Real Talk Guide To Your First Hot Yoga Class

June 7, 2012 · By ·

Since I’ve become that weirdo who never stops babbling about how “yoga is changing my life” and “how I can feel a shift in my true self” since I started going to yoga regularly, I’ve been trying to force my friends into going with me. The style of yoga I currently practice is Vinyasa Flow, but in my early 20′s, I was a Bikram fanatic, so I have experienced all manner of hot yoga.

When I finally convince a friend to drink the Kool Aid and come to class with me, the two questions I get most often are: “Am I going to die?” and the second is ”What is it like?” and/or “What do I need to do?” To the first, I say that I doubt it, and for the second question(s), I have these tips:

  1. It’s gonna be hot. It’s hot in there. That’s why it’s called “hot yoga.” My current studio practices at about 86 degrees; other studios will be hotter. But trust me, you will adjust. The first best thing you can do is to drink a TON of water. I feel part camel since I started going to yoga. I cannot drink enough water. Secondly, stay in the room. You won’t want to. But if you start feeling super hot, the best thing you can do is lay down, breathe deeply and just rest. Sometimes, the first few weeks simply consist of learning to stay in the room.
  2. Don’t eat a lot beforehand. I usually stop eating about 90 minutes before my class. I definitely eat something, but I don’t eat anything I fear will make me feel sluggish or gross. An apple and peanut butter is my favorite thing to have pre-yoga. Not eating helps you feel better in the heat, and also keeps you from being That Guy, who pierces silence and/or teaching with the dreaded yoga fart (gross, I know, but I promised Real Talk, and trust me, yoga farts are real life. For other people).
  3. Clean yo self. If you go to yoga after work, and you don’t at the very least wash your feet, I don’t want to know you. One of the ickiest parts of yoga is all the sweating. Also, sometimes, your sweaty body gets really close to other people’s sweaty bodies. I have had to get real comfortable with other people’s feet and hands and bodies being near me during class, and vice versa. Do EVERYONE a favor and smell good going in. DO NOT DROWN YOURSELF IN FRAGRANCE. The smell is multiplied. But also make sure you wash off the funk of the day before you go in. Pro tip: I carry WetOnes with me if I don’t have a chance to go home. It gives me a chance to quickly wipe off my feet and pits, before reapplying deodorant.
  4. Calm down. The whole point of yoga is not just to get Jennifer Aniston’s arms, but also to teach you to mellow out. Your first class can definitely be overwhelming and weird. But seriously? Relax. Do your best. But mostly, just observe, and go with it.
  5. Worry about yourself — but not too much. This one is hard! I get down on myself when I can’t do something. Part of yoga is learning to embrace what is, and most of the time, that isn’t a “perfect” class where I do everything right. This is embarrassing/mean/awful, but I totally cop to being annoyed with people who take every possible chance to go into handstand or arm balances because I’m jealous of their skills. Instead of being all zen and like, “Wow, something to aspire to!” I think, “SCREW YOU, SHOW OFF.” Clearly, I’m still really needing these classes. It is totally and completely MY PROBLEM. I have also had many, many moments where I have prayed that no one saw what I just did. Again, my problem. Bottom line: your practice is between you and your mat. Don’t worry about what others can or can’t do. Just do you. No judgment, for yourself or others. This is probably advisable outside of yoga, too.
  6. Act like you’ve been there. If you pay attention, it’s kind of easy to see what etiquette is acceptable in class. Most studios don’t encourage the loud grunting you’d find in a weight room. Chatting with a friend in between poses is usually a no-no. And final rest is always silent. Watch what everyone else is doing, follow suit and you’ll fit right in.
  7. Have fun. It’s gonna be awesome. Enjoy it! It’s okay to fall out of poses, or not be able to get into poses, or to just rest. It’s also okay to laugh. Enjoy the resting poses, the sweating, the time to really be away. Don’t let your first class, or even your first month of classes, determine your impression. Keep at it. It’s worth it. I promise.

Fellow yogis — what tips would you give someone going to their first class? Yoga newbies — what other questions do you have?

Filed Under: Getting Healthy ·

A race recap, a tutu metaphor and putting the haters on notice…

June 5, 2012 · By ·

On Sunday, I ran my second 5K. Wearing a tutu.

