Foodie Friday: Mango Macadamia KIND

I've been gone a lot lately, and I will be gone again next week so finding things to always keep me full while on the "go" is not always the easiest thing. It is even more important, I think, when I'm away from home that I am feeling optimal!

I discovered the KIND Bars when I was in Montana. I was at a Starbucks and they had them. I picked up the Mango Macadamia one and it stated, "Mango Macadamia is delicious, all-natural, gluten-free and dairy free. This healthy snack bar is a rich source of fiber, low in sodium, and contains low GI and no trans fat." 

Runner's World Magazine even lists them as "Road Tested: Energy Bars!" 

Sure, there are a lot of calories and even fat, so it's not a bar that I would eat 4 times a day, but for those days when I'm on the run or just want something new they are perfect! They taste amazing! I love the Mango Macadamia combination - a little sweet mixed with a little salty!

There are many other flavors and types of KIND Bars. You can find them HERE. Go out and get yourself one today!

Speaking of Foodie Friday, I have been feeling Foodie Phenomenal! I have laid off on larger amounts of anything with seeds and nuts, though - even my flax. I believe it's those that cause me my lower stomach bloat. I have cut them for the most part this week and have not had problems. I did have 1/2 of a Mango Macadamia KIND Bar yesterday and no problems. Even when you eat healthy, you still must remember - everything in moderation!

Please forgive me if I'm not around yakking all things health/food and fitness this weekend. I am busy, busy, busy trying to finish my brand new website! The domain has been bought, and I am now just trying to get all the "ducks-in-a-row."

If you (or someone you know) have/has a health/fitness/foodie (or general passion for life) Blog that you want added to my BlogRoll on the new website, please email me, facebook me or tweet at me your link for consideration!

Happy Friday! CHEERS!

The Ugly "D" Word Meets its Match

I was gone from my home in California from July 8 - July 27th. That's an entire 20 days! The night before I left my Mom said to me, '"I can't believe you didn't "cheat" with food once."'

It was at that point when I realized how powerful my mind is.

Every other trip to Minnesota, even if just for a weekend, ALWAYS resulted in a "food mistake," which I told myself was okay because I'd "get back on track once I was back in California."

That old thinking is nothing more than another failed diet. Yes, the ugly, sinful "D" word: DIET. The old thinking says, "I'm on a gluten-free diet when it's convenient for me and so that I can tell all my friends I'm a trendy, gluten-free, intellect."

I never meant to be that way, but looking back that's exactly what I was.

I am proud of what I accomplished! But more than that....I am proud to say I'll never prescribe to the Ugly "D" Word again. And that "unprescribed" kind-of-medicine yields that beautiful, strong mind!

I've Been Hired!

 (In case you don't follow my site www.digitalmention.com - post from today!)


There is one less person on the job market now that #HireHoff has been hired!

If you remember, on June 14, 2010 I launched my Campaign #HireHoff.



I had an overwhelming amount of support during this time. Here were some of my favorites:

• "Also, an online acquaintance launched her ‘hire me’ campaign, #HireHoff, today. It’s such a creative way of putting yourself out there. I can’t wait to see the results!" - Amanda Miller
• Twitterview #92 - with Sarah Kay Hoffman (@SarahKayHoffman)
• "Attn. Hiring Managers ... When you see creativity like @sarahkayhoffman 's #hirehoffman campaign you should take action http://bit.ly/cmUWVX" - @socialnicole
• "This is good stuff RT @sarahkayhoffman: @josippetrusa @genychat #GenYChat tries Campaign #HireHoff Thoughts? http://bit.ly/hirehoff" - @GenYChat
• "U of Minnesota grad creates campaign around hiring her: http://www.digitalmention.com/hirehoff/ via LinkedIn group-- http://ow.ly/22hK0" - @wkellyo

Here are some Stats:

• According to this Poll, most people think it will take them 4-7 months to find a new job. It took me 43 days.
• Here is what you get if you Google #HireHoff.
• 409 people clicked on the direct bit.ly link.
• Viewer Geography: US, Canada, Australia, UK, Argentina, Netherlands, Germany, Latvia, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Norway, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Russia, Belgium, France and Singapore.
• Direct Traffic: 29.33%, Referring Sites: 67.03%, Search Engines: 2.91%.
• Currently a Top Landing Page for the site.

