Healthy Tuna Salad

Who has two thumbs and stocked up their fridge yesterday? This girl! A fridge with nothing in it is kind of depressing...it reminds me of college when all we had in there was beer and cold mac and cheese. But back then, it was acceptable. Not any more, my post-college, career-focused friends, Not. Any. More.

bread and pb: dinner of champs, OU style.

I'm a big fan of edamame but I don't eat at sushi restaurants all that often. My solution? Frozen edamame. I've tried a few different brands but Kroger Private Selection is my favorite. It steams in the bag as it microwaves so all you have to do is open that baby and go to town! I got sushi at the grocery last night too because what's edamame without sushi?

Last night was also spent boiling lots of eggs. Me gusta hard-boiled egg whites. I think it's the texture that really tickles my fancy.

Plus, I made tuna salad for lunch today in a new-to-me way. It's the first time I've made it with Greek yogurt and I was a little skeptical because plain Greek yogurt is pretty foul on its own. However, I don't mind the tuna salad! Obviously, mayo is better but since mayo isn't exactly on my list of approved foods right now, Greek yogurt tuna salad is an edible alternative.

Healthy Tuna Salad

serves 1

1 can tuna in water, drained and rinsed
1 container fat free plain Greek yogurt
1 stalk celery, chopped
1/2 red pepper, chopped
cherry tomatoes, halved
other veggies as desired

Mix all ingredients together. Chill in fridge until serving. I was all ready to add dill but then I couldn't find it and think maybe I used it all...whomp whomp.

In addition to all that, I went next door to Grandview Cafe for trivia night with this girl:

me and Brittny (one of my fave old pics)

Tonight won't be as busy, which is good because I have Glee and New Girl to catch up on before Modern Family, Happy Endings, and Revenge tonight! (I watch a lot of TV.) Giddy up!

Banana almond smoothie

Guess who I saw at the gym last night? If you said Puffy Coat and Backpack from last week, you win. I was on the treadmill directly behind Puffy Coat and noticed her jacket right away. Backpack was one treadmill away with her stupid yellow backpack right next to her machine. I didn’t have my phone on me so I couldn’t snap a picture but you better believe I gave them both the side-eye.

you better scram

I did this workout (finally!) It was actually one of the easier pyramid workouts I’ve tried. It’s a great workout for someone not used to running intervals; it eases you in to the sprints. I ended up doing it twice, skipping the last 5-minute walk and going right back in to the first 5.0 interval. I started my cool down walk after my second 8.0 interval, mostly because I had a side cramp.

This morning was the perfect morning for a new smoothie. I found the recipe on Pinterest and it did not disappoint. I altered it slightly to my personal preferences: thick and juicy! (TWSS)

Banana almond smoothie

Serves 1

1 c almond milk, regular milk or yogurt (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)

1.5 large banana, frozen

1 tbsp almond butter

1 tbsp ground flaxseed

A drizzle of honey, agave nectar or maple syrup (I used agave nectar)

A dash of almond extract

Place all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Garnish with slivered almonds if desired.

It’s unseasonably warm today (I am not complaining) and this smoothie hit the spot. It made me smile on my dreaded commute to work. The only problem with the mouth-watering recipes I see on Pinterest is that I actually have to make them. I want someone else to make them so all I have to do is eat them. Wouldn’t that be nice.

I also discovered what dog I want to get via Pinterest:



golden cocker retriever

 This lil guy is fully grown!! He is a mix between a cocker spaniel and a golden retriever and is the perfect size (and cuteness) for my apartment. I'm not technically allowed to have pets but I don't think anyone would notice..........

Fat Monday

Welp, all I did this weekend was eat. What else is new, right? Ugh. I hhhaaaatteee myself. Wednesday is the four-month mark for Katie's wedding. I'm thinking about doing the December Detox diet (4D) but alter it slightly so I don't punk out after 2 weeks like last time. But I'm running out of options and feel like going big or going home is all I can do at this point.



