Cold, Cough, Congestion

On Christmas night, I started getting a tickle in my throat and a runny nose.

By the next morning, it had blown into a major cold. I had all the typical symptoms: cough, running nose, sore throat, sneezing, aches and chills.

I've spent the last few days lying around... I've been drinking tea and sipping soup, and watching bad daytime TV. It sucks... 'cause I really want to get out and go for a walk. The weather is super mild for late-December, and it's perfect "jog around the neighborhood" temperatures.

But I know better than to push myself when I'm feeling sick... since my top priority is ridding myself of this cold as fast as possible. I'm even going to skip a party tomorrow night because I know I need the rest!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

I'll be taking a break from blogging--at least 'til after Christmas, possibly until the New Year. I hope everyone has a happy and healthy holiday!

Christmas Parties

Fortunately for me, Hubby and I have few holiday events this year. We did his "work" party, which consisted of a nice buffet. (I had some steamed veggies, potatoes and salad. I admit to having a piece of dessert, too.) Since I'm on the wagon, I only drank water... which probably saved me about 500 calories, since normally I would have had at least 4-5 glasses of wine.

I expect Christmas Eve will be a relatively light meal. My mom's been sick lately, so she'll probably just throw together something small. I might bring a dish, too. And if I do, it'll be something healthy like a nice veggie casserole.

Christmas Day will probably be my biggest obstacle. We do a heavy breakfast, dinner and late supper... so I have to restrain all day long. Fortunately, the meals seem to come so close together that I'm pretty much stuffed by the time I reach the next event... which cuts down on my portions.

After that I only have to deal with a friend's dinner party--not a problem--and New Year's (I'll probably snack a bit).

Being "on the wagon" will be a lifesaver for my waistline this season. I usually drink alcohol at every holiday get-together... probably between 500-1,000 calories. By avoiding alcohol at just 4 events, I've saved myself a pound of weight gain. Pretty cool.

Light Lifting

My current health condition means I've had to kick back my cardio workouts to just walking... which isn't bad, but isn't great either. (I've decided to add some elliptical machine in at some point, perhaps.)

I'd also cut out strength training to be extra cautious, but then I started to notice a big difference in my upper body strength. I couldn't even really see a muscle when I flexed my bicep! So I am now adding some strength training back in to my routine. I'm just doing some upper body stuff--bicep curls, tricep extensions, military presses--with some light weights (8 lbs.). It's not much, but at least I feel like I'm doing something.

Overall, I'd call my exercise routine light but adequate. It's just enough to keep me from turning into a total couch potato, but not enough to see any gains. In fact, it's probably not even enough to maintain my current level of fitness. All it does it slow down my fitness loss.

Still... research suggests that a brisk walk most days of the week coupled with some light strength training is the minimum we need to improve our health. So even if I'm not in "athletic" mode, I'm at least doing something good for my heart, muscles, bones and body.

Rethinking My Diet

For quite a number of years, I've been a vegan. This means I've eschewed all animal products, including dairy, eggs and seafood. I became vegan mostly for ethical reasons, although environmental and health reasons were also considerations.

During the last few weeks, however, I've been seriously rethinking my position. Here's why:

• Fish: It's almost impossible to refute the evidence that certain seafoods are extremely healthy for humans. (And, from an ethical standpoint, Jesus ate fish.)
• Eggs: My biggest problem with eggs was always the treatment of chickens in large egg-laying plants. But obtaining eggs from a genuine free-range farm (local, so I can actually see the farm and chickens) eliminates that issue.
• Dairy: Again, the treatment of the cows (and the hormones) were always the sticking point for me when it came to dairy. Organic and local dairy products can help ease my mind.

The primary reason I've been reconsidering this, however, is because Hubby and I are thinking about having children (some day). And, in the event that happens, I won't be raising them as vegans. For one thing, raising a vegan child is a great way to have social services knocking on your door. For another, I don't think it's healthy to give children inordinate amounts of soy, which often happens in a vegan diet. And finally, I believe veganism is a personal choice of ethics, one that my child is free to make on his/her own when he/she is capable of intellectual reason.

And if I'm not going to raise my child as vegan, what's the point of eating vegan myself? I'm certainly not going to prepare three different meals--a vegan one for me, a vegetarian one for the kids, and a meat one for Hubby--at dinner!

I think I could be comfortable feeding both me and any future children a lacto-ovo-pescetarian diet. And Hubby would be willing to go along with that diet, too, I think.

Health Enemy

The TV is probably my absolute worst enemy when it comes to health and fitness. Here's why:

• After my workday, I am more likely to plop on the couch instead of going for a walk.
• I eat a lot of meals in front of the TV, which means I'm not really conscious about my portion sizes (and it takes more food to satisfy my appetite).
• When I watch movies and fun shows, I like to munch on snack foods.
• Watching TV means lying practically motionless on the sofa.

I'd like to combat my TV addiction and start doing smarter things for my health. So I've decided to try and:

• Limit the amount of TV I watch... down to 2 hours per day.
• Switch to healthier snacks such as air-popped popcorn and fresh veggies.
• Try to be "active" during TV time, even if I'm just knitting a scarf.
• Start eating meals at the dining table instead of in the living room.
• Give myself exercise rewards: If I workout that day, I get extra TV time.
  

It may take me a while to make all those changes, but those are my ultimate goals.

Treadmill

Back on the treadmill today! I dislike the treadmill, but it's sooooo windy and cold outside. I decided it was better to do a brisk walk inside than to bundle up and fight the bitter weather.

The one benefit to the treadmill is that I get to watch TV while I exercise. And now that I'm walking instead of running, it's a lot easier to concentrate on a show. I'm not a big fan of daytime TV, but I sometimes watch Discovery Health or TLC or the Style network.

I've definitely noticed that my pace has slowed lately... even my "brisk" walking isn't so brisk anymore. And it makes me sooooo jealous when I hear Hubby trotting away on the treadmill at a speedy run. But because of my health issues right now, I got to take it easy. So I'm trying to be as patient with myself as possible.

And I figure a little bit of exercise--even if it's just light walking--is better than nothing.

Stretching My Foot

Since I've pretty much cut out running--and am down to just strolling through the neighborhood--my foot hasn't been bothering me. In fact, it's been feeling pretty darn good. So I think it's safe to say that my plantar fasciitis is definitely a result of running.

Of course, since it's feeling good now, I should probably be stretching it to keep it nice and pliable. But I just keep forgetting to do it! I have always been bad about stretching... it's my least favorite part of exercise. I occasionally do some yoga, but not very often. It just bores me.

Let's face it: I am a give-me-the-action kind of gal. But I know I need to start stretching more. Not just my foot, but all my muscles. I just gotta find the motivation to do it.

Energy!

Went for a walk this morning... my first walk in about a week. It was only 40 minutes, but I felt great afterwards! This is the first time I've had any real energy in quite a while! I told Hubby that I need to make these morning walks a habit.

My iPod mix had been designed for running, however, so most of the tunes were too upbeat for my walk. I'm hoping to find some time this evening to put together a walking mix for the future. If everything goes ok with my current health condition, I should be able to keep walking for at least four or five more months. So it makes sense to make a new music playlist.

I've also got to get more dedicated about journaling my food. Ever since I dropped the habit, it's been hard to restart it. And these days I'm eating lots of snacks since my stomach just can't handle big meals... so that means I'm constantly jotting down my food in my notebook. Still, a diet journal is one of the best tools for tracking my nutrition. So I just gotta get motivated to do it.

Printer Cartridges

This is a sponsored post

I'm a writer and editor, so I use a lot of paper. Although I write on my computer, I prefer to do my final edits on a hard copy. As a result, I also use a lot of printer ink. And it's not always easy to find the right ink cartridge for my printer.

Fortunately, CartridgeFinder.com has an easy-to-use Cartridge Finder that's designed to help you find the right ink cartridge for you based on your printer brand and model. Even better, the website has teamed up with PriceGrabber to help you find the lowest price on the cartridge, too!

Personally, I think it’s great that I can get a low price on my printer ink cartridges, since the cost can really add up quickly!

Thanksgiving Hangover

Fortunately, mine isn't too bad today.

I have totally stopped drinking, so I didn't have any wine or beer yesterday. And even though I had to eat two dinners (one at my parents, one at the in-laws), I managed not to overdo it at either.

For me, the worst part about Thanksgiving is that all the food is beige! Mashed potatoes, corn, bread... all the stuff that I can usually eat is beige in color and has very little nutritional value. Normally I'd bring my own healthy dish--like a veggie casserole--but this year I just didn't feel like cooking. So I ate beige, not-very-healthy foods yesterday.

I'm hoping to try and take a walk today, even though it's a little chilly outside. I haven't gotten much exercise lately, and it's time for me to get moving.

