Getting Bullied At The Gym.

SUMMER’S STORY

One quiet evening a few weeks ago, I was going through some articles that I had written. I re-read one of the pieces a few times and wondered if I should post it on my blog. I decided against it, switched gears, and began searching the internet. After clicking a few random links, something caught my attention. "HAVE FAITH." For some time, my eyes were glued to the screen. By the time I looked away, I had decided to write the owner of the company whose website I had come across. It was time to share the article that I never had the nerve to post. 

Here is my story about getting bullied at the gym and what kept me going:

I’ve been going to the gym for years. When I started out, I was the chubby girl who had no clue what she was doing. I wore a men’s shirt and baggy pants because I was embarrassed and didn’t want the ‘fit’ girls to notice me. I kept at it; over time and with help, I lost weight and my body changed. I wasn't at the point where I felt good, though.

Like every human, I have ups and downs in life. Earlier this year I hit a low that was a result of a significant change in my life; I was struggling but I continued to work out. Some mornings it was everything I could do to get up early and go to the gym. It was around this time that I started noticing something different at the gym. I was getting looked at when I walked in. I’d smile but they would look away without smiling back. One day I saw a personal trainer pointing at me and when she looked back at her client they laughed. This kind of thing was happening regularly. One day another member pushed me as I walked into the shower. I was discouraged and felt like quitting. But I still wanted to be fit, to have a flatter stomach more definition, and more toning all around. These things don't magically happen.

During this phase, I had to pack up my place to prepare for a move; it was a stressful time. When I went to the gym one morning, I got scowled at by two girls who were in the entrance, chatting. After my workout, I went to my job and told my co-workers I wasn't going to work out anymore. The next morning I prayed. Some people ask God to for a nicer body or ask Him to make them lose weight but don’t want to do anything about it themselves; they think these are is a reasonable requests. I thought about what I wanted to ask God to do. I asked Him to give me motivation to wake up every morning and make it to the gym. I prayed that I would have motivation to eat well, go out of my comfort zone, and make things happen so I could reach my goals.

Starting the next morning, I got up when my alarm went off and was at I was at the gym at 5:55am -before it even opened. That was in May (2012) and I have been doing it ever since. Shortly after I started, a woman approached me in the heart of my work out to tell me that she had been watching me and I deserved to have the nicest abs ever because of how hard I was working. That made my day! I went through my whole routine with her and I still see her doing it; it makes me happy every time!

Robin from Yeshua Apparel was kind enough to send me the HAVE FAITH shirt that I couldn't stop thinking about. I often see silly shirts with meaningless print on them so when I started going through her website I felt inspired again.

http://www.yeshuaapparel.com

Thank you Robin, I appreciate you and what you stand for!

***Weight loss: Before & After Pics***

I always get the same excuses from people on why they cant lose weight.  They love food to much, they don't have time, they don't have the motivation, BUT then they say how they want to be skinny more then anything else in the world.

I also love food... hence how I got myself chubby in the first place.  I, like most other human beings and a busy girl.  I make time to work out, I am up before the sun comes up almost every day to make sure I get my exercise in and sometimes I don't have motivation but it doesn't stop me.  I think "skinny" is the wrong word here, I prefer healthy.  I want to be healthy more then I love sleep or food therefor I do whats needed to be done in order to reach my goals.  

This left picture was not my heaviest.  The right picture is me currently.

What did I do?

I changed my lifestyle, I didn't diet.  

I eat clean and healthy... and once a week I pig out :)

I switch up cardio and weight training about an hour a day 6 days a week.

I feel happier, I sleep better, I am more pleasant to be around lol, and it feels good!

I hope I can motivate at least one person today.  

Have a good weekend everyone! 

Summer

Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast

Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast
1/2 banana thin sliced
1 english muffin
1 tbsp light peanut butter


 So easy and quick but SO delis! Directions: Toast the english muffin, spread the peanut butter, pile the banana slices over top and enjoy it while its still warm!

 Calories per serving: 320 Not a bad way to start off a rainy fall day!

