I need a challenge!

Hey Jeni, 

Long time no post! It's been a crazy few months and I have definitely de-prioritized my health and wellness. Yikes! 

I started to work out in the mornings and did relatively well with this new challenge. Then once December hit and I was working at my mall job things got a little crazy! Couple that with a marathon Christmas shopping day and I really needed a rest. That was in early to mid December and I haven't really been to the gym since. Yikes #2! 

Now I did some walking when I was one vacation, but that probably doesn't offset the minimal water consumption and bad food overload. Yikes #3!

Now that we got all of that out of the way, I want to focus on the future. For the first half of the year, I was very focused on everything. The second half, not so much! I hope to figure this out over the course of the year so I am not always in this continual yoyo with my weight and fitness. Since I'm my own worse critic, it makes me feel bad. 

Today I'm starting a 60 day challenge at my gym. I'm hoping to get off my rear end, get back in shape and keep things in order! 

Are you ready for this?!

Xoxo

Jenne 

Falling Off Track and Getting it Back!

Hey Jeni! 

It's been almost two months since my last post! Oh my gosh! 

As you know, I recently spent three blissful weeks in Europe. The first part I tried to stay active and even went to a gym there, but then I slipped into glorious sweets, cheese, bread, and wine ( how could I not?). An example is below: 

Everything is so fresh and looks yummy! I went down to Corsica for a few days where everyday I went to a market to pick up fresh local foods. You would gave loved it! 

From there things started to get gluttonous. Desserts, pasta, more bread, and more cheese! 

It was so much fun, but a great test to see how my body would react. As expected, I gained some pounds! Fifteen to be exact! 

So now I'm on a little challenge to work things off. I'm well on my way I think.  I forgot how addicting sweets can be! In fact, I've been having to adjust back into my plant based, lean protein diet by phasing out breads and other non plant carbs. I was pretty surprised. I'm still working on this but it's getting there. 

I share thus because I think it's good to know that the body sets itself up to crave these things. Then we can get upset when we want food perfection and to control everything that goes in the mouth. When making dietary adjustments, patience is needed! 

So, tell me what have you been up to? Anything exciting to report? 

Xoxo 

Jenne

Ps. Did I mention I'm learning a lot about being patient this week? 

"Punkie" Cakes

Practical Paleo: Diane Sanfilippo

Hey Jen!  

  Wait until I tell you all about this morning's breakfast!  I know I said I was going to share with you the paleo muffin recipe today, but after whipping up these Pumpkin Pancakes, I couldn't hold back, I had to talk about them!!!  I don't know why, but I just think pancakes are one of the best foods on the planet.  Not that they have any nutritional value at all.  Because I love pancakes so much I have searched high and low for a healthy option... over the last few months I have different  paleo recipes I have found on the net, but none of them were worth trying again.  A few months ago Everett bought me a book called Practical Paleo.  It's sort of a mix between a Nutrition textbook and a cookbook.  It's really cool to have those two aspects combined.  I don't know why it took me so long to finally try these recipes, but the last week I have absolutely fallen in love with Diane Sanfilippo!  Everything is so stinkin' delish and I don't feel like I'm eating a deprevation diet.  I can't wait to continue to bake "with" her and to share with you!  

  These cakes reminded me and E of crepes in a way.  They don't have any flower in them so you can taste a hint of egg, but we both really liked that!  The whole prep time took less than 5 minutes and the cakes were ready in another 5.  Such an easy meal that we LOVED!  We added some strawberries for color and elegance!  (I renamed them Punkie cakes (you know, after my own nick name...  I may see a bit of an addiction starting) )

ENJOY!!  

"Punkie" cakes:

4 eggs

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tbs pure maple syrup

___________________________________

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp baking soda

2 tbs butter (plus extra for skillet) 

Mix the first 4 ingredients in a mixing bowl.  Sift the spice, cinnamon and baking soda into the wet mix.  Melt the butter and add to the mix.  Stir all together.  

**I know butter doesn't seem paleo, but it's about what you use.  It should be organic grassfed butter to insure you are getting the right fats and nutrients**  (it will be more expensive, but it's worth it!!)  