World's Weirdest Diet

A few days ago, I bit my tongue really really bad while I was sleeping. Since then, it hurts to eat anything.

On top of that, I have a sore throat.

So, for the past three day, I've only been able to eat soup.

Soup!

And when I got weighed at the doctor's office yesterday, I was three pounds lighter than I expected. How funny!

More Walking

I've never been a huge fan of walking. In the past, I've usually "fitness" walked for one of four reasons:

1. To warm-up before a jog
2. To cool-down after a jog
3. To get some exercise if I'm suffering an injury
4. To ease back into a running program after a long absence

Well, I've been walking for exercise during the past week. It's not an everyday thing yet, but it'll be 5 days this week by Saturday. Hubby has been joining me, which gives us a chance to spend a little time together. I haven't been walking as briskly as I'd like--still need an "ok" from my doctor first--but at least I'm doing something.

If my doctor tells me to take it easy for a while, I've been trying to think of some other low-impact activities to do. Personally, I love swimming. I think it's a great meditation-type exercise. Unfortunately, the nearest pool is about 20 minutes away... plus it requires a pretty expensive membership. I'm not sure if I'd be motivated enough to actually drive there... and pay the financial price, too.

Another option might be the elliptical machine. We have one in our home gym, so it's very convenient. We also have a recumbent stationary bike, which could be a good option, too.

Still... there is something I like about being outside... especially this time of year. So I might stick to walking for now. Perhaps I'll even learn to like it.

FitnessBliss Bells Software Review

This is a sponsored post

Many fitness enthusiasts--including myself--prefer to exercise in the comfort of our own homes rather than the noisy, crowded environment of a gym. And dumbbells are perfect exercise equipment for the work-at-home fitness buff. They're economical and they take up very little space in a home gym.

However, it's not always easy to think of new exercises that can be done with dumbbells. Fortunately, now you can use FitnessBliss Bells. This software is designed to help exercisers create dumbbell weight-lifting routines that will keep your workouts varied and interesting!

The software includes a diagram of your muscles (so you know which body parts you're targeting), pictures of the exercise being executed (to help you understand proper form), a schedule with sets/reps, and a place to track your progress. You can see a sample of it here.

FitnessBliss Bells features more than 100 different dumbbell exercises, so you'll never get bored! You'll be able to target all the muscles of your body with this innovative software. FitnessBliss Bells even includes pre-designed routines that are specific for certain athletes, such as baseball players or golfers. By choosing one of these routines, you can immediately begin working out with a program that's designed to help boost your performance in your preferred sport.

The software is intuitive and easy to use, so it's simple to design your own, custom dumbbell workout program. And since you can easily print out your plan and progress sheets, the workout can be handily referenced in any setting or environment.

Walking and Eating

Hubby and I have been walking about 40 minutes every day. Nothing too brisk, but it's enough to at least make me feel like I've accomplished something! It keeps me from being a total couch potato, at least.

My diet is just so-so. I do have my "bad" moments--sometimes I just really want French fries, dammit!--but other times I do pretty good. I've been making a lot of veggie stir-fry with brown rice lately... it's easy to reheat the leftovers, and I feel like it's pretty healthy for me. I've also been eating more fruit, especially apples.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but I'm not too worried about it. My vegan diet generally means that I avoid the typical temptations at holiday gatherings. No cookies or cakes or pies for me! And when I go to my parents or in-laws, I usually can't eat the mashed potatoes (butter & milk) or stuffing (turkey broth) either. So I just bring a few healthy dishes to share and enjoy the fact that I don't have to worry about overstuffing myself on unhealthy foods.

I do admit, though, that I usually make my own vegan mashed potatoes and stuffing (with mushroom gravy) around that time... sometimes I bring a little to Thanksgiving dinner. They are two of my favorite foods! And that way I get to indulge a bit and not feel totally deprived. I just try and keep the portions reasonable.

Explanation for Silence

So.... I wanted to explain my silence.

Right now I kind of have a health condition that prevents me from doing any real, strenuous workouts. I'm not quite ready to share the details about it, and will let you all know more when I hear from my doctor.

Anyhoo... until then I have bumped back my exercise to just simple walking. And I'm trying to eat as healthy as I can. That means plenty of veggies/fruits and lots of whole grains.

Crampy and Cranky

Ever have one of those days? Probably, if you're female.

Anyway, today I feel seriously crampy and definitely cranky. I keep growling at poor Hubby, who's just trying to be a nice guy.

Normally I would bury these feelings under a mound of something full of carbs--spaghetti, bread, Chinese food, pizza. But I've heard that healthy eating can actually ease PMS symptoms. So today, instead of indulging in typical pre-PMS munchies, I'm going to try eating healthy fruits and veggies.

It might help a lot with my cramps... but I'm having my doubts about whether it'll ease my crankiness.

Autumn Health

Today I glanced out my kitchen window to see a tree's leaves, starting to yellow and orange from the season, fluttering in an autumn wind. I could almost smell the crisp fall air, lightly scented with a hint of smoke from a far-away neighbor's wood stove.

It certainly made me feel like autumn was here... and here to stay.

There are two reasons I love autumn:

• It's perfect running weather. Sometimes I only need shorts and a long-sleeve tee. Other times I need running tights and a light jacket. Nonetheless, fall weather is perfect for long runs through the neighborhood. (I hate the stifling heat of the summer.)

• It's perfect soup weather. I think soup is the most convenient health food. You can make a big pot that lasts all week long, so it gives you multiple meals for just one cooking session. Even better, you can add almost anything to it, so you can get all your protein, carbs and veggies without the hassle of needing a side dish.

I'm thrilled that fall is finally here. It's enough to make me want to get outside and run!

Bling!

(This is a sponsored post)

Generally speaking, I am not the flashy type. The only jewelry I wear consistently is a plain, white gold cross necklace, my wedding band and my diamond engagement ring.

On special occasions, however, I will change my necklace and add earrings. For those types of events, I prefer elegant, expensive jewelry. And one of my favorite stores to browse for this type of jewelry is JrDunn.

The store's website offers a huge variety of jewelry, including diamond engagement rings and pearl earrings.

Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone else, JrDunn is likely to have that perfect piece of jewelry for every occasion.

Odds and Ends

Just some odds and ends about my life and my pursuit of fitness:

• I have just recently quit--totally quit--smoking again. (And, as a result, I've quit drinking, too... at least until I get a handle on life without cigs.) So I'm ready to jump start my fitness program again. It's time to clear out these lungs and get off my tush!

• I took a short break from tracking my food, but I am back to a daily journal of my meals and snacks. It helps keep me accountable, and it reminds me to stay focused. So far, so good...
  

• I have pulled out all my winter clothes, which means it's time for running tights instead of running shorts. I gotta admit... I love running tights. They just feel so good against my skin!

• My left foot is still bothering me... it seems to be something I may suffer from for the rest of my life. I haven't been very diligent about stretching and icing it. I'm making a commitment to stretch it at least twice a day.
  

Workout Clothing Coupons

(This is a sponsored post)

If you're a regular reader of my blog, you know how much I love to shop… especially for fitness and exercise clothing. Fortunately, websites like EdealFinder.com provides coupons and deals to all my favorite stores.

Since I'm a big bargain hunter, I especially love to shop at discount stores. Kohl's coupons help me pay even less than their already low prices. Their activewear section usually has some fitness and exercise clothing that I can wear while doing yoga, stretching or aerobics. Occasionally I find a great deal on sports bras and athletic shorts, too!

These types of clothing can easily cost $20-$50 each at a regular retail store. But when I combine Kohl's discount coupons and the store's low prices, I can often drop the cost to 50% less than the regular retail price. And in my opinion, that's a real bargain!

EdealFinder.com offers other deals, too, like 1800PetMeds coupons and Zappos.com bargains.

Work Stress

To be successful, you must decide exactly what you want to accomplish, then resolve to pay the price to get it. ~ Bunker Hunt

I keep this quote on a post-it note stuck to my computer monitor, and I read it every day.

For me, it sums up everything in my life. Career. Fitness. Family.

Everything worth obtaining requires sacrifice. But first it requires decision.

I decide to be healthy and fit. I acknowledge the sacrifices I must make to achieve that goal. Then I resolve to pay the price--to make the sacrifices--to achieve it.

It's a quote that inspires and motivates. It reminds us that diligence, persistence and dedication are the keys to achieving our dreams. And it is a painful reminder that we must always pay a price.

I'd never heard of Bunker Hunt, so today I Googled his name. Apparently, he was an American oil executive who bankrupted his company when he tried to (illegally) corner the market on silver in the 1980s. He was convicted of the crime.

So I guess he paid his price, too.

