And by rumble, I mean rumbles in the tummy, as in hungry... Thanksgiving was awesome and is now past so we have 3 weeks to practice deprivation to be able to enjoy more holiday celebrating without guilt!
I am going to eat clean protein with lots of green veges. After all, I need to counter act the effects of the Thanksgiving holiday and make calorie room for my Mom's famous Christmas cookies!
BTW, my sister introduced me to a wonderful new pumpkin treat. She found pumpkin lollipops at See's candy store. They are delicious, last a long time and have only 70 calories, 2.5 grams of fat and 8 grams of sugar. All in all, not a bad nutritional summary for a delicious treat! Just thought you might like to know. The pumpkin flavor is seasonal, so if you are interested, go now to try them!
Desire to seek balance. Dedication to myself. Discipline to practice caloric deprivation.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
This Is Why I Like to Workout!
I saw this post and just had to share it. We all have a wonderful opportunity to lead by example. The little ones in our lives watch what we do, not necesarily what we say. The author is talking about a daughter, for me it is about all the impresionable young girls (and boys) in our lives!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!
10 Things I Want My Daughter to Know About Working Out
by brynnharrington on November 19, 2013
Mid-way through a recent group exercise class, the teacher lost me. She didn’t lose me because of some complicated step sequence or insanely long set of burpees; I mentally checked out because of a few words she kept saying over and over. “Come on! Get that body ready for your winter beach vacation! Think about how you want to look at those holiday parties! PICTURE HOW YOU’LL LOOK IN THAT DRESS!”
“THAT DRESS?” My brain couldn’t focus on an image of some random dress hanging in my closet. All I could think about was my three-year-old daughter hearing and trying to process those words.
My daughter’s little brain is making sense of the world every single second, taking in verbal and non-verbal cues about how things work and what things mean. And when it comes to exercise, I want her to grow up seeing it as a joy, and not a utility…as a gift, and not a chore…as an opportunity, not an obligation. I want her to do it for the love of it, not to fit into a dress. I want her to grow up knowing that…
1.Strength equals self-sufficiency. Being strong – particularly as a woman – is empowering. It will feel good someday to be able to carry your own luggage down the stairs if the airport escalator is broken, and it will be important to have a solid shot at outrunning a stranger should you meet one a dark alley.
2.Fitness opens doors. Being healthy and fit can help you see the world differently. The planet looks different from a bike or a pair of skis than it does from a car or an airplane. Out in the elements you have the time and space to notice details and meet people and remember smells and bugs and mud and rain and the feeling of warm sunshine on your face. And those are the moments that make up your life.
3.The bike is the new golf course. Being fit may help you get a seat at the table. Networking is no longer restricted to the golf course, and the stronger you are – and the more people you can hang with on the road and trail – the more people you’ll meet.
4.Exercise is a lifestyle, not an event. Being an active person isn’t about taking a class three times a week at the gym. It’s about things like biking to the grocery store and parking your car in the back of the lot and walking instead of taking a cab and catching up with friends on a hiking trail instead of a bar stool.
5.Health begets health. Healthy behavior inspires healthy behavior. Exercise. Healthy eating. Solid sleep. Positive relationships. These things are all related.
6.Endorphins help you cope. A good sweat session can clear the slate. You will have days when nothing seems to go right…when you’re dizzy with frustration or crying in despair. A workout can often turn things around.
7.Working out signals hard-working. The discipline required to work out on a regular basis signals success. Someone recently told me they are way more likely to hire marathon runners and mountain climbers because of the level of commitment that goes into those pursuits.
8.If you feel beautiful, you look beautiful. Looking beautiful starts on the inside. And being fit and strong feels beautiful.
9.Nature rules. And if you’re able to hike/run/bike/swim/ski/snowshoe, you can see more of it.
10.Little eyes are always watching. We learn from each other. You may have a daughter—or a niece or a neighbor or a friend – one day. And that little girl will be watching and listening to everything she you say and do. What messages do you want her to hear?