A Better way to Fuel (meet my new belt)

Hey Jenne,
  My computer hasn't been working the last few days and so I haven't been able to tell you about all the fun things happening or comment on the amazing things you've been up to...  Technology can be frustrating.

  Let me start with my run last night.  My half is in 9 days and I am now focusing on speed in my long runs.  In the past I have only cared about covering the miles and it didn't matter how fast or slow I went.  This round of training I have found that I have been comfortable running at an 8:30/mile pace in my shorter distance runs but I wanted to see if I could do the same at longer distances.  My goal for my upcoming half is to be running no slower than 9:08/mile, this would bring me in at just under 2 hours. (This same half last year I finished in 2 hours and 9 minutes- so I'm looking to cut off a big chunk of time this year.)  I have found that fueling and hydrating every 2 miles makes a HUGE difference in my performance.  So recently I bought a fuel belt to keep me prepared.  Last night I took my new fuel belt for our first run together.  I chose a new route that added extra hills to my run.  I remember a few years ago when I started running again after 4 years of not running (thank you broken back) I avoided hills.  Now I actually find them to be exciting..  I completed 9 miles last night at an 8:55 pace.  I am happy with the outcome but I know it could have been a lot better.  There were a few things wrong last night: 1- I felt slightly dehydrated, 2- I had not consumed enough calories beforehand, 3- my feet started blistering around mile 7, and lastly, the most painful, 4- I have this one spot under my right arm that rubs against my right armpit area that causes the most terrible chafing rash. At mile 8 I didn't think I could take another step the chafing was so painful... but I pushed myself home and hit 9 miles.  I have to go out and buy some body glide this week.  I can't possibly do that again.  The course for the Steel Rail Half is completely flat, only one DOWN hill!  So I have no doubt that I will meet my goal and possibly come in under my goal!

Now, let me express all of my excitement about your week!  First off, Jungshin class looks like the coolest thing EVER!  I can't even imagine how much fun that must be!  Do you feel like one of Charlie's Angel's?!?  I bet I would get a little too into that class! I really have gym envy when you talk about the awesome classes you can take.
  Now, tell me about yoga.  I know you said you had a difficult time letting go of thoughts... which is something I'm known for too... but what was your favorite part of the class?  Did you learn anything new?  Try a new asana or go deeper in a pose than before?  Did your teacher say anything that struck you as profound?  No matter how anxious or distracted I feel in a class I always leave with something new.  Which is an incredible feeling.

Oh my gawd, I almost forgot to tell you that I made your chia seed pudding and it was so stinkin' good!  Everett and I devoured it!  I mixed mine with almond butter and some fresh berries to give me a real shot of protein.  Delish!  E said we should always have it on hand in the fridge.  Thanks for the inspiration!

Can't wait to read more of your adventures!
Au revoir!
xo xo
Jeni

Post Challenge Check In

Hey Jeni! 

I am having some serious bike envy reading your last post. Please send me all details about this lovely bike ASAP! I am still in the process of seeing where I want to go with a commuter bike. 

It's funny you ask about goals and goal setting. My challenge ended on April 5th with some pretty solid results. I decided to go a little extra with my fitness goals, but I really felt like I needed some downtime. 

I had been focused on my diet for three months (with a healthy serving of chocoIate, gelato and mallo cups everyday), but I needed some donuts, Moe's queso and a little time for reflection on my achievements. I tested the waters, I ate a lot of the foods that I cut I out for the purposes of limiting inflammation in my body and I pretty much gained a lot of inflammation weight back! I wasn't surprised. I also had some pretty poor sleeping habits. All and all, I think I convinced myself to jump back on the wagon :-) I felt so much better without nuts, beans, corn and dried fruits. In the end it's about what works for me and how I feel. I realized I feel so much better without the foods that are not friendly to my system. I went light on exercise for a few reasons (a little bit of overachievement on the bike last weekend) but I seem back on track. I still feel my progress, but I want to take that the next step further! 

So where am I at with goals? Here they are:

1. Century bike ride

2. Consecutive days of longer rides on the bike (at least 30 miles)

3. Continue toning specific areas of my body

4. Challenge myself to a bit of abdominal definition (can't be bad for summer right?!)

5. Sleep hygiene

6. Food hygiene (ie. focus on fun, new, fresh recipes that enrich my body without inflammation) 

What are your goals? Anything specific? How will you plan to incorporate the bike into these goals? 

