Let me first end this statement, the great thing about Monday is …you get to start off on the right foot!  I just started my week by taking my dog out and it’s OMG IT’S FREEZING!  It’s only been fall,  for like, three weeks (not even?) and I’m already having to dig out gloves and a hat.  So not cool, but actually technically cool, as in cold.  M’kay.

So, it’s been, like, 10 days since my last blog post, and to say I’ve been flat out busy would be the understatement of the century!  Well, probably not the whole century, since I’m pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but you get me, right?  I’ve also been SUPER grumpy and moody, and I know it definitely has to do with slacking with both my nutrition and fitness regimens, because honestly, I’m getting married to a wonderful man and have so much to happy and hopeful about, so I’m snapping out of it ASAP!

 Life Updates

I started instructing ZUMBA over the past couple of weeks, and though my classes have been small, it’s starting to feel more comfortable and fun.  I will probably never be the kind of instructor that’s a pep rally queen, but I still think people have a good time in class.  I think?

I have also started a two month challenge for myself so I will look and feel my best for my wedding later next month.   Even though my actual ceremony will be a very small (or intimate is a better word) affair; I would still like to look great in my photos!

How am I doing this?

Well, I have incorporated four days of resistance and bodyweight training in addition to two days of HIIT/sprint interval training, and my regularly scheduled classes I lead; indoor cycling and ZUMBA. Now, I don’t have a lot of weight to lose, however, my resistance training had really been taking the backseat for the upwards of two months.  No bueno.  I CANNOT stress enough just how incredibly important resistance and/or bodyweight training is for a well-rounded exercise regimen (not to mention a healthy and strong physique.)    Resistance training has many benefits but some of the most important ones are:

• increased metabolism
• improved insulin sensitivity
• joint protection
• increased bone density (VERY important, ladies!)
• prevention and treatment of heart disease
• improved posture
• improved sleep quality
• enhanced mood and reduced depressive tendencies

Grab yourself a pair of 5-10 pound weights and add some resistance training into your exercise regimen today! Of course, after consulting your physician, that is!

Being Prepared Counts

I am confessing right here and now:  I have been AWFUL with my diet since July.  I haven’t shared this publicly, because I wanted to let the dust settle, but I was laid off from my job in July, and it really, really threw me into a tough spot.  My life has so much direction and it really is not the worst thing that could  have happened.   I have been through so much, I mean, so so so much worse in the past several years. However, when something bad happens that you were not expecting, you can’t help but fall out of certain routines or habits.   I haven’t been eating fast food or slamming back a case of Pepsi a day or anything, but because of my mood and lack of structure I feel like mentally I have been more apt to say yes to ice cream and chocolate than I normally would be.

What am I doing about it?

Getting prepared.  I am a huge fan of stir-frying vegetables.  I think it is one of the best things you can have for dinner because there is so much flexibility in what you can add (chicken, pasta, rice, beans) or flavors you can use (spicy, garlic, fusion) and it can be super duper healthy.

I have bought broccoli, cauliflower, squash, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, garlic, spinach, and kale, which I have chopped and stored in gallon storage bags for an easy, go-to, and fresh stir-fry to make for lunches and dinners all through the week.  I have also put aside small snacks with seeds and nuts and planned out meals for the week.  Is this a fool-proof plan?  No.  I do believe, however, that if you make things convenient, you will stick to it.  Many healthy people use this tactic to maintain a healthy diet.  Also, I have an evening classes and it can be so easy to come home and pick at things or make something less healthy just because it’s easier than washing and chopping veggies.  All I’m saying is, a little bit of preparation goes a very long way!

Cheering my sister on at the Maine Marathon (Sunday Runday)

This past weekend my lovely sister, Meredith, completed the Maine Marathon, and I couldn’t be more proud.  I went with my mother and we surprised her with this awesome sign!

The always hilarious Katie Que (read her ) made an awesome poster as well!

Meredith’s adorable boyfriend, Walter, was the real champion, spending 5 hours with my mother and me in sometimes confined spaces!

It was a beautiful day for all the runners, volunteers, and spectators – absolutely gorgeous weather.  Also, is really cute – if I wasn’t getting hitched and moving to sunny Glasgow, I’d consider relocating there myself! #VisitMaine

Studying for my Health Coach Certification

Remember when I declared I am becoming an ?  Well, I have been majorly slacking on the studying with all the other craziness that is my life right now.  I am aiming to start a new online coaching/wellness consulting business early next year, but if I don’t get my rear in gear with this course, I will be you know where without a paddle!  As I have stated before, I am not a good student.  I have never been good at being organized or studying. Though, at the age of 34, I can honestly say there really isn’t a correct way to study – if you can get yourself to learn, it works!  However I have to actually spend several hours a day doing so!

That being said, I’ve got a list going right now of everything I need to get done before November 20th – and so far I am very, very behind.  I am not going to slack on blogging, however, because I feel it is the one thing that truly is keeping me sane.

I hope that you all have a great Monday, and I WILL be back soon!

Laters!

xoxo