Finding my Happy Weight

Summer-The time of beaches and swimming!

2008-07-08T19:49:00.002-04:00

I have a new found love for swimming, not really laps per se-but fun swimming with friends and family! I consider it a mini workout! Close enough for me! Anyway, I was just reading the new issue of SHAPE and there was a pole of summer swim wear almost half the people said bikini while 1% more people (13%) said they never get in a swimsuit while 12% said they wear a one piece!

Now, maybe its the peace and love I've found during my happyweight journey, or just being tired of wearing a one piece and hating it-I now wear a bikini when ever possible!!!! Yes my abs are flatter and I'm skinnier and ya ya. But just last week I watched Sam Brown on the Travel Channel, she was in Brazil! Hello their biggest exports are gorgeous models and actors/actresses but still, EVERYONE (except Grandmas, said the tour guide lady) wears a bikini! And that even elevated my 2-piece liberation. Hell yes I wear a bikini and I think everyone should! At least a tankini that shows a sliver of skin. Seriously hiding under a one piece (okay they do have the ones with cutouts that can be very sexy so those don't count as one-pieces really) is HIDING your body, the one you work hard for, you work out and work at eating healthy-show it off and LOVE IT! No matter what it looks like!

Thats my 2 cents for summer fashion! lol

Do what you love, love what you do- The Life Is Good company slogan! I say AMEN!

I might sound crazy, but keep reading!

2008-06-21T19:03:00.004-04:00

The reason for sounding crazy, or crazier than usual, would be because I've recently picked up a copy of "The Secret" and watched the movie online. There is a chapter about loosing weight. You really SHOULD read it, trust me it all sounds crazy and new-aged at 1st but give it a chance and you'll be floored! I promise!

I know this 1st hand, because last night before I went to bed I decided I was going to weigh my self this morning, before I ate like normal. Only I decided I was going to weigh 156! That's right I decided 10 hours before I actually weighed myself what I was going to weigh!!! I pictured myself at my happy weight, I pictured a bunch of different scales with 156 on it and I felt success and happiness for the weight lost and fitness gained! TA-DA! I actually worked! And trust me I haven't been at my healthiest lately. Yesterday I ate a bunch of onion rings and chocolate!

But I do have a theory as to this whole thing. I think picturing yourself at your happy weight, feeling strong, powerful, sexy and successful, and believing in yourself, makes healthy habits more automatic. The key is to believe your already there, fit and healthy. The book actually says don't weight yourself, believe you have already lost the weight and always, always think positively! Well I can't not weigh myself, for one I wanted the proof it works, and for two I think it still plays a role in being healthy, even though I love feeling awesome more! Even though I've been eating not so great stuff, I have gone for runs, even if I didn't get to them in the morning! Like today, I didn't go for a run till 1 or 2 in the afternoon, I planned on going as early as possible! Ha! But hey it still happened! That's the important thing, it makes you think like a fit health and strong person, you don't feel "fat and ugly". So you don't feel the need to drown your sorrows in ice cream and crap!

I sound crazy more often than not, but trust me on this! Give it a try for a few weeks, read the book and/or watch the movie. You can even youtube it! If you try it send me some updates!

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Love,
Ash!

My Summer Challenge & Goals!

2008-06-03T21:42:00.004-04:00

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!

Even with all the craziness....

2008-05-24T15:51:00.002-04:00

I'm thinking things with calm down after this week, or maybe next week! I've got a plan for this summer-including walking almost everywhere (healthy and ecofriendly!), eating really fresh foods, and cooking more, a goal is to have very active weekends so I don't have to do a straight up workout. I can burn calories w/o feeling the workout drag, definitly not cool on weekends right?! Also drink tons of water!!!! Thats been a huge help this week, I think its really worked good for my body. I haven't weight myself but I feel great and I noticed my energy sinks when I haven't had a lot of water that day! Also I'm going to do the Self Jump Start diet! The one with the calender and something new to try every day. I did it last winter and lost a few pounds so it definitly works. I may do the old one that I tried last year, and the 2.0 version from this year! One after the other I could loose around 16 pounds over the summer, I'm ALL FOR THAT!

