Sunday Weigh-In 012

Oh hey!

I know, I've neglected my "blog world" for an entire week! Every attempt to write an entry this week ended with me falling asleep. Work has been tough, long hours in the sun and entertaining children no-less! I feel that August will mostly be weekend posts but I digress. At least I'm posting and at least I'm still dedicated to my cause - getting healthy! I have to be honest though, Wednesday I didn't work out. Throughout the week I like to exercise Monday-Saturday. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, I use my 5k trainer and if I have enough energy I stay at the YMCA and get some extra cardio in. On Tuesday, Thursday I train at Fitness Together and on Saturdays I do my hike/walk. This past Wednesday I got home with full intention on continuing my 5k training. I sat on my couch at 5pm and woke up at 8pm. That's how exhausted I was this week. My schedule at work right now also messes up my mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack so by the time I get home I'm starving. It's been difficult because when I'm really hungry I tend to nibble on things I shouldn't while I'm preparing dinner. I'm still a work in progress but at least I'm working.

I'm just going to end this post with some pictures from my relaxing Sunday. Another five day work week and a birthday party on Saturday. Let's do this!

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Sunday Weigh-in 010

Week ten people! I am on week ten. This week's weigh in isn't the best since it's a gain but I decided that I can't be upset if the scale goes up. It's going to happen from time to time so I can't make myself upset over it. It's not fair to my mind or body.

THIS IS OKAY, KRISTEN!

This week was especially difficult for me. I was disheartened on Friday when I realized how sad I've felt all week. I felt heavy and unmotivated which is weird because the scale was slightly lower and I found myself exercising every day this week. Training for my 5k is becoming more difficult by the day and I don't know if it has anything to do with how fatigued my body felt this week. However, what I did learn this week is that I need to give my body a rest. Last Sunday, I ran/walked around my neighborhood even though I wasn't suppose to train that day.

This Sunday I decided to take a break. I went to brunch with my family and then headed out to Balboa Park with my friend, Victoria. It was a great way for me to clear my head and refocus for the week. August is going to be really busy at work and I'm not looking forward to the tiredness I am going to feel this month.

Victoria enjoying the sun (or lack of underneath the trees).

Me staring into the sun. The sun is a great way to instantly make yourself feel better. It seems to refresh me and help me refocus myself. There's nothing better than enjoying what nature has to offer. 

Listening to planes overhead. Never forgetting that we're in the middle of a city. 

Rex watching us paint. 

The relaxation I enjoyed today put a lot of things into perspective. My friend Victoria has such an amazing way with words and I am so happy to have someone like her in my life. Sometimes when you're feeling down about life, or your goals, it's great to be able to openly talk about it with someone who can help give insight. Victoria understands my lack of motivation and the fact that I'm upset because I'm not noticing changes right now. However, she helped me realize that I am changing in ways that aren't obvious right now. We discussed my eating habits and the fact that I track calories. She also reminded me that I'm working out everyday. These are things I know and sometimes deny but they're true! I am working hard, harder than I ever have before. 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Sunday Adventures with Jessica

About two weeks ago, Jessica and I set out on an adventure to discover some treasures at a local thrift store. Jessica is a great friend because we share similar interests: food, shopping, and healthy living. I can always count on Jessica to be adventurous with food. Although I've been to The Mission before, she hadn't and I was excited for her to try their food (especially the soy chorizo, which neither of us chose this time around). I wouldn't say it's the healthiest option, but you can definitely make the food a bit healthier by substituting a few items. I got the corn tamales with black beans and egg whites. The tamales were sweet and delicious, I could only finish one. 

Jessica enjoying her morning cup of coffee.

Plato Verde con Huevos

Yum! Can't wait to have this again!

Art in The Mission (Downtown San Diego location)

Coffee bar (and bar, bar) included

Jessica looking fit and cute in her hat!

Jessica is the best photographer! I think I look fun and happy in my Jason Wu (for Target) dress!

Next it was onto Amvets (one of my favorite thrift stores). Although I passed on a few clothing items here, I scored in the book and jewelry section. Whenever I go to thrift stores, I find myself lost in the book section. I just love finding new and old books, books I've always promised myself I would read one day and books I never heard of before. In my bedroom I have a large collection of books. Hopefully one of these days I'll find the motivation to read some of them... I just find that my eyes start to close once I pick up a book. Any tips?

A thrift store open on Sundays? Can't be!

Books, books, books!

I love their large selection of clothing. 

My pretty finds!

Jessica is always up for an adventure so after the thrift store we decided to go to the Hillcrest Farmers Market. This is one of my favorite farmer's markets in San Diego. The space is just large enough with enough vendors to offer different options. I also like the food stands (tacos, anyone?). There's a green juice stand at the Farmers Market that I want to try the next time I go. I've been reading a lot about juicing and the benefits of it. I started researching juicers! Oh, like I need another kitchen appliance. 

Oh no, we didn't stop here! We went onto Sipz Cafe. It's a cute little vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Clairemont. I really like this place because they serve everything in bowls! This time I tried the Kung Pao "Chicken" but what I usually get is the BBQ "chicken." I don't usually venture from my usual but I figured I would give something spicy a go. I didn't really enjoy the Kung Pao "chicken" but that's only because it wasn't spicy enough. Maybe next time I'll get the mongolian BBQ...