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I have to admit, losing this weight is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I've tried to lose a significant amount of weight twice before in my life and each time I did it without having to do anything extreme. I really do not know why this time it is so much harder. It is physically and emotionally exhausting; one day I'm like screw it (and eat like it's my last day on Earth) and the next day I'm like "I have to lost this weight right this instant!!!!" It's so overwhelming; I feel guilty every day. Not to sound like a brat, but I've generally been successful in my life with things that I've worked hard for and put my mind to. Why can't I just get skinny for the love of God. WAH.

I don't even want to work out today but I guess I have to. I'm planning on doing this treadmill exercise since I was lazy and didn't do shiz this weekend. I can't start 4D (ish) until after Wednesday because I can't buy groceries until then so I guess we'll see how this pans out. Hah.

Happy Monday...

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Polish those (arms) guns

Hey hey hey! I added a fancy new workouts page to the blog so it's easier to find all the salty-sweat-inducing workouts I've posted so far. It's pretty sparse right now but don't you worry, I'll fill that mother up!

Since I get my lifting in with Demi, I don't really lift on my own. However, I realize not everyone has a personal trainer so I wanted to share a great arm workout that I found on Life of Blyss. It's called the strapless dress arm workout and, even though most of our arms are covered in sweaters and hoodies at the moment, it wouldn't hurt to get those guns nice and polished before spring rolls around.

The Strapless Dress Arm Workout

Theme: high reps, low weights

60 second plank
15 one-armed rows
15 chest press
15 seated shoulder press
15 flys (laying on back)
15 reverse flys laying on exercise ball
15 lateral raises
15 chest press (laying on back on ball)
15 tricep dips on bench
15 alternating bicep curls
15 lying row and rotation on exercise ball
15 chest press (laying on back on ball)
15 reverse flys sitting on exercise ball
15 laying tricep extensions
60 second plank

[source]

My newest obsession is the website STFU, Parents. It is hysterical and right on the money. Basically, the blogger, B, re-posts and commentates on random people's status updates about their kids. Some of the stuff people post is unreal. I'm glad this lady mocks these nutty parents for being so absurd. Reading her blog got me thinking of some other things I would like to STFU on Facebook. I admit, I am an offender of some of these but I'm really talking about those people that post the same stuff over and over, mostly for attention. Let's be honest, people post some wacky stuff on Facebook and sometimes you just want to say "STFU already!" At the risk of losing some Facebook friends, may I present my list of STFU's:

STFU dieters (" Starting my diet today!" "Sooo hungry! All I want is a cheeseburger but I guess I'll settle for a salad." I don't care what you do and do not eat.)

STFU searching for compliments ("Some guy just asked for my number in line at McDonald's. Awkward!" Wow, you're awesome.)

STFU office professionals ("omg another meeting?!?!" Yes, if you work in an office, chances are, you are going to be in meetings. I don't feel sorry for you.)

STFU about working out. ("Going to the gym!" "Yoga for the third time!" I don't need to know when you're working out. If you want to tell the world about it so badly, start a blog.)

STFU singles (Listen, I'm probably the most single person on the planet, and I have, from time to time, posted something about being single on Facebook (i.e. "all the hot ones are gay") but if every status update is about being single and/or finding the right one and/or losing the right one, it's no wonder you're single.)

STFU marrieds ("I miss my baby" "I love my baby" "date night with the boy." The bitter singles don't want to hear about how in love you are. It will make them post about being single and, well, you already know how I feel about that.)

STFU sicklies ("wah I don't feel good." "wah, sinuses." "wah, my head hurts." If you're so sick, get off Facebook and take a freaking nap.)

Again, I recognize I have been in almost all of these categories at one point during my 8 years on Facebook, but I don't post this crap back to back, every day. Hopefully I didn't offend too many people and offenders can take the joke, but if not, sorry I'm not sorry.

Mrs. Doubtfire says STFU

Meh

Yesterday, I was all jazzed up and ready to do this workout...