It was a great race. I beat my last time by almost FOUR minutes. I remembered all my technology this time (as opposed to my first race where I left my Garmin and my iPod with my perfect running playlist!) and got up extra early to have plenty of time to eat, pound some coffee and wake up. The race started at the state capitol, and wound through the streets of downtown Sacramento. It was super fun to run through the (closed) streets — I felt like a less-pretentious Kelly Bensimon (although, that was easy, because has there ever been a more pretentious human?), gliding huffing and puffing through the city. I felt strong, and ran more of the 3.1 miles than I ever have. I set my personal best on a mile time (under 13 minutes!) and had a great time. The race was well-organized right down to the insane number of porta potties — no bathroom lines before a race. Runners will totally appreciate the rarity of that!

The interesting thing about this race was my tutu.

Did you know that people have really strong feelings about tutus? Me, either. At my last race, it seemed weird if you didn’t have some sort of flare situation happening. At this race, I was literally the only person wearing a tutu. Some people were sweet and adoring, complimenting me on the tutu and as I ran by some spectators, they’d call out sweet things. Other people were completely horrid about it. There was eye-rolling, whispered comments, and audibly rude comments. One woman looked me straight in the face and told me, “God, I hate people who wear tutus to races.”

I am somewhat outgoing, but I really dislike moments when I’m in the spotlight (even inadvertently) in a manner that’s out of my element. I will act a fool in my own classroom where I am 100% comfortable, but I will not, under any circumstances, stand up and dance alone at a concert. You can imagine how I felt being the sole wearer of a neon colored tutu that absolutely screamed, “LOOK AT ME!” People stared. I…looked at my iPhone a lot, and even though I was alone, I’d scan the crowd every few seconds as if I were waiting for a friend to show up. It was awkward.

I’m going to turn this into a healthy living metaphor because OF COURSE I AM. But truly, one of the most difficult things about this healthy living journey has been the reaction of other people. Most of the people in my life have been wildly supportive. My family is amazing. I could not ask for a more supportive partner than Andrew, who not only cheers me on, but helps me deal with the more “emotional” side of things, and never makes me feel anything less than beautiful, even when I come home sweaty from yoga. The majority of my friends cheer me on and don’t complain when I want to go to healthy places and never make me feel left out when I don’t drink alcohol or order dessert.

There are the friends/coworkers/random internet commenters who choose (consciously or not) to be detractors — the ones who make me feel less fun when I’m not drinking, or pressure me to order dessert. Someone recently reminded me “it’d be okay if I didn’t follow through” when I mentioned that I was signed up for a half marathon, and insinuated that since I’m not getting crazy fast yet, I must not be good at running, so I shouldn’t keep trying. Others comment on my food choices in a negative manner or roll their eyes when I talk about the things I’m working on. It feels weird, and hurts my feelings, and quite honestly, it just baffles me.

It seems like they don’t like my tutu, if you will.

I definitely considered ditching my tutu behind a bush after the first few comments, but then thought, “EFF IT” and wore that tutu, PROUDLY, the whole damn race.

I feel the same way about this whole healthy living journey. It would be easy to cave to pressure or comments. I mean, look, it’s not like I don’t want the dessert or the wine or the pasta. TRUST ME, I WANT IT AND I MISS IT. Like the deserts miss the rain. But I’m trying to do something here, and it’s working.

There will be always be naysayers and people who cannot be supportive of me (or you!) in life, be it on a healthy living journey or any other kind of life change. But what I’m trying to accept is that their reaction is about them, not me. I’m not doing anything to them, or for them. I’ve maintained from day one that this journey is for me and my own health, end of story.

I’ve been on the other side of the journey — so many people I know have done amazing things to get healthy, and I know without a doubt that I have had moments of eye rolling, jealousy or feeling annoyed. It was uncomfortable for me because they were taking steps to be happier, healthier and stronger, while I was staying stagnant. As I’ve progressed on my own journey, the more I’ve wanted to be more supportive of the choices the people I love are making, because I know how much that support matters. Conversely, when people are less supportive, I’ll be honest: I want less of that in my life, because a random comment from a stranger is one thing, but people who are in my life for realsies that are unsupportive? That’s unacceptable.

So whether it’s regarding my tutu or the healthy choices I’m (attempting) to make every day, haters, you’re on notice.

How do you deal with those who detract from your goals (healthy, or otherwise)?

