Lots of Thoughts

Hello, hello!

There's been a lot of things that have been popping up in my brain over the past couple days that I've been dying to discuss. It seems like each time I finally decide on a topic to talk too much about, another one comes to mind that seems just a tad bit more brilliant than the last.

So due in part to my very decisive nature, ha ha ha, I've decided to mash all my thoughts into one, random, multiple-topic post. I figure this way I won't forget to comment on my new favorite celebrity crush Sunday night TV show or the latest article I read in 11Athletics.

And, hey, ya never know, maybe one of these topics will strike someone's fancy and they'll actually throw a comment my way..... hmmmm... wishful thinking :)

Alright, so let's jump right into the good stuff.... Chris Powell.

Okay, just kidding.... I meant to bring up Extreme Makeover Weight loss Edition.

It's on ABC on Sunday nights and has, unfortunately, caught the eye and attention of my roommate and I. I use the word unfortunately, because the show is 2 hours long and is on until 11:00pm, which does absolutely nothing good for my routine Sunday night pledge to get up and workout before work on Monday mornings. 

But besides making waking up the next morning difficult, and having someone pretty to stare at for 2 hours, the show is good stuff. It takes place over the course of one whole year, and follows 1 individual in their struggles and successes when it comes to losing weight.... the natural way: good ole' eating right and exercising. Too many of us are trying to find quick fixes - pills, 7 day juice cleanses, body wraps, to help lose weight, and this show reiterates to America that losing weight isn't just that simple. It takes time, discipline, and determination, and that's why I love this show.... well, for the most part ;)

Alright, moving on to something a bit more local, actually, really local because it's right here in Columbus - 11Athletics Magazine! 

If you've been to any of the marathon expos, races or triathlons around the area in the past year or so, it's very likely that you've seen the magazine. I've worked with the "editor in chief" of the magazine in past internships and bouts of employment, and a lot of what I know about the whole fitness/health/nutrition world came from him, so I imagine each magazine is nothing short of awesome. 

But anyway, enough name dropping on my part, I bring the magazine up because last night while manning the front desk at my supplemental evening gym job, I happened upon a stray 11athletics magazine and quickly began to devour the countless stories, tips and interviews that makes the magazine so great. One of the articles that really hit home with me was some words of wisdom from the chief and editor himself. 

I apologize for not being able to pull excerpts from the actual piece, but the basic gist of it was that everyone is competing at something. I won't say too much more for fear of plagiarism, haha, but for me, being sidelined from ankle surgery, it's hard for me to say that I'm competing. I've been going to and seeing lots of athletes compete in triathlons and races and it's disappointing and torture to not be out there, but while I'm not running my heart out on races or trying to stay above water in a triathlon, I'm competing against my injury. 

And if you read the magazine, you'll see that it's just not in fitness and sporting events that people can be competing. I'm not sure if this specific article is on the website, but if you find the time, go to the website I linked above and check it out... you won't regret it. 

AAAAAnd on that note, I've typed, talked, blabbed, ran on waaaay too much, and it's Bachelorette DVR time with my girlfriends anyway. 

Stay Healthy,

Oh! I almost forgot! My boss has an article in the magazine as well! Check it out!!!!

A Short, Brief Lesson in Special Occasion Eating

Hello! Is everyone having a good weekend so far??

I've spend the past few days planning, prepping and hosting my roommate's wedding shower. Phew. Believe it or not, it's hard work, especially when the shower is co-ed - I'm not sure how high wedding shower games are on guys' lists of things they hope to complete before they die, but I can guess not very. 

So since this isn't a wedding shower blog, let's get to the important things in life - food heathy eating. 

Besides being in charge of making face paddles of the bride and groom and writing food labels, I was in charge of bring a vegetable tray...

 and brownies...

It can be definitely be a challenge to eat healthy at special occasions. I usually take the approach that a little is okay. I don't attend wedding showers everyday, although this summer it seems like I am, so enjoying a small brownie and an adult beverage is perfectly healthy and functional in my book. 

On that note, I'm off to buy a bike helment... apparently they're important :)

Stay Healthy,

God's Gift to His Injured Ones

G'Afternoon!

Things have been going really well with physical therapy and my ankle (I know ya'll were just dying to know). So good in fact that they only want to see my pretty face twice a week - I'm balancing on it, doing squats, lunges, stepping up stairs.... big stuff I tell ya! 

So why after only 10 weeks of intense, major surgery (direct from the horse's mouth) am I able to do so much with such little inflammation? 