I had multiple people contact me during this time for various positions. I was able to network with some wonderful people, and I learned a lot about being proactive and managing my own brand: Sarah Kay Hoffman!

So what position did I take on that 43rd day?

Community Manager - Fitness/Sporting Goods (FitClub) - Sears Holdings Corporation.

If you know anything about me, you know that I am most passionate about Social Media and Health/Fitness/Food. Merging the two is an absolute perfect fit for me! I believe that a company who can take advantage of this will benefit - at least that's what I am making a 100% commitment to!

I look forward to learning about and engaging with the "community." I am excited to embrace change, growth and success in this role and bringing forth many posts to accommodate it all! (Please note: This blog will continue to be based on my personal views.)

At the end of the day, I can honestly say that even though I was forced into Campaign #HireHoff, it only re-confirmed that, "everything happens for a reason!"

Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch

It was Ryan's birthday this past week, so I surprised him with a mini-vacation to Quincy, CA to Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch. 

We had an amazing time! I always learn something new about myself each time I step out of any comfort zone. And this is the reason I love taking mini-vacations - traveling and exploring new places, especially with Ryan!

This time, we also brought the dogs with us. Greenhorn is extremely accommodating to dogs, so it worked perfectly for us!

Heading out of Town.

My Babies.

Ryan & Ms. Rae.

Ranch Chuckhouse.

Absolutely gorgeous views.

Getting ready to ride.

Ryan ahead of me on Dolly.

When Cody met Dolly.

Ranch Saloon.

Fiona hanging out in the Saloon with us.

Sweet, little girl who loved Fiona.

We loved the Saloon! Best Saloon Bartender around:)

Always in love with the country look.

Simple, beautiful and open!

The dogs loved all the space!

Running back to our room. Trying to catch up to Ryan & Reagan.

Driving home. Absolutely exhausted. (And yes, somehow we all fit in the front seat!)

If you ever have the chance to get to Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch, I highly recommend it! They were the nicest, most down-to-earth people I've met in a long time! Everything about the place from the people to the atmosphere to the activities and overall ambiance is simple, stress-free, active and yet magnificently peaceful! 

Furthermore, I really love them because when I was researching "dude ranch" and stumbled upon them, I was able to find out even more about them via their Facebook Page and Twitter Profile! I was impressed with what I saw, and I truly believed that "sealed-the-deal" for me!

So what did I learn about myself this weekend?

1. Being active does not just mean "24/7 in-the-gym bootcamp-style rah-rah-rah." It can mean a weekend getaway (or any "daily getaway") with movement. We were highly active this weekend - always out running around with the dogs and horseback riding. I didn't feel an ounce of guilt for not being in the gym! (But I am also excited to begin my new program tomorrow!)
2. I love horseback riding! 
3. I CAN disconnect from my "digital life." I had no cell service. I barely jumped on my computer. Though it was tempting to be on the computer more, staying away from it from time-to-time is not only a good thing, but an absolutely critical thing for my mind, body and overall well being!

FINALLY, my husband and dogs reminded me that no matter where I am - California or Minnesota - HOME is truly where they are (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN - hope you loved it)!

And I hope all of your weekends were healthy, fit and fantastic as well! 

CHEERS!

Wild Card Wednesday

As I mentioned on Monday, many of my Blog posts will be more "themed." I am dedicating Wednesdays to all of you! 

People send me questions all of the time via email, private message and more. Typically people will preface their questions with, "I'm really sorry to be asking you this - I'm sure you get sick of people asking questions, but...." My response is always - "Please don't say sorry. I am happy to help and answer questions." The truth is that I believe the most positive thing about our lives is that we can take our own experiences (positive and negative) to benefit someone else. Mine just happen to be through health, fitness, food and an overall "zest" for life mixed with social media, marketing, personal branding and all things generation z.

That being said, Wednesdays are now "Wild Card Wednesday." To ask me a question, just go to my formspring profile & ask away! (http://www.formspring.me/sarahkayhoffman) Each time I answer (on Wednesday's only), I will have my answer automatically published to this Blog so you can all see the Question/Answer!

So what are you waiting for? Ask away! (ps. If you'd rather not ask via formspring, you can always ask via the comment section below, email or private message!)

CHEERS!

One Month Gluten-Free Anniversary

Happy One Month Gluten-Free Anniversary to me! 