Fitness Friday

I try to make a new playlist once a month so I have something new and fresh to work out too.  The current one was made for cardio, but I also use it for weights, abs, in my car, in my kitchen and pretty much anywhere I go.  Song #3 "Skrillex - Summit"  kicks me into a whole new world when Im working out.

If your looking for some new upbeat songs try some of these guys out:

Playlist: June2012

1. Calvin Harris ft Neyo - Lets Go
2. Matrix & Futurebound ft Luke Bingham - All I know
3. Skrillex ft Ellie Goulding - Summit
4. Swedish House Mafia - Greyhound
5. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out (Benny Benassi Remix)
6. Example - Midnight Run (Funkagenda Remix)
7. Zoe Badwi - Release me (Dj Anselmo Energy Boot Mix)

I also have a few rap/hip hop songs thrown in to switch up the beat a little bit:

Drake ft Lil Wayne - The Motto
Childish Gambino - Break
Drake ft Christ Brown - Yamaha Mama
Drake - Headlines


Check out other great blogs

Summer Tomato Cucumber Salad

It doesn't get much easier then this one!  This low cal recipe takes minutes to make and tastes delicious plated next to any bbq'd meats or a burger.


Summer Tomato Cucumber Salad:

4 med sized tomatos
1 med english cucumber
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp sugar
2 tsp fresh chopped basil (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt and pepper




Mix oil, vinegar and sugar together in mixing bowl.
Slice tomatoes and cucumbers to desired size and put in the bowl with the oil mixture and stir.
Add chopped basil, salt and pepper and put in fridge to keep cold (serve after 10 mins or whenever you are hungry)
Enjoy!

Nutritional info:
Makes 4 servings
Calories: 58
Fat: 1.6g
Fiber: 1.9g
Carbs: 9.4

Truly Organic Foods Review

Being a vegetarian a lot of the foods I eat on a daily basis are the same.  A lot of the companies that provide organic, gluten free or vegan foods also pump out the same products as each other and rarely come out with anything mind blowing.  I received a package from Truly Organic Foods a few months back.  I was expecting a small package but they went all out and spoiled me with a variety of wonderful foods.  I was going to write out everything individually but since everything was amazing I started to sound repetitive.  Almost everything is gluten free, vegan, raw and organic which for me means love at first sight (or taste for that matter).

I'll start that I received this package right before heading to work so I brought it with me.  My co-workers all wanted to dig in when I opened the box.  We all share food at work so it wasn't right for me to say no.  We all sat there and snacked on stuff and then said our opinions on it.  Im sorry if anyone from my work reads this but the Raw Almonds, and the Giddy Yoyo organic vegan chocolate bar I received found a hiding place in my purse because they were SOOOOO good I didn't want to share.  The chocolate tasted so pure and the texture of the almonds was almost meaty.  Such a difference then the bulk ones I usually buy at the store.  With all the products I recieved I, and everyone else I let share, could tell that there was no added stuff, it was all real food and everything tasted wonderful.  The nuts, the salad booster, the rawtella (like nutella but 5000x better) ... everything tasted incredible!

Ive had the same protein for years and I was getting sick after I would have my shake so I also got a taste of the Sunwarrior chocolate vegan powder which was hands down the best shake Ive had in my life.  It has a earthy and nutty taste, and with the chocolate it blends so well I drank it so slow so the taste would last.  I also tried the hemp vegan protein and it is delicious.  Theres no artificial flavours, its very earthy and mixes well with yogurt, fresh or frozen fruit and almond milk for a great breakfast shake.  No bloating after like other shakes I've had.

Chia seeds.  Something I had heard about but never tried.  Now I have them in my cereal, in my shakes, salads, soups etc.  They are amazing little seeds.  Not much of a taste but these little guys keep you full for longer as well as balance your blood sugar, give you energy along with many more health benefits.

This was the hardest review Ive done because there was so much goodness in the package I received that day.  There wasn't anything that I didn't want more of.  To check out these products and way more click the link below:

http://www.trulyorganicfoods.com/

What Can $20 Buy These days?

