Morning Exercise

My work hours have changed so I am exercising in the mornings again now. This is the best time for me to get it out of the way and have more energy for the day. I prefer to just chill at night after work plus there's no more TBL to cycle to. I need a plan though.

Power walking has always worked for me because it keeps me toned and I really enjoy walking in Sydney Park. We have some killer hills there too. It's so important to find something you like. I personally really hate the idea of a gym and I know I keep flirting with the idea but it's just never going to happen is it. Nope. I have all the equipment I need at home but walking and yoga is something that works out not only my body but my mind and spirit too. Find something that you enjoy and it'll make exercising much easier to fit into your lifestyle!

So here's my basic plan for this coming week, see how I go. I haven't done any resistance or yoga for a few weeks now so I'll need to be careful and remember to WARM UP/COOL DOWN, thanks Kathryn.

• Mon - 1 hr power walk
• Tue - 50 mins weights/resistance, 30 min cycle
• Wed - 1 hr power walk
• Thu - 50 mins weights/resistance, 30 min cycle
• Fri - 1 hr power walk
• Sat - 1 hr power walk, 50 mins weights/resistance
• Sun - 1 hr vinyasa yoga

DVDs I'll use:

• Yoga Shakti - Shiva Rea
  
• 10 Minute Solution - Target Tone for Beginners
  

People, Amazing

I went to my first Gambler's Anonymous meeting last night to support a friend. All judgement aside, I was blown away by the sheer honesty and open acceptance of the people who turned up. I thought I was in a scene from Fight Club when I was first sitting there but as it progressed, everyone was opening up and then it was my friend's turn. Wow. She felt accepted and safe enough to tell her story on the first night. She was scared as hell but she was really made to feel that she mattered for once. This is going to be a long journey for her but one that she has decided to take. I am so proud of her and all the people at that meeting.

It got me thinking about our Blogging support too, again. We all started out as strangers, got to know eachother and now continue to be there for eachother. People need people for support and I highly value the friendships and support I have gained from this medium. I have so much to thank you guys for (and Dan!) in getting me through the past year. I also think I have learnt a lot about addiction. I feel that I am strong enough and really able to support my friend now with a deeper understanding and level of respect that I believe she deserves as an individual. Thanks guys, you really are a great bunch of people!

Gamblers Anonymous Australia
Alcoholics Anonymous Australia

Thought for the Day

Original photo doctored, SmartShape

Fitness Expo & Weigh In

FITNESS EXPO
M, Cath and I met up this morning to catch up and check out the latest in Fitness. Talk about giving us some motivation! There was lots of supplements *yuk* but lots of gear, clothing and healthy looking people too. Surprisingly, I didn't feel out of place. I felt like I was "allowed" to be a part of something like this for once.

The Biggest Loser crew were also scheduled to appear during the day at the Workout World stand. I tell you what, we were standing right next to David and wow, he is looking great. Adro was up next and I wish I had enough time to stick around but all I would've done was gawk. Now only if it was Wal hey M ;-)

We also came across a better financial option for Nordic Walking which we are really keen on doing. We were speaking to the instructor Anja Horst from Health Concepts who was really down to earth and informative. We'll definitely be organising a class soon.

WEIGH IN
Goal Weight: 75-70kg
Last Month: 73.2kg
This Month: 73.5kg
Loss/Gain: +.3kg

My thinking could certainly do with a re-adjustment. I've been a little down this past month but I'm working towards changing things for the better. I seem to be stuck in a rut but common sense and experience tells me that things always work out. I just have to keep working at it.

I was also getting really lax with my food and making stupid choices. I need more fruit and vegetables in my diet again. I really miss my bananas too, damn cyclones. I need to make sure I get enough of each food group, daily...

• 1 serve protein
  
• 2 serves dairy
  
• 3 serves fruit
• 4 serves vegetables
• 5 serves cereal, bread, grains
• 6 glasses water
  

I'm still exercising by walking everywhere and cycling but as of next week, my work hours will be changing. I will also be starting yoga and weights again. I kind of let those two slip the past month and have noticed my body definition soften, especially in my tummy and arms. Also my peace of mind. The next month will be about finding my groove again with a new routine.