Filed Under: Getting Healthy ·

40 Day Transformation Yoga Challenge: 4 weeks

May 17, 2012 · By ·

One thing I didn’t mention in my Paris round-up post is that I had a moment when we were at the Sacre-Coeur. It started when we climbed the dome at the top of the cathedral. It’s a long hike of 300 steps in a tiny, narrow chamber. I don’t do well in confined spaces and there was no way to see how much further you had to go. There were several moments during the climb when I had to pause, tears in my eyes, and tell Andrew I didn’t think I could make it to the top. The thing is though that once you’re in the tiny, narrow staircase, you pretty much have to finish — the exit goes the other way. Thankfully, I made it to the top, and this is what I was rewarded with:

The view of the city from the top is absolutely astounding. I was so glad I’d made it up there.

We finished our tour of the Sacre-Coeur, and to be honest, I was still reeling from the panic I’d felt climbing up to the top. As we wandered through the cathedral, I saw people praying and lighting candles. The stations of the cross were hung up in honor of the approaching Easter holiday. There was so much history and emotion in the building, and as we wandered, the sound of a choir singing hymns in French echoed off the walls.

I’ve written before about my sadness over my faith and as I looked around at all of the symbols of the faith that used to be mine, I started to cry. I felt so alone and separate from this life I used to know. I watched people praying and lighting candles for their prayers and I missed feeling that I had an outlet to do so.

When I spilled out of the cathedral, Andrew let me have a minute alone, looking out over the hordes of people sitting and hanging out in the Montmartre neighborhood. And then I heard it: a street musician playing “Let It Be” by the Beatles, a song so significant to me that I have “Let It Be” tattooed on my arm.

Then I really lost it.

All the sadness I’d felt about that part of my life came flooding out. I felt silly and couldn’t put words to my emotions, but I leaned against a railing and sobbed. The street musician approached me, trying to engage, and I just couldn’t. Andrew finally put some money in his case so that he would leave me be.

I don’t know how to explain what happened there, other than for the first time in a few years, I felt something profound in that area of my heart and spirit. I thought I didn’t feel those things anymore, yet here I was, on the trip of a lifetime in the most beautiful church I’d ever seen, bawling.

At first, I took it as a sign that I absolutely should find a church the minute we got home. But as I researched and sought out a place that aligned with my beliefs and thoughts, I came up empty handed, as I have for so long. I shelved the idea and chalked it up to a silly overly emotional moment on a trip where I was tired and overwhelmed.

Then I went to yoga.

Yoga has opened up that spiritual space in my life again. Yes, my body is changing and I get a workout unlike anything I’ve ever experienced every single time I go, but there’s a bigger thing that keeps me going to my mat. There is absolutely zero religious talk, but the lessons are similar to what I felt at church. People talk about kindness to self and others. They discuss meeting people where they’re at, and the practice of gratitude. I have cried on my mat the way I used to when a church service moved me, and I have come out of the studio feeling peace and joy. I have found patience in situations where I typically have none, and I have felt more serene and content as a result of my practice.

The 75 minutes I spend on my mat — both the physical practice and the messages my teachers share — give me a peace that I haven’t felt for years. It has become my place to go and let go of the things I’m worried about because it’s 75 minutes of quiet and peaceful meditation, with myself. The group I have met with each Thursday for the 40 Day Transformation is kind, supportive and positive, and I have so missed having a community of people I feel that I connect with. And each time I practice, I walk out feeling a little bit better about my life and myself.

When the people in my life have asked me what drove me to sign up for this 40 Day Transformation, I’m always honest: to lose weight. That’s the truth. I didn’t go in seeking anything other than a workout.

I’ve lost some pounds, but what I’ve found is the thing that’s truly amazing.

Filed Under: Being Amy, Getting Healthy · Tagged: ,

My first 5K!

May 7, 2012 · By ·

Well, I did it! I ran my first race. It was a pretty great experience, and I’m super glad I did it.

As I wrote last week, my Wednesday run was an absolute nightmare. Thankfully, I had two pretty serious morale boosters. On Friday, I went out and did an easy mile and a half run and felt amazing. I definitely felt more confident after having a good run. On Saturday morning, I woke up early to go to yoga and saw this:

Elizabeth dropped these off early in the morning, and they were the BEST surprise ever! I was so excited and touched and it made my morning. I had an amazing yoga class, which totally bolstered my confidence and left for Bri’s house feeling excited and ready.

We met up with Nicole, Amber, Becca and Gretchen for a pre-race dinner. I had whole wheat pasta with meat sauce—I wanted some protein but didn’t want to do white flour the night before a race. It was delicious and the company was lovely. Bri and I headed home and went to bed early.

