Tonight was Bunco night for my Mom's group. Leave the kiddos at home with Daddy and go roll dice and drink. If you've ever played Bunco, you know that it takes zero skill and is just an excuse to have a bev and dish about kids, husbands and how you wish you had a flatter stomach. Right? Isn't that how it always goes?
Well tonight we talked about all those things, but also got on the topic of wearing makeup at the gym. The other Moms assumed that I always wear makeup to the gym and I was appalled! Ok, not appalled. I mean I can see why they might think that. But I am so not one of "those girls." And yes, I'm doing quote fingers. You know the girls I'm talking about. They have their hair all cute and fixed, they are wearing a tank and capri leggings that match their shoes. And they wear full makeup to the gym.
Well...I guess I fit the bill...except for the makeup part.
I teach several 5:45 am classes and have NEVER put on makeup before my classes. I just consider it a success to avoid hitting the snooze button 10 times (Ad Man loves that, let me tell ya). I usually get to the gym with 5 minutes to spare. That's 2 minutes in the car, to put on my shoes (yes, I put them on while driving) and to get my energy cranked up. No one wants an instructor that is all "it's too early for smiling and laughing and kicking your butt." No they want an instructor who wakes them up and makes them glad that they hauled their butts out of bed at an un-Godly hour just to be forced to do dozens of push-ups, tuck jumps, mountain climbers and run - a lot. And that is what I deliver.
And the other 3 minutes I have to spare are to say "hi" to everyone, get the music on and open up the weights. And nowhere in that 5 minutes do I have time for makeup.
So the only time I wear makeup is when I already have it on from earlier in the day - during evening classes - and weekends.
But, I will admit that I do like when I exercise with makeup on. If I look good, I feel good. I work harder. I'm more confident. I'm funnier. Well, ok, maybe not funnier. But I do think there is something to the confidence factor.
I did a little googling and it seems that this is a hot topic for a lot of people. Makeup or no makeup at the gym.
So my question to you is, are you bare-faced at the gym? Or are you rockin' a full face'o makeup?
Alright, now I'm off to do my abs and push-ups for the evening. I had a wine-a-rita at Mom's night - which is like a margarita but with wine instead of tequila. And ummm...the sugar was off the charts in it. Delish, but very costly in the calorie department.
P.S. Ad Man thinks this is a lame post. So opinionated that one:
Me: I'm blogging about wearing makeup to the gym.
Ad Man: Seriously?
Me: Yes. I'd like to know what people's opinions are on this one.
Ad Man: What happened to offering real workout advice? Like how to lose weight or whatever.
Me: This is super important. And of course a very pressing issue for women. Babe. Come on.
Ad Man: Lame.
Me: I'm hurt.
Ad Man: Lame.
Me: You're Lame.
Yes, I am very witty with my comebacks.
Nakedly Yours,
M
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
I wanna Zumba in these clothes!
I heart funky, edgy and wild fitness gear. Like really love it. I think sometimes my classes think I'm a little too wild. Like when I wore red swim bottoms and a red corset with fishnets for my Valentine's week Zumba class. Here's the pic. I was channeling Lady Gaga. Thank goodness it's blurry.
Ok, so maybe not one of my better decisions (or fashion statements).
But I found some funky, yet still wearable gear that I just had to share. I SO wanna Zumba in these clothes...
I mean seriously, how cute are those shorts? Ack. I can't even stand it.
If you want to check out where to buy, check out this fab Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Todaboasf?ref=pr_shop_more
Wait, OMG, the cheetah-print! LOVE!
Ok, I might actually pass out now. CHECK OUT THIS:
I will take the chiseled abs and the bra top, please.
GLOVES!! Seriously. It's like this woman is designing for ME!
I think the designer is a professional dancer. And I love, love, love her gear. Her Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jmorco?ref=seller_info
Ok, enough swooning...
Nakedly Yours,
Meg
Ok, so maybe not one of my better decisions (or fashion statements).
But I found some funky, yet still wearable gear that I just had to share. I SO wanna Zumba in these clothes...
I mean seriously, how cute are those shorts? Ack. I can't even stand it.
If you want to check out where to buy, check out this fab Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Todaboasf?ref=pr_shop_more
Wait, OMG, the cheetah-print! LOVE!
Ok, I might actually pass out now. CHECK OUT THIS:
I will take the chiseled abs and the bra top, please.
