A Bit of Ramblings & My Favorite Thing Friday: Pineapple Wedger

Before I dive into my Favorite Thing Friday, let me first go completely off topic and give a quick update on the detox.  Today - day 4 - the eating was much easier.  I managed to choke down the powdered supplement shakes with a new found grace.  I think...hope..that I am finally acquiring the bitter taste.  Apparently, my body is still going through withdrawals as the odd feeling muscle aches are still in full force.  I avoided taking any relief and instead just downed the water even more so than normal...It helped, some.  I knew I had to get in four miles today and was absolutely dreading it because of how tender everything was feeling internally.  However, as typical, I ventured out and had an amazing run.  It's funny how working out and eating right are the two things that I never go to bed regretting. 

Tonight's run was unusually grand thanks to some great advice from my Life Coach. We were chatting earlier today about running and she said something that really resonated with me.  She said (in so many words), "You know Tonya (me...Mrs. Skinny Fat), when it comes to running - there's no such thing as a free ride. Just like when you are strength training and visualizing each isolated muscle getting tighter, you need to give the same energy to visualizing each muscle group working for you while you run. Running is so much more than movement...you need to be strategic in your efforts - you need to see it - for ultimate results"  Her words were just what I needed to have an awesome run.  Rather than just letting my mind go adrift, I stayed focused on the movement.  Talk about empowerment! I'm learning that the best kind of strength is the one that comes from within...that's why I love my Life Coach - she always give me that extra swift kick to bring out the best in ME.

Okay, back to the topic at-hand.  My Favorite Thing Friday is a Pineapple Wedger.  I know, something so simple right?  I bought it a a Pampered Chef party...at the time I was skeptical of it really working, but I have to say it hasn't let me down yet.  I wasn't always a fan of pineapple...in fact, my love for the amazing fruit has come about within the last year.  One day a friend of mine broke out fresh pineapple and raspberries for breakfast...and I was in awe of how refreshing it tasted.  Yes, awe.  Evidently my taste buds has morphed some and pineapple all of sudden tasted like the most amazing delicacy.  So as you can imagine, the discovery of a pineapple wedger was right up my alley!  I use it practically every week as pineapple is now- for oh so many reasons - one of my absolute favorite fruits!

You gotta put a little muscle into it...

Comes out pretty much perfect each time. 
I just toss the wedger in the dishwasher when done.

Here's a quick video to show how to use it. Next time, I'll make my own :)

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Fitness on the Go

I've been on the go quite a bit these last few weeks.  Over the years, I have become rather savvy at eating clean while on the road, and in these past few months of training I've had to adapt and take the challenge of getting in my workouts while on the go as well.  It's not always easy.  I feel way more like a pain in the a$s when I'm planning the day around where my workout will fit in with the schedule at-hand.  Feeling like I constantly have to remind those around me that my workout is planned for "x" time - in fear of that small time slot getting filled with something more "important".  Maybe it's just because while I'm now use to being that girl as it relates to food, I'm still adjusting to feeling a tad selfish (Selfish about investing in my health? Odd, huh?) about owning my time for getting fit. 

Fitness with a Friend

Recently, while on the go, I had the pleasure of working out with one of my best gal pals, Michelle.  Our friendship began in Lansing, MI - almost six years ago - where I interviewed with her for a marketing internship position.  We still laugh about this day; I was so eager for this gig and little did I know then that she was equally eager for the (free) help! My memory is a funny one...swear I can't remember most details of life, yet I can recall in all specifics this day including Michelle's outfit, hair style, the room we interviewed in, our conversation, etc.  Needless to say,  I got the job and since then, Michelle has grown from my mentor to one of my closest friends.  It's not always easy keeping a pulse on each others' busy life - especially while living in separate states - but I'd say we do a pretty fine job of staying abreast of the day to day one way or another!

I had so much fun hitting it hard with her by my side. Man, the workout went by fast!  While she isn't exactly replaceable, it did remind me how great it can be to have a workout partner and - can't believe I am going to say, err write this -  in a gym setting!   