Early yesterday morning, I woke up, had a cup of coffee, a banana and some peanut butter—it’s my current favorite pre-run food. I got dressed in my pre-run outfit and Bri and I headed to meet up with her friends. When we arrived, I realized I had forgotten both my Garmin and my iPod filled with my carefully-constructed workout playlist. I freaked out. I live and die by my playlist, and I knew that without it, this run would SUCK. Thankfully, one of Bri’s friends loaned me her headphones and I was able to use my iPhone to play a similar playlist. I cannot tell you how grateful I was to have music. I also know I’ll never make the same mistake again.

We got close to the race and took a few pictures:

I wore a pretty standard grey tank/black capri/ but threw on a hoodie from my yoga studio, a Team Sparkle skirt and a sparkly Bani Bands headband (all of which match my shoes—not pictured!). It was fun to have a little extra sparkle for this run—it was the Diva Run after all!

We watched the half marathoners go and the lined up in our corrals. I was INSANELY nervous but when it came time to go, I was super excited. I tried to stay in a good mental place and just go slow and steady. I ran the first 1.5 miles without stopping but then had to take a brief walk break. I picked up the pace again until the last half mile when I got a HORRIBLE stitch in my side. It was pretty bad. I slowed to a walk and walked about a quarter of a mile until the cramp went away.

Right before the finish line, you are given a tiara and a feather boa to wear across the finish line. Once I had my tiara and boa, and saw the finish line, I got ridiculously excited and ran pretty hard. I was SO excited! It was fun to hear the announcer yell my name and to cross over, knowing I’d done my first real race.

I grabbed my bagel and grapes from the “cafe” area, was handed a rose and a shirtless man put my medal on me (hahahaha—no really!) and I sat under a tree and enjoyed my snack. I felt surprisingly good and stretched out a bit.

One of the things I heard over and over again from (well-meaning) people was that this was “just a 5K.” I completely recognize that for some people, for most people even, running 3.1 miles is a short distance and no big deal. For me, this race was so much more than a 5K. It has symbolized a huge change in my life, and in me. On a simple level, it’s that I’ve really, really committed this time to getting healthy. But on a deeper level, for me, this has been about changing my belief about myself and what I’m capable of. I used to say that I would never be a runner because I just wasn’t good at it. I’ve believed that I would never be able to get healthy or make real change in myself. But with every training run or yoga class, and especially in crossing the finish line, I’m proving myself wrong.

Next race: June 3! I’m doing the Kaiser Women’s Fitness Festival 5K in downtown Sacramento. My goal is under 40 minutes. I’m pretty sure that with some extra work this month, I can make it happen—I can’t wait to get back out and run this week.

Filed Under: Being Amy, Getting Healthy ·

A 40 Day Journey

April 18, 2012 · By ·

Tomorrow, I’m starting a 40-day journey that I’m nervous and excited about.

Over the past few months, I’ve taken a few yoga classes at a local studio called Zuda Yoga. Every class I’ve been to has been amazing, both for my body and my emotional well-being. For a long time now, I’ve been looking for a yoga studio where I feel really comfortable and welcome, and that also offers a challenge. As a former Bikram fanatic, a hatha yoga class isn’t quite enough for me (I want a workout!) but I’ve been unhappy with the Bikram studios I’ve tried in Sacramento. Zuda Yoga is a good blend—there is definitely an emotional component, but the Vinyasa flow part always leaves me sweaty, too. I haven’t been as committed as I would like to be since I’m focusing on running and general exercise, but I know that running and yoga go hand-in-hand, and that yoga has amazing physical and mental benefits that will make me better as I continue on my journey towards getting healthy.

Zuda Yoga offers a 40-Day Transformation program. The program focuses on yoga (between four and six days in studio; two days at home), meditation and journaling. It follows the guidelines outlined in Baron Baptiste’s book 40 Days To Personal Revolution for diet (not a strict plan, but eating whole foods). Each week, in addition to the yoga practice, the group of participants will meet to talk about our journey and meditate.

I heard about the 40 Day Transformation from a few friends who have done it. All of them told me that it changed them, helping them become stronger and healthier, both in a physical and emotional sense. Yes, practicing six times per week is intense (especially considering the fact that I’m actively training for races and need to continue!), but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m also looking forward to the meditation aspect of the program. Learning to meditate has been on my Life List for a long time, and I think that it will be a good compliment to my healthier lifestyle. The book we will be using also focuses on breaking negative habits and replacing them with more positive ones. While I’ve been on-track health-wise for a month now, I’m really looking forward to strengthening my ability to make positive choices and grow in that area of my life.

