It’s been a quite awhile since I’ve written. I had set out to write this blog for myself, because it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I didn’t want to do this to get famous or for the likes, but more of a way to express myself.
But the more I wrote and the more I posted, I started caring more about what others thought and the likes I was receiving. I felt uninspired and scared to post- worrying about what others might think or not generating enough likes. It’s definitely been an interesting journey thus far.
People that I thought would be excited for me or supportive have been silent, offering little to no support. What has surprised me the most is the community of bloggers out there and people that I had only considered acquaintances. So many people that I never expected to even read my blog have come out to show support. It’s definitely made me rethink my friends and people that I might have written off too soon.
This is a learning journey for me and I’m definitely just fumbling my way through this. But this is something that I want to do and continue to do and I’m going to get back on the wagon and start writing again. I’m making a promise to myself to stick to this and to do this for myself- so here we go again.
Motivation Monday and it’s all about the music. Music literally fuels my workouts and keeps me going. If I don’t have the right music, I just can’t push through. I have an extremely eclectic taste in music, but when I’m working out doing circuits and HIIT it has to be rap. When I go from runs it varies from house music to Britney Spears and then some.
My favorite app to listen to music is I Heart Radio. You’re able to chose by the artist, song, and “perfect for” which is a playlist perfect for working out, studying etc. I’ve found that I Heart Radio has the best variety and the least amount of commercials. I also love that you’re able to listen to podcasts and real-time radio channels.
Some of my favorite channels to listen to on I Heart Radio are:
Since my yoga challenge ended on 3/1, I’ve been a little lax on the fitness game. I’ve been busy sending my brother off to the Air Force and didn’t have the time to give it 100%. That’s part of life, there are times where you’re not going to be able to dedicate your whole self and that’s ok. It’s all about how you bounce back and get back to your routine.
For me having a routine is essential to having the best rounded life. It also means I schedule everything like crazy- woops. I’m a creature of habit.
Well I’m finally getting back on my routine (day 1) and it’s not easy…
Here’s is a glimpse of my daily eating routine and workout.
Breakfast
1 cup hot water with lemon, read from Channing Tatum’s nutritionist that if you drink hot water with lemon before you consume anything else in the day, it helps to cleanse and boost your metabolism. I’ve been doing it for about a week and I think it’s made a difference- I feel refreshed and has gotten me on a digestive schedule.
3 Tablespoons Fage Greek Yogurt with berries (blue or straw), flaxseed and pumpkin seeds. This fills me up and the berries help to cancel the nasty Greek yogurt taste.
Work out
I’m lucky enough to have a gym in my office building so instead of taking my lunch break, I go down and squeeze in a quick high intensity workout.
I’m restarting Kayla’s BBG– so I’m on Week 1, Day 1 and it kicked my ass. This workout is something I swear by, I’ve done it 1.5 times through before and it never gets easier. Definitely not for the faint of heart or someone with joint problems or previous injuries. Perfect for those on a time crunch and wanting to see good results.
Lunch
A BIG old salad- like HUGE. One big enough that everyone in the office knows how epic your salads are. I do a full head lettuce along with any veggies I have, top that off with ½ chicken breast. Dressing: 1 squeeze lemon, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. I eat this with some feta and black olives on the side. I’m a sucker for Greek salads and this to be is satisfying.
Snack
Apple with almond butter mix in some cinnamon OR string cheese OR dark chocolate OR sometimes all 3
Dinner
Anything I want in moderation. I always try to eat dinner with family and I want to be able to really eat with them, so I put no constraints. I eat till I’m satisfied, trying to never overeat.
Biggest part of how I’ve been successful so far is sticking to a routine, but giving myself leeway. You can’t stop living life or deprive yourself too much. Listen to your body and do what’s best for you!
Today my baby little brother left for the Air Force. I didn’t think I’d be this emotional or upset about him leaving. It’s hard to think that he’s dedicated the next 6 years of his life to serve our country. I’m so proud of everything that he will be doing, but at the same time fear for him. My brother is one of the best people I know. I’d like to take all the credit for the man he’s become but he was born to be special.
Ever since I was little, I prayed and constantly asked for a sibling- boy/girl it didn’t matter to me. When my mom became pregnant with him, I’d rub her belly and play the musician Yanni to him. I had at that point already decided that his name was going to be Yanni.
Yanni was born extremely premature and was a frail little guy, you wouldn’t believe me now if I were to tell you that, but it’s true. My brother has always been my best friend, even if I was bossing him around and bullying him. I’ve always been protective of him and only I could be the one to beat him up.
As we’ve grown up, we grew apart. Being too cool to hang out with each other, all we did was nag at one another. It wasn’t until the past few years that we’ve gotten close again and really value each other, not only as siblings but as friends.
Yanni is the most genuine person I’ve ever known. He has a good heart and great intentions. He’s caring and kind and is a great friend to anyone that’s lucky enough to have met him. He’s a goofball and incredibly weird. Most of all he’s loyal, determined and courageous.
I hope he realizes that everything I’ve done to him is because I love him and wanted to make him a stronger person. I wish him the best as he begins this journey. I pray that he will find his true calling and find success. I wish I could be there to protect you Yanni, but I know you’ll be ok. Good luck and I’ll see you soon.
Day 22 in my 30-day yoga challenge and I still leave feeling inspired. Today’s message was that nothing lasts forever- not your pose, workout, time or your current situation in life. Change is inevitable, but you have the power to make the change you want. No matter what situation is bringing you down or if you’re at your lowest low, what is most important is how you get back up. That is the true test.
In regards to my physical journey, I’ve always made excuses for myself. That I was born this way, that it was genetics, and that I will always be that bigger. It wasn’t until I decided to take action and actually tried to get healthier that I began seeing results.
Few changes I made were planning out my workouts and creating a good support team.
I used to go to the gym and just wing it, with no routine. Without a purpose, my workouts were unproductive. I thought that I was “putting in the work” based off the amount of time that I spent there, but I would rarely leave feeling tired or accomplished.
I downloaded the Beach Body Guide (BBG) by Kayla Itsines and it really has done wonders. Not only are the workouts great, but I love that it’s scheduled Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with set times for each set. The program makes you feel accountable, especially when you follow her on Instagram and the BBG community. On the off days you’re supposed to do some sort of cardio, and I found that the Couch to 5k program was perfect to sub in during those days.
Other ways to create your own routine is to follow other fitness people on Instagram or Facebook. Often times you’ll find workout video clips of their routines, just make sure that you write it down and understand the moves prior to going to the gym.
Use social media to your advantage, as inspiration and accountability. I love SnapChatting funny faces after a hard workout so that my friends know that I’m working hard.
It’s important to surround yourself with friends that are supportive and that might even be taking on a fitness journey of their own. You can put together a Google Document to record food, workouts and progress. Make it more motivating by starting a challenge, putting money on the line definitely ups the stakes. It’s important to remember at the end of the day that you’re there to support and help each other and that you want everyone to succeed.
It’s never too late to start and remember you can do anything if you set your mind to it.
Simply.Average 