Eating seaweed salad is funny!

Finished off the day with the pittys, Rocko and Junior! What handsome models!

I hope you enjoyed a sneak peak into my weekend! Sundays are rest days! Always remember to give your body a rest. 

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Monday Weigh-in 007

Yikes! This is what happens when you don't exercise throughout the week. I only made time to exercise on Tuesday and Thursday, my designated training days, and then a hike on Saturday. I'm hoping this week is different. I really want to get that number down past the 210's. I know I can do it, it's just a matter of working hard and motivating myself. This week I'm trying a different approach which I hope to discuss on Friday. I have a really unhealthy habit of letting my personal life get in the way of my personal growth. I know that sounds weird but I let everyone's emotions effect how I feel about myself. My personal problems with my family, friends, or exboyfriends keep me stuck here, at this limbo. I feel unmotivated when I'm sad and I would rather sit in bed and listen to music.

This week I'm focusing on me. I need to let go of some "demons" and continue to grow. I'm not going to let this number stop me from reaching my goal. Four pounds is nothing and I'm determined to lose them!

Sometimes we all need a kick in the butt, I got mine this weekend.

However, here is some photo love to brighten up this post a little!

The puppies enjoying ice cream (lucky dogs... hehe)

Sunday night dinner. I love me some brussels sprouts! 

Trying to look pretty for work. Sometimes looking pretty gets my mind off things... 

I hope everyone is having a fabulous week.

Until next time, keep smiling.

Hiking a "Mountain"

Last week, Jessica (The Jessica L Blog) and I went on a hike in Mission Trails. It was a great 2 hour hike with lots of bugs and sweat! Jessica and I walked around the lake - or at least tried to - but we quickly realized that we were at a dead end. I decided to show her to dam and on the way we passed by a hill (pictured below). Jessica asked me where the hill went to and if I ever hiked it. I laughed and said of course not. That's when it hit me. I need to hike that hill. I felt challenged, not by Jessica, but by myself. I asked her if she wanted to and of course, she said yes. I dreaded walking up that steep hill (or at least it looked steep to me). I was worried I was going to get stuck half way and embarrass myself. I've never been much of an uphill hiker and so the thought of it was very daunting. However, I had my dog Junior helping me and I was so excited when I made it up that hill. Sweating and breathing hard - my heart rate reached 187. I was just so happy I made it up. I looked out and over Mission Trails and I felt proud. It made me realize how important it is for me to confront my fears and to challenge myself. 

Here's Junior helping me up the hill. Actually, he really wanted to meet the dog that the people ahead of me had walking with them. Of course, never thinking of me! 

The top of the hill! I made it! I danced! I laughed! I cried! I screamed! Okay, I didn't do any of that but I sure was proud of myself! 

Now, we had to walk through here and then make a right to the dam. Going down hill was difficult with a pulling dog.

A perfect picture spot!

Jessica and Stella taking the lead. It looked like we were in an "enchanted" forest. No, not really but it sure was pretty! 

Oh, thanks Junior for participating. The end of a lovely hike with a lovely girl and our lovely dogs! Now we get to celebrate with frozen yogurt courtesy of Golden Spoon!

Until next time, keep smiling! 




Kristen 

Monday Weigh-In 001

Every morning my boyfriend wakes me up at around 5-5:30am. He lives in Louisiana so it's not completely "weird" but when he does that, I tend to say good morning and then fall back asleep. I've been trying to wake up when he calls but for some reason, I've had no desire to get out of bed. Today was different. It was mostly different because I need to start putting my foot down (off the bed) and get going in the morning. However... my dog, Rex, had different plans. 

Alright Rex, you can sleep in...

Every Monday morning, I want to do a weigh in. It may help keep me motivated - also, it may help motivate me to paint my toe nails! 

And here it is, the "truth."

Now, I know a lot of people don't like to focus on the "number" but for me, the number helps. I don't see changes on myself right away. Yes, I feel better and happier but I get motivated by results. The change in that numbers helps me know that I'm balancing input and output of calories. Does it help anyone else? 

Anyway, onto breakfast....

I had strawberries with cottage cheese and honey along with some oatmeal. The Quaker Maple and Brown Sugar (Weight Control) is my favorite. I'm still not a fan of cottage cheese but I'm going to eat it because I bought it and I really dislike wasting food. 

After eating breakfast, I packed my food for the day. 

I like to pack a mid-morning snack, my lunch, and an afternoon snack. Sometimes I don't eat it in this order and sometimes I don't eat what I pack at all. For example, for my mid-morning snack I had a banana and the nuts. For lunch I just ate my salad, the "chicken" patty, fruit salad, and the Fiber One bar. I decided not to have an afternoon snack due to my late lunch. (I just ate the apple as an after dinner snack.)

Here I am enjoying some time after work with my animals. After this I worked out... just to earn a few more calories for dinner. WHAT? That's my motivation sometimes! Haha :-)

Taylor wanted to hang out as well... 

After I worked out I made dinner but I'll save that for another post! 

Until then, keep smiling! 

Kristen