BIT BY THE BUG

Last week proved to be the start of some sort of attack on my body that did not come quietly.  To say that I have been “bit by a bug” is really too nice of an explanation for the being hit by a train, elephant sitting on my chest, unable to breathe feeling I experienced.  Unproductive congestion and having to sleep reclined really sucks.  This past week I have had a date with antibiotics, menthol under the nose, head under the towel steams, and lots of food channel, HG TV, and rest.  I rarely get sick and so this took me by surprise, picked me up in the air and slammed me down to the ground.

I share this because there are times when a body should not be in the gym or even attempting to workout.  Not that I felt like lifting my body off the couch anyway, but even as I began to get better, my body was still in need of rest.  I am determined not to relapse and I am still dealing with residual congestion that is absolutely obnoxious.  Along with the congestive yuck came weight loss living off soup, crackers, and Popsicles and this body just does not look or perform at its’ best with a deficit.  This girl needed comfort food and hubby delivered with some of the best mac and cheese ever.  Illness requires different needs and care and I am a firm believer of listening to my body in all aspects. 

MY COMFORT FOOD

Another area that really hits hard during illness is frustration because I am not able to do the things that are in my routine.  I not only enjoy working out but interacting with my family and friends and this has really put a halt to all of that.  I am getting tired of hanging out on the couch coughing up non-productive phlegm balls.  In the scheme of life, I know that two weeks off is nothing, but when you are going through the process of illness, it feels like eternity.  I also think about how others have it much worse than I, and that brings any whining to a screeching halt.  I do have to give a big thanks to my husband who has taken the best care of me, and puts up with the occasional gripe session, not to mention having to listen to all this coughing. 

I will continue to rest and recover and return to work and the gym slowly.  It will be important to not overtax this already taxed body so that the healing process will continue.  There are times when exercise is not a good thing for the body as I shared earlier, and rest becoming the priority.  The “old” Darla would not have put too much thought into a relapse and placed the exercise importance over the rest, but thank goodness she is long gone, and an older and wiser gal is in the picture.  The overall point is taking the best care of us in this journey of life, and sometimes that means exercise has to take a back seat.

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  If you are inspired, LIKE my entry, leave a comment and I look forward to responding!

StayHealthy!

Darla

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Workout Shoes & Self Tanner

Two things last week have given my workouts a little boost- new shoes and self-tanner. ;)  I'm a big fan of ASICS running shoes and asked for a new pair for my birthday.  Love this pop of orange and pink!   Good energy for working out! I got mine at Sports Authority on sale for $99 (Gel Evate) hot pink/white/sunshine.

but these below are similar at Nordstrom for the same price. 

ASICS GT-1000 (Raspberry/White/Mango)

A good pair of shoes is an investment that serves you well.  

On another note, I like being tan, but understand that tanning beds aren't good for you so I'm staying out.  I will be at the pool this summer, but until then I'm using self-tanner.  My girlfriend told me she buys Sephora Tinted Self Tanning Body Mist by the case and swears by it, so I picked up a bottle.   (Thanks Angela!) 

After using it twice, I'm a convert.  This is the first spray tanner I've used and it's so much easier than rubbing in a lotion!  I just showered and dried off really well, then stepped back into the shower to spray the tanner on.  There is a light scent, but it doesn't smell bad like some tanners.  I will definitely keep using this one. 

Do you feel better tanned too?  What self tanner do you like?

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Quinoa Brownies (Dairy, Gluten/Grain and Refined Sugar Free)

These brownies have a cake like texture.  I didn't make mine too sweet but they have a wonderful flavour.  Do make sure you have soaked your quinoa for a few minutes and then rinse to get the bitter saponin coating off.  Why not enjoy a little more protein and energy from your dessert.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup grapeseed oil
• 1/2 cup maple syrup, honey or agave 
• 1/4 cup palm or coconut sugar (or more if you prefer sweeter)
• 5-7 drops liquid stevia
• 1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1 tablespoon psyllium husk
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup gluten/dairy free chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease an 8 x 8 oven safe dish.
2. Combine all ingredients (except chocolate chips) into a blender and puree until smooth.  Stir in chocolate chips if desired. 
3. Pour into prepared dish.
4. Bake 35-45 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

