Wellness Wednesday: Womanhood is OVARrated!

I missed my Wellness Wednesday post last week because I received some pretty disturbing news. Soon as I saw my Doctor's name come across my phone, I knew it wasn't good news. They never call when it is good news. Everything she said was gibberish, except for we need to see you right away.

A thousand and one different thoughts raced through my head. The fortunate news was they didn't suspect anything malignant. The not so fortunate news was surgery. They first think I thought of was womanhood is so ovarrated (pun intended). The first menstrual cycle, cramps, bloating, hormones, etc over it. I would be having my third gynecological surgical procedure.

Yesterday, my doctor performed a unilateral laparoscopic sapingo oophorectomy, ovarian cystectomy, and uterine stent placement. In layman's terms, she removed the 12cm cyst (about the size of a cantaloupe), and removed my right ovary and fallopian tube. Additionally, a stent was temporarily put in but taken out before stitching me up.

I'm home in bed recovering, and have my first post-op appointment on Monday. Of course I'm sore, but probably more so mentally than physically. Only time will tell what will happen over the next several weeks. I've done a tone of research and of course have picked my doctor's brain with lots of questions. Again time will be of the essence. I feel like a part of me, a part of my womanhood has been ripped away. Literally and figuratively. There's no guarantees on side effects quite yet. While research and physical suggest one does the work of two, I'm not sure how my body will adjust. Hormone imbalance can come with it's own laundry list of problems.

I'm worried about early menopause. Not to mention the remaining side has two small cysts that my doctor will have to monitor. I've survived a previous ovarian cyst removal, tubal ligation, two full term vaginal deliveries, and now this. I feel for me. I feel for the millions of women who have suffered PCOS, endometriosis, and ovarian cancer. Our ovaries play an such essential role in who we are as women. Right now I'm not feeling to womanly.

To be continued.....

Do Something for You

Okay so I know I cannot speak on behalf of every wife/mother/woman, but I'm sure more than a few would agree that naturally we tend to push ourselves to the back burner, and put others first. We're nurturers, I get it; but when is enough, enough? When do we realize that in order to care for someone else, we must first care for ourselves?

It took me awhile to realize this. Quite honestly I'll be the first to admit I'm not fully there, but I'm working on it. Like anything else it takes time. I also know being on both sides of the specturm, it's easier said than done. What I can say is,  taking the time to do something for me, myself, and I makes me a better me. Sure it doesn't happen as often as I would like, but that's just the cards I was dealt. 

For me it's usually a run (well nothing as of late) or getting a mani/pedi, either way I try my darnest to make myself a priority. 

This crazy thing called life can truly wear one down, if you don't have balance. So I say to my fellow women, do something for you. Yep go right ahead, and do not fill one grain of guilt about it. Your job/career, family, children, housework, significant other will still be there.

When was the last time you did something for you? If you really had to think hard about that question, you're long overdue.

Yesterday after work, I treated myself to a mani. I didn't necessarily have the money, but I know I needed to do something for me. So, I went anyway and I feel nothing short of amazing.

Be Well,

LaToya

March Goals

Home once again with the kids, due to the inclement weather. All these snow days have not been nice with my results. All my hard work in the month of February just went out the window, as I've gained 2.5 pounds are the last two weeks. 

So instead of making excuses, and beating myself up I'm reassessing my goals. 

What better way to kickoff the first Monday in a new month? Here are my goals for March! 

Weight: 160 (that's one pound a week)

Running: Get serious about my spring training. That's three run days a week. I also want to make it to at least two of the local BGR! Runs this month. 

Nutrition: i know I sound like a broken record, but I will eat clean this month. I will meal plan, and stop sabotaging my hard work all week with horrible weekend eating. More details on this to come. After all its National Nutrition Month, so i have to step my game up.

Career: I'm starting a new job and just want to learn and absorb as much information as possible this month.

Kids: I've been saying it since Christmas, and have yet to take them so I'm planning on a trip to the library. Also having everyone put down the devices for more learning activities. 

Tha tha that that's all folks!!! I could use some accountability on this. Let's share goals and keep one another on track.

Be Well,

LaToya

On Not Meeting Goals

So at the beginning of the year, I set a goal is lose 5% of my body weight by Valentines. Although, it's less than 24 hours away, I think it's safe to say that I will not meet that goal. No hard feelings. I missed it by 1.4 pounds. 

