I started this blog a bit ago to find a creative outlet for the mess in my brain; to put on paper the thoughts left rattling around.
And then I found running, and while the two complimented each other, running allowed me to turn inward instead of outward. Thus, the blog lost steam (okay, okay - actually just pulled over, parked, got ticketed and painted by the cops, and towed away).
I missed it. I miss it (present tense) - I think, ugh - what I am trying to say is this... I am going to give this another go. For me (mostly), and maybe for you to enjoy.
This blog may take an unexpected detour - I think that I will try to post a picture, song, or segment (what I think about when I run) - as often as time will allow. I am hoping I can at least do this at least weekly, and if you are lucky - probably a couple times a week.
I may need a reminder here and there. I may miss weeks - I may not.
IthinkIcanIthinkIcanIthinkIcanIthinkIcanIthinkIcanIthinkIcan....
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Only You Can Label Yourself.
I received a text from my good friend asking if I would ever consider a guest blogger.
My answer?? Uh, YES!!!!!
So here is Kayla, and she has something that she needs to talk to you about. So, listen up - she's pretty great.
This topic will be part one of a two part series. Read on, and stay tuned.
We live in a society that likes to put names on things. Labels. Some labels are good, some can be hurtful, but all tend to limit us. When we let people pigeon hole us with what they think we are, we can go down a very dark trail.
My answer?? Uh, YES!!!!!
This topic will be part one of a two part series. Read on, and stay tuned.
ONLY YOU CAN LABEL YOURSELF
We live in a society that likes to put names on things. Labels. Some labels are good, some can be hurtful, but all tend to limit us. When we let people pigeon hole us with what they think we are, we can go down a very dark trail.
I started running five years ago as a way to handle the stress of a tough work situation and my every day anxiety. All was well until I went to my first race. Apparently that made me a runner. I was excited about running, talked about it all the time. Non-runners think all runners complete marathons, so it wasn’t long until I was being asked when I was going to run a marathon. I’d been impressed with my 5K finish, but apparently I wasn’t really a runner if I wasn’t signing up for longer distances. Right there. That’s when I stepped onto that dark path.
Obsession over training for a half-marathon took over. I loosely followed training plans, but I’m not patient by nature, so I figured I could rearrange them to suit my running style. I could get quicker results my way. The only results I got were injury after injury. Academically, I’m a quick study, but when it comes to life, I am s-l-o-w. This cycle of training and injury (to both my body and my mind) went on for years. There were times I would decided to stop running altogether. It was making me crazy. A couple of weeks would pass and my anxiety would start to build. I needed the release that came with running.
Finally I injured my back to the point where I could barely get off the couch for months. This was not good for me. I gained weight, and my anxiety was through the roof. So, when I was back on my feet, naturally I overdid it and hurt my ankle, BUT this was the turning point. I almost lost it when I realized I was about to lose running again. I took a step back and realized I was a runner no matter what distances I covered. I was runner if I chose not to race. I was a runner because I liked to run, needed it for therapy. In that moment, I truly became a runner because I had labeled myself.
Since then I have discovered that I have to use walk/run intervals to stay injury free. I waffled for a moment about whether or not that made me less of a runner, but then remembered I get to choose who I am. I am a runner, and no one can take that away from me but myself.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Fat Sunday.
Well, after months and months of horrible eating and watching it effect my running, I have made a change this week.
For six days this week - I ate clean, and I mean CLEAN!! No candy, no sugar, no packaged foods - nada. All of my foods were identifiable by what they were, not the package they came in. (not sure if that sentence made sense). No preservatives, no gluten, no fillers, no artificial nothing.
Here is what I learned this week. I am not sold that I feel SO much better when I eat clean. I felt pretty normal. I was never starving, but I did long for certain foods. I had a very detailed plan, and that was very helpful - if the food wasn't on the plan, it didn't head into my mouth. I did notice that my teeth remained cleaner - longer (a weird observation, I know).