I’ll never talk to my daughter about fitting into THAT DRESS. But I will talk to her about what it sounds like to hear pine needles crunching under my feet and what it feels like to cross a finish line and how special it is to see the world on foot. I will talk to her about hard work and self sufficiency. I will teach her the joy of working out by showing her I love it. And I’ll leave the rest up to her.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!
10 Things I Want My Daughter to Know About Working Out
by brynnharrington on November 19, 2013
Mid-way through a recent group exercise class, the teacher lost me. She didn’t lose me because of some complicated step sequence or insanely long set of burpees; I mentally checked out because of a few words she kept saying over and over. “Come on! Get that body ready for your winter beach vacation! Think about how you want to look at those holiday parties! PICTURE HOW YOU’LL LOOK IN THAT DRESS!”
“THAT DRESS?” My brain couldn’t focus on an image of some random dress hanging in my closet. All I could think about was my three-year-old daughter hearing and trying to process those words.
My daughter’s little brain is making sense of the world every single second, taking in verbal and non-verbal cues about how things work and what things mean. And when it comes to exercise, I want her to grow up seeing it as a joy, and not a utility…as a gift, and not a chore…as an opportunity, not an obligation. I want her to do it for the love of it, not to fit into a dress. I want her to grow up knowing that…
1.Strength equals self-sufficiency. Being strong – particularly as a woman – is empowering. It will feel good someday to be able to carry your own luggage down the stairs if the airport escalator is broken, and it will be important to have a solid shot at outrunning a stranger should you meet one a dark alley.
2.Fitness opens doors. Being healthy and fit can help you see the world differently. The planet looks different from a bike or a pair of skis than it does from a car or an airplane. Out in the elements you have the time and space to notice details and meet people and remember smells and bugs and mud and rain and the feeling of warm sunshine on your face. And those are the moments that make up your life.
3.The bike is the new golf course. Being fit may help you get a seat at the table. Networking is no longer restricted to the golf course, and the stronger you are – and the more people you can hang with on the road and trail – the more people you’ll meet.
4.Exercise is a lifestyle, not an event. Being an active person isn’t about taking a class three times a week at the gym. It’s about things like biking to the grocery store and parking your car in the back of the lot and walking instead of taking a cab and catching up with friends on a hiking trail instead of a bar stool.
5.Health begets health. Healthy behavior inspires healthy behavior. Exercise. Healthy eating. Solid sleep. Positive relationships. These things are all related.
6.Endorphins help you cope. A good sweat session can clear the slate. You will have days when nothing seems to go right…when you’re dizzy with frustration or crying in despair. A workout can often turn things around.
7.Working out signals hard-working. The discipline required to work out on a regular basis signals success. Someone recently told me they are way more likely to hire marathon runners and mountain climbers because of the level of commitment that goes into those pursuits.
8.If you feel beautiful, you look beautiful. Looking beautiful starts on the inside. And being fit and strong feels beautiful.
9.Nature rules. And if you’re able to hike/run/bike/swim/ski/snowshoe, you can see more of it.
10.Little eyes are always watching. We learn from each other. You may have a daughter—or a niece or a neighbor or a friend – one day. And that little girl will be watching and listening to everything she you say and do. What messages do you want her to hear?
I’ll never talk to my daughter about fitting into THAT DRESS. But I will talk to her about what it sounds like to hear pine needles crunching under my feet and what it feels like to cross a finish line and how special it is to see the world on foot. I will talk to her about hard work and self sufficiency. I will teach her the joy of working out by showing her I love it. And I’ll leave the rest up to her.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Oh Pumpkin, My Pumpkin!
I love the flavor of pumpkin, so this food season is a little slice of heaven for me! In the past, I was the first one in line for the pumpkin scone as soon as it appeared at Starbucks. Now, I find them dry and not worth the calories.
