Friday's Diet Decisions & Running

Hey NeverEver's!

Happy Friday! Isn't it great that we made it through the week and into the glorious weekend? Have to say I am excited for this weekend...if only because of the Hubby's game Packers vs 49'ers. Since my team didn't make it to the playoff's it is now time to go all into the Hubby's team.

reference

Then again with a teammate like that...I think I can root for them ^_~. When you think your ready to tear your eyes away from those ab's...there are more words below ^_^

However, besides how sexy the Packer team may or may not be I do have other things that I want to share with all of you! Some of the decisions that I have come to. 

First off, I have decided to stop doing the Re-Boot from Kelly over @ No Sugar Sweet Life. Now this has NOTHING to do with the week that I have had. It has been a very enlightening week where I have discovered that it is possible to eat smaller meals without processed food. Shocking right? 

My decision really has to do with the Week 2. Which is the Juicing Week and that is the issue. There was several Juicing recipes this week and I only have a blender. And there is the issue, I only have a blender not a juicer and at this point in time my finances I can not justify spending the money for a juicer. 

For those of you who, like me, thought there is no difference between a Juicer & Blender. There is, oh there is a difference in taste, texture, and nutrients. 

And this leads me to the next topic of 'Decisions'!

Since, I have decided not to finish the Re-Boot I had to come up with something new that will get me where I want to be. Not eating out all the time, Continuing to stay away from soda, and of course to help me lose weight. After searching around a little bit and finally picking up my nook (it has been so long that it is gathering dust *cry*) I found my substitution. 

Self Magazine Jump Start

I am finally going to be doing one of the Jump Starts from Self Magazine. This one is a little more unique since it doesn't actually involve a lot of cooking, mainly just microwave & blender. It also allows for eating out as well, kind of like Weight Watchers and their points. 

Here is a sample of what I will be doing!

So this is my plan. Getting the food tomorrow and I will let you guys know the price of all the groceries. 

Okay guys that is what I wanted to update you all on with the 'Diet' Decisions. I want to end today with my #proof!

Thursday's 30 Day AB Challenge was on! I didn't make it on Wednesday as I was doing Nike Training Club, which was intense. My superman's look so silly ^_^

And today, it was going to be a rest day. I was sore...I wasn't in the mood to workout...but I did want the gym's sauna. I went to the gym for the sauna and it inspired me to get up on the treadmill. Even though it is shorter then my last run it was faster! 

Only good things can come with me continuing to jog it out! 

Okay NeverEver's, have a great weekend and remember to root for the packers! See you all on Saturday

Monthly Self Magazine Stand Outs!

Hey NeverEver's,

I know I know I am EXTREMELY late with this post. Not sure what happened but it happened.

So this is Self Magazine November Issue with Nina Dobrev as the Cover Star, and it has some great things in it. Here are the Top 10 that stood out for me!

1. First on the Cover Star Nina Dobrev - Yoga seems to be her thing. To her Yoga is a perfect toner and leaner. For a Clear Head she goes to Downward Dog and for a Happy Mood the Savasana is the one for her!
2. I personally love the November Moves! Have Wall. Get Fit. Great moves and they just require a 'Wall'. We all have a 'Wall' somewhere in the house or gym!
3. Walking outdoors in the country or near the coast makes you more relaxed and happier then hitting the pavement in the city a study by Natural England. 
4. The Rowing Machine has now got its own class called 'Shockwave' in Equinox gyms! Finally my favorite machine is getting some love!
5. You have to check out the Self's Vacation Madness pages! They have stays for 'Fit-Cations', Water Bound, Yoga, Golf and my personal favorite nature in Alaska! Some are a little pricey (saving is possible), and others are just right for a weekend warrior! 
6. Can you squeeze in 15 min's for twice a week? Good then hit the weights for that time to keep your muscles toned and you metabolism running high!
7. Eating a salad most of the time? Don't eat it bare, apparently you may not be absorbing the veggies nutrients if you do. Try drizzling some Olive or Canola oil based vinaigrette's so you can absorb the good stuff. Study is from Purdue Univ. 
8. There is are several interesting articles in this Month's Self. There is one on the effects of 'Pot' and'Buying a Gun and the Pro's and Con's of that decision. Well worth the read, even if you feel confident on your decision on these explosive, pun intended, topics!

Turkey Dinner is coming! Here were some of the Tips that stood out to me to make it a slimmer, yet yummy, plate!

• When it comes to the turkey don't eat the 'wing' of the bird. The Wing has nearly twice the amount of saturated fat.
• Pile on the veggies first on your plate so you have less room for the carbs!
• Watch out for mashed potatoes. They are easy to over eat as there is no cutting or chewing.
• Pie Chart ahead - Pumpkin Wins at 316 calories, Apple is around 411 calories and Pecan (my favorite) is a whopping 503 calories!

Self Magazine -- Stand Outs!

Hey NeverEver's,

Can you guys believe that it is almost the end of September already? I can't believe it. It really doesn't feel like the first day of Fall, which is today. Nor can I believe that my birthday is less then a month away! Okay for that one its more on me ^_^ but really this year has gone by super fast!