Taking a casual stroll through Real Canadian Superstore today I thought maybe I should replace some of my fav tanks that I wear for working out.  If I've had them for a number of years and they have no shape, faded colour and have deodorant stains its time to chuck those bad boys.

Ive recently moved and am now learning how to budget.  I saw a sign that said clearance.  Just my style...if its full price I probably won't buy it...
I love black shorts and I love tank tops.  So for just under $12 I got myself just that.  Tomorrows gym gear:

While browsing I also noticed some brightly coloured tanks with matching boxer type bottoms.  Heck, why not.  For $2.94 each I purchased myself new pi's.  After any long day or warm day it feels good to put on something light and bright :)

Im so happy with my 4 new wardrobe items for under $20!!!

Weekend Giveaways/Hops

Good weekend to you all :)
Much deserved break from the work life for some of us... and others, its just another friday - sunday.  Either way I hope every one enjoys their weekend.



The first giveaway is by my sister who has recently started her blog up again.
Open to anyone in Canada and USA :)  Show her some love and hit the follow button too ;)

Little Piggies Three Giveaway


Now a Blog Hop Til You Drop:
This is my favourite way to find new blogs and make new blogger friends!


Blog Hop Til You Drop

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

Chunky beefsteak tomatoes stuffed with corn, egg and cheese?
This makes a perfect low calorie side dish for summer bbq's or a healthy meal all year round and its easy to make.

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes:

4 large beef steak tomatoes
1/2 Cup corn kernels (if frozen thaw them first)
2 teaspoons chives (or thin diced onion)
4 eggs
Salt & Pepper
1/4 Cup parmesan cheese
red pepper flakes

Instructions:
Pre Heat oven to 350.  Line a baking pan (9inch) with wax/parchment paper.

1.  With a serrated knife slice off the top of the tomato and gently scoop out the insides with a spoon.  You don't want to break through the skin of the tomato.
2.  Season tomato with salt and pepper and place in the baking dish.
3.  Divide corn and chives or onion up between the 4 tomatoes.
4.  Break an egg over each tomato then sprinkle with red pepper flakes and parm

Bake until egg is set.  45-50 min.  Let sit for a few mins before you dig in :)

***Tip: For lower calorie option don't use a full egg just use the egg white.  I tried that with one of the eggs and it tasted great :)
They also sit well over night in the fridge and taste just as good for lunch the next day.

Nutritional info:
4 servings
Calories:  167
Carbs:  16.3g
Protein:  11.5g

FITLIPS Passion Fruit review

Passion Fruit FITLIPS Review

I tried FITLIPS last year for the first time and loved the product.  
I always carry lip balm around with me because I always need it.  I got to recently try the Passion Fruit scent which is naturally scented with passion fruit oil.  It smells wonderful.  It feels wonderful too.  You're mouth will feel and smell like its on its own tropical vacation while you wear this and while its relaxing the balm will actually heal your lips.

The balm is made of hemp oil, mango butter. beeswax and Cupuacu butter.  They are made right here in Canada and they are 100% natural.  A lot of lip care products will put chemicals in the balms, or gloss so that they will dry out your mouth and you'll become reliant on it so you'll have to use it more.  FITLIPS is really everything a girl could want out of a lip balm.  Smell, texture, and smoothing your pout so its much more smoochable!  Your man won't complain either.  


The container is small and now has a screw on lid which is great for keeping stuff in after :) 


I use FITLIPS before bed so it can do its magic while you get some beauty rest, then carry a second on in your purse to re-apply through out the day.




For more info check out the website:


FITLIPS

Unclogging The Toilet Without A Plunger :)

Unclogging The Toilet Without A Plunger

After living with someone for years and now living alone, I’ve finally realized a few things: The garbage doesn’t take itself out, the lawn won’t mow itself, and the toilet surely won’t unclog itself after I dump a weeks worth of leftovers down it. I thought they’d just disappear with the whirl of water like when I normally flush. Not the case.

One might ask why would someone dump a can of whole jalapenos down the drain? It saves me putting them in the trash, which could potentially stink. I don’t want my kitchen to stink!

