Thanks for all the wonderful birthday wishes!

I had such a great birthday weekend back home in California. I’m usually running around all over the place trying to see everyone when I go home, but this trip I decided to dedicate to my family. And what a great decision it ended up being!!! My husband and brother were both gone at a 4-day conference so it was so nice to have my parents all to myself.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend… my camera battery died so I didn’t get many pictures.

My friend made me a beautiful dolphin birthday cake!

Birthday-night out with the rents

Birthday Dinner at Woodward Ranch BBQ

My husband definitely knows me! For my birthday he got me The Wave by The FIRM. I had never seen or heard about The Wave workout, so I was very interested to see how it worked. I love all of The Firm workout DVDs so I had high hopes for this one. It came with a board, 3 DVDs, and a success guide with nutrition tips.

The workout kind of feels like step aerobics with a twist. The arched board can be used as astep or can be flipped over as a rocker. And let me tell you, the rocker works the whole body trying to balance on it.

I love this workout! I would say that I am more of a cardio girl … I hate lifting weights. This workout involves lifting weights, but it didn’t really phase me because I was moving so much while lifting. The time definitely goes by way too fast and my whole body feels it by the end of the workout. The only down fall- I’m so clumsy that one day I know that I am going to trip or fall off the board. When that day comes I will be sure to let you know.

To see the WAVE in Action, check out this short video clip-

Have you seen or tried The Wave workout?

What are some of your favorite workout DVDs?

Don’t forget to head over HERE for a chance to win the Turbo Jam Workout DVDs! Turbo Jam workouts are just as fun as The Wave!

Oh water… can’t live with it, can’t live without.

If any of you are like me, you choose flavored beverages over water anytime of the day. I must admit, Diet coke is my guilty pleasure and it gets in the way of my 8 cups of water a day, leaving me dehydrated and feeling sluggish. I know, I know… Diet Coke is horrible to drink and I shouldn’t be drinking it. I am working on it people… ok, maybe not as much as I should. I guess this post is more for me than it is for you guys!

Water works in so many different ways throughout our body. Just look at how water affects out body

There are so many benefits to drinking water besides the obvious of staying hydrated! Drinking at least 8 cups of water a day aids in weight loss, moisturizes skin to make it look younger, relieves headaches, fuels to brain to function better, aids in energy to exercise longer, prevents cramping and sprains, and helps fight against the flu.

So with this in mind, how can we get more water in throughout the day?

Here are 7 great tips to get in more water:

1.)  Buy a fun water bottle and NEVER let it leave your side

1. Rule: Only fill up with water

2.)   Drink one glass of water prior to every meal

3.)  Spice up your water with a slice of lemon or lime.

1. My friend taught me to slice up cucumbers and throw them into a pitcher full of water the night before. The water soaks up the flavor of the cucumbers to give a nice taste. You can do this is all sorts of fruits!

4.)  Straws… They work wonders

1. Who would have known that straws help in drinking water? I find myself drinking so much more when I drink from a straw.

5.)  Drink and Drive… water that is

1. Ok, this is the only time on my blog that I will ever encourage you to drink and drive. Keep your car cup holder full with your fun water bottle and make it a priority to drink your water while on the road.

6.)  Add your vitamins

1. Kill two birds with one stone by getting in your vitamins and water at the same time.  There are several different vitamin supplements made to be mixed with water

7.)  Filter your water

1. I don’t know where you live, but Arizona has the worst tasting water in the world. Brita Filters have saved my life ever since I moved out here. They aren’t too expensive either. Speaking of filtered water… Starbucks has the best water ever! From what I hear it’s triple filtered

Find what works for you. Hopefully some of these tips will help you cross the finish line of 8 cups by the end of the day.

Cheers and drink up!

Question: How do you fit in your 8 cups of water a day?