I'm proud of the small changes I've made. I'm the smallest I've been in three years, and confident that 2015 will be the year that I finally return to my pre pregnancy size. I'm committed to working out at least 4 days a week, making healthier eating choices, and tracking my food intake. 

New goal for the remaining of the month is to get under 160.

Be Well,

LaToya

Wellness Wednesday: Go Red for Women!

February is my favorite month of the year. Why you might ask? It's American Heart Month and also the birth month of my maternal grandmother.

In June of 1993, I lost my grandmother to heart disease. I believe her official cause of death was Congestive Heart Failure, but also suffered from many other risk factors. Overweight/ obesity, hypertension, and smoking. I was nine at the time, so I didn't quite understand the importance of heart health. Fast forward to March 2007 when I got my first job as a Health Professional.

Since then I've always done my best to spread the awareness of Heart Diesease, especially in woman. With that said, I'm asking everyone to spread the word about National Wear Red Day! Everyone (men, women,& children) are encouraged to join and support the fight of heart disease by wearing red on Friday, February 6th.

For more details on this amazing cause, visit: www.goredforwomen.org

30 Minute Meal: Sweet & Sour Chicken

In the mood for something different tonight, so I'm whipping up a new recipe.

Sweet & Sour Chicken  

Ingredients:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

1/2 c pineapple 

Stir Fry Veggies ( red onion, green, yellow & red peppers)

1 bottle La Choy Sweet & Sour Sauce

Olive Oil 

Preparation:

1. I cubed and seasoned the chicken. Feel free to use any variety that you enjoy. I chose garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and a dash of season salt.

2. The chicken was next throughly cooked. Afterwards the fat was drained.

3. I sautéed the vegetables and pineapples with a drizzle of olive oil. 

4. I added the vegetables to the chicken, then covered in on bottle (10 oz) of the La Choy Sweet & Sour Sauce. Mix together and covered, I allowed everything to simmer under low heat for 10 minutes.

5. Serve and enjoy! This pairs nicely with brown (or white) rice,quiona, or Caribbean rice.

So there you have a delicious, nutritious meal in under 30 minutes. Oh did I mention it's Glueten Free! 

 

Essure Review

A little over one year ago, my husband accompained me to an area hospital for a non-invasive procedure that would change our lives forever. I rememeber the day like it was yesterday. It was January 8, 2014.....after dropping our kids off at daycare we had a 20-25 minute drive for my Essure procedure. For those that maybe unfamiliar with Essure, it is a non surgical tubal permanament birth control procedure. I first discovered the procedure during my second pregancy. I was reading one of those pamphlets in the waiting room. Instantly I knew it was for me. It had everything I wanted. Hormone free, non-surgical, and no more pregnanacies. Before even telling my husband, my mind was set. I remembering researching all about it. After my first post-natal visit (well the first after my second child) the doctor asked about my desires for birth control. After a long discussion, I left dissatisfied knowing that I the method that I wanted was not right for me (so she thought) because of my age and I forced back onto another hormone method. Fast forward a few months, and I went for a second opinion. I found another OB/GYN who said she would approve me, for the procedure, but I couldn't do it. I wasn't scared or nervous about the procedure, rather the physician and her staff did not sit with me well. I continued to wait and research. All the while, I was on hormone oral contraceptives. At my next annual well woman exam, my regular physician was out and I was seen by a PA. Before even bringing up my concerns with birth control, she read my mine and asked about the Essure. We talked for about 20-30 minutes. That's ages and no medical professional had ever spent that amount of time chatting with me. Just like that, she had me schedueled for January 2014. I was thrilled. 

  More on that day: As I said before, I can recall the day like it was yesterday. After registration and that kind of business, it was literally 40 minutes from the time I last looked at the clock talking to the anesthesiologist until the time I was woken out of my sleep with my husband at my side. I remember the PA and the doctor telling me everything looked good. They reviewed my final instructions, I quickly got dressed, and my husband and I were out. We stopped for lunch on the way home. I think I took 1-2 pain relievers for the period-like cramps. I recall a quick nap before picking up the munchkins. The next morning felt like just another day....I met up with my run buddies, and I believe I did 5-6 miles as I was in the midst of half marathon training. 

  All Clear!! About 90 days later, it was time for me for my confirmation test. The tech said I was fully "blocked", and a few days letter I received a call from my doctor's office with the great news.

My Cycles! Aside from that first cycle, which was heavy all of my cycles have been normal. I'm back to the same symptoms and length I had before becoming a mom.

