I cringed when I saw my last post was in August.  Seriously, I started this blog with the aspirations to give fitness and nutrition advice and inspiration to the readers in the blogosphere and I have let you down.  I sincerely apologize, but life has been crazy!

The luck you all granted me for my (2nd to) last post worked!  I passed my grueling summer grad school classes (four in all- for the last six weeks I had class Mon-Wed from 6-9, Tues-Thurs from 6-9, plus a one-week condensed course in the middle from 9-5…which means one week I was in class from 9-9!!  It was INSANE and pretty much a blur…but my hard work paid off. I got STRAIGHT A’s!  No kidding!!  My dad would be so proud :)

Now, back to business.  Since its been a while I figured I would make a combo blog: some food, workout, and music tidbits to satisfy everything I missed!  Let’s get to it!

Food:

I love love love pasta, but many trying-to-stay-lean gym goers like myself try to limit my carb intake to healthy carbs.  This means whole grains, red potatoes, and fruits and excludes any white pasta.  I actually crave it way less than my heffer-self in college.  I gave all forms of pasta for lent my sophomore year (no I’m not Catholic, though my mom is Catholic light aka Diet Catholic and my dad was Seventh Day Adventist, I was simply raised as Christian, but that’s beside the point) and rarely consume it now.  But every so often I do get a craving for rich, creamy chicken alfredo or hearty spaghetti.  As soon as that food passes my lips I know the guilt I will have later, emotionally as well as physically (when I attempt to burn it off at the gym), so I usually skip it.  However, I kept reading about this amazing pasta substitute on an daily email subscription (we shall call it shmungry gurl) called Shirataki Noodles. What makes these so special?

Its just 20 calories a serving, 2 grams of fiber, and .5 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein!  The only catch (there always is, isn’t there?) you have to rinse these bad boys like crazy!  They kind of smell, well, fishy- but don’t be put off!  Its just the way they are packaged.  Once rinsed, they have a slightly gummier texture than traditional noodles, like if you overcooked pasta.  Just add your favorite protein (I like Morning Star Chikn pieces, or cooked chicken tenders) and marinara sauce and presto!  A waistline-friendly PASTA dish!  Indulge in this fake-carb-loaded meal all you want :)

Workout:

Recently I was in a cardio rut.  I was running or ellipticalling (is that a word?  It is now!) frequently but needed a boost.  And as I frequently do, I read some tips in fitness magazines, both print and online.  Many suggested to get a ‘fat-blasting’ cardio session one must add intervals.  This means increasing and decreasing your rate of heart-pumping, sweat-inducing jolt of energy, aka RPE (or rate of perceived exertion).  In short, how hard you think your body is working (see CDC’s site for more info on RPE).  I took one sample elliptical routine from a particular magazine I love and four words come to mind: IT KICKED MY BUTT!  I was spent after, totally and completely.  I was dripping sweat, drawing in air like it was my last breath, and wanted to collapse into my bed for the rest of the week.  BUT, I felt AMAZING!  Like I conquered Mt Everest in the gym!  I think everyone should have this workout at least once a week to give their routine (and body) a slap in the face…or at least a great wake up call to get that body moving!  And an added bonus- the next time you workout should be lighter on the cardio, making it feel easier, which should entice you to complete more of the cardio, and so on and so on…

Music:

Last but not least, MUSIC!!  As I have mentioned in the past, on facebook, and my twitter profile, I am a Lover of all things ROCK!  Mainly top 40, but I have a soft spot for Emo Music, non-mainstream (read iTunes suggestions of local or not well-known artists, and for fellow music lovers this totally expands your horizons of music!), and acoustic. I also have an odd interest in latin music- and while I took Spanish for 7 years I am (unfortunately) by no means fluent.  If you don’t use it you lose it, right?  Yup, that’s the case for me.  But I love the up-tempo beats and fun tunes my gym’s latin channel airs. The following songs have been on repeat for my workouts that really pump it up for me.  Enjoy!!

Latin:

No Le Digas Que No- KO (Love the beat!)

Ven Comigo- Christina Aguilera (spanish version of ‘Come on over’)

Loca- Shakira (her body in this video alone should inspire you to work it!)

Pop:

Bottle Pop- Pussycat Dolls (Workout your sexy self!)