Anyways, if you are a dedicated reader of the Self Magazine, you know that every October it is about 'Woman's Cancer'. Self's previous editor, Alexandra Penney, along with Este Lauder's creator, Evelyn Lauder, co-founded the pink ribbon in 92 (it seems like that tiny ribbon has been with us for so much longer) they took cancer from a dark hidden secret to  something that can and should be talked about.

So every October, and some months between, Self talks about cancer. What has been done, when check-ups should be had, and try's to give as much information as possible. Here is what Stood Out to me while reading!

1. Even though the month of October makes some of us think about 'Oktoberfest' (yes please take me) there is another way to get your drink on! 'Cider Week' is all about hard apple cider. Apparently, there are different ways to drink delicious beverage, personally when Cider comes out it is officially fall for me. There is even a cider that has hops! Just like beer! One of them is called Yakima Valley Dry Hopped Cider. If you are a sweet drinker try Eve's Essence. 
2. The new 'Runner's Food' is now Quinoa not pasta. Apparently it was studied in New York Uni that the grainy seed is higher in fiber and protein. So it keeps you going for longer. Something to think about if you have a race this Fall Season!
3. If there are any guys reading this blog...you can ignore this post! However, ladies all eyes here! There are new High Tech Skin Scans...and they coming to select WalGreen Stores! It is called the DermoAnalyzer by Vichy and La Roche-Posay! It takes 4 different pictures of your skin under different lights and will give you an idea of which products will be best for your skin! If any of you is lucky enough to have this in your local WalGreen's please let me know! 
4. Tell yourself 'I don't skip exercise' and you wont! A in the Journal of Consumer show that nearly 80% of woman who said 'I don't' stuck to their workout plan for 10 days! They say it is because it signals your determination! 
5. Want to create an At Home Gym you need to color it up! Don't need to spend a lot of money, or even paint the whole place. Little strips of either Blue for that extra push, as we link the color Blue with limitless possibilities. Or Green for a little recharge, we link this color with nature and our roots. 
6. Drinking Water with that hamburger will make you want to have a healthy snack. Studies show that we link sugary drinks with unhealthy sides and water with the healthy ones. This comes from the Univ of Oregon. 
7. There was quite a few Breathing techniques in this months magazine. From Out Running your Fear from 'Fear the Fear' to Breathe for an Awesome Body which has points for runners, yogi's and spinners (outside ones and inside ones!). 
8. Smoking is bad for you. Okay we all know that, I just wanted to point it out that in Self it has a 9.5 bad for you score! 
9. They also have some better then Fifty Shades of Grey books. Not bad picks if you ask me, which of course you have ^_^. 

There is also TONS of Cancer information, inspirational stories and of course kick ass workouts! The workout has a DIY Sandbag. Anyways, that is the information that really Stood Out for me. 

Let me know if something really talked to you as well! 

Next Stand Out...Fitness Magazine...or maybe Shape.

Self Magazine Monthly Stand Outs

Hey NeverEver's!

I am really liking the feeling of these Magazine Stand Outs! So this is my Self September Magazine Stand Outs!

I really do love my Self magazines!

Here is what I thought Stood Out!

• Exercises with access to an Online community were more apt to stick to their routine! You feel motivated even if you are just reading other peoples exercise posts! 
• Jump Rope is an under used but great calorie burner! You do 14 minutes and you burn up to 13 calories a minute! 
• Nearly half of ALL eating takes place between main meals! So for the first week of a new Healthy Living Plan record what you are eating and when. Once you see that information it is easier to make changes!
• Almonds are actually good for your skin! Almonds have vitamin E which brightens drab skin!
• Want to build muscles? Then you need to lift heavy, like 10+ pounds. How do you know when its the right pounds? When the last 2 reps make you want to grunt you know you have it right!
• You should aim for at least 25 grams of fiber a day! Because fiber moves slowly through your stomach it keeps you full longer!
• Don't forget to brag about what you have accomplished! Even if its just a post saying 'Just got out of the gym!'
• We have all been told that we should set up little rewards when we accomplish something...but we should also have 'consequences' as well. Make a bet with a friend or a loved one and if you don't make it then pay up!

Self had a great article about Money Nightmares on page 150. It really does touch upon all different things that make us worry about money. 

However, I cannot wait to personally try some of the meals on 'Self Diet Club' page 96! I mean who would have thought to put pumpkin seeds on a waffle?? 

Daily Stat's: Day 24 + Previews!

Hey NeverEver's!

I have been feeling like I have been tossed from one end of LA County to the other end...I even ended up PAST the OC to the Inland Empire. Now if your not from California here is an idea of what I did in the past 2 days (yay mileage on my car)

All this done on Paint...I am pretty happy with it

Okay so on a map it doesn't seem like that much, but to me I really felt like I was in the car all day for the past 2 days. Dealing with a small bank / lawyer issue, but it is finished now!

