Paleo…ooo?

I like to eat food. …All sorts of food.
Sometimes I like to cook food and try new recipes.
Sometimes I don't and I feel lazy.
Being lazy is not healthy- because that means you order pizza or take-out Thai food.
Mmmm Pad Kee Mao.
I am trying not to be lazy at this very moment and find inspiration to create a tasty and healthy dinner.
…It's not working.

I thought maybe if I shared my experience and the recipes I tried in my sad attempt to try and follow the Paleo-lifestyle that it would encourage me to cook tonight.  Hopefully by the end of this post I will have found such encouragement.

So… Paleo, huh?  I know, everyone is doing it.  Sometimes you want to roll your eyes at the stupid stuff that "everyone" is doing… kind of like what I did with Twitter.  And then I had PR reps look at me and tell me I need Twitter if I want to be a food photographer.  Twitter didn't seem so stupid after that.  So when people told me about Paleo- that they cut out all grains, sugars and dairy again I rolled my eyes and called it a fad diet.  Which perhaps it is.  However, if you look into it a little bit you realize, fad or not, it makes sense and it's healthier.  I eat too much sugar, I know that.  I'm addicted big time.  (Man, a donut sounds good right now, doesn't it?)  I thought I would give the Paleo-lifestyle a go and try to at least cut down my grain and sugar intake.  I knew off the bat that it wouldn't be a 100% full-commitment type of thing, that's not my style.  In fact I can only think of two things I am 100% committed too- God and my husband.  I LOVE eating out… I mean I am trying to be a food photographer so it comes with the territory.  That has probably been the most difficult part- eating out.  A close second is me being lazy… it takes more effort to buy cauliflower, finely grate it and create rice than throwing my already purchased (extra, extra large bag) of white rice into my rice cooker.

Have I cheated?  Does a bear sh*t in the woods?

I am trying to figure out this new lifestyle and find the correct balance for me.  In the mean time I have come across a lot of stellar recipes- mainly from OMG That's Paleo? cookbook.  I'll share them with you. :)

1. Cilantro Chicken Nuggets.  …I bought a dill flavored and jalapeño flavored mustard to go along with these nuggets and other grilled chicken dishes.  Ground chicken might taste better- not sure… I only could find ground turkey and I used that.

2. Pumpkin Cashew Coconut Curry over Coconut "Rice" …Cauliflower rice works and tastes great.  It's messy though!  My husband was not impressed with the kitchen afterwards.

3. Avocado Cilantro Chicken Salad …Great for lunch.

4. Spicy Mexican-Stuffed Poblanos …I did it with 5 peppers and that was more than enough for two people.

5. Blackberry Glazed Pork Chops …Easy-peasy and good.

6. Citrus Mango Spicy Tilapia and Kale …For two people I just used two large fillets and I only had lemon and it was still delish.

7.  Red Curry Scallop Soup … The only dish that I made twice (and in the same week)!!  It was very good.  Unfortunately this was a "new" recipe just for the cookbook I bought so I can't link it up to her blog.  If you'd like the recipe you can either purchase the book or email me.

8. Grilled Salmon and Asparagus Frittata …Obviously for breakfast.  I thought it needed a little something on top (like she mentioned) so I put avocados, cherry tomatoes and a little bit of a chipotle sauce I have.

9. Caramelized Plantain Pancakes… Not only did I make these for the first time but I pre-made the batter and then used it while we were camping.  That changed a few things as far as cooking them- I had to like turn them into little patties almost (like crab cakes).  I enjoyed them still and will definitely try again as more of an actual pancake style.

10. Simple Blueberry Muffins… I made them and my husband loved them and asked me to make them again.  Second time around there were no blueberries at my grocery store (??) so I bought blackberries. I also didn't have quite enough coconut oil… so I did half coconut oil and half lemon grape seed oil.  Since I was going with a little lemon I also tossed in some lemon zest.  They were good too- but the blueberry was probably a little better.

11. Apple Cinnamon Muffins… These were good but not as good as the above muffin recipe.  (Probably because it's missing the most amazing thing- almond butter! lol.)