Xoxo

Jenne

Back in the game

Hey Jeni! 

How was your Monday? Mine was pretty good. 

So I have a confession- I've not been fully into trying to be at my best for the past two weeks. The good news is that I think I'm getting out of this little slump. 

Why? Food and weight! 

That's right, I've been pretty crabby about my weigh in from about two weeks ago. It sucked, I felt real bad and I kept eating A LOT even though I haven't been doing all of the work necessary! And it was a terrible cycle. Couple that with my knee issues and we have a ripe environment for negativity and self-hate! 

It's time to get out of that. I can say, "Ugh my body sucks" or "Maybe this is how I'm meant to be" but in reality those are cop outs. The way we treat our bodies directly impacts our results. 

So I started this week with a spin class. I struggled with the class, especially with my knee. I toned it down a notch and fought my way through the class.  In the end, I'm happy with how I did. I watched what I ate as well. Of course I still had a cupcake and a piece of chocolate, but I was sure to think about my hunger level all day. Now I am laying in bed thinking about what a good day I had. This is what I was doing before, but I lost sight with some gluttony! 

In the end, I felt much better! I think I am back on track, including getting my 8 hours of sleep! 

Xoxo

Jenne 

Testing some limits

Hey Jeni! 

I took a break yesterday. Still be gentle with that knee strain! This week. Had some good low impact workouts. I think my knee is going to heal up sooner rather than later and I will be back to doing some of my normal stuff! I just have to watch out, I get a little ambitious :-)

I had a lot of frustration with my weight this week and my weigh in. It did not go so well! However, there appear to be some larger factors out there, not just brownies. I have been enjoying treats and other things all throughout this whole 90 day experience because I am seeing that I do not need to deprive myself to get fit and lose weight. 

Which brings me to my next yesterday full of candy and treats. Oops! The worst part was that I ate a peanut butter cookie by accident. I saw it, it looked good and without even thinking, I ate it! I'm not supposed to eat nuts and it becomes very clear to me now that they bother me. I spelt the impact yesterday. 

What I also enjoyed were these lovely red velvet cupcakes! Three of them to be exact! 

Now, sure this could be a bad thing, but I baked them. I also used all organic products (part of my nutrition plan right now) and the best part, I shared them! The came out so good and everyone loved them. I love baking for people, it makes me so happy. So, while I do enjoy a baked good here or there, I think it's possible to work it in. Now, are three necessary? No! But every once in awhile? Why not? 

Today I did some additional strength training and tried a new dance class. It was fun. I had a late night so I was ver tired today so I didn't push my body too hard. I hope tomorrow is a different story though as I am hitting the slopes with my family! 

I hope you are having fun with all that snow, I can't wait until it melts and I'm out on the road on my bike! Hey, did you ever get a bike by the way? 

Xoxo

Jenne 

Breaks and Brownies

Jeni! 

I've been gone! But I certainly haven't been slacking! This past week has been pretty similar for me with some "listen to your body" frustrations. 

Last year I had a knee strain which really cramped my cycling training for a while. The strain and my ability to ignore it ebbs and flows. My doctors orders are no high impact anything and avoid 90 degree angles in the knees. Welllllllll...

I've been taking Zumba, strength training (jumps, lunges, squats) and some other classes that likely could have some higher impact movements. Some may even have running laps. Oops! Thing is, I really like these classes. So, we've been teetering on a potential no no zone for my knee while also not bracing the knee up. 

Last week I took two days off, I also took off Monday. It irritates me, but I should not ignore what my body tells me. Right now I have been very careful with the knees. I am on the bike alot. I am wearing my most heavy duty knee brace and avoiding high knee impact. Today I modified jumping jacks and was happy that our class had wide squats. I then went on the bike and did a very low key ride (to recover from my endurance ride from yesterday). After this post we are going to pull out the bag of peas from the freezer. 