I’ve made quite a few strides towards health and positive choices in the past month in particular, and this feels like another one that will ultimately help me achieve my goals. I’m also excited to get back into yoga!

It’s going to be epic. I just know it.

Do you practice yoga? Have you ever done a challenge like this? 

Filed Under: Getting Healthy ·

On the intersection of Paris, running and making myself happy…

April 4, 2012 · By ·

I’m not quite sure what Paris had to do with deciding to be a runner, and exactly what running has to do with a recent, personal decision to just stop being unhappy and fix things but I’m going to try to explain the thoughts that have been floating around my brain the past few weeks.

I’m a nervous person. An “anxious bunny” is the cute way I describe it, but really, it’s true. For a long time, I watched people travel and quietly dismissed that as an option for myself, because it seemed like something I was incapable of doing. A long flight? A new place where I don’t speak the language? It seemed to be too much. On top of that, I have believed for a long time that I wasn’t financially stable enough to plan a trip of that magnitude, despite my finances being pretty darn stable for the past few years — I got so used to seeing myself as financially unstable and punishing myself for previous mistakes that I’d dismissed it as an option.

Somehow, I figured out that taking a trip to Paris was something that I wanted to do badly enough to do it. So, I did: I saved and planned and made it happen. And as I stood underneath the Eiffel Tower, I realized, “I did this for myself.”

And the thing about making things happen for yourself is that once you do it a little, you want to do it more.

Before leaving for Paris, I’d committed to running two 5K’s. But, just as my perceived anxiety and (imaginary) financial problems kept me from wanting to plan a trip, there was a part of my brain that believed I would never, ever actually do it. I’ve signed up for races before, and bailed every time. Any reader of this blog knows that I’ve started fitness regimen after fitness regimen, and since I’m still writing about it, it’s obvious that I haven’t succeeded.

And yet, upon my return from Paris, and my subsequent realization that I have the power to make things happen for myself, it became clear that I was going to run these 5K’s. Something was rewired in my brain, and I realized that I can. I can do all of the things I’ve always wanted to do, even the things that seem hard. And you know what? I haven’t missed a training run yet. I’ve exercised almost every day since arriving home. Because I know that I’ve got this. I have no doubts that I’ll cross that finish line on May 6th, feeling strong and prepared.

In her new book, Anne Lamott writes this brilliant bit about feeling as if you missed that day of school when everyone else learned the secrets of life, of how to cope, of how to do things. And I cried when I read that page, because this is how I’ve felt my whole life: that everyone else had some secret knowledge of how to make their lives optimal, and I was missing that gene. I’d be lying if I said that isn’t completely confirmed daily on the internet, on TV, in magazines, when we are bombarded by people doing amazing things and looking fantastic while doing it.

When you feel incapable or powerless, it’s easy to want to retreat to these places. To feel jealous instead of inspired, to compare your life to others, to feel less than. It’s even easier to absorb yourself in “Internet drama” or zone out to far too many episodes of “Friends.” Because it’s easy. Because you feel like you have no other options, since you’re missing the ability to fix your own life. To be honest, it’s easier to feel powerless. Then you don’t have to do anything. You don’t have to admit that you have all the things you need to make your life what you want it to be, right inside of yourself.

The beautiful truth I realized in making a big dream come true was that I can do it. The harsh reality is realizing that making your life what you want it to be is work. For me, it is turning off the television and picking up a paintbrush. It is saying goodbye to the Google Reader coma and hello to my own writing. It is running, even when exhausted. It is proving myself wrong in 30 minute increments.

I’ve always loved that Mary Oliver poem that asks, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do / with your one wild and precious life?” If you’d asked me before, I’m not sure I’d have been able to give you an answer I loved. And while I’m not sure how everything is going to unfold, I can tell you this: I’m not going to spend it mired in the small things of life. It won’t be on Facebook. It won’t be feeding myself food that makes me feel like crap. It won’t be with people who make me feel badly about myself.

Like I said, I’m not sure exactly how all of these things came to fit together in my brain, but they have, and I can honestly say that the past few weeks have been some of my strongest and happiest in months. I’m engaged in my “real life” again. And I have a feeling this is only the beginning.

 

Filed Under: Being Amy, Getting Healthy ·

Creating a healthier kitchen…

September 20, 2011 · By ·

Over the past year or so, the foods I have in my kitchen have changed dramatically. My pantry used to be full of sugar and baking supplies, my freezer full of quick and “healthy” meals, and my refrigerator full of diet soda. Andrew and I have given it a total overhaul (some of which can be seen here) but we are still looking to make our kitchen better, by working on purchasing healthier foods and being more earth friendly.

