04.29.11
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I took this idea from The Best of Clean Eating Cookbook.
What You Need:
4 Salmon Fillets
1 tbsp Agave Nectar
2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
Salt and Pepper
Mix all ingredients in bowl and place fish in baking dish. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Brush mixture on both sides of fish. Cover and cook on oven for about 15 minutes.
I was impressed by how simple and good this was. A keeper!
Don’t forget to check out my recipe blog
04.28.11
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It’s time to Spring Clean. It was not even a planned even this week it just happened. My husband went out yesterday and I turned up the iPod and threw on some Eminem and danced around the house and started to clean out the kitchen. It really was perfect timing for a few reasons. First…my stepson will be moving into his own place and his family can use the old glasses and containers that we no longer use. Our plan at first was to put it on craigslist or freecycle for free but it was better to give it to him.
I ordered more containers for my cooler so that I can start to pack my meals for two days at a time. I will also start to pack my meals on my days off work also. It’s important for me to be prepared everyday of the week. Days I pack my cooler I eat better than the days “I wing it” and now I am off work 3 days a week…so I need to not “wing it” that’s too much room for error. My husband has been really good with making my proteins for me. He is really doing everything that he can to make sure I succeed. He knows that this new work schedule is killing my time so he even washed my cooler containers for me every night. Talk about love!
The weather is nasty again today so it’s time for some more cleaning (and a grocery store visit). I need to finish up the kitchen and clean out my bedroom (clothes everywhere). I have a huge task to tackle that I feel I will be buried alive in for about a week (at lease).
I feel like my magazines are going to take over my house. Trying to go through a keep the important stuff like recipes or workout ideas.or possible blog ideas. I also want to take some time to figure out how ot use the video part of the camera I got for Christmas. I am so behind on my to-do list.
Have you started your spring cleaning yet?
04.27.11
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Take no prisoners! We are on a mission and won’t let anything stop us now….not even money! Yes, I know gas prices are crazy high and putting money out for a gym membership this summer may sound like a bit much. I am here to save the day with some great ideas to help save your wallet and your waistline.
~ Pull out the old outdoor exercise items you have keep hidden away. Remember that old bike, roller-skates or roller-blades, walking shoes, that trampoline in the backyard or play ball with the kids…or dog.
~ Borrow a fitness DVD or turn on a fitness channel
~ Use workout plans from magazines
~ Get a group of friends or co-workers together for a walk or a softball team.
~ Walk to the local high school track and use the bleachers for a different workout or run the track.
I would love to hear any ideas you may have to add to the list.
04.24.11
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I got the idea from somebody off twitter. It smells fantastic!
What you need:
4 egg whites
orange extract (a few drops)
Oatmeal 1/4 cup
Mix together in a bowl
Cook in pan and voila! They taste ok…had a little orange flavor to them. I hate syrup so I always eat pancakes plain.
Don’t forget to check out my other blog for more recipes
04.23.11
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I was feeling a little down and broke the barrier that I built up between my trainer and myself. I called him and told him that I cheated on my diet…really cheated. BAD! I know he wants me to call him before I cheat so that he can talk me off the “ledge” but to be honest I told him that I did not want to call him because I wanted to eat bad…I did not want to be talked out of eating what I wanted. The bad news is that this has been a binge of sorts. I know my issue is deeper than food.
After talking to Tony I told him that I am scared to death of getting on stage and letting people down. I figure if I fail myself now I won’t have to worry about failure on stage because I won’t be able to make it to that point if I keep on this path. What am I so freaking scared of. Why am I being so stupid with this self sabotaging? It’s ridiculous really!
I took my own advise today and spent some time reading blogs and trying to reevaluate my situation and my goals. I know that I will make it on the stage. I will give my all from this point forward and make sure that I am able to present the best package possible for the day I step outof that stage. I owe it to MYSELF! Nobody else. This is something I already know but my mind kept wondering to all the people I would “let down” my husband (he could really care less…he just wants me to be happy), my friends, my trainer…..but, guess what? They don’t matter…not in this..this is my project, my quest, my journey! Nobody will physically be up there in the stage with me in that group…just me and the other women who are on the same journey as me (we may all have different reasons or goals but all together) so from this point forward I am walking forward with my head held high and going to make sure that I do everything that I can each day to get my closer to my goal.
