Thursday, November 11, 2010

Almost Passing Out At Pilates = Unacceptable

Today I came face to face with a grim reality:  I am grossly out of shape.  When you get winded doing difficult stretches, it's safe to say something's gone awry. 


Muffin Top 
(The clean version, but you get the point.)


Muffin Top:  a generally pejorative slang term used to describe the phenomenon of overhanging flesh (fat) when it spills over the waistline of pants or skirts in a manner that resembles the top of a muffin spilling over its paper casing. (Thank you for horrifying every last one of us Wikipedia).

Before my bout with walking pneumonia I was in very good shape - eating right, daily 2 mile walks, Pilates,  Jillian Michaels - it was the best I've ever felt in my life.  Then I got sick and couldn't do anything at all for at least 2 months...which led to falling out of the groove.  Oh the ding-dang groove.  Lately I've noticed my pants aren't fitting so well, my posture is off (poor stomach and lower back muscles = slouch), and I find myself craving a lot of junk food.  One evening last week I found myself in front of a Nordstrom fitting room mirror aka home of the reality check - ever looked at yourself closely in one of those things?  Suffice it to say I came out of there with renewed vigor to deal with, how shall we say, "un-toned areas".  Only to be met less than an hour later by a wall of Thrifty Ice Cream on sale 2 for $4 .  Halp!

Fall/Winter is a time when I get so tempted to slack off.  It's a combo of shorter days (less daylight to work out in), the Holidays (pardon me while I indulge in cookies and chocolate), and cooler weather.  Once I get unmotivated, I have a plethora of excuses that help me stay there.  But once I get a fire lit to change it's full steam ahead.  This week I've started with brisk 2 mile walks and today was my first day back at Pilates (where I took an absolute beating in the first 15 minutes and kept 911 on speed dial for the whole hour.  I was mortified).  Eating habits are changing around here, too.

When I incorporate the following Fat Burning Foods into my diet, along with regular exercise, the results are excellent.
  1. Oatmeal - not the sugary kind.  If you are gluten-free, there are varieties out there for us, too.  Mix it with berries and you're good to go.  Keeps you full, is rich in fiber and wards off carb cravings...like muffins or bagels for breakfast.
  2. Nuts - stay away from the salted varieties, though.  I replace chocolate bar cravings with a handful of almonds, walnuts or pecans.  They're a tasty, crunchy snack and great with some veggies for an afternoon snack.
  3. Berries - it's not the best season right now, but if you can find some blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries they are an excellent source of fiber and provide just that little bit of sweet.
  4. Eggs - I'm careful not to overload because of the cholesterol factor, but will eat them boiled for lunch a couple/few times per week.  Eggs help your body to metabolize fat - if you're worried about the yolks eat the whites.  
  5. Turkey, well really all Lean Meats and Fish - I was surprised to find out that my body burned more calories digesting protein than carbs or fat.  I thought it would be the other way around.  Once I was armed with that info it was lean cuts of turkey on gluten-free bread with lettuce and bit of mayo for lunch a few times/week.  A half or whole sandwich with a side of apples is a beautiful thing.  Salmon or tuna are also high in protein and great for your immune system.  
  6. Spinach, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts - Think green.  They're very low in calories, but high in fiber.  For dinner I'll eat a salad and a lean piece of fish or chicken, and the desire for potatoes (my weakness) is much less.
  7. On the green note - Green Tea - not only is it good for your skin and overall health, green tea is filled with antioxidants that speed metabolism.  I've upped my intake from one to two cups per day.  Saddle bags be gone!!
  8. Avocados - mmmmkay?  LOVE  This one is such a relief - high in fats that are good for your health, they're also rich in fiber.  Great on that turkey sandwich, or in the salad!
  9. Beans/Legumes - but not refried.  Sorry!  Think black or pinto beans.  They're high in protein and fiber while being low in calories.  This means they help you tone up and lose weight.  Music to my ears! 
Now I'm not saying this is all I eat, but these things are definitely being used in my diet in larger amounts.  Will I still eat dark chocolate?  Never letting it go.  Will I still indulge in potato chips now and then?  Sure will!  Eat out?  Absolutely.  What I am saying is it's time to readjust my thinking about food (fuel not friend) and exercise (friend not foe), in order to get my energy level, posture and outlook back.  An inch off the waist wouldn't hurt either.  Argh!