And I have to ask myself: Are some of the things I'm willing to sacrifice for success--time with family, meals with loved ones, parties with friends--are those sacrifices really any better than Bunker Hunt's? Or does it always come down to selfishness in the end?

Walking Tours For Fitness and Fun

Although I've lived most of my life above the Mason-Dixon line, I consider myself to be a mix of Yankee and Southern Belle. The southerner in me loves the hospitality, friendliness and slower pace of the southern states. As a result, I've always wanted to take a trip to South Carolina.

My Mother-In-Law was raised in Charleston, and I've been considering a tour of the city. But since I've never been to Charleston, I prefer to let the experts guide my sightseeing. Fortunately, travel service Trusted Tours and Attractions offers a Charleston Tour that includes sightseeing.

A tour is a fun way to see a new city, and it's something I've always wanted to try. I love the idea of a themed tour, and those of you who regularly read my blog will understand why "The Pub Walk of Charleston" sounds so appealing to me!

Hubby is a lot more interested in history, though, so I could see him finding interest in "The Charleston Civil War Walking Tour." The great thing about this particular tour is that it combines history with exercise, so at least I'll be able to walk off some of that tasty southern food! The "Original Charleston Walk" is another great way to get some exercise while I learn about the local history and legends.

If you prefer a more northern destination, this travel service also offers Boston Tours and tours in other cities, like Chicago and Niagara Falls.

LSD versus HIIT

They may sound like the latest street drugs, but they're really two different styles of training. And I'm trying to decide between the two of them.

Long Slow Distance (LSD): These types of runs are generally reserved for the training of endurance athletes. I suppose, however, that anyone can do LSD training... it's just the "distance" is all relative to experience. LSD runs are usually a runner's "long" run of the week. Depending on ability, it can be as long as 20+ miles (or as short as 2 or 3).
Pros: Builds stamina; necessary training for anyone who wants to complete an endurance race
Cons: Not much of a fat burner; takes a long time

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): These are the types of cardio workouts recommended in Body for Life. They're generally very short--in BFL they last 20 minutes or so. HIIT workouts involve short bursts of "high intensity" (such as running so fast your guts practically fall out) followed by periods of recovery time (jogging or slower running). This pattern is repeated over and over again through the entire workout.
Pros: Torches calories in a serious way; short
Cons: Doesn't allow for much endurance training

So which one should I do?

While I really want to burn calories and shed some fat, I also want to get started training for some endurance events.

I think I'll try to combine the best of both worlds and do four runs each week.

1 LSD
1 HIIT
1 short, easy recovery run
1 "fun" run

That should keep my plan varied and interesting.

Body For Life

I know there are at least a few bloggers out there who have tried Body for Life. It's a 12-week diet and fitness plan--fairly stringent--that's designed to help you lose weight and build muscle. (Although I tend to think it's mostly a "cutting" plan rather than a muscle-building plan.)

The basic tenants are this:

1. 5-6 mini meals per day, each of which contain one "portion" of protein and one "portion" of carbs
2. A "portion" is a serving approximately the size of your palm or fist
3. Veggies--like spinach, lettuce and broccoli--can be added to every meal
4. Workouts are either cardio (20 minute high intensity interval sessions) or weights (a half pyramid with a compound pump set)
5. Workouts are rotated each day (day of cardio, day of weights, day of cardio, etc.) six days a week
6. Day 7 is a "free" and "rest" day; no exercise, and you can eat anything you want

Follow the plan and you'll get visible results in 12 weeks.

Personally, I have always believed that Body for Life is a solid plan. It teaches portion control, regular eating habits and regular exercise. It balances cardio and strength training. And it teaches us to indulge--just a little bit--every once in a while.

Hubby and I are thinking about starting up this program again on Monday. I'm looking forward to it.

Water

Everyone used to agree that 8 glasses of water is best for optimal health. But lately I've been hearing that it's all a myth. In fact, according to my favorite health guru Dr. Oz, we get plenty of water from food and other beverages. And drinking lots of water doesn't really make our skin any healthier or more supple!

Even though experts have been saying that the "8 glasses a day" is a myth, I still try and drink a lot of water. It's refreshing on a hot day, and it helps me rehydrate after I workout. I find that I am likely to get a headache on days when I don't drink much water.

There is one unfortunate side effect, though. I find myself running to the bathroom every hour or so! Some people say that this eventually stops as your body gets used to the extra water, but that's never happened for me. I always have to go, even if I've been drinking plenty of water for months. It's rather inconvenient at times, like at the movie theater or when I'm grocery shopping.

Nonetheless, I still tend to think it's better to try and drink those 8 glasses if possible.

What about you? Do you drink a lot of water?

Healthy Holiday Gifts

Yes, I know it seems kind of early (to some). But I'm already writing my Christmas gift list! Instead of giving everyone another sweater or necktie, this year I've decided to give healthy gifts!

Most of my friends and family know about my interest in all things diet and fitness, and many of them could use a little extra "push" toward a healthier lifestyle. And, fortunately, I can save money on these gifts with coupon codes from websites like CouponChief.com!

So here's my gift list for those I love most:

Hubby: He already enjoys a good run or weight lifting workout, so I think he'll get some new workout shorts and shirts with from Champion Catalog bargains.

Parents: They're a little bit older, so I'm going to scour the Footlocker coupons to find them some nicely priced walking shoes.

Friends: Most of my friends enjoy beer as their beverage of choice, so I'm going to find some cool water bottles with Sierra Trading Post deals. Maybe they'll start drinking more water and less beer!

Me: I'm going to get myself a little holiday gift, too! On my wish list this year is a new sports bra, which I know I can find at a bargain price with Dicks Sporting Goods coupons.

Bad Blogger

I've been a very bad blogger! My posts have been sporadic at best. I've had an out-of-town guest, I've been swamped with work, and things in my personal life are a little stressful right now.

Not that I'm trying to make excuses... *wink*

Just as an overview...

I'm still trying to get back on track with my exercise program. Unfortunately, I've been in a bit of a funk lately, and it's been kind of hard to get my tush off my couch. To make matters worse, Hubby and I have been totally immersed in an XBox game. I should've bought Dance Dance Revolution instead. At least it requires movement!

My nutrition plan has been fairly solid, at least. Even though the weather is still a bit warm, I made a giant pot of veggie chili and have been eating it for lunch every day. It's a great way to get a boatload of fiber and nutrients in one, easy-to-heat meal.

My work life has been pretty hectic... I am trying to make money by freelancing, but it requires a lot of persistence and tenacity. I spend most of my time looking for work rather than really working, which gets discouraging at times.

Hope everyone else is staying healthy and strong!

GOALS

Jake at Bring It! inspired me to write out some goals. So here they are. By...

October 7

• I will reinstate my workout plan of 6 days of exercise each week.
• I will reinstate my clean eating plan with 2 "free" meals per week.

October 31

• I will do 20 push-ups
• I will have short runs of 3 miles, long runs of 5 miles

November 4

• I will lose 5 pounds

These are reasonable goals, I think. In fact, I hope to overshoot a couple. I'd really like to be doing long runs of 5 miles in a few weeks.

Giving Away Food

I find that it's best--and easiest--to keep very few junk foods in my home. Sure, the occasional indulgence finds its way into my cupboards. But by keeping sweets and treats to a minimum, I have fewer temptations when I'm struck with the urge to raid the refrigerator.

As a result, whenever Hubby and I host a party or BBQ, we often pass off leftovers to our friends. Last night (after a dinner party), I ended up giving away:

• 8 pieces of lasagna
• 2/3 loaf garlic bread
• 2/3 strawberry pound cake
• 3/4 apple pie

It's not unusual for us to give away meats like bratwurst, snacks like pretzels and chips, desserts like cookies and brownies, and even veggies such as corn on the cob. If I didn't give it away to guests, I'd end up either a) eating it, or b) throwing it away to avoid the temptation. So this way, at least someone gets to enjoy it.

Have you ever thrown away or given away food just so it won't be in the house to tempt you?

Workout Gear Storage

This is a sponsored post

I consider myself to be a very organized person. My office, kitchen, closets and basement are all neat and tidy. However, I do have problems finding the right way to organize my workout equipment. Exercise accessories like weightlifting gloves, jump ropes and resistance bands can easily get lost or tangled if not properly stored.

A garage storage tool chest, however, seems like the perfect storage solution for my workout gear! Sold by Carguygarage.com, these nifty tool boxes include plenty of drawers and cubbies for all my exercise accessories.

Since the holidays are right around the corner, I'm thinking that this type of tool chest would make a great gift--for me!

How do you define failure?

An anonymous individual left me a rather harsh comment on my last post... The main gist was that I had a choice to be healthy or not during the week I had a house guest in my home. And, because I made some poor choices during that week, I must not really be a fit or healthy person.

