Tips to Live By

I read something cool online the other day that I thought I would share. It certainly seems like the kinds of things my mother would tell me and it’s definitely stuff that I need to be reminded repeatedly. Particularly 20, 22, 26, 28, 30…actually, a lot of them.  

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3.. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone.  It's more healing than crying alone.

8.  It's OK to get angry with God.  He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18.  Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.  Don't save it for a special occasion.  Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything.  Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously.  No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34.  God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35.  Don't audit life.  Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day.  Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41.  Envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44.  Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Links to Health:

Chicago School Bans Homemade Lunches

Half of US Adults Take Vitamins/Supplements

Too Big for Idol Taping?

What’s Your Perfect Day of Eating?

Six Foods You Can’t Overdo

April Already?

A lot has been going on the last few weeks.

1.     However, the most important recent news at “So Maybe Mom Was Right:” Teachergirl welcomed a baby girl yesterday! Pictures and details will be posted as soon as we have them. I am sure that Teachergirl and her husband are busy fawning over their new bundle of joy. In the meantime, we are praying that mother and baby are happy and healthy!

2.     At the end of the last two weeks, I have been out of state interviewing with two different companies for summer positions.  It was my first time traveling (i.e. being flown and staying in hotels alone) for interviews. Both companies set up multiple interviews per day. Talk about stressful and exciting all bundled up in a neat package.

3.     After much though and consideration, I accepted a position with a well-known company in Louisville, Kentucky for the summer. I leave in six weeks. I plan to have a mild panic attack in 5.5 weeks.

4.     4. I started a strength training challenge created by Kyra of The Get in Shape Girl called the April Fool’s Challenge. Four days in and it is already kicking my butt. It’s amazing what a change in routine can do. I’m excited to see the results at the end of April (aka my 27^th birthday).

5.     As a tribute to Ashlee and Adriana and to knock something off my 101 in 1001 list, I am going to try Zumba in the next week.

Links to Health:

10 Exercise Equipment Red Flags

For Best Exercise, Don’t Be Lonely or Late

Candy Eaters Surprisingly Slimmer

            Home Workout Tools for Every Budget

Warning for Food Colorings to Be Considered by FDA Panel

           

A to Z: Ways to Keep Fit

Are you in a fitness rut? How about some new ideas? I thought it would be fun to come up with an A-Z list of things that I can do for exercise when I feel like I’m doing the same thing everyday. Print it out and keep it for when you are hitting a fitness wall or are bored with your normal routine! 

Workout A-Z

A: Aerobics

B: Belly Dancing

C: Cycling

D: Dancing

E: Elliptical

F: Field Hockey

G: Golf

H: Hiking

I: Interval Training

J: Jumping Jacks

K: Kickboxing

L: Lacrosse

M: Medicine Balls

N: Nintendo Wii Fit

O: Off Road Biking

P: Paddleboarding

Q: Qigong Exercises

R: Rock Climbing

S: Stadium Training

T: Tennis

U: Ultimate Frisbee

V: Volleyball

W: Water Aerobics

X: XXX activities J

Y: Yoga

Z: Zumba

 

Links to Health: 

Log Miles for Japan

Do You Cool Down?

Sleepy People Overeat

Heavy Smoking Declines in US

18 Healthy Dinners in Less than 30 Minutes

Adventures

First and Foremost – Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

This is one of my favorite holidays, mainly because it reminds me of my grandpa – a true Irishman. We still have his green suit (as in, emerald green) that he wore to work every year on St. Patrick’s Day.

Now on to what’s new…

In case you didn’t realize, having a week with absolutely nothing to do but travel, relax, and spend time with loved ones…it’s the ticket kids. I came into this week feeling refreshed and reenergized…productive and on point.