12. Roasted Grape, Bacon and Kale Salad … OMG is right on this one.  I've made it a handful of times now- it's soooo good.  Of course the "dressing" is basically bacon fat.  I don't have a link for this recipe either but it's a piece of cake.  Take a handful of red grapes throw a little bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar on them and then bake them at 425 for about 15 minutes.  While they are baking throw about 4-5 pieces of bacon on a skillet and cook.  Remove bacon and then toss a bunch of chopped Kale into the bacon grease and cook the Kale down.  Toss all three ingredients together (obviously brake up the bacon) and chow down.  It's amazing.

13. Roasted Red Pepper Dip… Great dip.  She has you make Sweet Potato Chips to go along with this dip.  I actually have made the chips and used them with my guacamole recipe instead.  With the pepper dip I used Plantain Chips which she also has a recipe for but no link… or if you're feeling lazy Trader Joe's sells plantain chips.

14. Coconut Curry and Butternut Squash Soup… this is the only recipe I'll link-up that's not from the OMG Paleo book.  This is straight-up Pinterest.  It was alright… because I used a Vitamix I think some of the flavors were too strong like the onion.

Of course there were a lot of things I just made with out a recipe.  I did the obvious spaghetti squash as "spaghetti" and lettuce-wrapped hamburgers.  I made Portobello Mushroom Pizzas which were really good.  And the good ol' standbys… grilled meats, grilled veggies, salads, taco salad, tortilla soup (minus the tortilla and cheese part), smoothies and lots of lots of egg concoctions for breakfast.


I'm sure there are two questions on your mind.  One- Where are the photos, Aubrie?  Can you believe that I did not take photos of any of these recipes!!  I'm thinking that if I continue to do this that I'll have to start photographing the dishes and posting them.  But for this post, sorry, no photos.  Second- did I find my  motivation to cook at home last night?  Yes, last night.  I started this post Friday evening… my husband came home and said "I had a hard week can we go out and get a beer?"  So to answer the question I did find motivation but my husband quickly changed my mind.  If my man needs a beer and needs to go out than dang-it we need to go out!  We ventured over to a really cool new spot in downtown Beaverton called Watson Hall.  Great food, yummy beer and cool atmosphere.  Check it out.

…I now have motivation to write out my recipes for this upcoming week and keep chugging along on this Paleo-lifestyle.

Cheers and happy eating.
Aubrie

PS. If you're out and about in the Northwest/Nob Hill area and need a great spot for yummy salads check out Kiva.  Their Kale Salad was amazing!!

Food. Books. Movies. Clothes. Wine. Aqua-Bike. Photography.

Let's talk about everything... everything that is cliche.  Nothing too deep on this post today.  Just a lot of things I've seen, heard, read, tasted or want to try.  You know, the basics... food, clothes, movies, music, books and of course my two "basics" photography and wine.  This is definitely a "For Fun" kinda-post. 


Food: 


So for awhile there David and I were trying the 17-day diet... first time around we had success and the last two times we've tried again we did not accomplish anything. Since I was watching what I was eating I really didn't get to cook anything too exciting.  I don't need to make fried chicken with a thick cream sauce... but when you limit dairy, grains, etc. it makes for some boring meals to create.  I've hit a little "mood" where I want to cook some new dishes and maybe even bake a few treats.  


So I have a few things I'm going to try at some point this week/weekend... 


Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese... click here for a picture and recipe


Asparagus and Chicken Fricassee... click here for a picture and recipe


Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes... click here for a picture and recipe


I have all the ingredients for everything above... I'll let you know how they all turn out. I made my own version of Oatmeal Cookies the other day.  They actually turned out awesome... I cut the oats in half and put coconut and dried cranberries in the mix.  Yum.  Click here for a picture and recipe.  


Books: 


I just finished reading "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson.  Great read!  He is such a funny writer.  The book was about him and his friend hiking the Appalachian Trail.  (The AT is just like the Pacific Crest Trail but on the East side of the country).  You learn a lot about America reading the book as well.  If you are into hiking/travel/adventure/outdoors kind of books you'll definitely enjoy this one.  I can't wait to pick up another book by Bryson.  


I am totally switching gears and I just started reading "Crazy Love."  My sister gave me the book for Christmas.  The back of the book reads... 


