Days Go By

I know I keep talking about how fast time flies here, but really, it’s like someone puts me into a time warp in the morning and an hour later, it’s nighttime. My days run together and I am more relaxed than ever—probably because I have no appointments, assignments, or responsibilities to worry about and Miguel is off of work for at least a week.

Mama and Mons will be flying into the lovely Johannesburg at approximately 4:30 PM tomorrow. Since I have been anxious in awaiting their arrival, the fast-time thing has been working out well.

This morning, being the sweetheart that I am ;), I decided to make my lovey breakfast in bed.

Blurry, but very happy man.

He had a gigantic breakfast of chicken and feta omelet, toast with peanut butter, cantaloupe with yogurt, and tea. I had a simpler breakkie of yogurt, fruit, and oats sprinkled on top (not pictured because I ate it while I made his breakfast...).

After breakfast, Miguel and I went down to the local sports club to go walking, my only viable exercise option at the moment. Sufficiently exhausted from the brisk, mildly inclined, grassy, high altitude walk, we headed back home to get ready for our day.

I really should say, “Get ready for the next few hours,” because by the time I showered, made lunch, ate lunch, and did some cleaning, it was already 1:30 and time for us to run some errands.

Salad beast: spring greens, carrots, peppers, cherry tomatoes, leftover cooked Brussels sprouts, and albacore tuna on top.

 Migsy and I then left for the mall, and while we were there, I convinced him to share a large cappuccino with me. I’m pretty sure I could live on only cappuccinos for the rest of my life…

Fueled on espresso and frothy milk, we headed to the jeweler to pick up my wedding ring. I am in love with it. Seriously, in love. It’s vintage, dainty, and matches the engraving on my engagement ring. Perfection.

Finally, our last errand was to fruit and veggie heaven. I have yet to take a picture of the produce mountains, but I assure you, one will be coming your way soon.

The plan for the day was to go for a second walk, but since we didn’t arrive home until late afternoon, exercise fell by the wayside. I looked at the evening’s dinner plans and realized that it would take me about two hours, so I got to cooking.

For some reason, I was a little doubtful about the dish, but it came out amazingly delicious. Miguel is currently eating a second helping of my masterpiece. Nothing pleases me more than seeing people enjoy the food I’ve made. What a great feeling.

Tunnel Potatoes: basically potatoes stuffed with ground beef and sauteed veggies baked with cream, tomato sauce, and topped with Parmesan cheese. TO. DIE. FOR.

Potato, salad, and chicken wings that I ended up donating to Miguel.

 After tomorrow, I have been told that SAM is relinquishing complete control of the kitchen to my mother and I. No complaints here. It’s just something fun for me to do as my days go by.

Exercising My Freedom to Exercise

This morning, I woke up feeling ___________ (<--insert synonym for overly excited here). Why? Because today broke the ban from working out! Mind you, for the next few weeks before the Big Day, I’ve decided not to push it, in fear of being partially crippled for my wedding and honeymoon. However, I am allowing myself the pleasure of walking and doing a little body resistance work.

But first, I had to fuel myself for the day. I chose a simple breakfast of homemade gluten-free bread with peanut butter, a banana, and coffee. Half-way through the hearty slice of toast, I realized that I would not need that banana.

Surprisingly filling fare.

This morning, my lovey and I headed to the sports club down the road and walked for an hour in the lovely morning sun. I still can’t get over how beautiful everything is here.

Following our walk, I took my sweet time in getting ready for my day. Before Miguel left for work, I made him and me two very different lunches.

Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches with Nik Naks for him. Veggie, fruit, hummus, cheese, and chicken slice platter for me.

He was a happy boy. This is definitely the cutest face I've ever seen.

Later, I accompanied my mother-in-law to be on our daily errands of food shopping and picking up my sister-in-law to be from school. By the time we got home, it was already late afternoon. I have no idea how the time manages to pass at lightning speed here. It’s fantastic. I was hungry by this time, and had a fresh and fruity little snack.

Yogurt with papaya and a sprinkle of oats.

Then SAM (South African mom, as I call her) and I went for an afternoon walk. Two walks in one day made me more than happy.