Since we are moving into a new place, we figured that there’d be no better time to make some positive changes in how we grocery shop and what we purchase.

First of all, we’re looking to change how we shop. We’ve decided to try purchasing grass-fed meat purchased from a local, family-run farm as part of a meat share. Not only is this better for us, it’s better for the environment. We’ll continue to purchase our chicken from Whole Foods or our local co-op. We’re also looking for a place to get reasonably priced cage free eggs (any local folks want to chime in?).

Next, we’re trying to reduce our trips to the store. We got a Costco membership last week and we plan to use it to purchase household items (garbage bags, paper towels, etc.) monthly, as well as frozen veggies, some meat, and other items we don’t need to shop for weekly. We’re hoping this will cut down on the number of trips to the store we make in a week, as well as save money.

We’re also planning on using the farmer’s market for produce. Typically, we go to the store with a really specific list of veggies and fruits we’re hoping to purchase, and sadly, much of it gets thrown out. I’m hoping that by going to the farmer’s market once a week, we’ll be able to purchase a more reasonable amount of produce, as well as eat seasonally, support local farmers and get more organic fruits and veggies for less. Of course, I’m a realist and totally understand that we’ll have to go to the store occasionally, but since both Andrew and I hit the store 2-3 times per week for random crap, we’re hoping this will make things a little better, as well as save us some money.

And as for the going green stuff, I’ve got some lofty goals there, too. First, we’re going to stop buying spices in plastic bottles, and switch over to purchasing them in bulk and storing them in jars. I’m excited because it’s pretty and also because I think buying in bulk makes much more sense. Our local food co-op has every spice one can imagine ready for purchase, and I am excited to take advantage of this.

We’ve also got the privilege of using our new landlords composter! I’ve wanted to compost for years—my grandparents had a composter when I was a little girl, and now that I’m gardening, I’m excited to have a way to use the compost. We’ll be working on being better at recycling, and using most of our waste in the composter. I’m sad to admit that this will be a major change for our household.

Finally, I’m hoping to change our cleaning products into either homemade cleaners or purchase more Method and Mrs. Meyers cleaning products. Do you have any green cleaning tips? Recipes for making effective, yet earth-friendly cleansers?

I’m really excited about making these changes. Moving always feels like a fresh start, and it feels even more excited to have some household goals and changes to be committed to.

How do you grocery shop and cook healthfully and while saving money? Any “green” tips I should try?

Filed Under: Getting Healthy, Tasty Things ·

Eating Healthy: Planning Ahead

August 30, 2011 · By ·

One of the things I’m asked most often is about how I plan ahead for healthy lunches at work. Warning: some of this may seem seriously simple to those of you who are crazy organized. Alas, I’m routinely questioned about not just what I eat, but how I prep it healthfully, and so, the idea for this post was formed.

The first thing you should know is that if I had it my way, I would consume a scone from Starbucks and a massive white mocha for breakfast every day of my life. Or maybe an enormous bowl of cereal. Lunch would be pasta in some form and a large Diet Coke. Since this is obviously not conducive to my goal of losing weight, I had to streamline things a bit. You should also know that while I will occasionally eat leftovers, doing it every day is against my religion. I used to be a devotee of Smart Ones, Lean Cuisine, etc. but as I’ve moved towards eating fresher, healthier food, I needed something easy and freezable.

For breakfast, I like to keep things simple. I either eat some frozen broccoli, chicken-apple sausage and eggs, or a smoothie. I’m a fan of the Green Monster by Oh She Glows or Ashlee’s Super Smoothie. I absolutely HATE being hungry in the morning, and I want to feel full, so I always add a heaping scoop of protein powder to the smoothies. I usually eat breakfast around 6 AM (or drink a smoothie while driving ’til 6:30 AM) and have a quick snack before I start teaching at 9 AM. I don’t get a break until 12:16, so I need things that will help me stay full for about six hours. A smoothie and some nuts around 8:50 usually do the trick, thankfully.

To make things easy in the morning, I have my recipes printed and in a plastic sheet protector, which I store near my cookbooks on top of my fridge:

Lunches require a bit more prep than throwing things in the blender. My dear friend Steph turned me on to several simple soup recipes, and they’ve become my go-to lunch.