 My 365+ days with Essure has been nothing short of amazing. Aside from the medical bills, I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you or someone you know is considering permanment birth control, I highly recommend Essure. Do your research, consult your physician, and make a choice that is best for you!

On Being Sick

Today marks exactly one week since my first symptoms of what I self diagnosed as the flu. Now normally I wouldn't recommend anyone self diagnosing, but drastic times call for drastic measures.

Okay, back to why I'm here. Being sick is the pits. No ifs, ands, or buts around it. I'm still not 100% myself, and I'm trying my hardest to beat this thing. 

Today my plan is to get back into my normal weekly routine. I'm shooting for my usual Two mile Tuesday and if I have energy left, hopefully some arms and core. My nutrition as been all kinds of wacky, as I've only been consuming one meal a day. It was nice to see the scale drop 4 pounds, but I know it just being sick. 

Well enough ranting about what was, and time to get moving. After all this is the year of no excuses.

Be Well,

LaToya

Get Lean in 2015!

It's a slow day at work, and I'm getting my facility ready for the New Year. One of things I enjoy most about my job, is being able to motivate, inspire, and educate clients on various health/fitness topics. Kicking off the New Year, I came up with a Get Lean in 2015 slogan, that features some great info about goal setting.

Whether your goal is related to health/fitness or not, the information below can be used for anyone. Just make sure you're goals are S.M.A.R.T. S – specific: this is the who, what, when, where, how , and why of your goal. M – measurable: choose a way to measure the progress of your goal ;otherwise how will you know if you’ve reached it? A - attainable: if you really want to set yourself up for success, the goal should be something you can feasibly attain. R - realistic: something that you are willing and able to work toward. This doesn’t mean you can’t set the bar high — sometimes just fully believing something can be accomplished can make it realistic. T – timely: your goal(s) should have a specific time-line; a date by which you want to achieve them. In addition to this info, the bulletin board also has tips about decreasing body fat and increasing lean muscle mass. Beginning in January, I'll be offering Goal Setting Sessions and Body Composition Screenings for new and exisiting clients. How are you planning on getting lean in 2015! Best of Health, LaToya

Dippin' Stix Review

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across these cute Dippin' Stix snacks that I thought would be perfect for the kids lunches. Turns out I've been engulfing them myself lol! If you haven't seen or tried the product before, Dippin' Stix are single serving packages of fruit or vegetable that come with a side dip.

They come in a huge variety. Thus, far I've tried the Celery & Ranch (pictured above), Carrots & Ranch, Apple & Caramel, and a few others. I purchased them from my local Super Wal-Mart for $1.00 each. I love them because they are delicious, nutritious, affordable, and a great way to snack on the go. Alright on to sharing with my kiddies now! XOXO, LaToya

No Excuses, November!

There's something about turning the big 3-0 that clicked, and I'm ready to "put up or shut up" with making my health a priority. As a wife and mother it's been innate for me to nurture and take care of everyone else; often times pushing myself to the back burner. That ends now! I'm ready to let go everything (and everyone) and do whatever it takes for what I've been half-heartedly attempting to do since my youngest was born (December 2011).

I know it won't be easy, but it will definitely be worth it. As the quote above implies, it's time for me to start investing in myself. My health is my wealth, and I plan on giving it my all. 

No diets. No deadlines. No specifics. No excuses. Just progress. Step by step, day by day!

Best of Health,

LaToya💋

Ps: Who else has goals they're kicking off this November? Drop me line, and let's hold each other accountable.

Salley Hansen "No Chip" Review

I'm not one of those bloggers that reviews products for popularity or to seek freebies from company, but if I stumble across something every once in awhile I do like to share my personal experience.

This past Sunday I went to my local nail salon for a mani & pedi. No frills, no gel, no acrylic overlay...just an old fashion, basic manicure and pedicure combo. Since it's getting cooler I haven't been making as many trips to the nail salon, so I was long overdue. I'm usual skeptical of the basic manicures because they usually never last more than a day or two. Except this time....

Before heading to bed I applied one coat of Salley Hansen's No Chip Top Coat Protectant, and as you can see from the above photo my nails looks beautiful 4 days later.

I've been getting my nails done for about 15 years, and never have I had a mani last this long. Since I've given up on other nail treatments and now will only be rocking my natural nails, this product is a must have. 

For more Salley Hansen products visit www.salleyhansen.com or your local drug/ convenient store.

