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{Wordless Wednesday} My Week In Fitness So Far
Filed under Fitness Inspiration, Health & Fitness, Running
What’s Your Super Bowl Game Plan?
It’s quickly approaching! Super Bowl Sunday is right around the corner and that means Super Bowl parties and snack food galore!
You know what I’m talking about…. Nachos, Wings, Dips, Pizza, Chili, Chips, Desserts….you name it! All lined up on a table, waiting for you to stuff your face with them while you scream, laugh, curse and catch up with family and friends.
If you are one of the many people who made getting in shape your New Years resolution, it means you’ve been putting in some serious gym time and watching what you eat. Why toss that all out of the window for one party? Granted, some of you are reading this and thinking, “I’m entitled to a cheat day!” or “One evening of eating these foods won’t kill me.” and you’re right…but why waste all of those calories or tempt yourself to travel back down the road of poor eating habits when you don’t have to?
What you need a is a healthy game plan!
Here are two links to some recipes that look great and will save you calories, while giving you the flavors and foods you associate with Super Bowl parties:
Better Homes and Garden: Healthy Game Day Snacks
Eating Well: Healthy Super Bowl Recipes and Menus
For the most part, it comes down to using lower fat/calorie dairy products or substituting some Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, baking instead of frying and using as many fresh ingredients as you can. You will always have more control over what you put into your body if you are the person preparing it because you are in charge of the ingredients. I know it’s easier to pick up the phone and order a few pizzas, but I highly recommend preparing some items from scratch, on your own. (If you do order, at least opt for a thin crust with veggies….please!)
If you are hosting the party, or just staying home to watch, you’ll have a little more say on what gets served for the game watching festivities. However, there is nothing wrong with bringing something to party if you are invited somewhere. Your host will appreciate it and you’ll know there is at least one healthier option for you.
Also, don’t forget that beer can eat up a lot of your calorie allotment for the day, plus it also contains a lot of sodium. If you choose to have a few beers during the game, opt for light varieties and don’t forget to drink water between drinks!
Another tip? Don’t skip your pre-game workout! Hit the gym or go for a run before you head out for the big game. Doing so will not only burn calories, but it’ll start your day off with a healthy mind set and you’ll be less temped to sabotage yourself once you arrive at the party!
If you try any of the recipes from the sites above, please let me know. Also, if you have lighter versions of football snack food favorites, please feel free to share a link to the recipe on your blog or post the recipe below!
Filed under Health & Fitness, Recipes, Snacks & Treats
26 Miles For 26 Victims
This week I will be pushing myself harder than I ever planned, but the cause is one that touched me deeply.
I will be completing 26 miles from January 14th – January 20th as part of the #FurtherFasterForever Sandy Hook Elementary School Memorial Run & Ride.
The Sandy Hook Elementary School Memorial Run & Ride is an opportunity for you to get out and be active while donating 100% of the entry fees to the victims families and first responders of the tragedy that happened on December 14, 2012 in Newtown Connecticut. #FurtherFasterForever, an online community of athletes will be donating 100% of the entry fees to the HopeMob for their projects in Newtown and Sandy Hook Elementary.
If you would like to join, you can do so by CLICKING HERE.
Filed under Health & Fitness, Running
{Product Review} Palmolive Fresh Fusions
I recently joined a site called Influenster, which allows you to give opinions of products and experiences. It creates links between brands and members to reward participation and also helps to influence future products that manufactures may be looking to release.
As a member, I was recently selected to participate in a product review. I couldn’t wait to open my box of Palmolive Fresh Infusions when it arrived. Right away, I was very pleased to see the pretty bottle design! I normally transfer my dish washing liquids to a decorative bottle which I leave on the sink, but I now get to skip that step! I was also VERY pleased to see a Lime Basil scent option, as it is a favorite scent combo of mine.
Luckily (only in this case…normally this is not a lucky thing) I had a sink full of dishes that needed to be washed, so I picked a scent and went to work.
The first scent I used was the Ginger White Tea. It had a light scent that I really enjoyed and it did a terrific job of cleaning the dishes, that had been sitting in the sink for quite some time. (Don’t judge me! Sometimes you have to leave the dishes in the sink so you can get your workout done or fit that run in.) Like with other Palmolive products I’ve used, a little went a long way and everything was left squeaky clean!
Later in the day I had a few stray glasses to wash, so I tried the Lemon Thyme, and it worked just as well. My hands were left soft when I was done and the citrus smell was a nice pick me up, as well.