While I promise you that the workout was intense...at times we were laughing so hard that from an outsider's point of view it probably appeared more like childsplay!  Ahh, great friends are those you can pick up right where you left off - and in my experience are truly hard to come by.  When you have one, keep 'em close, keep 'em part of your "core".   

A Friend Is
A push when you've stopped.
A word when you're lonely.
A guide when you're searching.

A smile when you're sad.

A song when you're glad.

A friend is someone
who understands your future, accepts
you today, just the way you are.

Michelle snapped this pic while commenting on my baddass broken finger!
Psshhh what about those baddass biceps that are slowly taking shape?

Michelle breaking it down with the squats! 
Tightening the behind is what it's all about!

Cracking ourselves up (who knows why) as she goes into the ab routine!
Loved that FUN & FIT went hand in hand! 

Switch up your routine and grab a friend, hit the gym, or pound the pavement together!

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,

Mrs. Skinny Fat

Drastic Results Requires Drastic Measures

Since even before the life of this blog, many of you have reached out to me as it relates to clean eating and have asked quite simply, "How do I get started?" While my responses have been tailored to your individual needs, I have recommended to each of you Tosca Reno's The Eat Clean Diet Recharged.  I love all of Tosca's books (and cookbooks too!), but this book is my favorite of the group - it provides you with just the right insight, reasoning, and necessary tools to get started with purpose. Many of you are now full force into the challenge of embracing clean eating.  I love the updates!  Your journey is as exciting as mine - seriously, it warms my heart to know that so many are adapting and loving the benefits of a clean eating lifestyle.

My Eat Clean Idol.  Tosca Reno, former
fat housewife turned fit!

Yes, clean eating takes time and planning, but it has come to be my way of life, thus there's really not a whole lot of challenge to it anymore. I can't imagine eating any differently than I do!  However, I can easily remember the days - years ago - when I would crave Oreo cookies and Doritos...(puke!) - Now if I happen to have a craving, it's for fruit, super dark chocolate (85% cocoa and greater), homemade "clean" pizza, and raw nuts.  Once you rid your life of junk, you'll never look back.  It's really that simple.

Well, even though I'm a clean eating fool, it's still not enough to get me stripped. My personal trainer, Cari Draft, and I are doing a fitness photoshoot together next week Thursday, October 20, so the pressure is on to peal off those last few pounds!   Throughout this week and next I will feel a lot like newbie as I venture down the road to my own clean eating challenge. 

Tosca Reno has a great plan in her book, "The Eat Clean Diet Recharged,"  - called "Cooler 1 Meal Plan".  The purpose this eating plan is for breaking plateaus, losing that last 5 to 10 pounds, early contest preparation, photoshoots, showing increased muscular definition, and quick weight loss.  It's super strict.  There's very little room for indulgence - which saddens me as I oh so look forward to that daily bite of ripe juicy pineapple. 

While using Tosca's plan as a foundation, I also decided to reach out to my beautifully fit sister-in-law, Jennifer Hansen, who is currently in contest prep mode for Nationals this coming November in South Beach. I wanted to get her take on the Tosca plan and see if she had any changes to it as I only have a total of 10 days to get where I want to me.  As expected, she had some slight modifications to the plan. 

So, for the next 10 days - I too will feel challenged and frustrated as many of you are embracing this lifestyle - just at a whole different level. I am a firm believe that drastic results requires drastic measures...now here's a true test!

My beautiful and amazingly FIT sister-in-law,
Jennifer Hansen - on her way to pro!

Here's My "Okay to Eat" List:

Complex Carbohydrates from Whole Grains & Starchy Carbohydrates
1 handful of quinoa, brown rice, or oatmeal.  OR - one serving of Ezekiel bread.
1 hand-sized sweet potato

Lean Protein
1 palm-sized portion eaten five times a day of chicken, tuna, egg whites, venison, or whitefish.
Good-quality, sugar and chemical free protein powder (Tosca says okay to use in replacement of any protein serving - Jen says no - so I will only use in moderation, when necessary)

Complex Carbohydrates from Vegetables
2 cupped handfuls eaten four times per day of cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, leafy greens, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, green beans, sprouts, celery, bok choy, and any other non-starchy, low-Gycemic Index vegetables.