Diving is a mental sport. As a springboard diver in college, I use to freak myself out on the boards because I would think too much into my dive… the fear of hitting the board, loosing my balance, or hitting the water at the wrong angle. A teammate of mine once said, “ Don’t think, just do.” This motto helped me push through those mental blocks and eventually led me to nationals.

These days I still look to this motto. There are days that I wake up and dread the cold, the aching muscles from the workout the day before, or just no motivation to get out of bed to workout. The holidays don’t make it any easier for those that have taken a break. It’s hard to get back into the swing of things.

I have found that the motto, “Don’t think, just do,” has helped me overcome these days. When it comes to exercise, “don’t think, just do it.” Wake up in the morning and head straight to those shoes… don’t think about the cold, how tired you are, or what needs to get done that morning. You won’t regret it!

What exercise motto do you live by?

I thought this was an interesting clip from NBC on Diet myths, which is the series that I had started a while a go.

Hope you enjoy!

Question: What Diet Myth do you struggle letting go?

Eating out is a lot of fun, and at times can be unavoidable. While this can be fun, it can also be tough while on a diet. I always say that one should look up the nutritional content on the restaurant they are going to or deciding on what they will be eating ahead of time. But sometimes this is just not possible. Either plans change or the internet is down and you can’t see the nutrition facts.

Have no fear my weight loss buddies. There are other ways to beat all those unnecessary fats and calories loaded on those plates.

Did you know that are thousands of calories behind one word?

Yep, the name or description of a plate can say a lot about the nutrition facts and health level. By discovering and learning menu key words or phrases, you can save yourself from sabotaging your diet as well as the stress of finding something healthy and yet still enjoyable.

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Here are key words that should be red flagged and avoid.

* Battered

* Breaded

* Buttered

* Cheesy

* Country-Style

* Creamy

* Crispy

* Crunchy

* Crusted

* Fried

* Glazed

* Gooey

* Honey-dipped

* Melted

* Smothered

Oh man, I’m drooling now just thinking about all the foods that contain these words. But ingraining these small words in your head can save you from that next morning hangout of “why did I eat that.”

Instead, look for these keywords on your menu that add flavor and texture without extra calories.

* Roasted

* Baked

* Broiled

* Broth

* Fresh

* Multi-Grain

* Poached

* Rubbed

* Seared

* Grilled

* Scented

* Sauteed

* Spiced

* Seasoned

* Steamed

Figuring out the language of hidden calories is the first step to surviving a meal at sit-down chain restaurants. Stick with this list of healthy words and you will be set in finding a healthy restaurant meal.

Question: What is your favorite restaurant and what healthy plate do you like?

I would have to say mine is Chillies and I love eating their Chicken Fajita Pita… YUM!

You hit the gym every day. Avoid the donuts your boss brought in on Monday. You deny the birthday cake on Saturday. Here comes weight-in day. You step onto the scale… -1lb

The disappointment of it all comes raining down on you. Looking back on the week you know you did so well, but you start to think about how you could have stayed an extra hour at the gym. Denied that one cookie at night. Drank more water throughout the week… etc.

Can anyone relate to this story?

Why is it that this 1lb is never enough?

Instead of looking at it as success for that one week, we see it as failure. We beat ourselves up inside and as if it is all worth it in the end.

Hello! You lost weight. Haven’t you been gaining weight this whole time and now you have finally lost weight and you aren’t happy with it.

Ok, I know… I am being hypocritical because I have beat myself up as well. I guess it comes from our world of instant gratification.

But we need to start looking at weight loss in a different perspective. Did you know that research has proven that those who lose about 1-2 lbs a week are more opt to keep it off permanently? I don’t know about you, but I would hate to go through a year of hard core dieting to only gain everything back and more!

Yes, we can always do more each week to lose weight, but we need to start celebrating the small successes throughout the journey!

Everyone has their own schedule of working out. Some workout in the morning before work, others during their lunch break in the afternoon, there are those that enjoy evening workouts after dinner.

But when is the best time of day to workout?