At last Saturday's Half Marathon (the Lululemon Half) I bought several items. I decided that after 5 days of following my plan - BY THE BOOK - I could have ONE item. Thus, hedging against my nature to just eat ONE piece of candy. I was conducting an experiment people!!!
and then comes Sunday, or FAT SUNDAY, which it's now known by at my house. Today is a cheat DAY - eat whatever you want ALL day long. I was never so happy to see today - and let me tell you, I have taken FULL advantage of this day. I will not even begin to tell you everything on my list, but I will tell you that Sonic Bacon Cheese Dog is AMAZING!!!
Here is what I have observed. The candy that I ate was much sweeter than I remember candy being, and I couldn't eat as much as I used to. The pizza stick I ate was way greasier than I remember them being, and left an odd film around my mouth. Also, after I ate the food that shall not be named I became really really really tired. I do believe that, much to my husbands dismay, I felt the need to sit down in the aisle at Home Depot. He turned around, "Do you mean to tell me you can run for four hours straight, but cannot find the energy to walk around this store??" I reminded him that it was now under four hours, and that if they had water stations and/or fuel stations it might make this jaunt easier. He was so not impressed.
I suppose that what I learned today is that maybe I shouldn't go ALL IN on cheat day if there is actual "stuff" I need to be doing, other than napping. And that maybe it's not that eating clean makes one feel so fantastic, but that eating really really poorly makes you feel really really tired. I cannot wait to see how well I can run when I am fueling with real food - knowing what I know now (after only seven days) I should be making huge gains in the next couple months. (as soon as I shake off this calf pain).
I am pretty ready to get back to my detailed eating guide tomorrow, but first PIZZA!!!!
For six days this week - I ate clean, and I mean CLEAN!! No candy, no sugar, no packaged foods - nada. All of my foods were identifiable by what they were, not the package they came in. (not sure if that sentence made sense). No preservatives, no gluten, no fillers, no artificial nothing.
Here is what I learned this week. I am not sold that I feel SO much better when I eat clean. I felt pretty normal. I was never starving, but I did long for certain foods. I had a very detailed plan, and that was very helpful - if the food wasn't on the plan, it didn't head into my mouth. I did notice that my teeth remained cleaner - longer (a weird observation, I know).
At last Saturday's Half Marathon (the Lululemon Half) I bought several items. I decided that after 5 days of following my plan - BY THE BOOK - I could have ONE item. Thus, hedging against my nature to just eat ONE piece of candy. I was conducting an experiment people!!!
and then comes Sunday, or FAT SUNDAY, which it's now known by at my house. Today is a cheat DAY - eat whatever you want ALL day long. I was never so happy to see today - and let me tell you, I have taken FULL advantage of this day. I will not even begin to tell you everything on my list, but I will tell you that Sonic Bacon Cheese Dog is AMAZING!!!
Here is what I have observed. The candy that I ate was much sweeter than I remember candy being, and I couldn't eat as much as I used to. The pizza stick I ate was way greasier than I remember them being, and left an odd film around my mouth. Also, after I ate the food that shall not be named I became really really really tired. I do believe that, much to my husbands dismay, I felt the need to sit down in the aisle at Home Depot. He turned around, "Do you mean to tell me you can run for four hours straight, but cannot find the energy to walk around this store??" I reminded him that it was now under four hours, and that if they had water stations and/or fuel stations it might make this jaunt easier. He was so not impressed.
I suppose that what I learned today is that maybe I shouldn't go ALL IN on cheat day if there is actual "stuff" I need to be doing, other than napping. And that maybe it's not that eating clean makes one feel so fantastic, but that eating really really poorly makes you feel really really tired. I cannot wait to see how well I can run when I am fueling with real food - knowing what I know now (after only seven days) I should be making huge gains in the next couple months. (as soon as I shake off this calf pain).
I am pretty ready to get back to my detailed eating guide tomorrow, but first PIZZA!!!!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Who doesn't love new Running Gear?!?
Running gear - one of my favorite topics EVER!!!
I was recently asked to be a brand ambassador for Swirl Gear, and I thought SURE! Before jumping in with both feet (as I often like to do) I thought I would purchase a "test" top - you know, to make sure I really really liked it.