Now don’t get me wrong. When I say relax…I rarely mean sit on the couch watching Oprah (which I did yesterday for the first time in years…that’s nice too actually!). My husband and I were on the go almost the entire week. First, we went to Jacksonville to meet his mom and sister for dinner. They were in from out of state, but we had to head back that night. However, we then went back to Jacksonville two days later for an interview I had. From Jacksonville, we went to Orlando, where we had dinner on our anniversary at the restaurant where we had our wedding reception. Our table was literally in the spot of our first dance! It was possibly the best meal I have ever had. The next night we saw Wicked (p.s. if the tour comes anywhere near you, do go! I have no words) and the following day we came home. I put my husband on a plane for Houston and he was back 24 later. The next morning…back to Orlando for my friend’s birthday. I know it seems like a lot, but traveling IS my prime form of relaxation. I am constantly the “anywhere but here” girl and luckily, I am married to a similarly minded man.

My husband and I like to find ways to keep that sense of adventure going even when we can’t travel. Lately, our way of doing that has been to go biking on Saturday mornings and a couple nights a week. We are enjoying the weather now, before those wicked Florida summers set in.

On our nighttime rides, we usually just go exploring nearby neighborhoods and it’s a much more leisurely ride. It usually ends up being about half an hour after dinner (which equates to 5-6 miles at our pork chop filled pace).

Much preferred though, are our Saturday morning rides. We have found a good list of nearby paved and unpaved trails, and we have just been trying them out. We usually go out to breakfast first, and then head out. I try to remember to take pictures, but I haven’t been very good about it. I use the Runkeeper app on my phone to track our average pace, average speed, distance, and duration (though I tend to want to stop anytime I see something I deem interesting) – and we just explore until we are ready to head back. It usually ends up being a much longer ride than those on weekdays.

Here are some pictures I took during some of our Saturday rides:

A picture of the view from part of the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail

My husband on one of the trails

While on a trail in Micanopy, Florida, we came across this cool old house.

The stairs inside the house were still intact

We did an unpaved trail to Paynes Prairie.

To get out onto the prairie, our bikes either had to go over the fence or through this gate. My husband was in charge of handling that.

I wanted to see some bison. Alas, birds, cows, and horses only.

A picture of me at the base of the lookout tower.

Yes, I stopped to take a picture of an armadillo.

I'm always on the lookout for animals! 

Links to Health:

Vegan Shepherds Pie Recipe

Do You Stretch Before Running?

Signs of Dehydration

Is Fitness All in the Genes?

When You Choose to Lose

I had all these fabulous plans for numerous workouts and perfected eating over the past seven days, because I know that next week will be spotty due to anniversary and vacation plans.

I got in one workout in the last week.

I had fried ice cream for dinner last night and Girl Scout cookies for breakfast today.

Why?

·      When the glorious spring we are having in Florida brings frequent weather changes…and those frequent weather changes, bring migraines to Meg.

o   Two in the last week. One of which left me sick in the bathroom at work.

·      When that dang pollen (that seems to be EVERYWHERE) causes incessant sneezing, itchy eyes, and dull daily headaches.

·      When big brother, who has always lived a stones throw away (if not in the same house), finds out he is moving to Chicago. This weekend.

·      When a research study goes against all plans and exams seem so tough.

·      When dad is bit by brown widow.

·      When decisions need to be made and work files pile up.

When these things happen, my week can get away from me. I’m not using these things to justify my deep fried and lazy decisions. I know I could have fit in workouts and planned eating if I really tried. But sometimes, I choose to just let the week win...and I choose not to beat myself up about it.  

Fresh starts abound….and we know I’m all about the fresh start.

 A picture from a farewell dinner tonight with my brother.

           

Links to Health:

Why You Should Invest an Hour a Day in Yourself

National Parks to Check out This Spring for Some Scenic Outdoor Exercise

March is National Nutrition Month

Shopping Carts Dirtier than Bathrooms?

Giveaway

How is your week going? Have you been participating in Random Acts of Kindness Week?  I have really been enjoying it!

Today we have another awesome giveaway! One lucky winner will get a $40 gift certificate to be used at www.csnstores.com. CSN Stores has just about everything, but we love checking out their cooking and fitness equipment.

To enter:

1.     Leave a comment below telling us about a random act of kindness that you did this week.

2.     Follow this blog (via the “Follow” button in the left hand corner)

We will randomly select a winner from the entries and announce the winner next Thursday. Entries accepted until midnight EST on Wednesday, February 23.