In a nut shell, this summer I want to be a little greener and way more active! My hopes are that adding in activity when ever I can will help keep me healthy and help me find (and then stay at) my happy weight. And trying the day-by-day tips of the Jump Start diet(s) will help me get even healthier diet wise, also I'm going to make up more recipies!!!! Like the southwestern bean, corn, and chicken soup I threw together the other day! :D

The greatest wealth is health. ~Virgil

Good Luck guys!

My summer goals!

2008-05-17T21:56:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-05-06T21:27:00.004-04:00

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!

2008-04-27T17:16:00.003-04:00

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

Healthy Eating Goals for this week!

2008-04-20T22:42:00.003-04:00

I got this weeks goals, again from a magazine! I'm kinda obsessed! But, these are awesome ideas!

Eat more protein-it keeps you full longer!
Eat at least 5 grams of fiber at every meal.
Leave at least 3 semi-large bites of every meal on your plate. (With normal portions of course.) This can save about 50 calories per meal, which totally adds up over time.

I'm pretty excited about this, sometimes I forget about the 3 bite rule, I've done it before, but it just hasn't stuck. This is a requiring problem for me, I haven't written in my food journal all weekend, and its been an unhealthy weekend. Well, not that bad, but pretty bad! I'm also going to keep up with the food journal as much as possible!!!! Its hard for me, but if I keep at it, and don't stress too much I'll be MUCH better off!

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." -Les Brown

Luck all around!~Ashlee

Finally in Control!

2008-04-17T21:07:00.005-04:00

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!!!!

Goes good till 5!

2008-04-16T20:29:00.002-04:00

What I mean by the title is I seem to be on a major health track until dinner, then I eat at least an extra half a serving of everything! And then from there I snack a lot, I am a victim of night time munchies. Granted I have probably cut my munching in half, and I'm still coming in under 2,000 calories most days. Maybe I'm coming in too far under 2000 calories since I'm working out hard with track practice everyday?

I have kept up with my food journal this week-I think its because I've made it less of a hit or miss thing. Making it less stressful has made it easier in the long run. Check websites like these:

self.com: for calorie counters, recipes, an online food log, forums, and tons of other workout and health stuff!
shape.com: for workouts and health related calculators, like BMI, calories burned in a workout, etc.
fitnessmagazine.com: recipes, workouts (build a workout video!), tons of articles, a printable food log, calorie counters for workouts and foods, create your own diet plan, and a special "see yourself 20lbs thinner" visual motivation tool!
fitsugar.com: its a blog with many posts each day on workouts, equipment, celeb workout tips, food info, etc. This website also has printable food & workout logs!

"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Think ahead. Be clear about your goal. Plan to make it real." -Dr Pamela Peeke!

Ashlee

My quick and healthy Bean Salad!

2008-04-13T20:20:00.003-04:00

Wow, the last 2 weeks have been a blurr! So to be as healthy as possible while I'm running around like a madwoman 24/7, I came up with this: I'm not sure where I got the idea for a bean salad, probably a magazine or blog I read, but it sounded easy and healthy (not to mention cheap!) So I googled some "bean salads" and read through a lot of recipies for ideas. So I bought a can of chickpeas, & kidney beans, then neading veggies and flavor I found a can of diced tomatos with onions and herbs only (40 calories) and bought a cucumber to chop up. When I got home I opened them all up, rinsed them and drained them, ya ya, chopped up the cucumber and found my olive oil and lemon juice, threw it all together in a bowl. To finish it off I tossed in some random spices & herbs, like garlic & onion powders, salt, etc. Only problem is I added salt to canned beans and tomatos, so it was a little too salty. But final result is a really healthy salad! I figured a fourth of the bowl would be about 250 calories, and I probably ate an eighth of the bowl!

“If you lose your wealth, you have lost nothing,If you lose your health, you have lost something,But if you lose your character, you have lost everything.” -Woodrow Wilson (very wise! Proves that being healthy means a lot in life, but you can't stress over your health! Double negative people!)

Love, Ash!

Do you eat breakfast?

2008-04-13T20:13:00.003-04:00

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...