As for the Lime Basil, I haven’t tried it yet, but I plan on using it on tonight’s dinner dishes. I will however admit, that I have popped the cap opened quite a few times to inhale the wonderful scent!
Overall I think Palmolive has hit a home-run with this new line of dish washing liquids. I love that they created a sleeker bottle and bath & body style scents, while keeping the grease cutting power and hand softening qualities that many people have always loved.
*I did not receive any monetary compensation for this blog post. I received the three bottles of product as shown, along with some coupons. I did not have to write a blog post about the product, I just simply liked it and felt like sharing. All opinions are strictly mine.*
Filed under House/Fashion/Beauty, Household Items, Products I've Tried
500 Miles or Bust!
That’s the goal for 2013!
I have until December 31, 2013, to complete my goal of logging 500 miles of running. I’m both excited and nervous about this new chapter in my fitness journey.
Setting a running goal is something I decided I wanted to do before the holidays, but I never thought about setting a mileage goal until I read this blog post. I had just downloaded the Run to 5k app and set a goal of being able to run a full 5k by the spring and once I could, I’d start working on my time. After reading that blog, I realized that setting a mileage goal was a fabulous idea and would help to keep me motivated.
It breaks down to roughly 10 miles a week, which isn’t too crazy. Granted, there will be weeks when I may not be able to hit the 10 miles. I’m sure there will be weather, soreness and other outside influences and set backs, but I’m pretty confident that I can make it up when the weather warms up or by adding an extra shorter run to the plan.
As for right now, I’ve been running at least 3.1 miles (a 5k) three times a week. It’s a walk/run combo that is moving more towards a full run. That distance includes a 5 min walking warm-up and cool-down, which I hope to tack on in the beginning and end of the full 5k (to increase my distance) as I become more confident in my running. Today my legs are really not happy with my running three consecutive days, so I plan on doing some lifting, a nice yoga session and then seeing how I feel as the day progresses.
(It’s going to be almost 55 degrees in January! I don’t know if I can resist going out for one today.) I am however, smart enough to listen to my body. If my legs protest, I’ll do an easy run with lots of walking. (Mileage is mileage and an injury will just be a major set back that I do NOT want!)
Part of my goal is to also get used to running on different terrains, since I do an annual 5k that is mainly on a wooded trail. For the most part I have been training on pavement, but last week I added my local fitness trail back into the mix. I am much slower on the rocky terrain and my legs fatigue much faster, but that’s okay! I feel a much different burn when I’m doing it and I go into it knowing that it’s going to take time to adjust.
Sooooo…wish me luck as I run towards my new goal! I haven’t felt this inspired since I did P90X for the very first time 3years ago!
Want to join me in a 2013 goal? If so, let’s hear it and cheer each other on!
Filed under Health & Fitness
Keep On Rolling, Baby!
If I ever hit the lotto, I will have a personal masseuse to address my sore muscles and help work the daily stress out of my tired body. Until then, I’ll have to settle for massage gift certificates on special occasions and my new foam roller.
For the longest time, I saw fellow fitness friends tweeting about foam rolling and how blissful it was, but I had no idea what it was. I began looking these foam rollers up on-line and realized that I could truly benefit from one. I have always had super tight hamstrings and hip flexors, so seeing that there were ways to roll these areas to lengthen and stretch them intrigued me. I figure it could also come in handy now that I’m running more. My legs are always tight and sore post run.
Thankfully Santa (aka my husband) bought me one for Christmas! He got me a textured roller made by Gaiam which also came with a massage routine DVD. I’ve heard that the textured ones give a deeper massage to the muscle and can take some getting used to. Hopefully it’s not too painful at first…I can be a wuss at times.
I also found this handy graphic on Pinterest (of course) which I think will come in very handy.
Do you use a foam roller? If so, do you have any tips or techniques? Please feel free to share below!
Filed under Health & Fitness, Quick Workouts
2012 – A Year In Review
Last year I couldn’t wait for 2012 to arrive. I was fed up with 2011 and thought things had to get better. Well….I was wrong. My 2012 had a very shitty start, then improved, then bottomed out and finally fixed itself for the most part. One might say it was a roller coaster but I always thought those were supposed to be fun….hmmmmm.
Now were was I? Oh….right…. I learned a lot over the past year. I learned that I can handle a lot without breaking (although I came pretty damn close), who my real friends are (and that there aren’t many), that as much as it’s nice to have fun with people – you have to be able to enjoy being alone as well…..cause happiness comes from within and if you aren’t happy with yourself, it’s hard to be happy with others. There were many other lessons but that’s the gist of it. Or at least all I’m willing to openly discuss ;)
As 2013 prepares to make it’s grand entrance tonight at midnight, I’m both excited and a bit nervous. I have high hopes that 2013 leads me towards new, exciting and happy things, but as I mentioned above, I learned a lesson in 2012 …things could always get worse.