Teenage Dream- Katy Perry(Cute, and its my ringtone :)

I Like It- Enrique Iglesias(GTL- love the Jersey Shore kids! Oh, good beat, too)

Rock:

Issues- Escape the Fate (My FAV right now!!)

Hold On- All That Remains (No actual video yet, just music)

Feel Like I Do- Drowning Pool (Love the guitar)

Ok kids, I hope that was a decent post for you to get a fix of everything I hope to offer.  And stay tuned, more to come… :)

The whole purpose of this blog began with my frustration of not being able to find headphones that can withstand a vigorous sweat session. I spent many workouts cursing my headphones- having to slow to a walk to dry off the sweat and ruin the running groove I was in.  While it may have been amusing to fellow gym-goers, I got fed up and decided to purchase new headphones.  I have purchased various types of headphones over the past couple of years- the main two types being ones that rest gently outside the ear (as seen in the Nike headphones below) and those that fit inside the ear (The JVC headphones with a similar fit to ear plugs).  Both of these headphones claim to be specifically made for active music listeners. 

Because these headphones were completely different in their ear-placement, I purchased both so I could give them an equal chance to wow me. Recently I had been using the latter of the two (JVC) as they fit snugly in the ear and last a bit longer through the sweat than those that fit around the ear.  But I was concerned for the safety of my hearing and opted to try the (more expensive) Nike headphones. 

             I liked how I could lengthen or shorten the rounded part that extends around the ear to hold the headphone in place.  I could tighten or loosen this fit to my liking, and I especially liked how it fit a bit outside my ear to protect my hearing.I was in love!  They fit perfectly, stayed in place during intense cardio sessions- both with gentle elliptical motions as well as pounding treadmill runs- even stayed put while drenched in sweat!  Yet the honeymoon phase quickly ended when the thin foam covering on the bud would get too wet with sweat and dislodge while running.  It seems my ears were working against me, so while it may work for some people, these headphones (like many men I have dated!) ended up being a major letdown.  So the search continues!

I promise I have not forgotten you, my fine sweatproof headphones readers!  I am insanely busy with trying to finish up a summer semester in grad school- which will be DONE in less than 2 weeks!  So I PROMISE I will be back with loads of posts!  Just a peak at what I have been working on:

My holy grail (duh, sweatproof headphones) found?

Quinoa- a yummy oatmeal replacement

Shirataki Noodles- really, 20 cals/0 fat a serving!

Interval cardio- kicked my butt!

Fitness Magazines

Social Code, The Sophomore Attempt, and BoA- music to get you moving!

So check back in a couple weeks and wish me luck!

In my quest to maintain a healthy lifestyle through altering my once not-so-healthy diet, I learned soon that I would have to incorporate new, sometimes strange foods into my routine.  And not just try these foods, but learn to like them as well.  I think when changing one’s diet, one has to accept that natural foods are not as salty/sweet as they come in processed packages.  And learning to love the foods in raw form will help you to learn to make better, more healthier food choices at the grocery store and in every-day life circumstances, like work functions, cocktail parties, and family gatherings. 

On that soap-box note, I LOVE chocolate, cake, ice cream, doughnuts, cookies, you name it!  But so did my hips, thighs… you get the picture.  So I learned to try, like and incorporate all sorts of new foods, including some vegetarian and vegan foods as well! But everyone needs a splurge now and then, and through different websites I found this interesting gem:

Read More

If you’re anything like me, the thought of spending a bare minimum of 30 minutes torturing yourself, getting sweaty, gasping for breath on a treadmill of death while you could be relaxing, watching the series premier of true blood on the comfy couch, eating ice cream right out of the tub is a struggle.  I’ve been there. It’s hard to resist what’s easy! The hardest thing to do is make that first step- get on the treadmill of death-rename it to the super amazing body sculptor 3000- and get started!  I know it seems daunting, but trust me, incorporate a few of my tricks and remain confident of your abilities and you can conquer that treadmill like a pro!

