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Posts Tagged ‘Fit Friends’

Ten Things I Couldn’t Live Without in 2010

January 10, 2011

I’m very particular, and when I like something, I like something. Here’s a quick list of my 2010 essentials:

Asics sneakers — I finally found a pair of sneakers that seemed like they were made for me. I realized how essential it is to workout in sneaks that fit, and I figured out I needed a full size bigger than I normally wear. Not a half size — a full size! So, I learned that you should have a space about the size of the width of your thumb between the top of your shoe and your longest toe. Good to know!

Droid — Yes, I traded in my Blackberry, and boy am I pleased. Well, except for the fact that I got the original Droid as soon as it came out, I dropped it in a glass of water and had several replacement phones throughout the year. (Plus, I think the original is a bit glitchy.) But having a phone like the Droid (or iPhone) is where it’s at. I love the touch screen and easy it is to use Facebook and Twitter. Also, I use the camera on the Droid very often!

Camis with a built-in bra — Know how those biker shorts/girdle things are really popular now? Well, camis do the same thing, cheaply and simply. I wear one or two white camis (at the same time) on a regular basis because it smoothes everything out when you wear something more clingy. Got a whole bunch at Old Navy when they were on sale. Total wardrobe essential.

Toilet bowl cleaner wands with disposable cleaning pads — Enough said!

PickupPlease.org — Out with the old, in with the new. I sorted through my stuff several times and gave a lot away to the Vietnam Veterans. It’s so easy. You just go online, schedule a pick-up and they get your clothes, appliances, etc. right from your porch. It’s tax deductible too!

Coconut water — Drinking coconut water is so much better than Gatorade or any of those sports drinks. Plus, it’s natural and contains electrolytes. Typically, one bottle has more potassium than a banana — 15 times more than most sports drinks — to prevent cramping.

Nike dry-fit capri pants — Since I’m petite, I have a hard time finding workout pants that aren’t super long. I love working out in my black Nike capris because they come up a little high around the waist to hide the pooch while working out. Plus, they feel great and move with you. Flattering, functional and freaking awesome

Twitter/Facebook — Plain and simple, I’m addicted. I’ve met some cool people thought XX Fit Friends XX and on Twitter. I love that I can connect with people who have similar interests so easily.

Photo storage boxes — Above our washer and dryer is a shelf stacked with multi-colored photo boxes. I’ve labeled them and organized our stuff neatly. It really helps to know where all our “little” things are. For example, there’s the “school supplies” box filled with pens, paperclips, tape, scissors, etc. Then there’s a box of miscellaneous cords and chargers, one with sewing stuff like thread, needles and safety pins. I love this, and feel like it was such a “Real Simple” idea (that I made up myself!)

PINK sweatpants — I am addicted to wearing sweatpants, and I have found the perfect pair. They’re baggy, comfy and super cute. I may be a bit too old for Victoria Secret’s PINK sweatpants, but oh well. I wear the kind that have a drawstring and pockets.

Can’t wait to see what I can’t “live without” in 2011.

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Run Your First 5K

January 6, 2011

My friend, Dan, and I at my first 5K in June 2006.

Running your first 5K is a lot easier than you think. Why? Because whatever may be holding you back is just in your head. No matter what your fitness level, the thought of a race — especially if you’ve never done one before — can be intimidating. You may be unsure of what to expect, but have no fear!

Here are reasons to be confident about your first race:
Everyone is a beginner at some point. When lining up at the starting line, you’ll notice that many “leisure” runners stick to the back of the line. Stand there as well!

People walk and interval run. Not everyone is going to sprint to the finish. You’ll find the runners are at all fitness levels, shapes, sizes and ages. Walk when you must, and jog when you can. Remember, this is your workout and your goal — no one else’s.

You’re supporting the community or a non-profit. Many races are fundraisers. You’re hitting one of your fitness goals and helping others at the same time.

Adrenaline will push you through. Races are exciting. People are cheering for you. You’ll likely do better than you thought.

It’s friendly out there. Some racers will encourage you and talk with you while running. People will give you water. They want you to do well.

You don’t have to win first place. You’ll feel great just from having completed the race.

Now, just get out there. Ask a friend to join you, and pick a race that means something to you. For example, if you have cancer survivors in your family, you may want to complete a race to benefit cancer research.

Also, many races also offer a designated walk or one mile “fun run.” Do some research, sign up and see for yourself. You’ll be doing your first 5K in no time!

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Awesomely Easy Eggs – Protein on the Go!

January 4, 2011

My co-worker mentioned that she knew of an old-school Weight Watchers recipe for eggs you make in a muffin tin. We talked about how easy they are to make, freeze and reheat — VERY important especially if you’re trying to eat throughout the day (and not munch on crappy food!).

So I got the Weight Watchers recipe and didn’t like the hash browns it called for. Brave me, I made up my own thing completely. Here’s the recipe for the batch I made. You can easily substitute your own ingredients.

Ingredients:
• Cooking spray
• Large carton of egg whites
• Frozen spinach – thawed, drained/squeezed
• Chopped red pepper
• Shredded cheese – cheddar or mozzarella
• Chicken apple sausage – cooked out of the casing and chopped

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a muffin tin (or two tins) with cooking spray. Pour egg whites in each tin hole, and fill the hole about half full. Add spinach to each tin. Add red pepper, sausage and cheese. Pour more egg whites in the holes, and be sure to leave about half an inch in each hole because the eggs will rise when baked.

Place the tins in the oven for 15 minutes. Let cool.

From freezer to meal
After making the mini omelets, I packaged them — two mini omelets in a small snack bag — and froze them. This morning, I ate them and so did my hubs. SCORE! It was easy — microwaved two mini omelets for one minutes on each side. For mine, I toasted a whole wheat bagel thin, put a slice of American cheese on each side, and put the eggies in it for a sandwich. DELISH!

Batch two
My next round, I’m going to make all veggie and use mushrooms, asparagus and some fresh herbs. I might even do a salsa and eggie one.

Egg-cetera
I found this was a really good way to use up my veggies since I buy them in bulk.

If you make them, please let me know! I’ve gotten really good feedback from people so far

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