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!