So I have been in search of a pumpkin fix that meets my (ridiculously) high taste standards. Last weekend we went to a restaurant and I tried their pumpkin pancakes. I sent them back, too rubbery. The weekend prior I really cracked up my hubbie. First we ordered a pumpkin roll, which came out so gooey it was disgusting. Then I asked for an order of their pumpkin toast, which I didn't eat because I couldn't taste the pumpkin. Then I asked for a pumpkin muffin, which I picked at because it was too sugary. Hubbie said - "give it up Dear!" He was right. :-)
So this morning I created a pumpkin pancake batter and thoroughly enjoyed some pancakes (with light butter) and real maple syrup. I am completely satisfied and happy! The calories were high for breakfast, but I won't eat lunch and am planning a big salad for dinner. An hour of cardio will happen today too. It all balances out.
One other pumpkin treat I "invented"......take the plain canned pumpkin, add stevia and pumpkin pie spice to taste. Set it in the freezer for an hour, take it out and enjoy a fun version of "pumpkin" ice cream. Of course it is not ice cream, but it is full of flavor, cold and creamy and only 80 calories for a whole cup!
Desire to satisfy my taste buds. Dedication to keep trying to find the right flavor treat. Discipline to carefully enjoy.
So I have been in search of a pumpkin fix that meets my (ridiculously) high taste standards. Last weekend we went to a restaurant and I tried their pumpkin pancakes. I sent them back, too rubbery. The weekend prior I really cracked up my hubbie. First we ordered a pumpkin roll, which came out so gooey it was disgusting. Then I asked for an order of their pumpkin toast, which I didn't eat because I couldn't taste the pumpkin. Then I asked for a pumpkin muffin, which I picked at because it was too sugary. Hubbie said - "give it up Dear!" He was right. :-)
So this morning I created a pumpkin pancake batter and thoroughly enjoyed some pancakes (with light butter) and real maple syrup. I am completely satisfied and happy! The calories were high for breakfast, but I won't eat lunch and am planning a big salad for dinner. An hour of cardio will happen today too. It all balances out.
One other pumpkin treat I "invented"......take the plain canned pumpkin, add stevia and pumpkin pie spice to taste. Set it in the freezer for an hour, take it out and enjoy a fun version of "pumpkin" ice cream. Of course it is not ice cream, but it is full of flavor, cold and creamy and only 80 calories for a whole cup!
Desire to satisfy my taste buds. Dedication to keep trying to find the right flavor treat. Discipline to carefully enjoy.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
It's the Holidays - Let's All Hang in There!
It is the most wonderful time of the year! I love the holidays and yet, of late, I find myself feeling overwhelmed with activity and obligation.
This year, I am going to approach things differently. My husband and I agreed we would protect our Sundays so we would have 50% fewer weekend "things" we needed to do. We are making a concerted effort to simplify this year. We have been tapering off the number of gifts we purchase for Christmas for several years. I am committed to NOT gaining weight this season, which means I will taper off the number of treats I consume. Nothing will cross these lips unless it is 100% certified completely worth the extra calories!
This season, I have a distinct focus, and that is little Nathan Reid Massa, born on November 14th. He is my nephew's son, which makes me a Great Auntie. I know I have always been a great aunti to our 17 nieces and nephews, but now I officially a GREAT AUNTIE! Tee hee. When I met him Friday afternoon, I told him I was going to hold him all day on Thanksgiving, and that real soon I would get to be a babysitter. He is a precious bundle of perfection and wonder and we are so blessed to have him in our lives! He represents such a beautiful component of my healthy journey - love, health, promise for the future and pure joy!
So, what will your healthy focus be this season? I hope it is something as wonderful a little Nathan!
Desire to seek balance. Dedication to my new grand nephew. Discipline to honor carefree Sundays.
This year, I am going to approach things differently. My husband and I agreed we would protect our Sundays so we would have 50% fewer weekend "things" we needed to do. We are making a concerted effort to simplify this year. We have been tapering off the number of gifts we purchase for Christmas for several years. I am committed to NOT gaining weight this season, which means I will taper off the number of treats I consume. Nothing will cross these lips unless it is 100% certified completely worth the extra calories!
