Damage Control

After having my baby I was more motivated than ever to get fit, eat healthy, and lose the baby weight. I was proud when I conquered those goals and was happy to feel that I was the healthiest I'd ever been in my life... But then it all just started slipping. I was weighing in at the lowest weight I'd been since high school so I took more liberties than usual (liberties being in the form of portion size, cheesy foods, and anything having to do with chocolate). Slowly I was back to what I consider my "go-to size."

AND then vacation came. And, like I'm sure you're guessing, even more liberties were taken. It could have been the buffet breakfasts EVERY morning, or the burger joint we hit while getting lunch in Yellowstone, but lets be honest, it was all of it. I came back from vacation a couple pounds heavier and feeling more like a sloth than a fitness and health buff. So, now what?

Here is what I am not going to do: I am not going to get down on myself, call myself negative names, or even regret what I consumed while on vacation. What I am going to do is use this little setback as motivation. I am going to get back on my work out train, including working out MOST days of the week (good philosophy, right?). And I am going to get back to cooking more meals at home and snacking on fruits and veggies rather than those carb-loaded snacks I've taken to.

The moral of the story: setbacks happen. Big whoop! For me, I will look at this setback as a good thing because it may just be the spark I need to get me back on track :)

An Inside Job

I'm so lucky to have married someone who, like me, wants to live a healthy lifestyle. Recently, Nate and I ran the Surf City 5k on 4th of July. I asked Nate to help me keep a challenging pace and he was game. With Nate's help I got a PR of 23:43.

I had to share this photo. This is the two of us running in together. As we were getting closer to the finish line I told Nate I was going to sprint it in... I think he had slightly underestimated my speed ;)

I love that one of my biggest supporters of a healthier me is my husband. It makes everything easier when support is an "inside job."

AFC Half Marathon

Well, I did it. I conquered my first half marathon after having Landon. My official time was 1:57:06. Although, it wasn't my very best time (even though I did beat my last time I ran the course), the day after I am feeling good and proud of what I've done. The course is a pretty tough one with a nice 1 1/2 mile hill starting at mile 11 (like a cruel, cruel joke), BUT I'm happy and have that feeling of accomplishment that comes with setting a goal, training for it, and then finishing it. It just goes to show that if you put your mind to it, you really can do anything. And for me that means that with all the craziness of motherhood, I still can make time to live a healthy lifestyle :)

Now for some pics. This is me nearing the finish when I catch my first glimpse of my cheering squad - Nate and Lando. (Is there such a thing as an attractive running picture? I think not.)

My prize :)

A very special thanks to my boys, my loves, my cheering squad. I can't tell you how many times I thought of these two while I was running. I knew the quicker I ran, the sooner I'd see them. Great motivation :)

The Power of Compliments

You know that day when you are feeling a little run-down? You're not sad, you're not mad, but you're not happy either. You're just sort of there; going through the motions. But then something happens. You run into an old friend and they mention that you're looking great or that your child's smile is the cutest they've seen. Soon you find yourself smiling and enjoying your day. You're no longer going through the motions, but loving life once again.

I don't know if anyone has experienced this, but I definitely have. There are days when I am low on sleep, feeling disheveled, or just being hard on myself about something (a common tendency of mine). It's amazing what happens when someone then compliments you. And it's especially funny when they compliment the very thing you've been kicking yourself over. I've noticed that even a compliment in passing brings a smile to my face.

This is why I've come to the conclusion that I want to try and give out more compliments. It's not hard. It's not expensive. But it has the power to completely turn someone's day around. I've been very appreciative of any compliments I've received lately and I guess I just want to pay it forward in a way. So beware if you see me... I may just tell you how great you are ;)

Still Stridin'!

Can you believe that this is where I get to work out? Pretty gorgeous.

And can you believe this is who I get to work out with? Pretty cute (if i do say so myself).


I'm still loving my work-out group, Stroller Strides. I was so drawn to it, I'm now a certified trainer and get to sub all over the city. This company doesn't use motherhood as an excuse to let your health go, instead it uses motherhood as motivation to be as healthy as you can be. The choice of living a healthy lifestyle doesn't just end with you; those babies in the strollers are witness to the healthy eating and exercise we choose for ourselves. And it's likely to influence their sparkling futures.

You may not have a local Stroller Strides or you may not even have children yet. Just know that your choices affect more than you. They affect you, those around you, and those in your future you may not even be imagining yet. The choice to be healthy is exactly that; a choice. It's up to you to choose it.

Shocking the System

I was searching for yoga images when I came across this gem. It's simply titled "Yoga Grandma." At first I laughed... come on, it's a little shocking to see. But then I was really impressed. If I can do this at her age, I'll be doing pretty good, I think.

Last night I took a yoga class taught by our very talented friend, Anga. I was feeling as though my body was needing a break from my every day work outs and needing something different; a little TLC, if you will. Yoga has always been something I've enjoyed, there is absolutely nothing like it. Mentally it transports you to another place, and physically it does so much good for your body, I can't even list it all. Sadly, it had been about a year and a half since the last time I "practiced" in a studio (check out me using the yogi lingo!!).

