I Am Still Thinking About It!

Before I go any further with this post, did you remember you only have 4 more days to sign up for these two amazing challenges. I know you've been busy, and trying to find time to do it. Now is the time! I promise you won't regret it. Click the link on the right sidebar to find out how to join or leave a comment and I'll give you some instructions.

I am still thinking about the events of this morning. It began when my alarm was set to go off at 5:35. (Yes, at that time in the morning, five minutes does make a huge different.) I opened my eyes at 5:34 to see if it was almost time to get up. YES!! I jumped out of bed, put on my running clothes, scarfed down my banana, and drove to my mom's house for our first early morning run of the season. I was thinking we would do a nice leisurely run, but she had a different plan. She wanted to take on the four mile hill climb. AHHHH, not the four mile hill climb! I don't know if I'm ready for the four mile hill climb. I didn't want to tell her that, so I reluctantly agreed. Do you think I made it?
YES!!! I did it! Talk about a huge mental boost. The best part is my legs and rear end are only slightly feeling the effects of the run. BEST RUN EVER! I am still thinking about this morning.

Then, to top it all off, I made this for breakfast:

1 Sunny Side Up Egg with the yolk completely cooked

1 Toasted Sandwich Thins

2 Tablespoons of Avocado

1 oz of Mozzarella Cheese, melted between the egg and warm toasted sandwich thin.

All for a whopping 310 calories. Yes, I measure everything out. It's so easy for me to overeat on cheese and avocado without even knowing. OH MY! I usually don't reflect back on a healthy meal and anxiously wait to try it again, but this one is going to be repeated in the morning.

New Challenge Coming Up

http://ahealthywifeequalshappylife.blogspot.com/

I have a link to this blog on my side bar. I highly encourage all to join. It is so much fun. It's a health challenge, but more importantly, it's a group of women trying to support each other to live a healthier lifestyle. Each day, you get points based on the healthy choices you made that day. Each session lasts about three weeks. Each Sunday, you report your numbers. At the end of the three weeks, the person with the highest numbers gets featured on the blog. These women are awesome in supporting each other in reaching their goals. Everyone posts at least three times a week and talks about their challenges, healthy recipes, new exercises, whatever they are doing related to living a healthy lifestyle. To get all your points you need to comment each day on someones posts. It's about supporting each other. It has really helped me stay on track. We are all going through the same thing. The next challenge starts June 1. Check it out and sign up!!!

True Junkie at Heart

Okay, I hate to admit this, but I am a true junkie at heart. I still prefer the sweet taste of sugar more than the vegetables I try to eat for lunch. Unfortunately my rear end and thighs don't agree with me. So, when I saw this post, I was immediately drawn to it. It's from Dani Spies, a health food nut: Banana Split Breakfast Bites. MMMM, just the wording sounds so yummy. Of course I knew it was going to be healthy. Check this out:

http://www.danispies.com/archives/breakfast/banana_split_breakfast_bites.php

Even this one looks like it might satisfy my sweet tooth!

Time is Running Out

http://nutsinanutshell.blogspot.com/2010/05/challenge.html

You only have about 1 week to sign up for the summer challenge. Sure 120 miles seems like a lot, but it's only 1.5 miles 6 days a week. I'm sure most people do that without even thinking about it. As for me, this is a great challenge for the whole family. I plan on doing this on top of my normal exercising. The kids are finally realizing how important it is to mom to exercise. Now, I need to teach them how important it is for them to exercise. The kids will be riding their bikes, scooters, walks, while mom walks/runs to get her miles in. Very doable. Are you interested yet?

What Does 50 Pounds Look Like

A Double Mattress is 50 Pounds
A Kayak is 50 Pounds
An Airedale Terrier is 50 Pounds
The Worlds Largest Rabbit found in the UK Weighs 50 Pounds

50 Pounds of Flour

50 extra pounds is a lot of weight to be carrying around. Ouch! No wonder why it was so hard to exercise. My four year old weighs 50 pounds and I can barely lift him. How was I carrying around this extra weight 24/7?

120 Mile Challenge

Wanna join? You know you want to:

http://nutsinanutshell.blogspot.com/2010/05/challenge.html

Why Can't I Have the Title?