Time flies when you're busy focusing! I remember how miserable I was just one month ago!

Here is my "Food List" to date! If you would like me to email you this Excel Sheet so you can track your own, please let me know, and I would be happy to share with you!

As I mentioned yesterday, Gluten Free is the (only) way for Me! It leaves me smiling, happy and healthy!

My brother JJ & I at the County Fair on Friday night! Blurry? Yes. Why? Because JJ's friend Matt was having issues at midnight getting it right:)

CHEERS! (And here's to month 2 of new discoveries, health, fitness & vibrance - all Gluten Free!)

Convenience is King

In Social Media we hear "content is king" all too frequently. What I learned from being in Helena, Montana for the past few days is: Convenience is King.

I have taken living in California for granted when it comes to food. In CA, I know that no matter where I go, what I'm doing, day or night, convenient health food is never out of reach. This is not the case in so many other places of the country. And quite frankly I don't think people care, either.

My first sign that "my food" would be too far away was on the drive from Spokane, WA to Helena, Montana - there was not one Starbucks. In California, you barely go 3 miles without seeing one. Trust me, I realize that Starbucks is not necessarily my "health food," but I'm #JustSayin'.

I struggled the entire time there - I mostly went to the grocery store to gorge on carrots, watermelon and my new "love," the Fruit & Nut Bar (see picture above). Oh, and water. Lots of water! 

In California it's not only "convenient," but it's also the "norm" to cater to people like me. And I have truly taken this for granted. At this point, my health and fitness lifestyle is probably the only lifestyle that California complements. 

But I must embrace it while I can....

Though it sounds so negative, negative, negative, there were 3 amazing things that came out of Montana:

1. Yet another trip with Ryan. New places, faces and scenery!
2. Because I wasn't bloated and felt amazing, I was able to climb with Ryan to the top of Mount Helena. GORGEOUS!
3. Mind over matter. If I could do it there - I can do this anywhere!

More on those 3 points tomorrow...pictures included!


CHEERS!

Online Communities for Health Nuts

Just in case you have never ventured to the DigitalMention Blog, I thought I would share with you the posting I put up there today. The posting was called, "Health Nuts Unite via Online Communities."

There are so many places online for daily support, motivation and overall "acceptance" for whatever your interest is in health, fitness & food. I encourage you to find a community, participate, engage and "show up." You'll be surprised at the connections you can make and the rewards you'll reap from that! (Please let me know of any others I forgot - would love to add more to the list!)

It was another fabulous day for the "Sarah-Food Camp!" No problems to report. Perfectly "perfect" feeling. The only complaint I have is that due to the leg workout around 10:30am, I felt completely famished for the rest of the day. That's okay, though. I just listened to my body, ate and felt no bloat! 

Tonight for dinner I'm going to introduce carrots, as the thoroughly-steamed version. I may have a cup, with some sprinkled cinnamon on top! I'll report back:)

I am supposed to have my Endoscopy follow-up tomorrow. Seems as though my biopsy results are not in yet, so this may be rescheduled. I'm not happy about that. I'm not very patient! 

I'm looking forward to a great night sleep. I worked so hard at the gym today that I have a feeling I'll be out before 9pm!

CHEERS!

But my Grocery Bill got in the way....

How many days/times have you thought to yourself either:

1. I would eat healthy/organic/gluten free/etc., but I can't afford it?
2. I'm trying to stick to this diet, but it's getting too expensive?

I think we have all been there at one point or another. I know that you can do all these things, but where most people get caught (me included) is having the time to "sift" through stores, ads, online, etc. for the best deals and best places to shop with the best prices to make this affordable!

Since my interest is finding these, what if I did this for you? I would invest my time in order to save your time, all while getting us healthy, fit and fabulous and being able to use the extra money to put towards a sassy, classy, hot new outfit or anything else your heart desires!

If you would be interested in this please do one of the following to help me get my process started:

1. Add a comment here, letting me know which (food and/or restaurant) places you shop at (or would like to shop at but just don't due to budget constraints - ie. Whole Foods).
2. Tweet at me, with any thoughts, places, needs & wants. 
3. Send me a Facebook Message on anything pertaining to this.
4. Take this Quick Poll for an easy submission. (If you don't want to take it there, please feel free to pick your options and Facebook Message me!)