Now, I'm not saying yoga is for everyone, but I truly believe you have to shock your system, once in awhile. Our bodies are very adaptive. If we do the same things over and over, it's going to get used to it. When our bodies become used to something, our muscles and progress hit somewhat of a plateau.

That's why I try very hard to keep my workout routine, far from that - a routine. We need to spice things up and continue to challenge ourselves by trying new things. I'm not saying runners should stop running, or swimmers stop swimming. I'm just saying that running is great, but maybe try a kickboxing class once in awhile to hit that core and upper body you may be lacking.

Also, change is fun! The last thing we want is for exercise to feel boring, mundane, or "same ol'." After last night I realize that a year and a half was far too long of a break from yoga. I'm looking forward to adding in a class or two every couple of weeks.. I mean, why not, really?

One more for the road. The same "Grandma" doing crow pose. Pretty inspiring.


Images are product of Barcoft Media

Leftovers Advocate!

Truth be told, I used to HATE leftovers. Boy was I ignorant! Luckily, I am now older and wiser (well, at least about leftovers, anyway). Here is the glory of leftovers:

- They are ready to eat. I love heating up a full, balanced meal in 2 mins or less.
- It cuts down on your having to prepare one more healthy meal. You make one deliciously healthy dinner and you don't have to think about your next two lunches.
- When I have something healthy ready to eat, my hunger doesn't drive me to make poor eating decisions.
- It's a money-saver! Less money spent on food, means more money to spend on other things (Can you say iPad 2?!!)
- It's a time-saver! This kind of goes with the first bullet, but I can't tell you how nice it is being a mommy and being able to just pop something in the microwave. Leaves time for chasing around a rolling baby who likes to play with anything that he shouldn't :)

So, what can I say? I am a full-blown leftovers advocate. I don't see a downside to leftovers, at all. In general, they just make being healthy easy. And when healthy options are available and easy, we are more like to choose them :) Happy eating!

Spotlight: Spaghetti Squash

So some of you might be thinking, "What the heck is that yellow pumpkin-looking thingy?" Well, folks, THAT is a spaghetti squash. My newest healthy love. Now I don't get to eat it all the time (Nate thinks that a meal without meat, is not a meal at all, so I only eat it when he is out of town), but when I do... deeeeeeee-lish! It's nice to mix things up and I was introduced to this veggie so late in my life (yes, my whole 28 years), so it's like a treat! I know there are probably a dozen different ways to eat it, but I thought I would let you know how I've been eating (and re-eating) it. If you've never tried it out, give it a try! So here it is:

Nikki's Spaghetti Squash

1 Spaghetti squash
1 cup spaghetti sauce of your choosing
1/4 parmesan (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup or so part skim mozzarella

Put whole Squash in microwave for 6-7 minutes to soften skin. Cut lengthwise and remove seeds. Put skin-side up on baking sheet and bake at 350 for 45 minutes (or until tender), rotating once or twice. Remove and fork out spaghetti strands into a baking dish. Add salt, pepper, parmesan, and sauce, and mix together. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top and bake until cheese looks like melty, partly golden deliciousness.

Hope you likey!

A Simple Lesson of Cause and Effect

Wikipedia (I know, not the trustiest of sources) states that cause and effect is when "an action or event will produce a certain response to the action in the form of another event." It's a simple concept really. One that my 5 month old is already learning himself, as he pushes buttons on his toys to hear music or cries to be fed. But for this blog, I want to look at a particular cause/effect I see taking place in my life.

Cause: Exercise
Effect: Eating healthy

And really, these two could be swapped around, as well. There is something about working out that then makes me want to eat healthy. It's as if my body becomes a machine and food the fuel. I want to eat the right things so this machine keeps running smoothly (and without the feeling of a gut bomb, that the unhealthy foods leave me with). The more I work out the healthier I eat the better I feel. When I say that I "feel better," I mean both mentally and physically.

I'm loving how my life has become even more wrapped around health and fitness thanks to Stroller Strides. Honestly, who would have thought that I would be the healthiest I've ever been after having a kid? Not me. But BOY does it feel good :)

Feelin' Good

I thought it was time to update on not just what I'm doing, but also my state of health. The answer: great! I'm feeling better than ever in terms of my working out and eating. With the help of soccer, Stroller Strides, and running with my Husbo, I'm working out about 5 times a week. BUT believe me, I'm making sure not to overdo it. If I feel like I'm exhausted and need a day off, I take it. Part of being healthy is knowing when to rest, and so I do.

In case you are wondering, I have been pre-prego weight for a few weeks now... but here's the thing. I kind of realized (through the help of SS training) that I was a little too focused on losing the pregnancy weight. It's all about "patience and perseverance." It's easy to be get focused on weight, I needed a reminder that health is a state of being and not a number.