Onward and upward....anyone who wants to throw in with me, let me know.  It's great to be able to share snack and meal ideas, as well as encourage one another to stay in the game - even if it's over the internet.

77 comments:

annelise said...

I am both gross and out of shape!

Carrie, it's like you read my mind. I've been telling myself that as soon as uni finishes (next week) that I'm going to give my body the biggest kick in the arse and get into shape again. My jeans (that ones that I can still wiggle in to) are extremely uncomfortable and I feel all jiggly and roll-y.

As soon as next week is done, count me in. God help me ...

this free bird said...

you totally described how i'm feeling. after pilates today i was like - holy eff how do women who have children ever regain a flatter stomach? it's like my once tough muscles have gone on vacation and i'm dealing with nothing in there. i was so sad!! it's going to take months, but i'm not giving up. death to muffin top!!

Miles Of Style said...

im like you in that once i begin to stop exercising it takes a lot to get me back on track. loved reading ur list of foods that help lose weight...im totally into nutrition and eating right! thanks for sharing this here. :)

p.s. new giveaway here http://onestylemile.blogspot.com/2010/11/le-mode-giveaway.html

Anonymous said...

I so need to be working on all of this. Diet, exercise, figuring out what might help me. Ugh. Now I'm tired thinking of it. My Mom brought over 2 books today that are sitting on my coffee table and I'm vowing to start SOMETHING after Christmas. Yeah. We'll see.

Young at Heart said...

my top tip.....repeat 'I'm not hungry' to yourself 3 or 4 times randomly during the day....it does seem to stop me snacking!!

k said...

I think I need to throw in with you, haha - dressing rooms are def reality check sometimes!

Collette Osuna said...

Hi Hunnie....great advice....I did Weight Watchers with my daughter.....a great diet really does work...although Ive already been at my goal weight for quite sometime, i still go to the meetings every week....Good luck...you will do great!!!

Stop by and say Hello ♥
Enter my Awesome ModCloth Giveaway

Lori said...

It only took me 2 weeks to get out of the exercise habit after being sick! I try to eat better and have been doing OK ~ ice cream is one of my biggest faux pas ~ congrats for jumping back up on the wagon. xo

Gabby / Gypsy*Diaries said...

I need to get started on my diet pronto to get in shape before the end of the year....
Thank you for joining the Ex-Presso / Blog couture giveaway! I hope you'll win! ;)
xxx

http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/

Claudz said...

i get so depro when i go into a dressing room! but i love food so much! some days i accept my appearance and other days, well, I want to lose half my weight....

good luck!

MerciBlahBlah said...

It's so easy to fall off the wagon and SO FRIGGING HARD to get back on, isn't it? Blargh! I feel like I'm rededicating my efforts to being healthy every day. The stupid thing is I know how much better I feel (and look, durrr) when I'm in the exercise groove. I'm in witchoo, mama.

On a sort-of unrelated but yet related note, I have been meaning to e-mail you about celiac's. I have a friend who is going thru some stuff and wonder if it may be what she is dealing with. Check yo e-mail in the next day or two, mmmkay?

mwah!
Shan

Anonymous said...

Hmm...I working on this. I have been off the wagon for too long. I have started the treadmill but it's the eating habits that are tough... I'm blaming my good friends Ben and Jerry. xo

Lilacandgrey said...

Carrie,
No matter how much I worked out I never lost weight (wtf)! but as soon as I stopped eating like it was a contact sport I lost 10 lbs!! It also didn't help that my husband's nickname is "hearty boy" hahaha
:D
<3 Cara
Lilac and Grey

JMB said...