Although I don’t do my hair in curls, wear makeup or polish what little finger nails I have, I do wear a bra and a lacy thong so I still qualify as a girl. This girl never learned how to plunge a toilet!

This is where WikiHow comes in. Thanks to the women of 1976, I found an instructional video on how to fix my little issue. Here’s what I learned from the video:
A. Wear a head wrap or bandanna
B. Nod your head a lot
C. It could get messy

So here is the easiest way to unclog your toilet. This is the Hot Water and Soap Method.
Im gonna make this real simple...

1. Get a big pot of water, heat it up.  You dont need to boil it but get it piping hot at least.
2. Get some dish soap, sqeeze a few drops of dish soap into the bowl of the toilet thats backed up... and my few drops I squirted out about a quarter cup.
3. Bring the hot pot of water to the toilet, lift the seat and dump all the water down without hesitation.

This should send all the junk swiming down the the drain and you'll be able to flush another weeks worth of left overs and repeat this step to bring your potty back to normal.

So I did this and it worked well.  A week later after an open house I had I realized another toilet (that I never use) was plugged up. Someone had flushed something they shouldn't have?  Now being a master at this I knew exactly what I needed to do and it worked just as well as the first time :)

One less thing to worry about :)

Mini Spinach Quiche

This is a super light fluffy breakfast, brunch or dinner recipe... goes well with a variety of yummy things :)

Mini Spinach Quiche

1 cup egg whites or egg subsitute
1/2 cup skim milk
2 cups spinach chopped
1/2 cup shredded 2% cheddar
1 tsp black pepper
1 garlic clove minced
1 tsp olive oil

Nutritional Info:
Calories: 60
Fat: 2g
Carbs: 2.4g
Protein: 7.3g


Pre heat oven to 375

Put olive oil and garlic in frying pan and cook over med heat for 3-5 mins.

Take the fried garlic and everthing else and mix it together (leave half the cheese to sprinkle over the quiche.

Ladle evenly into a muffin tin (should make about 6) and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Place on middle rack and bake for approx 30 mins.

Remove and let cool...enjoy :)

This recipe is super easy.  I made it for dinner and then brought the left overs to work the next day and it still tasted fresh.

Pasta Of Lies

Picky eaters can be any age, race, sex... They can be picky for lack of adventure, because they truely dont enjoy tastes of certian foods or possibly because the effects after eating it on a persons body just cant be tolerated.  I was asked about a month ago how to add more veggies into a diet.
I came up with a few ideas.

Im a vegetarian and I love veggies.  I cook, breath, eat, sleep veggies.  So when people say they dont like veggies I instantly think "Oh Please"

Recently I made dinner for someone who "didnt like veggies"  This is what I made:

Simply Lies Pasta Bake
Pasta of choice (I used tri color because it blends with veggies well almost hiding them)
1 jar pasta sauce
1 cup shredded cheese
olive oil
spices to taste

Now this is where you pick your potion.
I chose everything in the fridge. Onion, broccoli, carrot, spinach, cabbage etc.

Directions:
Make pasta according to package.

Mince veggies.  Make these little treats as small as possible!

Heat oil in frying pan and fry these guys up, depending on what veggies you use will depend on how long.

Dont cook all the way make sure theres still a bit of crunch....(5min-ish) it still needs to be baked.

Add pasta sauce and some water to the frying pan, bring to a boil and simmer until thickened again.

Poor cooked pasta in a casserole dish and mix in 1/2 the sauce and then poor the rest over the top.

Sprinkle cheese over top.

Heat oven to 350, place the lie on the center rack and bake til bubbly...

25 or so mins.  Pull out of oven and let cook for 5 mins before scooping it out onto plates.

This is the final turn out. 

He ate it, and although Im sure he knew I was full of it he asked for more later on that evening. 

:)

Low Calorie Leek and Potato Soup

I've always loved but never made soup like this. A person would think it would be a healthy choice when going out to eat but with all the cream its really not helping in the fat department.

