Blog worthy.... I've missed you!:)

Okay...so tomorrow is the last day of school, aka "short time to breath within the year." :) I am doing summer school but its a 'breeze.' I will miss this year's class as I know I will never have another one like this amazingly unique bunch. Ugh, tear! So I plan on returning to my sweet little abandoned blog.:) So much has happened since March. The Texas budget has directly affected our sweet district and has changed the "make-up" of our school. It has been a stressful few months to say the least. The positive time has come. The good news is that second semester usually brings more time , less stress time to work out. Lifetime is still my beloved "extra" family member that dote on frequently. Love that I have made new friends with the regulars that come to the same classes.... Totally worth the money I pay for the gym fee!(everyone thinks I am loca!)

On to the next blog thing I have wanted to blog about, Crossfit. So its the latest thing I have I heard about and I had to try it. My sis went to one in the city where she lives and was saying it was pretty intense. The more friends I had saying, "oh I know this girl who does it and she looks great." Challenge? Uh Yes! I was intrigued. So my apartment complex offers tons of free fitness services that I don't try very much (b/c I pay a ton for Lifetime, why would I?), including a free Crossfit class weekly .So I went down feeling a little nervous. The guys that were running it showed up in a hummer, had us sign a waiver, and we were starting! We started with a pretty nice little warm up that reminded me of warm ups from my college bball days. I was starting to feel very warm after a couple rounds of light sprints, bear crawls, skips, jumps and more. The next part was spent on form and this is where it got a little slow. On top of this, they were telling us a squat form that was opposite of what my coaches had preached to me for 15 years (knees go out to the side as you get lower!!??!) We spent a good 20 min on form and a standing exercise. I was like geeze, lets get going. Then I got my wish. We were on a team of five and had to run to a nearby street, get 300 kettle ball swings, and 200 burpees (hit chest to ground, jump up to a high knee jump), then run back to the street and back. The team of five split up the work going two at a time. However, one of our team members decided to sit b/c he was so tired so we quickly became a team of four. Missed the rest time that the team member would have given us for sure! This surely pushed me to zone four as I was exhausted. For 20-30 min, I was feeling it. I will rant on this portion for sure. Supposedly the sessions usually don't last as long as this one did. I think it varies each time. My final take is this: I think if you want a community and aren't apart of a great gym, why not do it? It kicks your butt and there is no way you can't get in shape. Reminds me of boot camps with a little higher intensity. A little P90X ish. Just my opinion. As for me , I will probably go again but will stick to my beloved classes at Lifetime.

On to the next round of this post today. I made the best, light, summer dip the other day. Here is the recipe:
2 boxes of strawberries
2 avocados
Parsley
1 bag of Stacy's Cinnamon Pita chips

Cut the strawberries and avocados into tiny chunks and put in a bowl. Add the parsley. Easy and amazing. Put it on the chips and the mix of flavors is life changing, and slightly addicting. I ate WAY to much of this! Ha, human. Sorry no pic. Just trust me, you want to make it!!:)

Well, glad I'm back on my blog circuit again.... I have been blog stalking like crazy on teacher blogs and style blogs. Ugh. when I figure out how to post them to my wall, I will share this world with you. :) Until then,
Happy Work Outs. :)

These chips rock my face off...

These chips are soo freaking good ya'll! Seriously, I can eat chips for breakfast, lunch and dinner if I could but know how awful they are for you . So when I found these at Sprouts last year, I about fell over. They are great! and they are ORGANIC!! Top five ingredients are Stone Ground Organic White Corn, Organic Canola Oil, Organic soybean oil, Organic sunflower oil, and organic sesame seeds. Can't go wrong there. Also 10 chips is 140 calories and 7 g of fat. Love! SO I thought I would share....
Happy Work outs!!:)
P.S. Swimsuit season is coming up faster than you know it!

