Pictures & More Pictures!

I finally figured out what was going on with my camera and why I wouldn’t connect to my computer! Uploading all of these pictures has totally motivated me to update the blog and hopefully I stick to it finally.

Check out my new Lululemon headband that I LOVE:

I’m thinking about getting another one in a different color- because I’m one of those girls who tries to look as cute as possible when I’m a sweaty mess

The last two weeks were pretty nuts. Classes have been kicking my butt big time. I’m a Journalism major and a Visual Communications minor, so I’m used to most of my work being projects and very writing intensive but this semester is soo different. It is taking major getting used to. I think I’m finally adjusted but my midterm week looks quite frightening on my calendar!

I also got some kind of virus last week and was pretty wiped out from that. It was the strangest illness and basically changed on a daily basis. It started in my throat, then spread into my lungs and finally moved up to my head. It was pretty brutal, but I took good care of myself and I am all better!

I was constantly filling my Camelbak water bottle (another item that I’m in love with) and took some Vitamin C everyday

Needless to say, I was out of commission for the weekend. I rested three days in a row and it feels so weird being back in my training. My body adjusted to the rest wayyy too quickly.

On Saturday I have my longest run yet planned- 3.5 miles! Pretty sad but you’ve gotta start somewhere!

Now I’m off to work on some homework and hit the hay. I want to get an early work out in tomorrow so I can run errands all day.

Movie Theater Treats

Thinking about taking a trip to the movie theater?  It is movie season, and with the cold weather rolling in a movie theater is a common place for people to spend a night or afternoon.  Movie theater popcorn has made its way into the news lately and it isn’t getting a very good rap.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest is reporting that the popcorn at movies theaters is extremely high in calories and contains massive amounts of saturated fat and salt.  Massive meaning it’s a welcome call for a heart attack.  At AMC movie theaters, a large popcorn comes in at 1,030 calories and contains a whopping 57 grams of saturated fat.  That is almost three times the recommended daily intake of saturated fat, and enough calories to have a healthy breakfast and lunch.

Add a non-diet soda to the mix and you throwing in and 130+ calories.  Next, add some candy and you’re calories are really piling up.  Candy at movie theaters are usually plus sized and meant to be shared.

A Fix?

Next time you head to the theater, throw your own popcorn in a ziploc bag.  You’ll be able to pick you own levels of fat and calories and control portions with the amount you bring.  Try to avoid soda at the theater all together and opt for water instead.  Have a sweet tooth?  Bring your own treat.  If you can’t pass up the Reese’s or M&M’s bring a small bag so you have some control.  If you really want to take a healthy plunge, bring some dried fruits and nuts to munch on instead.  Enjoy the movie without causing harm to your health and waistline.

What’s your favorite movie theater treat?  Do you bring your own or splurge at the theater?

Keeping the Holiday Season light

We’re stepping foot in to the season of cheer, charity and food.  As we face the upcoming holidays and holiday parties, we also face the holiday food.  Believe it or not, you can stay perfectly fit and healthy while still enjoying the best foods of the season.

Gregory Kohs/Wikimedia Commons

The first barrier you’ll face is Thanksgiving.  One rule will help you keep the pounds at bay- portion control.  It’s a rule that fits the same way into everyday eating as it does in holiday meals and festivities.  Sure, this meal is special, but give yourself the chance to enjoy all of its wonderful aspects without feeling guilty.  Fill your plate with what you think is healthy first (yes these things do exist).

If there are appetizers out before dinner, stick to the fresh fruit and veggies to fill your stomach with some good things.  Once the real meal begins, make sure you have some vegetables on your plate before you begin to fill it with the carbs and starches.  Yes, you can have some potatoes, stuffing and bread, just maintain small portions of them.  Don’t forget the turkey!  Turkey is actually a pretty lean meat with lots of protein, so don’t feel too guilty enjoying that.  Avoid seconds by leaving the dining area after you eat, and save room for a little dessert.

Up Next: Turning a holiday favorite into a healthy indulgence

I’ll show you how to put a healthy spin on a Thanksgiving Favorite: Pumpkin Pie, and give you a few tips on how to enjoy the desserts of the season.

Bruised Body Image

Tara Parker Pope posted on her blog, Well at The New York Times, about a new blog, Weightless, being launched by PsychCentral to help fight bruised body images.  One of the site’s first posts is “7 Signs Your Body Image Is Bruised (and 5 Solutions),” which lists ways to tell if you may have a problem with body image.  A few of the signs are:

• You notice only negative things in the mirror, car windows, storefront windows, etc
• You compare yourself to everyone.
• It takes you forever to pick out an outfit — more often than not.
• You skip events because you don’t think you look good enough.