I'm off now for some evening frivolity with old friends. Will catch up with the rest of you soon, cheers!

Fitness Expo - Saturday

Alrighty, the time has come for another Sydney Bloggers Meet. If you're interested in going to the Australian Fitness Expo this coming Saturday and want some buddies, feel free to come along with us! M and I will definitely be going. We figure that we'll meet at 10am and walk around for 2 hours, just in time for lunch at 12pm.

For FREE entry, register your details on the site (be creative if you want to avoid the marketing crap) and then all you have to do is bring along the receipt. Easy.

Look forward to seeing those that can make it!

Happy Easter

It's Easter hey so that means chocolate, enjoy it! I bought my chocolate from Oxfam this year and I predict an Easter Recovery week ahead...well, for me anyway LOL. I'll be back next Saturday for my monthly weigh in and hopefully with my "life, the universe and everything" a little more sorted.

Cheers!

So how can you eat all this stuff...

and not have a health problem? I saw this question on one of Saffron's photos and thought it was relevant to me as well. She posts lots of pics of yummy food.

So here's what I would answer:

• moderation is the key
• stop at one slice, piece, morsel
• treats once a week are not going to make me fat, unhealthy
• my mental health would be at stake if I did not enjoy treats occasionally that make me smile, lots
• exercise, I can pretty much eat what I want (usually healthy anyway) but in moderation and I must exercise!
  
• I still keep to roughly 22-30 points a day subconsciously and factor in treats
• calories in to calories out determines whether I maintain, lose or gain...that makes sense
• walk it baby, everywhere and then some
• got into cycling 12km 4-5 nights per week, it does wonders for my butt, thighs, calves and surprisingly abs as well
  
• laugh lots, it's good for the spirit and I'm talking belly laugh
  

This week I'm going Back to Basics.
I've been slipping up and having the occasional egg roll and muffin way too much lately. Stress is never a good reason to start eating rubbish because then I just end up feeling worse. Does anybody else try to rectify that feeling by finding something else to eat on top of the rubbish? That's a bad habit of mine so Back to Basics this week. I started today with a simple porridge for breakfast, after a brisk and crisp power walk (1 hour) around the park.

Oh yeah, cutting up your fruit on your chopping board after it was used for chopping up garlic/onion is not recommended unless you have cleaned your board properly. I discovered that porridge with a hint of garlic is not a good thing.

Carrot & Walnut Loaf

I love Carrot Cake and I used to enjoy it with icing. I tried Suzy's Carrot & Walnut Loaf tonight, delish! It's great warm with a scraping of a light spread. I'll be cutting it up and freezing it in single portions for later. That's the trick hey, have just enough and then put it out of sight. Works for me.

Lots going on but can't really blog about it right now. It's exciting, stressful and nothing is definite...yet. We'll see.

UPDATE
Sorry guys, my news is not THAT exciting. I was just trying to say that my focus is elsewhere at the moment. It's exciting for me but wouldn't be for anyone else. Whoops.

Pancakes

Love is in the air and the gorgeous Sarah is getting married today *waves and blows kisses*. I thought it'd be a great idea to get into the spirit of things by making pancakes before we head off to the wedding.

PANCAKES
Serves: 4 (4 each)
Points per serve: 6
Cook time: 3-6 mins each

• 3 cups plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups skim milk
• 2 tbsp reduced-fat spread, melted
• spray oil
• strawberries, maple syrup, spinkled caster sugar on top
  

1. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar.
2. Make a well in the centre and add lightly beaten eggs.
3. Gradually stir in milk and melted reduced-fat spread, to form a thick batter.
4. Drop tablespoons of the mixture (2 tbsp for every 1) into a hot pan sprayed with cooking oil. Cook 3-4 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn and cook other side for 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve with strawberries, maple syrup, caster sugar or whatever else you fancy eg. lemon wedges, yoghurt, kiwi fruit, bananas ...
   

Source: Australian Healthy Food Guide, March Issue 2006 p. 63