Like most weight-loss tips, there is no one-size fits all answer.

There are pros and cons to each time of day.

Morning workouts are great because you don’t have any distractions. You also burn more calories from fat since your carbohydrate storage is low. On the flip side, since your body has gone almost 12 hours without fuel, your workouts are prone to be less effective. . . always eat something small and light before working out!

Working out in the afternoon is beneficial because your muscle temperature peaks in the afternoon, which increases your performance. The con to working out in the afternoon is that there are so many distractions that can get in the way.

Evening workouts are great as a stress reliever from your busy day as well as improve your sleep pattern. On the other hand, after a long day at work, cleaning up the house, and making dinner, you are more opt to skip out on your workout.

Lets face it, whether you workout in the morning of the evenings, running 2 miles will burn the same amount of calories. So, the simple answer is that the best time of day to workout is any time of day that will help you become consistent in your workout routine. The best workout is determined by your availability, how you feel, and how much time you have.

Personally I love working out in the mornings. I love the feeling of the crisp morning breeze as I run and being able to to process my day before it starts.

When is your favorite time of day to workout and why?

My biggest weakness- Chilies Chips and Salsa! I could eat the whole basket is two seconds if I don’t watch it! ! ! Eating healthy at restaurants can be extremely doable if you prepare in advance and know exactly what you are getting.

Skipping out on the chips and salsa is one thing I just can’t do, but I can eat a small snack  before heading out so that I have self-control to eat only a handful of them and then stop. Also checking online before will give you a good idea of the nutrition facts… pick a plate before you go.

Here are some great healthy picks when eating at Chilis:

Appetizers

AVIOD THIS:
Kickin’ Jack Nachos w/ Fajita Chicken: 1340 calories, 92g fat, 3610g sodium
EAT THIS:
Bottomless Tostada Chips w/ Salsa: 470 calories, 39g fat, 2790g sodium

Wings

AVOID all together
All wings are over 1200 calories, 80g fat, and 1880g sodium

Salad

AVOID THIS:
Quesadilla Explosion Salad: 1270 calories, 76g fat, 2650g sodium
EAT THIS:
Side Salad House no dressing: 210 calories, 12g fat, 310g sodium

Soups

AVIOD THIS
Baked Potato 1 Bowl: 510 calories, 35g fat, 1790g sodium
EAT THIS:
Chicken Noodle 1 Cup: 60 calories, 0.5g fat, 580g sodium
*** Most all soups are low in calorie, but extremely high in sodium!

Sandwiches

AVIOD THIS:
Smoked Turkey Sandwich: 960 calories, 55g fat, 1790g sodium
EAT THIS:
Fajita Pita Chicken: 460 calories, 13g fat,1400g sodium
*** Ask for dressing on the side

Create Your Own Combo Meals w/o Sides

AVOID THIS:
Half Rack of Original Baby Back Ribs: 490 calories, 34g fat, 2050g sodium
EAT THIS:
Spicy Garlic & Lime Grilled Shrimp: 170 calories, 11g fat, 1090g sodium

Chicken

AVOID THIS:
Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers: 1930 calories, 108g fat 4390g sodium
EAT THIS:
Margarita Grilled Chicken: 680 calories, 14g fat, 2430g sodium

Big Mouth Burgers

AVOID ALL
These bad boys can add up to 1750 calories, 123g fat, 3860g sodium! ! !

Fajitas

AVOID THIS:
Buffalo Chicken Fajitas w/o tortillas: 1090 calories, 77g fat, 5240g sodium
EAT THIS:
Classic Chicken w/o tortillas: 370 calories, 11g fat, 2000g sodium
*** WOW… and that’s the lowest sodium level for all fajitas!