That gives you a few extra days to do something kind for someone and report back!

Links to Health:

Zinc May Shorten the Common Cold

Posture Puts You in Charge

Can Smoking Cost You a Job?

Eating Berries May Lower Risk of Parkinsons

Add That to the List of Things Mom Was Right About

 http://www.410bc.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/wisdom.jpg

My mom is one of the most genuinely nice people you’ll ever meet. Honestly, she is probably a little too nice! Even when someone is truly in the wrong, my mom is still trying to see things from their point of view. She always gives the benefit of the doubt. "I bet you misunderstood," or “You don’t know what they are feeling,” she’ll say…statements that can quickly drive me up a wall when (per usual) I feel I’m right and they are wrong. 

She works hard but rarely complains. She is driven even when she is worn. She doesn’t raise her voice and it’s hard to get a rise out of her…. and you know as the baby girl, I tried my best during those rock ‘em, sock ‘em, early teen years.  

But with that kind spirit, come those little life lessons she is forever trying to teach my brothers and I. Well, mainly me. My brothers are also a bit too nice for their own good. Single ladies take note! Nice guys available! But back to those life lessons…others might call them cliches, but because she truly lives by them, I just think of them as her “mom-isms”.

One of those mom-isms that she is constantly exemplifying – doing something for others is doing something for yourself. That’s the thing about my mom though, she will do nearly anything you ask. She will do things even when you don’t ask. She is thoughtful and creative, and when those qualities combine, beautiful acts of kindness generally abound. She is forever the “just because” lady. If you doubt me, check out the decorative paper covered envelope I received today (for no reason whatsoever) with a gorgeous new blouse inside. Take a gander at my favorite pup who had a bow around his neck when I pulled up at my parent's house last week, just because a floppy-eared dog with a big red bow would make me smile. Or ask our own Ms. Ashlee about her wedding photos, both taken and scrapbooked. 

The thing is, she doesn’t do it for thanks. It’s just her natural tendency to be kind and she loves doing things for others.

I know mom is right about this one and it’s a dimension of myself I’m constantly working to improve - more random acts of kindness and more selfless service. On that note, I’ve decided to take part in Random Acts of Kindness Week (which just happens to start on Monday!).     

You might be thinking, “Meg, what does this have to do with healthy living?” Don’t worry - In true Type A fashion, I’ve got a diagram for you!

My favorite random acts of kindness are those that are anonymous. There is just something so special about (possibly) lighting up someone's day when they aren't expecting it. I still remember one of the first times I did something for someone else anonymously and did it "just because" a la my mom. I also still remember the magnificent feeling that came along with that gesture. Being that it's been about 5 years since that random act of kindness and probably that long since I spoken to those involved, I'll lay it out there. I used to have an acquaintance from church who worked as a companion for an adult man with special needs. My acquaintance would spend each day with him, out and about. I would run into them all over the place: the student church building on campus, local bookstores, sipping hot chocolate at coffee shops. Though the man had never spoken to me, I knew his name because I would always stop to greet my acquaintance and I would also greet him. It quickly became apparent how much this man loved puzzles and coloring books. However, I noticed one day how he was always using the same coloring book and it was getting quite full from frequent use.  I decided to buy him some new coloring books and  puzzles, and I left them in the church building on campus with a card attached for my acquaintance noting who they were for, but not acknowledging who they were from. The delight I felt when I saw them later that week, new gifts in hand, was immeasurable. It's a feeling I regret not having more often.

So for one week, I'm going to put forth a valiant effort to offer more random acts of kindness each day. I recognize that it may appear kind of sad that I have to make this a goal...but I figure practice makes perfect, right?