Please remember: I am not promoting me for a "one-stop-shop" for any and all food needs. There are plenty of bloggers out there who do this. One of my favorites is The Frugal Find. What I am is someone who wants to bring you the best deals in health, fitness and food. For example, this doesn't mean I won't find deals on "chocolate," but I'm not going to bring you deals on Snicker's Bars. I don't promote them because I know there are much better alternatives. So, I might bring you deals on the best chocolate(s) for you (since Lord knows we all need some from time-to-time). 

Thank you for your help! 

CHEERS!

An Unlikely Pizza

 One of my most favorite things to do is to take "bad" foods and make them "good." Why? Because I'm just like you. I love food - and I don't want to eat lettuce all day. I refuse to. But because I'm (supercalifragilisticexpialidocious) when it comes to food, health, fitness and working out, I am overly conscious about everything. Some call it annoying. I call it "why the hell can't everyone see the benefit of this?!" 

Since not everyone can or cares to, I do it, post it and hopefully those of you who try it love it, too! So....
 
Have at it! Brought to you by the CalorieKing.com, nutritionals on all your favorite pizzas! Scared? I'll help you with one. The average 14" Pizza, Cheese Topping, Original Crust has (per 3.6 oz/1 slice serving): 272 calories, 9.8g fat (4.4g saturated), 33.6g carbohydrates and 551mg sodium. And consider, this is the average, with only cheese and just one small slice. And let's be honest, we never have just one slice. Ever!

Pizza, done right, can simply be alright - for all of us! I wanted to gauge whether or not people are interested in this sort of "foodie post" before I put a ton of work in it. So I have to be honest when I say that I don't have the exact nutritionals, products and brands. But here is what I do know about my Pizza I made:

• Low-Carbohydrate, High Fiber Tortilla (80 calories and 12g fiber)
• Made with tortilla, low-fat cheese, sauce, extra-lean turkey and mushrooms
• We guessed it was less than 350 calories (for the entire pizza!)

Taste = A (you will only find an A+ when it's done exactly right to my "likes:)")

What you could do differently = Add more vegetables. They are super-low calorie and great for you (I have to be careful with them due to my stomach issues)  

What I would definitely do differently = 

1. Different sauce (Don't get me wrong, it tasted great, but I know there is a much lower-sugar one available at the same great taste.)  
2. Sprinkle some herbs and spices on after the sauce is on (zero-calorie flavor!)
3. Use a different cheese. I would attempt to make a Laughing Cow Cheese work because it's one of my favorites.

Beyond that, I'm all set! We had it on Friday night. It's a great Friday-night meal. Really...it's a great meal any night!

So tell me....what is your most FAVORITE "junk food" or otherwise "unhealthy food?" I'd love to cook up another "unlikely health food!"


CHEERS!

ME dot COM

My friend, Ted Rubin says, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... it's about learning to dance in the rain."

I absolutely love that! But it's time for me to act that out.


Lately, I have been too consumed with work. That's the problem with Social Media and having a career focused around a computer - it's always there! And I have let it consume me. 

Couple that with my inability to run, run, run and I have basically just been nearly "cooped-up," allowing myself to be burried in the computer. 


No More! I am not waiting for my "feet storm" to pass, feeling sorry for the fact that "I can't run." And I'm certainly not going to fore go it while sitting by my computer working!


Time for action! It's not realistic for me to say, "I promise to turn my technology off for 3 hours each day." And the truth is, I don't want to! I currently work with certain individuals who inspire me each and every single day. And for that, I give back my time, energy and brain. But, I must always remember ME first! So, like a diet, I'm not making promises I can't keep (the computer stays on!). The best laid plans will fail with unrealistic goals.

My new "goals" are in the works. I like to call them: ME dot COM. And what does that mean? It means merging my love for Health/Fitness and Food with Social Media once again! Remember ME on NIKE? One project has already begun with Mr. Bob Stanke, Director of Social Media for Lifetime Fitness.

But what will be next?! My "Wild" Card is out there....  

It's Getting Hot in Here

I've been eating Cayenne Pepper with everything lately. I once went on a detox where they said you should drink hot water with lemon and a pinch of Cayenne Pepper. So I listened. And I did it. I hated it. It's been a few years since, but I decided to revisit the spice. And I have to say, I'm glad to be back - on my own terms of course! (Which, as we all know, is critical to the success of anything we do in life!)