Complex Carbohydrates from Fruit
1 apple or pear per day - (Tosca says yes, Jen says no fruit at all - so I will only consume if desperately craving a piece of fruit since I am after all a fruit-aholic!)

Beverages
1 gallon per day of distilled water and herbal tea. 

Absolutely Avoid
Dairy products
Juice
Bread
Salad dressings
Spreads
High-sodium foods

At this hour, I am 650 ml away from getting my gallon of water in me (I typically drink this much anyway) and have ate my way through the day successfully.  Today was easy. Tomorrow may or may not be different. We'll see. I'm excited to see what results will come about through this strict clean eating plan.  The biggest thing that I will not be doing is consuming alcohol - which I think may be a huge contributor to why I haven't been able to break my plateau yet. With bachelorette parties, two weddings, and two fun-filled "fall" events now behind me, I'm in a much better position to stick to my guns and say no to that glass of red wine.

I invite you to take a challenge with me over the next 10 days.  Maybe it's as simple as getting away from that sugary cereal in the morning, or maybe it's eating more protein throughout the day, or drinking more water, or saying no to "easy pre-made freezer meals", or perhaps you, too, need to cut back on the weekend glass of wine, or two, or three... :) 

Whatever it is, take a challenge - one that will help you get that much closer to reaching your clean eating goals! I look forward to sharing with you in these days ahead but even more so, I look foward to hearing about your own challenge!


Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

High Five to Me - Healthy, Happy & FIT!

It gives me great pleasure to give myself a "High Five" for finally gaining control of maintaining a challenging, and constantly changing, fitness regimen. This is, after all, a big portion of what this blog is about.  As I had noted in my posts early on, staying committed to my workouts has always been a struggle for me.  While I was four years into the clean eating lifestyle, I could not seem to get a handle on getting fit...leaving me to be as I describe skinny fat. 

During this time running was in the mix, but as I learned over the years just running doesn't mold the body to perfection (defined by me of course).  Yes, I ran several half marathons but it's not like I was speed training, or breaking new records...and I was surely not consistent.  I'd go two weeks on, one month off; one week on, one week off; one month on, three months off...so as you can imagine - gains in my quest to be fit was nearly impossible. 

In my desperation to tone my body, I joined several group fitness classes, the gym, a yoga studio, etc.  While all taught me new things about myself - especially yoga - it just wasn't a sustainable lifestyle of me.  In other words, I failed - at every single one of them.  First I missed one class here and there, then a whole week, and then I was too embarrassed to even come back.  I know that I shouldn't have felt ashamed for letting my life take over and not sticking to the commitment as I had promised myself I would...but I did. It was easier to not face the crowd and be out the money - in each instance - so I was left to start over time and time again. 

In June of 2011, in other words just four short months ago, I made what I can easily call now the best decision ever as it relates to reaching my fitness goals. Via a Google search, I discovered Cari's OneonOne Fitness Training.  I immediately clicked "How to Get Started" and after reading through the content, I was sold.  In addition to her words, Cari's overall fitness appearance had me rest assured that she didn't just talk the talk.  I knew without even speaking to her that she was capable of molding me - that is of course if I was ready to commit to the challenge. 

Picture above - Fit Girl Cari Draft, Personal Fitness Trainer,
& Owner of EcoTrek Fitness (outdoor group workouts)

Pulled from Cari's website she so eloquently says it just right...

"As a personal trainer who designs custom-made workouts for clients, I always get fired up when the peeps seem motivated to get in shape... but three months later, several of them have just “run out of time”, “run out of money” or simply lost their desire to get fit and healthy for whatever reason.  There are several stages a person goes through when they come to me for help. Stage one would be thinking about making a change; then there’s deciding to change, making preparations to change, and finally, initiating actual changes! Sometimes when clients contact me too early in their process, they are doomed to fail.  The most successful fitness clients I have are the ones who have linked regular physical activity to the things that are important to them. Everyone needs to see, at some point, that regular exercise is essential and has to be a priority; once you find yourself in the stage where you are ready to initiate actual changes, THAT is the time to contact me!"
 