"When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people; as I grow older, I admire kind people." - Abraham Joshua Heschel

Links to Health:

Will Insurers Have to Offer Free Birth Control

Eggs Now Lower In Cholesterol

Diet Soda May Increase Stroke Risk

Moms React to Study Linking Working Mothers to Childhood Obesity

Time to "Tri" Training

As I mentioned in my New Year’s Resolution post, this is the year I hope to complete a triathlon. Because I had set an early year goal of doing the Whittle My Middle program and I want to try a race before we hit fall and the water is too cold, I decided February would be a good time to start training. By the way, if you are looking for an awesome abdominal workout, be sure to try Whittle My Middle! I am going to keep doing it another month, because it’s a quick nightly punch in the abs and I definitely feel the results. Hopefully, at some point I’ll also be able to see the results!

Now back to the triathlon training. Luckily, I already have a pretty nice bike (thanks dad!), access to a heated pool at the gym, and while my running shoes are on their last leg, I can make them work for the time being. I definitely need to get some new ones soon though, especially since I’m trying to avoid shin splint flare-ups. I also ordered a heart rate monitor which I'm hoping will arrive tomorrow. Speaking of hearts and tomorrow - Tomorrow is "National Wear Red Day" for heart health awareness! Don't forget!

I really keep getting off track today, don't I? Oh well, ab workouts and heart health are important! Anyhow, I got a book on triathlons and have reviewed the training program therein, as well as another beginners program I found online (along with dozens of other random online resources). There seemed to be good aspects to both programs, so I decided to combine them. The training plan includes multiple days of running, biking, and swimming each week. Eventually, “brick” workouts will also be added. Brick workouts combine at least two of the workout types to get me accustomed to doing multiple things in a short period. Did you realize that some people experience dizziness/vertigo when transitioning from the swim to the bike portion? Yeah, me neither…and it’s something I hope to avoid come race day.

With that, I am starting my training on Monday! My “plan” is to do the triathlon training, with some pushup sessions and strength workouts mixed in each week. I put plan in quotes because that is what I'd consider the ideal situation. The training will come first and that is my overall goal. Any extra strength workouts will be a bonus, because I am trying to avoid burning out or overloading myself.

It's about twelve weeks of training, with a week off halfway through for an anniversary vacation my husband and I have in the works. I have a race in mind, but I haven’t committed to paying the entry fee yet because I have to do an internship this summer and I want to be sure the dates won’t conflict.

Have you ever done a triathlon? Any words of wisdom?

Links to Health: 

School Lunches Get a Makeover

Is Stress Causing You Insomnia? 

Vitamin Water’s Health Claims Critiqued by Consumer Group 

Go Red Campaign Set to Raise Awareness of Heart Disease

It's Good Cause it's Florida

I am a Florida girl through and through. What does that mean? Basically… it means give me some crashing waves, citrusy fruit, and palm trees, and I’m a happy camper. It also means I’ve become spoiled and come to expect warm sunshiny weather, even in January.

One of the best quotes I ever heard about Florida was from a radio DJ who said “If you think God blessed Texas, you’ve clearly never set foot in the sunshine state.” Granted, I’m pretty sure he was talking about beautiful women, but I like to think he meant the beautiful warm weather.   

Because we have been battling dreary weather of epic proportions this week, I felt I needed to whip up a true Florida girl meal. I decided to adapt one of Publix’s Apron’s Simple Meals (another thing Florida girl’s love…Publix) and it turned out magnificently. It is the perfect combo of warm, citrusy goodness. I think I found my new favorite salad AND one that makes for a yummy next day lunch.

Citrus Chicken Salad (Florida Girl Style)

Ingredients:

2 Grapefruit
½ cup lemon curd
¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
3 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon cooking oil
¼ teaspoon Everglades Seasoning
2 tablespoons water
Spring mix salad blend

  

1.     Cut grapefruit in half and remove grapefruit sections

2.     Squeeze grapefruit membranes in bowl for juice

3.     Whisk grapefruit juice and lemon curd until smooth

4.     Add garlic powder to mixture (the original recipe called for ½ teaspoon minced garlic but I didn’t have any on hand).

5.     Preheat large pan on medium-high for 3 minutes.

6.     Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Everglades seasoning (I added the Everglades seasoning because its fabulous and I use it on almost everything). 