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Operation Get Lean // Week 3 Recap

Happy Monday y'all!  I am excited to report that after 3 weeks of clean eating (with the exception of cheesecake on my birthday and a terrible Sunday- more on that below) and lifting heavy weights 5 days a week, I am seeing some results!  Here's the latest picture from my Instagram (@honeywerehome).  I want to show you a real life representation so I don't use any filter on these pictures.  I've only lost about 1 1/2 pounds in 3 weeks (112.5 to 111), but I'm not too concerned with the scale since I know muscle weighs more than fat.  But, I am concerned with buttoning my jeans and I'm not having a problem with that anymore!

THE WORKOUTS

5 minute treadmill warmup (speed at 4.0), then go directly to planks - 3 for 1 minute & 30 seconds with a two minute rest in between.  This week I focused on lifting as heavy as I could for 8-10 reps of 3-4 sets, resting about 45 seconds to 1 minute in between sets.  I usually do at least 6 exercises during each workout. 

Monday - Biceps & Triceps, 20 minutes of cardio (18 incline at 2.5 mph - don't hold on)

Tuesday - Legs, 15 minutes of cardio (18 incline at 2.5 mph - don't hold on)

Wednesday - Shoulders 20 minutes (sprints 30 seconds on and off at a 7.0 mph) & 5 minutes (18 incline at 2.5 mph - don't hold on)

Thursday - Back - no cardio

Friday - Off

Saturday - Biceps & Triceps - no cardio

Sunday - off

THE MEALS

I'm still on THIS MEAL PLAN.  I did very well Monday through Saturday, but I did indulge in cheesecake on my birthday (Thursday).  Saturday was good, except I drank 3 1/2 glasses of red wine  (which is a lot for me!) and then my son couldn't sleep, so in the middle of the night I had to go into his tiny bed and "sleep" with him (with the light on!).  Needless to say, I felt pretty bad on Sunday.  

Sunday was a complete BUST food wise.  We went to breakfast around 9:00 and I had a giant pancake with real butter and syrup.  Mmmm!  Ran some errands, came home and napped for an hour from 1:00 - 2:00 until I had to get ready for a Tupperware party at 3:00.  On the way there, I felt so sick/sweaty/shaky, then realized I hadn't eaten since the pancake.  I made an emergency stop at a gas station and ate a Twix candy bar, still shaky, I rummaged through my purse and found a protein bar. At the party, I ate some brie cheese and crackers and carrots.  Mexican food is always my cure for a hangover, so we went out for dinner and I had bean and cheese nachos.  Later that night, I couldn't sleep.  I got up around 11pm and ate a bowl of multigrain cheerios and 2 Ghirardelli chocolate and caramel squares.  Ug!  

It happens sometimes, but you just have to start over the next day and not let it get you down. 

We had beautiful weather on Friday and I got to enjoy a nice birthday lunch with my favorite girlfriends outside (half a glass of wine, a burger with no bun, and salad for me). 

Racerback Tank Dress  

Scarf

Have a great week!

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Chicken Breast Sandwich

I'm looking for other ways to get my protein in each day.  I eat a lot of skinless, boneless chicken breast and really like it the Tex Mex way, and just made a regular ole sandwich today.  I'm not banning bread, I just make sure to eat 100% whole wheat and eat it earlier in the day.  

On my sandwich, I put chicken, light mayo, 2% American cheese, and arugula and butter lettuce. I've been buying thin sliced chicken breasts.  Each one is about 4 ounces and they cook more evenly.  I cook them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes with a tiny bit of olive oil and Tony Chachere's No Salt Seasoning, then store them in the fridge. 

My favorite bread . . . 

Arugula and butter lettuce . . . 

Mmmm . . . 

_________________

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Vitamins & Supplements

Like many of you, I was completely confused about what vitamins and supplements I should be taking.  It seems like there's so much information to absorb that it can get overwhelming quickly.  Couple that with some vitamins should be taken with food, some combined with others, some on an empty stomach, and some not with others.  Ahhh!  I happen to be a fan of Dr. Oz, so I often listen to his recommendations and then read/research and ask other people about what they are doing.  Here's where I am now with my vitamins and supplements.