In a continuation of my new, incredibly taxing and stressful life (I joke), I did some leisurely reading.

Before I knew it, it was time for dinner, which I was super excited to make. Throughout the cooking process, I always make sure to taste and retaste the food, just to make sure it’s “acceptable” and not poisonous or anything… The problem is, by the time I get to the actual meal, I’ve already eaten half a meal. The up side: I have lunch already made for the next day.

Stuff pepper goodness

Pepper, Brussels sprouts, and corn on the cob.

I, along with everyone else, was very pleased with the food that my sous chef (SAM) and I created. With my happy belly and my tired, endorphin-filled body, I have no doubt that I will sleep well tonight. And tomorrow, I will be exercising my freedom to exercise again!

Practice What You Preach

As I sit here watching one of my fave shows, What Not to Wear, I find an over arching theme throughout the show is being happy with your body and knowing how to work it. Ok now brace yourself- we’re gonna get a little personal here. 

Over the past few days, it has come to my attention that I have lost my curves. Before I cut gluten out of my diet, I weighed 150 lbs. Now, after working out 5 days a week, closely monitoring my portions, and always eating healthy, I weigh 25 lbs less. I feel great, healthy, and fit. I have never wanted to be a stick figure and have always been one to appreciate curvey women. But quite honestly, I’m starting to miss my own.

For me, diet and exercise is an ever-changing process. I often find myself modifying and changing my routines and eating habits to tweak my figure here and there. My number one reason for working out and eating healthy is to BE HEALTHY. Duh. But my number two (and maybe even tied with number one?) is the desire to have a great body. For as long as I can remember, I have had my “figure” goals (i.e. I want have a body like so-and-so. I want to have a __ in waist). Obviously, being content with your body and being healthy are so important. However, I will admit that I often succumb to the images portrayed by the media. I constantly have to remind myself that celebrities have personal trainers, personal chefs, are airbrushed, and are wearing Spanx, but those perfect figures still bombard my consciousness. Come on, what girl doesn’t think about that?

My mind holds a hodgepodge of contradictions, placed there by culture, media, peers, etc. Clothes look better on a thinner frame. Having curves is sexier than being a bean pole. Flat stomachs look best in a bathing suit. A little pudginess on the tummy is soft and feminine. It’s like having an angel and a devil on my shoulders.

But what if I let my body take over and tell me what it wants to do? What if I ate and exercised purely for health and enjoyment? How would my body change? 

Well, I want to conduct a little experiment. I feel confident enough to let my genetics take over and see how it turns out. Over the past two days, I have sort of embraced this natural body beauty idea, and I am fairly certain my caloric intake has made a significant jump. I am going to just go with it.  It’s time to practice what I preach, right?

Trouble Spot Toning

Hiya Pals! I had a great weekend, but for some reason, my picture-taking went out the window. There wasn’t really much to take pictures of. I also blame it on my rejection of technology. I just wasn’t feelin’ it. Life is about enjoyment and rollin’ with it, right? So, I’m rollin’ with it.

Saturday, Moms and I planned on hitting up the movies to go see Burlesque, but alas, we never made it. Instead we spent the ENTIRE day shopping around America’s Friendliest Hometown and hanging out together (which I preferred over sitting in front of the boob tube). AAaaannnd we bought my wedding invitations! Hurray! They are so beautiful and classy. Love ‘em. I would post a pic, but then surprise=ruined. Sorry folks! You’ll have to wait just like everyone else (you know I love you all)! 

Sunday was lazy and relaxed, although I did go walking twice (I feel awesome when I walk multiple times a day). Then, at 4:30 we watched the first Packers game of the playoffs! Fist pump for Packers win! 21-16, baby. Take that, you dog murdering quarterback!  

Monday morning I woke up craving banana pancakes. So I channeled my inner Jack Johnson and whipped them up. Unfortunately, Xylitol makes pancakes turn dark brown, making for some toasty-looking things. In this case, taste is what matters, and they were superb. 

The Florida weather failed me, but I had stuff to do. So I bundled up and went out for some errands, all of which were unsuccessful (long, boring story). I think I looked pretty cute though (if I do say so myself)!

