My Summer Challenge & Goals!

Its JUNE! Which means summer is right around the corner! Actually its pretty much here, but technically around the corner. Anyway-I forgot about the Jump Start Diet thing until yesterday so I'm 2 days behind, I've been so busy and it just doesn't feel like its June already! But I really love the old Jump Start, its so simple but it really works, last time I can't remember if I made it to the end, all I know is it worked but I fell into my old habits, actually worse habits! :S Speaking of good habits, I'll list some of my new ones that I'm celebrating today!

• Drinking TONS of water! (Makes me feel SO good!)
• Eating slowly and consciously, it really really works! I've found a way to enjoy one square of dark chocolate for a good 4-5 mins, its like meditating! Only better! Try it, trust me!
• I'm back to working out in the mornings! Lights my spark for the day.
• I'm currently doing a food log, but I don't write it down ASAP I'll do it at night so it's a little less stressful, I'll usually watch a comedy or listen to music while I'm writing it down too.
• Doing hard core (literally!) and arms and going a little lighter on my bottom half since I'm a pear shape! Thank you Fitness mag for that! Actually I just started this one today, but its a good idea I'm going to stick with for the month, or maybe summer!

I'm also reading the book Why French Women Don't Get Fat its really great, sound advice for the most part. Similar to the Paul McKinna stuff with recipes and french humor and stories. Its inspiring as well, the author has a good story behind her weight struggles. (at least I think its cool!) But the book is helping me remember the mindful eating stuff, only it doesn't talk about workouts, only walking a lot. This summer I do plan on walking to as many of my destinations as possible, but lately its been raining hard, with some thunder storms thrown in. Not great walking conditions!

I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances. -Martha Washington

Good Luck & Happy Summer!

My summer goals!

Things have been so crazy with school work piling up, track heated up quite a bit, and crazy family and friend time!!!! But this summer I have a built in healthy step to take (literally) I'm planning on walking to work, to friend houses, to stores, and anywhere else I can walk within reason! Now I haven't really tested this, so I may not walk everyday! I'm planning on it for 2 reasons though! 1. Hello-mini workout! A mile here and there will seriously add up! Because I will find summery ways to stay in fab shape! I'm excited to start kickboxing on a regular bases after tracks over!!! YAY! and 2. I'm definitely not a tree hugger, but I am concerned about the environment, and walking/biking (maybe) to places I'd normally drive will be my 2 cents for the environment! That and recycling as much as possible, which I do already!

I am really excited for summer! I'm going to try to swim for some of my workouts, and hike! I love to hike so working that in my summer shape up will be a treat! Maybe even some beach volleyball or Frisbee! Who knows! Its summer! But the most important thing for me is to finally find my happy weight and have a VERY funny summer! I am really really looking forward to fun in the sun, while getting in even better shape for sports next year! :D Wow! I was having a stressful night, but thinking of summer made me smile too much!

How many charming talents have been spoiled by the instilled desire to do 'important' work! Some people are born to lift heavy weights. Some are born to juggle with golden balls. -Max Beerbohm (I enjoy this, it touches on a lot that's been going on lately!)

Live, Laugh, Love! Summers coming!

Its working!

I am so sorry for being gone so long! I was literally gone for a few days, and other than that I've been so busy its not even funny! So I have a quick update with more to follow I promise!

Well, I've been trying the no diet thing, eating mindfully and as healthy as possible and its definitely working! I've lost a few pounds, but I really haven't weighed myself, not until today anyway. I'm still thinking about using my food journal again. I have no idea why but I can never keep those going! Usually two weeks and I stop. Someway though! I am SO tired and stressed I really have to get to bed! More later!

It is wise to direct your anger towards problems -- not people; to focus your energies on answers -- not excuses. -William Arthur Ward

My Health Epiphany!