GLOVES!! Seriously. It's like this woman is designing for ME!
I think the designer is a professional dancer. And I love, love, love her gear. Her Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jmorco?ref=seller_info
Ok, enough swooning...
Nakedly Yours,
Meg
Friday, May 20, 2011
Ask Me Anything Friday
So I'm starting an "ask me anything" post each Friday. You can ask me health and fitness related questions and I'll do my best to answer them or direct you to a place that has a great answer...
Here's a question posed by my sweet friend, Jennifer!
Q: I want a SMALL tummy... how do i get there... :)
A: So this is the age-old question for women - how do I get flat abs? I wish I had a magical trick to share, because I would love to do this myself! I will tell you that the solution is diligent exercise and careful, healthy eating. I'm still on the hunt for ab perfection, myself....
Not what you wanted to hear, I know. There are really two factors that play into a trim tum:
1) Genetics: Let's start at the beginning, when you were this cute little thing inside your Momma's tummy. You are part Momma and part Daddy, right? You get features and personality traits from both of your parents. For me, I have my Dad's nose and my Mom's small boobs. Sorry Mom, it's true! If you've seen my sister you know I speak truth. But luckily I also got my Dad's full lips and my Mom's energy. So, these are genetic qualities that I cannot change without some costly surgery. So your stomach (flat or not so much) is a genetic quality that you got from one of your parents. That's part one.
2) And part two: your stomach is a reflection of your diet and exercise routine. If you carry extra weight at all, it's going to likely land in your stomach (or hips, butt, back, thighs, arms - or all of the above).
Solution:
If you want flatter abs, you MUST eliminate the fat over the abs, meaning 3-5 cardio sweat-sessions each week. You can do a zillion sit-ups, crunches and twists, but if you have layers of fat over those muscles you will never see them. You can get cardio in a variety of ways - jogging, cycle, dance, kickboxing, boot camp, cardio machines.
That's really the basics of it.
And here's the fun part. The tricks:
1) Interval training to burn fat: I talked about cardio above and we all know it's critical. But the best way to get bang for your buck with cardio is to mix it up to burn fat. This means interval training. Rather than jogging at the same pace for 30 minutes, for example, jog at a moderate pace for 3 minutes, sprint for 2 minutes, moderate for 2 minutes, sprint for 3 minutes, etc. It keeps your body guessing thus tapping into fat stores to accommodate. I do this in my Zumba classes, we'll do 2-3 high intensity songs, then one slower song, then get the energy back up again. This keeps the body guessing and reduces muscle memory.
2) Foods that can help flatten: The omega 3 fatty acids in olive oil, salmon and avocados can help reduce belly fat and are just plain good for you. Incorporate them into your diet whenever possible. And remember that weight loss is about calories in vs. calories out. You have to burn more than you consume.
3) Ab exercises: Yes, you should work your core to get ab definition. The best exercises to strengthen the core are not just plain 'ol boring crunches. You must work the rectus abdominis (top layer of muscles) as a crunch does, but also the internal and external obliques (the side abs) and the transversus abdominis (the deepest ab muscles).
Pilates, in my opinion, is the best way to do this. You could take a class or find a DVD on Amazon. I love this one: Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout
Here are also some of my FAVE ab exercises. Check out my vid...and please ignore the pooch that Baby E left behind...it's still pretty apparent when I do crunches. When I stand up it's not as bad. And Ad Man videos my bad side... (Ok, sorry for being vain for a second):
1) Abdominal roll-ups
2) Canoe rows/Crazy Ivans
3) Toe Touches
4) Bicycle
5) Pilates Kicks
6) TKB-style punch crunches
7) Side scissors
Do each exercise for two minutes at least twice per week.
4) Sugar and carb limiting: Some of the worst culprits of weight gain (and ultimately weight accumulation on abs) are white carbs, including sugars. Try to switch from white bread to 100% whole grain wheat bread, swap white pastas and rices for wheat and brown versions. And limit sugars found in candy, baked goods and hidden culprits like high fructose corn syrup.
The most important thing to remember is to set realistic goals. Though it's not an excuse to avoid cardio and ab work, your genes do play a role, as I mentioned before. Sometimes your body will just hang onto a layer of fat over abs. And this is especially true of women in their child-bearing years. Our bodies naturally do this to protect a potential baby. And there is often-times some extra skin that hangs around. Which is my constant battle...