That, of course, generates an interesting philosophical question.

How do you define failure to live a healthy life?

Does cheating during one meal mean that your lifestyle isn't really healthy? Or skipping one workout?

What if you take a break from healthy living for a full day... or week... or month?

At what stage have you failed at all your fitness and nutrition goals?

Personally, I think there is no such thing as failure when it comes to fitness and health. If a 600 pound man can lose weight and get healthier, then every single one of us can get fit and strong at any point in our lives.

Moreover, I believe the all-or-nothing approach to fitness and health lacks balance. Even the strongest fitness competitors have "free" days and vacation time where they relax their rules of nutrition and exercise... and these are people who compete in serious fitness contests!

So, in my humble opinion, I don't believe there is such a thing as failure when it comes to health. Nor do I believe that there's such as thing as total success. For everyone--regardless of where you are in life--there's always the chance that you can improve your fitness, strength and nutrition.

House Guest

We've had a house guest for the past week. As a result, I've been eating too much, drinking too much and smoking too much.

Our guest loves to dine out, so I've been eating a lot of restaurant meals. Unfortunately, that means too-big portions and lots of extra calories. I've also been skimping on workouts... it's just hard to get active when everyone else wants to plop on the couch and watch TV.

I know there are lots of folks out there with these types of circumstances, like an unsupportive spouse, a lazy roommate or a busy family life. What do you do to combat all the things that interfere with healthy eating and regular workouts?

I know I should just say, "Excuse me, House Guest, but I have to go workout now. Feel free to watch whatever you want on TV." I should also choose healthy meals in restaurants, watch my portion sizes, and offer to cook more healthy meals at home.

It just seems as if lazy behavior is almost contagious!

Today's Plan

My lungs are killing me today (too many cigarettes this weekend), so I am skipping my workout. I had planned a run, but I just don't think it'll happen. Fortunately, the weather is starting to cool--autumn is almost here!--which means outdoor runs will soon become the norm. Yes! I hate running in the heat of summer, but I love runs on crisp fall days! I may try and squeeze one in tomorrow (I have a busy day planned), even if it's a short one.

As for my diet, I am trying to be as clean as possible. I wish I could get a few more green veggies in my regular nutrition plan. I probably eat 2-3 servings of green veggies a day... plus I eat other veggies like tomatoes, squash, cucumber, radishes, carrots. All in all, I probably get about 5-6 servings of veggies each day. Not as many as I'd like (though probably more than the average American).

I still haven't been able to shake my morning caffeine. But I don't really worry too much about it--I only drink 1-3 cups of tea in the AM. Right now, I have more important health things to worry about.

Real Inspiration

Whenever I feel my motivation lag, I always read a few chapters from Ultramarathon Man by Dean Karnazes.

That book gives me the kick in the ass I need to run a little longer, a little harder and a little faster.

Karnazes is a very entertaining writer. But his story would be fascinating--and inspiring--even without his clever and engaging prose.

The book mostly guides us through his personal experiences in various ultramarathons. And although others have run the same races, Karnazes obsessive masochistic personality seems to leap off the page and into the heart of the reader.

Whenever I read this book, I always feel as if I am running beside Karnazes, feeling his pain and triumph.

And the next time I strap on my running shoes, I think to myself: If he can push himself to the limits, I can push myself a little harder.

If you need a little extra motivation, I seriously recommend this book. At about $11 at Amazon, it's a total steal. Even non-runners can appreciate this man's focus, drive, determination and grit.

Healthy Debates

This is a sponsored post

Personally, I believe that a little bit of debating can be healthy. It teaches us how to appropriately express our opinions. It allows us to hear the thoughts of others. And it encourages social interaction and critical thinking.

If you like discussing politics and current events, check out the Argue With Everyone Discussion Forums. These political forums are an online message board for chats about everything from elections to foreign policy to religion. It's a great place to exercise your debate muscles. There aren't many rules on this forum--just enough to keep things under control--so you're free to engage in very lively conversations.

If a little debating is your idea of a good time, check out the forums. You may find the chat interesting and stimulating.

Another tumble off the wagon...

Has friends over for a bbq last night. And though I didn't do much drinking--just two glasses of wine--I did end up smoking cigarettes. My lungs are hurtin' today.

As for my diet, it was so-so. I ate some pasta salad (not great, but not too horrible). But then I ate 3 ears of corn! It's the end of the corn season, and I absolutely love corn-on-the-cob! Of course, I ate it dripping with Earth Balance margarine and salt... which really upped the calorie content. I also munched on some whole grain crackers throughout the night... but just a few nibbles. Overall, my diet could have been worse and could have been better.

I didn't workout yesterday--a planned "rest" day. Today my lungs hurt so much that I'm going to skip my workout. After a night of smoking, I need a full 24 hours to feel capable of really exercising again. (Another reason smoking is so bad for me.) I will get back on the exercise track with a long run tomorrow, I hope.

I feel bloated and pudgy. Not sure if it's all the salt, or if it's really extra fat. I guess I'll find out after a few days of clean eating.

I do plan to keep today's food clean. Even if I don't exercise, I can still stick with my diet plan.

Easing back in...

Today's workout was a 30 minute run on the treadmill. Solid, but not as long as I usually like to go. However, I am easing back into my regular workouts faster than expected.

Next week I plan to continue my runs (3-4 days). I'll also continue to do two days of strength training. To kick it up a bit, I plan to add a session or two of martial arts drills.

As for my diet, things have been going great. But I am dreading the weekend. It's always my downfall. Weekends are hard because we socialize--in fact, we're having friends over for a BBQ this Saturday--which means lots of food and booze (and cigarette temptations). Also, this weekend Hubby doesn't work... so he'll be tempting me with lunches in restaurants and pizza delivery. I have a MUCH harder time controlling my appetite and food when he's with me.

Beat My Demons

I beat my demons today.

Was driving back from an errand, and was suddenly struck by the urge for a glass of wine and a cigarette. The liquor store was right there... I only had to turn my steering wheel. I knew it was just residual desire from Labor Day weekend, but the urge was really there.

Just a glass or two, I thought to myself. And one or two cigarettes. Just to take off the edge.

It was dangerous thinking. The type of dangerous thinking that leads to dangerous behavior.

Anyway, to beat my craving, I imagined myself running through the neighborhood in a tight shirt that showed off my flat abs.

"You won't get a body like that if you keep drinking and smoking," I said to myself. "You can be fanatical about fitness or you can be passionate about partying... but you can't be both! You have to make a decision. Is an evening of wine and cigarettes really worth your health?"

So I kept on driving past the liquor store. Then I came home and made myself some healthy food!

Holiday Weekend Report

Well, my Labor Day weekend had its highs and lows.

Highs: Ate clean for about 75% of the time (more than expected) and managed to do a nice long run on Sunday.

Lows: Drank too much wine and ended up smoking some cigarettes, too.

Now that the weekend is over, I'm back to clean eating, exercise and no cigarettes. There is a bit of a snag in my plans, though.

This month an old friend of mine--who currently lives overseas--is visiting. He'll probably be staying with us a fair amount... we'll definitely be seeing him a good bit, I think. And he smokes. So somehow I have to muster the willpower to say "No" to cigarettes whenever he's around. (It's a lot easier to stay quit when none of your other friends smoke.)

Anyway, I think I can do it (although I failed the first night he came around). I'm going to try and stay focused, and I'm also going to lay off the booze a bit. Alcohol has a way of lowering my inhibitions and decreasing my willpower.

Today's workout is going to be a short run... just something to burn off the cigarette smoke in my lungs and get me started again.

Weight Workout

My typical weight workout is one that requires heavy lifting. I lift to exhaustion and I try to increase pounds over time. I'm basically hoping to build as much muscle as possible.

As a "hard gainer" female, it takes a lot of iron-pumping for me to build any real muscle. I was ecstatic the first time I saw a "cut" in my bicep. That "cut" is long gone, thanks to my slacking.

Building muscle requires a fairly high calorie diet. At the very least, it's almost impossible for me to build muscle and lose weight at the same time. Since right now I'd rather lose a few pounds than build any real muscle, I've had to adjust my weight workout.

I've switched to a circuit type plan that requires me to go from exercise to exercise with very little rest. I'm using lighter weights than usual. So I might do...

10 Chest Presses
10 Bicep Curls
8 Lateral Raises
10 Sumo Squats
10 Lunges (each leg)
8 Military Presses

...without stopping between exercises. Once I finish those sets, I'll rest for two minutes. Then I move on to my next group of exercises.

I have to use lighter weights if I want to move from exercise to exercise without rest (otherwise I'd get too tired and my form would suffer). I'm doing this circuit because it torches calories, too. Because I don't get a chance to rest, my heart rate stays pretty high--turning this into both a strength training and cardio workout.

