Runners envy

                                              Picture from www.womenshealthmag.com
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Being a mom means not always doing what I want to do. Many a time I didn't make it to the gym because the kids didn't want to go or they didn't feel good. I didn't like taking them when they were really young because I was a germaphobe. Now that they are getting bigger and things are getting easier, I'm finding more time for myself and in return, am starting to feel like myself once again. I'm getting back to doing the things I did before I was just mom. Working out makes me feel good about myself. It makes me happier....and when mom is happier- the whole family is happier!

Normally, I'm not an envious person. However, I do have what I call runners envy! When I watch someone run, it seems so freeing, so exhilarating...like they are running their worries away. Running to me seems like such a fulfilling, gratifying workout. The act just amazes me. I want to run so badly and the fact that I find it nearly impossible makes it even more fascinating to me. How the hell do people do it?

My fitness resolution for 2013 was to push myself in my workouts. I have been living up to my word by trying new classes such as Pilate's which I really like -and yoga. I've also been attempting  to run. Last week I started off slow, running for 2-3 minutes then walking 5 and repeating. I tried pushing myself further but felt like I couldn't breathe! Today, I ran 5 minutes and walked 5 then repeated the cycle. It felt great to get past the 3 minutes! Tomorrow I plan on pushing myself to 6 minutes. Hopefully in a few months I will be able to reach my goal of running a full 1/2 hour. Setting these small goals and making them have made me feel accomplished and allowed me to feel as though reaching the 30 minutes in attainable.

If I can run...I'll feel like I can do anything!

Anyone have any tips to keep me going? Anything is appreciated!

Whole wheat blueberry yogurt muffins!

Valentines Day couldn't have come at a better time for me this year! It's helping me to get out of my blogging funk that was caused by a mixture of a graduate class from HELL and Hurricane Sandy. We finally got a check from our insurance company- so work can resume on our home. I ended up with a B in my class and am now onto my last grad class! Yay for me!

Valentines Day was never my favorite "holiday". I always felt it put too much pressure on relationships and the need to have to go out to eat on such a ridiculously crowded night! Did I mention I hate getting flowers? For some reason, me telling this to my husband hasn't resonated in the 12 years we have been together!

Since having Chloe & Max, I have rekindled the romance with Valentine's Day! I cant get enough of heart shaped anything and my kids love it! So...I'm spreading the love to you guys as well! These muffins are yummy and so healthy! I added wheat germ because it is such a good source of so many essential vitamins and minerals and healthy fats. It is considered to be one of the top ten healthiest foods so I try to add it into anything it will work with!

                  Whole Wheat Blueberry Yogurt Muffins

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 cup of raw wheat germ

1/2 cup of brown sugar

4 tsp baking powder

1 egg

3/4 cup of 2% milk

3/4 cup of Chobani non fat vanilla yogurt

1 cup of blueberries (3/4 for less blueberries- I like a lot!)

 

Preheat oven to 350

 

Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl

 

Mix all wet ingredients in a separate bowl

 

Combine the dry and wet ingredients together.

 

Fold in blueberries

 

Bake muffins for 20-25 minutes. Check them at 20 minutes by sticking a fork in the center of one. If it comes out clean, take them out!

 

Enjoy & let me know how it goes! My husband even liked these & hes not a healthy eater!! hahaha (sorry babe!)

 

 

 I bought this cast aluminum heartlette pan at Target. It cooked the muffins so well- it was worth every penny!

Although it is non-stick, I sprayed it with Pam before pouring the muffin batter in. They popped right out.


 

 

 

 

Love is in the air

 

My kids could wear shirts that read, "Will Rap for Candy"! I can get them to do just about anything for a bag of M&M's! As a chocolate lover myself, I feel them! I barter with them to get them to eat their veggies. 3 broccoli florets = 3 Hershey kisses!

Providing healthy foods for my family is super important to me. It makes me such a happy mama when my kids eat healthily! My kids love when I cut their food into shapes so I do it for them whenever I'm able to. Their empty plates make the little extra work- worth every minute!

With Valentines day approaching, what better way to say I love you to the littles in your life, than by cutting up everything & anything into hearts?

Here are some of the ways I use my heart shaped cookie cutters to show some love to the littles!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The small cookie cutter is from a Pampered Chef set that I love. It comes with 8 seasonal shapes and are perfectly sized for little mouths and hands. The larger, textured heart is from a set of hearts I bought at Target. I used plastic drink stirrers to make the fruit kabobs.

Keeping Your Fitness Resolution

Spin room at my gym, Rok Health and Fitness

Whether you're a stay at home mom or work full time, getting to the gym can be a job on its own. I first joined a gym in my early twenties. I walked in unsure of becoming a member until I heard the best sales pitch of my life. The guy who took me through the walk through of the facilities knew I was unsure about joining and asked if I bought a cup of coffee everyday. When I answered yes, he told me to stop buying coffee and put the money toward a gym membership! It was the best advice I have ever gotten to date! Joining a gym and keeping fit has been the best gift I could have given myself.

I know that many of you are planning on dieting, exercising and becoming healthy for 2013. DO IT! Don't procrastinate. Don't keep saying I will join on Monday...every Monday! Here are some tips on getting yourself out there- and staying there!

Tips on joining a gym & actually going to it!

Join a gym that fits your needs. Mine were childcare and spin. The fact that I can take my kids (except when they are sick of course) leaves less excuses to not get there.

Visit a few before making up your mind. I really love where I go- it's super clean, has the best equipment and offers every class imaginable. There is a cafe where I can get buy protein shakes or wraps, a cardio theater where I can watch a movie while running on the treadmill and a steam room that I have yet to use!

Partner up. Joining with a friend, co-worker or family member can help you feel more comfortable. Your putting yourself in a vulnerable situation...put your big girl panties on and get your ass out there! Everyone is there to better themselves...can't knock anyone for that!

Utilize the trainer that is given with your membership. Most gyms provide two free sessions. They will teach you how to use the machines and help you build a plan for your needs. This is so important if you are new to working out. I agree that it can be scary- if they are working you too hard your first go- OPEN YOUR MOUTH and say something. You just want to be shown what to do...not be bedridden for a few days! Ask the trainer to be gentle!

If your a stay at home mom, put your workout clothes on as soon as you get out of bed! Something about having your gear on makes it easier to get there! If you work, pack a bag and go straight there if possible.

Bring water with you! Hydrating will help you make it through a workout!

Bring music that gets you pumped!

My resolution is to challenge myself more in my workouts. I'm going to try classes I haven't tried before- especially yoga! I suck at it! I can't relax...my mind races. I would love to learn how to enjoy it- so I'm going to give it a go. As I challenge myself, I will update with posts of course!

Living a healthy lifestyle has made me feel happier. I'm not always prefect and often fall off the wagon! I love to eat so it's hard to always be good...I do believe in balance. You have to enjoy yourself and live. When I am consistent in my workouts and healthy eating, I feel amazing- I have more pep in my step, I'm lighter, my clothes fit me better! Being fit takes tons of effort- it is work. The payoff is worth every minute of it.

Is your resolution to get fit and healthy? If so, what are your plans on doing so?