A festive workout

I was laughing so hard when I saw this. I totally need to try it!

Happy Anniversary

So today is the 1-year anniversary of starting this blog. I had my 6-week post-baby checkup the Monday after Thanksgiving and got the ok to start exercising again. So I've been at this for a year now. I'll be honest....I'm not where I wanted to be when I started out a year ago. This blog hasn't exactly turned out to be what I envisioned it to be either.

BUT...in the past year, I have:

-lost about 30 pounds
-lost about 12 inches
-ran a half marathon
-finished a triathlon
-started heavy strength training (which I am loving, btw)
-been part of 3 health challenges, which have motivated me to do more and try new things
-started doing yoga (which I am also loving)
-finally got back to waking up early to exercise 5 days a week (I started with 1 day and worked up)

So, even though it hasn't been everything I had originally hoped for, I feel like I've made some good progress that fits into my life and that I can sustain. And I feel like that's what is important...finding things you can fit into your lifestyle and sustain.

So I'm gonna keep trying to add small healthy habits into my lifestyle a little at a time. And one day, I'll get there. Happy Anniversary! And, to make it even more exciting...this is my 100th post!

Put spinach in your smoothies!

Seriously, I can't even taste a difference with 2 big handfuls of spinach in there!

The key is to blend it for at least a full minute so you don't have any spinach chunks in there.

Now, when I was pregnant, I could not gag it down if you paid me...maybe I just couldn't get over the color or I didn't blend it enough, but everything's different when you're pregnant!

But now, I'm back to embracing the green smoothie. My favorite right now is peanut butter, banana, milk, ice, vanilla, and spinach. Mmmmm....

Meal planning for 2 weeks

I hate grocery shopping. I also hate spending money on groceries. I've been trying to save money on groceries and I was reading that the fewer times you go to the store, the less money you spend. So I decided to cut my shopping trips in half. I only go grocery shopping every other week.

Here's a few things I've learned in the process...

1. You HAVE to have a meal plan for 2 weeks. Otherwise you will not get enough stuff to last that long. I made this simple sheet that helps me. I plan each dinner, but only plan general lunches and snacks that can be had on any given day. I always make sure to have cereal, eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, and bread on hand for breakfast stuff.

2. I have to go by myself. It takes about an hour and I cannot do it with children in tow.

3. I use Bountiful Baskets to get most of my produce. It lasts 2 weeks.

4. I have almost always been able to get milk that doesn't have an expiration date before the 2 weeks is up. If I can't, I will go back to the store to get milk only.

5. I try to stock up on things when they're on sale, especially meat, so that I'll have it on hand when I need it.

6. Eat the stuff that will go bad sooner first. Apples and oranges and stuff will last...eat the ripe peaches and stuff like that the first week.

7. Someone recommended Zaycon foods for bulk meat buying. I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to for chicken at least.

8. I've been trying to price match at Walmart too so I can get everything in one stop.

I have liked only having to go shopping every other week! I'm still trying to cut down on my spending, so I would love to hear anyone else's tips on cutting down on grocery shopping and saving money!

Health, Fitness and Happiness Blogs

Need some inspiration? Check out the Top 50 Health, Fitness, and Happiness Blogs. My old spin teacher Janae (I love her blog, BTW) is on the list, and some of the rest of these blogs look pretty cool too! I'm definitely going to check a few of these out for some new ideas.

30-Day measurements

So, in the past 30 days since starting Chalean Extreme, I have lost a total of 4 lbs and 6.25 inches. (Although I think one of the measurements was not done right because I have not lost 2 inches in my left thigh! Even though that would be fantastic if it were true.)

Anyway, here are my 30-Day stats:

Weight: 166 (-4)
Waist: 31" (-.5)
Hips: 40.75" (-.25)
Abductors: 42" (-0)
Chest: 33.75" (-.75)
Bust: 40" (-1)
Right Arm: 12.5" (-0)
Left Arm: 12.5" (-.5)
Right Thigh: 23" (-1.25)
Left Thigh: 22.5" (-2)

I was hoping for a bit better, but losses are losses, right? And, in the past 30 days I have done ALL my workouts, planned my meals on most days, cut my eating out almost in half, and gotten up early to exercise almost every weekday.

Things I could work on: ramping up my cardio, portion control, better snacks.

Let's hope for some more progress next month!

Dealing with stress

I've been having a rough past few days. I need to remember this...

I've been dealing with some things and I'm still struggling to find ways besides eating to deal with my stress, frustration, disappointments, etc. I was about to lose it with my kids today and I ate a bunch of Emmy's Halloween candy. But I resolve to stick to my healthy dinner plan for tonight, and I still did my workout. And I will try to find other ways to deal with stuff.


How do you deal with stress and other crap?