I believe this has been a long time coming, at least for the last few months! But this weekend (after reading this months SELF!) it all finally clicked; the whole happy weight thing. Lately I've been worried that when I have kids, I'll try to count their calories & start a bad cycle with them! That actually freaked me out quite a bit! I can't really think of a way to describe my realization! I'll try to make a list of my new healthy strategies! Maybe that'll help....

• I've said this before, but try to leave a few bites on your plate! Even if the food isn't very healthy, every little bit counts!
• MOVE! Working out is important, but I've learned from experience that working out too much can make you eat more. Totally counter intuitive! Cutting back on the feel the burn, make you sweat kinda workouts can help, its important to work movement into your life. Walk to work, to the store, start taking nightly walks or bike rides with friends and family! ALWAYS take the stairs. You get the idea.
• Work fruits and veggies in as much as possible, ideally at every meal.
• When eating out try to take off part of the bun to your sandwhich/burger, or pick mayo OR cheese, go diet or better yet good old h20! Try making easy changes to your favorite fast food orders, eat slowly & enjoy!
• I've also talked about eating slowly, I found it really hard to do until I read an article in the new SELF about mindfulness! That did the trick for me so check it out!

That's what I'm working with now, hopefully combining all that will help me find my happy weight! No more counting calories or anything crazy diet wise. Actually I'm banning the word diet! The word itself makes me cringe now. If you have any tips & tricks PLEASE let me know! I really want to hear from readers!!!!

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." -Helen Keller

Good luck guys,

Ash

Finally in Control!

I'm celebrating a little because I finally feel in control of my eating! I feel so balanced with healthy foods and treats! Its an amazing feeling!!!! And I've kept up with writing in my food journal, I did miss a meal or 2 yesterday, but other than that I've made sure its all in there every night. Tonight I had McDonald's, and chocolate! And twizzlers at school, only 2 though. Normally this would be close to freaking me out, if not totally freak me out! But I feel great! Gotta love it! (And I highly recommend the new Bliss Dark Chocolate! 6 pieces are 200 calories! That's awesome considering I can only eat about 3 pieces at a time and I've fulfilled my chocolate craving!)

I haven't weight myself yet this week, and I'm almost looking forward to tomorrow morning in hopes that I've actually hit the 150s again! And this time I'm staying there, but only for a few weeks, then I'll be in the 140's and I'll NEVER look back!

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go." -Oscar Wilde (Which are you?)

Live Laugh Love!!!!

Do you eat breakfast?

So this week hasn't worked out as well as I hoped! I've ate out a lot and its been very stressful and busy. Not a healthy week! But I have not failed to eat breakfast everyday despite all the craziness! Read on for my breakfast tips and tricks!

I've read numerous articles about how important breakfast is for weight loss & your metabolism, and even your concentration levels throughout your day. I hate going without breakfast, but I realized that what I was eating wasn't exactly healthy. The guidelines I use for breakfast are...

1. At least 300 calories


2. At least 5 grams of fiber


3. At least 10 grams of protein


4. When in doubt (or short on time) go for oatmeal (check fiber) or cereal and add fruit


5. Milk does wonders for the body-go 1% or skim


6. Eat within an hour of waking up


7. Try Luna Sunrise bars! They are fantastic!


8. Or FiberOne bars or yogurts-also fantastic!


9. Nuts & smoothies are healthy options! Just be careful of the calories-both can be higher in calories than you'd think! (Best bet is to make your own smoothie with lots of fruit, ice, yogurt or milk, and don't forget protein powders! They can add flavor and filling protein!)


10. Eat slowly and with as few distractions as possible-I know easier said than done!

"I run because it's my passion, and not just a sport. Every time I walk out the door, I know why I'm going where I'm going and I'm already focused on that special place where I find my peace and solitude. Running, to me, is more than just a physical exercise... it's a consistent reward for victory!" -Sasha Azevedo

Live, Laugh, Love,

Ashlee

(source for quotes)

Crazy Healthy Eating Strategies!?