Time                Speed       Incline

0:00-5:00          4.0          2.5

5:00-6:00          5.0          1.0

6:00-7:00          6.0          1.0

7:00-8:00          5.0          1.0

8:00-9:00          6.5           1.0

9:00-10:00        4.0           1.0

10:00-11:00      6.5           1.0

11:00-12:00      5.0           1.0

12:00-13:00      7.0           1.0

13:00-14:00      5.0           1.0

14:00-15:00      7.5           1.0

15:00-16:00      4.0           1.0

16:00-17:00      6.5           1.0

17:00-18:00      5.5           1.0

18:00-19:00      7.0           1.0

19:00-20:00      5.5           1.0

20:00-21:00      8.0           1.0

21:00-22:00      5.5           1.0

22:00-23:00      7.0           1.0

23:00-24:00      5.5           1.0

24:00-25:00      6.5           1.0

25:00-30:00      4.0           2.0

...until I was heading in to the bathroom to change and realized I wore my glasses to work instead of my contacts. Whomp whomp. I've worked out in glasses before, like a gazillion years ago, and it is probably the worst thing in the whole wide world. So I decided to forgo the glasses workout and just went home instead. I'm hoping to rock it out on Saturday; it looks like a challenge.

I was feeling very emotional and discouraged yesterday, Basically, I wanted to burst in to tears every second. So it's probably a good thing I didn't go to the gym where I would have either ripped someone's head off or cried all over a machine. When I get in to my funky mood, all I want to do is hide under the covers and stay away from people. I have my monthly book club meeting tonight (CKBC is what we call ourselves because we're cool like that) and am excited for that so that is helping brighten my mood. My hormones are all out of whack and need to get their act together stat! I'm tired of the emotional roller coaster!

I know, Dawson. I can relate.

I haven't been cooking much lately either because I really don't feel like it. All I want to make is mac and cheese...so yeah, not doing that. I'm hoping my motivation and determination will come back with the new month starting next week. I guess we'll see....


11 things

Amber over at Gym Class Dropout tagged me in her post of 11 Things. I've known Amber since I started working at LLS on the Team in Training campaign. She is one of the many reasons I decided to get in to shape again so I guess I have her to thank for many things, not just participation in this fun game!

Here goes...

The Rules:

1. Post these rules
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer
5. Go to their blog and tell them you've tagged them
6. No stuff in the tagging section about "you are tagged if you are reading this." You legitimately have to tag 11 people!

Eleven Random Things about me:

1. I would have a sleeve of tattoos covering my left arm if I wasn't a professional. 
2. I have severe road rage. Like, I imagine other cars getting in wrecks if they don't use their turn signals.
3. I am obsessed with the AMC Family original series' Jane By Design and Pretty Little Liars.
4. I hate when people call me Elaine. (P.S.-That is NOT my "real" name.)
5. My parents thought I was a boy the whole time they were pregnant with me. My name was to be John. 
6. I love the smell of gasoline.
7. I've had to wear glasses/contacts since the 2nd grade.
8. I loved high school and wish I could back.
9. My biggest fear is not being able to have children.
10. I was late to a meeting once because I was pinning. (No telling please!!)
11. I wish I had a British accent.

Amber's Questions for Me:

1. If you could have dinner with any one person (dead or alive), who would it be?Easy: Bethenny Frankel.
2. What/who is your favorite band/musician? This is a hard one as I love many bands. Right now, my favorites include Adele and Florence + The Machine (girl power!)
3. What is your favorite thing about being a "grown up?" The freedom of going anywhere at any time.
4. What is your least favorite thing about being a "grown up?" ...everything. Just kidding. I hate the responsibility! I just wish someone would do something for me so I don't have to do it.
5. Describe your best friend(s). My bestie, Katie, is the funniest, sweetest, most real person I know. She is very supportive and patient of me. She makes a great partner in crime :) I can't imagine not having her in my life.

1. Early bird or night owl? Early bird for sure.
2. Do you have a secret talent or just a talent that is unique? Ugh, I wish! Sadly, I have zero talents, except for being able to run long distances. Does that count?
3. What is your favorite holiday? 4th of July. USA! USA!