7.     Brown chicken on each side (I like mine really brown)

8.     Reduce heat to medium and add water. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes.

9.     Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces

10.  Top salad with chicken and grapefruit chickens.

11.  Enjoy!

 

Needless to say, my husband wasn’t really interested in coming anywhere near this meal. While Florida residents love their citrus and warm grilled chicken….those from ‘bama prefer their salads to have a bit more ranch dressing, cheese, or fried chicken. That’s okay though. It means I’ve got healthy and delicious food for lunches the rest of the week.

Stored and ready to go!

Links to Health:

Nutrition Labels Coming to the Front of Some Packages

Healthy, Gluten Free, WW Approved Chocolate Chip Cookies

Picking Protein Bars

Training Videos for Common Gym Equipment

New Study Suggests Focusing on the Number on the Scale Might Not Get You as Far

Keys to a Good Warm-Up

101 in 1001

As I mentioned in my post last week, I have been working on a 101 in 1001 list. Actually, I started it on Tuesday (I thought 01/11/11 was a cool start date). Basically, the premise is to set 101 goals or tasks to accomplish in 1001 days. Obviously, this is right up my alley.

As I’ve mentioned time and time again, I think of healthy living as a lot more than just eating healthy and working out. In my world, it encompasses so many other facets. I feel that having hobbies or creative outlets, setting goals and feeling accomplished, and finding activities that foster emotional, mental, and physical health, are all part of healthy living. Because of this, I thought it might be fun to share my 101 in 1001 list.

You’ll find a mix of educational goals, organizational goals, fitness ventures, travel dreams, and opportunities to do things for others (obviously also throwing in fun things for myself!). I tried to determine tasks, as the directions instruct, that are attainable but require a stretch to accomplish. You’ll see day-to-day items and long-term goals. I’ve already started on a few  and hope to have something to cross off my list soon!

.:My 101 in 1001 List:.

Let me know if you have a 101 in 1001 list, so I can follow along on your progress!

Links to Health:

Warm Up with this Low Fat Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

UK Paying Citizens to Slim Down

Germy Mistakes You Make Everyday

Suggestions for Fabulous Kitchen Gadgets

Happy 2011

I hope everyone’s New Year is off to a good start. Here in Gator Country, I’ve already had a long and exhausting week. What have I done? Well, nothing really. I think I burnt out traveling during the holidays and my body was begging for a couple days to recoup.

Similar to some of the other ladies, I have found my energy levels down and my napping frequency up this week.  My husband and I were running a mile a minute during our “break” and it certainly came back to bite us both this week. He has been battling a wicked sinus infection, and everyone knows they can count on me to have a days-long headache at the first sign of deterioration.

But I have tried to combat this “worse for wear” feeling the best I can. I have been drinking Green Monsters by the pitcher-full, eating healthy proteins, and though I don’t do much else, I have been going to the gym everyday. I’ll stop right here to say I am not sick. I will be the first to say not to push yourself while genuinely sick, because it will likely take you longer to get better. But if I skipped a workout every time I had a mild headache, well, I wouldn’t work out at all (Ashlee can attest to that fact). But I generally know my body well enough to recognize its boundaries and this week, I needed a push for energy.

Because I haven’t felt amazing, it made sense for me to go to some group fitness classes (and have someone else tell me exactly what to do). While hitting the gym this week, I noticed, as could be expected, it’s been more crowded than in month’s past. This doesn’t bother me as much as it may bother others, because I love a good New Year’s resolution and I’m excited when I see others setting goals :) I also know how hard it is being the newbie, so I thought I could share some of the group fitness pointers I have learned, for those just starting out with group fitness.

When I first started taking group fitness classes, I printed out the class schedules for my gym (yes, more calendars for my collection). If I came across a class I loved, I’d highlight the class on the schedule. On the opposite side of the spectrum, I’d put an X through classes I didn’t like; sometimes including a note on who the instructor was, so that I could recall if was a class I absolutely didn’t like, or merely one with a less than stellar instructor (this comes in handy when I only have one free hour in the evening and I really want to take a spin class. Was it the instructor with the bad attitude or just the one with bad music?). This also helps you to pinpoint good instructors. Good instructors will often inspire and encourage you. If you find one you like, talk to them and see what other classes they lead. You might find those classes enjoyable as well.