So, here it is (drum roll please) - the top:
Cute, right?!?! Let me be up front and honest with you (that's how I roll). I am a Lulu girl - 90% of my running clothes are from Lulu (my socks are Injinji, shoes Newtons, and I do have some Nike Tempo shorts). Getting me to switch from Lulu wasn't going to be easy - but I wanted to give it a fair shake.
WOW! wowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowow! This stuff is brilliant!! I had a 9.5 mile run today - this run included a 8:00 minute mile ladder. It is hot here, and I was sweating like a man. Can you tell from that picture? Because I took the shirt right off and snapped this.
AND - there are these tiny breathable holes all over, so it vents amazingly well. So, not only does it wick like a champ, it hides the sweat, and airs you out ... what's not to love?? Oh, and I should mention - it is awesomely cute. The cut is perfect - snug where you want it, loose where you want it. I mean you could wear this to drink your morning coffee:
Or, when you need a snazzy shirt for a new selfie:
I know that I have a wish list of products started! I can't wait to get more. Want to check it out for yourself?? Head to https://www.swirlgear.com/ and check it out. If you find something you like, here's my gift to you, FREE SHIPPING. Just use code 984 when you check out.
Swirl on my friends.
Hugs and High Fives.
I was recently asked to be a brand ambassador for Swirl Gear, and I thought SURE! Before jumping in with both feet (as I often like to do) I thought I would purchase a "test" top - you know, to make sure I really really liked it.
So, here it is (drum roll please) - the top:
WOW! wowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowow! This stuff is brilliant!! I had a 9.5 mile run today - this run included a 8:00 minute mile ladder. It is hot here, and I was sweating like a man. Can you tell from that picture? Because I took the shirt right off and snapped this.
AND - there are these tiny breathable holes all over, so it vents amazingly well. So, not only does it wick like a champ, it hides the sweat, and airs you out ... what's not to love?? Oh, and I should mention - it is awesomely cute. The cut is perfect - snug where you want it, loose where you want it. I mean you could wear this to drink your morning coffee:
Or, when you need a snazzy shirt for a new selfie:
I know that I have a wish list of products started! I can't wait to get more. Want to check it out for yourself?? Head to https://www.swirlgear.com/ and check it out. If you find something you like, here's my gift to you, FREE SHIPPING. Just use code 984 when you check out.
Swirl on my friends.
Hugs and High Fives.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
WWP and SLR Virtual 10K and 1/2 Marathon T-Shirt Vote
Good Morning Friends:
Here are the designs that I received for the t-shirt contest. Take a look here, notice their labeled name, head back over to SLR and "like" the comment with the labeled name of your favorite shirt. Okay - here we go!! (It should be noted that I am working with the WWP to use their actual logo. If we cannot use it - then we will use something similar)
Title: Eggs Running
Title: Victory Lady
Title: Victory Lady
Here are the designs that I received for the t-shirt contest. Take a look here, notice their labeled name, head back over to SLR and "like" the comment with the labeled name of your favorite shirt. Okay - here we go!! (It should be noted that I am working with the WWP to use their actual logo. If we cannot use it - then we will use something similar)
Title: Eggs Running
Title: Victory LadyTitle: Victory Lady
 |
| Front of shirt |
 |
| Back of shirt Title: Hearts and Soldiers |
Title: RW&B Soldiers
Alright folks, you have 24 hours to vote! Here we go!! I have a clear favorite - do you???
Monday, April 22, 2013
As the Mind Wanders.
I had a long run this weekend, and I noticed that while I ran I had the most interesting, bizarre thoughts. So, of course I want to share them with YOU.
I cannot be held responsible for what pops into my head after mile 13. You've been warned.
Mile One: ... and we're running - WE ARE RUNNING!!!!! Whooo hoo this feels great! run.run.run.lalalalalalalala!!
Mile Two: Do I have a rock in my shoe? Are my laces too tight? Hmmmm. That's a new squeek I haven't heard before.
Mile Three: GATORADE!!! I wonder how they come up with their flavors .. what is a blue raspberry anyhow??
Mile Four: I wonder if this ear warmer head band is going to give me a weird tan line across my forehead. Must remember to take this off...
Mile Five: Is someone smoking pot around here?? Maybe it's the dandelions - do dandelions smell like pot?? I guess I don't know.