Hey girlfriend! I am THROWING IN!! :)
Lets dish about GOOD food!! Seriously...I keep telling myself I need to lose the extra 10 lbs I need to lose the extra 10 lbs...and then I go DOWNSTAIRS , into the freezer and grab the chocolate/vanilla marble (my fav) ice cream and proceed to scooooooop my woes. THEN like you, when it is time to shop till I drop and I get into the dressing room mirror I think "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo, how did THAT dimple happen???" Consider me IN!!
Seriously.

hip hip gin gin said...

Right there with you on the out of shape factor! Mostly I feel soft and weak if that makes sense. Dressing room mirrors are so hideous. You would think they would make you look better than you do so that you will buy the clothes, but instead I've never looked worse than in a dressing room, blech.
The holidays are always such an indulgent time, I think this year I need to be good on all the days in between the actual holidays. The whole little bit of this little bit of that for two whole months thing really takes its toll.

Tiffany Kadani said...

I love these tips! I definitely should exercise more. It's kind of my off season so it definitely means I need to take more initiative. And eating right is so hard sometimes! Especially when you're sick. Yuck!

Unknown said...

count me in! i'm straight up ashamed of myself these days and my total lack of muscle/strength. i'm in! cutting out fries will be hard.

heather said...

Oh, I'm a boat! Or something big like that, I can't even think about this right now. I know I'm not returning to Cali in great weather, but I am really looking forward to nicer weather and trails, so I get out more. Post-baby, I might join a gym too. I never really liked those places (they're kinda weird), but somehow I have to get back on track.

Isabel said...

i need to d this too...but its oh so hard!

Dawn said...

Wish we could walk that 2 miles together.
I drive INTO town to walk right now- hunting season scares me out here;)

I cannot believe they do nothing to honor Veterans Day there !!! WHAT?!?

Taylor said...

Girl I am in....I was hard core at the gym til about mid Sept, I'm calling Oct 1! Anywho, the past week I have been back to 45 minutes of cardio, lot more speed walking than a run...Back to salads every day (changing up the toppings) and only *trying* to indulge in 'bad' food on weekends.

The Hubs and I are going to see if we can lose 10 lbs each by 12/31...I am doubtful i will, plus at that weight I look a tiny bit too skinny....but i am aiming to see if i can get off these solid 5lbs that wont' disappear! Expect food posts from me too! Lets do this girl!

Liv said...

I have to throw in, I HAVE to. I'm squishy and weak and the worse I feel the worse the food I crave is! I've started bringing my lunches to work as part of a money diet, if I can marry that with limiting the super indulgent stuff to the weekends (and this too in moderation) then I should have more energy to be more active. It's all very domino-y. Thanks for posting this Carrie!xx

Jude said...

Oh my gosh, you are so motivating me! I used to run all the time, then destroyed my knee, so now I face occasional 4-month flareups where I can barely even walk. Just emerged from one of those and it's stunning how all the fitness can just slip away in a matter of a few months. I am so going to use this as inspiration -thank you Carrie for this lovely post!

BeautyH2T said...

carrie! I have missed you lady, i am so sorry I have been terrible at commenting, but have been following religously as usual I have just been so busy! (the peanut butter below though- i read that over like 900 times, food porn!) hope you are really well, xxxxxx

Kristen said...