This doesn't mean you can't improve your mid-section, but it does mean you need to set realistic expectations of your body. Not everyone can look like a super model, but you won't stand a chance if you sit around with one hand in the cookie jar. Slow and steady wins the race, so be patient as you reach your fitness goals!
Thanks for the great question Jen!
Here's a question posed by my sweet friend, Jennifer!
Q: I want a SMALL tummy... how do i get there... :)
A: So this is the age-old question for women - how do I get flat abs? I wish I had a magical trick to share, because I would love to do this myself! I will tell you that the solution is diligent exercise and careful, healthy eating. I'm still on the hunt for ab perfection, myself....
Not what you wanted to hear, I know. There are really two factors that play into a trim tum:
1) Genetics: Let's start at the beginning, when you were this cute little thing inside your Momma's tummy. You are part Momma and part Daddy, right? You get features and personality traits from both of your parents. For me, I have my Dad's nose and my Mom's small boobs. Sorry Mom, it's true! If you've seen my sister you know I speak truth. But luckily I also got my Dad's full lips and my Mom's energy. So, these are genetic qualities that I cannot change without some costly surgery. So your stomach (flat or not so much) is a genetic quality that you got from one of your parents. That's part one.
2) And part two: your stomach is a reflection of your diet and exercise routine. If you carry extra weight at all, it's going to likely land in your stomach (or hips, butt, back, thighs, arms - or all of the above).
Solution:
If you want flatter abs, you MUST eliminate the fat over the abs, meaning 3-5 cardio sweat-sessions each week. You can do a zillion sit-ups, crunches and twists, but if you have layers of fat over those muscles you will never see them. You can get cardio in a variety of ways - jogging, cycle, dance, kickboxing, boot camp, cardio machines.
That's really the basics of it.
And here's the fun part. The tricks:
1) Interval training to burn fat: I talked about cardio above and we all know it's critical. But the best way to get bang for your buck with cardio is to mix it up to burn fat. This means interval training. Rather than jogging at the same pace for 30 minutes, for example, jog at a moderate pace for 3 minutes, sprint for 2 minutes, moderate for 2 minutes, sprint for 3 minutes, etc. It keeps your body guessing thus tapping into fat stores to accommodate. I do this in my Zumba classes, we'll do 2-3 high intensity songs, then one slower song, then get the energy back up again. This keeps the body guessing and reduces muscle memory.
2) Foods that can help flatten: The omega 3 fatty acids in olive oil, salmon and avocados can help reduce belly fat and are just plain good for you. Incorporate them into your diet whenever possible. And remember that weight loss is about calories in vs. calories out. You have to burn more than you consume.
3) Ab exercises: Yes, you should work your core to get ab definition. The best exercises to strengthen the core are not just plain 'ol boring crunches. You must work the rectus abdominis (top layer of muscles) as a crunch does, but also the internal and external obliques (the side abs) and the transversus abdominis (the deepest ab muscles).
Pilates, in my opinion, is the best way to do this. You could take a class or find a DVD on Amazon. I love this one: Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout
Here are also some of my FAVE ab exercises. Check out my vid...and please ignore the pooch that Baby E left behind...it's still pretty apparent when I do crunches. When I stand up it's not as bad. And Ad Man videos my bad side... (Ok, sorry for being vain for a second):
1) Abdominal roll-ups
2) Canoe rows/Crazy Ivans
3) Toe Touches
4) Bicycle
5) Pilates Kicks
6) TKB-style punch crunches
7) Side scissors
Do each exercise for two minutes at least twice per week.
4) Sugar and carb limiting: Some of the worst culprits of weight gain (and ultimately weight accumulation on abs) are white carbs, including sugars. Try to switch from white bread to 100% whole grain wheat bread, swap white pastas and rices for wheat and brown versions. And limit sugars found in candy, baked goods and hidden culprits like high fructose corn syrup.
The most important thing to remember is to set realistic goals. Though it's not an excuse to avoid cardio and ab work, your genes do play a role, as I mentioned before. Sometimes your body will just hang onto a layer of fat over abs. And this is especially true of women in their child-bearing years. Our bodies naturally do this to protect a potential baby. And there is often-times some extra skin that hangs around. Which is my constant battle...