"Have you ever wondered if we're missing it? It's crazy, if you think about it.  The God of the universe loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing-love.  And what is our typical response?  We go to church, sing songs and try not to cuss.  Whether you've verbalized it yet or not... we all know something's wrong.  Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo?  Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions?  God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself.  Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and dont's- it's falling in love with God.  And once you encounter His love, you will never be the same." 


It's going to be a "hard" read... if ya know what I mean.  


Movies: 


So movies have been a little difficult lately.  I've actually watched a few that really did not excite me at all.  "Drive" was fairly gory and not what I expected.  "Tintin" was actually kind of boring to me.  "Rum Diary" was not all that great either.  A little while back I watched "Moneyball" and I really enjoyed that movie.  (David not as much, but I don't think he gets/likes baseball as much as I do.)  We just rented "How to Train your Dragon."  That movie was very cute and entertaining... safe for the whole family lol.  I would recommend it.  Cheap theatre night we watched "This Means War." It was actually very funny, we laughed out loud a handful of times.  And the other day we saw "Hunger Games."  I did not read the book... so from just a movie point of view I thought it was good.  It wasn't like the best movie I've ever seen or anything... but I judge movies purely on an entertaining value.  Did it entertain me?  Yes.  (Warning for the next one: Spoiler Alert.)  So I rented "One Day" the other night while David was out of town.  Great little movie... loved how it went through all the different years and how the two characters grew.  (Plus I loved Anne Hathaway's hairstyles).  The ending shocked me.  I got a bad feeling all of a sudden... like "Ohh no, something horrible is going to happen." And before I could even finish that thought.... BAM!  She literally gets ran over by a bus.  I actually put my hands to my face an a little yelp squeaked out.  I was shocked.  Of course the movie turns sad... but that's life, right?  The very end of the movie brings you back to the beginning so you can see what actually happened and finishes it so that your not completely in the blues.  I think it was a good movie... even if it didn't have the ending I wanted. 


....This is not a movie, but I do have to say very quickly that I've been enjoying "Frozen Planet" on the Discovery channel every Sunday night.  Awesome cinematography.


Clothes: 


I bought a pair of cowgirl boots for my birthday.  I. Love. Them.  They are brown with a turquoise diamond pattern on them.   So every girl has their "thing" that they like to buy... a lot of girls it's shoes, for some it's purses and others love scarfs.  Mine is skirts.  I love my skirts so much that I just sent about 10+ skirts home with one of my friends so she can take them all in for me. (I lost some weight/inches and a lot of my skirts were not fitting correctly.)  Instead of tossing them out and just buying new ones I decided to save them.  SAVE THE SKIRTS!  I did loose a jean skirt though.  It's way to big on me and she could not save it.  Sad.  So now I'm down to... 20 skirts.  TWENTY?  Yes.  What?  I like skirts... how many pair of shoes do you have? ;)  


Aqua-Bike


I really want to try an aqua-bike this summer.  I loved my triathlons last summer but I hated training for the running part.  I'm just not a runner.  Obviously I love swimming, Masters Swimming is going well.  I actually have another meet next Saturday.  And biking is a lot of fun too.  Running sucks.  So this summer I thought I would concentrate on the two sports I like and try out an aqua-bike.  I know you're all going "what the heck is that??!"  It's a race where you just do the swimming and biking... no running.  The swim and the bike are longer though (than a Sprint triathlon).  Right now I am looking at the Grand Columbian Aqua-Bike in September.  It's a 1.2 mile swim followed by a 56 mile bike ride.  


Wine: 


We've came across a few wineries lately that were pretty good.  I always like to share... So Carlton is this cute little po-dunk town with a bunch of wineries.  You could definitely spend the afternoon tasting and you would only have to walk a few blocks.  Scott Paul had a few wines that we enjoyed... it was fun learning more about the French region.  I really enjoyed Folin Cellars though, they had a lot of reds, Barbara, Tempranillo, Cab, etc. that I liked.  I would definitely check that place out.  We went into the Gorge for my birthday weekend.  We've hit up a lot of the wineries on the Oregon side so we decided to mix it up and hit the Washington side.  They were all pretty good... I think Syncline was probably my favorite.  Plus it had a big tree-swing so that's always fun.  (Memaloose has a nice deck/view of the river and the coolest wine-dog ever.)  