I am with you 120%!!
In fact I just jumped off the workout bandwagon (after like months of going at it 5x a week).
I had been getting super busy and missing out on sleep sooo I took a recovery week which turned into two.
Yesterday was my first workout since my lapse and it was not pretty. I was a huffing machine. But today I feel so much better. Like so much more energized and I even feel like my sleep was more restful. I feel like exercise is something I need in my life, it gives me motivation in so many ways.
My staples when I’m looking to eat healthy are (almost) all on your list!
Oatmeal, (I love oatmeal! I make it so that it’s almost not oatmeal anymore though… without even adding sugar! Cinnamon and half a banana are a must and then I vary between adding nuts, homemade jelly, raisins, nut butter (no added sugar!), pure pumpkin, coconut and/or vanilla extract. It’s like dessert breakfast. But without a ton of sugar to make it sweet, just natural goodness and it keeps me full for SO long!)
Nuts, Berries, Eggs. All vital in my life.
Mehh… Turkey/Lean meats- I’ve seen Food Inc.
That’s all I’m going to say on that matter. If you are curious, watch the movie. And we don’t have a Whole Foods close to where I live so I opt for generally no meat from animals with legs. I rely on nuts and eggs and beans for protein.
Greens = <3 Especially Brussel Sprouts!
Ehhh not such a fan of the green tea, I’ll stick to my morning cuppa joe.
Avocados are lovely. Mmmm.
Beans too!

Lila said...

I have been struggling to get into shape since January. It seems that everytime I am on the right track we go on vacation or a road trip and I indulge so much that when we get back it takes me a month to get back on track. I'm going to try all yuor key items like spinach and eggs.

You look amazing btw

Marie a la Mode said...

Great tips!Thanks. I eat oatmeal every day for breakfast. And Pilates will get you back in shape FAST! I was in the best shape of my life when I taught mat classes 8 times a week! It was AWESOME!

Courtney Erin said...

I eat oatmeal for breakfast every day too! And I try to do either yoga or pilates or a ballet workout at least four times a week - even if it's only for 30 minutes or so. My problem is that I've spent so much time traveling this past year (including now when I'm in Canada) and I really slacked off when it came to working out and didn't eat great because of not having full access to a kitchen/having to eat on the cheap. But in a week I'll be home in New Haven for good and can really get my act together!

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

Jessica said...

I am also completely out of shape. The mention of working out makes me tired. Isn't that pitiful? I've got to get on the ball like you are. Holidays, cold weather, and short days aren't going to stop me now! Zumba and pilates, get ready for me!!

Kristen said...

its tough when you get out of the groove! best of luck with the new / bringing it back regime!

Cafe Fashionista said...

I think you should write a book. About getting into shape. These tips sound phenomenal - especially the foods to incorporate into your diet. That's the ish I always have - no clue as to what to eat to stay in shape! Also, I am going to show these to my mom as she is a hardcore snacker and needs to improve her in-between meal choices!

As for a room full of boots; sadly...no. More like a closet. But hopefully, one day it will be a room. And don't worry, I haven't forgotten about the pictures. I could try taking them with my BB, but I have no clue how to upload them Online, and my sis isn't letting me use her digital cam, so I have found an alternative...the disposable camera. They may not be the greatest quality; but it'll work! :P

Discovery Street said...

i'm so with you on this one...especially since my husband would rather me stay in bed with him than go to the gym!

Marcie said...

Fantastic post, Carrie! I am going through the exactly same thing. I am no longer as tight as I once was because this weather has ceased all working out. Isn't it crazy what a psychological change shorter days brings?

Your muffin top reference is hilarious. I feel ya!

xo M

PS- thanks for the food guidelines. These are quick and easy to implement.

justagirlLaura said...

I need to print this post out and post it somewhere where I will see it ALL THE TIME! Soo smart and true and something I need really to start doing.

I'm the same way. I was so healthy and running longer distances than I'd ever run and felt so good, not to mention skinny... then I got mono. It totally took me out and I've just never come back. Ugh. I need to get back.

Thanks for reminding me! =)

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

Oh no! I'm in the same exact situation as you. It's totally time for a change. Unfortunately now you have me cravig a muffin though :) xoxo

Mary @Delightful Bitefuls said...

I came to this realization last year... so, for this recent year I've been working it and I can say that I finally feel great. Not ever day BUT I'm so happy I made the decision to change my lifestyle, my diet (even though, yes, I eat a lot of dessert) but that is my reward! I eat so healthy during the day, hit the gym 4-5 times a week, started weight training (and then enjoy dessert at night ;)!) It's all about balance and finding what works for you!