I won't build any real muscle with this workout, but I will maintain the muscle I have now. Plus it helps with weight loss, too!

Inspiration

Sometimes we all need a little inspiration. Fortunately, there are places like Karl's blog that provide regular inspiration and motivation for your life.

Karl is an author and entrepreneur. He's written two best-selling books. You can learn more about him at his Karl Moore website.

He regularly posts inspirational messages on his blog that are designed to help you live a fuller life. On Mondays he offers suggestions for a Random Act of Kindness that will improve your life and the life of others around you. On Fridays he reveals a Factoid of some type, usually an interesting nibbles of information--it might even help you win your next Trivia Pursuit game!

If you're looking for a pick-me-up, an inspirational blurb or a feel-good post, stop by Karl's blog. You may find a little tidbit that helps make your day a little brighter.

More Hunger (But In A Good Way)

Woke up this morning and I was soooooo hungry! That's always a good sign. First-thing-in-the-morning hunger means:

• I didn't consume a bunch of extra calories during the previous day
• I didn't eat a huge meal right before bed

I'm always gratified when I feel hungry in the morning. It usually means the day before was a pretty good day in terms of diet.

I skipped my workout yesterday because of time constraints. I still can't seem to get up and workout in the morning. Hubby's varied work schedule is really taking its toll on me!

Got a walk/run planned for today. Would prefer to run, but it's been a few weeks since I've done some serious exercise. I thought it would be best to ease back into things slowly.

Hunger

Yesterday wasn't too bad. Hubby and I did a 4 mile hike (well... a 4 mile walk) with our dogs. It was moderate--not a stroll, not too brisk. The dogs enjoyed it, and at least the whole family got some exercise.

As for yesterday's diet, it was pretty good. My food was right on track, but I did have two glasses of wine. Obviously not on my plan, but Hubby wanted some wine and I couldn't resist.

My biggest obstacle seems to be hunger. When I switch to a healthy eating plan, I eat 4-6 small meals per day. In this case, a meal might be:

• Veggie burger, 1/2 cup brown rice, green beans
• 1/4 cup oatmeal (dry), 8 almonds
• 1 cup veggie/bean soup

As you can see, those aren't very large meals. (Some would even call them a "snack.")

At the beginning of my new healthy eating plan, I am constantly battling hunger. It's probably not really hunger, actually. I'm just used to being full all the time.

Rather than stuffing my belly to the point of fullness--and trying to keep it there--I need to learn how to identify real hunger. I also need to learn that a bit of a tummy growl is not a bad thing all the time, and that occasionally dealing with hunger won't kill me.

Evening Dresses Online

This is a sponsored post

In my opinion, one of the best things about losing weight is the newfound ability to slide into a slinky evening dress! With the holidays right around the corner, I've refocused my efforts on dropping a few pounds. I'm seriously hoping that Hubby's job will host a fun, elegant holiday event that will give me a chance to wear a sexy dress!

And, fortunately, there are websites like ElegantMart.com that sell beautiful Evening Dresses at reasonable prices. And products are shipped free with a 120% guarantee! For someone who loves to shop online--like me!--this super deal is a great way to purchase evening gowns and cocktail dresses. I'm really looking forward to dropping a few pounds and then slipping into one of their elegant dresses. Hubby's jaw will drop!

Stats

In an effort to chart my progress, I am now going to start keeping track of my stats. Specifically, I am tracking BMI and Body Fat Percentage.

I'm mostly concerned about Body Fat, but I thought BMI would be a nice way to keep track of my weight without actually revealing how much I weigh!

Today's Stats

BMI: 22.4
BF%: 25%

My ideal goal is a BMI of 19-20, and a BF% of about 20-22%.

Weekend Fears

Already the weekend is looming ahead of me.

Hubby and I are hosting a BBQ tonight for his family, and then another BBQ tomorrow night for friends. Both of them mean lots of food and drinks.

I still haven't been able to get my workouts on the type of schedule I want. Ideally, I would get up early in the morning and workout for 2 hours before I get my day started. Unfortunately, my body has a different idea when my alarm sounds in the AM. Instead, my hand shoots out and hits the snooze button, and I go back to dreamland.

I doubt I'll get up early to exercise this weekend--too much pressure on me. I have to clean the house, cook food, organize things... I know I'm going to need that extra thirty minutes of sleep time in the mornings. But maybe I'll at least squeeze in a workout during the afternoon, before guests arrive.

Unfortunately, the heat has returned again--in full force. So if I do workout in the afternoon, I'll be stuck inside.

Skateboards For Exercise

(This is a sponsored post)

As much as I love running, sometimes I want to try something else. A fun and exciting workout can keep you motivated to stay fit. Sometimes its better to choose a sport for exercise so your workouts feel more like fun than exercise.

Surprisingly, a favorite youth activity can also be a great workout for anyone of ANY age! Skateboarding requires balance, agility, strength and speed. It's also lots of fun!

Check out WarehouseSkateboards.com if you're looking for top quality skateboards for you or your kids. They have everything you need--like element skateboards, skateboard trucks and skateboard decks. You can buy complete skateboards or various parts and pieces. The site even sells accessories like tape and decals, plus clothing and pads. And if you're just learning, they sell DVDs that will get you started.

If you're looking for a way to get your child more physical activity--instead of wasting time in front of the TV!--consider buying him or her a skateboard! Your gift will provide fun, entertainment and healthy exercise, too!

Favorite Fitness Magazines

I read a lot of fitness and health magazines. I used to buy them all from newsstands, but it started to cost waaayyyy too much. Now I subscribe to some and buy others.

My favorites include:

Oxygen: This is a Canadian women's fitness magazine. It's geared toward fitness competitors, but it has plenty of good advice for anyone who's looking to lose weight and shape their body. The magazine focuses on clean eating and strength training.

Women's Health: The female version of Men's Health, this magazine has fitness, diet and beauty advice. It's not as hardcore as Oxygen, and it's reader-friendly for women of all fitness levels.

Fitness RX: I like this magazine because many of its sections are short summaries of current scientific research related to health, fitness and nutrition. The blurbs usually give an overview of the research and then a few sentences of how it can be applied to everyday life.

Fitness magazines provide me with guidance, advice and plenty of motivation. The slim, fit models help me shape goals for my own fitness and body.

Kids and Money

This is a sponsored post.

When I was younger, I was a very poor money manager. By the time I finished grad school, I was deep in debt--student loans, car, and (worst of all) credit cards. I finally cleaned up my act and paid off my debts. And when it was all finished, I promised myself that I'd teach my kids the basics of money management so they'd never find themselves in the same debt situation.

Hubby and I have discussed it, and we both feel that education our (future) children about personal finances is a vital part of parenting. Fortunately, there are blogs like this one that help impart information about teen investing and money management for kids. It’s a great place to find guidance, advice and up-to-date news about personal finance and children.

Since the blog also discusses other things related to finance and parenting, it's an interesting read for almost anyone.

Not-So-Fresh Start

So I wanted a fresh start today, but it's more of a slightly fresh start. I kinda went a little crazy last night with the wine, so I'm feeling a bit hungover today. That means I don't feel like exercising at all.

However, I am staying clean with my diet. I've got my meals planned for the day, and they're all very healthy and low-calorie. As long as I stick with my plan, I'll be in good shape.

My serious workouts will start again tomorrow. Fortunately, the weather has really cooled down this week, so it might actually be comfortable if I want to exercise outside. I'm looking forward to a nice run around the neighborhood.

JourneyLite Lapband Surgery

(This is a sponsored post)

Although I am tackling my weight issues with diet and exercise, some folks prefer to go the route of surgery. Fortunately, today's modern technology makes this type of operation relatively simple.

JourneyLite is a national network of lapband surgical facilities. Lapband (Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding) surgery involves wrapping a band around the stomach to close off a section of it. Your stomach pouch becomes smaller, and the amount of food you can eat is limited. The theory is that you'll feel full on lesser amounts of food, so you'll consume fewer calories (and therefore lose weight). For people who need help controlling their portion sizes and appetite, Lapband surgery may be very helpful.

If you're considering a medical weight loss procedure, you may want to research Lapband surgery. Review the pros and cons of the operation and discuss it with your physician.

Back in the saddle

Well, I got my "news." I can go back to my regular fitness routine.

So it's time for a fresh start! I've got only a month or two until my high school reunion--which I may or may not attend. If I do go, I'd like to look sexy and trim. That means I gotta drop some serious pounds before the party.

I've decided to go with Total Dedication. Generally speaking, this is something that's been hard for me to achieve during the last year or so. I point the finger of blame at alcohol, since I've been spending quite a lot of time with my friends (who are heavy drinkers). Alcohol is loaded with calories, and it always leads to late-night feasts and next-day hangovers (so I skip my workout).