So what exactly is Cayenne Pepper and why is it so good for us?

Cayenne Pepper, according to the Wikipedia is, "a hot, red chili pepper used to flavor dishes and for medicinal purposes."


The spice is so good for us because it is high in Vitamin A and also contains Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Potassium and Manganese.


And According to The Healing Daily Website, "Ayurveda also utilizes cayenne to treat poor digestion and gas. Chinese medicine uses Cayenne for digestive ailments. When taken internally, cayenne soothes the digestive tract and stimulates the flow of stomach secretions and saliva. These secretions contain substances which help digest food."


There are many things you can do with Cayenne Pepper. Here is my latest and greatest recipe I use it with:

• 1/2 c. oatmeal
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 c. extra lean ground turkey
• a couple pinches of cayenne pepper
• pinch of sea salt and pepper

I'm sure this looks like a weird combination. It is! But it's so good. I eat it for breakfast. All I do is literally mix it all together. There is no sugar, but instead all the healthy protein, fat and complex carbohydrates to get your day off right!

Try my recipe for breakfast tomorrow or put some Cayenne Pepper on your Grilled Chicken tonight. And then just wait and watch it getting "hot in there!"

Garlic Breath

Do you eat garlic? If not, you should!

Lately, I have been highly interested in herbs/spices and anything that can naturally "flavor" without the added calories or additives.

I'm starting with Garlic today because it has quickly become an obsession of mine.

It's simple and beautiful. Garlic, according to the Wikipedia, "The cloves are used for cloning, consumption (raw or cooked), or for medicinal purposes, and have a characteristic pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking."

Garlic has many benefits: 

- Cardiovascular

- Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antiviral Activity

- Cancer protection

- Promotes optimal health

- Promotes weight control

- And more!

You can learn all about those from the WH Foods HERE.

Here is my favorite thing (currently) to do with Garlic: Garlic "French Fries." Don't get too excited, though, there are not any actual potatoes involved. 

We bake boneless, skinless chicken almost every night. So we place rosemary and garlic all around the chicken. I typically put 2 whole pieces of garlic on the pan - NOT 2 garlic bulbs, but the entire garlic head. I leave the garlic in it's "shell." The pan is coated with a little olive oil and sea salt. 

We bake the chicken, rosemary and garlic for about 25 minutes on 425 degrees. When the garlic comes out, peel away the "skin." It's just like a Garlic French Fry, but minus the "French Fry!" I love it so much I can eat an entire garlic head!

I worried this might not be good for me until I read an article that stated, "You can never eat enough garlic." Whew!

And ps. Who cares about your Garlic Breath!

What's Your Reason?

There is a reason behind everything we do. And there is a choice that precedes every decision we make. And thus is the reason for the decision. Sounds deep. But it's not!

Today was a "rest day" for me in my workout schedule. I did a hard leg workout yesterday and it's typically the day after that that I will take my rest day. So that only leaves 1 (maybe 2) days a week that I'm not in the gym. But today I was reminded again of WHY only taking 1-2 days/week off is max for me.

Remember why I started this blog in the first place? If not, refer here. I have a form of Colitis. I am food intolerant. And I have stomach and mouth problems that drive me crazy most of the time. BUT, I try not to focus on them. I focus on things I can do to alleviate them. 


There are 2 ways for me to do this:

1. Through food (or lack thereof)
2. Through my workouts

My post today is not about food. It's about the working out portion. Working out is my "friend." Literally. It's a 110% positive relationship. I think we all strive for our relationships to be like this! For me, working out = less stomach problems. Working out = a better attitude and frame of mind. Working out = control (over my stomach issues).

I will choose, almost each and every day of my life, to workout - I have decided this. And my reason is because it helps me manage all the random stomach problems I have. Ok....and I'll admit, my other reason is to keep it rockin' my entire life! 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and above - always keep it rockin', healthy and fit!

So tell me, what's YOUR reason?!

My Broken Yoga Relationship

Phase 2 of P90X is going great! 3 days a week I workout 2x/day. And I love it! Crazy and intense, yes, but it's making me feel so "alive!"

Yesterday was the Yoga X Day. I have realized something about this workout and Yoga in general. Relaxing - sure. Difficult - definitely. Fun - mostly. But, I just can't stay committed to it! 