I know I have a support system…but, that is for support not to hold me down. I am only accountable to myself….I fail or succeed based on my own choices. I am the only person who can make change happen!
04.22.11
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So the next topic with my twitter friends for the #fitnessblogworld is talking about motivation. What motivates me and what drives me to keep reaching for success..
I don’t feel like I am the right person to blog about this to be honest. I’m still working on this myself and I’ve never made the mention before that I am perfect. I have good and bad days. Right now I have been having more bad days than good days. I will list some of the things that have helped snap me out of bad days/weeks and I hope you will share some of your ideas with me. I can’t wait to see what the other girls have to say from the #fitnessblogworld.
~ I take time to read fitness forums
~ I will stalk bodyspace on bodybuilding.com
~ I follow a lot of inspirational blogs. There are so many woman out there that have positive motivational blogs. It can almost always bring me out of a slump.
~ I also have a great support system online with facebook and twitter and have some ladies cell numbers that I can text when I am feeling down.
~ I have a very supportive husband and he will make comments to be when I try to skip the gym or eat something I’m not suppose to. I’m not very nice to him on those days but he knows I still love him.
~ My trainer is amazing! I can call him anytime or text him. I was not very honest with him but decided that they only way to get when I want to be is to be honest. We actually had a very good talk earlier today and he helped me get out of my funk.
I guess that some of the motivation that I use is old pictures of myself, taking myself back to the bad feelings that I have when I eat something I know I should not. When I look at other women who are doing what I want it gets me thinking that there is no reason why I can’t do that. I have the dedication when I want to. These women that I look up to have amazing strength and can juggle a million other things outside of training. I know I can do this too. Nobody said it would be easy but being about to say that “I compete” not that “I want to complete” is something that I strive for. I will get to change that saying later this year. I won’t let anything or anyone get in my way (not even my own stinking thinking).
Motivation in everywhere…it’s deep within yourself that you will find that true fire and motivation to reach your goals. The motivation to become something better…to reach limits that other people will sit back and dream about…..
I’m not sure if I rambled on…I’m sorry if I did. I guess I have a lot on my mind right now. I’m just trying to work it all out.
Don’t forget to stop by and see what the other ladies have to say
Donloree – http://www.bikiniorbust.com/
Kari – http://www.figuregirlworld.com/
Alli — http://wholesomefitness.wordpress.com/
Jen — http://jenklimek.wordpress.com/
Colleen — http://www.thefitbee.com/
Liz — http://4amaven.wordpress.com/
Tiffany — http://passlakeprincess.wordpress.com/
Kendra — http://grindhardlivefit.wordpress.com/
Lisa – http://www.healthiestlife4me.com/
04.21.11
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It’s been another schedule change at work this past week but the good news is that my gym actually opens the doors “unofficially” around 4am. What this means is that I am able to take some time in the morning to get ready for work and not be so rushed. I have been rolling out of bed at 4am and driving straight the the gym. I’m not sure how it makes such a difference but I am out of there in about an hour after weights. I just get in and get it done. I am able to bypass the morning rush and I have no problem getting the equipment I need. I have noticed a few guys watching me but I just ignore it and keep moving.
I’m also trying to get to the gym at work in the evenings the 2 days a week it is open on this new schedule. I’m really starting to drag at 6pm though after working out at 4am and going into work from 7am-6pm. Sitting at a desk all day attached to a phone takes a lot out of this girl!
I’m sure it will all work out. I’m determined to make it work. I have a goal weight in mind that I want to be at by the time Fitbloggin’ 11 gets here. My plan was to complete the 5k there but I have not been training for it. I’m not sure if I can make it in time to be ready now. I will keep going and workout like I’m going to prepare for it and we will have to see what happens with it.
