of recipes for healthy EASY versions of practically anything. One of my favorite sites is Worlds Healthiest Foods.

7. HAVE A PLAN - Sit down and write out your menu, figure out your calories, plan it all out. I recommend to keep it as simple as possible. If that's too hard, then join a group that can teach you how (Weight Watchers, etc.) Just trying to wing it day by day without a plan will set you up for failure.

8. SUPPORT SYSTEM - Hopefully your friends and family will support your decision to get healthy, but they might not. Be prepared for negative comments. (I went through this for a couple months until I actually started to look thinner, then all my friends wanted to know how I did it). If you can't find support at home, then look on the Internet, blog, join forums, join challenges. At some point you will start to feel so good about your success that you won't even need the support anymore. But such a huge life change is so all encompassing that you will want to talk about it ALL the time. That's why we have blogs, right?

9. CHANGE YOUR THINKING - Don't put yourself on a "diet" thinking it is a quick, temporary thing. It is not. You have to change your entire thinking about food and what food means to you. Is food something you use for comfort? Is food something you do when you're bored? Do you use food to cover up emotional feelings? Food is fuel for your body. That is all it is. If this is your main issue, then seek help. There is nothing wrong, embarrassing, or shameful with getting to the root of the matter with a little professional help.

10. MAKE THE TIME - Wake up earlier, stay up later. This is your health. This is your life. Everybody is busy. Everybody has a lot on their plate these days (hopefully not literally). Make yourself a priority. Nobody will do it for you. (Refer to #1).

If you need a friendly competition to get your booty in gear, head over to Viv's page and check out her Independence Weight Loss Challenge! I hear there might be prizes. But honestly, what better prize is there than having a healthy body?

Stay Strong. Peace. Out.
(Notice: I am not a doctor or a professional anything so you really don't have to listen to me. Seek a doctors advice before starting any program, but he will most likely tell you to get your ass in gear.)

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

I had big plans for my four-day weekend.
Big plans for running.
Big plans for yoga.
Throw in some weight training and maybe a fun new class of some type.
Grocery shopping for healthy food.
Preparation of said food.

Didn't happen.

If you measure success by drinking too much and going on lots of dates, then I had a successful weekend. But if you measure it by doing any of the items listed above, then I failed miserably.

Ok, I exaggerate a bit. I did attempt a horrible 2 mile hung-over run. I was so embarrassed. I talked about running with a new friend, then we go running and I was so hung over I had to walk after 2 miles. I did go to yoga once and got a good 8-miler in on Sunday.

I was definitely not as healthy/active this weekend as I wanted to be. Luckily Anita didn't punish me for it. Holding firm at 134.

The Lurking Landlord

When I was apartment hunting, I spotted my current place and called the number to make an appointment. I went to check it out & meet the landlord after a tennis match (visual: hot little tennis outfit). I think that is the reason I got the place - honestly. I'm fine with that EXCEPT that my creepy landlord thought this gave him the window to BRING UP PLAYING TENNIS with me EVERY flippin' time I see him. (NO MO FO, I am NEVER going to play tennis with you so SHUT IT.)

Let me paint you a picture of him. He is creepy, he is at least 25 years my senior and he is creepy. Did I mention that he is creepy? At one point he was living in the main house (I live in a back house) and he would STOP BY a couple times a week. Why? There is NO need for him to STOP BY, especially after 9pm - which is the typical time that he does. The STOP BYs luckily ceased when he moved.

Well he's back. And I can't seem to shake him. I am extremely rude and uninviting when he STOPS BY. I freakin' hate it. 99% of the time I am in my jammies watching a movie or reading and it's my down time. I go to bed very early and don't want him stopping by. Ever.

Recently, my toilet decided to take up running. And even more recently, my walls decided to take up Bikram. There is water dripping out of my drywall. Yep, so I had to call the lurker. This gave him license for even more stop bys. Seriously, he stopped by 3 times to look at the problem. He has yet to fix it. I have towels soaking up the water from the walls and have to turn off the water at my toilet after every use. I feel like I live in the ghetto.

Here's a sample of the conversation we had last night at 9:30 pm.
Lurker: We really need to get you up to my Big Bear cabin.
Me: (silent with weird look on face)
Lurker: You can run up there. That will get you in shape.