Mile Six: DONT STEP ON THE CATERPILL.... oh, nope, just a weird leaf thing. Phew...
Mile Seven: Is that a dead frog?? Here, let me - ugh, yup dead frog!!
Mile Eight: Re-fueling station in progress. I wonder how much water I can drink before I get that sloshy belly noise? Ah, better not push it. Push it?? I wonder if I have Salt N Peppa on my iPod.
Mile Nine: Heyprettyladyinthesecondrow - she's an 8, she's a 9, she's a 10 I know... where the heck did that come from??? Beyonce... must. find. Beyonce.
Mile Ten: Hey!!! It's high water pants guy!! Let's smile and wave - oh, god, my lips - I have cracked my lips - I must certainly be gushing blood. OUCH!!! *touches face - looks at hand* no blood.
Mile Eleven: It's a KITTY!!! Oooh, scary kitty - did it even have eyes?? Wait, maybe it was a blind kitty. Why would someone let their blind kitty outside - that's just mean. Poor little blind scary no eyed kitty.
Mile Twelve: ARE WE THERE YET!!! Nope, only four miles left - is that horse dead?? It's just laying down in the sun?? Do horses sun themselves? Hmmmm, hope you're not dead big fella.
Mile Thirteen: Well, now I am halfway there. HALFWAY THERE!! Who signs up to do this stupid running nonsense - I mean really, 26.2 miles - that's just a bit much right... I mean it sounded like such a great idea in October, and I really like those medals... yeah, it's not so bad after all.
Mile Fourteen: Puttin' on my big girl pants, puttin' on my big girl pants, puttin' on my big girl pants...
Mile Fifteen: I'm on my WAAAAAAAAYYYYY home.sweet.home!!!! I think I really need to make t-shirts for my long training runs. "Who's Got Two Thumbs and Has Just Run 15 Miles - This GIRL" - I'm hungry... Is Arby's REALLY that bad for you?? Wonder what is in the "cheese" sauce anyway...
Mile Sixteen: Heeeeeeeey - the horse is gone. Yay, not dead horse!!! Well, unless he was moved by a forklift and he is now in horsey heaven. Nevermind.
Mile Seventeen: Did that goat just say "hello"?? I am pretty sure he just said "hello". (out loud) HELLO GOAT!!
I cannot be held responsible for what pops into my head after mile 13. You've been warned.
Mile One: ... and we're running - WE ARE RUNNING!!!!! Whooo hoo this feels great! run.run.run.lalalalalalalala!!
Mile Two: Do I have a rock in my shoe? Are my laces too tight? Hmmmm. That's a new squeek I haven't heard before.
Mile Three: GATORADE!!! I wonder how they come up with their flavors .. what is a blue raspberry anyhow??
Mile Four: I wonder if this ear warmer head band is going to give me a weird tan line across my forehead. Must remember to take this off...
Mile Five: Is someone smoking pot around here?? Maybe it's the dandelions - do dandelions smell like pot?? I guess I don't know.
Mile Six: DONT STEP ON THE CATERPILL.... oh, nope, just a weird leaf thing. Phew...
Mile Seven: Is that a dead frog?? Here, let me - ugh, yup dead frog!!
Mile Eight: Re-fueling station in progress. I wonder how much water I can drink before I get that sloshy belly noise? Ah, better not push it. Push it?? I wonder if I have Salt N Peppa on my iPod.
Mile Nine: Heyprettyladyinthesecondrow - she's an 8, she's a 9, she's a 10 I know... where the heck did that come from??? Beyonce... must. find. Beyonce.
Mile Ten: Hey!!! It's high water pants guy!! Let's smile and wave - oh, god, my lips - I have cracked my lips - I must certainly be gushing blood. OUCH!!! *touches face - looks at hand* no blood.
Mile Eleven: It's a KITTY!!! Oooh, scary kitty - did it even have eyes?? Wait, maybe it was a blind kitty. Why would someone let their blind kitty outside - that's just mean. Poor little blind scary no eyed kitty.
Mile Twelve: ARE WE THERE YET!!! Nope, only four miles left - is that horse dead?? It's just laying down in the sun?? Do horses sun themselves? Hmmmm, hope you're not dead big fella.