It's tough! It's frustrating. I wish I could just run and take Zumba classes everyday, but it's not what my body allows me to do. It is hard to accept. I think that all of my additional strength training has made these classes possible lately. I am certainly keeping that up.

This week is my midpoint weigh in for the 90 day challenge. I have some pretty mixed feelings about it, especially considering that I ate a quarter of a pan of brownies and four of my vanilla coconut spice bran muffins on Monday. My body is still feeling the effects of that. In the end, I think it was ok to do that. I don't often eat brownies. It was certainly interesting to see the impact on my body. I am back on track and crossing my fingers for my weigh in on Friday. We'll see how it goes!

Rest is important. For the past few weeks I've been getting at least 8 hours of sleep. The difference is great. I feel much more refreshed! I hope by the time you read this you are feeling better. 

Xoxo

Jenne

Bad Workouts are Great Lessons

Hey Jenne!

  I know all about those days, where despite your best intentions, your workout is NOT what you hoped it would be.  I remember a few summers ago that there was a week I went from running 6 miles a day and then all of a sudden the very next week, I literally could not make it past 2 miles.  Just like you said, it's great practice to push through your training sessions, not just when it feels good.  My favorite book is called Mile Markers.  In it, Kristin Armstrong talks about how running (or cycling in your case) and all of our training prepares us for things much greater than a scheduled race.  It helps strengthen and prepare us for the worst of what life can/will throw at us.  Besides, it's the hard days that help us see how strong and far we've come and allows us to enjoy the great days/workouts!  As nutrition is something we talk a lot about, I will say, good nutrition and eating for strength can make all the difference in your ability to push or the cause of failure.  Everett always says to me that eating right for myself is like putting my air mask on in a plane-crash, I can't help others if I don't help myself... something to remember... 

  I really like rituals and habits.  I like to be spontaneous too, but need consistency at the same time.  Simple things like starting my day with a cup of green tea.  Without it I tend to feel disoriented and rushed.  As for working out, I love knowing that Sunday is my long run day.  It is guaranteed time for myself, to breathe, reflect and like you said, organize my thoughts for the upcoming week.  It also usually means eating a LOT of carbs on Saturday night!  

My dreadmill 2 miles, at least I logged something.

  I have now run 2 half-marathons and am training for my 3rd, 4th and 5th (they are all within 4 weeks of each other).  The first one I followed a training plan and the second one I just ran what I wanted to when I had the time and the race went fine.  I didn't improve my time at all, but I finished in 2 hours and 9 minutes.  This time around I want to be sub 2 hours, so I found a training plan that I think will certainly get me there... especially since I ran my fastest 3-miler just a few days ago!!!  So yesterday I was supposed to run an easy 3 miles, but the day really got away from me.  Our house is being renovated and E and I went to pickup our new fridge and grocery shop at the new Honest Weight Co-op in Albany and didn't get home until after 8pm.  I couldn't run in town, I just don't think it's safe in the dark, so I decided to just book it to the gym and log whatever I could on the "dreadmill"... I made it to the gym 20 minutes before they closed.  I hopped on and pushed out 2 miles as they were vacuuming and closing down shop.  I know I did a mile less than I should have, but I was more proud of the fact that I went and did something rather than just calling it a missed workout!  Erin, my soon-to-be-sister-in-law and I both agree that each mile logged on a treadmill should count as 10 regular miles... I really hate treadmills.   

  Today we are getting incredible amounts of snow!!  I was called last night to say that school would be closed today due to the impending weather... so I am home, not having to work.  How fabulous is that! E and I are hoping to go cross-country skiing later today, when things die down a bit!!

What would you do with a surprise day off?  Would you relax and watch movies all day or would you go do something active?

Have a great week!  Drink water, Fit thoughts!

xo
Jeni

Spin that Stress Away!

Hey Jeni! 

Happy Monday! How was your day? Mine was the typical Monday, not enough hours in it! 

I mad a pretty productive day at work. Mondays are difficult for me:

1. I am not a morning person

2. I am generally switching gears in my brain

3. There is a lot of work activity in Monday! 

So, back in November/December, I tried to start a weekly ritual- Monday spin.  I like it for a few reasons: I can generally pick up on any increased strength or improvement in fitness level, I like the instructor, it helps me think about my goals for the upcoming week, and it helps melt away stress. I find that if I am feeling stressed out, I can really focus that energy into my workout.  I feel wonderful after doing it. 