At least 300 calories

At least 5 grams of fiber

At least 10 grams of protein

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

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

Eat within an hour of waking up

Try Luna Sunrise bars! They are fantastic!

Or FiberOne bars or yogurts-also fantastic!

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!)

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)

This weeks goals!

2008-04-13T20:01:00.003-04:00

As I was thinking about my goal for this week I was eating m&ms, (after I'd already had 2 small pieces of cake!) So the 1st thing that came to mind was to swear off chocolate for the week, but I know that would make me misserable! Especially with the PMS! (I seem to PMS for 2 weeks now? I'm not happy with that!) Anyway, I decided to make my goal this week writting down everything I eat! Food logs/journals are very very helpful, and studies show using one can help you drop tons more weight!!!! I've used it before and it was helpful, only after a week or 2 I get really frustrated, bored and lazy and I stop using it. So this week I'm going to stick it out! Hopefully making it a habit and possibly finding a way to use a food journal that will stick! Hey if it works for Carrie Underwood it'll work for me!!

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." -Aristotle

Ashlee

Crazy Healthy Eating Strategies!?

2008-04-09T13:17:00.003-04:00

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!

Healthy Steps for this week

2008-04-06T20:27:00.002-04:00

I really liked the no red meat thing, well okay not LIKED but I think it made some difference in my energy levels. Granted last week was so crazy I didn't notice much, but I'm not sure I can swear off red meat for good. I'm thinking I'll try to have less than 2 servings a week!?! I had a burger yesterday @ a diner, and today I had a Whopper Jr! So I can have it once more this week. I can do that!

This week my goal/action step is to eat slower, and leave some food on my plate! And to stop when I'm almost full, especially since tonight I over ate. I didn't notice till about 30 mins after I was done, but I'm totally feeling like crap now! So eating slower should help, and leaving at least a few bites left on my plate will cut out some calories that will hopefully add up over the week!

"Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life." -Burton Hills

Ash!

Update!

2008-04-02T20:09:00.003-04:00

This week has been CRAZY! I have kept up with my no red meat thing, I haven't really noticed a difference yet? Maybe its because its only been a few days, an its also been a crazy week so I haven't had much time to focus on anything but school and track! And thanks to track I am definitely sore! Big Time! But I'm loving it, and a major plus to my crazy busy week...I haven't had time to pick apart my body. Well, I don't usually pick it apart and like make a list of things I need to change or anything, I just haven't had the time (or energy) to think its still a work in progress, yet I've still ate pretty healthy?! I'm thinking its a blessing in disguise! Must get back to homework!

"All your life you are told the things you cannot do. All your life they will say you're not good enough or strong enough or talented enough; they will say you're the wrong height or the wrong weight or the wrong type to play this or be this or achieve this. THEY WILL TELL YOU NO, a thousand times no, until all the no's become meaningless. All your life they will tell you no, quite firmly and very quickly.
AND YOU WILL TELL THEM YES." -Nike ad (Amen to this! It applies to life in general right?)

Live*Laugh*Love!
-Ashlee

This weeks goals!

2008-03-30T17:24:00.003-04:00

I hate feeling like my body is a work in progress! Its very depressing! So this week I'm setting a goal to abstain from red meat! I've always wanted to have a vegetarian day like once a week or so...but I've never actually accomplished that, I think I probably forgot around lunch time! And I do know that it takes 3-4 weeks to form a habit, but I'm not really looking to give it up completely, I'm just doing a trial! I've read that a red meatless diet can give you more energy! And hopefully it can help me with the weight loss thing!?! One small problem though, I had some major issues last week with my anemia! So this may make it even worse, but I'm going to be diligent with my multi, and check the labels on my food to make sure they have iron! I'll give you an update!

Stats:
weight-about 159! :S

"Every time you wake up and ask yourself, "What good things am I going to do today?", remember that when the sun goes down at sunset, it will take a part of your life with it." -Indian Proverb

Ash

old school workouts!

2008-03-26T20:50:00.003-04:00

Think old school when it comes to workouts!

