May 21, 2013

Dress in Layers for Work Out Success #Walkabout

You don’t normally think fashion when you think about walking for exercise, but realistically what you wear while you’re walking can be the difference between a good hard work out and a hot mess.  If you don’t dress appropriately when walking you may find yourself unable to complete the walk or end up home in a sweaty pool of yourself, which is just nasty and enough to make you stop with the walking.

Layers Workout

Layers

I know you’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating.  In the early and late hours of the spring, the temperatures can be cool when you start out and as your body heat rises you may get too warm.  If you’re like me, you decrease your activity level as your body heat rises and the sweat starts to pool. (ew.)

If you dress in layers you are able to start out dressed a bit more warmly while leaving yourself the option to remove some clothing to cool off if needed.

Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses not only keeps you from forming ugly wrinkles around your eyes, it also protects your vision from the harmful effects of the sun.

Find out four more reasons why you should wear sunglasses, here.

Sunscreen

This should be another no brainer.  Obviously if you’re awake you should have sunscreen on, not just any sunscreen, your sunscreen should contain zinc, be at least 30 SPF, and be able to stand up against your sweat…so water resistant.

Need more convincing? Read this from the American Association of Dermatology.

Shoes

Wearing the right kind of shoe for your foot (and designed for walking) can improve your stride, cut down on muscle pain, and prevent against blisters and calluses.

Find out what to look for in a good shoe from this Mayo Clinic article.

What do you wear when you go walking?

I linked up on Musings of a Housewife for Fashion Friday.

Disclosure: I am participating as an Orthaheel ambassador, however all shared impressions and fashion faux pas are my own.

Mamavation Monday: Week 2

I just finished my second workout of the day and decided since Smalls was still napping I would go on and write this post.  I am so encouraged and motivated by the other ladies in the Mamavation sistahood that I can’t help but be excited about my own journey.

If you’ve been a reader here for a while, you know I’ve struggled with sticking to a plan and now I’m reaping the benefits (or not so much).  Since the beginning of the year I have gained around 20+ pounds and managed to become more stationary than ever before.  However that’s all changing and I’m loving it. I won’t lie and pretend it’s all easy (it isn’t) or that I’m a forever changed woman (I’m not…yet), but I feel better than I have in a long time and I have more energy than I have in a long time.  I’m still slipping up (see Sunday for more evidence), but I’m not going to let a couple (or a lot) of slip-ups stop me.

Previously I would miss a day working out…or have one bad eating day and think  “Ok. I’ve screwed it all up. I can start again Monday…” and then I didn’t. Well, I’m not going to do that anymore…everyday is a new day, I’m going to seize the opportunity and run with it!

The Rundown

So most of last week I did great! Even Saturday, with everyone home and plans for the evening, I managed a great workout and I ate responsibly. I’ve been sticking to a un-processed, whole foods regimen (mostly) and am starting to see great results!

But then Sunday happened.

I was exhausted and bummed a little about a let down I had that morning, so I just slummed around the house and napped with Smalls rather than workout. Then we had to head out to Walmart for some groceries and the last bit of kid Christmas shopping and sadly, rather than waiting till we got home, we ate out at the Fastfood Restaurant That Shall Not Be Named.  I had a cheeseburger, fries, AND a Coke. That’s right…I really blew it.

BUT, after being encouraged by my online friends, I knew I would just have to pick myself up and get back on the wagon today.

I’ve managed two workouts and feel so good! Makes me wonder why I ever quit doing this in the first place.

Weigh-In

Dun-Dun-Dun….

And the verdict is: 162! Woot! That’s 5 pounds down people! I am too pumped!

The Plan

This week I’m going to add a little to my workout. I’m going to try and add a 10-20 minute run with the Wii Fit in the mornings and stick to the 30 Day Challenge on my EA Sports Active (I’m hoping to win the More Workouts this week too).  The goal is to work that into my schedule 5 days this week and combine it with the healthier eating I’m starting to establish in my routine.

We’ll be eating in most days this week, so controlling what I put in my mouth is a little easier that way…it’s when I go out that I fall down.

Goals

Workout: 5 Days this week, incorporating Wii Running into the mix most days while continuing the EA Sports Active 30 Day Challenge.

Meals: Dine in every night (except tonight) and make use of the fresh fruits and veggies I spent all day Saturday chopping up.

Rest: This is where I have the hardest time.  I would like to get 6-7 hours each night.

Meal Plan

Monday: Subway

Tuesday: Spaghetti-Whole Grain noodles, organic/low sodium pasta sauce, and lean hamburger.

Wednesday: Eat @ Church.  I usually have a salad with whatever veggies they serve as a side.

Thursday: Grilled Chicken Breast Salad. Romaine lettuce, Craisins, Pecans, Chicken, and Blue Cheese Dressing (I don’t use much, but I won’t give it up).

Friday: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: Low sodium chicken broth, grilled chicken, fresh carrots and celery.

Saturday: Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup and Salad.

Breakfast: Oatmeal dried/fresh fruit, cinnamon, and nuts

Lunch: Leftovers, Low-sodium Peanut butter sandwich w/fruit, Veggie soup.

Snacks: Carrots, Cucumbers, Strawberries, Bananas, Plain Yogurt w/fruit

I would love to know what healthy changes you are making to your life! Please share with me any ideas you have on how I can do the same!

What positive changes are you making?