This doesn't mean you can't improve your mid-section, but it does mean you need to set realistic expectations of your body. Not everyone can look like a super model, but you won't stand a chance if you sit around with one hand in the cookie jar. Slow and steady wins the race, so be patient as you reach your fitness goals!
Thanks for the great question Jen!
Grill Baby - Yummy (and easy) Recipes to Try Today!
And you know what that means, right? Yes, it means 100+ degree days and feeling like you need a shower every time you leave your house. But it also means that the grill is heating up, too.
So, ok, Ad Man is a brilliant griller. He takes pride in this cooking method in particular and ends up cooking most meals on the weekends. Which, I L-O-V-E for two reasons: 1) becuase the food is damn good and 2) because I can just handle sides (which I am best at anyway). I think a lot of men are big grillers. It's like a primal instinct. "Me man. Me cook meat on grill. You woman. You gather side dishes." [Insert grunting and chest pounding here].
No but seriously, there is major pride in preparing great grilled food. And I'll brag that Ad Man is the best!
But grill masters, you CAN eat healthy! You don't need oodles of sugary bbq sauces, oils and creamy side dishes. Grilling is inherently healthy since there aren't generally lots of oils needed for cooking. Here are some healthy grilling recipes that are tried and true at our house:
Chicken Skewers
Easy-peasy. Grab just about any veggie and cut into one inch pieces. Onions, bell peppers, squash and zucchini work perfectly. Then cut up raw chicken into 1 inch cubes. String the veggies and chicken onto metal or wooden skewers. Ad Man usually marinades the skewers in a zip-loc filled with light soy sauce and a dash of olive oil. Then before he grills, he spices it up with black pepper, garlic powder and a little salt. Grill those babies until the chicken is no longer pink. Then serve over brown rice.
The beauty of this dish? You can marinade in whatever you want! Lime juice and honey. Olive oil and rosemary. Salsa. You name it!
And you don't even have to use meat! Add some pineapple on there and make it a veggie/fruit skewer!
Cedar Plank Salmon
Ok, so this is my all-time fave meal. You can buy these cute little cedar planks at Bed, Bath and Beyond (or other places I'm sure). You just season a piece of salmon with olive oil, lemon and rosemary sprigs (we have rosemary growing in our garden, so fresh is easy for us!) Then put the fish on the cedar plank on the grill. Grill until desired doneness. I like salmon either raw (sushi) or fully cooked, but many eat it medium.
Serve with grilled veggies or brown rice.
Spicy Turkey burgers
If you know me well, you know that I go Ca-Razy for turkey burgers. It's perhaps one of my favorite meals ever. Eating turkey burgers at restaurants can be really misleading in the "healthy for you" department, unfortunately. The meat can be really fatty or prepared with lots of oils, so make sure you know the preparation details before you order it at a restaurant. Anyway, ok, so to make it at home we get extra lean ground turkey (I like Jennie O).
Moosh up the raw ground turkey with chopped onion, garlic, cilantro and a little taco seasoning. Grill it until no longer pink. I use Thomas' whole wheat bagel thins or wheat sandwich thins to cut out on calories vs. a regular bun. Top your burger with avocado, ketchup (sans high fructose corn syrup, which is one of my pet peeves) and lettuce, tomatoes and onion. I always opt for no cheese since for me it doesn't add that much extra to warrant the extra calories and fat.
Serve with fruit. Delish!
If you find that your turkey burgers are on the dry side, try adding a little Worcestershire sauce and/or a light bbq sauce when you smoosh everything together.
A hot grilling app
It has lots of recipes (which you can sort by meat), cooking times, prep tips, grilling tips, grill timer and a grocery list tool. Pretty fabulous!
There are some great recipes that you should try
(I found a few that look healthy):
1) Chicken Breasts with Citrus-Avocado Salsa
2) Kingston Jerk Chicken (just don't eat the chicken skin!)
3) Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lentil Salad
(just use light soy sauce and cut the olive oil in half. You will still have good results!)
I think Ad Man had better cook me up some this weekend!
Nakedly Yours,
M
Thursday, May 19, 2011
For the healthy sweet tooth...
I found a fabulous, wonderful, delicious, make-me-happy, dance around and sing treat at the grocery store. I was running into Kroger tonight to grab some random things after teaching Nike Training Club - mini pepperonis for Ad Man (don't ask), conditioner for me and crackers for Baby E - and I found heaven in a pre-packaged bag. There was like a halo glow around them and I swear I heard a choir of angels singing when I picked them up.