I take the vitamins/supplements pictured above every day.  But, I've built up to this slowly over time.  I started over a year ago just taking a multivitamin and using protein powder in my shakes to help repair and build muscle.  Then, when I started doing the Live Fit plan, Jamie Eason recommends adding Fish Oil (1000mg) and BCAA (branched chain amino acids), so I added those too. (Read more about those here.) The BCAA is the bottle of "Twinlab Amino Fuel". 

Dr. Oz recommends Calcium Cocktail (Calcium 600mg + Vitamin D 1,000IU + Magnesium 400mg) - I still need to add in the magnesium.  He also recommends Astragalus (200mg 2x per day).

I talked about Biotin here before and now take it to help aid in hair and nail growth.  It's working! (Thank you for all of your comments!)

I recently added Alpha Lipoic Acid (300mg) for cell damage repair for weight lifters.  

Probiotic Restore Ultra contains the “good bacteria” that can boost your immune system and improve your digestion and much more.  Dr. Oz website actually mentioned the Advocare brand by name stating, "Of the products tested, AdvoCare’s Probiotic Restore is one that contained the amount of CFUs promised on the label." which is why I purchased that brand. 

Nighttime Recovery Amino Acid & Herbal Supplement (400mg) for muscle repair and growth.

So, what does taking all this look like in my daily life?

(oops! that Vitamin C should say "Calcium")

Every week I portion out my vitamins and put them into my pill holder.  (I got mine at Target). I couldn't keep it all straight without it! I keep the two nighttime supplements separate and my multivitamin gummy in the jar because it will dry out and get stiff if you put it into the holder.

I put the BCAA (it's a liquid) in my water bottle when I workout and I drink my protein shake after my workout.  I like the orange flavor the best and like the taste of it.  It's a syrupy consistency and one serving is 3 tablespoons.  

I keep everything right in the kitchen on the counter.

Below is the information I've read from Dr. Oz on the vitamins/supplements: 

A Multivitamin

Dr. Oz says that we only need 100% of the daily value of the 12 essential vitamins and minerals, with iron for pre-menopausal women.  When purchasing your vitamins, check for bottles labeled 100% daily allowance on label. 

Multivitamins fulfill your nutritional needs for the day.  Multivitamins contain:

Vitamin A – critical for healthy vision and skin

Vitamin B – a metabolism booster

Vitamin C – keeps your immune system strong, especially important during cold and flu season.

Vitamin D – promotes healthy bones (and your immune system)

Vitamin E – for healthy development of muscles and brain function

The Dose

Take half in the morning and half at night to maximize absorption.

Calcium Cocktail (Calcium + Additional Vitamin D + Magnesium)

Calcium is a necessary supplement for strong, healthy muscles, bones and teeth. You need to take it in combination with magnesium (to prevent the negative side effects of calcium) and vitamin D (to help the body absorb calcium) in order to get the maxium benefit.  It turns out that vitamin D is crucial when it comes to fighting off colds. An important part of Dr. Oz's anti-aging checklist, vitamin D plays a number of roles in our bodies, including:

 *Promoting absorption of calcium and bone health

 *Boosting immune function

 *Reducing inflammation

 *Healthy neuro-muscular function

 *Protecting against some forms of cancer

The Dose

Calcium (600mg) with Magnesium (400mg) and Vitamin D (1,000 IU)

Take dose with a full glass of water, 2 hours after eating.  Calcium can block the absorption of other supplements and prescriptions, so take it separately. 

Fish Oil (Omega 3’s)

To keep your brain, heart and eyes healthy, take Omega 3’s every day. 

The Dose

For women, the daily dose of Omega 3s is 1000 mg; for men, the dosage is 600 mg.

Astragalus

Although Astragalus isn't a vitamin, I take it daily for energy and anti-aging.

According to Dr. Oz, aging is the primary reason why your body feels depleted of energy. Add to that the boatload of daily tasks most of us face – work, household chores, childrearing – and it’s no wonder we're exhausted.