Moms has been wanting to start working out with me (I think it’s her New Year’s resolution). So, Monday was our first “weights day”. Since my legs are fairly muscular already, I don’t work them out other than Zumba, walking, or running. My strength training focuses on my upper body, abs, and bootay, A.K.A Trouble Areas.  I do it 2-3 times a week.

Here’s the run-down (Before you venture any further, have a look at my Don’t Sue Me page…):

Some of these moves are from Tummy Tuck. Check out my creep-o faces in the others... ha.

My equipment:

1. 5 lb. weights
2. Bench
3. Water bottle
4. Yoga mat

Curl-throughs- Biceps/Shoulders (15 reps) Start with arms extended down by sides, palms facing outward. Then flexing biceps, bring the weights to shoulder height. Turn weights so palms face out again and push out and up. Reverse the movements back to start position. 

Lady Bench Press- Chest (15 reps) Lying flat on bench, start with weights resting on chest. Push up like a bench press so that arms form a V. Bring back to start position.

Dips- Triceps (10-15 reps) Position your hands shoulder width apart on a secured bench or stable chair. Move your booty in front of the bench with your legs bent and feet placed about hip width apart on the floor. Straighten out your arms and keep a little bend in your elbows in order to always keep tension on your triceps and off your elbow joints. Now slowly bend at your elbows and lower your upper body down towards the floor until your arms are at about a 90 degree angle. Be sure to keep your back close to the bench. Once you reach the bottom of the movement, slowly press off with your hands, and push yourself straight back up to the starting position.

Chest fly- Chest (15 reps) Lie on the floor, bench or step. Hold weights over the chest with the palms facing each other. Keeping the elbows slightly bent, lower the arms out to the sides and down until they're level with the chest. Keep the elbows in a fixed position and avoid lowering the weights too low. Squeeze chest to bring the arms back up as though you're hugging a tree.

Lunging Row- Back (15 reps on each side) Hold dumbbells and stand with your feet together, arms at your sides. Lunge forward with your left leg until your left knee is bent 90 degrees. Lower your torso as close as possible to your left knee. Allow the dumbbells to hang naturally. Row the dumbbells straight up until your elbows pass your torso. That’s one rep.

Cross-Bow- Gluteus medius/Outer gluteal  muscle (10 on each side) Start on all fours. Keeping right leg bent at a 90 degree angle, raise it straight out to the right side. Flex right foot and extend leg straight out. Bring back to 90 degrees and then back to start position.

Oblique Crunch- Obliques/ Lower abs (10-15 on each side) Start laying on your right side with your right arm stretched out flat on the floor ad your left arm on your head. Your legs should be out at a 45 degree angle in front of your body. Your weight should be on your butt muscle, not your hip bone. Lift your upper body and legs crunching your obliques. Bring arms and legs together touching your elbow to your knee. Lower back down to starting position.

 Donkey Kicks- Gluteus maximus  and minimus/ Top and bottom gluteal muscles.  (15 reps on each side) Start on all fours. Keeping right leg bent, lift it as high as you can behind you. Lower back down to start.

Reverse 6-inches- Lower abs (10-15 reps) This is a twist to the classic six inches. But instead of lifting from the floor, you start at the top and lower your legs to a 45 degree angle.

I do 3 of these circuts. It takes roughly 12 minutes per circuit and 36-40 min total. 

 I really love this workout because it’s quick and it works all the muscle groups that need tightening! Girl’s gotta stay in shape!

Starting Fresh in the New Year

Happy New Year Everyone!! I hope you’ve all made some doable resolutions to make you healthier and happier! I have made 3 of them:

They are:

• Dress nicely almost every day- I have all these cute clothes, but end up wearing a boring t-shirt and jeans or workout gear all the time.
• Drink more water- I’ll admit, sometimes I don’t drink quite as much as I should.
• Keep up my fitness- I have never made it through an entire year without some sort of hitch in the workout plan. This year, I want to keep fit and motivated the whole way through.

It’s time for change.