Mile Thirteen: Well, now I am halfway there. HALFWAY THERE!! Who signs up to do this stupid running nonsense - I mean really, 26.2 miles - that's just a bit much right... I mean it sounded like such a great idea in October, and I really like those medals... yeah, it's not so bad after all.
Mile Fourteen: Puttin' on my big girl pants, puttin' on my big girl pants, puttin' on my big girl pants...
Mile Fifteen: I'm on my WAAAAAAAAYYYYY home.sweet.home!!!! I think I really need to make t-shirts for my long training runs. "Who's Got Two Thumbs and Has Just Run 15 Miles - This GIRL" - I'm hungry... Is Arby's REALLY that bad for you?? Wonder what is in the "cheese" sauce anyway...
Mile Sixteen: Heeeeeeeey - the horse is gone. Yay, not dead horse!!! Well, unless he was moved by a forklift and he is now in horsey heaven. Nevermind.
Mile Seventeen: Did that goat just say "hello"?? I am pretty sure he just said "hello". (out loud) HELLO GOAT!!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Thank You, Thank You Very Much!! My Winning/Presentation of the Liebster Award!!
When I got the notice that ArmsWideOpen had presented me with the Liebster Award - I was thrilled!! I may have squeeked a little, fist pumped, and hollered "that's what I'm talking about!!"
As Patsy most eloquently states: "Liebster" is German for "dearest" and it's a blogger to blogger award for those having 200 or fewer followers, so they can get more exposure." And since I love for people to read my blogs, and have fun - YES!! I am accepting. (all the while amazed that folks enjoy my rants, ramblings, and serious chats).
... And now for the rules that I have been given.
1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog. - check
2, Link back to the blogger who presented the award to you. - check
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog. - yup yup, done
4. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 11 blogs of 200 followers or less, who you feel deserve to be noticed, and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been nominated. - just about done
5. Answer the 11 questions the blogger presented you with, create 11 questions for the blogs you are nominating, and list 11 facts about yourself. - little bossy don't ya think??
Phew - this was lot of work, but nothing worth having comes easy, so I gratefully accept this challenge!!
Patsy came up with some interesting questions. You know what they say - if you are crazy enough to ask, I'm crazy enough to totally take your questions and Andrea-fy it. (okay nobody says that,but you get my drift!!)
Questions From My Nominator:
1. Why did you start your blog? I started writing to get down all the random thoughts in my head (and yes, there are many of them). I used to write a column in my high school newspaper, and I loved it. Plus, blog writing is totally cheaper than therapy. Wait, did I just write that down...
2. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Oh gosh, 10 YEARS?!?! You do realize that I have horrible vision, and need serious glasses/contacts. I can't even really see down the road - let alone 10 years into the future!
3. Would you support me in my endeavor to be Queen of our country? All women are Queens in the figurative sense, and we should celebrate each other as such. However, if you are asking me to support you actually fighting people to turn 'Merica in to a Monarchy... well, you're on your own sister.
4. What is your dream that you're afraid to talk about but secretly think about all the time? Boston.
5. Of course, because I love to read, what's your favorite book? The Great Gatsby (le sigh), and most recently, The Fault in Our Stars.
6. If you had total control of the world, what are 3 things that you would do immediately, aside from crowning me Queen? THAT is a lot of control - So, first - DELEGATE. second - DELEGATE. and third - provide cupcakes for everyone.
7. What is one goal that you achieved that you are most proud of (not counting family)? Finishing a marathon was pretty amazing.
8. What are you working hardest at right now? Enjoying every moment, and every opportunity that comes my way.
9. What is the most hilarious thing that has ever happened to you? Being me is very hard work - the MOST random things always happen to me. I am always in the wrong place - right time. The time the TSA Agent accused me of being Katy Perry, and not giving him an autograph or having my photo taken with him was pretty amusing.
10. Finish this sentence: In 2013, I will _____________________. be the best me I can be!!
11. They're making a movie about your life. Who would you choose to play your part? Zooey Daschanel. If she's not available - I guess Katy Perry would do.
