Biking in Hollywood Beach

Yesterday we went biking in Hollywood Beach for about 2 hours.  It was definitely fun but a bit crowded on the boardwalk itself.  Getting off the path made for a much better ride!  Overall, I enjoyed our time.  Maybe I'll do it again before I leave.

Before hitting the board walk I did some leg lifts and holds.  

Driving from downtown Miami on my way to Hollywood..


Managed to drink 80 oz of water yesterday and I didn't account for the water I drank to counterbalance the drinks I had or the water I drank to replenish the sweat from the ride.


Getting ready to ride


Chilling on the beach/boardwalk


What I ate:
Breakfast - turkey bacon
Lunch (after riding and getting back from the beach) - Salmon salad and a blood red orange
Dinner - lamb stuffing, salad, (no dressing) and 1/2 yam (plain)

What I drank besides water and tea with no sweetener or cream:
2 vodka gingers
2 small glasses of Prosecco
   These were imbibed during a period of 5 hours

Boxing day 2015

Now that I seem to be back on track (okay, more on track than I previously had been) - let's get back to sharing the foods and drinks throughout the day.

My general rule of thumb around eating is predominately protein and veggies.  Maybe a portion of good carbs throughout the week.  I'm trying to cut out dairy as I have a very slight lactose intolerance (as if I need anymore allergies).  That said, I do try to eat yogurt as it's great for digestion and female genitalia.  On top of whatever natural waters are found in salad and fruits, I try to drink at least 1/2 gallon (64oz) of water throughout the day.

Yesterday I had a small piece of salmon and about 5 green beans for breakfast.  Then I walked for a mile.

Came back and made this for lunch.



Salad with turkey bacon and grapefruit.  Used the grapefruit juice as a dressing.  Walked another 2 miles.  Then did 5minute one inch leg lift holds.  Repeat 4x

And because of all the infusion of cardio and weights, I've been stretching.  Below is me relaxing after stretching out all muscles in the body and rotating/flexing all joints.  Finally my little pouchy belly is going down and love handles have pretty much disappeared.  Still a ways to go but let's celebrate the little progress as that helps keep me going.  What helps you?



I stretched a couple times.  Once before heading out to dinner and again when back from dinner.

At dinner, I had 2 glasses of white wine, 24 oz of water with lemon.  I did not eat an appetizer or any of the bread that came.  For an entree, I had duck with swiss chard and a polenta cake.  Very tasty.  I usually do not eat desert but since it's one of the few times a year we are out as a family, I ordered creme brûlée.  However I only ate two bites and shared the rest.  Again, another win!

How are the holidays treating you and your goals?

Merry Christmas 2015

Merry Christmas from Miami!!!!!!!!





I have definitely been feeling motivated and full of energy.  Nothing like some Florida air to completely rev my engine .  Of course it helps that when it's warm, I prefer to wear little clothing.  Can't do that looking like a sausage leaking out of it's casing!!!!!!

So I did a 7 mile walk today!!!!!!!  I guess that's a bit more than a 10k and around a 1/4 marathon.  It was 85 degrees so let me tell you I was sweating up a storm but absolutely loved it!!!  Why don't I do this more often again?  And yes, I am sore but I did some good stretching so totally worth it!



Capped off the walk with 100 leg lifts.

And it's paid off.  Here I am chilling today for Christmas.



Can anyone say biker chick?!!!!!

Wouldn't I look great on a motor bike....

 I am still open to receiving Christmas gifts :-)

How did you spend your Christmas????

Flabby Arms Go Away...and Never come back

My arms are looking HUGE!!!!!


When I went to the gym yesterday that is what I concentrated on.  And did you read that?!!!?  I went to the gym.  FINALLY!!!!!!

At the gym, I lifted 25lbs bar 20x 3 repetitions.  Then I did weighted butterfly squats holding 12.5lbs in each hand.  20x, 3 repetitions.

Then my favorite.  Did squats using the crossfit bands attached to the wall.  10x, 3  reps, holding each time for a count of 3, 5, then 10 seconds during the sets.

I also did a total of 50 plank pushups.

And now this morning, my arms are SORE!!!!!!!!  Lol!

Something Crazy on Drive to Miami

I drove 13 hours to Miami the other day after packing for a few hours.  Things I realized I could do was engage my core on the way!  So... for 10 minutes every hour that's exactly what I did.  Engaging my core took on many forms but mostly tightening and holding my stomach muscles.  Then I would add in my glutes.  Hold, then release in order to get some cardio/resistance training so to speak.  I also did bent leg lifts.  This was a bit tricky since you know I was driving.  So best to do this one leg at a time.  Then I would dance like a belly dancer.  Moving and undulating my core from side to side.

