Hey everyone (me and my best friends mostly :D)! I hope everyone had a great week and an even better weekend. Mine was full of fun and friends, just like I like it.
Tuesday: I woke up and had my breakfast smoothie. I added a spoonful of coconut oil, and it really helped keep me full until lunchtime! I indulged a little at that point because drug representatives brought Chick Fil A to us, and I didn’t say no 🙂 I threw out the bun that came with the chicken sandwich. I was amazed at how full I still was and how much better I felt. I love my carbs, but heavy ones like buns can really weigh me down and make me feel crummy. After work, Chance and I went for a long walk. Then I finished up with a Tone It Up workout. I chose the 10×60 HIIT class. The class consisted of 10 moves done for 60 seconds each two times. They always walk you through a warm up and cool down afterwards. I was definitely sweating! I love Tone It Up because it has so many workouts you can choose from, and they have a daily workout every day. You sign up for a time and there are a bunch of other girls doing it with you. The video plays on our phone, laptop, TV, etc., and you just follow along. I love that I can do them at home or at the gym. They have ones with or without equipment. The girls are so encouraging and really know what they’re doing! Love it!! Kyle and I finished the night cuddling with our puppy and watching Supernatural. I made us chicken stir fry and a big salad.
Wednesday: I started my day with my breakfast smoothie again. At work, I had a big salad and half of a whole wheat turkey wrap. It was a crazy, busy day so I was definitely eating on the go. I also had to leave for about an hour to recertify in CPR so that threw off my day. I have some great coworkers who kept everyone on track with their chemo while I was gone. Kyle and I ran when I got home. We are training for his first 5K and our first race together. I absolutely love running with him and Chance. We are on week 4 of our 9 week plan. We warmed up and then did 1/4 mile running, 1/8 mile walking, 1/2 mile running, and 1/4 mile walking x 2. It was hot so we definitely got our sweat on and Chance was tuckered out at the end. It’s crazy how much the weather impacts our ability to run. You have to be able to adapt and listen to your body. Chance could run 8 miles with me in the winter with no problem. I mean, he did 13 with me before my mini marathon this year. He’s a powerhouse but his thick, black fur sure makes it even hotter! We ended up getting Chuy’s for dinner. I had their shrimp tacos. My ALL TIME FAVORITE.
Thursday: Guess what, smoothie again! Work was busy, busy again so I just snacked most of the day. I bring cherries, berries, granola, etc to work to snack on. If I don’t, I reach for the candy and baked goods our sweet patients bring in. After work, Kyle and I went to Applebees for dinner before the concert. I had the Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp. It was AMAZING. It was served with red potatoes, onions, and mushrooms. Delish! Kyle and I then went to see LINDSEY STERLING! She was AMAZING! I’ve been obsessed with her for years, and her concert was even more amazing than I expected. Her playing and dancing was phenomenal, and she stopped after every couple of songs and talked about her struggles and her victories and just gave some awesome encouragement to us all. 5 STARS!! Seriously, if you have the opportunity to go to one of her shows, GO!
Crappy photo, amazing performer.
Friday: I woke up a little later today since we were out late at the concert last night. Chance was thankful to sleep in too. I had a smoothie with frozen strawberries and peaches, coconut oil, almond milk, and protein powder. I headed to work around noon. I picked up the afternoon because we have been a little short staffed lately. They had catered in McCallister’s for lunch so I had a big salad with turkey and olives later in the day. Then my mom and I met at pizza king for our weekly date! Their Hawaiian pizza is our favorite. The crust is thin so it doesn’t make me feel blah afterwards. Once I got home, I did the booty and abs daily workout on Tone It Up and took Chance for a two mile walk. Then I finished the night with some Supernatural reruns (I’ve been on a kick lately) and a slice of dark chocolate!
Saturday: Today was a day of major cleaning and trying to tie up some loose ends around the apartment. I moved a few weeks ago so it is still a work in progress. That being said, I snacked my way through most of the day. I had hummus and pita chips, organic chips and salsa, and fruit. Once I got the cleaning done, I realized it was almost 6 o’clock. I grabbed my phone and did the TIU daily workout. It was Cardio Kickboxing Sculpt, and it was awesome! The best part? It was only 18 minutes! I had to improvise though because I don’t have much equipment besides a yoga mat. I’m going to head to Target tomorrow to pick up the TIU brand booty bands, dumbbells, and kettle ball. I am stoked to use them! My mom gave me a Target gift card last Christmas, and I somehow have not used it yet. WHAT?! I know. After that workout, my body told me I needed a real meal. I sauteed a chicken breast, mushrooms, and green beans in a reduced sodium, gluten free, organic soy sauce I found at EarthFare. My guilty pleasure is salt so I have to be careful with what I buy because I will find any excuse to use it! I put that over a half cup of whole grain quinoa, and it was delicious! Definitely satisfied me for the night.
After dinner, Chance and I went on a 3 mile walk. It was a beautiful night, and we love our walks together. He is doing so well with his training. I used to barely be able to take him out to go potty and now we can go for miles and he behaves the whole time! Trainers are a true blessing.
Chance, post walk, guarding the door like always!
Side note. After starting my healthy lifestyle journey a few months ago, I have noticed so many changes. My clothes fit better, I have more energy, I am working muscles I didn’t know I had, and my mental health is also getting better. I’m happier, more positive, and definitely learning how to love myself better. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it.
I hope you all have a GREAT Sunday.