Total Dedication, for me means clean eating, serious workouts and no cheating. I give myself small, occasional treats every once in a while--but rarely. I don't skip workouts, and I am totally focused when I exercise.

I managed to achieve Total Dedication a few years back when I (almost) completed the Body for Life Challenge. It made a huge difference in my perception of diet and exercise. I realized that I actually did possess the willpower to control my nutrition and body.

So tomorrow is a fresh start for me. (I know, I know... another Monday Diet. But this one will stick!)

If I get brave, I may even post my numbers (pounds, bodyfat, etc.)!

AM or PM walks?

It's been super hot here... we've been going through a hot dry spell. (Although nothing like Jeannie's hot weather!) I can't stand exercising in the heat. It makes me feel sluggish and slow, and sometimes I feel like it's hard to breathe.

So if I want to take walks, that means I have to go out early in the AM or late in the evening. Fortunately, my schedule allows me to be flexible. Both times of day have their good points, such as...

• AM walks means less traffic and it's a bit cooler.

• PM walks means I don't have to get up early, plus Hubby is more likely to join me.
  

For now I've been doing PM walks, mostly because I am just soooooo not a morning person. I'd like to start morning exercise again (seems like I'm always saying that!), but I just can't peel my eyes open at sunrise. I know I just gotta dig deep and find the self-discipline. I keep promising myself: "Next week I'll get up early to exercise. Next week..."

Home Gym Stainless Steel Cabinets

This is a sponsored post

As many of you may know, I have a small home gym in my basement. It's nothing elaborate--just a few pieces of equipment, some weights and a heavy bag. Since my basement is unfinished, the whole place has a "garage" feel to it.

I've always wanted some nice, sturdy cabinets for the space that wouldn't look out of place and would be functional. I need a little storage for things like exercise books, my boxing gloves, my jump rope and my weight lifting gloves. When I saw the stainless steel cabinets at CarGuyGarage.com, I fell in love. Attractive, durable and suitable for my purposes, these cabinets would be the perfect storage spot for all my workout gear.

Many of the cabinets included a table top, which is beneficial, too. It makes a great space for me to rest my fitness books or exercise log while I'm working out.

Dining Out

Dining out is probably my biggest challenge. Hubby and I don't do it too terribly often (anymore) because of our finances. But we still dine out at least once or twice each week (if you include take-out).

Restaurant food tends to be higher in calories, fattier, and bigger portions--all of which spell diet disaster. Also, I tend to order things that I wouldn't normally eat at home, like French fries. Generally speaking, I think I could lose about a pound a month if I just cut out restaurant meals.

We're going out to dinner tonight (with a friend), but I think we're planning on going to a small, organic bistro. Everything is local, healthy and of reasonable portion size. The biggest downfall at this place is I order too much--appetizer, entree and wine--but this time I have full intentions of limiting my indulgences for both my waistline AND my wallet.

Still taking it easy...

I am still taking it easy, and should have definitive news by the end of this week (at the latest) about my health situation.

At this point, I am taking leisurely strolls and trying to eat as clean as possible. I haven't gained any weight, which is a good thing, but I haven't lost any either.

I'm ok with just maintaining right now.

Taking it Easy

For personal health reasons, I need to take it easy on exercise for week or so. I'm not giving up on it entirely... but I'm walking instead of running, and pretty much avoiding any type of strength training. It makes me feel a bit antsy, but I gotta do it.

I'm trying to stick with eating only foods with some type of nutritional benefit. Non-nutritious foods are off my diet. We're going out to dinner with friends tomorrow, but I'm going to "just say no" to the alcohol, so that will make it easier for me to control my food. Also, Hubby and I are financially broke... so I may just make do with an appetizer for my meal. That way I save calories AND money.

One thing about being in a tight financial position--we're eating out a lot less and drinking less wine/beer.

In past months, our liquor/alcohol bill was about $200 a month (that includes parties we give where we supply the booze). Cutting back on drinking will help me save calories and money, too!

August Goals

The challenge now continues at Weightloss Priority! I'm excited to have a group of supporters again. I've fallen off the wagon a bit all summer. I've indulged too much in high-calorie foods, I've skimped on exercise, and I've been drinking too much alcohol. So my August theme is:

BACK TO BASICS

Here are my goals:

• Clean Eating: I'm going to limit "cheat meals" to two per week. The rest of the time I'm going to eat clean and nutritious foods.
  
  
• Exercise: I'm going to fall back into the exercise habit, which means a minimum of 5 days per week of workouts.

That's it. The two basics: diet and exercise. I have high hopes for August.

The "Monday" Diet

Anyone do the "Monday" diet?

It goes something like this:

You've been cheating a bit on your diet through the week--a cookie on Wednesday, some ice cream on Thursday. Friday night arrives and your co-workers invite you to happy hour.

"Hey, I have to go," you tell yourself. "It's networking time that could be beneficial to my career!"

You head out to the bar with your co-workers, drink a few cocktails, and munch on the free peanuts. When someone orders a heaping platter of potato skins, you help yourself to one or two, unable to resist their bacon-y cheese-y goodness. On your way home you pick-up some Chinese food--including two eggrolls and some fried wontons--because it's too late to cook dinner.

By the time Saturday morning arrives, you've blown your diet. So you figure, "What the heck... I'll enjoy myself this weekend." You skip your workout because you'd rather go shopping. You go out to your favorite burger place for lunch (and yes, you get the French fries on the side). You have a beer or two with dinner, and finish off your meal with a piece of cheesecake.

"I'll restart my diet tomorrow," you think.

Sunday morning dawns bright and early, and the family wants to go out to brunch. Rather than disappoint them, you think, "The weekend is shot anyway. I might as well start my diet again on Monday."

I call it the "Monday" diet... and I swear it seems to be happening to me a lot lately. Anyone else on this "diet"?

Sore Throat

The general rule of thumb: Exercising when sick is ok if you feel sick from the neck up--stuffy nose, sore throat, etc. But once it reaches your chest--cough and chest congestion--it's time to take a break.

Well, today I have a sore throat. It's so sore that I can barely swallow! I had planned a run for today, but I'm thinking I should take a break no matter what the "rule of thumb" says. I'm feeling rundown, and I think taking it easy might be the smartest thing to do.

Do you exercise when you're sick? Do you have a rule of thumb that you follow?

Interracial Dating

This is a sponsored post.

As some of you know may know, I'm of Asian heritage. Hubby, on the other hand, is Caucasian. To most people, we're an interracial couple. It's nothing I really think about or notice, but other people (occasionally) comment on it.

As a result, I'm fairly sensitive to interracial dating. And I recently discovered InterracialRomance.com, an interracial dating website for men and women who are specifically looking for an interracial relationship. The site features people of all ethnicities, ages and socio-economic backgrounds, and it allows you to search by zip code for interacial personals.

The user friendly site allows members to send messages to potential dates, and you can join for free. The profiles include plenty of information, such as age, marital status, children, pets, music and movie preferences, political views and more. With this much information, it's easy to find someone who could be a great romantic match for you!

Nighttime Noshing

I seem to manage my daytime diet without a a problem. It's the nighttime noshing that gets me! (I've always been a midnight raider of the fridge.)

I'm not sure if it's because:

• I'm sitting on the couch, reading or watching movies, and eating has become a habit.
• I cut too many calories in the day, so I'm famished at night.
• I'm bored/lonely/tired and end up "emotional" eating.
  

Probably it's all those things.

Whatever the cause, I need to find some way to handle it.

Any suggestions?

Exercising On A Random Schedule

Ever since I quit my corporate job to freelance full-time, I've found myself with a varied schedule. This is compounded by the fact that Hubby works a varied schedule, too. Each week he works different days.

So my exercise routine has, as a result, been floundering. I'm waking up later. I'm eating at haphazard times. I'm trying to squeeze freelance work in with spending time with Hubby, when maybe I should be focusing on my work a little bit more.

Overall, this month has kinda been a bust. I've generally felt adrift. At sea. Lost.

I guess I need a regimented scheduled to stay on track. I'm going to have to create one if I hope to be focused this next month.

I think I'm going to try and consistently wake up three hours before Hubby. That gives me 90 minutes for exercise, time for a shower, plus an extra hour to get some work done before he gets out of bed.

Maybe having some time to myself in the morning will help my exercise feel less random.

Fitness Dating

Imagine yourself at the gym, and you probably think of your red face, your sweat-soaked clothing, and your limp hair. But many people think of fitness as a way to meet new people! And the folks at FitnessDates.com have created a website that's devoted to fitness dating.