I haven't had a scale in a while.  Just use my tape measure to track inches.  Last time I hopped on a scale was at the gym.  Let's say that was maybe a month ago.  From that time to this (there's a scale at my parents' place), I've lost 13 lbs.  So maybe what I have been doing (at least nutritionally) has been working.

Before heading out to dance last night, I did a total of 200 crunches.







And I have done a 5 minute plank this morning.



My goal is to hit the gym for a bit then I will update this blog and maybe this post with some pics.

Toodles!!!

UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!:

Just got back from a 3 mile walk Downtown Miami style.

Chilling on my friend's balcony afterwards.  This is the life.



Stay tuned to see if I actually hit the gym later today as well.  How have you kicked off the holidays?  Would love to hear all about it!!!!

And another thought.. Sorry, this does have a tendency to happen

Worth = divine right (paraphrased from India Arie)














Saw India Arie last night. Amazing!!! But got me to thinking about this blog. So in trying to be honest I realize that this can sound like I have no esteem and potentially like I dislike myself. The truth is I absolutely love me, am probably in love with myself. Maybe too much.... But I digress. 

This is just a blog about being healthy and being my best self (which can include looks) but mainly about being healthy. So that's my disclaimer. And my other is while I haven't actually worked out, I've gone dancing both last night (after India) and on Saturday for at least 2 hours each time. That is some great calorie burning and fun especially in heels!!!!! I've lost a couple inches but I didn't "work out" in the traditional sense so... I just didn't really bother to blog. And hence my mistake. I will try to do better. Unlike the other blogs I author, here I am willing to show more of my human flaws. I hope that's appreciated.


So I'm going to continue the honesty part because I think it lends more authenticity (& hopefully we can dialogue together through our mutual journeys) but just be clear - I know my self worth. I really hope I am not putting anyone in a bad space. And if I am, let me know so I can adjust accordingly.

Peace!

Depressing Thought

In reviewing my blog list, I realized I started this blog over a year ago.  In fact 13 months ago.  And I feel like I have made no progress!!!!  Not bigger not smaller.  Nothing.  Just the same...  Of course most of this is my fault as I am not consistent.  I can have long lasting friendships and work relationships but I can't follow through with something as basic as be ACTIVE every day.  Hence why I am trying to think of this as work since I know that is an area in my life where I tend to be dedicated.  Tomorrow I head to Florida so it'll be back to tennis and gym most days.  So easy to do it in the Sunshine State!  I swear I should just figure out how to have the majority of my business there.

The Struggle is REAL

Tuesday was all about work.  Wednesday was a day trip for work so super early morning and super late night followed by an early morning of meetings today.  Essentially zero sleep.  Remember when I noted that was bad for you....

Did I say the struggle is REAL.  Being true to form, I will update this blog even on days I do not meet my work out nor culinary goals.  I think this important for authenticity's sake.  I'm just a regular gal struggling to always be my best self.  Although even on busy days, the culinary has been pretty consistent.  Yea for (very) little victories.  It's the working out that has been an issue.

As part of my growing business, it looks like I will be doing a lot more external facing so definitely need to look my best.  So now the journey will hopefully be kept on track through this blog and through work.  If I consider this just something I need to do for work and to be healthy, this should help frame the mindset.  Of course, I also want to upgrade my wardrobe but don't want to do it until I am a steady size that I like.  Sooooo.  Dilemma!  Did I say the struggle is REAL!

With soooo many clients/responsibilities/projects on my plate creating a routine that works for me that I can adhere to 85% of the time will be key.  My analytical self now wants to create a spreadsheet to see how I can accomplish this.  I know - I'm a straight nerd!!!  It's close to the New Year so definitely a good time to get this aligned and start the 2016 with a BANG!!!!

Today = < Lazy than Yesterday

Productive day of work and walked an extra .5 mile today.  I thought I might not actually do anything but then I remembered this blog and off I went in the evening for a nice paced stroll.  So in a way this blogging thing is working.  For now.  If I continue to use it as it was designed, then hopefully this will last longer than a NY minute.  Wish I had pictures or anything really to report but nada.

Since this isn't a regular styled-post with pics of me and my shenanigans, I decided I would link to an article I read earlier today around the affects of sleep deprivation.  Unfortunately this is something I am quite familiar with.  Hence, my tendency to hibernate at times.

Yesterday = Lazy Day

Yesterday was a day reserved for work and working out.  Neither happened all that well.  Most of the day was spent like this....



looking at my computer and thinking about how I need to do work....


Then I decided a change of scenery would do the trick and thought I should go to a local bar to watch the games, shoot pool, and hopefully be more motivated to be more productive.  The bar is within walking distance about .5 mile.