11 Fascinating Facts About Me
1. Before 2010, running was the worst type of punishment ever bestowed on mankind. Now, it is my most favorite thing ever.
2. I have four plates, and seventeen screws... in my face.
3. My elbows are double jointed (and they always get me in trouble in fitness classes).
4. If competitive eating lasted all day long - I am pretty sure I could take home the top prize.
5. I have a super human sense of smell that often time scares my husband. I can tell if he has been sneaking treats, or if one of the animals has gotten into something, or if there is a fire within a 25 mile radius.
6. I am a coffee junkee. I also drink my coffee black - which is crazy being as 4 years ago my standard Starbucks order was: 16 ounce iced raspberry white chocolate mocha, whipped cream, half the coffee. It was pink, and fabulous, and pure sugar. It's a slippery slope folks - so we just drink it black.
7. I spoke at my college graduation. Ooohhhhh, super fancy pants.
8. I stay the same size no matter what I do. I had to go on a liquid diet for 4 weeks (see fact 2) and nothing. I couldn't even buy a smaller size of pants. Couch Potato Andrea - same size. Marathon Runner Andrea - same size.
9. I have an uncanny knack for rapping.
10. It is my life long goal to learn how to play the air drums, and the air guitar. Yes, you read that right.
11. I don't know how to rest. I have two speeds: on and off. If I am not full speed ahead - I'm not mobile. It makes movie watching difficult!!
Questions For My Nominees
1. How did you come up with the name of your blog?
2. Favorite Treat?
3. The story behind the most favorite picture of yourself?
4. Pet Peeve?
5. Guilty Pleasure?
6. Favorite song of all time, and why?
7. If at the end of your life you'd die content knowing you did this _______ - what would it be?
8. Favorite Quote?
9. Do you collect anything? If so, how'd the collection start?
10. Your Weakness?
11. Your Strength?
And now to pay it forward!! My nominees for the Liebster Award are:
One Tough Mother Runner
Stacey Runs and Eats
Fitness Bliss With Kris
Colene, In Training
Devon, In Training
Fattest Salmon
It Figures, Karly Goes National
Running on the Fly
Fitness By Fit Miss
RUNinspired
Kayla Dawn Writes
Now, go and check out their blogs. Offer them congrats, and let them know Scrambled Legs sent you!!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
I Can't Be-Leash It!!!
I LOVE dogs - that said, I don't want yours to eat my face - and I also prefer it if your teeny tiny little pooch wasn't responsible for an ankle sprain.
Let's back up...
At the very end of town lies a trail, a nice paved 1K trail. It's perfect for all kinds of activities, and people. I was running mass amounts of intervals one day and saw: runners, walkers, bikers, roller skaters, dog walkers, and a slightly sketchy scene watcher. I think it is GREAT when people are out running/walking their dogs - I WISH my dog would run with me, but she is 14 and diabetic, and when I start to run - she firmly plants her butt on the concrete and challenges me to a duel. (Don't let her fool you though because if I was a squirrel, and not a human, she would totally be running).
Anyway - along comes a lady, her teenage daughter, and their two teeny tiny dogs. The dogs are not leashed (even though the sign says to do that in big fat letters), and when I run toward them (the dogs - not the ladies), they (naturally) run toward me, and I have to give them the okie doke to get by. This is not a comfortable move. It strains my ankles, ruins my pacing, and kind of panics me. The lady and her daughter laugh, and continue to walk (as if to say - aw, wasn't that awkward interaction totally adorable - it was not).
** FORGOT TO MENTION - they have leashes in their hands**
Because the trail is a giant circle - we meet again. Do they learn from the first time, they do not, SAME EXACT THING HAPPENS. As they are laughing merrily on their way, I ask (way nicer than I wanted to) Can you please leash your dogs? The gasp was audible. SOME NERVE!! Could you imagine - ME - not wanting to try to out juke two small creatures every kilometer. And now, I am the bad guy. Ugh - I have GOALS, people - and one of them is not to be sidelined due to a zig when I should have zagged. I also don't want to be responsible for an injury to your dog - I was moving as a pretty decent clip (or that's what I tell myself) - one wrong move and it could have been bad for the all of us.