This season, I have a distinct focus, and that is little Nathan Reid Massa, born on November 14th. He is my nephew's son, which makes me a Great Auntie. I know I have always been a great aunti to our 17 nieces and nephews, but now I officially a GREAT AUNTIE! Tee hee. When I met him Friday afternoon, I told him I was going to hold him all day on Thanksgiving, and that real soon I would get to be a babysitter. He is a precious bundle of perfection and wonder and we are so blessed to have him in our lives! He represents such a beautiful component of my healthy journey - love, health, promise for the future and pure joy!
So, what will your healthy focus be this season? I hope it is something as wonderful a little Nathan!
Desire to seek balance. Dedication to my new grand nephew. Discipline to honor carefree Sundays.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
I'm Baaaaaaaaaack!
.........in more ways than one! Allen and I had a wonderful trip to the wilds of Peru. We visited Cuzco, Urubamba, Aguas Calientes (at the base of Machu Picchu) and of course, Machu Picchu. We had a very memorable journey and will carry many wonderful memories with us always.
Before we left, our doctor made sure all of our immunizations were up to date, my sister prepared a homeopathic remedy to help us ward off altitude sickness and we loaded up on all sorts of meds we thought we could need. As it turned out, we did not experience any travelers sickness. Our doctor warned us off of fresh fruits and vegetables. Our friends, who are living in Brazil, warned us off of any pork products. So we didn't think it would be a fattening trip, with lots of hiking in the Machu Picchu park to compensate!
It turned out that the only problem we had was that my back acted up, so I didn't get to do as much hiking as I had hoped. Still, we had an awesome journey, including the Orient Express train from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes. It is an oh so civilized way to travel!
Our hotels were luxurious with excellent dining and service. The spas were terrific! And we met our friends from Brazil in Aguas Calientes, Cuzco and Lima! So fun!
Machu Picchu itself was literally other worldly. No superlative can describe what it is like to be standing on top of those mountains, so high up, where Inkas once lived, roamed and ruled. All I can say is that they had to have been one fit tribe of people to be able to live in the Andes. I will carry with me the extreme steepness of the mountains. INCREDIBLE!!! It seems like all we did was drink water all day long. The altitude is extreme and hydration is key!
Now that we are back, we are focused on the "kale and water" diet, not literally, but definitely not far off. I am applying calorie restriction to shed some weight. It feels really good!
The holidays have snuck up on us again. I hope you are looking forward to a season of love and health and moderation. Remember to get rest and stay hydrated!
Desire to vacation in fun places. Dedication to travel safely. Discipline to come home again! :-)
Before we left, our doctor made sure all of our immunizations were up to date, my sister prepared a homeopathic remedy to help us ward off altitude sickness and we loaded up on all sorts of meds we thought we could need. As it turned out, we did not experience any travelers sickness. Our doctor warned us off of fresh fruits and vegetables. Our friends, who are living in Brazil, warned us off of any pork products. So we didn't think it would be a fattening trip, with lots of hiking in the Machu Picchu park to compensate!
It turned out that the only problem we had was that my back acted up, so I didn't get to do as much hiking as I had hoped. Still, we had an awesome journey, including the Orient Express train from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes. It is an oh so civilized way to travel!
Our hotels were luxurious with excellent dining and service. The spas were terrific! And we met our friends from Brazil in Aguas Calientes, Cuzco and Lima! So fun!
Machu Picchu itself was literally other worldly. No superlative can describe what it is like to be standing on top of those mountains, so high up, where Inkas once lived, roamed and ruled. All I can say is that they had to have been one fit tribe of people to be able to live in the Andes. I will carry with me the extreme steepness of the mountains. INCREDIBLE!!! It seems like all we did was drink water all day long. The altitude is extreme and hydration is key!
Now that we are back, we are focused on the "kale and water" diet, not literally, but definitely not far off. I am applying calorie restriction to shed some weight. It feels really good!