I love kicking off the New Year with something that signifies “turning over a new leaf” (pardon the cliché). My plan for having a clean sheet in 2011 is to do Yoplait Light’s Two Week Tune-Up. Sunday was my first day on the challenge. Ok, it wasn’t much of a challenge, but nonetheless, it is a DIET of sorts. I am not a huge fan of dieting, but I thought, What the hay, I could use the clean out after all of that holiday junk.

I was a little leery when I first heard about the Tune-Up, because as you are well aware, I LOVE food. Love might actually be an understatement. Adore, obsess over, worship, glorify, idolize- those are just some of the words I might use interchangeably…

On Day 1 of the Tune-Up, my breakfast consisted of

• ¾ cup papaya
• 1 slice gluten-free bread (with a super thin layer of cream cheese)
• Yoplait Light Cinnamon Roll yogurt

Can I just tell you how amazing the flavors are? 33 heavenly flavors, to be exact. GLUTEN-FREE cinnamon roll? Yes please! I really tried not to inhale the yogurt. It was delicious. I have no idea how they make the flavors so true to the actual food. It totally filled me up.

After breakfast and a fair amount of nagging, I managed to convince my mom and stepdad to go on the required 30-40 min walk with me. We took all the poopers and enjoyed the perfect Florida winter weather.

After the walk, I was hungry again, of course. The Tune-Up calls for a snack consisting of 2 servings of veggies between lunch and dinner. That’s 2 cups. Why the Hades would I eat 2 cups of vegetables in one sitting? Bearing in mind the complete ridiculousness of this idea, I resolved to “split” the snack into one serving between breakfast and lunch, and one between lunch and dinner. What a smarty pants I am. ;)

Love me some rabbit food.

My mama, Mons, and I made our way to the grocery store to stock up for our joint venture into Yoplait land. We weighed ourselves, just to see if there would be weight loss along the way (I am not planning on losing any weight). Mama and Mons were supposed to start the Tune-Up with me, but alas, these greasy, scrumptious-looking eats led them astray.

Burger and fries. Greasy. Fatty. Terrible. Classic.

 I managed to stay strong and steer clear of this all-American lunch. I settled for my Yoplait meal.

Corn flakes, banana, and yogurt just don't measure up to the aforementioned  foods.

 The Black Forest flavor was incredibly tasty, so I ate up. Little did I know that there was gluten lurking in my food… I checked several of the other containers and assumed that all of the flavors were gluten-free. Obviously I was SORELY mistaken (no pun intended). I began to feel a twinge in my tummy. I was so upset; when I consume gluten, I feel polluted. I quickly gulped down some Gluten-zyme and Pancreatin and drank a ton of water. Luckily, within about an hour, I was back to normal. I did, however, feel sluggish for the rest of the day. Boo.

Later, while looking over the Tune-Up for the millionth time, I discovered that you are supposed to fit in 3 ADDITIONAL servings of dairy on top of the Yoplaits that you are consuming at breakfast and lunch. When I realized I was allowed to eat even more food, I rejoiced. Food makes me excited. I had a serving of dairy with my afternoon snackie.

1 cup chopped broccoli. Cottage cheese with cumin, chili powder, and Louisiana Hot Sauce.

 The cottage cheese mixture soundss gross, but it’s not. I come up with crazy concoctions sometimes, but this one was a definite winner. If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, just blend it up and you have buffalo ranch dressing. Perfect for veggie dip or atop a salad.

I realized I am in desperate need of going back to school, because all I do these days is work out, think about food, blog, eat, and think about food. The other 5% of my time is spent meandering around the house and otherwise wasting time.

I chose to spend my afternoon doing just that. Time seemed to fly by and dinner time came. I had my 2 servings of veggies and 6 oz of lean protein. Great success (said in Borat voice).

Tuna salad. Lettuce, cucumber, tomato, carrots, banana peppers, tuna, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and a squeeze of lemon.

 I think this Tune-Up is totally doable. I'm currently drinking another serving of dairy... This is a perfect way to start the New Year!

What are your New Year’s resolutions? How do you plan on staying healthy this year?

Don’t forget to enter the Tune-Up Giveaway! Only 5 days left!