Jesus, Hikes, and Sunrises!!

This morning I had the pleasure of hiking Cowel's Mountain with my sweet friend Malia. It was soo nice having the morning off and she didn't have to be at work till 10 so we made an early date out of it. The last time I did this hike was back in June and couldn't , make it to the top and had to keep stopping to rest. I am very to be able to say that this time I didn't have to stop once and I wasn't even out of breath or in pain when I got to the top. Thank the Lord!!! I know it sounds ridiculous but it is a big accomplishment for me!
The view was sooo clear and we could be all the way to the coast. Watching the sun rise on one side of the mountain while the moon began to set on the other side was magnificent!! I havn't up before the sun in quite some time so it was a nice treat to be able to experience some of God's great creation. As it is Hump Day this hike was a nice way to switch up my workout regiment and do something aliitle different. I also always enjoy the precious moments I get to spend with Mia, she is such a blessing. A woman of God who is overflowing with the Spirit and who has sooo many things in common with myself. She constantly encourages, uplifts and points me to Christ noo matter what! Love her!!

Personal Fitness Update

Since changing the title, theme and direction of this blog, I thought it was a good idea for myself and followers to take a trip down memory lane. Looking at where I started and where I am now. At the end of March I experienced a relationship breakup that played a huge toll on my body, physically, spiritually, and mentally, more then I realized at the time. I learned just how much of an emotional eater I am, as well as how much I didn't understand health and fitness, or the what it means to take care of yourself. A month later at the end of May I turned 21 and was introduced to the world of alcohol, (not at all to the point of drunkedness or even a slight bit tipsy!!!!!) I definitely found myself enjoying a few to many  99 cent tacos, 3 dollar margaritas , and bottomless chips and salsas with family and friends at least once or twice a week. Little did I realize that alcohol has so many calories, and the things I was ordering had tons of sugar diluting the strong taste. BAD, BAD, BAD!!!! 

The mix between stress, lack of exercise, eating whenever and whatever I wanted, poor sleeping habits, and emotional roller coasters I began to pack on the pounds. I came to the point where the only thing fitting was yoga pants and cotton dresses. I was so disappointed and down, I told myself something had to change immediately. So in September of 2012 sitting down for a cup of coffee with Mariah Barnhart (my angel in disguise :)), I was challanged to take control of my health and fitness routine. Not just to go on a diet and exercise for a few months but to really change my entire life, for the rest of my life. With her help and encouragement I have come so far and accomplished more then I ever thought I was capable of. My entire outlook on life and the way I view others has completely changed for the better. I now consider myself a nutrition/ fitness advocate. I aspire to take courses and get certified in nutrition and fitness so that I can help others make the positive changes needed in their lives. 

The first day I weighed in at a sad 188lbs!!!! I weighed in today marking 6 months of living this lifestyle and I was proud to read a healthier weight of 158!!!! I almost fell over, I never thought it was possible, 30 POUNDS!!!! I mean I knew I could do it but I just always thought it would take years not months! I have never felt better in my whole life, stress levels have gone down, I have so much more energy, I sleep better, and most of all my clothes fit big!!! I can confidently say that if I did it so can anyone else, mind over matter. I am not saying waking up every day to go to the gym at 6Am is easy but you have to really want it. I am not saying cutting out breads, and sweets, and your favorite fast food joints is easy but once you do it slowly becomes a habit and those cravings go away. One day at a time, slow and steady wins the race. 

Hope this has been encouraging, and helpful in showing you that you CAN DO IT!!! Please feel free to ask any questions about cleaning eating, vitamins, supplements, and or gym training. I am so passionate about this area of life and its my pleasure to do anything I can to help others. 

If There's a Will There's a Way

When it comes to fitness, clean eating, travel and vacations I know the mindset that most have. I can say that because it used to be my own way of thinking. Whenever I heard the word vacation or traveling somewhere what automatically would go through my mind was , "ohh I can eat whatever I want and I will have no way to exercise". Do you know what I am talking about? 

It is so important to not neglect your body just because you are away from the comforts and routine of home. Just like you have schedule and plan out meals and workouts at home it is the same for when you are on the road. While it takes will power and self control to say no to eating certain foods, it is also so rewarding and your body will thank you when you do. 

Ok lets talk about eating habits on the road first. Now a days no  matter where you travel normal grocery stores are beginning to offer healthy and clean options. This makes it easier for you when you looking to keep eating clean when you are traveling. It used to be you could only get organic non processed forms of food at stores like Trader Joes and Whole Foods but this is not so anymore. The key to your healthy eating on the road is to set a side time to prepare your meals and pack them in the most convenient way for you. I try and eat every three hours so the temptation of grabbing all the junk out there doesn't get a chance to exist. For me I always make sure to have granola bars, trail nut mixes, protein powder, or some fruits (apples, bananas, oranges) with me at all times. This will save you time, money, as well as the temptation to just buy whatever is in sight that may sound good. 

Next order of business is fitness. The key to keeping on track is to plan to exercise on your trip. Evaluate your itinerary and schedule some time to work out, doing both cardio work and resistance training. Of course, you might not be able to mimic your at-home workouts exactly, but you don't need to abandon your program altogether. "Be nonjudgmental of yourself if you aren't able to do everything you regularly do," advises fitness personality Minna Lessig. "Take on a `go with the flow' attitude and get in what exercise you can that both time and equipment permit." Hotels have become so high end now a days, almost every hotels now a days have indoor gyms and pools. No matter what the weather is outside you can take time out of your day to get a good workout. Even better the gyms are usually open 24 hours! When I am planning a trip another great tip is to research the area you will be spending most of your time in. Book reservations at a hotel that allows you to be active, close enough to walk to your various destinations and or public transportation. This will allow you to remain active, walking everywhere you need to go! 

The first thing to pack this trip was my Sprouts shaker bottle and Body By Vi Protein Powder. No matter where you go you can always find water and with a mix that tastes like liquid cake you don't need to add anything else to it.