AND TODAY!!! New dog walker, new dog. The dog was beautiful - a huge, no a gigantic, pitbull attached to a very small man. So, when I ran by, and the dog decided "Whoa, that looks way more fun that this walking business" he took off at a dead sprint - I had to hold my breath. The end of the leash caught, and it did hold him, but yowza!! I walked for awhile - so as not to provoke him with my speediness (okay not really, but certainly faster than walking). What I really wanted to do was ask his owner: "would your dog run with me without eating my face - because if so, I would totally take him out!" Sometimes, my better judgement wins - in that I kept my mouth shut and kept walking.
Here's to the furry friends (runners and non), and their owners that follow the rules. This runner thanks you.
Let's back up...
At the very end of town lies a trail, a nice paved 1K trail. It's perfect for all kinds of activities, and people. I was running mass amounts of intervals one day and saw: runners, walkers, bikers, roller skaters, dog walkers, and a slightly sketchy scene watcher. I think it is GREAT when people are out running/walking their dogs - I WISH my dog would run with me, but she is 14 and diabetic, and when I start to run - she firmly plants her butt on the concrete and challenges me to a duel. (Don't let her fool you though because if I was a squirrel, and not a human, she would totally be running).
Anyway - along comes a lady, her teenage daughter, and their two teeny tiny dogs. The dogs are not leashed (even though the sign says to do that in big fat letters), and when I run toward them (the dogs - not the ladies), they (naturally) run toward me, and I have to give them the okie doke to get by. This is not a comfortable move. It strains my ankles, ruins my pacing, and kind of panics me. The lady and her daughter laugh, and continue to walk (as if to say - aw, wasn't that awkward interaction totally adorable - it was not).
** FORGOT TO MENTION - they have leashes in their hands**
Because the trail is a giant circle - we meet again. Do they learn from the first time, they do not, SAME EXACT THING HAPPENS. As they are laughing merrily on their way, I ask (way nicer than I wanted to) Can you please leash your dogs? The gasp was audible. SOME NERVE!! Could you imagine - ME - not wanting to try to out juke two small creatures every kilometer. And now, I am the bad guy. Ugh - I have GOALS, people - and one of them is not to be sidelined due to a zig when I should have zagged. I also don't want to be responsible for an injury to your dog - I was moving as a pretty decent clip (or that's what I tell myself) - one wrong move and it could have been bad for the all of us.
AND TODAY!!! New dog walker, new dog. The dog was beautiful - a huge, no a gigantic, pitbull attached to a very small man. So, when I ran by, and the dog decided "Whoa, that looks way more fun that this walking business" he took off at a dead sprint - I had to hold my breath. The end of the leash caught, and it did hold him, but yowza!! I walked for awhile - so as not to provoke him with my speediness (okay not really, but certainly faster than walking). What I really wanted to do was ask his owner: "would your dog run with me without eating my face - because if so, I would totally take him out!" Sometimes, my better judgement wins - in that I kept my mouth shut and kept walking.
Here's to the furry friends (runners and non), and their owners that follow the rules. This runner thanks you.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
I am not a steak.
Small Morning Rant:
I have seen a lot of posts lately with things like "your man wouldn't want a steak that's all bone - why would he want his woman that way" - DO NOT PERPETUATE THIS CRAP.
A. As long as I am comfortable in my skin - who cares what "my man" or ANY one thinks about my size and shape.
B. Since WHEN is it alright to go around judging other women based on each others size. Does that sound even remotely alright?? Isn't society harsh enough on our figures?? Do you think that these type of sentiments make those that are smaller feel good?? And what if smaller people were making fun of bigger people - there'd be a riot, right? Because we should love someone because of their inside, not their outside. IT FEELS THE SAME. Stop doing this.
Judgements, and hate, and bullying, and being mean - are still ALL of those things whether they are wrapped in a joke, or a harsh statement. Criticizing others, judging others, putting other down - none of that is funny. It's hurtful. It's unkind. It's rude.
... not to mention you are comparing women to an effing piece of meat!! Are you kidding me right now - do I really need to tell you how wrong that is, on SO many levels.
You are better than this. Stop it.