Recently I read in a magazine how a celeb eats 80% fruits and veggies and 20% protein OR whole grains! It most definitely works for them, but for most people I think that's a little EXTREME! I know I couldn't do it at every meal, day in and day out, or even MOST meals. So I've been trying to have at least 50% of my meal in veggies or fruits. Its been working pretty well...a great tip I love to use is when I'm at a restaurant, say Pizza Hut, I'll most definitely have the salad bar first then go for the pizza and bread sticks (my FAV!) use the low fat dressing and I like to forgo croutons for the sun flower seeds, less empty calories but still crunchy! Also a trick I heard was to put the salad dressing on another plate or bowl and dip your salad & fork into it. I tried it with the 2 cap fulls of fatty Caesar I usually use, and I used less than one cap full! Really does work! Or use the salad spritzer sprays! I love those, infact, I used one today! Anyway, my point is is fill up on something like fruits, veggies, or soup before you go all out on meat, bread or desserts. Your body will thank you!

The greatest achievements were at first and for a time dreams. The oak sleeps in the acorn. -James Allen

Live Laugh Love~ Ash!

YAY! 2 lbs GONE!

Yesterday, I weighed myself like normal, well, okay sometimes my mornings are too hectic to remember! BUT yesterday I remembered, and I'm very glad I did because I LOST 2 lbs!!!! Thank God! I've been at my "plateau" of only losing 2lbs since jan 1st...since jan 8th maybe!?!? :S Although I did kinda give up, or not really give up just take a break from working majorly hard at losing the weight! So now I'm back on track!

Today I only got in one workout this morning, but I have started trying to squeeze in more strength and cardio bursts (like pretending to jump rope or some stairs) for just a few mins, and I've done some of that this afternoon! And I limited myself to ONE piece of pizza tonight! Very good for me! I def. want to encourage you to try the cardio and strength "snacks" :D throughout your day, I'm hoping all the calories I burn doing those will offset some of my snacking cals!

Happy Health,
Ash!

Treats, treats and...ohh no!

This week is vacation week, which adds up to 2 birthdays, and too many sweets at family dinners! Today I've done pretty well with my hour long cardio workout! I promised myself an hour of elliptical/treadmill, which I did! YES! Actually I warmed up with some jump rope, 1-2-3 crunches on the stability ball, and push ups, so maybe even an hour and 10 mins!?!? Not bad, if I do say so myself! lol Only problem is, I'm a little afraid of the scale at this point, because of my snacking the last few days! :S And today my sister and mom decided to get Chinese for lunch....I was good and had an apple with cinnamon and nutmeg on it, and a very small plate of fried rice and noodles w/ duck sauce! Still....I probably shouldn't have!

I REALLY need to rein in my eating, I think thats my biggest road block. I'll eat really healthy for a few days, then one day have WAY to many treats. Then eat uber healthy, and have too much chocolate the next day! Its a bad cycle! But I do have to say the 4-5 meals a day has curbed my snacking! And I used to snack....a lot! So now I must tackle the treats, or more like balance them!?!? Anyone have any ideas? I would love some tips on this, I'm at a loss!!!!

{Also I'm going to post a youtube video of Gabby Reece, the pro-volleyball player, talking about eating healthy as she goes through her fridge! Actually there are 3 videos, but for now I'll just post the fridge one!}

Don't forget to~Live, Laugh & Love

Ash!

Tea anyone?

Yes, I'm 17, and yes I watch Oprah! I love Oprah & Dr. Oz! Dr. Oz talks about green & white teas! I have never actually tried white tea, its on my to-do list! But I've been drinking green tea for a few years, its full of anti-oxidants & I've read numorus articles on how it can boost your metabolism! Yay! I'm not sure if it works, since I have been drinking it for a year or 2. But maybe drinking more tea, and also limiting calories & eating healthier it will pay off! Just today I've had at least 3 cups! If it doesn't help me lose weight, I still think the anti-oxidants help make my skin look great & help protect me from diseases! I'm still a fan! Does anyone know if White Tea boosts your metabolism too?

Ash!!!!