Shopping for Fitness

I don't know if any of you are like me, but having new clothes for an occasion makes me way more excited. Yes, typical girl thing to say. But in this case it's a good thing - I got new Nike's to keep me staying motivated to be active. Best part is, there is a Nike factory store 15 minutes away from my place. Hello half price everything!

My boyfriend also got new Nike's at the factory store - not even realizing he picked the same ones! Great minds think alike :)

I also went to TJ Maxx for some new workout pants and lighter dumbbells than my usual 8 pounders. They have great prices and decent selection on fitness items. On this same shopping for fitness kick I found a bunch of different fitness DVD's for really cheap at Safeway. They had one DVD that I already own and really like, which is surprisingly enough one of the Kim Kardashian "Fit in Your Jeans by Friday" DVD's. I know I know, sounds ridiculous, but the trainer featured in the video is really great. There are 3 DVD's in the series, I have 2 of them. Trust me, you will be very sore the next day after doing one! These tapes are why I need lighter dumbbells, each routine focuses on one body area so after a 25 minute workout, your arms will be sore even with only 3 pound weights! You can find the DVD's on Amazon, and apparently at Safeway! (and I'm sure some other stores as well). 

Moral of the story is - if you're feeling unmotivated, try something new! Whether that be a new type of activity, a new setting or a new outfit! Sometimes rewarding yourself and wearing something that makes you feel good will inspire you to work a little harder.  :)

Grilled Chicken Salad

I thought I'd post the recipe for one of the best salads I've ever made! I used leftover grilled apricot glazed chicken from the previous night's dinner to make this quick salad to bring to work for lunch.

(this picture doesn't do it justice)

-Apricot glaze from Fresh and Easy
-Skinless boneless chicken breast
-Spring mix
-Shredded carrots
-Persian cucumber
-Cherry tomatoes
-Almond accents in tomato basil flavor
-Lighthouse light poppyseed dressing

All of these ingredients came together so well and the best part is, it was a very low calorie lunch because the dressing is only 60 calories for 2 tablespoons! Dressings and salad toppings are often times so high in calories and fat that salad can end up being just as bad as eating a burger! I'm very picky when it comes to low fat foods, most of the time I'd rather just cut the item out of my diet all together (i.e. mayo vs. miracle whip - gross). This dressing is very tasty, even my super picky boyfriend likes it, and he usually will only eat thousand island!

Get Fit!

Now that the weather has warmed up, I have been excitedly digging out my summer clothes. That is until I tried on a pair of shorts to find them a bit too tight to wear in public. Needless to say I was NOT happy. I will admit I've been having a little too much fun lately and not enough conscious eating and exercise. I'm sure most of you have the same problem as me, I have good intensions to workout in the evening, but after a long day at work, I'm too tired (or wine is too tempting!). Lunch hour walks have become pretty common to ensure I get some sort of movement since I sit at a desk most of the day. I've come to realize I will forever be on what some people (and occasionally myself) refer to as a "diet" because of the combination of a sedentary job and slower metabolism. I was not blessed with skinny genes but I have come to accept it. Honestly, I really like my figure when I'm in shape; curvy and toned. My goal is to do at least 3 strength training and cardio workouts a week with some lunch time and weekend walks as well. It's only been a few days of my re-dedication to health and fitness and I feel better already! I'm sleeping better and I have more energy. I even went for a random late gym sesh tonight. Go me! :)