ARGH. WTF?
#1. Who is this "we?" you speak of?
#2. I am in shape so shut the F up.
#3. There is no way in hell I would go anywhere with you, let alone a deserted cabin.

I wish I could move, but my rent is affordable (now I know why) and I live in a kick ass area.

Am I Fat?

Yesterday Haley was chatting about how to measure your "frame" size - in other words, are you small boned, big boned, etc? According to this measurement, I am medium framed. Ok, I guess I already knew that.

Then Ms. Flusterate recommended a website that I just HAD to check out. I realize this is just ONE more way for me get crazier, so I clicked on the link:

Am I Fat?

Now here's the funky part - there are 2 options for body fat % calculators.

1st test said 21% (categorized as Fit/Lean)

2nd test said 31% (categorized as "Overfat")

What the fuck? There is no way on God's green planet that I am "overfat" by any means. Where the heck do these calculators come from? And why such the huge ass discrepancy?

And we WONDER why I am (and so many other women) so crazy/obsessed.

Flashback to 9th grade gym class when they told me I was 33% body fat and I wanted to DIE of embarrassment.

Anita has a body fat % option on her. It definitely varies depending on the amount of water in your body. In the morning, my % is higher (around 27%) and in the evening it is lower (around 24%).

So who is right?

How do you know?

Does it really matter? I eat a healthy clean diet, I exercise, I am 4 lbs from my dream weight AND I have muscles (I have taken quite a liking to flexing in the mirror).

So these stupid calculators can SUCK IT for all I care!

(I know- WHY do I even bother to look at them then? Cuz I'm crazy people, duh!)

Good Day.

Short Talk

On my last half marathon, there was a coupon in my goodie bag for lucy - a women's active wear store/website. It was 25% off any single item (just enter the code 1231gen at checkout). I'm a sucker for sales and ordering on the Internet. I just love getting boxes at work with fun stuff in them.

I picked up these little babies. I love the color and they are just so cute. I totally mix and match all my running stuff - and I use the word "match" loosely. (I hardly ever match - unlike SOME people we know... VIV).

My first debate is on the sizing. There is something in my head that says "you're not a small" so I usually opt for the medium. Then I get home and wish I had the small. So this time I got the small. They fit well, so I washed them and ripped out the tags. I took them on their first little 5 mile spin this morning. ARGGGHHH About mile 2 the creepage began. Should have bought the damn mediums. I guess I like my running shorts big. Overall, they were compfy, I just have to keep them for my shorter runs.

I swear, nothing compares to my Brooks shorts - they are the ones that I am wearing in EVERY race photo because they are the bomb-diggity! I guess I should just stick with what works and go buy like 15 pairs of those.

What running shorts do you prefer?
Do you wear them bigger than your normal size?

PS: Go check out this website for fun, affordable clothing: Lady Language. They have a blog too. And I got out of Target only spending $107. Not too bad, not too bad.

Target Therapy

Today I am resting. I got my 8 mile run in and did yoga this weekend.

My body needs a break.

I am consistently at 134 now and feelin' slim and happy.

Well, maybe not so happy, but getting there. I always have the blues on Monday. Anyone else?

But this will help:

I am going to Target after work. And I'm going to spend a lot of money there. I need so many things: new rug for kitchen, tons of toiletries (do you happen to run out of everything at the same time or is it just me?), cleaning stuff, etc. etc. I'm sure I will end up with a heck ova lot more in my cart than just what is on my list. That's what ya gotta love about Target.

Then I'm going home to finish watching my Flight of the Conchords dvd. Does anyone else love these guys or am I the only person in the universe?

Non Plan Update

My "non plan" plan is working well for me this week.

Here's a little recap:

• Miles run: 9 (and I'm going to run this weekend my favorite distance - 8 miles) so that will total me out at 17. Not great, but I'll take it.
• Yoga: Three Times (including today and tomorrow)
• Visits with friends: 2
• Slept in: Once
• Weight: 135 (and holding)

I'm sticking with my "non-plan" plan for another 3 weeks and I'm going to love every minute of it. It's not that I'm being lazy. I'm just doing what I want exercise-wise instead of what I have to do for "training."