Additionally, if I don’t like a class because I felt lost or it seemed too hard, I always make an effort to attend multiple times. Most classes generally have some sort of routine, and you may find it more enjoyable once you pick up on how the class flows.  If you still don’t find it enjoyable, no big deal…put an X over the class on your schedule and move on to the next one that looks interesting. However, I try not to rule out a type of class based on the instructor I tried it with. The instructor may not be good, but the class concept might be fabulous. Try and and try again. Except for yoga…I’d pay to find an instructor who can keep me from being bored to death with yoga. Sorry to those of you who love it, I know I'm in the minority with this one. 

When hitting new classes I also always try to get there a few minutes early to get the lay of the land. I like to figure out what equipment I will need and if I will need help getting set up. Try not to get intimidated though. Everyone had to start somewhere and “regulars” are generally happy to point out what you will need. I am also a public health nerd and getting there early allows me time to wipe down the equipment I am going to be using; specifically the grips on the hand weights…something everyone else seems to overlook! 

Finally, though I’m as ready as the next gal to get home when a class ends, I always try to stay for the stretch/cool down. I have found that it truly can combat aching muscles in the days to come. It's five minutes or so, but it can make a world of difference in how you view the class tomorrow. 

So those are my tips for group fitness. Other than the gym, I have just been trying to get back into my normal rhythm. I have been coordinating my work and class schedule, finalizing a plan for my triathlon training, planning a public health study I’ll be spearheading this year, and working on a 101 in 1001 list. I’ve also been having an internal battle as to how long I can get away with leaving up those dang Christmas decorations. Why is putting them away so much more daunting than pulling them out?

Links to Health:

Meat and Poultry Will Require Nutrition Labels

What Food Issues Should the FDA Tackle in 2011?

Free Nutrition Consultants to Help You Reach Your New Year’s Weight Loss Goal

Article Calls Study Linking Vaccines to Autism a Fraud

Good, Better, Best…You Know the Rest

With 2011 right around the corner, it seemed as good a time as any to make some changes and plans.  I had a great year, but there are some changes I'd like to make. I realize many people consider New Year’s Resolutions to be lame or daunting, and most resolutions are generally forgotten by February 1st. Not me. I love them. While I realize a fresh start can happen at any time, there is something so comforting about knowing bad habits are behind you and the future is wide open.  

I think that the reason a lot of people don’t succeed at (and inevitably decide that they hate) New Year’s resolutions is because they are not setting achievable goals. I make a numbered list of resolutions. If the list becomes too long or too vague, it morphs from a plan for the future, into a hope for the future. Keep it as a plan…something you WILL do. Additionally, when making resolutions, I try to evaluate and combat possible excuses (which, as you’ll notice below, includes admitting when you have made excuses in the past, to avoid doing something similar in the future). I can see now that this post is going to give you yet another glimpse into my personal neurosis.

One of my main resolutions for 2010 was to cut our ALL soda. Done and Done. What is great about that resolution is that it was something that seemed so impossible. I was THE soda queen. Cutting out soda cold turkey and completely was a success in 2010. With that success will come the expectation and (hopefully) achievement of further successes in the coming year.

While I’m not hoping for any miracles in 2011, I do plan to continue to work on improving my emotional, mental, and physical health with the New Year.

Simply put – keep getting better.

So how do I plan to get “better”?

1.     Finally incorporate Clean Eating into my overall lifestyle

·      I’ve read the books, magazines, and articles. I have made recipes. I really have no excuse not to make this lifestyle change, other than pure laziness…. and that is not my style.

·      This is #1 for a reason. Remember that. Stay focused.

2.     Complete the “Whittle my Middle” – 30 day Challenge in January

·      Take before and after pictures to see any progress

·      Do with husband for encouragement and habit

3.     Complete a triathlon

·      Shin splints and knee pain sidelined training in 2010. Stretch properly when training to avoid flare-ups. 