Here is my personality, for those of you who have not yet gathered it: I constantly have 100 things on my mind. I am thinking about the next thing before I have finished saying the first. I can't sit still. I don't like long periods of silence. I love to be social. I love moving. I am full of life and energy. I would rather run 10 miles than be confined to anywhere for longer than 30 minutes. I'm not extremely patient. Slow movement gives me a hint of anxiety. (My list really could go on an on....but I think you get this "idea of me!")
 
It came as no surprise to me when I finally admitted to myself: Yoga is probably just not for me! There is nothing wrong with Yoga, in fact, I recommend and support it 110%. But for ME, I believe it's a broken relationship. 

And here's the deal, Yoga is so good for me/us. For me, I need it to help me continue to heal from workout injuries. And so I will continue to do it from time-to-time. But I will admit - I will not be doing it once a week for 1.5 hours at a time. Again, it just does not sit well with my personality. 

And one more thing you should know: Working out, staying fit and being healthy is not about doing so by means in which don't fit your own personality! If you hate running, don't do it! If you would rather watch paint dry then swim 10 feet, stop! Do something you love! Find the activity that has you waking up in the morning saying, "Bring it! I can't wait to workout!" It's then, and only then, when you will realize that you will NEVER "workout" another day in your life!

Running, weights, dancing, biking, hiking, skiing, kickboxing and circuits - those are my "perfect" fitness relationships! Cheers! 

Jumping, Squatting, Lunging...Oh My!

P90X had me gasping for air yet again with the 2nd round of Plyometrics. It never fails that immediately following that workout I'm super hungry! The intensity from Plyometrics revs my metabolism so much. 


For those of you who are not familiar with what Plyometrics is, here is how the Wikipedia defines it:

Plyometrics is a type of exercise training designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of the nervous system, generally for the purpose of improving performance in sports. Plyometric movements, in which a muscle is loaded and then contracted in rapid sequence, use the strength, elasticity and innervation of muscle and surrounding tissues to jump higher, run faster, throw farther, or hit harder, depending on the desired training goal. Plyometrics is used to increase the speed or force of muscular contractions, often with the goal of increasing the height of a jump.

The Plyometric Workout essentially encompasses all body parts, thus maximizing caloric burn. Here is an insight into the P90X Plyometric Workout (ps. Someday I'd like to make my own videos like this to post!)



I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

P90X Rest Day & Reflections

Today I took a complete rest day for myself. I will admit, I had a little anxiety to accompany the "rest," since I like to move and be active constantly (okay except for the 8 hours of the day when I do nothing but sit at a computer)! I digress....

I enjoyed the day for the most part. The day actually got me thinking about a few things, since this morning I got my body fat percentage done again. Here is what I am starting to realize about body fat, weight, and blah...blah....blah:

1. It's JUST a Number: These days I care more about how my jeans fit, how I feel and what my overall body fat percentage is vs. what the scale says. It seems that the "lighter" I get, the more muscle I lose. And this is actually science not just me thinking this might be the case. Some even suggest to "throw out the scale." So it's just a number. I'm only hitting the scale 1-2 x per week vs. each day. Carry on....
   
2. I'm Healthy - so Who Cares?!: I think about where I was even just a year ago from today. My stomach, mouth, joints and energy were awful. I woke up in the morning not knowing how I was going to feel and wondering how bloated and lethargic I might be that day. I know what my body tolerates and does not tolerate anymore. If eating this way tips the scale to the right or left or bloats the calipers in or out, then I will stick with my theory "it is what it is."
3. Do I really need to have only ONE Goal?: Here's the deal - For most people running (long distance) breaks down muscle, making you "lighter and softer," while lifting weights and running less (perhaps just sprinting intervals) will make you leaner and better able to retain/build muscle easier. My issue has always been, "What do I want to do with my body?" In reality, all along, I've just been confusing it. Since I never could make up my mind I'd go months with rarely any cardio and just weights and then months with hardly any weights and only cardio. I know exactly how to get either result. The problem is that I was zig-zagging between both and not seeing true results in either. Health and fitness should not come with that stress. I don't need to have ONE Goal....and that's what I'm sticking to now. My GOAL is to be super well-rounded! My personality brings out the "I want to do it all - I don't care how it's going to transform my body, just as long as I'm doing it all, getting it done, bringing it and showing up for my game every single day!" The truth is, I will be confident, bold, healthy, happy and FIT!
   