Many people have accused me of trying to plan everything. And they say this like it's a negative thing. WHY does this bother people (aka ex-boyfriends, possible new boyfriends, coworkers, friends, etc? Do you think it's annoying?

Once I EMBRACED my inner-planner, I realized there are many benefits to this.

1. I am always prepared food-wise so I can eat healthy. For example, I bring fruit & veggies on road trips so when my friends get fast food, I have something healthy to eat. I bring an apple/orange when I am crashing at friends house so I have some fruit in the morning (just in case).
2. I'm always dressed for the occasion. I don't show up to a pool party in a clubbing outfit (and visa-versa). I can bring a change of clothes for any change of plans, etc.
3. I can get 5 things done when most people can only accomplish 1 or 2. Killing 2 birds with one stone, type of thing.
4. I have less anxiety because I am prepared for events.
5. Others admire me and perceive me as a woman in charge and give me gifts. (Ok, not really)

Saving Face

I was just reading on someones blog (I'm sorry, I forgot which one and now can't link it - please speak up if it's you) how when they gain weight, you can see it in their face.


This is very embarrassing because I look so creepy, but most people like before & after photos. Since there is no limit to what I would do for a good laugh, this is just for you. (Ok, there really is a limit so don't get any crazy ideas.)


BEFORE (2005 and 2006)



















After (2008)

















I just realized that you can totally see how my face is aging (wrinkles, etc.) but I look and feel so much better than I did, so I'll take those wrinkles any day.


So, can any recommend some good wrinkle-fighting products????

I'm tellin' ya, the craziness never stops with me.

Photo Whore Strikes Out

You may have noticed a few things about me
1. I am NOT shy
2. I love me some pictures


So how on earth (for the SECOND) time, can I strike out when it comes to race pictures? My first half marathon, there was not a single picture of me. And now the third half marathon, this happened again.


I do everything to ensure that I will have many race pictures to chose from. I wear my number on the front of my shirt so it is damn loud and clear who the heck I am. I see a cameraman and I make damn sure as hell he sees me. "It's go time buddy."


After looking through 5,980 photos, this is what I found:






















x
Now, I have to be honest. I am exaggerating a little. There is ONE pic from this race of me. But it is SO SO horrible that I would like to pretend it doesn't exist. However, I realized that it's so bad, it would be a crime to not share it. So here goes:


Go ahead and laugh.


What the BLEEP am I doing? It looks like I'm droppin' an "F" bomb and what is with the hands? Am I dancing? Am I stopping traffic?


So, for the sake of all that is good in this world, I will make a solemn vow to you all (and to myself): From now on, during a race I will not do stupid things when I see a camera. I will simply run and maybe a small wave. But that is it.

Good Day.

Mama Drama

Most of you know how I feel about health & fitness.
I love it.
I love to talk about it. I love to read about it. I love to write about it.
I love to live it.
I love to read your blogs about it.

It's all about sharing advice, recipes, suggestions, encouragement, disappointments, etc.

This is what I do to stay motivated and HOPEFULLY, along the way, motivate some of you too.

But there is someone in my life who I cannot motivate.
It's my mother.
She has gone through various stages of health and fitness herself. I have not been alive to witness any of it (I have to take her word on that one), but she says she was even a runner at one time. She has been thin (not from a healthy way) and she has been heavy. Right now, she is at her heaviest. She has even been hospitalized for DIET related problems.

I don't know what came first for her - the depression or the weight gain. But they definitely go hand-in-hand. I have tried to motivate her by giving her healthy, easy recipes. I send her info about yoga and even try to show her some basics. I don't live close enough (thank God) to actually work out/walk with her, so that's not an option. Plus, she is the kind of person who looks for a PILL to solve everything. She wants an easy way out, an easy solution. Unfortunately (or fortunately, as I see it) sometimes the only way is by good, old-fashioned hard work.

I know there is nothing I can really do, because she has to WANT a healthier lifestyle for herself. I can't force my views on her, but I hate to see her getting more depressed and gaining even more weight. And even worse, eventually ending up back in the hospital.

A few of us in my family (Grams, Aunt, Sis) have tried to intervene, but like I said before, she has to want to change for herself. I really wish I could send her to one of the shows - like "Starting Over." That would be awesome.