I started making myself healthy smoothies this week. We got a blender to make margaritas for card club, and I have been taking full advantage of it. I first got inspiration for making smoothies from Iowa Girl Eats. If you're not familiar with her blog, you should be. It's very popular and she posts SO many healthy and delicious looking recipes. I can't cook so I don't attempt any of them, but they sure do look yummy. I even saw her on the news last week! Did I mention she lives in Des Moines? Even better!
Anyway, she made this Green Monster Smoothie and insisted it didn't taste terrible. It included lots of spinach, so I was skeptical.
All this week I've been trying different concoctions and I've been thoroughly enjoying my smoothies. I make them each morning and sometimes after my workouts. I have actually lost weight eating these smoothies! I think it kick starts my metabolism in the morning. My fitness says "The second most important meal of the day is the meal you eat after your workout," because your body is a sponge. I think the post-workout smoothie is also doing my body good.
I don't have a real "recipe" with measurements (of course), but I will tell you the kinds of things I throw together.
Frozen strawberries (about a handful)
Frozen banana (half a banana--I would suggest cutting it up and freezing it first)
Frozen blueberries (about 1/4 cup)
Pineapple (about 1/4 cup)
Skim milk (about 1/2 cup)
Orange juice (about 1/4 cup
Greek yogurt (2 tbsp)
Peanut butter (1tbsp)
Spinach (1 large handful)
I make this about 10 minutes before heading to school, and then I put it in the freezer to get it extra cold. Sometimes my blender makes it a little too frothy, but I think that's because I keep it in there for too long. I also bought kiwis and oranges that I'm going to try out. I use Greek yogurt because it's high in protein. I haven't been brave enough to try the Green Monster yet, I wanted to make sure I could commit before I spent extra money on Almond Milk and Chobani Greek Yogurt. For now I'm using A&E Skim and Yoplait Greek and it's doing just fine.
I really can't say enough good things about this smoothie thing! It saves me time in the morning because I can eat breakfast on the go, and it re-energizes me after boot camp. Go make yourself some healthy smoothies!
I have been going to my boot camp class for almost 3 months now. I genuinely like working out and look forward to this class everyday. I have not once skipped it in the 3 months I have been going. My class is Monday-Thursday, and Saturdays are also available. Whenever I'm in town, I go on Saturdays. Boot camp is intense. We burn about 500 calories in a 40 minute session. We also turn in food logs to keep accountable about what we eat during the week.
My first day of boot camp in January was hell. I couldn't believe how weak I felt. It was very discouraging. I was so sore that whole week. Now I realize I am in a constant state of sore, but it's a good sore, a healthy sore. Now, I am successfully completing all the exercises (even though they SUCK!), and my coach even gives me "modifications" as he calls it to make the workout more difficult. I am so happy with the strength I've achieved through my classes. I really feel great. I feel healthy.
When it started getting nice a few weeks ago, I thought I'd give running a go to see how far I needed to go to be in running shape. To my surprise, I ran two miles with ease and never felt better. Boot camp is truly a well-rounded workout. Since it's stayed nice, I've started working running into my routine. I've been able to run a mile before class (as a "warm up") and a mile after class (just because.) I must say, I am very proud of myself for pushing myself to run the extra miles on top of the workout. I thank my competitiveness for that drive. Having other athletes in the class who are just as competitive makes me push myself even harder.
It all sounds great, right? Well, there's just one thing. I haven't lost any weight. In fact, I have gained 2 pounds since beginning. "Muscle weighs more than fat!" is probably what you're all thinking. Yes, you're right. I'm not upset I haven't lost weight. My clothes fit better, I can physically see the change in my body. I feel good and I feel healthy. It's so much easier to stay on the healthy eating track when you are seeing change! It just took a little time.
Why are you telling us this? Three reasons.
1) I have been working out consistently forever, even through college. But, not as consistently as this. I really kicked it into high gear, and that's what it took to see change.
2) Even though I'm still the same weight, I can see and feel the change. I know lots of people who work out get frustrated because they don't lose weight right away. Don't focus on that scale! That was my biggest mistake. If you want a number, look at your body fat %.