So proud of you! Keep us posted on your journey!!

Mary xo
Delightful Bitefuls

Diana Mieczan said...

Avocados and oatmeal are the best! One thing that helps me stay fit is cutting sugar or dairy products...I so need to get fit!
Kisses,sweetie

Anonymous said...

I feel my best when on the Atkins diet but right now I am on the bagel, pop tart and ice cream diet. That may explain my going up to size 8. :(

Amber said...

put me on the out of shape list too, i so need to start eating healthy

Alicia Lund said...

I seriously haven't been to my gym in a few months...thanks for this little bit of inspiration - I'm supposed to fit into a wedding dress in a few months - yikes. Gotta work on toning those arms the most!!! ;)

Kara Endres said...

I already feel out of shape and it's not even the holidays yet! I feel like I eat pretty well, I just need to get back into exercising (ugh). But I recently just got some bee pollen. It's the only complete protein other than meat, and there are countless benefits to having it a teaspoon everyday. It tastes gross- the bee farmer man described it as 'sweet dirt'- and that's exactly right. We'll see how it goes, I've only had it for 3 days.

It's also really good to have a glass of water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and some honey. You can research it, but I have a feeling you already knew about that one!

xx Kara
http://sprinklesinsprings.blogspot.com/

Claire Kiefer said...

RIGHT THERE WITH YOU and more than happy to join in! The tricky part for me is that I'm a vegetarian and I don't like eggs. I've tried, I've tried, and they just gross me out. I eat fake chicken cutlets a lot (which have just 80 calories) so that's a totally reasonable chicken replacement, and I love beans and eat them often (lentils, black beans, kidney, garbanzo, etc. etc.). Last year at this time, I was training for the 60 mile breast cancer walk, so suffice to say I was in much better shape than I am now. When I get so busy with work and babysitting and everything, all I want to do is watch tv and drink wine!

My alcohol consumption is another thing that's got to change--it damages my waistline, my checking account, and most importantly . . . my dignity (see recent front tooth incident). Maybe I can talk myself into green tea as a wine replacement 3 nights a week. But am I allowed to put cream and honey in it?? ;)

Catita said...

wooow if I only admitted to all the bad food I eat...And to all the exercise I lack but I ahev been trying to do yoga on a regular basis...still not enough but eating healthy is the key. And now with the holiday approaching, oh my!!! Why cant we just have super fast metabolism and still eat all we want!
xoxo
Catita

kelli g. { bug miscellany } said...

my oh my, wikipedia is getting graphic....


look at you go! please let this rub off on me. :P

OH, and here's a little trick: instead of refriedbeans, i found a little recipie in which you smoosh (technical term) warmed black beans, and cumin and um, something else, and voila black 'refried' beans!

that's good for you, right? or did the superfoods cookbook lie to me?

the chirpy bird said...

Love these tips! just perfect! Moving is key for me too! When I move more, I eat much better too... but whatever you do, don't visit my blog today.. I made cookies and also ate them for breakfast.... whooops.. looks like I'll be running a little harder today :)
xo tash

Sarah {Raving Fashionista} said...

I JUST quit the gym this past week. I was tired of paying my "fat tax" (what I was forced to rename the monthly fee that came out of my bank account since I rarely, if ever, attended the gym). I wish I could get motivated to get myself back in shape, but the thought of working out exhausts me! haha ;)

xo www.RavingFashionista.com

Nikki said...

You go girl! I'm in it with you. I'm back to hot yoga two days a week (I took the whole summer off) and eat about 80/20 paleo and have never felt better. I actually looked in one of those dressing room mirrors the other day and liked what I saw! Must have been wierd lighting or something ;)

Alleen said...