It was as if her words were meant for my eyes only.  I was ready. I quickly filled out the required questionnaire, submitted it via email, and Cari reached out to me within hours. We chatted shortly about my goals and set up our first meeting at local park.  During that first workout together, I was quickly aware just how out of shape I was. As I told Cari, looks are deceiving - I may be "small" but darn it all I huffed and puffed my way through it.  She was encouraging and made it known that resilience and discipline was going to be key in my success. 

One of the first things I told Cari was,
"I need you to help me get arms like yours!"

I have since met with Cari a total of four more times.  Each time, I get a brand new strength training workout that I commit to doing twice a week at home (I do them right in my backyard), along with running four times a week.  I've gone from the girl who hated ab work to loving it, to dreading pushups to thinking I'm pretty fantastic at them.  While we only meet once a month, Cari keeps a pulse on my progress. I love bragging to her - she was the first person I told when I bought my size 2 shorts, and the first person I told when I bought my first size 0 dress.  Each and every time with every mini goal under my belt I asked her, "Is this for real?"  My waist has went from a 30.75'' (across the belly) to 27.75''.  I haven't quite reached all of my fitness goals, but I LOVE that I am finally on the right track.  I'm closer now than ever before to being truly skinny and FIT.  Skipping workouts is not an option.  I'm as committed to them as I am to clean eating and that right there is worth a whole lot of high fives!  

This is the Before Clean Eating ME...

This is the After Embracing Clean Eating & 3 Months of
Personal Training with Cari Draft ME

Calls for a High Five or two, right?

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Love for Night Running

There's something about running in the dark - especially at night - that to me is just simply the ultimate runners' high. It's just me and the stars - the ideal opportunity to release all that built up tension and reflect just how far I've come and where I'm going. 

"It was being a runner that mattered, not how fast or how far I could run. The joy of running was the act of running and in the journey, not in the destination." - John Bingham

Tonight was one of those nights where I ventured out in the darkness on a four mile route.  I've ran this route enough times that I am familiar with all of its shortfalls (major potholes, narrow shoulders, etc).  What's interesting, running at night is essentially the only time that I don't need music - I can't explain it - I'm just completely "ok" with the silence.  I also always tend to run faster...and it just seems easier.  Does anyone else feel this way?

As much as I love it, I am well aware that it's not the safest way to go, in fact, it can be rather risky if you don't attempt to play by the rules.  However, with the hours of daylight getting slimmer and slimmer, it's sometimes a must.  I can't help if it is also one of my top guilty pleasures. 

I play it safe by sporting this vest. Great investment.  The flash on my phone gives you an idea of what drivers see when passing by. 

Miles & I - You can see I'm glowing just like his eyes! 

Back Shot

$19.95 - Asics Vest - 360 degree reflectivity - lightweight and high quality. 

If have never tried night running - I highly recommend it!  Just play it safe, buy a vest - know your route...you know just follow the rules!

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Tribute to the Bride to Be

One of my best of friends Stefanie is getting married tomorrow. It's so hard to believe that the day is already here...just hours away!  When I think of people who inspire me most when it comes to achieving weight loss / fitness goals, Stef is surely at the forefront. 

Stef and I met in college - we were in the same sorority.  We became fast friends and during our last year in college we had the opportunity to be neighbors.  We dragged each other to the gym and cheered one another on when mini-goals were achieved.  Neither of us ever fully met our weight loss goals back then, actually we never came close, but it was fun working towards it and daydreaming of what the end result would look like - one day.

Those days, Stefanie HATED running. I can still remember so distinctly being on the track in the rec center, and me playing "coach" as I like to do, would force her to run.  Each and every time, she would glare at me with evil, "I want to hurt you" eyes...she promised me running was surely not "her thing". 

Fast forward to today, boy things have changed.  I would consider Stef my ideal workout partner.  While we don't live near one another (sadly), when we do have the opportunity to get together, going for a run with one another is always part of the agenda.  Always.  

This past week, we were blessed with a couple of opportunities to run together.  Our pace is always so in-sync; both deep in our own thoughts, no conversation is necessary as we both seem to find comfort just simply running side-by-side.  During these moments, I am always reminded by how far Stef has come...and always inspired.