·     Work with and stick to an appropriate training schedule

4.     Read a book on and develop a working knowledge of Photoshop CS5

·      Avoid using action sets when possible

5.   Spend more time scrapbooking

·      It clears my head and sparks creativity 

6.     Combat wanderlust – travel somewhere new and incredible with my husband in 2011

·      Make time for it.

           

 

- December 2010-

Happy. Healthy. Constantly Improving Overall. 

-In 2011-

Keep it up. Work Hard. Be My Best. 

  

Do you like New Year’s resolutions? 

Will you be making any for 2011?

Links to Health (New Year’s Style!):

Do New Year’s Resolutions Really Work?

The Best and Worst Fitness Trends of 2010

A Year’s Worth of Healthy Recipes

Top Health Headlines of 2010

How to Make a Resolution a Success

A Good 2010 Resolution Recap

10 in '10 Wrap Up

As I approach the end of my (second) 10 in '10 challenge, I am able to personally reflect on the progress I have made these last couple months. I accomplished much of what I wanted to and my goals helped me stay on track as I maneuvered the holiday season. Some weeks it all seemed too much, but in the end, I know it helped and contributed to an overall healthy lifestyle. Goals and accountability always do. I plan to have some major goals for 2011 (would you expect anything less?) and will share them all with you next week. Do you have any goals in mind for the New Year?

In the meantime, family time and sweet treats are calling my name. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Plank With Me

Everyone has a lot going on this week, which is also slowing things down here at "So Maybe Mom Was Right." Our ladies are taking finals, grading finals, tending to sick babies, tending to unborn babies, and preparing for the holidays. As we've mentioned before, it's important to prioritize to keep yourself healthy (and sane!). However...my finals are done...which means I'm here to torture you with a workout and remind you that even in the busiest of times, fitness will keep you healthy and sane as well!

I’ve mentioned before that I have a membership at a local gym. That means if I do have to workout at home for some reason, I don’t like to spend a lot of money on home gym equipment. I’m already paying a good amount for use of someone else’s equipment, so it’s hard to justify the extra expense when I’m on a graduate student/newly married person’s budget. The only pieces of fitness equipment I own are a ball, resistance bands, and small hand weights.

During weeks like this, when there is a lot going on, I like to have things I can do at the drop of a hat. This especially comes in handy on those days where I start trying to convince myself “I just don’t have time for anything today.”  You’ve heard it time and time again, something is better than nothing when it comes to work out…and we both have ten minutes to do something.

I’ve preached the wonder of the pushup multiple times. So I thought it was about time I introduce you to one of my other quick and effective home workouts (which is actually quite similar) – the plank.

The plank is, in my opinion, one of the most effective core workouts that you can get in a short time. It works your stomach, lower back, and rear, among other things. I have even made my husband a plank believer. One of the good things about the plank is that you can adjust the difficulty level by making simple modifications.

Today I’ll show you how to do the Basic Plank because it’s a good jumping off point for beginners.

 The Basic Plank:

·      Begin with your forearms and toes on the floor. Keep your weight evenly distributed between elbows and toes.

·      Keep your back and torso straight (similar to when doing pushups). Don’t drop your rear and don’t push it out. Focus on keeping your abdominal muscles tight.

·      Keep your head relaxed and looking at the floor.

·      Build up to holding the plank for 30, 45, or 60-second sets. 

*If this is too difficult, you can modify the basic plank and do a Kneeling Plank. For the kneeling plank, begin with your knees and forearms on the floor (rather than starting from your toes).

Some Additional Variations of the Plank:

The Side Plank:

·      My least favorite, but excellent at exercising those obliques/love handles

 

The Straight Arm Plank:

·      My go-to plank choice

Elbow on-the-ball Planks:

·      Difficult but the results are worth it!

 

Links to Health:

(I’ve got a lot of interesting ones for you this week!)

Cold Weather Running Tips for Beginners

Inexpensive Stocking Stuffers for a Fitness Buff

A Fun Holidays Workout Playlist

How Young is Too Young for Sports Training?

Healthy Holiday Party Recipes

Making the Grade on Women’s Health – 2010 National and State Report Cards