Just to give you an overview of my struggles, I started out barely able to run a mile.  Each stride was painful and I was exhausted a quarter mile in.  But knowing that distance and my endurance was pitiful drove me each time I hit that treadmill to go a little farther, a little faster, and with greater ease than before.  Present day I actually enjoy running on the treadmill.  I love leaving that treadmill sweaty as its a sign of accomplishment- that I kicked that treadmills butt!  Each day my body is changing, getting leaner, more sculpted, and my endurance is getting better and better. Nothing can sculpt all over like the whole-body movements of running.  I credit the frequently-dreaded treadmill to my steadily-increasing sculpted body. I know the treadmill can seem a bit scary, even intimidating to those that hate running.  And I know many avid runners that advocate running outdoors (sidewalks, asphalt, or tracks) over treadmills. I’ll get to the pros and cons of each in a later post.  Right now the tricks I use and keep in mind every treadmill session to keep me going:

Form:

While walking, jogging, or running, remember to keep your form steady. This means chin up, chest out, and a full circular motion of the arms and legs (or whatever stride is comfortable for you). Proper form is key to reducing injury and increasing endurance.

Breathing:

Sometimes during a run I get short of breath and can feel fatigue starting to set in.  Immediately I know to take a few deep breaths to give your body that extra oxygen it needs, as well as that extra oomph to keep you going.

Cramps:

Though many say they are a sign of being out of shape (which is partially true) it’s really just the internal organs not used to being jostled around the body cavity during the running motions. My best tip that works- do not stop running!! Never stop running- just slow down to slightly above walking pace. While at this slow pace, gently massage and stretch out the cramp for about 5 mins. If the cramp refuses to dissipate, just walk the rest of the way. But never stop running altogether.

My best overall tip- Set Goals:

“But I can’t go far; I hate having to be on it for so long; I’ll never make a mile!”
I was right there with ya! I’m only at about 4 miles comfortably now, but not without the blood sweat, tears and screaming fights I have personally had with many a treadmill.  When I think a mile is just too far (and yes even now I sometimes find I have ‘non-good-running-days) I make little goals before I set off on the treadmill and along the way. I don’t cover the display with a towel like many others. Try what I do: If I’m struggling to run at .76 miles, I tell myself I can walk once I hit 1 mile. Or if that’s too hard, then I have to finish the song I’m listening to. And when that’s too hard, just finish the chorus or make it to .8 and decrease the speed to halfway walking speed.  Finally, be proud you made every accomplishment!  Stick with it and soon you’ll see increased energy and a leaner bod!

What comes to mind when you think of proper etiquette?  Using utensils correctly at dinner so as not to come across as a neanderthal. Opening doors for others.   Returning the dropped $20 to the man in front of you at the grocery store.  Well, ok those may be manners or altruistic behaviors.  All the same, we have societal norms for anywhere we go, and this holds especially true for the gym.  It has come to my attention that there need to be established rules about what to do and what not to do in the gym.  We all know to re-rack weights, wipe off the machines of our salty sweat pools, and to generally ignore one another so we can get our sweat on.  But what about the etiquette no one wants to talk about?  Let me reveal to you a whole new side to proper etiquette at the gym.

As a self-proclaimed athlete…as a frequent gym user, health-food consumer, and all around health nut (save for the coco puffs- but they are organic!) I know what bodily functions come from eating the necessary amounts of protein for a fitness diet. And all you super fit people know what happens with high fiber/high protein diets…lets just say cheese needs to be cut.  I know, not exactly the most desirable things to think about, but without much detail, it can make running on the treadmill surrounded by some yummy hot bodies excruciating!  So the questions is…to cut it, or not to?  My answer is to attempt to make it to the restroom to be courteous.  Nothing beats a good iron-pumping like a foul stench.

And as long as we’re on the topic of stenches (joy!) I would like to remind everyone that a hint of perfume or cologne to help mask your sweat-induced musk is ok, but dousing yourself like you’re ‘The Situation’ about to hit the town is distracting, not to mention nauseating on top of everyone else’s sweat.  A slight sweat stench is ok- its a gym, we all sweat, its natural and healthy.  But be courteous and lay off the Polo please.

Next is the ever popular cell phone.  What could be SO important you must hog the leg press machine for 20 minutes, chatting away about Suzie’s lame boyfriend that only got her carnations?  No, the conversation better be life-altering with your tail headed out the door for an emergency.  Nothing is so dire you cant leave the cell in the locker room for an hour-rest assured, its only a few feet safely locked away for your use.  Unless there is a true emergency you are expecting (I question why you would be at the gym anyway if you’re waiting for Aunt Jane to wake up from that coma) please keep the phone in the car or locker, hell even a bag next to you while you’re on the treadmill.  But should you be anticipating Mr. Right’s call (After all is been two days!) please move the conversation off the equipment or hang up and shut up!