Stef & I, after a four mile run in Higgins Lake.

High Five Girlfriend!

With Stef's big day right around the corner, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share "her story".
Her Story:  From One Runner to Another

MSF:  You've come a long way on your weight loss fitness journey, tell me a little about what worked for you?  What made you give running a try?

Stef:  A little over two years ago, I realized I was so unhappy with my body and uncomfortable in essentially every setting. I decided to join weight watchers because my mom had such great success on the program. I needed that accountability of weighing in in front of a stranger every week. It took me nine months...slowly but surely I lost about 20 lbs - just from making smarter food choices!  With new confidence, I decided to give running a try.  I was really worried, still am, that I would gain my weight back so I knew that I need to start incorporating physical activity into the mix.  I guess I picked "running" because it was something "free" and easy to do. I had no idea that I would actually end up being a "runner" - it's so fun to say that! 

The before "Stef" ...

Stef & I at my wedding June 21, 2008...time sure does fly!

Another "Before" Pic of Stef...

MSF:  What do you love most about running?

Stef:  I absolutely love the way I feel after a run...each and every time. It is indescribable...if I was forced to summarize in one word I would choose amazing!   Growing up, I always felt  that I wasn't very athletic, it's fun to finally feel like I'm good at something; running! 

MSF:  When did you actually start liking to run?

Stef: I don't think I actually started to like running until I completed my first race last November. My fiance and I ran the Turkey Trot in downtown Detroit together. My goal was just to run the whole thing and not stop to walk. I completed my goal and I have been addicted ever since.

MSF:  Any tips for people who say they "hate running" but want to "be a runner"?  How should they start?

Stef: I hate when people say they can't run!  Yes, yes I know that I was once one of those people!  My views have dramatically changed - everyone can run, you just have to start slow. I couldn't even run a mile when I started. The key is to build up your milage every week. Don't go too far too fast because you are going to end up hating because it'll feel "too hard".  I started with a three mile loop around my house. I would start running to a certain spot and every week I would add a few more blocks before I would start walking. Eventually over time I was able to run the whole loop...that was an awesome day.

MSF: You've now ran a 1/2 marathon, a 10 miler, and several smaller runs - how'd you stay motivated for the training

Stef: I make sure I am signed up or at least have a race in my sights at all times in order to stay motivated for training. I've learned that if  I am not signed up for a race I don't log as many long runs as I should. My soon to be husband also keeps me motivated. I get jealous if he gets a run in and I don't!  We designate a  few evenings a week to run together which is something I really look forward to.

Stef and I in July 2011 after completing the Warrior Dash, intense 5K obstacle course.

MSF: What would you say is the # 1 benefit of running?

Stef: The #1 benefit of running for me is the mood I am in after a run. It instantly lifts my spirits no matter how bad I felt beforehand. I can always count on running to put me in a good mood and to me, that's priceless.

Earlier today, I gave Stef a "Last Chance Workout".  It was intense!  A memory that will be with me forever...

"Tribute to Bride to Be"... to be continued tomorrow.

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Circle of Healthy, Happy Friends

Every year, our circle of friends venture to Higgins Lake, Michigan to celebrate Labor Day weekend.  More so this year than any other, I was moved by how much we have grown over the years to become the people we are today.  While so much has changed since college, our values remain the foundation, and from that, we have each in our own right built what stands a unique individual. Even with life's changes and our individual molding, it amazes me that we still fit rather perfectly - together. 

There are without a doubt many traits that make our group of friends great.  However, during this most recent gathering, I was awestruck in our shared belief to actively pursue a healthy lifestyle.  While we each have our own definition as to what living a healthy lifestyle looks like, we seem to naturally respect each others' beliefs as it's all towards the same end goal.   Even more so, we support each other - and that support was reflected time and time again during our weekend together.

I was overcome with so many moments of pride - here we are a group of twenty-something year-olds (okay, okay, all closer to thirty) away together for "vacation", yet we all packed food and ate as if we were at a "Get My Body Back" Bootcamp Retreat.  Other than alcohol consumption, we were all pretty much clean eating saints.  Especially us girls.  Not only did we eat clean, the entire time, we moved our butts.  We got in our morning runs and made for an upper body adventure with the kayaks! Us girls made the kitchen a creative cooking studio - and with contribution from the guys - we whipped up some amazingly fresh, mouthwatering meals.   