My birthday present from David was a wine membership at our favorite winery, Marchesi.  Come June we'll have 7 bottles of wine from the Italian winery.  Mmmmmm! I can't wait.  They can't make a bad wine over there.  Who wants to have a wine party in June?  This girl.  :) 


Photography: 


I bought a new macro lens!!!  60mm f2.8 macro lens.  I'm excited to play with it!  (I actually would be playing with it right now, but my stomach is in shambles so I'm laying low...hence writing a long blog on nothing.)  I'm looking forward to the busy summer season.  I'm over this slow Spring phase I am in right now.  I'm ready to shoot and shoot and edit and edit.  (Although mid way through I won't be singing the same tune with the editing deal.)  


Check out my  Instagram feed... I am doing a "Photo a Day" in April.  I am following this list here.  
My Insta name is "aubrielegault" come follow me.  


Well I think that about covers it.  I have a few Instagram photos to take... a new lens to pay with,  a hard-heart-filled book to read and an aqua-bike to train for.  I better get on with it.  


Skipping, 
Aubrie

Spring Sucks.

It's like watching paint dry.


....Waiting.


...Waiting for the rain to stop. For the sun to peek through the clouds... and stay.  Waiting for the 40 degree days to turn into 75 degree days.  Waiting.


March, April, May- they are actually pretty brutal months here in Oregon.  Honestly Spring is probably the worst season in the Northwest, to me at least.  Fall is actually pretty nice, you're to that point where seeing the rain is refreshing, the colors change and that's always a sight to see and you look forward to comfy vests and sitting by the fireplace.  Winter actually has some excitement, a little snow, maybe some snowboarding and of course the holidays.  ...And then it hits. Spring.  I am sure in a lot of other wonderful places around the world Spring is great.  Here in the Northwest it basically means we sit by the window and watch the rain continue to drown our spirits.  We start to daydream...


I day dream of summer days.  If you could peek into my head you would see a thousand cliche "movie" clips.  You know the type of montages that show road trips, driving with a convertible along 101, spinning in circles with your lover on the beach, camping under the stars, and on and on I could go.  I daydream and listen to music that reminds me of the summer, a lot of country tunes.


"To this day when I hear that song
I see you standin' there on that lawn
Discount shades, store bought tan
Flip flops and cut-off jeans

Somewhere between that setting sun
I'm on fire and born to run
You looked at me and I was done
And we're, we're just getting started

I was singin' to you, you were singin' to me
I was so alive, never been more free
Fired up my daddy's lighter and we sang
Ooohh

Stayed there 'til they forced us out
And took the long way to your house
I can still hear the sound of you sayin' don't go

When I think about you, I think about 17
I think about my old jeep
I think about the stars in the sky
Funny how a melody sounds like a memory
Like the soundtrack to a July Saturday night
Springsteen" 

- "Springsteen" by Eric Church

I look forward to driving in my hot car, windows down because I have no air conditioner (actually, I prefer windows anyway).  I look forward to going to the beach and not having to wear a coat.  I look forward to camping...and sweating not shivering.  I look forward to the SUN!  Sunsets, sunrises.  Taking photos of sunsets and sunrises.  Oh God, I look forward to Rainer Cherries and when the vegetable/fruit tent opens up down the street.  Green beans straight out of the garden, BLT's with fresh tomatoes.  SUN TEA!  Sitting on my back porch with my black lab tanning his hide while I read.  I can't wait to play Frisbee.  Drink some cold white wine or check out a brewery and sit outside.  

It's painful.  Even if we get a very small taste of nice weather, here in Oregon we know that it won't officially stay until at least mid June...sometimes even July.  Considering that it is only March 15th... we have awhile to go.  *Sigh*  But when that summer hits, all these rainy days are so worth it.  Here in the Northwest we live through the rain for those three amazing months of perfect weather, awesome food, beautiful beaches, excellent hikes, tasty beer and wine and, believe it or not, SUN.  

I can't wait. 