Well, besides the fact that I'm awesome (How I Met Your Mother, anyone?) I owe lots and lots of credit to my new best friend:

Now I'm not one to shove a bunch of supplements and products down peoples' throats, but, BUY THIS!

Haha, kidding, but seriously, I honestly believe that taking this supplement post surgery has really helped the healing process and is why I'm in such good shape - speaking in terms of getting my foot back to working  running  mobile condition - not my fitness, ha!

This particular supplement is for acute conditions (ie sprains, strains, tears) of the ligaments, tendons and muscles. 

It does things like...

• supports the body's normal connective-tissue repair and synthesis process
• supports healthy joints and muscles
• supports bone growth and the synthesis of cartilage
• contains buckwheat, which supports the body's natural anti-inflammatory response
• contains others fun stuff like manganese and Vitamins A, E and C (all good for connective tissue)

There is a second product called, surprise, surprise - Ligaplex II. This one is for more long term support. 

As soon as I'm back to running marathons half marathons 10k's (ha, right) you bet I'll be taking it. 

So all my athletes....something to think about... especially if you find yourself injured a lot or if you're coming to see Dr. Alexander for soft tissue torture sessions. 

Stay Healthy,

Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage

I've always been a hotdog girl. Hamburgers didn't, and still don't, stand a chance when it comes to making the infamous summer cookout decision of "hamburger or hotdog." Not a chance.

You would think after 26 years of weekly hotdogs on the grill during the summer and numerous pigs in the blanket dinners during the wintertime, I'd be a tad burnt out by hotdogs.... but nope! I still stand faithful to my favorite cookout food.

So while I've been eating hotdogs for 26 years years (okay, probably more like 23 years if we want to be sticklers) my type of hotdog has definitely taken to a more mature and ingredient-aware taste. Remember my first post about choosing the right hotdog? If not, you should for sure take a second look.... here ya go.

Anyway, I bring up the topic of hotdogs, (apparently for the second time) because the other day, I made a special trip to the Joe of all Trades and picked up some hotdog-like food. I love doing my grocery shopping here because, surprisingly enough, the produce is usually cheaper than stores like Kroger or Giant Eagle, and I always find fun new options for my dinners.... like these fun guys:

Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage!

Another plus about shopping at Trader Joe's is that most of their food and products are natural and you can typically understand all the ingredients on the label:

And because it's no fun being boring (I leave that for my Friday nights) I decided to slice up the sausage, heat it up on a fry pan and enjoy it on a slice of bread topped with some cheese. 

It's funny that the things that you would throw a fit about when you were a kid, are actually some of the things you like to do nowadays. If I had to eat my hotdog on a piece of bread 20 years ago all hell would break loose. I'm sure that's sign #57 of me getting old. ick. 

I enjoyed my cheesy apple chicken dog alongside a fresh salad topped with tomato and mushroom

and my new-ish favorite dressing:

Has anyone tried it?
I've been (nerd alert) reading blogs for several years now, and I swear at least one of them on a daily basis uses this dressing, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. I know the best choice would have been a homemade dressing, but I was able to pronounce the entire, (and) short list of ingredients.

It's not bad. I'd be lying if I said I fell in love at first taste, but it's adds a different flavor to my typical, routine salads.

Well, that's all for now. I'm sure you'll be seeing these fun sausage guys in future blog posts!

Stay Healthy,

Hotdogs or hamburgers?

Tuna. Learn to Like It!

Good Morning!

I've got just a few minutes before I need to head over to the gym, so I thought I'd pop in real quick and say hello and remind ya'll to head over/down/up to the airport this afternoon to check out RunFest.

There will be lots of fun stuff going on, not to mention the best booth, well after the food trucks, of the event - Alexander Chiropractic! Stop by and say hello!

I also wanted to quickly praise a super quick and easy AND healthy recipe that is an awesome go-to when you're stuck with what to make for lunch or dinner:

Tuna Avocado Spread!

It's not the most prettiest meal ever, but it sure does taste good. 

I always get so disappointed when people tell me they don't like tuna because there are SO many different combinations and possibilities that can be done to create, like I said, a quick but healthy meal. 

Adding avocado to the tuna is one of my favorite combinations. Not only are you getting the creamy texture of the traditional tuna salad with the avocado, but you're also getting good sources of protein and healthy fats. I'm pretty sure the only thing better than this is finding a million dollars in your couch cushions. 