4. Have any tattoos? Yes: on my left wrist (symbol for strength), on my left rib cage, on my right hip (butterfly, first tattoo, got it with my bff Katie when we turned 18), and on my left foot (Latin, "in memory of mother.") I'm hoping to get another one soon...stay tuned.... :)
5. Why did you start blogging? I started blogging to track my progress from flab to fab (cheesin') and to hold myself accountable so I don't gain the weight back. I also wanted to help other people who want to be healthier and show them that if I can do it, certainly you can too!
6. What is your favorite meal? My favorite dream meal is Tommy's Pizza with pepperoni and banana peppers, cooked in the old oven, with a side of ranch and a side of Matt The Miller's pretzel bites. Beer to wash it all down.

My Questions:

1. Do you prefer blondes or brunettes in your partner(s)?
2. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
3. How do you feel about the band Nickelback?
4. What is your favorite "rainy day" activity?
5. What is your dream job?
6. What is your favorite season?
7. What is your least favorite sound?
8. Sweet or salty snacks?
9. If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would you go?
10. On a scale from 1 (not at all) to 10 (best of all time), how much do you like the band Nickelback?
11. What is your favorite sport to play? To watch?

Tagged:

Kathleen
Allison
Raelynn
Joy
Jamie
(sorry I don't know anyone else personally with a blog...if you have one and would like to be tagged, holla at me!)

Why the treadmill

Hey you guys, guess what??!! Yesterday was National Peanut Butter Day! I confessed my addiction to the stuff on the day I should be honoring it! A legit coincidence because I had no idea about the sacred holiday until my friend Lindsey texted me and my boo Kathleen posted this article to my Facebook wall. Good lookin' out ladies. Peanut butter for all!

(By the way, take a look at that list of food holidays when you get a chance. Did you know that November 12 is National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day? Pretty specific...and discriminatory. What, anchovies aren't good enough to have a day when all the other toppings get one? Outrageous.)

I was so busy ranting in my last post about my arch nemeses (real word) Backpack and Puffy Coat that I forgot to mention the treadmill workout I did:

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Lemme tell ya, this one is tough. I was in a pissy mood so that didn't help, and my music kept cutting out (AGAIN) so I'm sure that made it seem harder, but it is definitely a challenge. I ended up taking 30 second breaks after each 7.5/5 interval. Even though it's probably the most challenging treadmill interval workout I've tried so far, I did like that it is shorter than my usual workouts.

You might have noticed I've been sharing a lot of treadmill interval workouts lately. The reasons for this are as follows:

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1. I have decided not to run the Capital City Half Marathon this spring. My heart is just not in it this year and I'd rather continue to enjoy running instead of resent it. This is a tough decision because the race itself is so fun and I really could use a new medal...but I'm just not mentally excited for it. I may change my mind as the race gets closer but for right now, I'm not planning on running it.

2. Since it's dark, cold and deary when I get off work, I'd rather run on a treadmill than outdoors. And I cannot think of anything more boring than running on a treadmill. It takes a lot of mental toughness for me. I need to keep my mind occupied or else I'll stop running altogether. The treadmill workouts keep me excited, interested, and motivated.

3. I want to try different things to push myself. It's easy for me to run 5 miles at a steady pace. What is not so easy is intervals, sprinting, inclines...all that fun stuff. These treadmill workouts challenge me to do things I wouldn't normally do on my own.

4. Not gonna lie, you look way cool doing intervals in my opinion. Your treadmill neighbors think you're hardcore and intimidating. Might as well get in a killer workout while looking like a complete badass.

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I try to do a different workout each time so I can share it with you fine people. Each of the treadmill exercises can be tailored to your specific needs and abilities. I'd love to hear feedback from any and all treadmill workouts others are doing. I cannot get enough of them!

Now, I'm off to partake in today's National holiday: Irish Coffee Day. Unless, of course, I work with you. Then I will just be drinking regular coffee ;)

Cheers!

