Ready or not the time has come. The temps have hit into the 90's....Memorial Day weekend has come and gone....the pools are opening....and it is only days til my beach vacation......let the quest for a swimsuit begin! I have not donned or even owned a swimsuit for the past few summers so let me just say I would rather have tiny bamboo shoots shoved in my eyes than shop for one (and this says a lot since I LOVE to shop).
My criteria for the perfect swimsuit is simple: please don't let me look like one of the people in those "people at wal-mart" emails....you know the ones. Seriously, do these folks not have a mirror at home???? And as one of my friends said, "Was there NO one there to stop them from leaving their house like that?"
So, here are my thoughts on finding the perfect swimsuit:
1. It must be age appropriate. I am 43 years old and I am sane enough to know that anything with ribbons, big bows and cartoon caricatures is just gonna look silly.
2. It must be flattering. Ladies, we all have a pretty good idea of what we need to hide. Do it.
3. It must not cost a fortune. Since when did a sliver of fabric cost an arm and a leg???
4. It must be comfortable. I don't care how great it looks, you will NOT look good in it if you are constantly digging it out of your who-ha.
5. It must be wearable. Most of the high fashion designer clothes we see on the runways of New York are not the sort of outfits you'd wear on a day to day basis. Ditto on the swimsuit. No swimsuits that would yield funky tan lines or make me feel like I couldn't roll around in the sand. (not that that even sounds appealing, but you know what I mean)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
These are a few of my favorite things......
Sometimes it's the little things that can make my day.....
1. Perfect running weather - long sleeve t-shirt, shorts, and the wind at my back.
2. Underwear that doesn't crawl into the nether-wheres in exercise class.
3. A super healthy low fat, low calorie, low carb meal that taste better than pizza.
4. New running shoes.
5. A good laugh that makes you feel like you've just worked your abs.
6. A brand new kick tail playlist on the ipod.
7. Vegetables right out of the garden....and someone who has a garden that gives them to you!
8. Working out with a friend and discovering that your 60 minute workout felt like 30.
9. A well deserved rest day!
10. Being healthy and fit enough to enjoy life to the fullest.
1. Perfect running weather - long sleeve t-shirt, shorts, and the wind at my back.
2. Underwear that doesn't crawl into the nether-wheres in exercise class.
3. A super healthy low fat, low calorie, low carb meal that taste better than pizza.
4. New running shoes.
5. A good laugh that makes you feel like you've just worked your abs.
6. A brand new kick tail playlist on the ipod.
7. Vegetables right out of the garden....and someone who has a garden that gives them to you!
8. Working out with a friend and discovering that your 60 minute workout felt like 30.
9. A well deserved rest day!
10. Being healthy and fit enough to enjoy life to the fullest.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Skinny Schminny
I had a mini meltdown as I looked at the calendar and realized our beach vacation was only a mere 4 1/2 weeks away. Beach. Shorts. Bathing Suit. Oye. Got me to thinking....Are we ever satisfied with our bodies? I surround myself with fit people. Most of my friends are avid exercisers and healthy eaters. Yet, there is rarely a time when I hear any of them say they are satisfied with their physique. Actually, I've never heard this from anyone I know...including myself. I've been at both ends of the spectrum....overweight and underweight and I can't recall any time in between that I felt satisfied.
As always, God has a way of pointing things out that we need to see or hear. Just as I was mulling over my game plan for getting bathing suit ready, I read a friend's facebook post and decided I needed to read it more often ....and maybe pass it on to my friends:
Those of you that want to be "skinny" consider this: What most of us "health driven" people think of when we hear skinny is "skinny fat" This means someone with no muscle tone, just bone, flesh and fat! SKinny doesn't sound attractive when it's put that way huh? You may look thin on the outside but your heart may be dying on the inside. Be happy with yourself, your curves and the way God made you. (thanks Ashlee Buchert)
I am all about working to be your best both for your health and aesthetics. But I do think that along our fitness journey we should give ourselves a break. Most of us are continual works in progress.....so wherever you are on your journey, be kind to yourself.
As always, God has a way of pointing things out that we need to see or hear. Just as I was mulling over my game plan for getting bathing suit ready, I read a friend's facebook post and decided I needed to read it more often ....and maybe pass it on to my friends:
Those of you that want to be "skinny" consider this: What most of us "health driven" people think of when we hear skinny is "skinny fat" This means someone with no muscle tone, just bone, flesh and fat! SKinny doesn't sound attractive when it's put that way huh? You may look thin on the outside but your heart may be dying on the inside. Be happy with yourself, your curves and the way God made you. (thanks Ashlee Buchert)
I am all about working to be your best both for your health and aesthetics. But I do think that along our fitness journey we should give ourselves a break. Most of us are continual works in progress.....so wherever you are on your journey, be kind to yourself.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Do clothes make the workout?
I admit it. I have a workout clothes/shoes fetish. I have an entire dresser devoted to sportswear: tops, shorts, capris, cargos, hoodies, ball caps....even jewelry.