There's this blog that I follow. It's called the Fitness Freak. She was once over weight and now she is definitely a Fitness Freak. I love that name. I often think to myself "I want to be called the Fitness Freak." I started thinking about all the wants in fitness I have. There is this lady who runs in my neighborhood, with two kids, pushing a double stroller. We've labeled her "The Crazy Runner Lady". Kind of a funny name, but deep down, I think I am a bit jealous of her title. Than today, I thought to myself, no more wants. No more somedays. It is today. So, today, I'm calling myself the Crazy Runner Lady, or The Fitness Freak. It's what I want, so I mine as well make it a reality. So if you see me running down the street, whisper loudly, "Wow there goes that Crazy Runner Lady. She is such a Fitness Freak." I'll give you a wave and a little happy dance to go along with it. Besides, I am almost down 50 pounds. There has got to be some craziness in that!

Mothers Day Tradition

Susan G Komen Race for the Cure

The crew. Sorry the picture is so discolored. My mom, three kids, and me. We usually have my brother, sister, and sister in law, but they were out of town this year. We did try running it one year with two strollers, but it wasn't very fun. Trying to run through 20,000 walkers just doesn't work to well. After the "race" we always have brunch at a local restaurant. I look forward to this event every year. My six year old walked the whole way!
This is one of my favorite traditions. We've done this nine years now, and I look forward to it every year. The picture above doesn't do it justice, but all the white dots up the street are people. 20,000 to be exact. It's a 5K run/walk and it is so inspirational!

Quinoa Meatballs

1 1/2 cups cooked Quinoa

3 tbsp onion flakes

1/2 pound lean ground beef (93%)

1/2 pound extra lean ground turkey

2 tbsp olive oil

1 egg

3 tbsp dried parsley

1-1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp ground coriander

2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Cook Quinoa according to package directions. Mix all in bowl using hands. Roll into balls and place in greased baking pan. Bake at 350 for 20 min or until cooked through. Makes 18 meatballs. 262 calories for two These are big meatballs

I tried doing meatball sandwiches for my kids with a bit of BBQ sauce on whole wheat 100 calorie Flat Sandwich Bread. I should have just given them the meatballs plain because that's all they really wanted. But, they ate them up. Try it and let me know what you think.

Rain or Snow

I just have to share a little experience last night and encourage you to get your exercise in. As I've said many times before, my mom is my running partner and I would definitely label her as the Fitness Freak. Rain or Snow, she is at my door at 6:15 every Tuesday and Thursday for our run. When we first started doing this, I would call her to give the weather report and see if she really wanted to run. Really, in my mind, I was looking for an excuse not to go. In the beginning, running was still really hard for me. Her reply was always, "As long as it isn't icy on the road, it doesn't bother me." So, I knew last night wouldn't be different. The rain was pouring and my mom shows up, right on time, ready for our run. At first I thought she was crazy, but I think my new favorite run is in the rain. There is something so magical about it. Is it the rain, or is it the bonding time I get to spend with my mom? Thank goodness for her fitness commitment or I wouldn't be as far with my fitness goals as I am today.

What's Your Vegetable for Dinner Tonight?

Swiss Chard

Have you tried this? I haven't, but we are tonight. This is supposed to taste a bit like spinach. The six year old loves spinach so we'll see how this one goes. Curious what chard is? Check out this video:

http://www.danispies.com/archives/101_video/chard_101_-_video.php

Ready For A Challenge?

Back when I started this blog, I mentioned it to a friend of mine and she told me about this Healthy Challenge blog she was part of and how awesome it was. I started casually reading the blog, not really sure if it was a commitment I was ready to do. I decided to give it a whirl, and can I just say, it has changed my life. I don't know any of these women, but I have shared with them some of my deepest food struggles, and them with me too. They have a point system. You get so many points at the end of the day depending on what successful healthy things you have accomplished. The challenge usually lasts for three weeks and in essence it is a competition, but it is so much more than that. It is a group of women who are committed to having a healthy life. It isn't about dieting, it's about a lifestyle change. So at the end of the three weeks, the winner gets their picture posted for everyone to see how hard they worked. I was the winner of the last challenge! So rewarding, and so motivating to keep going. The commitment comes because you have to comment on someone elses post everyday. You also have to post something three times a week. Otherwise you don't get all your points for the week. At first I thought this was way to much, but these women understand me. They are going through the same thing I am. They are amazing people even though I haven't met them. I want to support them. So I check this blog everyday, to know what they are doing, and to constantly remind me of why I am trying to live a healthy life. Anyway, if you are needing the support, even if you are maintaining your weight, check it out. I promise you won't regret it!

http://ahealthywifeequalshappylife.blogspot.com/

[it's here!]

i'm so excited!

my mari package arrived!

have you tried winsor pilates?
it's the BEST! after i had my first baby, this totally transformed my body - i looked better than before :) i've worn out all my discs and decided to switch it up and hit the gym instead.
well, nothing has made me longer and leaner like this. so i ordered her latest package. check it out here
i'm most excited to try the accelerator she's added. i've never tried a pilates machine, but wanted to. this supposedly replaces those bulky contraptions and delivers the same results.
has anyone tried it?
and most of the workouts are only 20 minutes! that for me is golden!
i'm so ready to jump back in and get ready for swimsuit season!

i'll let you know how it goes!