Aubrie

The 17 Day Diet

Well I talk about losing weight on here more than I talk about a lot of things.  It's one of those things that is obviously important to me yet a constant struggle.  I am hoping that this attempt at healthy living (attempt #174) will stick and work!

David kept talking to me about his co-worker that lost a lot of weight, he used a healthy diet, followed a book, it's from a Doctor, blah, blah, blah.  I honestly only listened because it was my husband speaking not because the topic interested me.  I had no idea he was serious about doing the diet himself.  I hear the word "diet" and automatically assume it's bad for you because of all the fad diets that are out there.  Well when David asked me when I was going to get the book for him (a week before his birthday, hint, hint) I decided to make a run down to Powell's bookstore.

The 17 Day Diet.  Seriously the title sounds awful and the book looked awful... it was bright pink.  Ew. I opened it and started reading bits and pieces.  To my shock I was totally hooked and thought that A-it was healthy and B- might actually work.

After opening the lovely present (I got him some manly gun-shooting-thing too) and reading through the first couple of chapters we decided to start the diet on Monday the 17th.  My first day on the diet I go into Olive Garden for my dinner shift.  I'm prepared to stare at pasta, bread sticks and desserts and serve them to people who will enjoy them.  I was not prepared for our managers to bring in huge Costco muffins and Halloween cookies.  Ugh!  I prevailed though and I did not have one bite of those delicious muffins.

So you're probably wondering how the diet works... or at least what the catch is- like do we eat kale shakes for every meal for 17 days straight.  YES!  Okay, no.  That's gross and I would never do that.

There are four cycles of 17 days.  The first cycle is called "Accelerate" and to quote the book exactly the accelerate cycle is "the rapid weight loss portion, which helps flush sugar and fat storage from your system."  Dave and I can eat plenty of lean proteins (fish, canned tuna, chicken breasts, turkey breasts, ground turkey, eggs) and all the cleansing vegetables we want.  (The list is huge- basically think of everything except starchy veggies, avocados and beans.) We eat two servings of low-sugar fruit (apples, berries, oranges, peaches, pears, grapes, etc.) and two servings of probiotic foods (low fat yogurt, kefir, etc.)  We are suppose to drink A LOT of water (of course) and a lot of green tea.  Thank God coffee (1-2 cups) is allowed.  You can see what is missing... bread, carbs, sugars, desserts... and wine!

The second cycle is called "Activate."  The activate cycle is "the metabolic restart portion, with alternating low and high calorie days to help shed body fat."  No, I do not get to eat cupcakes all day one day and then return to my salad with vinegar and oil dressing the next.  On my "higher" calorie days I get some different proteins (not for every meal) for instance we can have shellfish or lean cut of steak/pork for dinner.  We can also have some starchy veggies, legumes and natural starches.  On the "lower" calorie days we go back to the accelerate menu.

The third cycle is called "Achieve" which the books says this is a "phase that involves learning to control portions and introducing new fitness routines."  Oh, I forgot to mention that during this diet he asks that you work out for 17 minutes a day... even if it's just a brisk walk.  The fourth cycle is called "Arrive" and this is a "combination of the first three cycles to keep good habits up for good.  On weekends enjoy your favorite foods."  I've skimmed over the last two cycles but I don't want to think about those until I get through the first two.  So I'll have to update you when I hit cycle three.

One of the main reasons this might work is because David and I are doing it together.  It's virtually impossible to eat healthy when your spouse is snacking on ice cream.  I am excited to see how we will do.  We finished day two already.  Oh and David and I are both down a few pounds. ;)

Cheers to sugar-free jam on top of non-fat plain yogurt, skipping out on Costco muffins and salads galore.

Skipping,
Aubrie

Yummy (and easy) Recipes

I try out a lot of new recipes, my poor husband is always the guinea pig.  A lot of my recipes are from the magazine Real Simple.  Although I've been using Pinterest to find some new things to try as well.  Three nights in a row I made new dishes and they all turned out good!  Since I found some keepers I thought I would share those recipes with you.