One of the benefits of fitness dating is that the people you meet are fit! That means most of the folks on the website are probably sexy gals or buff guys. And if you're physically active, it's an easy way to meet someone who will want to join you on your jogs, hikes or bike rides! From the very beginning you know you'll have at least one thing--fitness!--in common.

Moreover, the website lets you explore lots more about a potential date's personality. You can find out tons of information about a person before you contact them, such as their age, education level and height. You can even find out if they have tattoos!

So if you're looking for a way to meet someone who's likeminded about fitness, check out FitnessDates.com.

Commit

I've decided to commit:

One full month of clean eating and serious exercise. No more diddling around... cheating here and there... skipping the occasional workout.

It's an experiment, mostly.

What kind of results can a human really achieve after just four weeks of clean living?

Well, I'm going to find out.

I'm not going to be super super super strict. That would only lead to failure. But I am going to be as strict as I should be for a lifestyle change. This means paying attention to my meals 90% of the time, and giving myself cheat freedom 10% of the time. It also means skipping workouts only if absolutely necessary (e.g. a medical emergency) rather than just because "I don't feel like exercising."

I strongly suspect I'll lose a pound or two in a month.

Scale Movement

No... I'm not talking about the numbers moving on the scale. I'm talking about physically moving my scale to a new spot.

The scale used to be in my bathroom. At one point in my life (about 6 months ago), I was stepping on the scale every single day.

Then I decided to stay off the scale for a while, just to see what happened. After a month of not weighing myself, I ended up at the same weight I started. So the scale seemed to neither help nor hurt.

Shortly after, Hubby and I remodeled. We split our large single bathroom into two smaller ones. Due to space constraints, the scale found a home in the guest bathroom.

However, I was rarely--if ever--in the guest bath. The result? I never stepped on the scale.

Fast forward to this past weekend. I finally get the nerve to step on the scale. To my chagrin, I had gained three pounds.

I immediately found room for the scale in the master bathroom so I can again weigh myself every day. Clearly I need this type of "checks and balances" to ensure that I don't blindly start packing on the pounds. My scale's new home is inconveniently located--I have to step over it every once in a while. But at this point, I'd rather deal with the inconvenience than watch my waistline continue to spread.

Update

Today's run was painful. I was all gung-ho for it, but ended up cutting it short. My legs were sore. I was hot. And for some reason I just felt fatigued through the whole thing.

I've been trying to workout first thing in the morning, but it makes me feel extra tired. I am just not a morning lark. I don't really get a burst of energy until afternoon. But I'm going to keep trying to exercise in the morning for a little while longer... maybe it'll get easier.

As for my diet... it's improved (although it's not perfect yet). Here are today's planned meals:

• Meal 1: Apple (pre-workout)

• Meal 2: Large green salad with beans, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, onion and olives
  

• Meal 3: Veggie burger, brown rice

• Meal 4: Baked potato with vegetarian chili

• Meal 5: Plain popcorn, sunflower seeds
  

Not exactly the most nutritious meals--I could use a few more veggies in my diet. But it's healthier than it's been in a few weeks.

Healthy Vitamins

(This is a sponsored post)

Since Hubby and I are thinking about starting a family soon, I've been pretty much obsessed about my health. I worry about all the usual stuff--eating the right foods and exercising in a healthy manner--but I'm also concerned about my vitamins.

Fortunately, there are websites like VitaminAddict.com that help guide me through the vitamin process. The site lists and reviews various vitamin vendors--like MotherNature.com and GNC. The reviews of the vendors include things like information about selection, prices, shipping and other products.

Moreover, VitaminAddict.com includes detailed information about various vitamins--like Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin C--to help education consumers. The overviews of the vitamins include information about food sources and spotting a deficiency.

If you’re curious about vitamins or looking for more information about a particular vitamin or vendor, check out VitaminAddict.com.

Happy Fourth of July!

Have a fun, healthy July 4th!

July Goals

I haven't yet heard any news about the July Challenge, but I plan to set my own July goals anyway.

I mostly want to concentrate on getting back on track. I've been lax about both my diet and exercise lately, mostly because of work-related stress. Well, now that I am self-employed, I have more flexibility in my schedule for workouts and diet plans.

JULY GOALS

• Primary Goal: Stretch my foot. It sounds silly to stretch a foot, but I've been having a plantar fasciitis problem. I am currently breaking in custom orthotics. However, I know that it's important to stretch my foot. So I am making a commitment to do so at least 3 times per day.

• Primary Goal: Two "free" meals per week. I wholeheartedly believe in the concept of "free" meals for myself. It prevents me from feeling deprived, and I believe the extra occasional calories keeps my body alert. I intend to plan--and limit myself to--two "free" meals each week.

• Secondary Goal: Prep for HM training. This is a secondary goal because I'm unsure how things will go with my plantar fasciitis and this new orthotic. However, if everything goes smoothly, I'd like to start building a solid base for future Half-Marathon training.

That's it! What are your goals for July?

Romance And Love

(This is a sponsored post)

One of my biggest reasons for losing weight is to improve my love life. Now, my love life is quite satisfactory already. But I find that when I feel good about my body, I tend to be more inclined toward romance. On days when I feel flabby, I'll shy away when Hubby reaches out to give me a hug--mostly because I don't want him to feel my extra jiggle.

However, I realize that it's important to cultivate romance ALL the time--not just when I'm feeling slender and slinky. So thank goodness for websites like RomanceForEveryone.com, which offers lots of great ideas for dating, romance and love. Whenever I'm feeling unromantic, I simply take a few minutes to check out this website, which is chock full of romantic ideas.

There are plenty of romance and relationship articles on the RomanceForEveryone.com website. Browsing the site always sparks ideas for creative ways to show Hubby that I care. And when I act more romantic toward him, I FEEL sexier--even though I haven't lost a pound. So this website improves my love life AND my self-esteem!

The best relationships require a little bit of romantic effort, but websites like RomanceForEveryone.com help make it fun and easy!

Oh my aching back

Ok. My back isn't really aching. But it should be!

I've been busting my tail in an effort to start generating some real income from my freelance writing. As a result, I've been spending 10+ hours per day in front of the computer.

Now, I like my computer as much as the next gal. But 10+ hours is a little excessive even for me! When every evening my eyes get watery and a small headache forms at my temples, I know it's time to ease off it a bit.

I've been thinking about setting a timer to remind me to get up and move around every hour or so. (I have an alarm on my sports watch that would work.) Even some light stretching might help.

Even worse, I haven't been doing my typical "food prep" during the week. So instead of having handy-to-grab healthy meals, I've been munching on whatever's convenient.

This is the curse of the workaholic, I guess.

I haven't heard anything about the July challenge, but I'm assuming it's on. My July goal is definitely going to have to be related to exercise--I've been a total slacker about it. I may still get out and run 4 miles every once in a while, but my non-running days are starting to outnumber my running days.

Making Friends Through The Internet

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Encouraging The "Other"

Ok... sometimes I have a hard time forcing my own rear-end out of the chair. There are days when it takes all my internal fortitude to strap on my sneakers. On occasion I have to literally act as my own cheerleader, chanting "Go! Go! Go!" as I progress to the gym.

As a result, I don't have a shred of energy left when it comes to encouraging Hubby to join me in my athletic endeavors.

Frankly, I think Hubby looks great. We're both at the age when a little bit of a middle age spread has started to form, but, for the most part, we're still ok. Nonetheless, he complains bitterly of his growing spare tire and his shrinking upper body muscles.

"So go workout," I respond.

"I know. I will. Tomorrow."

Tomorrow. Next week. Next month. After vacation. After the holidays. After Yom Kippur.

There's always an excuse or a reason to put off the exercise program until later.

Like I said, Hubby looks fine. But I've grown tired of listening to him complain about his body. I want to scream, "Just do it!"

So, has anyone successfully managed to encourage a Significant Other into a fitness routine? If so, share your secrets!

Morning Exercisers

Ok... I'd love to hear from all the people who get up early in the morning and exercise.

• Are you naturally a morning person? Or do you have to force yourself to do it?

• Do you eat before you exercise? Or do you workout on an empty stomach?

• Do you exercise every day? If not, what do you do in the morning on the days you don't workout?

I have always wanted to be a morning exerciser. Every once in a while I get a spurt--usually lasts about a month--where I wake up at dawn for my workouts. But then the spurts end and I'm back to hitting the snooze button on my alarm clock.

I prefer morning workouts, though. They seem more peaceful. More meditative. And I skip fewer of them, since I have no other obligations in the morning. (Unlike the afternoon, when Hubby and family and friends vie for my time.)

My afternoon and evening workouts always seemed hurried. And if a friend wants to go to dinner or Hubby wants to run errands, I'll often push my workout off to another day.

So tell me all about it... how do you morning exercise people do it?