My not-so strange, pretty normal addiction

I have a confession to make: I'm 99% sure that I'm addicted to peanut butter. I literally eat it with every meal and it's like all I can think about. That's weird right? I mean, I know a lot of people enjoy peanut butter, some may go as far as saying they love it (if you love it so much, why don't you marry it?!) But I really think I've become addicted. I've tried not eating it with every meal, only limiting it to breakfast toast and/or a smidgen with an apple, but then I find myself thinking about it and can't stop until I eat a spoonful to get my fix. I occasionally switch back and forth between peanut butter and almond butter but, while I like almond butter, it is no peanut butter. I don't know why I'm admitting all this: I must be screaming out for attention to my addiction so someone will stage an intervention. Granted, there are worse things to be addicted to, but I feel like I just need to say it aloud (in writing...)

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Now that that's off my chest, my enabler Tiffany gave me an empty pb jar on Sunday, so you know what that means....OIAJ!!!!

Ok, so, excuse me while I rant.

Last night I force myself to go to Premier at peak exercise time: 5:30pm. Everyone and their brother is there. Ok, fine, I was expecting this. As I'm walking in, there's a group of 4 elderly women walking slow as molasses chit chatting away, not paying attention to the people behind them. Ok, sure, take your time, whatever. Before entering the gym, one must get their membership card swiped. There were two lines and I was next in my line to get my card swiped (TWSS) when one of the chatty ladies swoops in right in front of me. OK, whatever, you can enter the gym 1.5 seconds before me, that's fine. I go down to the locker room to throw my sweatshirt and purse in a locker. From the locker room, to the untrained eye, it appears there are 2 treadmills open. However, once I get up there, I see another one of the chatty ladies from the entrance is sitting on the treadmill, changing her shoes, with her backpack on the machine. Alright...you didn't want to waste the three minutes it takes to go to the locker room to drop off your crap where it belongs, sure, fine, whatever. But THEN, I see a coat on the other treadmill that looked unoccupied. WTF. I have never in my life seen people put their stuff on the treadmill to save it and here are 2 ballsy people doing it at the same time? You've got to be shitting me.

Don't worry, it gets better (or worse.) I didn't realize Puffy Coat was Backpack's friend until Backpack LEAVES the treadmill area with her backpack securely on her machine to go get her friend who is indeed Puffy Coat. When I see this, I am livid; steam exiting my ears. I could have been running for at least 5 minutes by now but you two wenches are too busy saving treadmills?? If I would have known Puffy Coat and Backpack were in cahoots, I would've taken the coat off the other treadmill and then spit on it. Like, you bitches can share. I ended up waiting about 5 more minutes before getting the treadmill next to Backpack. I was THIS close to saying, "In the future, I would appreciate it if you wouldn't save treadmills." But I didn't. Next time, though, I will cut a bitch. Next time.

YOU ARE THE WORST.

Rant complete.

Finally (I promise I'm almost done), I realize I never shared my cryptic "news" that I so slyly mentioned in Friday's post keeping you all on the edges of your seats all weekend. I'm contemplating getting my personal training license so I can start training other people or teaching fitness classes!! Well, I thought long and hard (TWSS) for a few days but decided I'm not going to pursue it...yet. They offer the tests multiple times throughout the year and you only have to sign up for the test 10 days before the day you want to take it, so if I decide I want to get my official swell on, I have a lot of opportunities to do so. Right now, though, it's just not in the cards.

Sorry if you're disappointed my news isn't more important, but it is what it is. However, I do NOT apologize if you are Backpack, Puffy Coat, or someone else who saves treadmills at peak exercise hours. That shit is not cool.

[source]

Tired Monday

I can't believe it's already Monday again! Ew. Mondays are always worse when you have a really great weekend that you wish could last forever.

I spent the weekend in the Hocking Hills with some friends. It literally rained ice on Friday night so when we woke up on Saturday morning, everything was covered in ice. I'm talkin' thick, cold, icy ice. Of course, we didn't drive anywhere all weekend so scraping the cars Sunday morning was quite the adventure. We didn't do anything but eat and drink while we were there so, needless to say, I'm still recovering.

I took pictures of everyone on Saturday night for the sole purpose of posting to my blog. Thanks for your cooperation friends!