Water, Water, Water

So I used to be on the train of "I hate drinking water." Then something happend where I changed my mind. I drink water 98% during the day, and sadly the other 2 % is my morning coffee. I can't say I noticed some life changing event when I started guzzling water like nobody's business. But I did notice how "healthy" I felt knowing that I was making a great choice of drinking, almost mainly, water!
Now, after saying all the water I drink, I do like to keep it snazzy by adding lemon juice. I don't always care for the plain tasted of water so I feel that is a natural way to give it flavor. In California, the hotel we stayed at had cucumbers and strawberries in two sepereate pitchers. The water had a very light taste of it even though it had been soaking all day. It was soooo refreshing!!! The packets of flavor from Crystal Light aren't for me. I also heard somewhere that when you add those kinds of packets to water, your kidney had to filter that as opposed to just plain water. Thus, not "counting" as your daily water intake. Not sure if thats true or not, but I def took to action after hearing that! Here are some benefits of drinking a good amount of water daily:
Organicfacts.net:
Health benefits of drinking water include maintenance of pH balance, body temperature, metabolism, breathing, prevention of constipation, heartburn, migraine, gastritis and ulcers, kidney stones, cardiovascular disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, backache and osteoporosis.
Water plays important roles in the functioning of circulatory, respiratory, excretory and nervous systems, along with metabolic reactions, maintenance of skin components and prevention of a number of disorders.

Now I do know that some medical studies claim that water intake isn't necessarily a health benefit.  I think there are contradicting articles regardless the topic. However, it does make sense, that dehyrdration can cause so many issues, so why not drink water to help aide with the onset? Plus, we are made up mainly by water, so it can't hurt to up the intake if you don' t drink it.
I also think that having fun water bottles def help with lugging it around. I think if they are big, then when you down one full container, you are probably almost done with the intake. Its an easier way to set goals of drinking all day. Here are some of my favorites that I am usually lugging around.

Find a water bottle that is big and fun that will help with a new goal of drinking more water.

If you are a coke/diet coke drinker, know the effects of high fructose corn syrup as well as aspartame, which is found in diet sodas. I know that the diet has a lack of sugar but read up on aspartame and its effects. You will be shocked on all the negative things it can do to your body. High Fructose corn syrup is that "filler" that is found in tons of foods. But not a good thing to intake. Its fake, our bodies aren't made to take in "fillers." I am not judging anyone who are soda drinkers, just consider stepping out of the soda bubble. :)As an athlete all my life, coaches helped rear my mind away from soda. I did go through a phase in college of drinking it but thankfully grew out of it. Every now and then, like once in a blue moon, I will have a sprite. If I vear from water, its usually to its sister-- tea! :) I grew up drinking tea, making tea, watching my family drink tea. So, naturally its kind of in my blood. If I want to "spice"things up, I will do the tea ( unsweet and then add my own portion of sugar)

If you are contemplating a new water regimen, take it in strides. Go buy a new water bottle or cup. Start with reminders to sip often. See how much better you will feel drinking a clear, natural liquid from the Earth!

Happy Work outs!

It may be cold outside, but....

It may be cold outside, but it will be time soon enough when we put the little fabric outfit on called the bathing suit. I have def kept this in mind over these last few weeks of super cold weather. Its not easy leaving the house when its soooo cold outside. I was determined enough today to brave the inch iced roads, but was not left disappointed. There is something about being one of the only ones at the gym. A sense of accomplishment, athletic-ness, "you braved the weather" to kick your own butt feeling. And I sure did. To be honest, I enjoyed it more than I have any other work out here lately. I hurt my back a few weeks ago along with getting  a strange lightheaded/dizzy sickness, and to be honest, it was throwing me off! Luckily, neither one of those two knocked me out from the gym longer than three days. I put ear plugs in at the gym to help with this ear unbalanced thing, and did alot of spinning the first week back from the back thing.