(But for the record, after getting my body fat percentage done today, I'm still in the "lean" category. I didn't want you all thinking I had to write this because I have failed miserably:)) 

With all of that being said, I hope you'll all get out there and move! Workout hard, but enjoy life! It's too short to not have a glass of wine at the end of the day or cake for your birthday or heck - even ColdStone just because you are driving by!

For more of these Positive thoughts check out my Dear Friend Laura Scholz post, "Size Matters!"

Happy Friday!

Combating Turkey Day Bloat

Thanksgiving is still one week away, but I can already smell the Thanksgiving Day feast!



This is OK. This is normal! BUT.......BEWARE! Thanksgiving is loaded with calories. Furthermore, Thanksgiving is the "kickoff" to a season of feasting on foods that only come around one time a year. And because these foods only come around one time a year, we think we can gorge day in and day out. The problem is, the season lasts for 1+ months (if you consider that you don't stop until your "New Years Resolution").

This year, join me by kicking off the "season" right!  

Here are the Top 3 Things I'm doing to Combat the Turkey Day Bloat:

1. Move It to Earn It - That's right, you've got to move it to earn it! I would guess that most of you will not do a Thanksgiving Day meal until at least 11am. Even if you choose not to wake up until 10am that day, you would still be able to get in a good half hour walk/run/lift/swim/bike/etc. Any way you can move prior to your meal will help in combating the Turkey Day Bloat. Better yet, lift your weights in the morning or do a circuit training workout. Both will help burn optimal calories post-workout! I will be leading a 10K Turkey Trot at our local Club, which will be a fun way to move it and earn it!
2. Protein + Favorites - If your Thanksgiving is anything like ours, it includes plates and platters and dishes and tins and jars of item after item. There really is no end in sight. My eyes are always bigger than my stomach. But, Thanksgiving is not the day to be on a "diet" or attempt "self-deprivation." ENJOY yourself, but do it in moderation. I will load up with turkey and any other proteins I can get my hands on (mostly because this is part of my GAPS Diet I follow). After that, I will look at my options and I will choose a few that look the best to me, even if they are the highest in calorie. Eating something that's second best in order to skimp on a few calories will not do you any good. In the end, you'll end up going back for seconds, thirds and fourths - all because you aren't getting what your body is screaming at you to take! Protein + (moderation) of only your favorite items will help reduce the Turkey Day Bloat.
3. Start Today - Start preparing for Thanksgiving Day today! No, I do not mean physically preparing food. I mean, work a little harder at the gym and be a little more conscious about your current food choices. If you ran on the treadmill for an extra 5 minutes a day for the next 7 days, did one extra set during your weight lifting sessions and skipped dessert just 3 nights, you will have saved up (or earned) about 1,000 calories (give or take, depending on the various factors). And couldn't we all use those 1,000 calories to combat the Turkey Day Bloat?

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving! I love knowing that I work hard almost every single day of the year, so when it's time to eat a little extra on Thanksgiving I can do so - with Thanks - and a full, (unbloated) stomach!

Go Big or Go Home.

Today's Motto: "Go Big or Go Home."

Here are my 3 reasons WHY:

1. HEALTH
I went BIG. When I first started working with Leah, we determined my 22 food intolerances. Cutting them out of diet was difficult at first. After almost 3 months of just avoiding those foods and not feeling as well (if well at all) as we'd hoped, we knew another change needed to take place. So, I went BIG - made BIG changes. And it worked. I've had to cut everything processed and virtually all sugars and carbs (in addition to everything I already had to refrain from). Someone asked me today, "But don't you miss it? Aren't you just craving those foods?" And the answer is - "No." I feel unbelievable. Amazing. I see life in color now. I have a new "lease on life."

I went BIG. I wasn't ready to quit or go home.
It's paid off.