Wellness Wednesday: Results NOT Excuses

Man oh man, it feels great to have something to write about for my weekly Wellness Wednesday post. So after some long contemplating yesterday, I've come to the realization that it's time for me to focus on results, and not excuses. As a matter of fact, I'm a day late and a dollar short with the aforementioned and the time is NOW.

For the past two plus years I have had excuse after excuse. All of this started soon after I found out I was expecting my second child. I have two beautiful children who are currently 4 and 2 years old (they're 17 months apart). A few weeks before my oldest child's first birthday, I got the unexpected news that another little bundle of joy was on its way. Shortly there after, I was forced to resign from my job. Both of these events were the beginning of lots of emotional eating and ultimately depression.

Fast forward to present day…..I'm employed part-time at a 24-hour gym and still struggling with returning to my pre-baby weight/ size. Amongst other things I have a laundry list of insecurities that all mostly relate to my weight. Being overweight affects my career, personal relationships, and my marriage. Thanks to regular exercise (and a somewhat decent diet) I've somehow managed to maintain my sanity. I'm also down 30 of the 55 pounds I gain from two pregnancies.

While many engage in physical activity for the physical benefits, as of late I workout now as a means to reduce stress. So where does this leave me? Well, like most folks I have good and bad days. For the most part, I'm happy with my life and truly enjoy being a "domestic badass". Yes, you read right. A "domestic baddass" is a self-described term I've come up to describe the multiple hats I wear throughout the day. For way too long, I've used this title as an excuse. Truth be told, the kids are always going to need me (in some shape or form), my house will never be squeaky clean, my husband well……you get my drift. I can no longer allow these amongst others as excuses to not be the best ME! While I constantly battling with the scale, it truly is more than that. At the end of the day, I need to push the excuses to the back burner, get results because my overall health and well-being is at stake.

Effective immediately I'm "chucking up the deuces" to the excuses, and here is how I plan to continue to strive for results. First, I know I really need to be less dependent on the scale. Although, I only weigh myself weekly, I still need less emphasis on that number. My biggest obstacle will be focusing on nutrition. Yes, I know what and how I should be eating, but that's not always the case. I'm currently taking a refresher course in nutrition, so I'm hoping this will help. I'll also continue to manage my caloric needs. I've been successful thus far, and down nine pounds.

Thanks for the read. Oh and before I go, by all means does this post not mean that I haven't achieved any results over the past two years, I'm just not where I thought I would be at this point.

Target Protein Shake Review

For the past two weeks or so, I've been using Target's Market Pantry brand protein shakes and powder. Due to limited funding, I couldn't purchase my usual Visalus Vi-shape and have been on a hunt for something more affordable. I'm always skectipical of trying new things, but this one hits the nail right over the hammer.

 I purchased both the Whey Vanilla Protein Powder and the pre-mixed protein shakes. I used the powder when I'm home, and typically blend to make a green smoothis. I use the pre-mixed shakes when I'm on the go. Overall, I would rate this product 4 out of 5. Here's why? 

  Affordability: The cost for the powder, which has an average serving size of 30 days was under $19.00. The pre-paid shakes were for 4 for $5.99. In the past, I've bad over $50.00 for Vi-shape.

Protein: As you can see from the label, this product is loaded with protein. In fact it contains 20g of protein. Not only is that an rare find, but at under 200 calories and 3g of sugar, I'm very satisified with its nurtitional content. 

Taste: Of course this is always a high factor of importance (for me at least). I haven't been using protein supplements as a meal-replacement for that long, but since I have taste definitely is a major factor. Here's why I say 4/5. While it isn't as delicious as Vi-Shape's Sweet Cream Flavor, the vanilla is rather tasty. I have enjoy the pre-made shakes (usually served over ice) without any gagging. I have yet to try to whey powder without any add-ins, but my husband did have an 8oz serving of a Green Smoothie I prepared yesteray so that says a lot. 

 I think this product is a keeper!

Fab Five Friday!

Off work today so I'm getting in some much needed r&r. Sitting here (in between housework of course) enjoying the crisp, fall-like air and admiring my home (we purchased our first home last October), I cannot help but share how truly blessed I am.


 Keeping in mind my theme for starting my blog, here's a little something I'm calling Fab Five Friday!

Today is also #flashbackfriday in socialverse, so I'm taking a flashback at the fabulous five topics that I feature on my blog. As you can see from my logo above, my health, career, fitness, parenting and relationships are things that are near and dear to my heart. Now for something fabulous about each of these topics.

