Identifying Areas of Improvement

Well, for the most part I’ve had a very good week.  Yay.

I ate really well all week except for one meal I had last night.  Kev and I went on an impromptu date to TGI Friday’s.  Very fun.  We ended up ordering a couple appetizers to share.  It was yummy, but sadly I wasn’t even all that hungry!?  I left there stuffed and bugged that I ate crappy food.  Oh well.  Live and learn, I guess.

I did really well on the exercise front this week.  I went to my regular 4 classes at the gym and ran twice.  I’m supposed to run 5 miles today, but haven’t done it yet.  My baby woke up at 5:30 this morning and I left for the gym at 6:30, so I’ve kind of been draggin’ all day.  It’s also been extremely windy outside and I hate running in the wind!  Seriously, I would rather run in the snow, sleet, rain or hail…..but not the wind.  Sooooo, I think I’m going to end up treadmilling it.  I’ve been subconsciously (or consciously) putting it off.  Blah.

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Moving on……

The other day I was thinkin’ about my life.  I tried to identify areas where I could improve.  There were plenty, but I narrowed it down to 3 that I’m really going to try to work on.  Here they are:

• Get my sleep!!  I’ve struggled with this one my whole life!  I know it would help me SO MUCH if I could just consistently get 7-8 hours every night.  Soooo, I’m really gonna try to work on it.
• Eat more protein!  I exercise quite a bit and work my muscles very hard!  I realized I might not be eating enough protein to support my muscles.  Sooo, I’ve been trying to make a conscious effort to improve.  I’ve been trying to eat a protein shake every day and eat healthy sources of protein with every meal/snack.  I’ve read in numerous places that you should strive to eat 1 gram of protein for every pound you weigh.  So, I’m going to try to do that!
• Up my running!  I’ve been a little inconsistent with my running lately.  So, last week I decided to change that!  I’m going to try to run 3 times a week, with my longest run on Saturday.  It’s always hard for me to get out the door and run, but once I’m out there….I love it!  Running is SUCH a great way to exercise and lose weight.  Love it!

So, that’s what I’m going to be working on.  I really think all of these things will help me so much.  I love to periodically “check” myself and find areas where I can improve.  I don’t like to be stagnant.  🙂

I thought I would share a short video clip that I love.  It’s an interview with Tosca Reno (I love her!) and she shares 3 things that can help us to be healthier.  I have to laugh because her #2 (ironically) tip is “Go Poo.”  You’ll have to watch it.  Very good advice too, btw.

Till next time……xoxo

GET YOUR SLEEP!!

Kev and I have been TERRIBLE at getting our sleep lately!

Terrible…. 😦

And it is definitely taking a toll on my body!

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Sadly Kev and I are like two peas in a pod….

If one of us stays up late, usually the other one does too and vice versa.

We are both little night owls.

I don’t know what my problem is, but I really love the peace and quiet that accompanies nighttime.

It is therapeutic for me….

and then morning comes and I am reminded that I have serious issues.

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 When I’m sleep deprived everything in my life seems insurmountable, especially eating well and exercising.

This past week, I have been extra hungry, craving carbs and treats, low on energy and unmotivated!

Lovely.

It’s been tough.

I love eating well and exercising, but when my body is crying “uncle” because of sleep deprivation,  it’s so hard to stick with it!

I don’t mean to be negative, but I tell you these things so you can all learn from my bad example! 😉

SOOOOOOOOO, take a tip from me and be sure you get your rest!

K?

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With that being said, I want to give a shout out to all y’all out there who are disciplined enough to go to bed early.

I am truly inspired and impressed by you.

Really.

Thanks for your wonderful examples.

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On a brighter note, I went to my 7:00 AM cardio class Saturday morning and I loved it!

It felt good to get up early and it’s always nice to have my workout done FIRST THING!

I also had a special treat because as I was driving to the gym, I was able to view the lunar eclipse!

When I first looked at the moon, I thought, “That’s strange I’ve never seen a crescent moon on the BOTTOM of the moon before!?”

Then I quickly realized it was an eclipse and it was so so so cool.

This is about what it looked like…

December 10, 2011 total eclipse of the moon as seen above the desert city of Phoenix, Arizona. Image Credit: Mike Morton

I called Kev and woke him up so he could see it too.

I’m sure he appreciated that! 🙂

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Well, after having a rough week or two, I am feeling particularly motivated tonight.

I love Mondays…and am looking forward to a better week.