Week 110

This week I wanted to share a blog that I like to follow. Chocolate Covered Katie has some great recipes and ideas; even if they are vegan, and mostly sugar-free. She has a yummy looking, healthy option for those ever-loved Reeses PB Eggs. Check it out!

My Week was AWFUL!! I threw my back out last Saturday (what am I 87??) and haven't done much moving at all!! I have exercised zero days and have burned zero calories! I've been trying to eat good, even though a few days I took out my anger on my favorite dark chocolate and cinnamon toast crunch.
If you have ever had back problems you know how horrible it is! I have run a marathon with a stress fracture, given birth to 3 kids, 1 without drugs, I've been tazed for crying out loud....I think I know pain and have a considerable high thresh hold for it, but this takes the Costco cake! I can't bend over, sneeze, climb stairs, put my pants on, sit upright, drive or do anything at all really without a stabbing pain in my lower back. It really sucks!! I've been to the doctor, got x-rays, been to the massage therapist, had hydro-therapy, had my spine re-aligned by a physical therapist and some electrical stimulation and I am still in pain. I am too young and fit for this!!!!! Tell that to my stupid back!! Cross your fingers for me!

Week 109

ARE YOU ADDICTED TO SUGAR, FAST-FOOD, OR FILL IN THE BLANK??
There are certain foods that can be considered your "gateway foods". This means you really want to eat licorice, french fries, doughnuts, pizza or whatever makes your mouth water, what you crave and what makes you lose control. A sort of drug, if you will. My first "gateway food" was Costco cake..........

After my first bite of that white cake with the cheesecake filling and butter cream icing (I'm an icing girl), I quickly realized that this was a treat I could not afford to have around....ever....period. (Thanks a lot Kamille!!) I CANNOT eat just a little or even a normal serving size. I eat tons and tons of it until I'm unbuttoning my pants and I feel deathly ill. I don't know why certain foods can act as drugs to us. When we think of that food that we just love, chemicals are released in the brain that make us want to eat it and when we do there is a further chemical/hormonal release that tells us we need more. These chemicals can also release endorphins so we feel better (temporarily) after we eat it. It's an evil cycle. My best advice is, if you can't control yourself with that food, DO NOT BUY IT, HAVE IT IN YOUR HOME OR TRY TO EXERCISE PORTION CONTROL!!! The temporary "fix" comes with too high a consequence.
And no, it's not my birthday dang it!!

WEIGHT: 120.6
WORKOUT:
Monday-9 mile run outside (8.14 pace)
Tuesday-1 round of Summer Fit; 40 minutes elliptical (I don't care for this type of cardio but my back's been feeling tweaked)
Wednesday-11 mile run outside (orchard loop-8.44 pace:(
Thursday-3 circuits of Spartacus 2012
Friday-Yoga
Saturday-3 circuits Spartacus; 2 mile run

Week 107-108

MOAB......I love this place!! We hiked Delicate Arch with the kids (3 miles and a lot of incline and a kid on my back here and there) and I did some early morning trail running in Devil's Garden. I definitely wouldn't have loved this trip as much if I weren't in shape. It reminds me of other reasons I workout; to have fun outdoor memories as a family and to appreciate what my body can do and have a greater quality of life. Our bodies are supposed to be in motion and active. Take care of your body so it can take care of you:) Now that spring is coming, get yourself outdoors! Even if it is just a quick walk around your neighborhood after dinner or taking a drive on the weekend to enjoy our mountains. Even better, plan an outdoor trip where the festivities are active.



LAST WEEK:
Weight-120
WORKOUT:
Monday-Hiking/Trail Running
Tuesday-off
Wednesday-10 mile run outside (8.32 pace)
Thursday-3 circuits Spartacus II
Friday- Yoga
Saturday-2 circuits Spartacus, 1 circuit Spartacus 2012, 2 mile run

Week 106

HITTING A PLATEAU is very frustrating and can often halt your motivation. What do you do when you've been working so hard; eating healthfully, exercising, saying no to some of your favorite foods and going hungry and you still feel stuck? You keep going!! As hard as it is, you need to remind yourself other reasons you are trying to live more healthfully. Maybe it's having more energy, having a clearer complexion, being less irritable, or most importantly, attain a healthy life-style so you can live a better, longer life. Whatever it is that drives you (sometimes you have to think of things other than results) keep reminding yourself of them. Some simple steps when you hit a plateau:

1. List and remind yourself other reasons you are doing what you are doing
2. Add more activity or more intense activity to your schedule (If you aren't exercising, walk more and find reasons to stay standing. If you are exercising, add some more intense spurts or intervals into your routine.)
3. Eat a low-carbohydrate diet for 1-2 days or if you are being really strict, have a cheat or "naughty" meal. This can often give your metabolism a jump start.
4. Remember not to eat less than 1200 calories. Starving yourself is only terrible for your metabolism, not beneficial for fat-loss.
5. Trust in the system and your body will quit being stubborn eventually. Don't give up! Sometimes your body just goes into panic mode after some good weight-loss, it's natural and happens to everyone. How long did it take you to put on your weight? It doesn't come off overnight! Hang in there:)

WEIGHT: 121.6
So, so good at eating and exercising this week.

WORKOUT:
Monday-7 mile run (treadmill-56 minutes); ab ripper
Tuesday-3 circuits of Spartacus 2012
Wednesday-10 mile run outside (8.25 pace)
Thursday-Full-body/running circuit (60 minutes)
Friday- Yoga
Saturday-3 circuits of Spartacus; 2-mile run at 7.5-9.0