Here is a low calorie recipe I found:

Leek And Potato Soup
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small clove garlic (optional)
1 med onion, diced
3 leeks, white pats chopped
3 or 4 rustic potatoes cut into small cubes
1 cup fat free broth (chicken or veggie)
1 2/3 cup fat free milk
Pepper
Dash of hot sauce

Heat oil, garlic, leeks, potato and onion over medium heat. Cook for 5 mins and add the broth and milk. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 30 min or until the potatoes are cooked and tender.
Remove half of soup and once cooled blend in blender, then add back into pot, add hot sauce and season with pepper.

This is such an easy recipe. It doesn't have the full cream flavor of its fattening cousin but it sure hit the spot ;)


Nutritional Info:
Makes 4 servings
Calories per Serving: 170
Fat: 2.7g
Carbs: 29.9g
Protein: 6.7g

Starting From The Beggining

Starting from the beginning.
Lots of men and women want to lose weight but don't know where to start.  When you decide your ready to make a change there are a dew tips I have for beginners.

1. Set a goal.
Be realistic here. I start with a small goal and once I beat it I come up with my next one. I've been doing this for years now. Once you reach your first goal you'll feel like a million bucks.  Start with 5-10 lbs.

2. Set a time limit.
Once again, be realistic. Don't say 50 lbs in a month.  That's just silly.  Give yourself a realistic AND healthy timeline and follow it.

3. Eat healthy.
Watch what you eat. There are several online tools that can help you figure out how many calories you should eat per day to help you lose the weight you want In the time you want.

4. Set a shedual and stick to it!
If your starting out cardio is a great way to shed a few extra pounds. Start by going on a 30 min walk 4x a week if you don't want to go to the gym.
If you don't want to get cold download an exersize video (jillian michaels 30 day shred) and do it from the comfort of your own home.

5. Keep a journal.
Write down what you eat and the exercise you do daily. This way it's easier to stick to your goals.

Remember anything is better than nothing.
For a 150lbs person jogging for 25 mins will burn 260-300 calories.
Walking the dog for 25 mins burns about 125 and even washing the car for 10 mins can burn 50 calories.
Make sure to do a warm up and stretch after, and don't forget your water bottle :) 

Being Backed Up

Being Backed Up

Alright. After my computer was unplugged and then straight up jacked from me I haven't posted since August. I am ashamed and incomplete. Enough of feeling the winter blues and enough with the self pity I'm back and I'm here to talk to you about every ones favourite topic this time of year.

Getting back in shape.  Right?  Well since every ones talking about that I'm gonna talk about another issue. Let me introduce to you 'being backed up'... You know, when you haven't gone to the washroom in a few days and the scale totally proves that you need to go #2?  I know after a good holiday binge I'm not the only one noticing this so here we have some natural ways to help push the crap outta your body...litteraly.  This, along with healthy eating and some exercise will be sure to assist in you reaching your goals this year.

1. Vitamin C.
One of the best detoxing vitamins there is.  Citrus fruit can help kick your digestive track in the butt.  Slice up a lemon and throw it in a glass of water, eat an orange on the way to work, whatever it is, just do it and let the detoxifying agents do their thing.

2. Raw virgin coconut oil.
Improving bowel functions and digestion, coconut oil can be used to saute veggies for a light stir fry or even used instead of regular oil to pop popcorn as a low cal snack.

3. Avocado.

Slice up this cancer fighting treat over a fresh green salad and receive 30% of your daily fibre needs.  Not only is this a delicious way of adding substance to an otherwise known as 'boring' salad and also will aid in improving skin tone.


4. Cabbage.
Cabbage binds waste in the colon making it easier to pass.  If you normally have issues with this adding cabbage to a meal 2-3 times a week can change this.  Throw a handful of chopped cabbage in a soup, stew, casserole, or make a side of coleslaw.  This veggie is hardly noticed when cooked into another dish.

5. Pears and Guava 
Though I have not tried this one myself I have read several times that shortly after eating one of these fruits you'll have a bowel movement.

Well it's lunch time so I'm going to indulge in a juicy pear followed by coleslaw topped with a semi firm avocado.

Bye bye for now ;)