WORK IT! Not just Weight Loss, but Fitness Gain

When you're just starting a workout regimen it can be hard to imagine that getting all huffy and sweaty might actually be something you could look forward to on a day-to-day basis. But I'm happy to announce that I have hit that beautiful sweet spot where relish the flushed face and damp hair produced from pushing my body to work hard. I welcome the burn of a plank jack or a chair pose because I can see clearly the difference in my heart strength and muscle stamina. Not to mention that the number on the scale is steadily dropping (yay). I am officially within

Nadine Coyle Skinny - Before & After

Above left: Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle spotted in L.A. looking very skinny. Right: Nadine in 2003 looking healthy and trim.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the type of thing that serves as inspiration to me. Not because I want to waste away to nothing they way this poor girl has - quite the opposite. It's photos like these that remind me that the healthy way is always going to be the best way. In some of my lowest points I've thought about starving myself and getting super skinny, like some sort of masochistic fashion-induced fairytale. In fact, that might be easier because it's a brainless, Jillian Michaels-free approach. But then I see photos like this and I remember that starvation is just sooo unattractive. Not to mention unhealthy!

400 Calorie Breakfast: Banana Nut Parfait w/ Agave Nectar

This is an absolutely delicious breakfast that's also full of good nutrition, including calcium, omega 3s, potassium, and protein. You'll feel like you're eating dessert! In fact, I was so gung ho about chowing down, I got about 2/3 through it before I thought to take a photo. Here's what's inside (it's actually less than 400 cal!):

1/2 cup low fat yogurt (60 calories)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (185 calories)
1 medium banana, sliced (105 calories)
1/2 tbsp light agave nectar (30 calories)

Tea Time!

Tea time was especially important to me when I started my reduced calorie eating plan, and it continues to support me in my weight loss goal. Having something hot, flavorful and low to no calorie available to you is a great way to keep from snacking or overeating. My favorites re the mate blends from Guayaki and the many varieties of Yogi Teas (click pics above for more info).

The energy tea from Yogi is a good alternative to coffee and Red Bull, which I am guilty of having often. Yogi also has a variety called Muscle Recovery, which is supposed to

400 Calorie Dinner: Tuna Steak & Quinoa

This is a delicious meal that is very filling. In fact, I hate half and was feeling satisfied so I set the rest aside. I relaxed for about a half hour then proceeded to do my daily shred. After I came down from my exercise high I ate the rest - it was a perfect post sweat snack!

30 days to 30!

Ok folks it's time to push it! For all my jibber jabber about this being a lifestyle rather than just a diet, I still have a burning desire to look as hot as possible on my 30th birthday. And it's 30 days away! Hence, I've added Jillian Michaels 30 day shred to my workout regimen. Yes, ADDED. That means in addition to an hour of power yoga, or 45 minutes of tae bo or a couple hours of brisk walking, etc, each day I will be sweating it out for 20-25 minutes with the kick ass trainer from the Biggest Loser. In a word: ouch.

Leona Lewis is a Size 6 Now

British singer Leona Lewis recently dropped two dress sizes - from a UK 14 to a UK 10. And guess what? UK 10 = US 6! I can type all day about how she was pretty before - and she was! But let's not forget the title of this blog. I think she looks great and hopefully she won't get smaller. It's a shame that Grazia magazine styled her so horribly for this shoot.

400 Calorie Dinner: SAVORY SALAD

My dinner tonight was so yummy! And it was less than 400 calories. It may look like "just" a salad, but it left me satisfied and energized. Despite the fairly lite calories, this meal provides 13.3 g protein and a good does of vitamins and omega 3s.

This is Me: March 1, 2010

This is Me. Scratch that... this is my body, as it is on the first day of March 2010. It's been nearly a year since I published my "Getting There!" post and, as you can see, I clearly fell off the wagon during these 12 months. Like wayyy off the wagon. So far off the wagon left me in the dust then lapped me at least once. The good news is