Food is Fuel

Its been a long time since I have been on! Ooops!! We have been so busy this last week, I haven't even had time to think!  Ben's little brother, Sam, got married last weekend and there was plenty of family in from out of town!  But I am back, and will make it a better habit to post more often.

Last week was rough, with the wedding and all and I also missed two classes.  After feeling like total crap because of it, I decided this is my week.  On Monday, I had my fit class and my trainer decided to switch things up!  We still did weights, just a different routine.  The good news is, I increased my weight!  I could definitely feel it the next day.  Today, we did cardio.  We wear heart rate monitors (in my case, suppose to be wearing, its awfully expensive!)  to reach certain zones at certain times of the workout.  I accomplished this by not only increasing my speed, but by increasing by incline.  Let's just say, there was one point in the workout when my trainer came over and cranked up the incline! It was a tough work out, but I felt great after.  So, on Monday, we had to set a weekly goal, and today we all weighed in.  My goal for this week is to lose two pounds.  I was not happy at weigh in!  Hopefully next week will be a different story.

While doing our workout today, the nutritionist was in to talk to us.  Her topic tonight was PROTEIN.  Protein is obviously an essential element in weight loss, and helps revive your muscles after a work out.  During her talk, I realized I am not eating enough protein, and not eating enough period.  I have gotten in the habit of counting calories (which I will never stop)  and its something that is not important.  I thought 1200 calories would be a good place to be, but it definitely is not.  Food is fuel.  Food keeps your body going.  It helps your brain think, your legs walk and your heart pump.  You just have to make sure you are putting the right things in your body!
Tonight, after my workout, I made a protein smoothie.  And let me tell you, it was the best one I have ever made!  Its hard to find the right consistency and the right combination of yogurt and fruit.  This time, I stayed away from the yogurt.  I used 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, about a 1/2 cup of blueberries and 1/2 a scoop of vanilla protein powder. So yummy!! Perfect for after a workout.  I am also on a strict breakfast per my trainer of 2 eggs (which I put 1 tablespoon of salsa on them, yum) and a 1/2 cup of oatmeal with a small amount of almond or peanut butter, and a half a packet of Stevia (sweetener)

Talk soon!

I will leave you with a tidbit about protein, and a quote.