Every Sunday, I make a giant vat of soup. I choose simple recipes, so prepping and cooking the soup never takes more than an hour. My favorite is this recipe for kale and white bean soup. It’s easy and it freezes well. If you decide to use the recipe, the one thing I’d add is ground turkey—more protein. Yes, I am obsessed with protein. Sorry, vegetarians!

After making soup on Sunday, I divide it into plastic containers, like these:

I let them cool for a bit and pop them in the freezer. That way, they’re easy to grab in the morning (or even better, the night before).

The other big thing I recommend (again, OBVIOUS!) is a sturdy lunch bag, like so:

Obviously, soup isn’t enough for lunch. I usually add some carrot sticks or pistachios, too, plus and apple and peanut butter for a post-work/pre-workout snack. I’m in love with Fit and Fresh containers, and I ordered a whole bunch of them for really cheap:

By taking just an hour of my Sunday, I literally save myself hours of time and stress each week. It’s easy, healthy and pretty delicious. Of course, we all get sick of eating the same things each day. Occasionally, I’ll substitute other things, like buying a whole roasted chicken and taking portions of that, plus some frozen veggies. And some days, when I’m really over whatever I’ve made or purchased, I stop for a sandwich, and you know what? That’s okay, too.

How do you stay organized and on top of eating well, especially for lunches?

Filed Under: Getting Healthy, Tasty Things ·

-40: What I’ve Learned While Losing 40 lbs.

July 19, 2011 · By ·

Well, I did it! I’m officially down 40 lbs. Hurrah! I’ve still got a really, really long way to go (more than 40 lbs left!) but nevertheless, I’m so excited, and downright proud of myself. It’s taken me awhile, but I’ve learned a lot and I feel confident that I’ll be able to keep it up.

Like anyone who has dieted, I’ve heard every piece of diet advice under the sun. Here are the things I’ve learned to be true so far:

1. Plan ahead: Pack healthy food. Bring a gym bag to work if you know there’s no actual way you’ll go home and then leave your house again. Look at restaurant menus before you to go eat. Plan your meals and your workouts for the week. Plan.

2. Fat is not the enemy: I cook with real butter or coconut oil and use olive oil in salad dressings. Avoid the “fat free” version. I’m really convinced that artificial sweeteners do you no good. Plus, you’re so much more satiated when you have a little fat, and your skin and hair look prettier, too!

3. Do what works for you: Everyone knows someone who has lost a significant amount of weight. Some via CrossFit and some through Weight Watchers and some by hot yoga. They’ll want to tell you about it. That’s great. But notice what works for you. While every exercise magazine in the world says strength training is the most important thing and cardio doesn’t need to be done forever, weight literally started melting off my body when I started logging long, slow cardio sessions—spin class, 45-60 minutes on the elliptical machine, long walks.

4. Eat the same food, 80% of the time: When you get in a rotation of knowing what fills you up, helps you stay in a healthy calories range and is easy to prepare, stick with it. I eat veggies/eggs/chicken apple sausage every damn morning. I snack on an apple and peanut butter or pistachios, or occasionally, a greek yogurt. Lunch is usually salad with protein, or a turkey burger and veggies. Dinner is almost always some sort of meat/veggie combo. My treat is dark chocolate. Boring? Maybe. Does it keep my scale moving downwards? Yes, yes it does. I know how to eat so I’m not hungry, so I stay in my calorie range and so I’m satisfied. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

5. Communicate with people about your goals: I’ve heard that one way to make sure you’re accountable is to tell everyone you know that you’re trying to lose weight. I’m not a fan of that, because I don’t like feeling judged and/or watched while eating. But, if your friends want to go out to places where there are few or no healthy choices, a gentle, “You know, I’m trying to watch my eating…could we go to ____________, so I can get a salad?” is fine. Speak up.

6. Haters to the left: People get weird about food. Continuing on from above, asking people to be sensitive to what you’d like to eat is fine, but recognize that you will have the occasional person who shoves dessert in your face or makes sideways comments about your food choices. Please note: I’ve never met another human who doesn’t have food issues of some sort. Let ‘em be weird about it. Since you’re reading this, I assume no one feeds you, so you can make your own choices. Be sensitive when turning down dessert or homemade foods, but don’t feel like you have to go off track for others or make other people feel better by indulging when you’re around them.

7. Be gentle with yourself: The past nine months have taught me a lot about myself, both the strong, disciplined side and the side that is very emotionally invested in food, failure and negative self-esteem. I’m not sure that anything has made me examine my own beliefs about myself more than this journey. And it’s just the beginning. Yes, it’s taking me a long time, but I believe that hammering out my issues with food, worthiness and health now will last forever. Every day is a chance to do it better, and darn it if I don’t want to keep doing it better, because I know now that I can.