Thanks for the list...try red tea too!!! I exercise so I can eat :)

xoxo

Nikki said...

ohhh I like your nutrition list! I have foods that work for me too, the challenge is actually eating them!
xx
Nikki

Danielle Moss said...

Have you ever read the food posts on my blog??

http://www.breakfastattoast.com/2010/03/diet-exercise.html :)]

What Jillian DVDs did you do? I lost the 30 day shred in my move but have the trouble zone one. And now I am off for a run.

That muffin top def. is awful. Funny but horrible.

Did you get my email back??

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Great tips! I need to get my act together. I am full of excuses. Hence my disgust to actually buy bikinis for my tropical vacation in three weeks :S

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

Um...I could not agree more. I find myself walking up the stairs and being out of breath. Pathetic? Yes! Thanks for the motivation and your always entertainment posts!

Anonymous said...

awww, I´m trying to get back in shape right now, too!
hey, I kinda lost you in the last few weeks, wondering what happened - suddenly you were out of my GFC-blogs... is there a limit? I´m lost!

Anyway, thanks for the tips to the Fat Burning Foods!

xxx
-M-

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I recently embarked on my own get back in shape journey! Let's hear it for healthier lifestyles!

J. said...

I've recently become OBSESSED with dark chocolate. Actually, it's really just adding to a life long chocolate addiction.

Josie said...

First of all, Carrie, you look better than I ever have. Regardless, I'm all for getting healthier. I work out daily at school (but ALWAYS slack when I'm at home) and try to eat well. Berries are my absolute FAVORITE, and honestly, egg whites with a little salt and a slightly obscene amount of black pepper are my favorite snack ever. Fried, scrambled, hard-boiled... The only problem is finding something to do with the yolks, haha.
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

A Crimson Kiss said...

I confess, I could never give up dark chocolate and potatoes!

You look fabulous, but I can understand feeling out of shape. Just take it one step at a time (rush it and you'll end up spraining your ankle or breaking your nose or something terrible) and you'll be feeling like yourself by the time bikini season rolls around again-eep!

L said...

I feel ya.. am going to refer back to this for tips. I have just started doing yoga and any exercise for me is brutal. I have a ridiculous 'muffin top' considering how tiny I am.. all bad news.

Unknown said...

Carrie it's as if you've listened in on all of my conversations for the past few weeks. My bf was growing tired of food and exercise talk so it's great to have an outlet here!
I've started walking on my lunch break, trying to cut out sugars (ie switching to oatmeal for breakfast instead of sweet cereals). Pistachios as an afternoon snack instead of candy bars. Stiiill working on decreasing carbs though - that is the toughy.
A bit of solidarity always helps though! Good luck with it all!

xo Cristina

Chas said...

I too feel super out of shape. I haven't been able to exercise since I had knee surgery in August and haven't exactly been eating healthy either. I think it's time to get back to the gym, so thanks for the inspiration!

Unknown said...

O I also forgot, my secret weapon - Genmaicha tea. It's green tea with roasted brown rice in it, so I have it for the green tea benefits, AND the roasted rice flavor makes me feel like I've had a little meal! I drink it when I'm getting snack cravings

Jess said...

Good for you for being all healthy! I'm actually in pretty good shape right now myself because my hubby and I are training for our first real "race" - a 5 mile run on thanksgiving morning ("The Drumstick Dash" - cute, right?) Now, whether or not this will continue after Thanksgiving.... not sure :-/

Oh, and by the way - remember the yellow/green ("celadon" to be exact) Kate Spade bag that I bought and ended up disliking the color?? Just sold it on ebay for $20 more than I paid!! Wooohooo!

Lisa Griffin said...

what is it where one thing goes and all of sudden we fall down hill in a hurry?? for me i've actually lost weight, but it has been all my muscle and i feel lazy, slouchy, and blah! i'm jumping on board with you girl!
www.indramaticfashion.com

Closet Fashionista said...

I'll need to start eating some of those foods too...I get winded too easily now :/
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

This is a much needed kick in the arse for me too!! I've seriously been slacking!! Gah.