The supplement astragalus can help keep you going. This root, used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, contains a special chemical that research has shown may actually help slow the aging process. This chemical activates the enzyme telomerase, which works on a cellular level to protect DNA from breaking down, thus warding off exhaustion and a host of other age-related symptoms and diseases.

The Dose

Take 200 mg of astragalus twice a day, in the morning and at night. 

I buy most of my supplements on Amazon but the BCAA liquid is from bodybuilding.com.

I ordered my Advocare Probiotic Restore and Nighttime Recovery through my friend Niki Riat.


*Please talk to your doctor about what's right for you before you start taking anything. -Megan

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Tuna Salad

Wanting to change up my meals, I made tuna salad this week.  It's so easy to prepare because you're not cooking anything (except boiling eggs if you want egg whites in yours).  I eat mine over greens (butter lettuce and arugula), but it's also good as a sandwich on whole wheat bread.  One of my favorite things my Grandma used to make for me was a tuna melt.  She put the tuna on a piece of toast with a slice of cheese on top, then microwaved it for about 30 seconds.  It's really good that way!

Because I wanted to make enough to eat for several meals, I used:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large cans of albacore tuna in water
• 1 onion chopped finely
• Relish (about 1/4 cup of sweet & 1/4 cup of dill)
• 5 cooked egg whites chopped 
• 3/4 cup light mayo 
• Butter lettuce and arugula (I just put a handful of each in my bowl)  
• *a squeeze of lemon is good too, but I didn't have any

I'm guessing on the measurements of the relish and mayo because I didn't precisely measure, I just scooped it in, but I think that's about right.  Use more or less depending on your taste preferences. 

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Operation Get Lean // Week 2 Recap

Two weeks down and I'm starting to notice some results.  I have been very committed to my meal plan and the workouts, and I want all the results immediately, but I'm taking it one day at a time. Having a photo to remind me where I started and track my progress really helps me stay motivated.  Here's a pic I shared on Instagram.  The pictures were taken 1 week apart, both on Friday morning (after week 1 and after week 2).

THE WORKOUTS

I start my workouts with a 5 minute treadmill warmup (speed at 4.0), then go directly to planks - trying to do 3 for at least 1 minute, 30 seconds with a two minute rest in between.  Then I do my weight workout for about 40 minutes or so and then 20 minutes of cardio.  The whole thing takes about 1 hour  and 20 minutes.  I keep my earphones in and don't chat. 

Monday - Back, 3 planks, 20 minutes of cardio (sprints 30 seconds on and off at a 7.0 mph)

Tuesday - Biceps & Triceps, 25 minutes of cardio (18 incline at 2.5 mph - don't hold on)

Wednesday - Shoulders (no cardio)

Thursday - off

Friday - Legs, 3 planks, 20 minutes of cardio (sprints 30 seconds on and off at a 7.0 mph)

Saturday - Back, 2 planks, 20 minutes of cardio (sprints 30 seconds on and off at a 7.0 - 7.5 mph)

Sunday - off

THE MEALS

I'm still on THIS MEAL PLAN, but this week instead of turkey chili, I made Tex Mex Casserole with Egg Noodles.  I also made chocolate protein brownies and had a few.

*This week I'm going to add 2 sausage links to my breakfast to get more protein in at breakfast.  I still need to figure out which ones.

Saturday night, I went out to dinner and had 1 glass of red wine, a cup of lobster bisque, sea bass with jumbo lump crab and lemon butter sauce (ate about half).  Later, I had another glass of wine and a cocktail. But, I think the drinks (and maybe the heavy food) messed with my stomach because I didn't sleep well and felt kinda icky on Sunday.  For lunch on Sunday I indulged in fatty Mexican dish and chip and queso, but I really enjoyed it! :)  

Back on the wagon!  Hope you have an awesome week! 

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COMMITMENT MATTERS

As Valentine’s Day is upon us tomorrow, I think about commitment and how it not only matters in my marriage but also in my fitness and overall health.  They both take dedication and work right?  Think about that: if you cheat on your marriage, it will not work…if you cheat on your health, it will not work…see what I mean.  In order to maintain a happy, healthy relationship, it takes commitment, effort and work on a daily and consistent basis.  