Which brings me to my next topic, how I have fallen in love with spinning all over again. This has been a 4 year love affair. We had the honey moon stage for about a year and a half. I was head over heels for this new found exercise routine. Loved it! Started pursuing other types of exercises while visiting spin class weekly still. Then, once again here in the last month, its swept me off my feet. I recently bought cycle shoes that "clip"in  for a better ride and wow!!! They change the work out sooo much! Its like my eyes were opened. But these days I have started to respect the bike that takes me to high levels of cardio and pushes my limits. I love being in a spin class with 'legit' music. Feeling the rhythm and keeping pace is the challenge I enjoy. Please try spinning if you haven't. Yes, its hard. Yes, its everything you have heard. And yes, only you know how hard you are pushing yourself on that bike,whether you are pushing those limits to make real changes. I love my shoes and I got such a great deal (which you know I am always up for), at REI b/c of the Lifetime fitness discount. You have to buy the clips separate. The bike like this one at my gym. They def vary from gym to gym. Its crazy, b/c if you would have asked my before doing a spin workout if I thought you would get tired doing a bike, I would have said your

crazy. Point of this topic, fall in LOVE with something that makes changes to your health and body for the better. Feel good about laying by the pool this summer or putting on those cute little summer shorts. This is your life, celebrate it with things you enjoy. Yes, every now and then you won't enjoy the hard ones while they are happening, but enjoy it when you finish. Stand tall, feel great and enjoy the hard work.

Over the holidays, I was very stressed to see the scale was telling me that I ate to many sweets. Lets be honest, I know I was eating and enjoying more than I knew I could keep up with. We aren't talking 15-20 pounds here, but even the extra "few" was def making me feel blue! Luckily, I have my sis as a work out partner at home and even when she left for a few days, I stayed strong going to the local Lifetime. Last week going back to the dr, the scale  wasn't disappointing. I didn't believe it when I stepped on the scale and demanded to step on their second scale! No really , I did! I had still been feeling not so great about the weight gain from December, and really was soooo happy I was at my normal "last four years' weight. I honestly think it was the lack of eating sweets everyday and continued work outs. This opened my eyes to see that no amount of over eating will make me feel as good as staying healthy. Those sweets aren't going to feel as good as strong, lean muscles. I have had a re-focus rather than beginning of year goal making. I feel this happens to all of us. Tighter pants, a little extra jiggle, lack of motivation- these should be a wake up call to get going strong again! Don't give up and go into a slippery slope where it takes months to crawl out of.

Lots to type this time... needing to frequent my blog about what I love so much more often.

P.S. Passed my P.E. cert test--- now to find a job in that arena!!!:) until then, I will teach the littles in kinderland.

Fitness is a way of life.... not a goal

Ok, you are probably wondering why not a goal. I feel like there are goals in the realm of working out and staying active, not the actual being a goal.  I didn't make any fitness New Year's Resolutions this year, or any in general, b/c I think fitness and staying in shape is  a way of life.  Its not 'Oh I need to begin to work out' or yada yada yada but rather a lifestyle change. I honestly feel this way b/c so many people fall off after a short time of work outs due to one excuse or another.
I have been studying for my PE cert test and have enjoyed learning so much more about the fitness world that I hadn't known before or a reassurance on things I did know. Being an athlete you learn so much already b/c it is your life due to practices, staying in shape, and focusing on skills to get  better. Then when you are outside that world, it still feels natural to be in that environment. I feel lucky to still have my athlete "blood" in me. I mean, playing sports all the way to college ball meant that for the majority of my life I was surrounded by weights, cardio, staying healthy, competition, and pushing physical limits (thanks coach:).Ha. I hate that the gym is full of people that won't be there in March. Its sad b/c if they only realized the benefit of continuing their new interest in the gym, they would probably stay at it a bit longer. Reading on the benefits while studying for this test, even more than I realized, reassured that it is well worth your time to stay active. Here are a few of those:
1. Keeps your bones strong.
2. Strengthens muscles.
3. Makes your lungs and heart healthy.
4. Gives energy.
5. Helps fight against sickness and disease.
6.Better mood
7. Improved complexion
8. Weight loss
9. Builds self esteem
10. Helps with learning

These are just a few of the benefits that will change anyones' life. I am so passionate about this way of life. I have began to mesh my teaching love with my fitness love by pursing my teaching certificate in physical education. I took the test Friday and am hoping for the best:) Hopefully next year I will be a PE teacher at a wonderful elementary. No doubt that I will miss my kinders if this is in God's plan. I will keep updating and let everyone know progress.
Happy works outs and stay strong in the work outs!!