Celebrity Gossip

[This is a sponsored post]

While I'm working out with weights or running on the treadmill, I like to watch TV. And one of my favorite things to watch is celebrity gossip shows. I like to tell myself it's because I get inspiration from their shapely bodies. And maybe that's some of it. Of course, I also kind of like hearing the news about my favorites, like Hugh Jackman and Angelina Jolie.

And now there's a new celeb gossip website! At www.CelebrityGossip.com, you can find all the latest and hottest news about celebrities. Even better, visitors to the website can vote on the news and leave their comments, too! It's a great place to visit if you enjoy hearing about Owen Wilson's latest romance or Kate Beckinsale's latest workout.

Wheat?

Started out feeling much better today, then ate a small bowl of pasta. Almost immediately my stomach started gurgling again. I'm starting to wonder if wheat is the culprit, although I didn't think wheat exacerbated ulcers. Anyone ever heard of that? It's kind of strange, because I eat wheat all the time. But maybe something's up...

Anyway, although I do have a gurgle or two in my gut, I am going to do a short run today. It's been a while since I've gotten any exercise. And with my new life as a self-employed person, I am basically spending ALL DAY in front of my computer. I swear I can feel the cellulite growing.

I haven't lifted in ages, either, and I've been totally lame about tracking my meals. All in all, things haven't been the best. But as soon as my stomach gets back to normal, so will my diet and exercise.

Weight Watchers Discounts

[This is a sponsored post]

There are very few diet programs that I believe actually lead to any type of success. Weight Watchers, however, is the exception. Studies have suggested that people who use Weight Watchers are likely to lose weight and keep it off. Moreover, I believe the Point System is a great design for teaching portion control, healthy food choices and the benefits of physical activity. Overall, I think the Weight Watchers plan is a solid one.

However, the program can be a little bit expensive. Fortunately, coupon website CouponChief.com, which features online coupons, has links to Weight Watchers coupons, too! (They also have discounts for sites like eDiets.com and Bodybuilding.com.) So if you're looking for a way to save on a diet program membership, check out the site.

Ulcer

My ulcer has been acting up... all I want to do is lie on the sofa and clutch my stomach.

Obviously this negatively affects my diet and exercise.

Hopefully, it'll calm down in a day or two so I can get back on track.

Sweet Run

Great weather today... in the low 60s outside. Cloudy, plus a nice breeze. And a recent thunderstorm swept away the humidity.

So, of course, I absolutely had to go out for a run.

Since I've kinda been slacking on my exercise a bit, I planned to just do 3 miles. I kinda need to ease back into a regular running routine. But it felt so good--and the weather was so awesome--that I did 4 miles instead.

Man... I sure wish every run felt as great as this one did.

Hubby fixed the outlet in the basement, so I'll be able to watch TV again when I workout down there. Tomorrow I'd like to squeeze in some strength training, even if it's only a short routine.

Losing Weight Saves Money, Too!

As some of you may know, I maintain multiple blogs. The two that relate to me on a personal level, however, are In Pursuit of Fitness and PiggyBank Raid. As a result, I am often considering the ins-and-outs of both weight loss and personal finance.

Then it occurred to me: Weight loss and saving money were linked in many ways! Ta-Da! A post that works for both of my personal blogs.

At first the relationship between healthy living and losing weight isn't so obvious. But, as I thought more about it, I realized the benefit of…

More local foods: I often buy fresh produce from the local farmer's stand, which is only a short drive from my home.
Money Benefit: It's cheaper
Health Benefit: These foods are usually low-cal things like fruits and veggies

Less driving: I've gotten conscious about my fuel consumption habits lately. I park the car and walk instead of driving around looking for a close parking space, and I'll walk a shopping center instead of driving from store to store.
Money Benefit: Less gas used in my vehicle
Health Benefit: More exercise in my daily life

Eating smaller portions: Serving up large portions only causes me eat more food than I need to be satisfied!
Money Benefit: Smaller food bill
Health Benefit: Fewer calories

More physical activities: Rather than spending my evenings indoors, I've started taking brisk walks around the neighborhood and encouraging Hubby to hike.
Money Benefit: Less cash needed for indoor entertainment like movie rentals and magazines
Health Benefit: I burn more calories

More homemade meals: Although dining out is one of my vices, I've tried to start making more meals at home.
Money Benefit: Fewer pricey restaurant meals
Health Benefit: I eat smaller portions and can control the fat/calories in my recipes

It's nice to know that some of my new habits are good for my waistline AND my wallet!

Gardening For Healthy Food

I have a brown thumb. Every plant I try to grow ends up withered, brown and dead.

I start each growing season with renewed hope, though. This year on my front porch I have a container of cherry tomatoes, a container of Italian parsley and cilantro, and a pot of basil. I know it doesn't sound like much. But the year I tried lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and snow peas I ended up with a crop so small that it was barely enough for one salad.

I'm trying to learn from my mistakes.

I've been diligently watering my plants every day, but haven't yet seen a spark of green push through the dirt. I am impatient by nature, and Hubby has to remind me daily that life takes time to form.

I have no real hopes of actually getting a crop this year (I haven't in the past), so I'm still making regular trips to my local farmer's produce stand.

I love the idea of fresh, healthy homegrown foods. I'm crossing my fingers that this year I'll finally figure out the trick for getting more than two little cherry tomatoes off each plant.

PayPerPost Does It Again

As I've mentioned in previous posts, PayPerPost.com (PPP) is a great company that pays bloggers to advertise on blogs. At my level of popularity, I earn about $5 or $8 per PPP post. It might seem like pocket change, but those small amounts can add up fast. And since unemployment is looming in my not-so-distant future, I'm happy to grab every bit of revenue I can.

Anyway, PPP just announced that they've secured another $7MM in funding! That's a tremendous opportunity for this advertising company.

Personally, I think they should use the bulk of that money to acquire and retain more advertisers. Blogging is extremely popular, and blog ads can be great exposure for companies and businesses. More advertisers means more opportunities for bloggers, which will ensure the PPP network continues to grow and expand.

I'd also like to see better paying opportunities for us little guys. Sure… the big blogs are where the money is in terms of advertising revenue. But having a little faith in the little blogs is a lot like returning the "love." Many bloggers had faith in PPP in the early stages, so it would be great to get reciprocal attention.

I'm sure the combined effort of PPP, advertisers and bloggers helps ensure that PPP's $7 Million of funding will be used to create a better PPP environment for everyone.

Here's a press release about this news item:

The PayPerPost Revolution Accelerates, Sponsored
Blogging Marketplace Secures $7 Million Series B

Draper Fisher Jurvetson leads round and joins Board of Directors

ORLANDO, FL – (June 12, 2007) – PayPerPost, the leading marketplace for advertisers to reach bloggers and other consumer content creators, today announced it has completed a $7 million second round investment led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson, an investor in the company's Series A and one of the world’s leading high-technology venture capital firms. The financing brings the total amount of capital raised by PayPerPost to over $10 million, giving the company considerable resources for further development as the industry’s leading Consumer Generated Advertising marketplace. Additional participants in the round include existing investors Inflexion Partners and Village Ventures as well as new investor DFJ Gotham. With this investment, DFJ Managing Director Josh Stein also joins PayPerPost’s Board of Directors.

“PayPerPost created this exciting new advertising space and has established itself as the industry leader,” said Ted Murphy, chief executive officer of PayPerPost. “Although we’ve only used a portion of our first round capital, this added support from investors unlocks significant growth potential. Our content creator and advertiser ROI metrics clearly demonstrate the upside for PayPerPost’s model. We intend to use this capital to build the infrastructure, visibility and professional expertise necessary to reach and retain a greater network of advertisers and content creators than ever before.”

Since its founding in June of 2006, PayPerPost has signed more than 6,500 advertisers to its groundbreaking service, which has enabled Consumer Content Creators to be compensated for their efforts discussing specific companies, products or services via blogs, videos or other media. The content creators are required to disclose relationships with advertisers on their blog, providing transparency for the end reader. Over 125,000 Internet postings, most in the form of blogs, have already earned money for their creators through PayPerPost’s innovative marketplace. PayPerPost recently released PayPerPost Direct, a disruptive new service that allows advertisers to contract and negotiate directly with individual bloggers they identify through a safe, managed system.

“PayPerPost has laid a strong foundation for the future,” noted Tim Draper, founder and managing director of Draper Fisher Jurvetson. “It continues to attract a critical mass of participants from both the advertising and blogging communities. Analogous to Overture’s sponsored search model, we believe PayPerPost’s business model holds disruptive potential and will enable the company to thrive in the evolving paid-content arena.”

To mark the $7 million dollar funding, PayPerPost has launched a new website detailing the company’s service offering at http://www.payperpost.com. Bloggers and advertisers can easily sign up at the site and begin leveraging the self service marketplace.