2. FITNESS
3 1/2 years ago for Christmas, my parents got me a trainer when I lived in Minnesota. My trainer took my body fat percentage on the first day. I was all but satisfied with the number on that sheet of paper. I've kept it these past few years as a reminder of where I don't want to be. A few short months later we moved to California. Little-by-little, I started to lose weight and got in better shape. 7 months before my wedding I really "cleaned up." I ate better and got focused on fitness. Around this time, I was down 5% body fat. For the past year, I've really worked hard. When I workout, I do so with as much effort/energy as I have to expend for the day. I focus on the task at hand. And by the same token, I am just as serious about my diet. I have gone big with passion on this (mostly due to food restrictions). Because of it, I'm running my very 1st half marathon in less than 2 months, the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco. Furthermore, this morning, at 5am, I had another body fat analysis done. I am proud to say that I am now 10% body fat less than I was 3 1/2 years ago. I've made it into the "very lean" category.

I went BIG. I've worked hard. It's paid off.

3. PERSONAL
I recently said on my Nike Blog that I am, "Continuously re-inventing myself." I meant it. I love knowing that I have no idea what's coming next. BUT, knowing that my hard work, dedication, passion and work ethic is going to take me to a place with endless possibilities. I have FINALLY figured out what my "tick" is - what it is that makes me awake all hours of the night and eager to get up at 4:30am. It's a mix of things. But it's BIG in the sense that there is a little of this and a little of that - not all the eggs are in one basket. I put a little of my work in several places - trying to make it stick - and stick BIG in some way, shape or form.

I'm going BIG with endless possibilites. I won't stop until I make it. Not ready to go "home" - or stay complacent.

Happy Friday!

ps. Check out the Official Nike Human Race 2009 Ambassador Video. R/GA did a stunning job!

Journey Along the Way

Day 106.

I learned something from the day Ryan and I spent together on Saturday about health, fitness and overall wellness.

I talk a lot about "endless possibilities" and about how great life is/how much we can take from it. But what I realized on Saturday was that if you do not take care of yourself and care even just a little about your health, fitness and overall wellness, your "endless possibilities" soon don't become so much "endless" anymore as they become "the end." And here's what I'm talking about.

The second thing we did on Saturday was take a Ferry from Pier 41 to Angel Island. Angel Island is gorgeous - you take it for what it is - beautiful. When we got to the Island, we rented bikes. We biked around the Island, for a total of about 5 miles. Keep in mind, it's not a flat loop around the island; there are definitely hills! When our bike ride was over, we returned the bikes, grabbed a little "energy fuel" and then decided we wanted to hike to the top! It took us about an hour to climb to the top. We enjoyed each and every step along the way. The views were incredible. And then we reached the top and could see every angle of the city - San Francisco is so amazing! All the little islands - the "blueness" of the sky, of the ocean - and greens/flowers/trees surrounding us. Simply beautiful!

But as we were hiking up to the top for a split second we thought, "Wow, I'm out of shape!" Now, really, my husband and I are far from being out of shape. Ryan says we're just not in "hiking shape." This all made me think, though. How much are some people forced to limit themselves because they have neglected their health, fitness and overall wellness? For many, walking up one flight of stairs is too much. If you can't walk up that one flight up stairs, then you certainly won't be able to climb to the top of Angel Island and see what we saw that day. It wasn't just the view from the top, but the journey along the way. And I pray that everyone reading this will take the time to care enough about themselves; their health, fitness and overall wellness so that they, too, can enjoy their own journey along the way.




One final thing for today - I "invented" an Iced Protein Latte. It was so good and simple. Here is how I made it:

• 1.5 scoops Nutribiotic Vanilla Protein
  
• 1 c. unsweetened Rice Milk
• A few ice cubes
• Stevia
• ~ 1/4 c. Coffee

I had plenty of great energy today. My mouth started to annoy me later afternoon. It was about a 5/6 today. I got bloated late afternoon. And then I got sick around 8pm. I felt better after that. My right eye still twitching a little.

Here was my day:

Breakfast (pre-4 mile run)

• 1/4 Fruit Fusion

Breakfast (post workout)

• Small Barista Cafe Au Lait + Soy/Stevia
  
• Steel Cut Oats + Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein + Stevia/Cinnamon
  

Snack

• Iced Protein Latte
  

Lunch

• 1/2 c. Quinoa mixed with XLean Turkey + paprika
• Spinach + Sea Salt/Pepper
  

Snack

• Orange
• Lean Turkey

Snack

• XLean Turkey + paprika
• Organic Baby Carrots
• Spinach
  

Dinner

• Tuna + Romaine Lettuce + (Steamed) Spinach & Garlic
  + Balsamic/Sea Salt/Spirulina/Fish Oil
  
• Watermelon