Holidays and bad eating habits

Its no surprise of the downfalls in the healthy food category during the holidays. Its a fit girl's worst nightmare! And unless you want to be "that girl" who is making everyone feel guilty for indulging, you need to eat too! :) So this holiday I have been really trying hard to balance the bad eating with lots of gym time!:) It is so nice to go home and have my sis as a gym partner (she is a lifetime fitness member too!) Make sure you are balancing the thousands more calories you intake in this 'hard to say no' time of year. These two months can add quite a few pounds if your not careful. I know for me, its not worth it to have to backtrack just to have a few rounds of turkey and pie! Another great fun family thing to do is some kind of fun run..
Me, my sis, and her boyfriend did the Turkey Trot 5 K in Houston. We circled back around to walk with my mom for the family mile. It was so nice having a family outing and getting a morning work out in on Thanksgiving with all the calories we consumed that afternoon at my dad's.

Here are some pics from the event!!

My sis and I

\

My sis and her boyfriend:)

Me and my sweet Momma

I love how great it was to do this together. We did it two years ago and this time the weather coperated alot more. However, my feelings of running and the last time we had a fling all came back.... and it wasn't pretty. The gym is my addiction and as well as boot camp-esqe classes and that is okay for me. Tried the outdoor running thing and it still isn't sticking- thats what happened when you grow up as a gym (bball) athelete. 

Back to holidays, http://www.thedietchannel.com/10-high-calorie-holiday-foods has a great article that really had alot of great tips and foods to stay away from. Here it is:

10 high-calorie holiday foods

1.   Turkey- Dark Meat and Skin - moist due to fat content

The moist texture of a turkey's dark meat and the intense flavor of its skin are due to the high fat content in both. Just 4 ounces of dark meat turkey with some skin provides 250 calories and 13 grams of fat, while 4 ounces of white meat without skin only has 150 calories and 1 gram of fat.

2.   Mashed potatoes can be loaded with fat

Despite the claims of low-carb dieters everywhere, potatoes are not the enemy. Standing alone, potatoes are actually a low calorie, fat-free food. However, traditional holiday mashed potato recipes call for generous amounts of butter, cream, and sometimes even cheese. Loaded up with these heavy ingredients, mashed potatoes can reach a whopping 470 calories per 1-cup serving.

3.   Gravy made with fat drippings increases your calorie intake

As if the mashed potatoes and turkey didn't do enough damage, we often like to top it all with gravy made from the bird's fat drippings. Pour ¾ cup of gravy over your plate, and you'll add 375 calories.

4.   Candied sweet potatoes equal a high-calorie sweet

Sweet potatoes are an extremely nutritious vegetable that needs very little interference to make it taste heavenly. But the tradition of candying sweet potatoes, which means adding brown sugar and butter, turns this nutritious treat into a high-calorie sweet. And when we top it with marshmallows, we increase the calories to an incredible 400 calories from just a ¾ cup serving!

5.   Stuffing - absorbs the fat

Traditionally, stuffing is cooked inside the turkey where it absorbs much of the fat from the bird. Whether made from corn bread or white bread, it often contains high-fat ingredients such as butter, sausage, and nuts, averaging about 340 calories per 1 cup serving.

6.   3 potato latkes can be as much as 400 calories!

A traditional Hanukkah dish, potato latkes are patties of shredded potato held together with matzo and egg that is fried in a generous amount of oil. They are often served with applesauce and/or sour cream. Three latkes with 1 tablespoon of sour cream on each pack over 400 calories.