I guess it started when I began teaching fitness classes at the gym. When I trained for Bodypump, we were told what colors to wear (red, black, white or gray) and that our job was like any other - look professional and "put together". Then came Zumba. OYE! Let me just say, these are smart cookies these zumba people. Their zumba wear line shouts "Party!" Funky colors, crazy styles, fun accessories that make you want to workout.
Think about it. When you wear a super cute outfit, you feel better about yourself. You want to go out and about in your new threads. So, if this is what it takes to motivate you to move, then what's the harm? Why not reward yourself with some new gear when you meet a goal?
And while we are thinking about gym clothes....here it is - Audrey's what NOT to wear list:
Guys:
1. Sleeveless muscle shirts are great, as long as you don't have a jungle growing out from under your arms or on your back.
2. No short shorts! That 70's basketball short is best left in the 70's.
3. Tanks or tshirts that boast your attributes: "Welcome to the gun show" etc. .....unless of course there is a gun show to see.
4. Sweat pants that are 3 sizes too small. Just don't.
Gals:
1. Shorts/pants etc. that are so tight that they require a dusting of talcum powder to pull on or off.
2. Ditto on the tops.
3. Bra tops are for those that have earned the right to wear them. (Ab-alicious chics only)
4. Excessive perfume, makeup and coiffed hair. We're here to workout right?
I'm all about trying to look your best - even at the gym- as long as we don't forget why we got all gussied up in the first place.
I guess it started when I began teaching fitness classes at the gym. When I trained for Bodypump, we were told what colors to wear (red, black, white or gray) and that our job was like any other - look professional and "put together". Then came Zumba. OYE! Let me just say, these are smart cookies these zumba people. Their zumba wear line shouts "Party!" Funky colors, crazy styles, fun accessories that make you want to workout.
Think about it. When you wear a super cute outfit, you feel better about yourself. You want to go out and about in your new threads. So, if this is what it takes to motivate you to move, then what's the harm? Why not reward yourself with some new gear when you meet a goal?
And while we are thinking about gym clothes....here it is - Audrey's what NOT to wear list:
Guys:
1. Sleeveless muscle shirts are great, as long as you don't have a jungle growing out from under your arms or on your back.
2. No short shorts! That 70's basketball short is best left in the 70's.
3. Tanks or tshirts that boast your attributes: "Welcome to the gun show" etc. .....unless of course there is a gun show to see.
4. Sweat pants that are 3 sizes too small. Just don't.
Gals:
1. Shorts/pants etc. that are so tight that they require a dusting of talcum powder to pull on or off.
2. Ditto on the tops.
3. Bra tops are for those that have earned the right to wear them. (Ab-alicious chics only)
4. Excessive perfume, makeup and coiffed hair. We're here to workout right?
I'm all about trying to look your best - even at the gym- as long as we don't forget why we got all gussied up in the first place.
Friday, April 15, 2011
"Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up here"
I wish wish wish exercise was all it took to lose weight. I've got that covered! I am one of those people that enjoy and look forward (most of the time) to working out. Exercise is a key part of the weight loss equation. However, your eating habits carry far more weight (pardon the pun) in your weight loss success. I was reading one blogger's review of diet plans and scams and I was ashamed to realize that I have at one time or another tried a majority of them.
It began with the Slim Fast plan. It was mid-80's so the convenient premixed cans weren't even around yet. You got a shaker and the powder. I remember holding my nose in an attempt to squelch the taste of it going down. Over the years, I've been foolish enough to try some crazy diet scams. The Carbohydrate Addicts Diet. Heard of this one? You basically eliminate all carbs during the day. Then for one hour at night you are allowed to eat whatever you want. ONE HOUR. On your mark.....get set......gorge!!! Let me just say that I had that one meal planned to a "T". And heaven help the person that got in my way in that 60 minutes. Luckily, my daughter was still pretty young at the time....so she won't be scarred with visions of her mother scarfing down plates and bowls of food before the buzzer went off. Fast forward to the Atkins Diet.... Xenedrine pills....Metabolife.....Alli....and my personal favorite: the banana/hot dog/boiled egg diet. Now, I can't claim to have actually done this one. But, I have seen it in action...(if "you" are reading this, "you" know who you are).
Live and learn, right? What is that saying?...."Everything you need to know, you learned in kindergarten". Well, I'm not sure we learned about the Food Pyramid when we were 5, but if we did, then that saying holds true. To think, the dieter's holy grail has been right under our nose all this time! I know deep down that this way of eating is what works -- I do admit that temptations for the quick and easy fix has gotten me under it's spell on more than one occasion. Did I lose weight? Yes. Did I gain it back? Yes.
Every time I have tried to recover from one of these crazy plans, I fall back on the one sure thing I know.....eating "clean". I must continue to remind myself to stay strong and guard myself against the lures of the quick fix. Summer is coming....I've got my game face on.
* I encourage those that are not sure of good nutritional guidelines to check out "Why Weight?". It's a nutrition class offered at my gym. If you look at the blogs I follow, you can see their blog for more information.
* Also, a friend and personal trainer recommended a good book you should read - "The I Can Do This Diet" ....check it out.
