Fitness and Diet

Well folks, I have been on a pretty strict regimen lately, trying to lose those unwanted pounds from my meds.

Two bits of good news! 

1.  The meds are going to gone forever soon.  So I hope.  I can't wait!!!
2. The diet/fitness plan are working

I have been taking a lot of meds for my condition, and it just kills me each day.  The pain, the side effects, etc. This time around, I haven't had as much pain/side effects.  The side effects I can "see".  The ones I can't see, bone loss, etc..worry me.   I talked to my doc, and he suggested I stop cold turkey!

I also started Medifast and Orange Theory Fitness.  OMG..I can't stop raving about both.  Medifast has been amazing.  Delicious food, fast results, no cravings.  Just pure awesome.  Orange Theory just opened up somewhat close to me, and I joined.  I just did the "freebie" classes before the official opening.  Awesome.  Just pure awesome.  Not only are you motivated for the whole hour, but the results are in your face.  And they email them to you.  What is not to love?!  I was going to do unlimited for a month, but lets face it, I don't have that kind of time.  I changed my membership to 4 sessions a month, which is much more manageable.  Hello Saturday am workout!!

What are your fitness goals?! 

Go for the Goal! February Progress

February flew by.  Literally.  Now I must focus on March.  Ahhh..glorious March!

Here is my post from January.   I have definitely made progress in some areas!

1.  Make a cook book.  Did cook a bit, but not as much as I would like.  I had my finals this month.  Needless to say, I am recovering from being the walking dead.  I have some amazing recipes I want to try, and have my friends over after I already tested it!

2.  Invite friends over more often.  Success.  Had out of town visitors, dinner guests, and tomorrow I am hosting another brunch for the folks that live in the barracks. 

3.  Work out more.  Success.  I have had such a good routine until this past week.  I had my final, and got a stomach bug.  Getting back on that horse Monday. 

4.  Photography.  Success.  I took my camera out and about in Newport and Chicago a few times.  Love learning its features, and capturing the natural beauty of what is around me!

My next goal was to do 30 for 30.  I didn't do it..but then again, I never wore civilian clothes last month.  By never I mean about 2 weekends of wear.  Need to get my list together tomorrow.  I am also doing my Lent goals.  I am helping a friend raise money for a project, and also doing 40 bags in 40 days.  I swear, having easier classes now feels nice, but having to move again in about 8 weeks...yikes!

Giveaway Winner!

I am proud to announce the winner of my first giveaway.


Meghan from The Perfect Compliation Tape is the recipient of the ROAD ID. 
(for some reason my computer won't let me cut/paste the http://www.random.org/ generator)..I promise..she is legit!


Congrats!

Send me your email, and I will get you your code to personalize your ROAD ID!

Stay tuned for my next giveaway.  It will be Rhode Island themed..tell your friends!

My First Giveaway!

Yes, you read that right.  I posted this product on the FB today, and one of my friends said "that would make a great gift for any fitness fan!"  I agree.  So I will give away a Road ID!

I have been a runner, ok I think of myself as a runner.  I try to run at least one race a year, and love to work out.  It is definitely more fun with friends.  We all know, whether it may be running, cycling, etc, that accidents can happen. 

That is why one of my brothers, who is a legit runner..marathons every year and all..recommended the Road ID to me.  No, they aren't giving me money for this at all, I just believe in a product that keeps you safe when you train.  This is definitely one of those products. 

Thus, I am hosting a giveaway of this particular Road ID. 

via Road ID website

I love my Road ID for my shoe.  This way I am not wearing a bracelet, etc and I don't forget it.  It is always there.  This one can either be engraved like the one shown, or it can be interactive.  Check out their webpage!

Here are the rules for the giveaway!

-One entry per person, must be a follower of this blog and leave a comment on why you would love this Road ID!
-I will announce the winner on February 29th!  Enter now until 1159 EST February 28th.
-Road ID will only be shipped to the US (I am sending you an E-Card for the Road ID, so you can create your own!)


Looking forward to spreading some fitness safety!

Out of my rut..

I found myself over the past few months to get into a rut.  A rut with cooking, a rut with working out.  I found myself concentrating so much on school, that I lost focus on myself. 

I petitioned friends for their favorite recipes, and got a great response.  I have been making healthy, delicious food, and losing weight.  I have also been making progress on my cookbook.  Much needed progress.

I have been working out more due to the buddy system and the dailymile widget.  I have a friend at work who works out with me after class, and even on weekends.  We cycle, do yoga, and zumba together.  It is so much more fun with a buddy.  I have lost over 6 pounds this past month.  I love my friends for motivating me!  The widget is extra fun.  Thanks to E for pointing it out to me in her endeavor.  No worries, I'll start running again.  It is just soooo cold in Rhody.  Can't deal running outside in the cold.

Have to leave you with a WWI recruiting poster.  I love these posters, and am thrilled with the fact that the Navy is making strides with modern ones.  I will hopefully post some more.  These definitely give me motivation to do what I do each and every day. 

Can't wait to move to go to my next adventure.  Destroyer Navy here I come!

 via

 

Go For The Goal

I saw this on Meghan's blog, and knew I had to participate. 

Thought this would inspire me to keep on trucking with my New Years resolutions..and other goals in general. 

My New Years Resolutions were pretty practical this year.  Nonetheless, I want to keep them!

1.  Make a cookbook.  I have tried many new recipes this month.  All of them were simply amazing.  My resolution was to cook at least 1 new thing a week. I also signed up for Blurb, to design the book.  I tried a different book last year.  Fail.   The cook book is coming along..I want to make it for me, somewhere I can put my fav recipes and give them to my family.

2. Invite Friends over more often.  Success.  I had some friends over a few times, but the best was having all the folks who live in the barracks over for a home cooked meal.  I know I hated living in the barracks.  I am looking over to more of these get togethers. 

3. Work Out More.  Another success.  I have lost some weight this month, and have loved every minute of my new work out plan.  I do Zumba with the girls every Saturday, and work out after class when I can.  It is still sporadic, but my job is a bit crazy right now.  Next goal is to do Yoga every weekend too!

4. Photography.  I have only gotten out once due to the weather to mess with my new camera.  I have been taking photos of the recipes I have made, and those have turned out amazing. 

Next goal:  Do 30 for 30 again.  I need to get rid of some clothes before my next move.  Yes, moving again.  This way, I can put together outfits I "actually wear", and donate the stuff just taking up room. 

What are your goals?

The Bar Method

So, I decided I needed more motivation for cross training for my upcoming half marathon.  I heard of a lot of girls in the cyber world doing the bar method and swearing by it, so I figured I would give it a try. 

There are 3 locations in the Chicago area, which is kind of awesome.  I went to the suburban location, which is on my way home from work.

The studio was amazing, clean, and the instructor was very helpful.  She really helped me since I was new, and I had no idea what I was doing.  I did, however, feel like I was the odd ball in the room.  Won't stop me from going back.  I am so sore today, but a good sore. 

I will be doing this and Bikram hopefully once a week for my cross training.  Helping my core muscles, and helping my body overall.