Anyway, I’m going into this new year positive, happy and with the mind set that anything can happen. I have a list of goals and things I’d like to do in the up coming months and I have a new focus on what’s important to me.
With that being said, 2012 wasn’t all bad and I have the photos to prove it! Here are some of my most treasured moments from 2012…
As much as they drive me crazy, my family is the most important thing to me. Top Left: Mike & I at a BBQ over the summer, Top Right: Family photo while visiting Lady Liberty. Bottom Photos: My amazing kids at the beach.
Good friends are hard to find! Top Left: BBQ with Mike’s coworkers. Top Left: Mike with Beth at the Jersey Shore . Bottom Left: Me with Kris during one of my OH trips. Bottom Right: Cheers to new friends!
Fitness Goals & Fun! Top Left: I can finally rock a bikini. Top Right: The fitness trail & my goal of being able to run a 5k. Bottom Left: The Color Run. Bottom Right: Me sporting my “tough” look.
The Sky’s The Limit! If you know me, you know I love taking pictures, especially of sunset and landscapes. Here are a few of my favorites from 2012: Top Left: Times Square while walking to Sweet Suite at BlogHer. Top Right: Open field on my way to the mall. Bottom Left: Sunset on my drive home. Bottom Right: My daughter and friend swinging high above Point Pleasant.
This quote is so true and I know I’m capable of making great strides in my fitness this year.
If there is one thing I hope to do…it’s to never lose focus on this.
There is always good to focus on, despite the bad that might be plaguing you. Here’s to a very Happy and of course Healthy New Year! Thanks again for following my blog and keeping me focused on what is important to me. You all inspire me so much and I’m forever grateful to everyone who takes the time to read my ramblings.
Filed under Family Fun, Fitness Inspiration, Health & Fitness, My Ramblings
Working On Goals For 2013
It’s that time of year where you begin to reflect on the past 12 months and start deciding what direction you would like the next 12 to go in.
For me, the focus has been on a few areas, but I’ve put a lot of thought into doing more “fun races”.
I did my first “fun run” this past September and I loved it. The Color Run was so much fun and I had never participated in anything like it before…especially due to my phobia of group fitness activity.
As I perused my 5k options on Active.com and RunningInTheUSA.com, I discovered many different types of “fun runs” and quickly started making a list of ones I’d like to do in 2013!
So far, my goal is to do the Glow Run, Foam Fest and The Color Run.
I, being the Pinaholic I am, have already started collecting ideas for my run attire, for the Glow Run…
I LOVE this idea for the Glow Run!
I also like that I now have goals to train for. I tend to need something to focus on in order to keep on track. I know that I will need to make a solid run schedule as well as a lifting schedule for myself. Somewhere in that mix, I’d like to at least do month 1 of Insanity again, because I know how well it builds up my cardio endurance.
2013 has the potential to be amazing. A year for me to finally break out of my shell and start being a social fit person. I survived a group workout with Tony Horton in 2011 and Bikram Yoga classes in 2012. I even attended a BlogHer party by myself during the summer. Maybe there is hope for me yet!
Do you have any fitness goals for 2013? How about any “fun races” that you may have done in the past?
Filed under Fitness Inspiration, Health & Fitness, Insanity
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Getting Crafty For The Holidays
As you all know, I’ve spent a lot of time on Pinterest this year, so it is no wonder I decided to look for inspiration for teacher gifts on there.
I normally do some kind of gift card for them as well as the bus drivers and religious instruction teachers. It tends to add up quickly and after the expenses that Super Storm Sandy brought with her, my budget was kinda small (not that it’s ever overflowing to begin with).
Thankfully I found these cute ideas to dress up holiday gift cards, as well as inexpensive printable gifts:
Dress up a coffee house gift card with this cute printable! All you need is a printer, a coffee cup sleeve and a glue stick! Ribbon makes a nice touch too!
Classroom art printable in a cute frame I found at the dollar store. Gift bag tags I made to dress up simple candles in votive holders. (I’m all for the cheesy sayings this year)
Make sure you stop by Eighteen 25, it’s where I found the coffee gift card holder and the classroom printable. I plan on using the bookstore and iTunes printable as well!
Merry gifting and sorry this post came so late, it’s still a handy little “last minute” gift idea!
Filed under Family Fun
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