7.   Eggnog - not good for weight nor your arteries

This rich and creamy holiday drink is not for the weak of heart. At 350 calories and 19 grams of fat (11 of which are saturated) per 8-ounce serving, over-consumption of this holiday treat packs on pounds and clogs arteries.

8.   Prime Rib - the prime means fat!

While ham is a more traditional choice for a holiday dinner, those opting for something more upscale may choose prime rib. Unfortunately, this cut of meat is called "prime" because it contains 35-45% fat, which is the highest of all cuts. A 4-ounce serving of prime rib contains about 425 calories. But let's face it - nobody eats 4 ounces of this succulent cut of meat. A more common serving size is at least 8 ounces, which delivers a hefty 850 calories.

9.   Peanut brittle in moderation to avoid weight gain

While peanuts contain good fat, they are high in calories and should be consumed in moderation. Add butter and corn syrup (sugar) to peanuts and you have peanut brittle, which packs 485 calories into a 3.5 ounce serving.
10.   Pecan pie - a generous serving can be 800 calories!
Same story as the peanut brittle with the addition of a flaky, buttery crust. A generous serving of pecan pie can top out at 800 calories!

Minimizing the holiday food damage

Indulging in even moderate quantities of these high-calorie foods regularly throughout the holiday season can wreak havoc on your waistline. Of course it is possible to purchase or prepare healthier versions of the above foods, but you may not be involved in their preparation. Even if your host doesn't take any calorie-cutting measures, just being aware of the dishes that are highest in fat and calories will help you make better choices and eat smaller quantities.

Four tips to keeping calorie intake down at the holiday table

To make sure you do not go overboard, first pick your favorites and skip anything that does not look amazing. There are always too many options-you do not have to eat one of everything.
Second, take smaller portions than you are used to since these are rich foods and it will certainly not take much to fill you up.
Third, limit yourself to one helping. If you are tempted to go back for more, wait 20 minutes, by which time you will probably feel too full.
Finally, eat slowly and savor every bite. The holidays are a time of feasting and celebrating, and you should be able to enjoy some special treats with your friends and family. Just enjoy them mindfully.

This summer I read Bethenny Frankel's book this summer and something HUGE that stuck out to me was "Taste everything, eat nothing." The concept is taste and don't clean the plate full of it. If you like mac and cheese, don't eat a whole bowl (can't say I am not guilty of this) but just take a few bites so you don't feel deprived. I am actually really going to try this thought this second holiday around. Let ya know how that goes.

I also read on Web MD that overeating in the holidays tends to lean sometimes to the emotional. This surprised me but doesn't ring far from how stressful the holidays seem to get. If food is connected to the emotional portion in your life, the holidays could trigger these emotions again to eat. They say to be ready for temptation and make a plan. They suggested a kind of funny sounding thing to do but it might work, and that is to make the reasons you want to stay thin and why you want to loose weight and rehearse those in the morning. Kind of like a pep talk. Hey, maybe even posting a picture of your fave fit celeberity! The visual seems to help me! Mine is def Giselle Bundchen!!

Keep on working out.... and enjoy how great your body will look even after the holidays!!! Stay active and happy work outs....

Lisa



HOlidays....MaKe suRe yOu KeeP on WorkInG ouT...

Its that time of the year, starting in November, where ALOT of guilt sets in due to massive amounts of food. The overload is ridiculous, and unless you don't want to be "that" girl who isn't participating b/c she wants to be the skinny one, then you must eat. So yes, this is the time where you eat. Working out alleviates that guilt a little bit. Going hard and not going home! If you half way do it in the gym... then expect half way results by the end of Holiday season. Hit up some interval training and weights to keep yourself burning calories all day. Make sure you are eating good on the "off"days when you aren't around a practical buffet. Its real hard being a kindergarten teacher, constant sweets, cupcakes, and "Oh Miss Martinez here is your Christmas present." chocolate. Its tough, but don't undo all the work you have done.... You can Do IT!!!!:) Happy work outs.
Turkey day Dash pics coming soon... when I get back to Dallas from my weekend trip home.... :)

Last post September?? Ya, that explains this school year....