8. Food is just food: It is not love. It is not revenge. It does not fix sadness. It is not the only way to reward yourself. It can be delicious and fun and lovely, but really, it’s just food, not an emotional substitute for anything. I need this tattooed on my face, just FYI.

9. You never regret a workout. You just don’t. It always feels good. Sorry.

I’m sure there are many more lessons to come. This has been such a journey so far! A huge thanks to those who have cheered me on and inspired me thus far. You’re amazing!

What have you learned from getting healthy? Share your wisdom, please!

Filed Under: Getting Healthy · Tagged: , , ,

Getting Healthy Guest Post: Amber!

January 12, 2011 · By ·

I’m in the middle of my weight loss journey and I thought I’d feature someone who has inspired me a lot. Amber from Girl With The Red Hair is a fantastic blogger who has been through her own weight loss journey. I’ve followed her blog for awhile and she’s impressed me with her transformation into a full-on running/healthy living blogger. Today, she’s going to share her story! Leave her a comment or check out her blog!

Hello Just a Titch readers! I’m Amber from Girl with the Red Hair and I’m here to tell you about my three-year weight-loss/health journey.
In the fall of 2006 I went away to college and I did what most new college students do. I ate and I drank. And then I ate and drank some more. In no time at all my weight ballooned up 20 pounds, and despite still working out 2-3 times per week I was at my highest weight ever. I was very active in high school – playing hockey 7+ times a week plus going to the gym. So I could basically eat whatever I wanted. That was not the case when I got to college. Between cutting back drastically on my activity and my metabolism slowing as I got older, the weight piled on.
I lived like this for just over a year, never really sure what to do about it. I had no concept of calories in or calories out and I actually thought that as long as I wasn’t eating chocolate bars and chips I was eating “healthy” (KD and TACO’s every single day are not healthy!). I hated the way I looked in photos but honestly did not know what to do about it. I would try to exercise more (but not change my eating habits at all) and that wouldn’t help. I figured I was destined to be “big”.


In January of 2008 I made a New Years Resolution to write down everything I ate. For three weeks I carried around a little notebook and wrote down everything I put in my mouth. Towards the end of January I discovered a weight-loss blog on Glamour.com and the Body by Glamour program which I started using to track my food and calories. I also committed to a six-week, 3x/week weight-lifting class. In the past I would go to the gym for 3-4 weeks and then stop for 3-4 weeks. No more. It was time to start going regularly and stick with it. The weight literally started falling off when I began tracking my calories. I had so many comments from friends on how great I looked and how much weight I had lost.

In September 2008, I was down 25 pounds and I moved 600 miles away from home and started blogging to keep up with friends and family back home. A whole new world opened up to me when I started blogging and slowly I started finding other people who were like me. People who  had gone on similar weight-loss and health journey’s. My food world was also expanded and I started trying things like oatmeal and green smoothies, which have since become staples in my diet.
In January of 2009, after reading several different running blogs, I decided I wanted to start running so I signed up for a half-marathon and began training. In May 2009 I ran my first half-marathon and have since ran two more half-marathons, a full marathon and a handful of smaller races.
In the past three years I have been hardcore into spinning, hardcore into lifting weights, hardcore into running and, most recently, hardcore into hot yoga. My workout regime and activities have changed a lot, but one thing hasn’t, I have worked out on a regular basis for the entire time. The most time I’ve taken off is about 3-4 days.I absolutely love exercising and the way my body feels after a good workout and it’s one of my biggest – and most favourite – hobbies.
Recently, I’ve reached the point in my health journey where I am done obsessing over calorie counting and the scale – so I am abandoning both of them and focusing on feeling good and eating whole, unprocessed foods. Learning how to eat intuitively is going to be a whole new learning process in my journey. And if I gain a few pounds in the process? Oh well!
This just goes to show that my weight loss/health journey isn’t over despite all I have accomplished.

I really like to stress that getting where I am today did not happen overnight. It took THREE YEARS of trial and error, learning about nutrition, learning about fitness, falling in love with running and now yoga.
These kinds of things don’t happen overnight, it’s a journey. And I don’t think that journey will ever be completely over.
If your New Years Resolution is to lose weight or exercise more, my biggest piece of advice is to keep at it. Don’t give up. It will take time but you’ll get there! Promise :)
Filed Under: Getting Healthy ·
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