Steak Fajitas with Sweet Potato and Poblano: 

2 TBS. Olive Oil
1 Large Sweet Potato (peeled and cut into small pieces)
1 Medium Onion, thinly sliced
1 Small Poblano Pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 1/4 Lbs. Skirt Steak, cut into strips.
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
1-2 Tsp. chopped chipotle chilies in adobo sauces
Flour Tortillas, warmed.

So... before I begin telling how to cook it, which is really easy actually, I wanted to tell you that I made a few substitutions for what I had available.  I did not use a Poblano- I used two jalapeno peppers (I left the seeds in and thinly sliced them.)  I also did not use the chipotle chilies, although it sounds good.

Basically in a skillet put the oil, potato, onion and pepper with some salt and pepper on medium heat and cook until tender. (I added a few extra spices, a dash of chili pepper, a little nutmeg and a little brown sugar)

The recipe calls to broil the steak with some salt and pepper on it for 3-4 minutes on each side.  My broiler is broke so I simply grilled the steak... turned out just fine I think.

You can add the chilies to the sour cream or just use plain sour cream.  Throw it all together in a tortilla and enjoy!


Gingery Peanut Noodles with Chicken: 

(This recipe is for left over rotisserie chicken.  I bake a whole chicken and have some of that with...whatever... and then I use the leftovers for a different recipe.)

In a blender, blend together 1 Cup Water, 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter, 3 TBS. Rice Vinegar (I ran out so I used White Wine Vinegar), 3 TBS. Soy Sauce, 1 TBS Brown Sugar and 1 Tsp. grated Fresh Ginger.

Toss with 8 oz. Spaghetti (I used Angel Hair, I thought it went better with this dish), 1 1/2 cups Shredded Chicken, 1 sliced Red Bell Pepper, 1/2 English Cucumber (cut into strips) and 2 sliced Scallions.  Sprinkle with chopped up Peanuts.  (I cooked the pepper and cucumber in a skillet for a few minutes so that it was hot and little tender...I skipped the scallions, simply because I forgot.)

It was like eating home made Thai, really.  :)


Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese:

I made these little "treats" to have at the end of my dinner.  It wasn't really a dessert, but I would at least save it for last.  I had grilled pork chops and steamed broccoli to begin... but there are probably better options to make along side this recipe.

2 Ripe, Firm Pears
3.5 oz. Goat Cheese
3/4 oz. Pine Nuts
1 Sprig Rosemary
2 TBS. Honey
2 TBS. Butter

Slice the pears, remove core and seeds and leave a well for the filling.   Preheat oven to 350. Place the pears in an oven-safe dish, pour melted butter on top.  Add 1/2 cup water to the bottom of the pan.  Bake for 10-15 minutes.  Toss the cheese, rosemary and nuts together.  Sprinkle the mixture into the pears and bake for another 10 minutes.  Remove pears and drizzle with honey.  (Since there are only two of us we halved this recipe and just used one pear...etc.)


Happy Cooking!  Let me know if you have any good recipes that you've made lately.  Cheers!

Off-Season

Well triathlon season has officially come to an end.  I completed two triathlons, one with a lower-back problem.  I just finished taking one week off to heal my lower back and I am ready to begin my off-season training.  I always find that if I share my plans I will tend to keep them, using this little blog post as a way to keep myself accountable.

I've been paying for my gym membership and really the only thing I used it for during tri season was to swim.  Occasionally I would go to a cycle class if the weather was not cooperating.  A few weeks before my second triathlon I started to go to a body works class.  Other than that, LA Fitness really hasn't seen me much and is pretty much just sucking unused dollars out of my bank account.  So I plan to correct that and make every penny count.

Here is my "PLAN"

Monday: Swim!
Tuesday: Cycle Class @ 9:15 AM
Wednesday: Yoga @ 8:30 AM
Thursday: Body Works Plus Abs @ 8:30
Friday: Off
Saturday: Run! (Or doing a pretty good hike.)
Sunday: Off

I would like to get stronger and more flexible during the off season.  Work on my abs so I can protect that lower back of mine.  I would like to swim, run and cycle (class counts) once a week to keep all three in shape.

