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Posts Tagged ‘light my fire’

100 Days on Four Hour Body

May 25, 2011

Today marks 100 days of conscious eating. I can’t believe it.

I USED to be able to eat whatever, whenever and never have to worry about it. People used to be amazed at my appetite. Life was good, especially since I’m a total foodie … until I turned 28. I hurt my foot and my activity slowed down a lot. Then, I got wrapped up in drama and stress at work — and gave up on working out. For two years, I was an emotional eater, and had no energy or desire to cook. I ate to make myself happy, and I gained about 25 + pounds. UGH! Eventually I got let go from that job (as did 13+ others), but I still was wrapped up with the uncertainty of my next career move. Plus, we were engaged and I was really bugging out about finances.

When I look back, I kick myself for not being able to get in phenomenal shape for my wedding. Why couldn’t I do it then? But, I was so stressed out with being unemployed. There was always something in my head holding me back.

I finally had an “aha” moment and decided I needed to stop eating garbage. I realized life was always going to be challenging and needed to stop making excuses! I stopped accepting how unhappy I was with my body — and decided to do something — watch my diet.

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Feeling Young and Fresh

February 23, 2011

With my brother. We're young and fresh!

Day 8 on Four Hour Body and down six pounds!

First off, I am so amazed at the positive feedback. So many people tell me that they can relate to my battle against emotional eating and they say I’ve inspired them.

I feel amazing. My attitude and mood have been positive all day long. I find myself really wanting to write (which I love to do) and my head is really clear. Not only have I lost weight, my friends (well, friend – singular) and I can see the difference. Spent some time today with my girl friend Amanda – she hasn’t seen me in a few weeks. She says she sees the difference in my face, my legs and belly. She says my skin is glowing and I look young and fresh. I’ve begun to see that too. I FEEL young and fresh too! Funny thing is that she’s known me for years and says that if I can do this diet/lifestyle change than she can — meaning she knows how crappy I used to eat and how I’ve never been disciplined ever. Heee heee!

Sample Meals
People have asked me for some sample meals and I am happy to share some of my favorite recipes. They’re coming soon, I promise. Here’s what I ate today to give you ideas:

MEAL 1, 7:30 am – One egg, two egg whites topped with two tablespoons of organic salsa and a black bean mix I made – sautéed garlic and onions with diced red peppers, mushrooms and black beans. (Goya Black Beans – drained and rinsed.)
MEAL 2, 11:30 am – One egg white (from a hard-boiled egg).
MEAL 2.1, 12:00 pm Belated Birthday Lunch out with co-workers at Pizzacato. I had the “Mixed Greens” salad. It was mixed greens with roasted red peppers, balsamic onions, grilled chicken with roasted garlic vinaigrette on the side. Told them to leave off the Gorganzola cheese. It was really yummy and barely used the dressing because I didn’t really need. it. The peppers and onions gave the salad a lot of flavor.
MEAL 3, 3:30 pm – Some chicken and a bit of baked eggplant and baked zucchini.
MEAL 4, 7:30 pm - Taco salad – lean ground meat, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, black beans (drained and rinsed), a smidgie of corn and my new bff, organic salsa. Wasn’t sure about the corn, but I also made a recipe from the Four Hour Body cookbook for Chicken Tortilla Soup and it called for corn. (Soup is for tomorrow.)

See? Good food! Full all day and not feeling starved. My energy and mood was stable all day, no sugar highs and lows. LOVE IT.
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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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