We've hit that spot in the relationship - the one where you realize you really do have to get back to exercise and eating healthy.  It has been a fun vacation from it all.  But gym memberships have been purchased and new recipes are being sought.  Of course the struggle between a night owl and a morning bird is, when to work out.  Lately, we've been heading over after work (usually with roomie Megs), but this means we get back and all start making dinner around 8:30pm.  And for those of you who know my tendency to take a really long time to make a meal.... you realize how late we eat.

Yesterday, I came across this great site - Organized Living Solutions -  and a quick trip from one link to another lead me to a tasty looking (simple) meal!  We had plenty of leftover chicken in John's fridge that we needed to make use of soon.  Perfect!

It was delicious! Though, I was a bit disappointed when I discovered that Couscous really isn't that healthy.  I mean, it's no quinoa.

We were eating within about 20 minutes.  We used craisins instead of the dates.  We did toss in some feta, but we opted out of the sour cream.  This meal is so flavorful, it really doesn't need it.  In fact, a little of the dressing, tossed well throughout, goes a long ways.

Here's to a new season of meal planning, and quicker, healthier dinners.  Any suggestions - or favorite healthy (quick) meals?

Definitely that cool.

Me and HP at the gym. 

I saw a picture on Pinterest today of a woman with an incredible body in a bikini and the Helvetica words scrolled across the sand, "Still want that cookie?"   And I thought to myself.  "Yes.  I wanted all three of them, and I enjoyed every bite."  : )  

I actually have been taming my sweet tooth that seems to arrive every year at the holidays.  By Spring it naturally gets replaced with a craving for fruits and salads and salmons (and okay, burgers!)... but by then, there's a bit of damage done and it's not quite rectified in swimsuit time.  

But to be fair, I'll always be the girl who says "Eat the cookie.  Take a lap."  Because life is too short to not eat cookies.  Ya know?

It is better for me not to work out. I don't crave bad food... unless I exercise. Typically I love spinach and vegetables and yogurt and granola and yes breads (and yeah so bacon and cheese!).  OKAY, but overall... I'm a healthy eater. But put me on a treadmill and suddenly I'm a teenage boy and all I can think about is fast food! (don't.) Last night, part way through our work out I began craving a sourdough jack. Bad... who knows where that idea came from too! By the time we finished, I insisted Rosie and I drive over there. And in the line, I suddenly wanted all of the terrible (and delicious) foods. Then I ate a brownie, and a cup of Kim's amazing white chicken chili soup. 

Guess how many calories I burned?  And how many I then ate? I try to avoid math, but I'm pretty sure that ratio is blaring. And supports my claim: It is better for me to not work out.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one with this problem. In fact, I've worked out with enough of you to know it.

*Cation: unexpected matching.   -->

Taking photos while running looks


A  BiT  l i Ke   t H I s.....

But I just wanted to document how much I enjoy my gym time these days (and let's be honest, no girl really loves having photos taken of her while she's exercising anyways, so we didn't mind the blur so much).  With these two on my right and Els on my left, and usually Kate nearby... I look forward to the gym so much more. And I don't find myself in such a rush to get it done and get out.

Also I feel it worth noting: Elsa has perfect running form.  I mean, we've been running buddies for nearly two years now (maybe?), but today it struck me.  Perfect.  Her back is straight, her arms flexed, all her limbs just seem to be pulled by threads at a ridiculous rate.  The girl could be a running model.  I don't have that good of posture when I'm walking... or laying on a flat board!  Maybe the trick was how fast she was going?  I have no clue.  But it was enough that I felt distracted and mortified at my shortcomings and decided to stop my treadmill and admire her gate and form.  Truly, I marveled.

It's good thing I look forward to the gym so much now, because most of my time not at the gym, and not at work, is spent like this... And while it's happy for the heart, well...

Last weekend I signed up for a gym.  Next step, actually go to it.

Probably not the first thing you want to see in the morning (or think about), but this article caught my eye. One of the things I learned working at Starbucks is just how many calories we drink! You get customers coming in ordering 8 pump white mochas with whole milk and extra whip and you want to pull out your sharpie and write a little "Caution: this many calories and sugar may cause your heart to stop, and is guaranteed to enlarge your derriere." Because you care. Plus, you're afraid someone might sue you. While I was working there, I went on a Daniel fast for a few months. And granted, I know there were many changes to my diet, but the biggest one was that I had suddenly stopped drinking so much coffee. I had no syrups, and no milk. I could do an americano, or something with soy. I allowed myself honey, and eventually chai (and yes, I know that is a cheat). I already don't drink soda. I saw first hand what a big difference this made. Thankfully, working there, my sweet tooth started to disappear. I went from liking regular white mochas to preferring half the pumps, or less eventually. And the final touch, Starbucks put the calories on the board - thank you Washington state mandate (really). They also put out little pamphlets with the calories of drinks and food (not that I did a good job of memorizing them).

So, my point? Watch what you drink. I already know most of my calories are in my beverages... and all the worse in the summer, when all we want is a good cold drink: sweet tea, lemonade, soda, beer(!), etc. Here's a little article from the Guardian that gives you a bit of an extreme version, but if you haven't before, track what you drink for a couple days and add up the calories. :/ If you're looking to lose some weight, obviously change your diet, but my biggest recommendation: buy a water bottle, and keep it with you. Drinking enough water will prevent you from drinking other beverages, it will keep you hydrated and feeling up to exercise, your mind will feel less groggy, it will keep you from thinking your hungry when you're not, and furthermore, it will actually help you lose weight in and of itself. You probably already all know this, but if you haven't yet done it - do it.
My favorites are these, which you can find at REI. You really WILL drink more water, without even realizing it. And you wont get that semi-sick feeling from downing too much at once (maybe that's just me...). You've probably seen people walking around with them and thought "Do they know they look ridiculous?" Let me tell you a secret, they did know, but they've forgotten. And they don't mind. These babies are amazing, and will make you a waterholic.

I'm a strong believer in enjoying what you enjoy... I don't drink light beer, I make cookies that taste good, and I looove bread. Summer time, there is sweet tea in my fridge. And I still drink coffee (and not black). Enjoy life, but be aware. I just consider when I'm choosing my beverages and food: how much am I willing to do later to work this off? (Thankfully, I actually like to the taste of a lot of healthy food.)

But now that I'm getting a bit older, and also beginning to recognize the health issues me and my sisters are at risk of, I'm realizing that sometimes even exercise isn't enough to protect your body from what you're putting in it. :/ Ignorance may be bliss, but you can only stay ignorant until it all catches up with you.

If any of you have made changes to your eating/ drink habit that have had major affects on your health, or know of some good resources, comment. ;)

I think running opens my heart. :) 

Or maybe it just forces me to stop doing everything else for a while- and listen, and process. Whatever the case, I find it incredible that exercising makes our entire body and spirit and soul seem better- it makes us well. I find it incredible that God created us that way- to be most alive in this strange activity that combines labor, play and rest... and that there, He speaks to my heart and opens up new thoughts to my mind. 

I can let go when I run. I can trust Him. I can accept that I can't do it- but that in my weakness, He will be strong for me. 

Today, I finally got something: I am faithful, not because I am faithful. I am faithful, because He lives in me and through me- and He is faithful. 

His love never fails. So trust. He will win this battle when the day is done.