So, the main things going on right now is just trying to fit it all in. I have so many things I’m trying to accomplish and I sometimes feel like I am going to hit a brick wall. I’m finding some holes in the wall to help me break through and see the light. I’m having more positive days than negative days (that really helps)….and with that I will leave you with a great quote.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright
04.18.11
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It’s all good though. I was at the gym this morning by 4:15 and out the door about an hour later. It was a beautiful thing if I must tell you the truth! I feel so awake and ready to start this day. Let’s see how I feel at 6pm tonight after I have been at work for 11+ hours.
Today was my shoulders day. I have already updated my trainer with my workout stats and my weight stats. I am on the ball this morning! I am going to get off here now because I have to pee before I get on these phones.
What’s your workout today? Do you prefer to workout in the morning, afternoon or night?
I may run on the treadmill later…it depends on how this new work schedule hits me later.
04.13.11
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There are some really exciting things going on in my life right now and I can’t explain everything yet (I don’t want to jinx myself) just send some good thoughts my way.
I spoke to my trainer who is going to switch things up this week so I can hopefully get past this plateau that I am currently in. (need more goo thoughts on that one also). Ok, I’m done asking for good vibes! Let’s move on…
I got goodies in the mail yesterday!
I have already made my daughter and husband look through the Clean Eating book to decide what meals they would like to try. Look for some new additions to my recipe blog coming from these books! Oh, and speaking of my recipe blog take a look at the link. I changed the web address and updated the look a little but I think the picture at the top may be a little too large (let me know what you think). I tried to fix it but was having some trouble.
Anyways, gym today after work (it’s my FRIDAY!!!) cardio and chest today. What’s on your agenda?
04.10.11
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What you will need:
1 boneless skinless chicken breast
4 tablespoons lime juiced
Black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped onions
1/2 tablespoon chopped basil
take everything except the chicken and heat in pot for a few min.
I cut the chicken up in large chunks and cook until no longer pink
I don’t use lime juice enough and it’s a shame because its such a great flavor and great for this time of year as the weather is starting to get better.
I will admit that I really did not want to try this today because I thought it would lack flavor but I was wrong. I will be making this again!
Don’t forget to check out my other blog.
04.9.11
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I joined a lovely group of ladies from twitter in making a list of the exercises that we love to hate..or hate to love (that’s basically the same thing right?).
So here is my list of the 5 exercises that I love to hate:
~ Smith Machine Behind the Head Press: I am not fond of this one. I always try to find something else to do. I am afraid I will knock myself upside my head. That would be a sight to see hu?
~ Hanging Leg Raises: It’s ab work…need I say more/ It’s the body part that I feel needs the most work and I try to avoid at all cost. When I really put my all into the workout on abs day it really shows but it’s a mind game for me to get it done. This is a tough one for me.
~ Running: I’m not a cardio girl..but I really want to be. If you follow this blog you may already know that I am going to complete a 5k in May (my birthday month) and even though I dread the deadmill it’s a good workout. I feel it everywhere afterwards. I change the incline and the speed to really push myself and I can really check progress with time and speed. We have a love/hate relationship.
~ Squats: I am sure I am not the only one who hates leg day. I will be the first to admit that I am not the best when it comes to squats. I don’t give up easy though! The day leading up to my leg day I try everything to avoid it but I must admit that I love the feeling of not being able to walk or sit on a toile the next day. Am I crazy…maybe…or maybe NOT! Somebody tell me that you love not being able to sit on a toilet as much as I do!
~ One-Arm Dumbbell Bent-Over Rows: I’m not sure why I hate this one. I don’t look forward to the exercise but I feel badass while I am doing it! Yeah buddy…try to mess with me! I will kick some azz!
Now that you know my 5 exercises that I love to hate take some time to check out what everyone else had to share:
Donloree – Kari – Alli — Jen — Colleen — Liz — Tiffany —
04.7.11
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The next 3 days will be a little hectic around here. I have some spring cleaning to do (my closet spaces). Getting my hair did tomorrow…not sure if I should keep my hair at the length it is now, shorter or let it grow out. Most girls I see have long hair for their shows so I am a little confused by what will look good on stage (I know…I’m thinking ahead). Friday I get my body fat and nutrition stuff checked and revised if needed. I am not feeling good about this meeting on Friday….somebody rescue me from this horrible news that is about to hit me like a ton of bricks!