In this journey of life, I have learned what I do and do not want, and I certainly have found a gem in my husband and cherish our relationship as top priority.  I feel the same way about my fitness and realize that my life is a precious gift worthy of my time and attention to reduce the risk of illness and maintain a healthy quality of life.  Commitment is a word that I do not use lightly and is a promise that I will maintain my relationship in a healthy way with my hubby and with myself. 

Really, I do not need a special Hallmark day to tell me that, because every day is Valentine’s Day in my life with my honey and my health.  I treat both with tender loving care, appreciation, time and attention.  Commitment to the things that matter is important and believe me, there are plenty of “busy things” in life that just do not matter.  I like that motivational saying “when you are committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results”.  I believe in seeing positive results in my marriage and health and if I do not take the healthy action steps to make that happen, that is on me.  I have worked too hard and long in my life to not make the most of each day, and  appreciate what good health and true love feels like.   

I will be fifty soon, and it has taken half my lifetime to reach the maturity of emotional, spiritual and physical well-being that I understand today.  The bumpy road along the way was difficult, but through patience, perseverance, and commitment to want more for me in every aspect of life, the journey was meant to be and is always a “to be continued” story.  The importance of commitment is also patience through the process as nothing happens overnight.  There is no such thing as here today and gone tomorrow and rushing life to get no-where is certainly not on any page that I am writing.

I dedicate this Blog to the love of my life, my best friend, prayer partner, and greatest support I have ever known.  To my husband:  I love you “Forever and a Day” and every day is Valentine’s Day with you. 

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  If you are inspired, LIKE my entry, leave a comment and I look forward to responding!

StayHealthy!

Darla

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Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss Valentine's Treat (You Won't Feel Guilty About)

With Valentine's Day approaching, we might be looking forward to indulging in our favorite sweet treats.  For me, chocolate tops the list.  Pairing chocolate with peanut butter is even better! One of my favorite treats is homemade peanut butter cups, but they are a little time consuming to prepare and high in calories and sugar.  If you are looking for something with chocolate and peanut butter to satisfy your sweet tooth, you may want to try these . . . Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss. 

Yumminess!

Since I feel like Valentine's Day should be shared among friends as well as honeys, I gave a few of mine this simple treat.  Dressed up in cute packaging makes it even cuter.  

I used a paper mache hexagon boxand filled it with crinkle cut paperand foam heart stickers.

Then, I affixed a doily and glittery red heart to the top of the box with spray adhesive. 

And decorated the rim of the box with washi tape.

Everyone loved them and couldn't even tell they are made by . . .  Weight Watchers!  Cool, huh?!  I thought you might want to hear of some "desserty" things you don't have to feel guilty eating once in a awhile!  They have other flavors too if you want to try something else.  

Each box comes with 6 individually wrapped mini brownies.  They are 2 WW points per brownie, 90 calories, 4 fat grams, and 9 grams of sugar. 

What's your favorite Valentine's Day treat? 

Thank you to Weight Watchers for sending me these yummy desserts!

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New Dr. Oz Magazine // The Good Life

While browsing the bookstore the other day, I happened upon a new magazine by Dr. Oz, The Good Life.  Of course I picked up a copy and, so far, I really like it!  If you aren't familiar with Dr. Oz, he's a heart surgeon and professor who became popular as a regular guest on Oprah and now has his own show, although he still practices medicine.  His credentials are stellar, but what most people love about him is how he puts health lessons into terms we can understand and implement in our own lives.

The first issue has great information about multivitamins

what Dr. Oz is eating now . . .

exercises for a tighter booty. . .

and how to lose 10 pounds in 4 weeks.

You can order The Good Life HERE and it also comes in a Kindle edition.

Oxygen is my other go-to magazine for fitness inspiration.  I keep all old copies as references for exercises and recipes.  You can order it HERE.

Muscle & Fitness Hers is also really good and is pretty inexpensive for a subscription ($1.66 per issue). You can order it HERE.

Do you read fitness magazines?  Which ones?  If you picked up Dr. Oz' magazine, what did you think of it?

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