It began with the Slim Fast plan. It was mid-80's so the convenient premixed cans weren't even around yet. You got a shaker and the powder. I remember holding my nose in an attempt to squelch the taste of it going down. Over the years, I've been foolish enough to try some crazy diet scams. The Carbohydrate Addicts Diet. Heard of this one? You basically eliminate all carbs during the day. Then for one hour at night you are allowed to eat whatever you want. ONE HOUR. On your mark.....get set......gorge!!! Let me just say that I had that one meal planned to a "T". And heaven help the person that got in my way in that 60 minutes. Luckily, my daughter was still pretty young at the time....so she won't be scarred with visions of her mother scarfing down plates and bowls of food before the buzzer went off. Fast forward to the Atkins Diet.... Xenedrine pills....Metabolife.....Alli....and my personal favorite: the banana/hot dog/boiled egg diet. Now, I can't claim to have actually done this one. But, I have seen it in action...(if "you" are reading this, "you" know who you are).
Live and learn, right? What is that saying?...."Everything you need to know, you learned in kindergarten". Well, I'm not sure we learned about the Food Pyramid when we were 5, but if we did, then that saying holds true. To think, the dieter's holy grail has been right under our nose all this time! I know deep down that this way of eating is what works -- I do admit that temptations for the quick and easy fix has gotten me under it's spell on more than one occasion. Did I lose weight? Yes. Did I gain it back? Yes.
Every time I have tried to recover from one of these crazy plans, I fall back on the one sure thing I know.....eating "clean". I must continue to remind myself to stay strong and guard myself against the lures of the quick fix. Summer is coming....I've got my game face on.
* I encourage those that are not sure of good nutritional guidelines to check out "Why Weight?". It's a nutrition class offered at my gym. If you look at the blogs I follow, you can see their blog for more information.
* Also, a friend and personal trainer recommended a good book you should read - "The I Can Do This Diet" ....check it out.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I'll take an order of endorphins please.....
My day kicked off to a great start - Zumba this morning with a room full of fun, energetic people. It's when I left the gym that things slid downhill. We've all had those days where nothing seems to go right....where you feel as though surely there's a hidden camera somewhere and Ashton Kutcher is gonna pop out any time and tell you you've been Punk'd.
I am generally a type A, OCD personality ...a little high strung by nature.....NOT a good foundation for things to go wrong. All I can say is hallelujah for endorphins and exercise therapy. There's something about taking that one hour - or however long - and devoting it completely and selfishly to yourself. Mix in something you enjoy, people you love, good music, laughs and alotta sweat and you have yourself a prescription that no pharmacy can fill.
It's gonna be a long day. Thank heavens I have another Zumba class to look forward to tonight!
I am generally a type A, OCD personality ...a little high strung by nature.....NOT a good foundation for things to go wrong. All I can say is hallelujah for endorphins and exercise therapy. There's something about taking that one hour - or however long - and devoting it completely and selfishly to yourself. Mix in something you enjoy, people you love, good music, laughs and alotta sweat and you have yourself a prescription that no pharmacy can fill.
It's gonna be a long day. Thank heavens I have another Zumba class to look forward to tonight!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Krispy Kreme Burgers anyone?
I just read a friend's facebook post about a new "vendor treat" for an upcoming public event: Krispy Kreme Burger with a side of chocolate covered bacon. Wow. Did you feel your arteries clog just now? Besides the fact that the nutritional content is horrendous, the food combination is a bit bizarre. Makes me wonder, who knew that peanut butter and jelly...or candy corn and peanuts would taste so good together?
Throughout the years, I have also enjoyed some strange combinations of food:
* cubed chicken, cubed golden delicious apples, spicy brown mustard mixed and wrapped in lettuce leaves
* cottage cheese, unsweetened cocoa, caramel stevia (you can also throw this in a blender, add a bit of water and some ice and freeze. Tastes like a fudge pop)
* saltines and fat free mayo or saltines topped with grape jelly
* sliced pepper jack cheese wrapped around a carrot stick
* celery dipped in salsa...or better yet- celery dipped in salsa/cream cheese/greek yogurt
* peanut butter and cool whip mixed together and chilled
I suppose we all have our own unique little taste bud quirks. Undoubtedly, I will never try the Krispy Kreme Burger (simply because of the nutritional make-up), but I am not opposed to putting good things together to make something great! To each their own, Bon Appetite!
Throughout the years, I have also enjoyed some strange combinations of food:
* cubed chicken, cubed golden delicious apples, spicy brown mustard mixed and wrapped in lettuce leaves
* cottage cheese, unsweetened cocoa, caramel stevia (you can also throw this in a blender, add a bit of water and some ice and freeze. Tastes like a fudge pop)
* saltines and fat free mayo or saltines topped with grape jelly
* sliced pepper jack cheese wrapped around a carrot stick
* celery dipped in salsa...or better yet- celery dipped in salsa/cream cheese/greek yogurt
* peanut butter and cool whip mixed together and chilled
I suppose we all have our own unique little taste bud quirks. Undoubtedly, I will never try the Krispy Kreme Burger (simply because of the nutritional make-up), but I am not opposed to putting good things together to make something great! To each their own, Bon Appetite!
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