Wednesday, February 29, 2012

A Jumbled Mess

Happy Leap Day!

I'm not going to write about how I haven't written in awhile because in all honesty, I haven't had much to write about. But lately I've had a bunch of things running around in my head and what better way to vent them out than through my blog? Now I'll say this before anyone starts saying I'm trying to be an attention whore with some of the things I write here, I'm not.

As much as I write about how well I eat and delicious, healthy food I make, I'm feeling at a loss on how I should feed my body. I've done food logs before and calculated out my daily calorie intake and I'm way way below what I should be and that's a major concern for me. I'm constantly tired, cranky, and hungry and I really don't want to be. I know my problem is I don't plan enough food in my day to keep me full and I know I'm not taking in as much protein as I should to keep my body going. I need to start really planning my meals and snacks with my nutrition in mind. Sure I know to eat lean chicken breast over a hamburger, but am I getting enough protein during the day? Am I eating too much fat? Keeping a healthy diet (I loathe this word, but I'll use it here) is really hard work and I'm starting to realize how insanely time consuming this can be.

As much as I love the gym, I have crazy anxiety there. I love going to Zumba class and have absolutely no problem with those days, but the days I go to the gym and just do free stuff terrifies me. Why? I feel like everyone else is way better than me and I'm not doing anything right. I see this women doing kettlebell workouts and lifting these crazy weights and I think to myself, "I want to do that," but I'm crazy terrified that I'll fail at it. That's always my biggest fear that I'll fail at something and it's really holding me back in the gym. I have this confidence that I put out that I know exactly what I'm doing and can do it perfectly, but I really don't. It's frustrating for me to feel held back at the gym because I want to do all this amazing stuff there and yet I'm clueless as to what to do. Thankfully I have a personal trainer now (more on this later) to help me get focused and teach me new things.

Well, now that everything is out there I can see what I need to fix and go about fixing it so I can stay healthy. If you stayed through all this, bravo to you!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Valentine's Day

I know I'm a little late to the party to write about my Valentine's Day, but better late than never yes? Usually I don't like D-day Valentine's Day, but this year I tried to put myself in a happier mood for the day. While I may be single, I've got wonderful friends and family who love me and I'm learning to really love myself. But don't get me wrong, I do love me some chocolates and flowers. While I was at work I got a wonderful surprise...

Gorgeous aren't they?
There was no name on the card so I've got myself a secret admirer. It definitely put a smile on my face, so thank you whoever sent them! After work my best friend and I went out to dinner because what better way can you spend V-Day than dressing up super nice and going out to dinner with someone who has stuck by your side through thick and thin? Afterwards she gave me my Valentine's Day present which consisted of the biggest card I've ever seen and a fat bag full of my favorite chocolates. Is it no wonder I love this girl to death?

It was an amazing day full of surprises and chocolates and I feel like the luckiest person in the world to be surrounded by the people I am. Hope your Valentine's Day was just as wonderful!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday everyone!
Sorry I've been a little MIA for a little bit, I've been so focused on work and the gym that I forget to write about what I'm up to!

My training for the Wharf to Wharf is going really well. My mom is having some knee troubles so instead of running she's been walking while I keep up with my training. Last week's training consisted of 2 reps of 1.5 minute jog 1.5 minute walk, 3 minute jog 3 minute walk. Doesn't sound so bad, but once I hit that 2nd 3 minute jog I was about ready to fall off the treadmill. The second day of training I increased the incline to 0.5% incline which doesn't sound like much, but it does make a difference when you're trying to power through a 3 minute jog. This upcoming week is even more challenging, but I'll write about that once the time comes.

This weekend my friend and I made some yummy Valentine's Day treats for our friends which turned out absolutely amazing. I made 2 different kind of truffles and she made red velvet cakes with orange buttercream (compliments of moi) and sugar cookies. Sugar overload much? I made the truffles a little more decadent (and better for you...or as better for you as chocolate truffles can be) by using dark chocolate. I split the ganache up (and ate a little as well, quality control and all that jazz) and made a batch of raspberry and a batch of peppermint. The raspberry where my absolute favorite, but the peppermint where damn tasty as well and tasted like Thin Mints. Yum! Want to make your own truffles? They're insanely easy, trust me.

Start with some heavy whipping cream and really good quality chocolate.
Measure out the chocolate and cream at a 1:1 ratio (example: 8 ounces of chocolate use 8 ounces or 1 cup of cream)
Put the chocolate in a bowl while the cream heats up on the stove, bring it just to a boil then pour over the chocolate.
Stir for a long time until the chocolate melts and is super smooth.
This is when you add flavoring if you'd like (like raspberry extract)
Pour into a pan that's been lined with plastic wrap for easier clean up
Put into the freezer until firm, let stand at room temperature for a few minutes to become pliable.
Scoop or cut into pieces, roll into a ball with your hands; I recommend using gloves here.
Roll in crushed Rice Krispies, cocoa powder, anything you want.
Ta-da, you've just made truffles!

Have a happy Valentine's Day tomorrow!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Monthly Recap

Happy February!

Usually I'm not a big fan of February and when I say 'not a big fan' I mean I'm glad the month is short because I'd like to see the door hit it on the way out. I haven't had any good memorable moments during this month, but this year is all different. But enough about February, it's January I'm writing about here!

I've been doing really really well about keeping up with my goals, minus the whole week where I was depressed and didn't go to the gym. Here's a quick recap of my month:
  • I made a list of goals to work on this year
  • I made some really delicious and nutritious food
  • I decided to push myself even farther and train for my first 10K
  • I made biscotti for the first time
  • and finally, I got in touch with a personal trainer at my gym
One month down, 11 more to go!