Spin isn't easy- but it helps for training and improving endurance on the bike.  So sometimes I love to hate it as well :-) in a good way. 

Today was a little tricky on the bike.  I'm not really sure what happened but abut halfway into the class I wasn't feeling my greatest.  It could have been for a variety of reasons: turbo beginning, red pasta sauce for lunch, too much water (what can I say, I was thirsty today!).  I thin it's good to try and finish things up because this type of thing could happen out on the road, it's about learning about the body and figuring out what works best. I toned it down for the rest of the ride and concentrated on breathing.  I made it through the class. 

Have you developed any fitness rituals? I'd love to hear about them. 

Xoxo

Jenne 

P.S.  I'm convinced it was the red sauce, by the way.  

Speedy Weekend

At the end of my fastest 3 miles ever!

Hey Healthy girl!

  It really seems like you are learning and growing in your journey.  I am so happy you are able to do so.  Diet has always been a hard thing for me.  I have never had to consider diet as a way of balancing my weight, my family is blessed with a high metabolism.  Although that sounds like a great thing, it has allowed me to eat lots of junk food and not see the effects of it out right.  I am now learning that eating healthy is more than just balancing weight.  I know when I don't eat healthy I have short patience, it is hard to stay focused, i am lethargic all day, regardless of how much coffee I drink and worst of all, my running suffers- which in turn makes me crankier.  I have said it before, that I eat balanced and healthy- until I get busy, then it turns in to cookies and granola bar central... that's not fueling me at all!  So it really is my goal for this year to make my 'diet' a more important part of my routine.

  So here is my weekend recap- I had two incredible runs!  Yesterday I went out for a 3 mile run and without evening intending on it I ran the fastest I ever have.  I covered 3 miles in 23 minutes and 44 seconds- that's an average pace of 7:45/mile and my fastest mile was 7:37.  That's the fastest mile I have ever run!  I am so excited that after just a week and a half into my training for my next half marathon I was able to do that!  Let me tell you why I think that happened... I have been trying for the last 3 weeks to only say positive things about my body... the minute a negative thought or a complaint pops in to my head I say, "oh no you don't... you are strong and resilient and your body does incredible things..."  Something negative jumped in to my thoughts as I was getting ready to head out for my run and I reminded myself of all the positives and boom... I ran at what I think is a pretty incredible pace!  Then today I went out and ran 5 miles.  I felt so strong, I truly could have gone 5 more.  I stayed with my training plan though, I'll get to 10 miles soon enough.  

  So after my weekend I feel pretty happy and powerful!  I can't wait until tomorrow, on my training plan Monday is stretch and strength... so i'm going to yoga and then an interval training class at my gym.  I am starting to look at fitness as "me time" that I am lucky to have instead of "uh, I have to do this thing", it makes it so much more exciting to go to the gym.  

  Well I hope you have a great Monday!  Stay motivated!  xo

Jeni 

me after my first long run of the season (5 miles)- it stayed light until after 5 o'clock! 

 I'm not sure which is more exciting!

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

A Little Intentional Breathing

Hey Girl,
So tomorrow is my first day back to work in 17 days.  Well, technically I have been working the whole time, sewing and making dresses.  But school starts back up again and I'm afraid I have forgotten how to teach!?!?  I always get a bit anxious after big breaks.  So today I decided to skip the hot yoga in the morning and get things done.  I started to feel the anxiety building up during dinner and knew I better get in touch with some proper breathing and stretching to let it all out.  I turned off all the lights in the house and lit some candles around my mat.  It was superb- I think this might be my new nightly ritual.  Lighting makes a huge difference! I can't find my favorite yoga dvd, which super bums me out.  But I did a yoga search on youtube and ended up really liking the video I chose.  Bonus, this teacher is right in Kingston, so just 25 mins from me!  It had a lot of deep hip work, which is where I hold all of my stress, so it was perfect.  I'm posting the video for you- check it out!

