I took a 2 week "workout vacation"

Which really just means that I was too (lazy, busy, stressed, sick, sleep deprived, anxious). Any of these will do. It's so hard to get back into the flow of things after taking a break. Wedding planning is STRESSFUL. So many decisions to be made, and cookies and ice cream seem to be the only thing that will make the pain go away.

After some encouraging/bullying words from some of my favorite trainers and fellow gym mates I forced myself back into the gym on Wednesday. As soon as I got into the parking lot, I was trying to think of as many excuses as possible why I had to leave. Then I decided to stop being a baby, and just go back in. I guess in my mind I always think that people are going to give me a really hard time about not being in the gym...which of course makes every day even harder to go in and get back into it. And of course, I am wrong about this. Everyone was so happy to see me, and they were so encouraging about me being back. D'oh. I should have guessed I was wrong.

Working out felt good and bad all at the same time. Good in the way where I knew I wanted to do it, and I would feel better when I was done. Today, working out felt like I was going to pass out a little (Brittany will do that to you). I guess basically I'm saying if you are trying to make excuses why you can't go to the gym, I understand. I understand, but I will also encourage you to just get back in there. Your body will be happy that you did.

As I was leaving the gym, Natalie, one of the trainers at EQ, told me that she was proud of me and that I deserved to be "member of the month". Member of the month?!?! Man, don't I feel like an ass for not going back to the gym sooner. What kind of example am I setting? :)

Jazz Up Your Water

Something that I used to have a really hard time doing is incorporating water into my daily routine. You think "man, I'm so thirsty, I could really go for a VERY LARGE soda". You're not alone. A lot of us quench our thirst or stress with soda. I know I used to.

Try flavoring your water. You can buy packets of Kellog's mix, or Crystal Light makes an absolutely delicious strawberry banana mix that makes your water taste like a smoothie with only 30 calories.

I was at the grocery store today, and decided to daringly purchase a Metromint Chocolate Mint water. OMG, it's so good! It's like having a mint n' chip ice cream. 0 cals, 0 sodium, 0 carbs. They have a bunch of different types of minty water. Try it to jazz up your water. I will warn you that it's a little expensive for the water department, but you won't have a problem drinking more water if it tastes like chocolate! :)

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Don't immediately close this blog because you hate cauliflower. This dish is actually quite delish. Do you love that delicious broccoli cheese quiche, but can't bring yourself to look at the nutrition facts on the back? (Those are really bad for you BTW) Then this is a great dish for you.

Heather, I also thought this would be a good way for you to slip some more veggies into your life.

This recipe came from: Hungry Girl 200 Under 200

Cheese Cauliflower Casserole:
Per Serving (1 Generous Cup)

117 Calories
2g Fat
10g Carbs
2.5g Fiber
6g Sugar
14.5g Protein

Email me if you'd like the recipe!

The Big 2-6

Last weekend I ran into an old friend of mine from HS, Nicole. She told me how she reads my blog and has been inspired to get in shape herself. I instantly felt guilty for not updating more often...now that I know that people actually read it. :)

I celebrated my 26th birthday a little over a week ago. It's so weird to be in the upper half of my mid-twenties. I was having one of those "what does it all mean?" birthdays, where you start to question all the things you've done and haven't done. While I started feeling a little low about not traveling to other countries, or being a doctor (not that I would want to be), Scott (my wonderful fiance) reminded me that I have had a huge year. I did what a lot of people try to do. I lost 20 lbs. and over 16 inches. I guess I have had a big year after all....

Last Year....


This Year...

"Decide to do it"

With my 26th birthday quickly approaching (it's this Sunday, Aug 9th, in case you want to throw me a party :) ) I have been feeling the urge to really kick my own butt. The only problem is that with all the traveling Scott and I have been doing lately, it's hard to get motivated.

Yesterday, against the way I was feeling, I forced myself to go to Body Combat. It also was some encouragement from Heather. I always feel better when I am finished, but it's hard to get started. Just as I was feeling like I couldn't do anymore, and that I should try to slip out of the back to avoid passing out on the floor...Brittany said "decide to do it". It was exactly the motivation I needed.

Decide to do it. It sounds so easy, and yet we can make it so hard for ourselves. I am not going to lie, I complain about doing things all the time. "I am too tired, sore, busy, etc.." You just have to decide to do it. Decide to make the commitment to getting healthy, and getting in shape.

Thanks Brittany for encouraging me and always bringing the hurt!