I took this pic on my way to SS last Friday. Working out just makes me FEEL better.. and I think it shows.

It's Official...

I'm attending the training this weekend to become a certified Stroller Strides trainer. I can't say that it does not scare me a little bit. I've always been interested in becoming a trainer, but now that it's really happening, I kind of feel like "Yikes! Am I ready?" Well, ready or not here I go. I'm really looking forward to learning more about what's best for our bodies and I know that nothing but good can come out of this.

As soon as I finish training this weekend, I immediately begin team-teaching the following 4 weeks. I'm gonna be one busy mama! Wish me luck, and keep your fingers crossed I don't absolutely suck at this ;)

Taking the Next Step

I've talked a little bit about my Mommy workout group, Stroller Strides, but I thought I would add this link to a quick blurp CNN did on a nearby group. The one featured is not the exact group I attend, but it will give you a little idea of what I'm up to 3-4 mornings a week. Click here to see.

I've just returned from my work out and I have to say, I feel great. It gives me a sense of pride and, as mentioned in the video, it gives me a little community that acts as a support group as I go through the trials of motherhood. I know not everyone is a mommy out there, but as I've said before, it's always easier to get out and exercise when you have a partner or group to get you motivated. So get out there and find one!

I may be jumping the gun by mentioning this, but I'm actually taking the first steps to becoming a Stroller Strides instructor. I'm looking forward to going through the training and learning even more about how our bodies work. I will definitely keep you posted!

More "Doing" in 2011

When I asked my husband what he wanted for Christmas, he surprised me by saying he wanted a book of hiking trails in San Diego and some hiking gear. I have to admit, I was slightly surprised. Not because it was out of his character, he's very fit and active, I just wasn't expecting it. But he explained that too often, we would talk about wanting to go hiking, surfing, running, walking, etc., but then we would let the day pass without actually going out and doing it. So, this is one of the presents Nate got for Christmas (highly recommended at REI):

Our goal is for there to be more "doing" in 2011. The hardest thing about being active is the getting out and doing it, and we are vowing that we are going to make ourselves move. I can easily hit the gym, but my husband is more of an outdoorsy type. And to be honest, I prefer it, too. We do live in the best state in the USA ;)

Last weekend we ran at the beach and hiked a new trail in San Diego. It's amazing how great we felt after. We kept saying that there is no reason why shouldn't be doing this sort of thing every weekend. I'm looking forward to this get-up-and-go attitude we have. Speaking of, we are off to run the boardwalk at the beach. Woohoo to more "doing" in 2011!

In the Spirit of New Year's Resolutions

Although, I'm not big on making New Year's resolutions, I do always go into the new year with some fresh hopes. The number one New Year's resolution people seem to make is to lose weight. Personally, my goal is to continue cooking at home. Although, I'm not saying I want to "lose weight," I do believe cooking at home is indirectly resolving for a healthy lifestyle.

In the spirit of the number one resolution, I thought I would share an article I found yesterday. The article is titled "Dr. Oz's Top 5 Mistakes Dieters Make." I wouldn't consider myself a fan of Dr. Oz, nor have I seen his show, but these five things are definitely 5 rules that I live by... or, at least, try to avoid.

To summarize the list, here are the "Top 5 Mistakes Dieters Make":

1) You crash diet - I've always been against crash dieting. Becoming healthy is all about lifestyle changes. Obviously, crash diets are not made to be followed forever. As soon as you stop the diet all the weight comes back, and usually more.

2) You skip breakfast - I understand that people do this because they "aren't hungry" or they think, hey, I'm cutting calories, but research doesn't lie. So get up, have some breakfast and get that metabolism working!

3) You drink extra calories - Beware of those high-calorie beverages! I'm talking to you, Starbuck goers! If you are a coffee drinker, like myself, opt for plain coffee or (my new favorite) an Americano. Those Peppermint Mochas with whip add a lot of calories to your day. And the thing about drinking calories is that they don't make you full, like eating them would.

4) You don't snack - It's all about healthy snacking. Putting your body into starvation mode makes your inhibitions go out the window, prompting you to make poorer choices later. Keep healthy snacks near you or in your car (my glove compartment often holds my snacks safely).

5) You don't drink enough water - I discuss this one a lot. I have to really work hard at this one. For some reason, my brain will just go hours without asking for water, but I know that drinking more water helps me to feel better. And research shows, those who drink more water, eat less. Plan and simple.

A very interesting point brought up in the article is a safe and healthy way to lose weight. Dr. Oz suggests tracking what you eat in a food diary and then figuring out a way to cut out just 100 calories daily. Think about it, 100 calories is nothing. Your body won't even register that you are on a diet! I'm sure I could do this easily with just the slightest change to my portions. 100 calories seems so doable, right?!

I'm sure I've done a fantastic job of summarizing this article ;)..... but if you'd like to read it for yourself, click HERE

Oh, and in case you are wondering, 4 more pounds to go!