3) I didn't see success until I changed my eating habits. I had to fully commit. I have myfitnesspal to thank for the change. Seriously. Use it. I'm not talking about going on a diet. Don't do that. Diets don't work. Look at the foods you are putting into your body.
I guess there is one more reason, but it's more of a personal reason. If I put it out there that I'm making a change, I will be more motivated to keep up. So here I am. Thanks for keeping me honest, people! Going to San Diego in May, Mexico in November, and getting married next June are also good motivators :).
Now that I have given you my "inspirational" story, here is the annoying part that you ladies can relate to. Kevin just finished up his busy season and started on his own healthy lifestyle this week as well. He's been running a couple miles each night and asking, "Is this healthy? Is this healthy?" when we go grocery shopping. How annoying is it that he has already lost 6 pounds since starting this week and I have gained 2 pounds since starting 3 months ago? Infuriating. Whatevs. I FEEL GOOD!
Thanks for letting me share that part of my life with you :)
(See other fitness posts here and here. The first is when I started boot camp in January and the second is a motivational workout post!)
This is my fitness coach, Pin, who has helped me stay motivated and reach my goals! This is a little taste of what our classes are like. But a 40 minute workout and indoors. For now. :)
HOLY CRAP! I can't think of something I'd rather do than this. There are few things I love more than COLOR and I happen to very much enjoy participating in organized races. I am SO totally doing this. Read on if you want to know what the heck I'm babbling about...
The Color Run is a touring organized race that travels across the United States. No matter what part of the United States you are in, there is probably a run close to you. Not many traveling 'things' in general stop in Iowa, but luckily enough for us, we are bordered by three states with superior cities.
Living in Des Moines, I think I am probably closest to Kansas City. However, I do have best friends living in the Twin Cities and family living in Chicago. Maybe I'll run it 3 times!
The Color Run is a 5K race (about 3 miles). You start off with a white shirt and by the end of the race you are rainbowed from head to toe! I can't think of anything that I would love more. Each kilometer is a designated color, and in the end there is a gigantic color celebration. At first glance, I thought it was paint that was creating all the color. It's actually a natural and organic dust (I can't only assume it's magic fairy dust) that is edible (though not recommended) and perfectly safe!
Watching this video will make you want to run it. I promise.
Honestly, how much fun does this look???
I will be running this race in either Kansas City, Chicago, or the Twin Cities. Anyone want to run it with me??
Update: I signed up for the color run! I am running the Twin Cities race for sure, possibly Chicago! If you want to run, you can join my team! If you register by March 1st you get the lower rate of $30, prices go up after 3/1! If you are interested, leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail and I'll give you our team name. (Note: The only benefit of being on a "team" is the lower rate. You can certainly register individually. If you want on our team, you are not obligated to run with us for the whole race, though you are certainly welcome to! YAY COLOR RUN!
Ow. That's what I'm feeling today as I wake up. I started boot camp [again] yesterday. This is the boot camp I took this summer for 3 months that kicked my butt and got me in shape. But when I started student teaching, I couldn't motivate and/or dedicate myself to keeping up with it. (I know, excuses excuses.)
Now that I'm [technically but momentarily] unemployed, I have plenty of time to motivate AND dedicate myself. For Christmas, I asked Kevin for a month of boot camp. He 11-uped me and got me a year of boot camp. Yes, that sounds like a terrible gift to receive from your significant other but it's what I wanted, I swear! :)
I was welcome back with "open" arms with an intense workout. I was a little nervous to start boot camp again, as I knew I would be in significant less shape than I was when I left. I spent enough time with my instructor that he knew my fitness level and knew how hard he could push me. I went to boot camp fired up and ready to give it my all!
However, when I left, I didn't feel like I gave it my all. I was a little disappointed in myself and I knew I could do better. This feeling sucks. There's nothing like leaving a workout feeling like you kicked some @$$. I am writing this to remind myself of that feeling. Tomorrow when I leave boot camp, I want to feel like I'm about to pass out, throw up, or collapse. I love that feeling.