It was the ultimate weekend away; satisfied bellies, achy muscles, loads of laughs, a little gossip, blue skies, bluer water, sun-kissed faces, and a bottle of memories to remind us just how blessed we are to have so many like-minded souls in our corner. 

Mr & Mrs. soaking in the sun's rays and enjoying the beauties of Pure Michigan.

The girls. Without any prior arrangement, we all packed food that made for the perfect combination. It was pretty impressive!

Below is just a sampling of our many tastings! Fresh was the underlying theme! 

 

Us Girls venturing out on the kayaks while the guys sailed... 

Does it get any better than this? Soaking it all in!

"It was the ultimate weekend away; satisfied bellies, achy muscles, loads of laughs, a little gossip, blue skies, bluer water, sun-kissed faces, and a bottle of memories to remind us just how blessed we are to have so many like-minded souls in our corner." -  MSF 

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Running in the Rain

There are some days when I only have a short time frame to get my workouts in.  This occurred again over the weekend, and during this same window of opportunity, a moderate to a heavy rainstorm was moving its way in.  Typically, this would be no issue as I have my treadmill to rely on - but being out of town as I was my options were rather limited; go outside and run in the rain or miss a work out.  I chose to run.

No more than five minutes into my five mile route, the rain picked up from a light drizzle to near downpour.  With each step I was treated with a splash in return.  My shoes were soggy, my clothes drenched and I still had four miles left to go.  To my sincere surprise, I was loving every "soaking" minute of it.  It felt unbelievably refreshing!  Not just physically, but something deep within was ignited...I kind of felt like a kid again.  There was smile on my face, a softness in my step, and a quickness in my pace.  I felt good...light...happy. 

I will forever have a different outlook when the clouds darken a bit on run days.  In fact, I might even prefer the rainy days as it's not nearly often enough that the kid in you has a chance to come out and play.  

Soaked from head to toe and loving every minute of it!

Of course the kid in me demands to wear these
rain boots for the rest of the rainy day!

Keep it Clean & ENJOY the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Photos courtesy of my gal pal, Dia, who was a true champ in bearing the rain with me to snap some pics!

...And Boy did I Run!

As my last post reflected, I was absolutely dreading my scheduled workout.  I purposefully vented my feelings to help find whatever motivation I could to push forward.  Even after publishing, I still moseyed about the house allowing my mind to humor all of the excuses that floated through...knowing all the while that I really didn't have choice in the matter; after all it was scheduled. 

In slow motion, I got myself ready, walked to the end of the driveway, started my watch and iPod, and literally forced myself to make the running motion.  About one minute in to it, I felt different. My abs were engaged, my posture in check, and my legs were moving - I felt strong.  Just one minute later  ... I couldn't believe how different I felt after only sixty seconds!

Two miles came quick and I decided to add the extra mile in for a total of five.  My mind was open and a massive brainstorming session was taking place - if only moments like this allowed for a note pad!

Adele 21 turned out to be great addition to the iPod.  I was surprised by how much it allowed my mind to get lost in the moment. 

I finished the five miles a whole three minutes faster than normal.  I can't believe that I actually was dreading this moment.  So glad that I did not allow myself to miss out on the best run that I have had in months!  

Kudos to my Brooks for taking a beating tonight!  Love these shoes!

As I was cooling down, I thought of five things that help me get through my runs...

1.  Telephone Pole Theory -  I thought for sure I was going to need to rely on this tonight - but as you now know my luck was different!  Telephone Pole Theory is simple and can be used with any landmark. It's especially helpful to those new to running.  As your running, just focus on the next goal - aka telephone pole - and as your reach that goal, immediately focus on the next closest goal.  It takes your mind off the fact that you have to finish a whole five (or whatever) miles and instead helps you stay in check and celebrate all the mini-accomplishments along the way.