Saturday I am going to an OCB show to watch people with amazing bodies strut their stuff while I sit in the audience thinking about my body fat numbers from the day before.
Moving on….I really need to go through my cookbooks…I need to spice up my meals a little. I’m getting bored and that is not good. I need to stay focused. I have so many things I want to complete this year and I can’t let myself be my own worse enemy.
I will update as I can over the next couple days. I have lots of new things to review coming soon also and maybe some giveaways. So stick around and tell me what goals you have for the next few months and steps you are taking to get there. I would really love to hear about it.
04.4.11
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I’m not sure why but Gold’s Gym intimidates me. It’s crazy because I have lifted weights at two other gyms without feeling so self conscious and intimidated. I use the weights in “Ladies Gold’s” without an issue so why is it so difficult to move to the larger weight room with the “big boys” and use the smith machine or leg press or other machines that I should really be using? I know that in order for me to progress that I need to get over this stupid fear (or whatever you would call it). It makes me feel like I should switch gyms to one that makes me feel more comfortable but, I really don’t want to do that…and, I won’t do that! I like my gym and I love that it has all the equipment that I need there.
It’s been a rough 2 weeks for me…stress at work. I start going in the right direction with my goals and then it always seems like something holds me back. I guess that something is me. One minute I really want to complete in a figure competition and then the next minute I second guess myself. How do I have more good days than bad…or maybe I do have more good days than bad…the bad just feels like it goes on forever.
I feel like every step I take forward I move 1 1/2 steps back. I’m not sure if this is because I don’t have what it takes or if I am scared of success and this is just a form of self sabotage.
Well, I never said I was perfect…I’m still a work in progress..inside and out. I will get there though. I just need to be open with myself and with my readers so that I can work through these little hiccups. I just need to remember that I am strong for “me” and I am getting stronger for “me” and forget everyone else. I push weights as far as I can until failure and I use slow controlled movements….all I can do is give it my best. I also need to remember when I started from (over 200lbs) I have made significant improvements and I know I can get better…I know I will get better!
04.3.11
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I got this idea from this website. I have tried it twice once with the sauce and one without. What I will share it without the sauce. It’s very easy to make and pretty good also.
What you will need:
~ Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
~ To prepare chicken, combine first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl. Add chicken to bowl; toss well to coat. Let stand at room temperature 20 minutes.
Grill
Done! Looks good right?
Don’t forget to check out my other blog for more recipes
04.2.11
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I received some goodies from Optimum Nutrition and I have had time to try all the items that they have sent me. I have been a loyal customer to them for my multi vitamin and have been satisfied with it and the price is cheap for what you get (impressed already).
The goodies in the box were double rich chocolate whey crisp bar, marshmallow treat whey crisp bar, shakes:were strawberry milkshake, cake batter, orange cream, chocolate mint, cookies and cream, mocha cappuccino, and amin.o. energy in fruit fusion and concord grape.
The marshmallow whey crisp was pretty good but a little too sweet for my taste buds.
My favorite shakes were the strawberry milkshake, cake batter, chocolate mint and orange cream.
I just want to say that orange cream is like protein crack! It is my favorite if I only I could figure out where to buy it…it makes me sad I can’t find it anywhere….
The price of this protein powder is not crazy like some others and the taste is really good. The ones that are not m=on my favorite list like the cookies and cream are because I have NEVER found a cookies and cream that I like. I am not a fan of any of the cappuccino type powders either. I did go to the store a purchased the strawberry banana protein powder and that is another winner in my book. I am officially a Optimum Nutrition Fan!
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I have been making trips to both my regular gym and the gym at work. When I make a trip to the work gym I do cardio and have one of the trainers there push me a little bit. I push myself but sometimes having that watchful eye over you can be good.
Food has been pretty good and weight is going down so that is a plus in my book. I am running the mile a little faster than when I started. The trainer at my work gym seemed to be impressed by my goals and how involved I seem in everything now so that made me feel pretty good.
I went shopping with my daughter yesterday and I can’t tell you how exciting it is to see clothes that I can fit into this summer and feel confidant in. I have not been able to shop like that in many years. I love that “I heart shopping” again!