What is this amazing, heaven in a package you ask? Are you ready for it?
Thank you Ocean Spray.
I have always loved craisins, which are sweetened dried cranberries in case you are unfamiliar with this gem. They are a great snack with just enough sweetness to satisfy my ever-vicious sweet tooth and that lovely fiber to keep me full.
Sugar. Ok. Yes. There is sugar in them. But no high fructose corn syrup or other weird ingredients. Just milk chocolate and cranberries. It's 180 calories for 1/4 cup. And 1/4 cup is quite a bit. I felt very satisfied after measuring out my 1/4 cup of happiness. And yes, after dinner I broke out those suckers quicker than you can say "just a spoonful of sugar."
So on the dessert guilt scale, (1 being no guilt at all and 10 being "OMG I ate more calories in that cake than I should have in one week") I think that they are a 3.
Apparently they are limited edition. Should I stock up? I think I need some coupons...
Nakedly Yours,
M
What is this amazing, heaven in a package you ask? Are you ready for it?
Chocolate-covered craisins!
Thank you Ocean Spray.
I have always loved craisins, which are sweetened dried cranberries in case you are unfamiliar with this gem. They are a great snack with just enough sweetness to satisfy my ever-vicious sweet tooth and that lovely fiber to keep me full.Sugar. Ok. Yes. There is sugar in them. But no high fructose corn syrup or other weird ingredients. Just milk chocolate and cranberries. It's 180 calories for 1/4 cup. And 1/4 cup is quite a bit. I felt very satisfied after measuring out my 1/4 cup of happiness. And yes, after dinner I broke out those suckers quicker than you can say "just a spoonful of sugar."
So on the dessert guilt scale, (1 being no guilt at all and 10 being "OMG I ate more calories in that cake than I should have in one week") I think that they are a 3.
Apparently they are limited edition. Should I stock up? I think I need some coupons...
Nakedly Yours,
M
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Ok, seriously, I'm back. For real.
So a girl in my Mom's group emailed me tonight asking for a little "diet advice." And I took an hour to draft an uber long email with my opinions on refined sugars, carbs, exercise, etc. I got all fired up and am up past my bedtime. Hello, 10:07 PM? This girl is usually in bed and elbowing Ad Man to stop snoring by 9:30! And in case you are wondering, he is already in bed and yes, is snoring.
Ok, so while writing this novel of an email to my friend, I remembered my blog. The blog that I love writing. The blog that people always tell me they LOVE reading. The blog that is my passion in virtual form!
And I got all sad-faced over it.
I hate being sad-faced over anything, I think it causes wrinkles. So, dang it, I'm back to writing people. I will never FIND the time to write. I must MAKE the time to write.
I could give a list of excuses as to why I haven't written, but I HATE excuses. So I'll just tell you I'm back. For real. I'm going to post again. I promise.
And if I don't you can pinch me next time you see me.
Or make me do "sexy" push-ups in Zumba. You know who you are Zumba babies!
Or extra burpees in Nike Training Club.
Or...ok, you get it. You can call me out.
So, ok, now I really have to go to bed so that I can get my beauty sleep. Which is a big old lie after you turn 30...I feel like every morning I wake up and I look uglier - wrinkles are starting, bags under my eyes, etc.
But that is a different post for a different day.
Nakedly yours,
M
Ok, so while writing this novel of an email to my friend, I remembered my blog. The blog that I love writing. The blog that people always tell me they LOVE reading. The blog that is my passion in virtual form!
And I got all sad-faced over it.
I hate being sad-faced over anything, I think it causes wrinkles. So, dang it, I'm back to writing people. I will never FIND the time to write. I must MAKE the time to write.
I could give a list of excuses as to why I haven't written, but I HATE excuses. So I'll just tell you I'm back. For real. I'm going to post again. I promise.
And if I don't you can pinch me next time you see me.
Or make me do "sexy" push-ups in Zumba. You know who you are Zumba babies!
Or extra burpees in Nike Training Club.
Or...ok, you get it. You can call me out.
So, ok, now I really have to go to bed so that I can get my beauty sleep. Which is a big old lie after you turn 30...I feel like every morning I wake up and I look uglier - wrinkles are starting, bags under my eyes, etc.
But that is a different post for a different day.
Nakedly yours,
M
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)