Lastly, my favorite topic: grunting.  I have seen how hard the meat heads work to get their bodies in such top-notch condition.  But I hear them more than I see them now.  With every press, every crunch, and every curl I hear them grunting; and its not the self-encouragement grunt you may be imagining.  If I have to ask myself if you’re having a particularly orgasmic workout with those grunts, you may want to listen to yourself once in a while instead of your iPod cranking out Linkin Park.  Keep your mating-call workout grunts to your zebra-striped bachelor pad.

Well, this makes my second…no, third attempt at a blog. Fear not blogosphere, I have a whole new attitude and ambition for this blog.  My previous attempts included a diary-like blog that documented the year my then-boyfriend was deployed to war overseas.  About six posts in and I was already sick of trying to write about how much I missed him and the constant lack of communication.  The second blog attempt was a dating adventure blog, somewhat like Sex and the City.  This came to an abrupt halt after the unexpected and gut-wrenching passing of my father.  While I dated in the months after, I didn’t have much desire for anything in life, let alone keeping up with a blog about something I could not focus on. 

Now, a year and a month after my dads death I found myself at an interesting precipice: I am working full time for the government, attending graduate school full time, and trying to maintain a social and family life- all while attempting to maintain some sort of sanity.  For all intents and purposes, it appears to everyone I am living a normal life: healing and seemingly moved on. I am obviously not the same person I was prior to his passing, but I don’t quite know who I am now.  Its difficult to describe, but I feel there was everything before his death and everything after- like two separate lives melded into one.  Though many things have changed, including friendships and residences, one thing I have kept constant throughout this: my persistent desire to eat healthy and exercise.  Many of my friends and family mock my eating habits (which will become more apparent in future posts) yet are impressed with my consistent gym trips.  I love how my body feels and how my mood is enhanced after a great sweat session, and I like to think Im ‘doin my body good’ by eating as healthy as possible. 

Growing up I used to play sports and run around the neighborhood with the other kids, but always ate bountiful mom-prepared meals as well, resulting in a ’just average’ body type.  Enter college and the freshman 15…well, more like 20.  I was a bit chunky in college, but (thankfully) saw the light around my junior year; aka my ex.  Having a new drive to get in shape, I began a new journey into becoming fit.  It was tough starting out; I was barely able to walk a mile on the ancient treadmill in the dark and damp basement in my parents house.  But I steadily got better with the addition of some weights, TV fitness shows and DVD workouts.  After graduation I joined a fancy-schmancy gym right next to my first job, and ever since I have pretty much hit the gym at least twice a week. 

Most of 2009, however, was spent in a weird state of busy and eating to avoid my grief.  But beginning of this year and most definitely the past couple of months I finally promised myself to make going to the gym like taking prescriptions drugs or vitamins- necessary, not obligatory.  I started picking up more fitness magazines learning tips and tricks for eating and exercising, watching others at the gym on machines I hadn’t yet tried, then going to the gym late Sunday night to attempt said machines without embarrassment.  My nutrition also changed thanks to a class experiment where I gave up meat products for about a month. 

Yeah yeah, so what? The story about my weight-loss and fitness goals is all very heart-warming, mushy-gushy, borderline pathetic, but how does this lead to the blog you’re reading?  Well, in daily conversations with friends and family, I noticed a trend the past couple of months- I frequently told them of new, weird health-food items on the market that I tried, my accomplishments of each workout or anything new I learned at the gym, and my love for finding new music to ensure a heart-pumping and productive workout.  I know the frustrations of trying anything new- the fear, the anxiety, the frustration and overall lack of motivation we all feal results in the blog you see before you.  My hope is to provide all of you real reviews of new sketchy ‘health food’ items before you waste your money, tips and motivation strategies to stop making excuses and (finally) hit the gym, and lastly(my favorite!) providing you with new tunes to ramp up your workouts.  I hope to inspire you to get a healthy body for a healthy life and look forward to this challenging new adventure!