Getting back on the road

As I said last time, I was ready to get back to the routine-- and indeed, today was an awesome day. Also, I tracked, I got in some activity, and I balanced the types of foods I was eating! It feels good to eat healthy-- it's been too long since I have carefully monitored having a balanced diet!

Additionally, as I have mentioned on here previously, I don't eat much meat. I practically never eat red meat. Well, today I started my new meat free lifestyle! I am not a vegetarian, nor have I sworn it off forever, but I am trying to feel better, and going meatless seems to be a wise decision for right now. I feel really good today, but one day in, I guess we shall see what happens.

My bff, Casi, and I went for a walk in the park this evening. It was so nice to get some activity in that was just for fun and not focused on times, speed, etc. Obviously, it is important to meet and set fitness goals, but sometimes it's nice to just enjoy the fresh air and activity!

The Importance of Documenting Progress

Hello, all,

How have things been? I am plugging away on this research project! The end is in sight!

I'm also very happy tomorrow is the first day of school! It's been a wonderful summer, but I am very happy to get back to a routine, and starting a new job as adjunct faculty member to boot! I will still be working for WW as well. This is an exciting time!

With this new season of my life, I have decided to give myself a new challenge: Serious commitment to a balanced diet and exercise! I know this is not new in some ways, but I am starting a new workout regimen and changing up my diet from the shame of the summer! Because changes on the scale will probably be slight, I have to think of better ways to measure progress. One way is taking pictures so as to compare them for progress. Another is based on how my clothes feel. Finally, journaling about how I feel (physically). These can all serve as victories, but are not necessarily measurable on the scale.

These are how I will measure victory for right now, but there are all kinds of ways to measure victory-- did you park farther from your building and walk in? Did you take the stairs instead of the elevator? Did you pass up birthday cake at the office gathering?

What are some victories you hope to achieve this week?

Another week, come and gone!

Well, it's hard to believe another week has passed! How did your goals go? I did not quite reach mine, and I'm pretty sad about it, honestly.

However, I have just tried to get in a little activity here and there. Every little bit counts!

More soon! Hoping to knock off the 3 pounds I have gained over the summer! Wish me luck!

Veg out!!

Hey, everyone! How are your goals going? I hope to work out enough to meet my goal, but I'm not sure if I will reach it! I'll keep you posted. Although it was lots of fun (seriously), I'm happy my crazy work week is over!

Today I want to talk about vegetables and fruits! As you may ha

ve noticed, I enjoy skipping meat at meals on a regular basis. I'm not a vegetarian-- but quite close! More about that another day. What I really want to talk about is loading up on vegetables and fruits! Try varieties, and attempt to take in many every day. You will fill up and use far fewer points plus (in most cases 0), and then not be so hungry for other things.

Tonight for dinner, I made a Mexican-themed wrap. If you know me, you know that Mexican themed meals are my absolute favorite. Even though I have to carefully budget my weekly points to go there, I'm pretty sure the people at Los Aztecas (local delicious restaurant) know me by name. Anyhow, tonight I made my own wrap, using an Ole' Extreme Wellness spinach tortilla, light guacamole, beans, and enchilada sauce... then I loaded it up with spinach leaves and tomatoes! On the side I had peaches and blueberries I picked up when I was down by the Cider Mill earlier this week. Now, this meal was not too many points (5), and I am so full!!

Not to mention the nutrients I consumed at this meal! Now, this is me patting myself on the back because more often than not, I forget about fruits and vegetables, so I feel good about this meal. But just remember how satisfied you can be for so few points!

What vegetable or fruit creations are coming out of your kitchen lately?

Also, speaking of Los Aztecas, they just got a new decoration, and the only thought in my mind was that 90's show "Supermarket Sweep" when they would find giant bonuses. They let me take a photo! It's good to be a regular.

Realistic Goals

First of all, how has everyone been? I've missed updating! I have been working 15-17 hour days all week for the Parks Department, so there hasn't been a spare minute! Consequently, I did not meet my goal of working out 5 days last week. So today's entry is about setting SMART goals.

SMART Goals is a strategy to create good goals. SMART stands for:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Relevant
• Timely

Following these criteria will help you set yourself up for greater success in setting goals. With the example of working out 5 days last week even though I was working 15 to 17 hour days, 5 of the days last week, that was not attainable. A person would have to be super human to do that! So I set myself up for failure.

Now then, this week I am working every day, but far fewer hours, so it is attainable to work out 5 days. And I am determined!!

What are your SMART goals?