I was home by 12:30pm on Sunday afternoon but the fun didn't stop there: yesterday was Tiff's birthday!! We went out to dinner to her favorite restaurant, Cap City Diner, and then had some delicious birthday cake for dessert. I'm not a huge cake eater, I'd rather have cookies or brownies, but I was really craving cake last night. Her white cake with white icing really hit the spot!

Birthday girl at dinner

Unfortunately, I didn't snap a picture of the cake but I did get this little gem:

Jamie likes to get fruity, "girlie" drinks at restaurants when we're out for special occasions. Last night, he went with the cranberry crush. Muahaha.

I really really really don't feel like working out tonight but I know I need to. It's always harder for me to get back in the exercise saddle after a few days off. Blah. I should run outside but I think I'm going to trek to the gym and box it out for a treadmill. The weather in Columbus is unseasonably warm today. Our weather has been bi-polar this winter: freezing cold for a few days, then warm, rainy and spring-like the next few days. I guess it's supposed to be in the 40's all week so fingers crossed it doesn't suddenly drop 30 degrees and turn all the melting snow in to ice.

Sucking it up

So remember yesterday when I had a big decision to make by 5pm? Well, all day yesterday I was telling myself it would be ok to skip my run. I was tired, my back was in constant pain, and I was hungry for most of the day. I kept telling myself  "don't worry about running today. You worked hard this morning with Demi, you should take tonight off." My mind was made up: I was going to skip my run. Or so I thought. At 4:40pm, I was working hard perusing one of the blogs I read regularly and found a treadmill workout that included a walking option. At 4:45pm, I said "Suck it up and run. You have 135 (now 134) days until the wedding. NO EXCUSES." (Yes, I talk to myself in caps.)

It was like the universe was telling me I made the right choice: traffic on the way to the gym was less bonkers than usual, I got a parking spot right away, hopped on a treadmill right away, and once I started running, I forgot how tired, hungry, and sore I was. I had to take 2 30-second breaks near the end of the pyramid, but other than that, it was a great workout! I was exhausted last night and could barely keep my eyes open for one of my favorite shows, Happy Endings, but this morning, I'm feeling really good and I'm so glad I got that run in! Especially since I won't be able to run again until next week, it felt good pushing through my mental block and getting my ass in gear!

Here's the workout:


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This morning I desperately needed caffeine. I try not to drink coffee because I have to add boatloads of sugar and cream but I knew I couldn't get through today without it. I have some diet hot chocolate packets left over from 4D so I added one of those to my cup o' joe and it was mighty tasty! Still not as sweet as I usually prefer but it definitely added some flavor so I could suck it down like nobody's business. Consider it the poor (wo)man's mocha.

I also have some exciting news that I'll share tomorrow...I haven't decided 100% about it so I don't want to say anything yet. Once I make a decision either way, I'll be sure to share it with you fine people.

Adios, amigos!

100 posts

Happy 100 posts for The Salty Sweater!! It's weird to think I've posted 100 times since June. At the beginning I was posting willynilly, but now I try to post at least once a week day. Honestly, it's a great release for me and a chance to take a break from real life stuff. Some posts have been better than others but such is life, eh? I'd just like to thank everyone (again) who reads this -- the encouraging words I receive about it makes me feel smushy inside :)  In honor of post 100, I'd like to continue with the real theme of the blog: workouts and food!

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I have a big decision to make today: to run or not to run. I was planning on running after work but I think I pulled a muscle at That Gym this morning because my left shoulder blade is killing me. It was hard driving to work because I would move my arm and get shooting pain. Even inhaling deeply is causing major back pain. No bueno. If I do suck it up and run, I can't decide if it'll be an indoor or an outdoor run. My hours have switched back to "regular" or "normal" or "later," meaning I work from 9am-5pm from now until September. I've been spoiled over the past few months, working from 7:30am-3:30pm or 8:30am-4:30pm. Now, I won't even be able to start a run until 5:30-5:45pm. Oh the horror! Outside runs will be dark (and cold) and indoor runs will be a biatch because of those New Year's resolution jerks at Premier. I have until 5pm tonight to decide what to do. Dun dun dunnnnn....