Health: I love preventative health, and enjoy being about to promote various health topics for a living. 

Career: Although, my dreams have been pushed to the back burner lately, I'm still thankful to work within my field and I look forward to someday returning to the health/ fitness industry full-time. 

Fitness: Running, weight training, yoga, and the elliptical are my go-to means for maintaining and improving my physical fitness. 

Parenting: I'm a mother of two under 4, and boy oh boy do I love my children. 

Relationship: Friends, family, co-workers, husband, etc relationships are a driving force in our lives as human beings. Similar to the aforementioned topics, I'm always looking for way to improve my role/ involvement in my interactions with other. 

So what are five fabulous reasons or topics that prompted you to start your blog? Do you blog about any of the topics that have such profound meaning to me? I'm still very new to blog world, but always looking forward to linking up with people with similar interests.

Happy Friday folks!

LaToya

Wellness Wednesday: New Regimen

It's a slow day at work, and since I've have no clients or challenges to work it I'm focusing on myself. I have 72 days & 10 hours for my Project 30 deadline, and I'm 22 pounds away from my goal. 

Here's how I plan to meet it. Let's start with the easy part first: my weekly fitness regimen.

Sunday: Run; this will likely be a local route in my neighborhood.

Monday: Cardio 40-60 minutes followed by strength training.

Tuesday: Run 25-40 minutes using the Galloway Training.

Wedenesday: 30 minute Core Circuit and either a 30 minute Yoga or Pilates video. 

Thursday: Same as Monday.

Friday: Hooray for rest day! Although I do hope to try out a hot yoga class that's offered since I'm usually off.

Saturday: Long Run

Piece of cake! Now if I'm serious about my Project 30 goal, I'll need to be diligent with my eating habits. That means eating mostly clean meals, limiting dining out, meal prepping, logging in to myfitnesspal, and keeping a strict eye on my calories. My caloric range will vary from 1200-1500 depending on my level of activity.

 Let's the games begin! 

Me, home on a Saturday?!

Today is the third consecutive Saturday, that instead of my alarm waking me up at zero dark thirty for my weekly group run, I slept in and was awoken by the little ones. Of course it's nice getting a little extra family time in, but it's weird not running. Plus, I miss my Saturday am run crew. I did start my day off with a 30 minute Tae Bo video. Something is always better than nothing right?

Granted I run by myself during the week, my Saturday group runs are something I've always looked forward too. It's great to have that extra push and accountability. I'm hoping tomorrow to meet up with my local BGR! Chapter. Emphasis on hoping. Since I'm not training my motivation has declined because it seems pretty pointless to drive 20-30 minutes for a short run. I guess we'll see.

In other news I'm down 2.6 pounds since my husband's new work schedule. This week was definitely better than the first. The kids and I have settled into our weekly routines, and I've been preparing all our meals and lunches at home. Last night, was the first night all week we ate out. McDonalds for them and a i swung by a local spot for a salad. Fingers crossed I can keep this up. Also, instead of beating myself up about my 30 by 30 goal, I've decided to focus on smaller milestones. With that said, my next target is 160. Currently I'm 164.8

Have a happy, healthy weekend! 

Wellness Wednesday: Mommy's Balancing Act

Happy Wellness Wednesday!!!! Long time no post! Okay maybe not that long, but I was just getting into the swing of things of posting at least once a week, and this thing called LIFE got in the way. So here's my little rant.

So I missed last week because I've just been struggling to balance the many hats I wear throughout the day. My husband got a promotion, and now is working 80 hours a week. That leaves me Monday-Friday caring for two preschool-aged children, and maintaining our home. On top of that, I'm still working part-time as Senior Trainer and aiming to get into the best shape of my life. Woo-sah I just got tired reading all of that!

Yes I realize I am not the only wife/mother that has a lot on her plate, but let's face it….it's not exactly a "walk in the park." I can either complain about the lemons I have or make lemonade, and I'll gladly choose the later. My life isn't perfect and I'm okay with that. Somedays are better than others, but at the end of it all I'm just trying to balance everything out. Although often times I'm stressed and sometimes just want to literally pull out my hair, I'm grateful. I'm grateful for my hardworking husband, and his willingness to put his family before anything else. I'm grateful to own our home. I'm grateful to still be able to work within my field with one day being able to manage a gym again. I'm grateful for my health, and I'm grateful for my two children.