Kids Meal

AVOID THIS:
Country Fried Chicken Crispers: 560 calories, 37g fat, 1600g sodium
EAT THIS:
Grilled Chicken Platter: 150 calories, 1g fat, 690g sodium

Ribs

AVOID ALL
The sodium in these bad boys range anywhere from 2050g to 4780g

WOW!!! I just can’t get over how much sodium is in every single plate at Chilies!
Can’t someone just pass a law on limiting nutritional content within plates?!?!?!

Has anyone tried Fiber One’s four newest additions to the family?

In honor of my previous post on the important of fiber, I am pleased to announce that Fiber One has joined up with Yoplait yogurt to create four great tasting yogurts… and it’s Hungry-girl approved!

Personally I am not a huge fan of Yoplait yogurt, but when I saw that Fiber One came out with these bad boys I thought I might just give them a try. Most Yoplait yogurts are loaded with sugar, but these are only 4g! With a whooping 50 calories, 0g fat, and 5g of fiber you are sure to stay within your calorie range for the day.

Unlike most loaded fiber products, these taste nothing close to cardboard or chalk … really, none of Fiber Ones products that I have tried come even close to those descriptions. I tried their strawberry flavor, which was amazing! They also come in peach, vanilla, and key lime.

Since we are on the topic of my one true love, I though I would share with you one of my favorite yogurt recipe that is extremely simple to make!

Yogurt Pie . . . A sweet, low fat, low calorie dessert that is to die for!

PIE SHELL

Ingredients:

* 2 cups Fiber One Cereal

* 4 tbsp. LAND O LAKES Whipped Light Butter; melted

Directions:

- Begin by preheating oven to 350 degrees.

- In a blender or food processor, grind Fiber One to a breadcrumb-like consistency.

- Combine crumbs with melted butter and stir until well mixed.

- In an oven-safe pie dish sprayed with nonstick spray, evenly distribute Fiber One mixture, using your hands or a flat utensil to press & form the crust. Use your fingers to press it into the edges and up along the sides of the dish.

- Bake pie shell for 10 minutes. Set aside.

PIE FILLING

Ingredients:

* 2 containers (6oz each) Fiber One Strawberry Yogurt

* 1 tub (8oz) Fat-Free Cool Whip

Directions:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine fat-free yogurt and cool whip

- Pour mixture into pie shell and freeze

- Place in refrigerator (uncovered) at least two hours or until set

For this recipe, strawberry yogurt is my favorite but any flavor works.

What flavor would you choose?

I have find that the kitchen has become my best friend lately. I guess it might be due to the fact that I am not in school, waiting to hear back from a possible job, and my husband is at work. Boredom… it gets me every time.

Between days of boredom, feeling like a bottomless pit other days, or being full and just desiring every cracker box in the cabinet, I have found the kitchen never lets me down to meet my needs. Can anyone relate?

Here are a few ways to prevent those binge eating kitchen dates:

Water

Sometimes we confuse hunger with thirst. Before you reach for that box of crackers, drink a bottle of ice-cold water and wait a few minutes. Then ask yourself if you are still hungry. If you truly are hungry you will feel it in your stomach, where as if you are thirst you will feel it more in your throat.

Gum

Pop a piece of gum into your mouth busy to prevent mindless munching or right after a meal to prevent further eating. Mint gum has also been known to suppress the your appetite and keep your mouth busy during those slow boring days.

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Blog / Read Blogs

I have found inspiration from other bloggers by simply reading about their  dedication and motivation to lose weight. Blogging is also an outlet to hold  you accountable, knowing that people will be reading your post and giving  your encouragement to say no.

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Get Away

Is the kitchen calling your name? Get away from the kitchen. Either go into another room where the kitchen is not visible or if that isn’t even enough, go window-shopping with a friend.

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Exercise

Did you know that exercise affects two hormones, ghrelin and peptide YY, which suppresses your appetite? Not only are your beating boredom but you are suppressing your appetite and getting in a good workout.

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Hope these 5 tips help during those binge eating times! It’s not easy to say no during those moments… it’s a battle and you just got to push through and not give in!

What do you do to prevent the mindless munchies?