-frisbee (ultimate maybe?)
-softball/wiffle ball
-kickball
-hop scotch
-jumping rope
-bball
-tag

The great thing about old school workouts is FUN! And a workout! Hello! Killing 2 birds with one stone has never been this awesome! And most of these are or can be played with others, so you can also get in plenty of friend time! Or if you have kids, or are around kids a lot try some of these to help keep you all healthy!

"The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." -Allan K. Chalmers

Ashlee!

Healthy Decisions!

2008-03-22T11:22:00.003-04:00

When making a decision: whether its what to eat @ a restaurant or something bigger like a job offer or college. You have to look at that decision in an in the moment kinda way! Ask yourself what road is the BEST road for me right NOW? We have no idea what will happen in our futures, we can hope and dream, but if there's anything I've learned (& gotten better @ thank the Lord!) is living more in the moment! Yes, its true the decisions we make today will shape our future, but there's no way of telling exactly how. Or which decision now will take you down what road in the future. So my advice/challenge for you is to ask yourself "What choice is best for me NOW?" And let the rest go, and cut yourself slack for knowing you did the best you could at that moment, not knowing what was going to come around the corner next! Live with NO REGRETS!

I'd rather regret the things I have done than the things that I haven't. ~Lucille Ball

Live, Laugh & Love!

Back on track!

2008-03-19T16:21:00.002-04:00

Writing down my little health victories at the end of each day is something I started a few months ago, but stopped! Lately I've been very much off track. I've been traveling the last 4 or 5 weekends! So its been a lot of fast food, and last weekend we stayed overnight so that equaled EXTRA fast food (for 2 days!) including a buffet! :S Plus I was PMSing! So I REALLY need to get back on track! I realized this after I weighed myself (for the 1st time in a week or 2) this morning and I was 163! :l I could NOT believe it, but I haven't been eating healthy and most of my workouts have been less than sweaty! But I'm back!

As you've probably figured out, I read A LOT of fitness magazines! And the other day I was reading an article that summarized a study of people who've lost weight, more kept it off by weighing themselves every morning because it reminds them to make healthier choices throughout the day. But I've always heard women who say they hardly ever weight themselves, they gauge how they feel and how their clothes fit, or their training and times, etc. Well I did find out today that not weighing myself for a while is BAD for me, but every morning is hard because I forget a lot, or if I don't like the number, it can kill my day! So I'm going to try to find a happy medium, maybe weighing myself every other morning, or like 2 specific mornings a week and trying to NOT let it negatively affect my mood. And I'm also thinking one day a week I'll try on my really cute, yet really tight GAP jeans and see how they fit! Maybe a combination of tactics will help keep me on track! I definitely need more motivation from somewhere! (Ohh! Try on my swimsuit once a week & maybe take pics for evidence good or bad!?!?)

What do you do to stay motivated? Let me know!

Ash!

Frustrastion times a million!

2008-03-11T17:13:00.003-04:00

I am exasperated with myself! For the past few days I have been eating crappily.....eating nothing but fast food on sunday (gone ALL day) didnt help at ALL! And we also have 2 left over bday cakes, which I have attacked consitantly with a fork, and even a spoon yesterday! And my workouts have been anything but! I just tried to do the elliptical, didn't happen! Not even close, something is way wrong, I just kept stopping, after every 30-60secs! Thats crazy because I've gotten really good @ the ellip. 10mins is nothing now! Used to kill me which is sad considering how much I run during track! :S Anyway....I'm stressed, tired, and slightly pissed at myself for all this unhealthy stuff the last few days! And I weight myself this am (after breakfast so it only half counts!) I weighed almost 160! :O NOT COOL! I think now I'm going to try to salavage some workout time, since I have at least 2 hours of homework to do! And tom. night I'll be getting home late....maybe if I dance around/kickbox/jump rope/do push-ups and some random jazz I can get some of a workout in! Then its bed! Sadly I'm 17 and staying up till 11 watching Wildfire & October Road last night was too much, but I did have a sleepless weekend, so not that sad I guess! Hope you're all having better luck today! :)

"Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you're alive, it isn't." ~Richard Bach

Ash!
Ash!

Weird (but effective) arm exercise!

