Goals and S**t

Getting into a habit of writing down my weekly workout goals has been one of my biggest motivators. Seeing what I want to accomplish on paper has directly contributed to the accountability factor of me leading a more active life. Plus, I feel super badass at the end of the week looking at what I’ve crossed off. I like feeling the reward of self-discipline.

What has worked best for me has been to keep a very simple schedule. I found when I wrote down too many details, it could look a lot more intimidating than it actually was.

Here’s generally what my schedule looks like:

  1. Monday – Leg Day
  2. Tuesday – Trail Run (weather permitting)
  3. Wednesday – Upper Body/Core Day
  4. Thursday – Rest Day
  5. Friday – Cardio/Resistance Day
  6. Saturday – Day Hike (weather permitting)
  7. Sunday – Rest Day

My goal is to get into the gym or outdoors 4-5 times per week. However, I think that it’s important to listen to my body, and make adjustments to that schedule when necessary. For example, I’m currently a little under the weather and I’ve made the choice to rest and hydrate these last couple of days.

It can be discouraging and easy to fall off track when something doesn’t go as planned or expected. When I’m presented with an obstacle this quote always comes to mind:

Be flexible. It’s key. Life will always throw curve balls when it seems most inconvenient. Adjust, re-route and never stop pushing toward what you want out of life.

Fat Kid Friday

“Fat Kid Friday” is one of my favorite days! By the end of the week I look forward to celebrating with a special meal or a delicious treat!

These are my confessions.

I’m hardly ashamed of this beautiful creation.


“PB All Up in Yo Grill”

  • Peanut Butter
  • Granola
  • Olive Oil
  • Slice of Bread (halved)

Directions:

Start by placing a non-stick skillet on the stove-top at medium-high heat. Use a spatula to spread a tiny bit of olive oil on the skillets surface.

While the skillet heats, slice your bread in half. Spread peanut butter on both halves of the bread. Sprinkle granola on one half of the bread. Sandwich the two halves together.

Place this glorious sandwich on the heated skillet. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes on one side before using a spatula to flip it. Grab a plate while you wait an additional 2 minutes. Transfer the sandwich from the skillet to your plate with a spatula!

Remember to give yourself a break! Balance is important. Having a cheat meal or snack here and there helps me to stay on track!

Now, click here to listen to one of my favorite tracks and enjoy “Fat Kid Friday”!

 

So, do it. Decide.

One of the most important moments during weight loss for me was the decision to commit. It wasn’t an easy decision and was often challenged. Sometimes the challenge was the ease of sitting on the couch instead of going to the gym. Other times, it was the convenience of fast food. It was frustrating; I wanted to be thin and feel beautiful, but struggled to commit myself to a different lifestyle than I was used to.

My lifestyle habits were put into perspective when I found myself working for a funeral home. I was experiencing death on a daily basis, up close and personal. Being responsible for all of the death certificates, I regularly encountered heart and weight-related diseases as the cause of death. It shook me knowing that my own Grandmother died from a heart attack at the age of 57. Weight loss became more than skin deep for me. It became about my health and wanting to live a full life.

I committed. I made healthy, attainable goals. The gym became my therapy instead of the refrigerator. I replaced pizza with chicken breasts. Repeating positive affirmations took the place of self-doubt. Reading positive quotes fueled me when I felt down or experienced setbacks.

It became clear that like a lot of thing’s in life, it was my choice.