2.  Get Lost in It - I love it when this happens!  Allowing your mind to get lost in the run is exciting and exhilarating.  To me, this means my mind is fully in-tune to my body and everything just feels right and in check...thus confidence ensues.  I knew I was running faster than normal tonight, yet I had so many exciting thoughts going through my head that each mile completed was almost a surprise.  I found myself thinking, "Wow, I'm already here!"  Mind you, this was coming from the same girl who was dreading the run just minutes before! Good music, such as Adele, certainly plays a big role in achieving this. 

3.  Solve the World's Problems - okay, maybe not the world's but yours will do!  Often, I will take one problem/issue, or even opportunity out on the pavement with me.  It's amazing what I can come up with while running.  Sometimes, it's hard to focus and other thoughts will try and flutter in, but I just force myself to circle back (repeatedly) to the task at hand.

4.  Run Like Someone is Watching - Okay, fess up, I know I am not the only one who does this!  When necessary, I pretend that all of the cars passing by are truly intrigued with my running...like I am inspiring them to go home and go for a run themselves!  I notice when I think they are watching, I typically pick up my pace and make sure my form is truly in check.  I like to pretend that conversations take place in the car about my running...such as, "Wow, she's in shape."  - or - "Man, she's cruising!" - othertimes, I pretend that someone I know is about to drive by (ie. my husband, personal trainer, etc).  Haha, I know it's silly but whatever works, right!?!

5.  Take a Partner - in my case, that usually means my pup, Miles.  He was named before we even knew him as I was bound and determined he would get a lot of miles under his belt throughout his life!  Most of the time, I love taking Miles as he normally pushes me, but tonight, as you know - I was in a funk and wanted to just be by myself.  Human partners are of course great too! I would love to have a local running partner...but that hasn't fallen into place yet! 

Dirty paws Miles pouting because I told him he didn't get to go with me.

The moral of this story - don't allow yourself to miss out on what could be your best run (or workout in general) yet.  Just get up and do it! I am oh so glad I did! All it took tonight was sixty seconds to a "new" me.   

Trust me, I too will need this reminder before too long... 

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride
MSF

Today I Must Run

Today, I'm scheduled to run four miles...and I'm absolutely dreading it!  I know that if I don't get out the door in the next 15 minutes then it's just going to be that much harder to part from my never ending pile of work.  In an attempt to make the run more appealing, I've decided to download some new tunes to my iPod.  Got to give this girl something to look forward to!

Katy Perry - Last Friday Night
Nicki Minaj - Super Bass

and Adele 21 - yes, the whole album.  I hear it's amazing!

Okay, here's to No Excuses right!  Time to lace-up the running shoes, throw my hair back in a pony, visualize the fat melting off, and go out and pound some pavement. 

Cheers to listening to my inner baddass...

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,

Mrs. Skinny Fat

Having Fun While Getting Fit

Earlier this summer, my husband and I decided to invest in kayaks.  He's not much into the running thing and neither one of us are into biking (yet, anyway) so we thought kayaking could be something that we could enjoy doing together.  We both went with the Old Town brand - mostly because of the quality and comfort but also because we loved their storage containers - makes it easy to not only pack a cooler of clean goodies and lots of water but also access it easily while on the river or lake.

Kayaking has certainly become one of our favorite things to do together!  There are so many rivers and lakes to explore in Michigan...it's fun to plan different adventures!  This weekend we ventured to the Manistee River (near Manton, Michigan) for about a 4 hour trip with my in-laws.  I just love the idea that all of us could enjoy each others company, the great outdoors of Pure Michigan, and participate in a an excellent form of exercise!  Kayaking takes strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance.  It's truly a great cardiovascular workout!  There were several times that I challenged myself to paddle upstream when there was a heavy current - burn baby burn! 

Having fun while getting fit - doesn't get much better! 

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride!

MSF

Mrs. Skinny Fat Paddling...Love the Beauty of Pure Michigan! 

Mr. & Mrs. Enjoying an Amazing Afternoon on the Manistee River!

Secret to Success: No Excuses!