So I noticed I haven't posted in a while... sad day. This school year feels like my first year of teaching, even though its my fourth! My job has lately been feeling all consuming, and if your a teacher, you totally get this.... Long hours at school long after the littles leave, going home stressed, and still a never ending to do list. This last sentence brings me to the topic of my post today....Getting the work outs in even when it gets hectic and work or life. I have been averaging 4 days a week in work outs compared to my summer schedule of 5-6 days a week. The school year has def changed my work outs. This morning I was watching TV and saw that there is a new kinetic game out where you move and the game operates-- which is great for work out time games as well b/c you are up and moving as opposed to sitting for hours. I can't help but think that there are so many options for people who can't get to a gym. I feel lucky to be able to "squeeze" the time in. These days getting there is harder than the actual work out. But I know I am not the only one feeling this, so keep pressing on through the stress! You will feel great after those days where you want to pull your hair out or are so tired the drive home is almost a fluffy bed of dreams.... find the number you want to average and get that many days of work outs in a week. Don't settle for less. This week I didn't work out M-W, so I know that starting Thursday, I must work out every day till Sunday to get the 4 days in. I chose to take off from my work outs three days, thus making my work out schedule a must for the rest of the week. SO far, so good:) One more day this week and I accomplished that goal....... You can do it!! So stay motivated, focused on the goal, and 'work out' that job stress or life stress... It will be well worth your time!!
Happy Work Outs!

Oraganic, Easy Lunch....

I try and go organic as much as possible without being an impossible person. Its so hard to go completely organic but its very likely to do it with most of what you consume. So, although its more expensive, I think its better for your body not put a bunch of additives and junk that, I feel, lead to all sorts of sickness and disease.

Today's lunch was an easy one after church. Salad with Organic dressing, eggs, and organic lettuce. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich all organic too. Its easy, quick, and light. No yucky "I ate to much" feeling after. I had a Reeces Peanut butter cup for dessert. Here are some pics of the ingredients I used. I used Newman's Own Raspberry Walnut dressing (not pictured) b/c its all organic. Also, used Nature's Own  Honey 7 Grain bread...the all natural one. There are different versions so make sure you get the no additives one.They also donate all proceeds to charity!!

This peanut butter is amazing, btw. So is this organic jelly.

So try this easy lunch that is good for you:) You will be left feeling light and not guilty! :)

Happy Work Outs!!



New Juice/Vitamin product:)



So I was at Lifetime fitness with my sis in Houston and they had a sample juice. I am interested in it b/c of the benefits that it claims. The name is Reservatol and if you go to their website, http://www.genesistoday.com/genesis_today_products/resv_berry_juice.html, they have more products and info. Here is a break down that caught my eye:

200% vitamin C
100% Vitamin B6
1000% Vitamin B12 ( helps maintain healthy nerve cells
100% Biotin ( good for skin and nails)
100% Folate (Helps create DNA and may prevent cancer)

• Cardiovascular health*
• Youthful energy and appearance*
• Healthy inflammatory responses*

Okay so I was like to good to be true!! Well, I tried it and it was so good= tasted like grape juice. Then I had some energy left over at the end of the day after the gym and a long day at work...so, I was wondering if it had anything to do with it. I have been drinking lots more water lately too-- like close to 2 liters and I wonder if that combo with this new juice has anything to do with it. They have different sizes and flavors and your only supposed to drink a shot at a time. Its made from fruit so the sugar is kinda high... but I think the rest out weighs the negatives. They sell it at Whole Foods and Wal Mart. The big one is 6-7 dollars and you have to drink this in 10 days of opening. Make sure you shake it.... Would love to hear if you have any thoughts!!!:) Happy work outs.