I Lost My Head...and FIT TIP (#5)

Saturday, after spending time with/on my Pilate's machine, I decided to top off my workout with an Outdoor run. The 3 motivating factors that Pushed and Pulled me out the door:

***too long since a Run outside
***these Gorgeous days in the Valley of the Sun
***my Word for 2009...Balance

Running outside was a great compliment to indoor Pilate's... the atmosphere, the pace, the movement. As I rounded the corner for home, I was feeling exhilarated...balanced.

Burst through the front door...went straight to the kitchen for water, and that's when it happened...

I lost my head! I opened the pantry, and lost my dang head!

Somehow (wink,wink) Girl Scout cookies had appeared. Thin Mints and Samoas...my favorites. I ate a handful...not one, or one of each, but a handful. Which leads perfectly to...

FIT TIP #4: We are what we repeatedly do. -Aristotle

The pursuit of health & fitness is a journey, not a destination. Go with the changes in your life, age, and body and continue to feed the fountain of longevity.

Forgive yourself when you get off track and return to healthy habits as quickly as you can. Remember, it only takes one workout to get back in the game. Gotta love that!

Try this: Before you eat a treat, make sure it is something you love. If it is, enjoy every bite. If it isn't, skip it. Don't waste those "sweet calories" on something unsatisfying.

BY THE WAY, I enjoyed every balanced bite!

Good Eats, Sweet Treats...and FIT TIP (#4)

These 3 (simple & inexpensive) ingredients...

tilapia (non-fishy white fish, that I seriously love), sweet potatoes, and (optional to some, but never to me) onion...

become this. And please take my word, it tastes oh-so much better than it looks!

If you are a fan of sweet potato fries, you will love this healthier version.

In a shallow baking dish, arrange tilapia fillets, thinly sliced potatoes and onions. Sprinkle with olive oil, salt & pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees. Add a simple green salad and you've got a healthy and satisfying meal.

My current sweet treat obsession:

Mint with dark chocolate. I love mint...almost as much as I love lime! They come in this fun size **really, what's so fun about about a smaller candy bar? Less guilt :) The package even boasts 45% less fat. **less fat than what, I'd like to know. And now...

FIT TIP (#4): Be Kind to Yourself

Top ten ways to make the most of ten minutes:

• Make a cup of green tea
• Drink a tall glass of water
• Make a gratitude list
• Enjoy a healthy snack
• Take a walk
• Stretch your body
• Meditate
• Write in your journal
• Do some strength training on an exercise ball
• Shop online for a workout DVD

Try this: Pick one in the morning and another in the afternoon.

**or just eat a 3 Musketeers mint fun size :)

Green Lights...and FIT TIP (#3)

Almost Friday
Thankful Thursday...

Green Lights. Rushing around the house this morning, I left a few minutes behind schedule. BUT, I hit green light after green light, and arrived at the appointed meeting spot with minutes to spare. I really LOVE when that happens! And when it does, to show my appreciation, I shout out a little Thank You! as I drive through the intersections--one after another. Met up with my associate/friend and headed to Tucson...a business thing.

Was also given the Green Light on a "pet project" this mighty fine Thursday. Thank you! again.

On a much shallower note, I am
Thankful that Naomi went home, sans rose...and that Donny will not be part of the new DWTS crew (as rumored). I admit, I crushed on him in my much younger days...even liked him just fine until a few years ago...these days, I'm so over him. And now...

FIT TIP (#3):

Benefits of a good WATER drinking habit.

• Stay hydrated. Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue and keep your body from performing normal functions.


• Regulate body temperature. Reduces cardiovascular stress. Keeps physical activities safer and more effective.


• Skin health. Irrigates impurities from the skin, keeping it healthy and glowing.


• Nutrient absorption.


• Aids in weight loss. Keeps your body from storing water, and is a natural appetite suppressant.


• Flushes wastes and toxins. Promotes proper organ functions, fights premature aging and some chronic illnesses.

Try this: Fill two 20-ounce thermos bottles with water. Take one along as you run errands, and drink the other one at home.

All that Glitters...and FIT TIP (#2)

Felt crafty Saturday.

Pulled out some red glitter and such...

to create Valentine goodies.

Putting on some romantic background tunes,

realized Legends of the Fall was beginning...

decided to get my craft on

with Brad Pitt in the background instead of music.
Seen it before...knew when to

pay attention.

Cut, glued, cried, glittered, cried.

Great timing.

Put on finishing touches just as Alfred's shot

saved Tristan's life.

True love. Brotherly love. Family Loyalty.

Cleaning up,

noticed red glitter on my

black yoga pants.

Oh well. Had a quick errand to run.

Guess I'd sparkle a bit.

Guy at store (not TJs) kept staring

and smiling.

"Ah honey, I'm old enough to be your mama."

I said to myself.

Oh gosh!

Got home...went to shower...realized

Oh gosh!

Not only was my make-up smudged

due to my boo-hooing

(thanks to Brad & Aiden)

BUT

I had bright red glitter

All. Over. My. Face.

A little egg too...as my little ego boost

was shot to heck :)

Was not a good look. Believe me.

And now...

FIT TIP (#2):

Enjoy instant energy!

If you're among the more than 80 percent of adults who report feeling tired at least one day a week, skip the caffeine and go for a walk.

Moving your body increases energy and reduces fatigue. Regular exercise boosts certain fatigue-fighting brain chemicals such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which peps you up, and serotonin, a mood enhancer.

Try this: Take a 15-minute stroll for a quick pick-me-up, or aim for 40 minutes of activity daily for a sustained lift.

(Two for) One Word Wednesday

Hearts

and

MisterMarshmallowGrumpyFace

**Okay, I cheated a bit. Gavin is just too cute for words...even a really long (fake) one :)

Smitten...and FIT TIP (#1, continued)

A good time to be smitten.
It is February after all.
Came across this, and it was too good not to share.

The Smitten Mitten.
Made of warm, plush polar fleece.
It comes with an owner's manual...hmmm.

Would you? Because I'm thinking I don't know anyone who would.
Maybe Bennett. And now...

FIT TIP (#1, continued): **after receiving a few comments, emails and even a phone call regarding tips on getting those 7 hours of snooze time (to promote Leptin-the appetite suppressant hormone) I decided on a continuation of tip #1.

6 Sleep Suggestions:

*Go to bed and get up at about the same time every day, even on the weekends. **Sticking to a schedule helps reinforce your body's sleep-wake cycle and can help you fall asleep better at night.

*Don't eat or drink large amounts before bedtime. **Eat dinner at least 2 hours before bedtime. Avoid spicy or fatty foods if you're prone to heartburn. Too much liquid in the evening can cause you to wake repeatedly for trips to the bathroom.

*Exercise regularly. **Regular physical activity (especially aerobic exercise) can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more restful. Don't exercise within 3 hours of bedtime...tends to energize.

*Sleep primarily at night. **Daytime naps may steal hours from nighttime slumber. Limit daytime sleep to 30 minutes and make it during midafternoon.

*Start a relaxing bedtime routine. **Do the same things each night to tell your body it's time to wind down. Those of you with babies and toddlers...this is good for them too!!!

*Go to bed when you're tired and turn out the lights. **If you don't fall asleep within 15 to 20 minutes, get up and do something else. Go back to bed when you're tired. Don't agonize over falling asleep. The stress will only prevent sleep.

Sweet slumber (and/or a smitten mitten) to you!