So starting tomorrow...no more driving around So. Cal and hitting the gym, man I have missed it!

On other news tomorrow I am going to the Hollywood Bowl to see Juanes! Not only is this a first REAL concert for me...but it is also my first time at the Hollywood Bowl!

Hollywood Bowl Aug 17th!

What is really sweet about the Hollywood Bowl is that you can pack your own food! Oh and I forgot to mention that you can pack your down drinks to! So since I plan to have a healthy dinner with the hubby I am going to be checking out these blogs for some ideas!

WONDERFUL BLOGS THAT I AM FOLLOWING FOR HEALTHY EATS!

• http://www.skinnytaste.com/
• http://www.eatliverun.com/

They have some YUMMY Recipes that I have been meaning to try and tomorrow is perfect! I will be heading to the store to pick up some food for Friday, this weekend, and Monday / Tuesday since the Hubby and I are both off! My food is probably not going to come out as pretty as some of theirs but I can't wait to show you NeverEver's the results!

So here is my Daily Stats for Thursday day 24

Even with a beer I am under my calories!

And here is my yummy dinner! Chicken with Salad and Cucumber + a Samuel Adam's Summer Ale!

Balanced Meal! +a Little something Extra

So I promised you a 'preview' of what I was thinking about bring into this blog! I have magazine subscriptions to Self, Shape, Fitness and Cosmo (my guilty pleasure that one). And I LOVE how Cosmo has this thing in the beginning saying 'Can't read all of this now...here is a preview of whats in store' and it gives you an idea or tidbits about what is in the magazine! I was thinking about doing that here for the respective magazines...but Cosmo. 

Let me know what you guys think NeverEver's Okay!! Alright have a good night you guys and don't forget to workout with me tomorrow! 

As if we don't have enough reasons to lose weight!

Hey NeverEver's!

I was reading up on reasons to lose weight. As if we don't have enough reasons before but I thought that this was a unique read. Here is what I found out

1. Fat makes you forgetful. It was tested that women scored 1 point less on a memory test for every unit higher in BMI.
2. Did you know that for every pound you lose you can run up to 4 seconds faster! 
3. Less foot pain! You aren't carrying around so much weight on your feet so its lighter!
4. Of course you are happier and you feel more confident. 
5. You can improve your skin!! Your skin is effected by nutrition, to much sugar and carbs, which can cause your skin not to look its glowy self!
6. You sleep better. Have to say that is something I haven't had in a while. 
7. Did you know that Women who have excess weight was found to make less money then their average weight counterpart. In fact we can make $10,000 a year less. Lose that weight and ask for that raise!
8. Reverse or never get Type 2 Diabetes! 
9. Stop that injury from ever happening. When you lost just 10 pounds you can lose 40 more pounds of pressure off your joints in your ankles, wrists, and knees. 
10. You can shrink your fat cells. That is right you can shrink your cells smaller. Which means a tinier waist, who doesn't want that! So you lose that weight and you can get a healthier heart. 

So as if we don't have enough reasons to lose the weight! Here are a few more. You just need to have the right motivation for weight loss. For me here is the biggest reason to loose weight, at least the first 50 pounds

• I can get ANY smart phone on ANY plan! 

If you can't guess I don't have a smart phone and I really really want one! So the hubby made me a deal. I get down to 160 and the above deal stands. I can feel the pounds dropping ^_^. 

So what is your reason for wanting to lose weight? Is it a conventional one? Was it something on this list? Want to look at a few more reasons to lose weight? Check out these sites

Reason 1

Reason 2

Workout of the Day: Cardio before or after Weights

Hey NeverEver's,

This one is a big debate. Even bigger then my previous debate Walking VS Jogging. If I keep doing these things maybe I should put them as 'Debate of the Day'. Let me know what you think NeverEver's!

Okay so here is what I learned about when to do your cardio.

You should do a warm up session before doing your weights. Nothing more then 10-15 minutes on a cardio machine of your choice. This is to warm up your muscles, get your blood moving and oxygen in your muscles as well.

After your warm up hit those weights! Don't be afraid of heading over to the 'Guys Area' of the Gym. NeverEver Ladies you know what I mean, that area! Pick of a pair of 5-10, or more, pounder's! You can even try a move or two on a barbel! Here are some slides and short video's on how to get those weights on!

6 Head-to-Toe Toning Moves
Barbell Toning Moves
Workout Routine's for Weights!




 After you are feeling the burn on either your chosen area, arms / legs / core, it is time to head back to the machines for the last time on this workout. Here is why;

1. Your muscles are actually more energized after pumping iron that you can go longer on your after cardio routine.
2. Because you burned your bodies 'glycogen stores' as fuel in your weight training, when you start your cardio you are now burning the stored fat on your body!  

Here is a few great articles if you want to read more up on this.
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3

So we learned here NeverEver's to save your cardio till after your pumped some iron! Of course if you are just going into the gym for cardio alone there is nothing wrong with that!

So which exercise did you find the most challenging? I always find lunges hard.

Okay well that is it for now NeverEver's!