Should walk or no, I'd drive then hit the gym afterwards.  That debate lasted an hour but yes, I decided walking would be best and so I did.  When in lazy mode, take the lazy way out.  The idea I would actually go to the gym was a bit laughable.




I'm glad I decided that as by the time I walked home, it was dark and I was TIRED.  I realized this may be due to the fact that I had not eaten all day.  You know.  Food actually is fuel.  Got home and had a healthy dinner of rice, chicken and veggies.  Thought about work then promptly fell asleep.

Obviously need to strike a balance here but hey... it's a journey.

This week will be crazy with work but as I'm determined to blog everyday I'll have to at least do something active in order to have something to discuss.  Wish me luck.  At this rate, I need it!

Happy Colonics Day

A warning that this post may be a bit TMI but hey committed to blogging everyday.


Chillin @ colonics session. If you don't know what that is, then now you know.







Great session. Feel so much lighter!!! Best way to have a productive session is lots of water, protein, veggies in the days/weeks in advance. Even if you start loading up just the day before. Also if your body produces lots of mucus (unfortunately mine does since my sinuses are always on over drive - allergies!), blow your nose as much as possible.



So this is not my 1st rodeo but my 2nd round of 3 here. In NJ, it's pretty much DIY. Here it's not. You get full service which I was definitely apprehensive about!!!


However the instructions, coaching, feedback are all super helpful!! Based off my work, I obviously believe in coaching but nothing makes you believe in the coaching/feedback merits until it happens while ish is coming out of you.






I have a dialogue with the colonics-tition(Idk what you call them) which is weird cause-- you know. But more importantly I also converse with myself and my body (obviously silently - in my head). You really need to be in the moment, present, and one with yourself.








Afterwards, a quick lunch to replenish as I was feeling WEAK then off on a 2 mile hike with a friend. Loving it!!! Fresh air. Great temperature. Could do with a smidge more sun but love communing with nature. Why don't I do this more often.... The question I often ask myself.


Hopefully with your encouragement, I'll keep remembering the great feelings I have during and after a work out. Getting the energy in the beginning is so darn difficult!!!


So a little post script.
Was definitely feeling proud of myself so headed out for an evening of fun and games and some dancing.  Let's see of anything happens tomorrow after a night of partying.  Well, one day at a time and celebrate the small victories.  :-D

I Know I Know

I have been super remise on these updates...


Let's call it a mild depression as I was not at all consistently working out and I'm not really consistently doing it now either although I think I am making progress to get back on track to a degree.

Essentially, I am quite annoyed I fell off.  I am supposed to use this blog as motivation and instead I avoided yet in order to deal with the reality that I am NOT doing the things I'm supposed to do.  Being healthy in the ways I would like to without compromising the fun is a lifestyle.  I have to do better here.  THANK YOU FOR THOSE who kept asking and would not let me get away with the avoiding forever.  Special shout out to my sister for this reason.

So we'll start from the summer and work our way forward to Thanksgiving.  In all honesty during Thanksgiving week was the time I have worked out the most since the marathon (7 months ago!!!!).  I know sad sad sad.  Clearly if I were more consistent I would be smaller.  While there have been some ups and downs as you will see, ultimately I am consistently the smallest I've been in about 10 years (not the smallest mind you) - but consistent which I guess is better than the varying sways in weight I have experience since I first started gaining weight 10 years ago due to a bout of depression.

Summer summer summertime....

Took a trip to Little Rock




Chilling in Memphis,  had this great cocktail on S. Main St.



4th of July in NOLA for Essence Fest (absolutely no working out) Quelle surprise!!!!  But lots of fun with fam and friends!!!




Still no real working out until August in order to prep for my cousin's 40th bday in NOLA, mainly because I knew I was chilling poolside and one of her events was a spin class.  Ugh!  Prep time in overdrive!

The beginning.  Yuck!!!



Progressing (more like struggling)






Party Time









Chilling Lakeside...






The next bout of "working out" came while in Lake George and going hiking...








Over Thanksgiving, here is my running log of miles biked/walked....



Sat - 8 miles 
Sun - 6 miles
Mon - 17miles
Weds - 16 miles
Fri - 15 miles

Weds 1.5
Thurs 3.5
Sun 1.5














Since I've been back, no cardio has been done but I have done calisthenics.





I planned a gym date as well as hiking date for this Saturday so that will be the next post.  And from then on, we will do this CONSISTENTLY because that is my commitment.  Work out, have fun, and blog.  Growing means not avoiding those moments, looking in the mirror and saying BOO.  to the good, the bad, the awesome, and the ugly.