I am also thinking about buying a little journal to document what I am eating.  I've counted calories before with an iPhone app, which that worked out for the most part.  It could be more convenient than an actual hand written journal, but I guess I'll see.  I more want to document everything I am eating and if in a month or two I have not seen any change in my body (positive change!) than I may consider talking to a nutritionist to see what I need to change.  (Which I am sure I could use a lot of change, really!)

Anyone is welcomed to join me in the pool or at any of the classes I will attend.  I would be happy to have a work-out partner.  I found the one time that I ran with my friend my 3 miles went by faster and we're easier so if anyone wants to run on Saturday mornings with me, please let me know.

Here's to always working towards a healthier lifestyle.

Skipping,
Aubrie

Spinning, Weights and Ice Cream

Wow.  It's been a really long time since I have updated everyone on how my training is going.  I would apologize, but I really don't think anyone wants a weekly update on how the gym is treating me during these winter months.

...But a monthly update, maybe.  So the gym is treating me well. :)  Actually I am proud to say that the three goals I mentioned earlier are working out.  I am officially practicing/training for all three sports now.  I've been either swimming at the gym or I'll get in the pool before I coach the Sunset High School swim practice. I am trying to run at least twice a week.  I've been using the treadmill for the most part, but with the warmer weather this last week or so I've ran the last three times outside.  Every time I take more than a couple of days off (dang holidays!) I have to re-build my running for some reason.  Tonight I ran two miles again so I am hoping to keep that up and then build to the actual 3 miles I need to be at.

My latest and greatest activity is the spinning class, or LA Fitness just simply calls it "Cycle."  I love it!  After my butt adjusted to being sore of course.  I have been trying to go to the cycle class at least twice a week... and sometimes I throw a third "class" in on my own time.  Definitely my favorite part of the training for now.

Yesterday I added yet another component to the training- weights!  I have never been into weight lifting.  During my years of competitive swimming I was always too tight and muscular to do weight lifting, I had to stretch instead.  So this will take some motivation, dedication and discipline on my behalf.  (What doesn't?)  Hopefully I can keep it up and get use to the fact that I'll be sore... a lot!

As far as eating goes... well let's just say I eat tons of salads, fruit, veggies, whole wheat pasta and English muffins, low-fat yogurt and leaner meats.  I also eat ice cream, bread, more bread and more ice cream.  I am happy that all the cookies and box of chocolates are gone from the holidays- one less temptation I have to fight.  Psh, there is no fight.  They call out to me- and I cave within in seconds.  Owell.  Hopefully I'll find that nice balance soon.

One last thing- I have decided on an actual triathlon.  I will be competing in the Blue Lake Sprint Triathlon in Fairbanks, OR on June 11th.  Anyone want to be my sponsor and donate the $80 sign-up fee?  :)

Keep Training,
Aubrie

Three Goals

WoW.  It's almost been a month since I last wrote something.  I guess training in the gym is not that exciting.  The scenery is the same... the treadmill and the stationary bike have the same view.  The good news is that I haven't fallen off completely- I am still running on the treadmill around 2-2.5 miles and I am biking about 8-9 miles.  I also have been attending 1-2 yoga classes a week.

I always feel more motivated at the beginning of the week.  Monday I hit up yoga and then go work out, Tuesday I typically hit the gym followed by at least yoga on Wednesday and a possible work out as well... then Thursday starts the downward plunge into the weekend where sometimes I don't make at all.  (I did make it last Saturday- go me.)

What I need to do is get into a routine.  Uh, just saying routine makes me cringe.  But I think between running, biking, swimming, yoga and a cycle class or two I can mix things up enough to keep it interesting.   I'll think of a routine- maybe if I post it on here it will help keep me accountable.

And, for the 10-billionth time, I need to work on my eating habits again.  *Sigh*    Seriously- what is my problem with ice cream?   I like how I am stating that I need to create better eating habits the day before Thanksgiving.

Okay.  After this weekend, because let's face it, it's Thanksgiving and I will be out of town... I am putting three goals into action starting 9.29.