In 2007, when I first changed my eating habits, I decided to go "Cold Turkey", as they say, for 6 months and fully adopted the vegan lifestyle.  During that time, I was so cautious of everything I ate ... and  most difficult - surprisingly - was that I completely gave up alcohol (this was hard for me because I loved enjoying a glass of wine with dinner, weekends, with my husband, etc!).  At my smallest, I weighed in at 115.  It's so odd reflecting on how I felt then because I felt soooo "skinny-fat" - I didn't work out so while yes, skinny (barely nothing), I was such a weakling. And everything felt so flabby. 

I then discovered clean eating - and I was awe-struck by its principles.  I felt like I had been handed a gift - everything just made so much sense! Eating real foods...- you know the ones that come from the earth - all the time - novel idea!  Over time (three years) I slowly started to incorporate foods back into my diet such as seafood, venison, quality eggs, and organic cheese (in moderation).  During this time, my passion truly ignited for clean eating and I can't seem to learn enough on this topic. 

Even though, I was very intentional and disciplined with my eating - I still was Skinny-Fat true and true.  I wasn't dedicated to a workout regimen.  On that front, I could seem to come up with every excuse under the sun as to why I wasn't going to workout.  Even though - when I did, it felt so good!  I love running (when I actually did it) - so I would run sometimes - even did several 1/2 marathons (ill prepared I should add), and then I decided to join aerobics (it lasted a couple weeks), I tried bootcamp - hmm it was okay, and then there was yoga...loved yoga but still...it only lasted a month.  With each of these down periods, I would constantly beat myself up.  Complaining always (mostly inside my head) about the way my clothes fit, or dreading getting in the bikini, dress shopping, etc.  I was a size 4 - weighing anywhere from 125 - 130 over this time  - abiding by clean eating principles 80% of the time (although socially drinking in moderation).  I say 80% because I was/am still learning - and sometimes was (who am I kidding - still am) tricked by flashy marketing on packaging... (more to come on this at a later time).  I am slowly learning that just because it's sold in a Health Food Store, does not make it Clean!

Finally, in June of 2011, I got a personal trainer.  Someone I aspired to be - she wasn't skinny fat but TRULY SKINNY & FIT.  She put together a workout regimen for me which only called for a band and a mat.  But to meet my goals, it required "No Excuses"  - no matter what.  The schedule calls for 4 days of running (anywhere from 3 to 5 miles), 2 days of strength training, and a rest day.  I am able to complete everything right at home (outside), and only see her every 3 weeks for a new strength training program.  It's been the best thing I have ever done for myself.  I have not allowed myself to miss a workout - even when it's the LAST thing I want to do - I force myself to tie up those laces and get it over with. Time after time, what I find, is about 5 minutes (often times less) into the workout, my whole attitude shifts...and I start feel, pardon my choice of words, like a badass.  Truly!  I journal my workouts and all over my calendar you'll see the words, "No EXCUSES" - and when I first started, I had a sticky notes every where to remind me that no matter how much I wanted to - I'm wasn't getting out it!

Since I have incorporated workouts into my clean eating lifestyle, I finally feel like I am on the path to ridding the fat and finding the fit....for good! I have lost 3 inches from around my waist and have lost 3lbs!  It's amazing - I get to eat all day long (5 to 6 small meals a day), and I'm in charge of molding my body to "perfection" -  and this so called perfection is defined by me.  Yep, just me.

It's a journey - and what I have learned is to be truly skinny and fit (in other words, healthy, happy & fit)- doesn't happen overnight. Adding muscle is a beautiful thing...but it's a process.  Quick fixes will only get you to be skinny fat - a place I have been far too long.

 

If you haven't already, commit to a No Excuses attitude - whether it's about eating changes or working out.  And remember,  change will happen but it's baby steps my friends! 

Mrs. Skinny Fit running a 1/2 marathon in Miami March 2011.
It was torture because I was so ill prepared!
Can't wait to get a race on the calendar now
that I have been so committed to a workout regimen! 

 

Mr. Miles - my new running partner. 
He's up for the challenge - never lets me down!

 

Mrs. Skinny Fat & Mr. Miles - These past few months, I have had the confidence to try "new" workout activities. Kayaking is one my favorite things to do!