Now, how about you.  How are you feeling about the challenge?  How did you feel about your initial weigh in?  Was it better/worse than you were expecting or right on what you thought?   Do you feel motivated to eat right and workout?  Do you like your teammates?  How many other teams are there?  Is there any sort of competitions between the teams? What types of workouts are you going to be doing mainly?

After work tomorrow E and I are going to Crossfit in the evening.  I am super pumped.  We had been going so regularly and I was feeling so strong and cool and then 3 weeks ago when V got put down I was so sad and depressed that I didn't go at all.  This last week I feel like I am finally getting out of my sadness rut and I can't wait to push myself tomorrow night.

Alright, it's now 11pm- aak, how did that happen.  I better go to bed.  Can't wait to hear from you.

Until tomorrow,
xo
Jeni    

 

Ski Bunny

Hey Jenne,
  check me out!  today Everett and I borrowed cross country skis from some friends and took them out on the farm.  We've been looking for a winter activity that we could enjoy together, and this is wonderful.  After just five minutes my shoulders and arms were feeling it.  It was a great workout and it felt nice to be outside in nature and not cooped up on the couch or in a gym.   Have you ever tried it?  We're hoping to go up to Lake Placid next weekend for the winter fest and do some more skiing.  That would be so baller!

  How did your first day of the challenge go?

  Let's chat diet real quick.  Last week I was sugar free for 6 whole days.  It felt incredible!  My skin was glowing, I felt more awake and just much more satisfied.  Well, then I came in contact with some M&M's on New Year's eve, and I've never met an M&M I didn't like... I ate nearly the entire Party-Sized bag.  I fell into the trap and have had the need for sugar the last 4 days.  Today I woke up and knew I was only hurting myself. So I said I have to be serious about my health and stop eating things I know aren't doing anything for me.  So it's 7:36 pm and I have made it all day without eating any sugar.  Everett brought a bag of brownies in to the bedroom while we were relaxing and watching tv and I withstood the temptation!!!  How did I even do that???  Just telling you about how desperate I felt and how badly I wanted those brownies is helping me to hold fast.  How are you doing with the queso??

Alright, time for me to go.  I'm heading up to Albany tonight to visit Lis and then do some hot yoga in the am before coming back down.

Looking forward to hearing about your day.

Sweet fitness dreams,
Xo
Jeni 

Queso

Jeni, Jeni, Jeni,

I've embarked on a few things today that I haven't done before:

1. Had someone else stand at a scale taking my weight while discussing my weight with me.
2. Had my body fat measured with calipers.
3. Took a "Before" picture.

How does this all tie into queso? Well for starters, I love queso. I love chips.  I love salsa and guacamole. Cheese is a beautiful. However, continued cheese, chips and other indulgences aren't good for the body. Couple it with a sedentary lifestyle and it can lead to problems. I've gained weight since my college years.

That's where I was about a year ago. Sedentary with little regard for how I was treating myself. Then I joined a gym. I bought a road bike.  I hunkered down and lost a solid 15-20 pounds. I felt great!

Then life happened. Work. Family. Stress. Travel.  Busy.  I went to yoga less. I went to the gym less. I got tired.  I needed queso. I gained some of my weight back. I knew what I was doing the whole time and the result it had. I was ok with it. Changes happened quickly.

I snapped out of it a bit about a month or so ago. I thought to myself, there are some places I am looking to be with my fitness level that I think I could use some help with. So I joined my gym's 90 day transformation challenge. I listed my goals as follows:

1. Learning to work past life stressors that can inhibit healthy resting and exercising. Use fitness to address that, not queso!
2. Tone my hip and thigh area. I have a hard time with this area.
3. Some weight loss, due to #2.
4. Improve fitness level so I can ride a 100 mile bike ride.

Today was my weigh in! Tomorrow the challenge officially starts. I'm really excited. However, I felt the need to have a "last supper" of sorts with some queso, guacamole, chips and a salad.

I surprised myself though, I felt a bit like a glutton when I eating all of this stuff. I didn't finish everything (ok I ate practically all the queso but had other leftovers). At the end I thought, I am not sure that I really needed this last supper. I can do this. I am excited to do this!

Change happens. It does. And I cannot wait to tell you how tomorrow goes!

Xoxo
Jenne