1. Add Swimming!!!
2. Plan a routine and stick with it!
3. Count Calories!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and that they forget about whatever diet/exercise regime they are on for one day to give thanks for the fact that we have some AWESOME food in this world.  :)

Keep Training,
Aubrie

3.1 Miles!

Woo Hoo!  Today I officially completed 3.10 miles, which of course is the length of a 5k.  I actually was surprised that I finished in 32 minutes (and some odd seconds).  I figured from my other timed runs that it would be more like 38-40 minutes.  I kept looking at iMapMyRun to make sure it was functioning properly, it seemed like it was right.  I feel extremely relieved that I hit the mark before the actual race.  I was scared that I was not going to get up to 3 miles.  But hey- we are t-minus 17 days and running strong baby!  I guess I won't die at the finish line.

Today I ran the Vernonia-Banks Trail.  It's a great trail... flat, quiet and beautiful!  I will actually use this trail a lot for the bike training, especially in the beginning.  So I am sure this will not be the first and last time my feet hit that trail.  I'm still training my ears and coming up with the perfect mix to run to.  The Eclipse Soundtrack was great to run to and I have a feeling a few songs will make the final cut.

The Side Ache article I posted in my last entry helped me with my problem-o.  I am trying to figure out if eating/drinking is affecting the aches or not.  I am also trying to breath in through my belly.  I did not get a horrid side ache today.  My right foot is still falling asleep on me though and today I couldn't shake it.  Usually I can wake the ol' foot up but it wanted to sleep.  It's the strangest feeling running when your foot is snoozing.  It's not comfortable and I want to fix it ASAP!  So I guess I am going to have to do some searching to see why my foot is not cooperating.

Healthy Eating is still a go-go.  I'm not perfect nor am I trying to be.  I will say that I had to walk past Coldstone Creamery like 5 times yesterday.  I paused and was very, very tempted to get a scoop.  I was strong and decided to get an Odwalla Chocolate Protein shake instead.  (A lot less calories and a lot more "good stuff" for you like vitamins, minerals and...protein.)  This weekend will be tough.  Saturday I am photographing a wedding, which means I eat whatever meal is provided.  Typically it's good, just not good for you.  Sunday-Monday I will be camping and rafting.  Hopefully the rafting will burn off the hot dogs and smores.  ;)

Here is a fun photo of my tennis shoes- my new running kicks!  It's more of an artsy-fartsy shot than it is to show you what the shoes look like.  I'm a photographer- you'll have to excuse me.

Keep Training,
Aubrie

Healthy Eating... Again? X 20!

I actually have an exercise plan that is working.  I have an exercise goal... a lot of mini goals leading up to one big goal.  I'm pretty excited about running and looking forward to whipping my butt into shape.  Exercise has always been the easier part of being healthy for me.  We all know what the second half of the equation is- food!  Eating healthy is not easy for me.

I make it sound like I sit around and eat Twinkies and hot dogs all day.  Actually I love fruits and veggies, I eat a lot of chicken and lean meat like venison.  I always buy whole wheat bread and skim milk.  So what is the problem?  Well I'm a big fan of dessert- especially ice cream.  It would not be a lie if I said I eat ice cream almost every night.  My portions are, I am assuming, not correct.  I love bread.  And... well I get odd cravings from time to time and do not deny myself the satisfaction of meeting those cravings...like Kraft Mac n Cheese.

If you know me- you know what I look like and I am pretty top heavy.  I have the Huddleston stomach or lovely muffin top.  And I am on the larger end of things in the bra department.  I can actually see that it's too much weight for my lil knees to carry when I am running.  They are sore and tired when I am done and I am guessing it's from lugging the top half around.

So I need to lose weight.  In order for me to loose weight- running 2.12 miles (and increasing) every other day is not cutting it.  I know it will get easier if I eat healthier and lose weight.  So here we go AGAIN for like the bazillionth time.  I need to get back to counting the calories and actually staying away from ice cream and macaroni and cheese.

I need my husband to join the frenzy.  It's hard to eat apples at night while your husband scarfs down chocolate peanut butter ice cream (my personal favorite.)  I am the woman of the house- I do make the menu, the grocery list and pack his lunches.  So I guess if I don't give him an option than he'll just be forced into eating healthy too.  ...Although he did go to the store tonight and he bought (what else?) ice cream and carmel topping!  AHHHHH!!

Here is a quick article on healthy eating.  Wish me luck!

Keep Training,
Aubrie