Stacey said...

I'm not trying to lose weight(running behind my little monster has been a catalyst for that change and he does really keep me running all day!). However,i do need to have a better diet and i'm definitely trying to work on that...

LyddieGal said...

I was taking outfit photos last week. I was standing in profile and slouching. It was not pretty. Not at all. I was quite horrified that I hadn't really noticed before.

You are right that winter time and food based holiday time are not ideal for losing weight and keeping too regimens. Hopefully things will not go awry!

Chic on the Cheap

Marissa at Style Cusp said...

Oh gosh, Carrie! I know that feeling all-too-well. Last winter, I was regularly exercising, feeling great and them BAM I was hit with the flu and strep all at once and was out of commission for nearly two weeks. After that, it took weeks to regain my full strength, and I had lost maybe 5-10 pounds. I fell into such a slump with my working out and finding the motivation to get back into my routine! I hate that I'm not as motivated as I was and sometimes I find myself frantically searching for that urge that I had before I got sick! It's coming back though, I can feel it. And I'm ready to press the gas pedal, full speed ahead!

All of the foods you named are some of my favorites, day in and out.

Let's stay focused!

XXXO
M

Unknown said...

Oh no! Please don't pass out again!!! Stay healthy!! I'm also terribly out of shape...I just HATE the gym! And I'm quite addicted to sweet treats!! But your inspiring me to at least TRY and be better!
xo M

o said...

Thanks for these food tips, Carrie! I definitely get lazy during the colder months when it comes to the gym. I just want to stay home and curl under my warm blanket hehe

TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

though I find it absolutely impossible to believe that you have a muffin top, I know how it feels when you feel so out of shape and just blah! Changing my diet like that and making sure to be active more always, always helps me a ton. Good for you for recognizing it and moving forward... and Jillian Michaels does kick your ass!

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

ps- I've had Walking Pneumonia and it kicked my ass, so don't feel bad about laying low, I'm sure your body needs it.

Kristin W said...

Good for you getting right back on the train! I've been slacking off with the gym and eating too. It's funny how when you slack a bit, that craving for terrible junk food comes back bigger and stronger than before.

I hope I can regain self-control like you are (it's all about the baby steps!).

Anna Walker said...

Lets do it together! Seriously! :)
If you've been looking at my blog, then you know I have been trying to incorprerate exercise more in my life, and I decided to blog about it in a post when I do exercise.
My goal is to look kick ass fabulous by June! It'd better happen!

http://annawalker1992.blogspot.com/

Valerie said...

The colder weather/shorter days/holiday treats always lead to a general slacking off in the workout and eating healthy areas of my life. I'm trying really hard to stay on track this year (of course with the inevitable splurges, a girl's gotta live). Your list of great food is really similar to what I eat when I'm trying to be healthy too. I've gotten really into legumes the last few years. I love that they're easy to make, cheap, super healthy, and feel hearty/filling. Good job with getting back on the wagon, Carrie! The first day back is always the hardest for me. But I love feeling the burn of sore muscles. It makes me feel like I've really accomplished something. Haha.

xo
Valerie

ale said...

that's a great post. I also try to eat healthy but I don't know too much about gluten, i heard manny saying that is bad for you but i don't really get why. About your diet, I think you should eat more green veggies in order to provide you vitamin C.
kisses

Anonymous said...

i love this post! i am right there with you. it's frustrating, because so often i commit to doing this...getting in shape and eating right, and I so quickly abandon all of my plans after one busy or stressful week (which seem to come around quite often). I have probably started and restarted and restarted my plans to eat right and whip myself back into shape a million times this year. My job and routine is not very consistent either, which makes it hard when your work out schedule has to change from week to week. I'd love to hear any ideas/tips you may have on keeping yourself motivated and consistent even in the midst of stress, or getting sick, or what have you. :) Thanks for sharing the meal ideas too!!

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