On the bright side, I did go immediately to the grocery store to get a bunch of healthy food options. I know you need the diet and the exercise in order to see results. Again, I'm utilizing myfitnesspal to keep myself on track. You can hear me rave about it here. HIGHLY recommend it if you're serious about getting in shape.
I genuinely enjoy working out and I am excited to get back on track with my program. It doesn't hurt that I had the added motivation of looking fly in my wedding dress for my hubby.
I know a lot start thinking about their health at a good starting point in the year (i.e. a new year!) so here's some motivation in the form of typography for both of us. All images found via Pinterest, of course.
What your motivation should be
I know this is gross but it's a good visual
I should read this everyday. The fact that someone else paid for me to work out is also good motivation. :)
A good thought
Love it
This is a good reminder for when I don't think I can do anymore. Of course I can.
Leave a comment and I will.
[If any of my readers in the area are interested in signing up for this boot camp, here is the link. Pricing varies. If you e-mail him he'll work with you. There are lots of time slots available and it WORKS! http://www.tworkitoutfitness.com/]
Welp, it's about that time. I can no longer rely on long nights of lesson planning to interrupt my workouts. All my planning is done during nap time. Soooo it's back to the gym I go!
Yes, I realize the week before Thanksgiving and the start of the holidays is not the best time to start working out again. But, I was motivated so here I am. The 7 mile Living History Farms race was the push I needed to get my butt back in gear!
Mom, Me, Tonia, Kevin, Dad (yes, dad ran the race though he is substantially less muddy than the rest of us)
Working out is not a chore for me. I actually enjoy it, once I get there. I thought I would put together a little list to share what motivates me to work out. I was inspired by this blog post.
I think about the feeling I get when I LEAVE the gym. I will never leave with regret. However, I will regret not going in the first place.
I make a playlist of songs that reflect my mood-- when I have a lot of energy, I listen to upbeat music, when I just need to relax, I slow it down.
Think about working out as a reward-- I get to zone out for an hour and listen to music. It's my "me" time.
When I have 5 minutes left in my run and I feel like I'm going to die, I just picture the parts of my body that I'm not so happy with and how those parts will look if I keep putting in the work
Set a goal for myself to reach a certain weight, change a pant size, work out everyday, etc. Example: I will get my tattoo when I lose 10 lbs, I will allow myself to go wedding dress shopping when I hit a goal weight (yes, that last one is an actual goal) :)
Pick a good time to start. For me, this is usually on a Monday, or after a certain period of time (end of the school year, moved to a new apartment, etc.)
Dedicate certain days to certain areas of your body so you are not overwhelmed. Don't kill yourself to work everything everyday. I shoot for working out 4 days a week. This allows some flexibility if I'm just not feeling it some night, I can move my day. Here is my current "plan"
Day 1: Cardio, Abs
Day 2: Cardio, Legs, Abs
Day 3: Cardio, Arms, Abs
Day 4: Full body toning
EAT RIGHT! One of the most important things I stressed when I taught fitness classes is you CANNOT lose weight or get a six-pack if you don't change your eating habits. I use myfitnesspal to help me stay on track. I know I have blogged about this site before, but I really love it. It's very personalized and easy to use. Enter your current weight, your goal weight, how much you expect to exercise, and how quickly you want to lose weight. It will give you the amount of calories you should take in each day. I find it helpful planning meals in advance to stay on track.
Finally, don't do it alone. Find a buddy to keep you motivated and accountable. I am always looking for a fitness buddy if anyone is interested :) whether it be working out together or checking in on each other on myfitnesspal, I would love a buddy.
Here are some (slightly depressing) pictures to help motivate you!
Good luck!
P.S. I always get a bunch of people on Facebook telling me they like my blog! Some people who I never thought would click my link. I am getting an especially high amount of traffic after posting our engagement. I'm sure there are others out there who frequent my blog and are not telling me :) And that's ok! I'm trying to gauge who my audience is-- if you are a follower, be sure to click the "Join this Site" link at the top left hand corner. That would really make me happy :)