I think as mothers and wives we get so caught up in the day-to-day struggles, that we forget how grateful we truly are. Instead of complaining about this or that, and comparing your life to someone else focus on the good and keep it moving. Easier said than done, yeah I get it…..but seriously give it try.

(Family Photo Spring 2013…the kids are bigger and we are smaller lol)

Being physically active (and lots of prayers) is the way I balance it all. I need that adrenaline rush when I'm a few feet away from crossing that finish line. The endorphin release after a tough workout or run. Even the extra deep breath after a relaxing Yoga class. As cliche' as it sounds exercise keeps me sane. When I decided to stop working full-time, I was so gun-ho about exercising regularly because all I wanted was my pre-baby body. Now I could careless. I need exercise to de-stress. Taking care of me is equally as important for me to be around, and take care of everyone else.

If you are a single-mom, stay-at-home (SAHM) mom, new mom, working mom, etc, feel free to share how you balance everything out.

Best of Health,

LaToya

Super Shred

Happy Wellness Wednesday! Today is Week 2, Day 2 since I started the Super Shred: The Big Results Plan. For those that are unfamiliar with Super Shred, this program was created by Dr. Ian Smith. I first discovered Dr. Ian in the early 2000's on VH1's Celebrity Fit Club. Currently he is featured on the The Doctors daytime talk/ reality show.

Super Shred is a four week meal plan that focuses on meal spacing, snacking, meal replacement, diet confusion, and living an active lifestyle. I purchased the online ibook via the App Store for $9.99. The book contains instructions for the meal plan, over 50 receipts for meals, and snacks, and information regarding physical activity. Super Shred is the the follow-up to Dr. Ian's Shred plan, and average weight loss for participants following the program is 20 pounds in 4 weeks. 

After losing 35 pounds of my baby weight, I've struggled to lost the remaining 30 pounds, and am looking to the program to better improve my eating habits. My weight loss goal is 30 pounds by my 30th birthday (November 1). Based on what I know professionally, and through reading the book, I am not expecting to lose the 20 pounds in 4 weeks since I have a smaller (compared to others) amount of weight to lose. I do however desire to lose 1-1.5 pounds each week.

First Week: 

The first week was an introduction to the program. Meals were spaced 3-4 hours apart, and snacks were 90 minutes apart. With a few exceptions, I followed the daily meal plan to a t. I began the week with shopping for the items the book said I would need for my meals the first week. I also stuck with the exercise regimen which included a minimum of three 40-minute cardio sessions.

The hardest day of the week 1, was day 4. Day 4 was "shredder day" also known by many as liquid meal day. It was hard not consuming solids mentally, but i prepared everything as outlined in the book.

Aside from the two 150-calories or less snacks, I had a protein shake, soup, and fresh juice for the day.

My total weight loss was only a 1/2 pound. Once again I did great during the week, then jumped ship on Saturday when my family went out to dinner.

Week 2: 

Right now I'm on the "accelerate" week. Timing and spacing of the meals this week are different that week 1. Below is the suggested timeline (you can alter the times)

• 7:30 a.m. wake-up
• 8:30 a.m. meal 1
• 10:00 a.m. snack 1
• 12:30 p.m. meal 2
• 5:00 p.m. meal 3
• 8:00 p.m. snack 2

Meal/ snack options vary day-to-day, but the aforementioned timing remains the same. As with the first week, a weekly grocery list was provided. You can only weigh yourself once a week (which I do anyway). One cup of water must be drunk before each meal/ snack, and program provides other tips such as meal substitutes and again regular physical activity. 

I'm hoping for better results than last week, but I know the ball is in my court. Anyone else like to share their review of Super Shred or any of Dr. Ian's programs? 

#Wellness Wednesday: Today's Workout!

If I do plan out my post ahead of time, I never know what to write about for my weekly Wellness Wednesday. I've thought of a million and one different topics, so I'm just doing to share today's workout. My day started around 5ish, and I completed P90X3's Accelerator. Another great, challenging 30 minute workout. This was my first time completing this video, and I truly enjoyed it. I loved the back and forth mix-up of upright movements followed by plank variations. Workout #2 was a 2 mile run. I started with a 3 minute warm-up and ran 24 minutes straight. I rarely run with music, but today I threw on my BGR! mixtape. My goal was speed today, so I needed something for an extra push. Pace was 13:34, yes that's fast for me. After my run, i wanted to conitue listening to the mixtape so I lifted for 20 minutes followed by 10 minutes of abs & stretching.