2008-03-10T19:31:00.004-04:00

The story goes...this summer I spent about a week with my friend and her family @ their camp, there were a bunch of teens there, so of course, we ate, and ate, and played old school video games, and watch movies, and all that normal jazz! But don't get me wrong! It WAS summer, and we were all (well mostly) really active athletic kids! So we also did a lot of swimming, lawn volleyball (sadly no actual beach, it was a lake!) tons more swimming, some bike riding, hiking, walking, tag & other crazy games @ played at midnight! :D So anyway....

After a few days of fun in the sun, I looked down at my arms and noticed that they were at least as muscular & strong as they were the past few months of lifting heavy weights during track! :O I thought for a min. and remembered how much my arms burned after swimming all around the lake! Light bulb moment! Have I mentioned I live in Maine? So I don't really have a way to swim during the fall/winter/most of spring! Maybe a few trips to the Y which is almost an hour away, or a chance stay @ a hotel! So I looked around my room, which is scattered with workout equipment, and saw my dumbbells! Doesn't matter if you sit on a stability ball, or chair or if you stand, just try to do the "breath stroke" with the dumbbells! (Review: push the dumbbells out away from you, with your palms facing down & out a little, pull them back in towards your chest! Works my entire arm!) Tip= Start with lighter dumbbells, I still use 5lbs, you feel it after just a few!

"Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of the year."
-Franklin Pierce Adams

Live, Laugh, Love,
Ash!

May I Be.....meditating!

2008-03-06T18:37:00.004-05:00

Hi guys! My new favorate stress reliver is....drum roll...meditating! Its not totally new to me, I have been (attempting to) meditate for a year or so, but I always had trouble staying on task, or focused (seems to be a recuring problem! lol). I did do the whole exhaling and saying something positive, so just maybe my subconcious will start to believe that I'm "fearless" or "focused" or "happy". Still, it only helped my concentration a little. So I was extatic when I read Fitness Mag a few days ago (old issue, just missed it the first 20 times I read it! lol) to relax by exhaling and saying May I Be...healthy, happy, focused, fearless, calm, relaxed, positive, etc. I tried it! And it works like a charm! Its so much easier to stay focused on the breathing, and I get to that dizzy, in my head, out of body kinda feeling after a few mins! Not like 15mins, which I could never actually do before! Give it a try, anytime you need a calming boost (studys show it can actually make you smarter, and help improve your focus in other areas of your life!) Just try this for a few mins! Let me know how it works for you!

"Prepare your mind to receive the best that life has to offer." -Ernest Holmes

Ash!

Goal Setting!

2008-03-06T18:24:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago I was reading Fitness mag....and they had a bunch of tips from the top personal trainers. I don't remember who said it but they said reach for the stars, pick a goal that is a stretch, like exercising 5 times this week for at least 45mins! If you don't reach that and you only workout 3-4 times, at least you did that much.

Well, I think it depends on your personality! Being the half full or half emty kinda person has a lot to do with it, but I find that for myself it's both!?!? If that makes sense, like stretching TOO far makes me frustrated and I get WAY off track, usually by cheating or slacking more than once! lol But aiming too low is selling yourself short. So for me I have to find a middle ground, but one thing I have some trouble with (other than having WAY too many treats a day :S ), is giving myself something to work towards, like a reward. I can say I'll do something like a facial, or watch my fav movie for the millionth time, or even once I reach my goal weight go shopping, as much as possible!, and get my ears pierced again, or getting a massage! Well, I'm not sure why, but I just can't make those seem to stick, I definatley don't take it seriously; not sure why!?!?! I think I'm going to try to think smaller, like if I workout twice today, (am for about 20mins and after school for about 20-45ish...lol) than I can watch a movie after I'm done with homework! Or something small like that, maybe I won't loose sight of my goal so fast! I'll give it a try and write updates!

Got any goal setting (and keeping!) advice!?!? Let me know by leaving a comment!

Fourtune cookie quote: "Look around; happiness is trying to catch you!"

Happy Health!
Ash!

YAY! 2 lbs GONE!

2008-02-28T19:48:00.003-05:00

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!