Cake is a Worthless ex.

Hey Girl!
  Man, I wish I could workout with you.  That dance class sounds like so much fun.  I've only done Zumba once and really liked it.  Although, I typically think I have pretty good rhythm, I did find myself tripping over my own feet a few times, while everyone around me knew all the steps... at least I got practice laughing at myself.

   Last night and today were really crazy busy.  I had teacher conferences last night and had an 11 hour day at school and unfortunately did not make it home in time to get to the pool before it closed.  BLAH.  Today was another long day and I didn't even have time to walk Roscoe.  Usually when I am overwhelmed the first thing I drop is good eating habits.  I lean on cafe sandwiches, cookies and granola bars to get me though.  Luckily, I had a revelation last week- no one else is responsible for my health and well-being besides myself and I must respect myself enough to value both things.  It made a big difference in the way I have been eating the last week and a half. The last two days I have made the most delicious and balanced breakfasts and packed healthy, energy-boosting lunches(Hurray!)  I'm really rather proud of myself, to be honest.  I know that York Peppermint patties are so tempting, they are my favorite!! BUT, you need to remind yourself that the most delicious treat of all is reaching your goals... and if something isn't going to help you get there, it is a pointless use of your time and in this case, calories!   Today while eating my perfectly portioned salad, of protein, carbs and fats, I was reading a health magazine and saw this little tid bit...#8  I have to say I really loved it!  I told E last night at dinner that I am considering a cake-less birthday and wondered if I would feel sad or BADASS.  Then I saw this today, and I'm pretty sure the answer is BADASS!  How do you feel about it?!?!

  So on to workout duds- I have to say that I really love working out in tanks.  I thoroughly enjoy being able to watch my muscles work and gleam!!!  I also really like capris, as apposed to full length pants (well, if I've had the chance to shave my legs... which with how busy things have been and the sub freezing the temps lately, shaved legs are a major rarity).  On New Year's day I went running in Prospect Park in Brooklyn and a woman ran past with the best leggings I have ever seen!!  They had galaxies and cats all over them.... I really want some wacky leggings for sure!
 
  Alright, so now it is late and I had barely any sleep last night, so I am going to head to bed.  I will write tomorrow- I have crossfit in the afternoon and then I am planning on meeting up with two different running groups this weekend.  I need some active friends down here!!  Can't wait for the weekend, and then just one week till I see you and we turn 29!!

GOOD NIGHT!  FIT DREAMS,
xo
Jeni

It's Challenge Time!

Hey Jeni! 

I'm so glad you got out and enjoyed the snow today! I haven't cross country skied in a really long time- I tried it once. I am looking forward to downhill skiing this winter with my family. At chance you want to try and meet up on the slopes? 

This is my transformation challenge team. Today was our kickoff and we had a group workout! I am certainly feeling my core right now. It's a good thing! 

After that, I went grocery shopping at a few different stores. I am evaluating my eating habits. Some new and old items that I got today: tilapia filets, frozen vegetables, chicken breasts, kombucha (I am sure you aren't surprised), and Greek yogurt. I picked up baby carrots, bananas, pomegranates, and an avocado. I even bought multigrain rolls. This week I want to get back into cooking some more classic meals (read- no queso), and try eating eggs for breakfast, hence the rolls. I'm not a fan of eating eggs outright, they gross me out a bit, but they can be good for you, so I am going to try it out and see what happens! 

I am glad that you bring up sugar. One of the things that I discussed with my transformation coach was nutrition. I am looking forward to the nutrition seminars that they are having during the challenge! I've also been modifying some of my recipes to reduce sugar. Sugar is in everything. Even "good foods" like yogurt have sugar in them. Add in the flavors of the yogurt and it adds more. It's like the other "S"- salt! I have been reviewing everything I purchase for sugar and salt content. I also have been sure to try and eat portions of fruit, not binge on fruit. I am replacing that with veggies! We definitely need to check in with each other on our sugar intake! Good for you on refusing the brownies, by the way, it can be so tempting to eat these things! 

Speaking of other goals and nutrition, one of your goal this year really resonated with me: increase water intake. I fully support that goal. I am also trying to reduce coffee intake. Last year at times I would drink over 24 oz. a day! Right now I am happy with green tea throughout the day as well. Diet sides is also in my list to give up- I did that before for a long time, but I like fizz in my drinks. I am looking to get pure ginger juice and put it in with my soda stream with a touch of lemon. I love how refreshing ginger is. 

Let me know how to yoga is, I can't wait for us to meet up in a few weeks for a hot yoga class. Tomorrow I'll be on my feet during the day while I moonlight at the mall, I will report on how I feel to tomorrow after today's workout. 

Xoxo 

Jenne