The holidays have snuck up on us again. I hope you are looking forward to a season of love and health and moderation. Remember to get rest and stay hydrated!
Desire to vacation in fun places. Dedication to travel safely. Discipline to come home again! :-)
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Our Future Is Bright!
Yesterday, Allen and I hung out with Emily, one of our nieces. She is a recent college graduate, who moved from Wisconsin to San Diego to begin her professional life. When I think about her energy, enthusiasm, passion and commitment to her values, I smile and thing our future is bright! So many of our nieces, nephews and children of our friends are in exactly the same category. I am filled with pride when I think of all of them!!!
We had so much fun with Emily, just talking, joking, sharing stories, eating dinner and ending up in the Jacuzzi. Everything is new, bright and shiny through her eyes. First "real" job, first car, etc. etc. Allen said he could tell that I like being around her and our other nieces too. He is right. I feel honored to have the chance to help influence their healthy happy journeys. I am humbled by their intelligence and beauty. I wonder, did I have as much composure when I was 23? I doubt it! Did I know as much about nutrition and movement at 23? I don't think so. The "Emilys" in my life seem so much better connected and informed than I was at 23. Of course, when I was 23, the internet had not even been invented! Literally. :-)
When I listen to the news, I can get down about all the issues and problems in our world. Instead, I choose to focus my energy on the promise of a better future because of all of the positive bright young minds who are just beginning. We have every reason to stay motivated and healthy to help others shape a better future. Our future really is bright.
Desire to help shape and influence for a healthy happy journey. Dedication to be there for others. Discipline to stay a positive role model.
We had so much fun with Emily, just talking, joking, sharing stories, eating dinner and ending up in the Jacuzzi. Everything is new, bright and shiny through her eyes. First "real" job, first car, etc. etc. Allen said he could tell that I like being around her and our other nieces too. He is right. I feel honored to have the chance to help influence their healthy happy journeys. I am humbled by their intelligence and beauty. I wonder, did I have as much composure when I was 23? I doubt it! Did I know as much about nutrition and movement at 23? I don't think so. The "Emilys" in my life seem so much better connected and informed than I was at 23. Of course, when I was 23, the internet had not even been invented! Literally. :-)
When I listen to the news, I can get down about all the issues and problems in our world. Instead, I choose to focus my energy on the promise of a better future because of all of the positive bright young minds who are just beginning. We have every reason to stay motivated and healthy to help others shape a better future. Our future really is bright.
Desire to help shape and influence for a healthy happy journey. Dedication to be there for others. Discipline to stay a positive role model.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
The Light and the Dark
I was wondering about the contrasts in life. People say that the tough times help us really appreciate the good times. The bitter cold of winter helps us appreciate the heat of summer. Financial struggles help us appreciate abundant times. Stress tends to make us seek relaxation. When we are really full, we wish for an empty tummy (think Thanksgiving). When we have been super busy, we just want some unscheduled free time. Too much sleep makes you want to get up and move. Too little sleep makes us long for a nice nap. Does excess make us long for more a little deprivation? Really sore muscles from working out sends us to relax in a Jacuzzi.
So, I wonder if fat makes us appreciate thin? Or, does thin make anyone long for fat? For me, it is more about seeking balance. I am, after all, a Libra, the sign of the scales. When the scales tip, figuratively or literally, I go in search of a way to find equilibrium or balance. I don't need to be a size zero, I just want to be as healthy as I can be.
Desire to live a healthy balance. Dedication to both the light and the dark. Discipline to work for the balance.
So, I wonder if fat makes us appreciate thin? Or, does thin make anyone long for fat? For me, it is more about seeking balance. I am, after all, a Libra, the sign of the scales. When the scales tip, figuratively or literally, I go in search of a way to find equilibrium or balance. I don't need to be a size zero, I just want to be as healthy as I can be.
Desire to live a healthy balance. Dedication to both the light and the dark. Discipline to work for the balance.
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