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.
- I will do 20 push-ups
- I will have short runs of 3 miles, long runs of 5 miles
- I will lose 5 pounds
Sunday, September 23, 2007
GOALS
Jake at Bring It! inspired me to write out some goals. So here they are. By...
October 7
October 7
Saturday, September 22, 2007
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:
Have you ever thrown away or given away food just so it won't be in the house to tempt you?
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
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!
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!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
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!
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!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, September 10, 2007
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.
.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.
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.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
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.
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.
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