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Posts Tagged ‘health’

Healthy Salad Recipes

March 21, 2011

Day 35 on Four Hour Body. I don’t like to weigh myself, but I will later this week. Please excuse this semi-boring blog post! I am tired, but I promised Aunt Lil’s homemade dressing recipe

I like to consider myself pretty adventurous. I’m up for doing anything and I say yes to the unexpected. But, I like routine too. On Sundays, I always plan meals (based on what’s on sale in the circular), go food shopping, clean, cook and prep my hub’s and my meals for the week.

Yesterday, however, was a little different because I was up in Central Jersey with my cousins. We did a 5K, so I didn’t get everything done that I wanted. I made up for it today, though.

Here’s what I made tonight:

Cousin Rachel’s Bean salad
• Three cans of my/your favorite beans rinsed and drained
• Chopped red pepper
• Chopped onion
• Chopped celery
• Chopped green onion
• Your favorite dressing, but best with Italian or vinaigrette

Mix it together and enjoy! Use more beans or less beans depending on how big of portion you want to make, but this is easy to divide up for a quick protein side. I used black beans, kidney beans and cannellini beans with light balsamic and basil vinaigrette. It’s really colorful and awesome!

Aunt Lil’s Salad with White Balsamic Dressing
• 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin oil
• 1 clove garlic crushed
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• Black pepper to taste
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Challenge: Sticking to a Diet with a Major Schedule Change

March 16, 2011

Day 29 on Four Hour Body and down 12 pounds!

I started a new job this week and was totally paranoid that they’d think I was some weirdo freak eating every four hours. Well, I survived Day One and Day Two and have been able to stick to my diet. The first day was interesting. We had a team lunch (cafeteria pizza). I ended up getting baked fish — some kind of florentine … although I didn’t SEE any spinach? — and mixed veggies. Someone else on the team got soup and a sandwich so I didn’t feel so high maintenance. And, another co-worker eats healthy and has even heard of the Paleo diet. That works in my favor! I also figured out that they serve fish every day in the cafeteria. So, that’s a relief — although I don’t know how it’s cooked and whatnot. It’s a good fall-back meal though in case I don’t pack.

The results are in
I am happy that I finally lost two more pounds! Last week I was at a total weight-loss halt. I think a lot of it has to do with me eating within the first half hour of waking, rather than the first hour. Granted, I am absolutely half asleep eating eggs, but I think it makes a big difference. I also barely ate beans last week; I am totally sick of them. This week, I’m giving it a go again. Still not enjoying them!

Last week, I also cut my activity out almost completely while my ankle heals. It will be two solid weeks of rest on Saturday. I’m feeling strong and eager now and actually have a 5K planned for Sunday with my cousin and the Phillies 5K the following week with hubs. I talked to my other cousin and he told me I could run Broad Street with my heart alone — like, just because I’m dedicated and strong minded. That made me feel good!

New and exciting
With this new job that’s 40 minutes North, I am in a whole new territory, exploring land like Christopher Columbus! There’s a whole bunch of new gyms, studios, etc. Can’t wait to dive into new classes/workouts and learn more stuff that I can bring to my classes.

More good news is that one my job responsibilities will be wellness for the hospital — my new job in healthcare. (Sorry, I’m not supposed to disclose the company name or location here because of their social media policy.) I was at our wellness center today and it was phenomenal. During my tour, I was smiling, glowing and feeling “in love.” Three aerobics rooms, a spin room, Pilates reformer room, TRX and heavy weight bag room, Olympic-sized pool … full-service salon with threading and even a hot shave for men! It was awesome.
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Is Your Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

March 9, 2011

It’s all how you look at it.

I was chatting with my friend Shaun about eating better and getting in shape, telling him about Four Hour Body, some things I typically eat, and how it’s really worked for me. We were sharing healthy lifestyle ideas and he was telling me that every morning, he journals and drinks a bottle of water. He got the idea from someone else, but he was saying how it really helps him re-hydrate his body after sleep and clears his mind. I liked the idea, and for the past four days have been drinking a big glass as soon as I wake up. I’m happy I started and am getting hooked on this healthy habit.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized the small act of drinking water in the morning can be symbolic of starting your day right — “glass full” with a clear, open mind, ready for opportunity. Try it! Make it a time to be grateful, to tell yourself what you’re going to accomplish for the day or remind yourself of your goals. It’s much deserved and worthwhile time for yourself.

What are some of your healthy, daily rituals?
What are some of your healthy, daily rituals that you’ve picked up from some one else?

Photo by kleinman.

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