A new snack I've been stuffing my face with lately is Kim's Magic Pop with salsa.

Say whaaat? Magic Pop is sold at Giant Eagle Market District and it's very similar to rice cakes. I like it better than rice cakes because these are bigger and smoother in texture. I've recently begun buying the cheese variety and eating it with my all-time fave Newman's Own black bean and corn salsa. I would prefer lime tostitos but since I eat about half a jar of this salsa at a time, the Magic Pop gets the job done in less calories, fat, and guilt. As long as there is a vehicle for getting the salsa in to my belly, I can't complain. If you can't get your hands on any Magic Pop, try rice cakes. I've never done it but I can't imagine it being too terrible.

Love ya Pauly!

I'd love to hear other ideas for Magic Pop if anyone has experimented with it. It comes in multiple flavors but I've only been able to get my hands on the cinnamon and the cheese. Cinnamon is good with nutella....but that takes more self control that I cannot necessarily guarantee.

Have a great hump day! If anyone's giving out free back rubs, give me a ring!

Will power and good reads

Hey hey hey. I had to be at work for a board meeting at 7:30am this morning so I changed my usual workout time with Demi from 7am to 5pm. I feel a little weird not having worked out before work. It's become such a part of my routine, not doing it throws my day off a smidge.

We had bagels, fruit, and yogurt at our meeting. Since I'm seriously serious about getting lean for Katie's wedding (t-minus 136 days, not like anyone's counting...) I packed my usual breakfast for 9am but had a yogurt and a banana during the meeting since I was ravenous when I woke up this morning. I'm a sucker for carbs, especially bagels, especially Panera bagels, so I'm really proud of myself for not giving in! Will power babay!




"Is butter a carb?" [source]

I did really well working out this weekend, getting in a treadmill workout and bootcamp sesh Saturday morning. Even though (I sound like a broken record) my eating was horrendous Saturday night and Sunday, I feel like all the working out I did kiiiiind of made up for it. Baby steps...heh.

Annnnywayyyyy, I've been hoarding articles I want to share with the good readers of SS but have ended up posting about other stuff. So I figured today is as good as any to post them...all at the same time:

First, this article gives great suggestions about cold weather workout gear. It's very informative and describes why to wear each piece/layer. Perfect timing for those of us in the Midwest! Holla holla.

Second, an article about dis-continued foods you may remember from childhood. Looking through this list made me very nostalgic. It's also amazing the crap we would eat as kids! I loved crispy m&m's and would always buy them over the other varieties. Other obsessions included Surge, Doritos 3D, and Squeezits.

Lastly, 5 new, fun ways to wear a ponytail. There are only two on this list I would even consider, the second and the last, but I have to wait for my hair to grow out to try them. Hopefully they will still be trendy by the time I can (attempt to) rock them!

Yesss [source]

Long weekend

Happy birthday MLK Jr! I am so thankful for this day off! My apartment was a complete pig sty this morning. I knew I would have all day today to clean up so I didn't stress about it last night. Instead, I spent the evening watching the Golden Globes. I just watched to see what everyone was wearing; I didn't even know what/who half the winners were. Ever heard of The Artist? Yeah, me neither but it won like a zillion awards. And apparently everyone who worked on the film is French, so that's cool.

I started today off with the same treadmill workout from Saturday. I didn't really feel like thinking today and just wanted to get it over with. My music kept cutting out so the run/walk combo kept me occupied enough that I didn't throw my phone across the room with frustration. I did make some loud grunts and sighs when the music would stop for no reason whatsoever so I apologize to my treadmill neighbors for my salty 'tude.