All I do to create this wonderful meal, is to empty a pack of tuna into a small mixing bowl, add about 1/4 - 1/3 avocado and mash. 

Sometimes, if I think of it, I'll add a little bit of honey mustard or pepper to give it some additional flavor. I've also added one of those Laughing Cow creamy cheese wedges to the mix as well - I got that idea from this blog, but for the above meal, I simply just threw on a slice of swiss cheese and called it a day. 

Alright, on that note, I need to boogie. 

I'll see ya'll this afternoon !!! ;)

Stay Healthy and COOL!

Start NOW.

Hi all! Happy Friday! Is everyone ready for the weekend? Anyone doing anything fun? Everyone going to Run Fest tomorrow? I'll see you there!

Anyway, I'd like to take the time to discuss a somewhat personal issue - weight.
duh. duh. duhhh.

Whether you walk away from this post with assurance that you're not alone in this constant battle of maintaining a healthy weight, or if you skip off with a big fat smile on your face, knowing that the girl who tells you to eat broccoli and kale has her own issues with weight - I hope this post serves some sort of purpose for you and isn't solely just a way for me to get my butt into gear.

At any rate, I could talk for hours, and in all reality, easily write a 230 page book about my past history with weight-related issues, but I'm not one to spill my guts on the first date. So with that being said, let's focus on the what's going on today, right now on this, yet again, hot, sticky and humid Friday.

Since graduating college in 2008, I took a very strong interest in running. I went from barely being able to complete a loop around my meager half mile block to finishing 26.2 miles, twice. I found myself opting out of the late night bar scene for the chance to get to bed early so I could wake up early and get an easy 8 miles in before the day started. Between averaging at least 25 miles a week, plus additional spinning classes, there was no room or even desire to not choose a healthy diet.... (with the occasional bowl of ice cream or seasonal draft, of course).

Things were going great, until disaster struck. (ok, ok, that was a slight huge exaggeration)

Things were going great, until a major minor moderate setback struck (that's probably more accurate). After a year of chronic ankle issues, the worst was finally brought to light - torn tendon in the ankle. If I wanted an active life free of pain and arthritis, surgery was the only option.

I went from this:

to this:

That's a whole lot of sitting around. 

And a whole lot of ....

• "suuure I'll meet you for happy hour, I don't have anything else to do!"
• "I deserve dessert, I just had surgery"
• "I can't work out in the morning, of course I can stay out later"

But guess what? Grace period is over. Time to get my butt into gear - not so I can fit into my multiple bridesmaid dresses later this summer, but so I can feel good and feel healthy and feel strong. 

I have officially started physical therapy and have been given a few liberties when it comes to exercise. It's time to break up with my couch and my feel sorry for me attitude and start some new relationships.... stationary bikes? swimming? saying no to evening ice cream trips? I don't know! The possibilities are endless. 

I'm newly motivated and I'm excited to share my enthusiasm for getting back to what makes us feel good and feel healthy with others who may be struggling as well. 

Don't start tomorrow. Start today. 

Don't start later. Start NOW.

On that note... I'm off to the gym... see you guys later!

Stay Healthy,

4th of July and Goat Cheese

Hi guys!

I hope everyone had a fantastic and safe 4th of July! 

I don't know about you, but it's been a weird week. With the power out at the office on Monday and the 4th of July holiday, it hasn't felt like the right day of the week in days! 

Anyways, so, I live super close to all the hustle and bustle of the big city so it's nice when big events such as Red White and Boom and Comfest and the Columbus marathon come to town I don't have to worry about traffic or parking. Any guesses as to what I did Tuesday evening?

Yep! Red White and Boom! I hobbled my way down the street to see the fireworks show,  but not before meeting up with a group of friends at my apartment. 

Lately one of my friends has been bringing over fun little appetizers (most likely as a result of too much Pinterest browsing or too many skewers lying around) for us to enjoy. On Tuesday she brought over.... 

Watermelon Mint Goat Cheese Skewers!

Apparently they were supposed to be drizzled with balsamic vinegar, but I enjoyed them as is (or was?) They were very flavorful and refreshing... definitely an A+ in my book. 

Here are some pictures from Red White and Boom for the heck of it:

Stay Healthy,

Did anyone else see fireworks? Red White and Boom?
I'm kind of bummed I didn't get to use any sparklers. 


What are your thoughts on goat cheese?
I love goat cheese! I get so fired up when people turn their noses up to it right away. I personally think it's one of the more milder cheeses out there.... don't discriminate just because it's from a goat!