What's Your Multivitamin?

Do you take a Multivitamin? I was never a firm believer in multivitamins. My mom was just diagnosed with early stages of Osteoporosis, and encouraged me to at least take calcium supplements. My grandmother was also diagnosed with Osteoporosis. So, I've been good about taking my calcium, but I thought, "what's the point of a multivitamin?". I heard a lot of good things about this multivitamin. It's the Kirkland Signature brand from Costco. I thought I'd give it a try. Can I just say, I notice a complete turn around in the way I feel. I have more energy, and I just feel healthier! So here's my encouragement for the day: If you aren't taking a multivitamin, I strongly encourage you to start. It does make you feel better. Do you give your kids a multivitamin? I've been thinking about starting mine, but I don't want them to think it's candy and down a whole jar without me knowing. Any suggestions?

Pork Chop Baked with Apple and Sweet Potato

Pork Chops are a funny thing to me. I don't have many recipes that make them moist. I did discover this one, and it is my new favorite pork chop recipe:

1 lean boneless pork loin

1 medium sweet potato

1 medium apple

Preheat oven to 350

Slice the sweet potato thinly. Quarter, core, and slice the apple into eight pieces.

On a large piece of foil, layer sweet potato slices, pork chop, and then apple slices. If desired (I desire), sprinkle with cinnamon, salt, and pepper (I just do cinnamon)

Wrap well and bake for 40 min. (That's what the directions say, but I usually have to bake for 1 hr)

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! This is my "I don't have time to cook" meal. I can get it all ready the night before if I need to and then dinner is ready to be cooked the next day.

Forced Exercise

We LOVE to camp!

My husband LOVES to four wheel!

Until now, we've used our stock vehicles to hit the trails, but here is his project he's been working endless hours for:

I don't know if the picture does it justice, but lets just say my four year old calls it the Monster Truck. The frame of the truck starts at my hips. Why does this vehicle force me to exercise?
Who else is taking the pictures? I get a little scared of the trails my husband attempts to do, so I end up getting out the the truck to walk a lot. Great exercise and great leg raises getting in and out. By the end of the trip, my thighs were sore from climbing in and out constantly, no joke! I don't know if you can tell, but the back tire is off the ground. It also helps my heart pump fast from fear. Makes me feel like I've finished a sprint! (Minus the wetness down my pants from fear :)

Our other choices of exercise include: Puddle Jumping

Rock Climbing

Isn't Moab beautiful!?

Lots of exercise makes this four year old strong!

Sprinting down Sand Dune Arch!

Sand Angels

Rock Jumping

And in the end, the hill that caused the picture below:

Yes, that's a tow rope attached to the jeep in front of us. That jeep had to tow the tent trailer and us to Spanish Fork Canyon, where we waited for a larger truck to tow us the rest of the way home. Still an AWESOME trip and I needed a day to recover from sore muscles. This is the best kind of exercise. You are having fun and don't even notice the kind of exercise you're getting! Anyone want to join us?

Trainer Momma Giveaway

Do you follow Trainer Momma? She has a giveaway this week. Check it out

http://trainermomma.com

Sounds like she is going to have a few this month so keep your eyes posted.

I Am Hooked-Agave Nectar

Okay, so I know this is going to surprise you (sense the sarcasm), but I first heard about this through Trainer Momma. Every time she promoted this beauty I thought, "What in the world is she talking about?" I realized it was a natural sweetener and she used it in place of sugar, but I thought, "Really, what is the big deal?" I was at Costco yesterday, and they had the Agave Nectar on display. I thought I'd give it a try. Besides, anything that is healthy is worth a courtesy bite.

"Wow" is the only word I have to describe this.

This stuff is incredible. It's a natural sweetener extracted from the heart of the agave plant. Agave is a low glycemic index sweetener, so it is slowly absorbed into the body preventing spikes in blood sugar. It has been consumed by ancient civilizations for over 5,000 years. It is 25% sweeter than sugar, so you need less. What does that mean to you? Less calories! You can use this stuff as a substitute whenever you use sugar. It is AWESOME! Definitely worth a courtesy bite!