I went to the doctor with my dad this afternoon too. He had a two-month check-up with his blood oncologist last week and Dr. Blair saw some "suspicious lesions" on his liver and lungs in a CT scan. I was a little bit alarmed when my dad said Dr. Blair sent him to get an MRI about it right away. They don't usually send you that day to get a test unless they want to know something immediately. Since I didn't have to work today anyway, I figured I would go with him for moral support. I'm happy to report very good news: nothing serious! The supposed lesions were just the CT scan "juice" he had to drink that hadn't made its way through his system yet because of an area in his liver with poor circulation. The MRI didn't show anything because the liquid had made its way through by that time. He still has lymph nodes but nothing that needs treatment right now. He's scheduled to go back for a maintenance appointment in two months. Phew! With my dad, you never know what you're going to hear so good news is a relief!

I'm really hoping this week goes by quickly because my friends and I are going to a cabin in the Hocking Hills on Friday! You know what they say: what happens in Hocking Hills, stays in Hocking Hills...unless I blog about it :)

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Popcorn popper

Hey all, second post of the weekend! I hope people are still reading after my quarter-life crisis post last night. I just have a lot of feelings...but I'm feeling a lot better now that I got all that stuff off my chest! So I appreciate those of you continuing to read :)

I usually never even get on my computer on the weekends so two posts in one weekend is pretty epic (I'm using that word ironically because I hate when people say "epic.") I just had to share my newest appliance: popcorn maker!

I bought it because of this article I've read before but was reminded of by my friend Kathleen when she posted it to Facebook. I love popcorn but the article states that microwavable popcorn may cause infertility in humans. Since I would like to have kids at some point in the future, I figure staying away from the microwavable stuff couldn't hurt. Tiff suggested I get the air popper so I don't have to make popcorn with oil.

Do you love my bowl as much as I do? It's brand new from Target. I love that freaking store.

This morning I jumped out of bed, ate a clif kid z bar, and drove straight to the gym for a treadmill workout. Since I didn't go out last night, I didn't have any excuses. Usually, Premier on the weekend is like a whole different gym than during the work week. I usually don't feel as rushed as I do on week nights and everyone else seems so much more relaxed as well. Well, this morning it was packed. Apparently people are still holding strong to their resolutions...

The workout I brought to the gym looked like this:

Time	Speed	Incline
00:00-5:00	3.5	1.0
5:00-10:00	4.0	2.0
10:00-12:00	6.5	1.0
12:00-13:00	3.5	1.0
13:00-15:00	6.6	1.0
15:00-16:00	3.5	1.0
16:00-18:00	6.7	1.0
18:00-19:00	3.5	1.0
19:00-21:00	6.8	1.0
21:00-22:00	3.5	1.0
22:00-24:00	6.9	1.0
24:00-25:00	3.5	1.0
25:00-27:00	7.0	1.0
27:00-28:00	3.5	1.0
28:00-30:00	7.1	1.0
30:00-40:00	3.5	2.0

 [source]

I altered it slightly to look like this:

Time	Speed	Incline
00:00-5:00	3.5	1.0
5:00-10:00	4.0	2.0
10:00-12:00	6.5	1.0
12:00-13:00	3.5	1.0
13:00-15:00	6.6	1.0
15:00-16:00	3.5	1.0
16:00-18:00	6.7	1.0
18:00-19:00	3.5	1.0
19:00-21:00	6.8	1.0
21:00-22:00	3.5	1.0
22:00-24:00	7.0	1.0
24:00-25:00	3.5	1.0
25:00-27:00	7.2	1.0
27:00-28:00	3.5	1.0
28:00-30:00	7.4	1.0
30:00-31:00	3.5	1.0
31:00-33:00	7.6	1.0
33:00-34:00	3.5	1.0
34:00-36:00	7.8	1.0
36:00-37:00	3.5	1.0
37:00-39:00	8.0	1.0
39:00-40:00	3.5	2.0

 

My alterations made this a better workout for me and I felt really good when I was done. Usually I run for a certain amount of miles but this morning I was just focusing on time. In 40 minutes, I went 3.62 miles.

Now that my workout is out of the way, I can focus on tonight’s fun activity: Beerfest at the Columbus Convention Center with my bestie Katie and her fiance Steve. Anything that includes the words "beer" and "fest" might as well be called "Laine Dupler." Enjoy your Saturday, salty sweaters!