You put the lime in the coconut....

A few weeks ago the hubs brought home some coconut water. To be perfectly honest I kinda shrugged my shoulders, stuck it in the fridge and said "whatever". He tasted it and didn't particularly care for it, and so there it's been sitting. Then I noticed some in the cold box at the register at the grocery store, next to the sodas and energy drinks. And then I heard mention about it on a podcast by Jillian Michaels. So, I thought, what the heck, let's look into this. Turns out, it's pretty good for you. I found this article on the topic.
I personally have to refuel quickly after a workout or my body won't make milk for my lil bambina, so the coconut water I'm finding is great to help me get back on a even keel and rehydrate properly. Of course, as with anything, don't go over board. I think it's great post-workout, but I wouldn't drink it all the time. It has calories, it has some sugar (natural sugars, but sugars just the same) but I think it has some merit as a whole which is why I'm sharing with you.
To be clear, this is coconut water...not coconut milk. There is a distinction. The water comes from the unripened green coconut and the milk comes from pressing the meat of a "ripe" brown coconut. The taste is a little different then you might expect. I ♥ it in a post-workout smoothie instead of almond milk though. Drinking it straight up is an acquired taste. I don't mind it straight, but it's not my all time favorite thing either.
I'm looking forward to using it when I start my longer training runs because I do think it will be beneficial. Drinking about 8 oz after my Ripped in 30 workout today was good too. All in all, a good find....thanks hubby ☺
Have you tried coconut water? Has this peaked your interest at all?

The newest news

The time has come for me to start training again. I can comfortably run 3-4 miles and the only way I can keep myself consistent is to plan for a race. So, I found a local half marathon (that's 13.1 miles for those of you non-runners) in October and I'm making running a priority. I busted out my pocket calendar and set up my training schedule and mileage from now till the race on October 23rd. And now I've told all of you. I also ordered Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD. It came in the mail today(I ordered it from eBay for $7 brand new) and I'm going to get started on that too. The fitness bug has definitely visited my house and bit me on the ass....probably because my muscles are becoming more defined and I love that "look". To say that I'm excited is probably an understatement.
Fitness and nutrition podcasts have also become a bit of an obsession lately and I have my iPod in half the day while I'm working around the house. The science and theory appeals to my nerdy side and I'm loving learning new things and listening to different perspectives. The "Paleo Diet" has peaked my interest and I'll be doing some research and sharing as I investigate. Anywho, that's all for now. Hope your week is going well...

Yummy in my tummy!

Are you a snacker?? Me, I like to eat several small meals throughout the day. For that reason I've been searching for the healthiest foods to give me the most bang for my buck. My husband will tell you I'm becoming quite the hippie LOL.
Anyway, most of you know I ♥ beans. I wrote a whole post about it. Then I heard about something called roasted chickpeas. Intrigued? I was. So yesterday I made some. THEY ARE AWESOME!!!! The hubster tried them and said "These taste kinda like CornNuts". They're easy to make and are a quick healthy snack that gives you fiber, protein, carbohydrates and good fat. I ate some at lunch with an apple, string cheese and some veggies and hummus and I was FULL for a long time (and who doesn't want that).
Want the recipe so you can try it yourself? This is the one I used here at allrecipes.com. The only thing I did differently was cook them at a lower temp- 350*. I find that when roasting things (like almonds etc) that a lower temp over a longer period gives me a better result.
Hope you like them as much as I do....

Checking in...

Okay, we're back from Disneyland. Had a blast! I allowed myself a little latitude with my eating but didn't go crazy. I ate some desserts etc that wouldn't normally be "allowed" with the mindset that it was a treat not something to be indulged in all the time. Since being home I've settled back into my "normal" without difficulty. I'm also happy to report that as of this morning I have officially lost 40 lbs! That's all for now. Gotta go pamper the hubs for Father's Day....

Jillian fever

I hadn't planned on posting again till after I got home from Disneyland, but I had to share this. First, let me say, I'm a Jillian fan! About a week ago I found out that she does a pod cast. Yesterday I decided to check it out. I ♥ it!! Being home with the kids all day I often have the TV on as background, but this is so much better. She talks about a lot of different stuff from nutrition, exercise, emotional stuff....the list goes on. I suggest you check it out. It's free on Itunes. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Changing my perspective...

Summer vacation time is upon us. Next week we're going to Disneyland. Between now and then I have lots to do, but I wanted to check in really quick. Things have been going well. I've been concentrating on making choices that I feel are sustainable going forward. I don't want to have to lose this weight again so I'm working on making sure this is a lifestyle I can maintain. All in all I'm feeling good about the direction I'm going. It used to be that if I blew my "diet" on a meal it would send me into a downward spiral and the rest of the day, the rest of the week, and maybe the next week, would be spent shoving my face or feeling guilty and trying to recover. Unproductive. I've decided to change my perspective slightly. A higher calorie meal is just that... a meal. Move on. Having a splurge on occasion is not going to add 10 lbs. Overeating for an extended period of time though will. Understanding that it takes 3500 extra calories to gain a "real" pound of fat helps me keep things in perspective. I'm also working on being more active than ever in everyday life. I walk places if it's feasible which saves on gas too. Example: I've got to go to the bank later...it's 2 miles away. Why not combine my errand and exercise into one?
While I still want to lose another 20lbs, I'm not as worried about getting there quickly. If I'm keeping my activity up and eating well I think my body will follow along.
Here's my newest progress picture (sorry, no makeup!). My size 10's are fitting comfortably again which is nice.
I'm looking forward to updating my weight after Disneyland. Till next week....

You LIE!!

I'm so irritated by the scale right now. Quite simply, it lies!! Even though I know it's water weight, seeing the scale creep up every day this week is flippin' discouraging! I've been eating pretty well, except a little higher than norm on the sodium and working out (sore muscles= water retention too). So basically, I'm doing it to myself. Add to that I haven't been as strict about getting in my 6-8 bottles of water. Time to buckle down, push the water, veggies & lean protein and get the number back where it "should" be.
On a nicer note, some of my "skinnier" clothes are starting to fit. I pulled out the tub this week and started trying things on, just to see. Another 10-20lbs and most everything should be wearable.
The mental disconnect has reared it's ugly head again though. I know in my head that I've lost 35 lbs, but I'm having a difficult time seeing it or feeling like it. I think it's time for some pictures. Visual aides tend to be helpful...
Anyway, that's all for now. Happy Friday blogosphere!

National Running Day

'Nough said ☺

I've started June off with a bang...and a 4 mile run. I haven't run that far in a long time... probably a year. I also managed to do it at a 8:56/mi which is progress from the 10/mi I started out at post baby. It was one of those runs that felt AMAZING and I'm so glad I went! Happy National Running Day people!