I have seen a lot of posts lately with things like "your man wouldn't want a steak that's all bone - why would he want his woman that way" - DO NOT PERPETUATE THIS CRAP.
A. As long as I am comfortable in my skin - who cares what "my man" or ANY one thinks about my size and shape.
B. Since WHEN is it alright to go around judging other women based on each others size. Does that sound even remotely alright?? Isn't society harsh enough on our figures?? Do you think that these type of sentiments make those that are smaller feel good?? And what if smaller people were making fun of bigger people - there'd be a riot, right? Because we should love someone because of their inside, not their outside. IT FEELS THE SAME. Stop doing this.
Judgements, and hate, and bullying, and being mean - are still ALL of those things whether they are wrapped in a joke, or a harsh statement. Criticizing others, judging others, putting other down - none of that is funny. It's hurtful. It's unkind. It's rude.
... not to mention you are comparing women to an effing piece of meat!! Are you kidding me right now - do I really need to tell you how wrong that is, on SO many levels.
You are better than this. Stop it.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Scrambled Legs Running 3000 Friend GiveAway.
Holy Moses - WE MADE IT!!
Super excited about all the love we've been getting. So what does that mean?? Yup - a give away.
How can you win??
1. Like Scrambled Legs Running
2. Share Scrambled Legs Running
3. Comment on this blog post when you are all done!!
The winner will be chosen randomly - and that is pretty cool.
WHAT ON EARTH COULD YOU WIN??
Look at this fabulous Herbalife Prize Package donated by my friend Sandy Gierke:
Super excited about all the love we've been getting. So what does that mean?? Yup - a give away.
How can you win??
1. Like Scrambled Legs Running
2. Share Scrambled Legs Running
3. Comment on this blog post when you are all done!!
The winner will be chosen randomly - and that is pretty cool.
WHAT ON EARTH COULD YOU WIN??
Look at this fabulous Herbalife Prize Package donated by my friend Sandy Gierke:
What does it include??
1. A Herbalife Shaker Bottle
2. Vanilla Dream Instant Healthy Meal Shake
3. Herbalife Vanilla Almond Protein Bar
4. 2 Packets of Herbalife Total Contril
5. Herbalife Herbal Tea Concentrate.
Who doesn't want to win all of this??? And because Sandy was so awesome to do this for me - here is her plug:
If you are interested in ordering product, or learning more about Herbalife, please contact Sandy at:
sgierke77@gmail.com or 509-760-7819.
Alright, you have until April 1st to enter, and that is no joke.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Updated Running Playlist!
I don't update my running play list very often. Once I find the perfect mix of songs - I stick to it.
However, I have this new mix that I have seriously been jammin' out to. It is very "different" for me, and I am a little embarrassed to admit to some of the choices, but - they all have a certain beat that I am looking for.
So, keep the judgy faces to yourself...
1. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together - Taylor Swift (I said, NO JUDGING)
2. Country Girl - Luke Bryan (one of four country songs I have in my iTunes)
3. Head Like A Hole - that fancy Carly Rae Jepson/Nine Inch Nails mash up we shared earlier
4. Thriftshop - Macklemore (... I wear your granddad's clothes, I look incredible)
5. Tornado - Little Big Town (again with the country - I don't even know who I am anymore)
6. On Top of the World - Imagine Dragons (you will catch me run dancing to this song)
7. Sleep - Allen Stone (best beat ever - I just wish it was longer)
So, there you have it. The new running list - IT'S FANTASTIC!!
However, I have this new mix that I have seriously been jammin' out to. It is very "different" for me, and I am a little embarrassed to admit to some of the choices, but - they all have a certain beat that I am looking for.
So, keep the judgy faces to yourself...
1. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together - Taylor Swift (I said, NO JUDGING)
2. Country Girl - Luke Bryan (one of four country songs I have in my iTunes)
3. Head Like A Hole - that fancy Carly Rae Jepson/Nine Inch Nails mash up we shared earlier
4. Thriftshop - Macklemore (... I wear your granddad's clothes, I look incredible)
5. Tornado - Little Big Town (again with the country - I don't even know who I am anymore)
6. On Top of the World - Imagine Dragons (you will catch me run dancing to this song)
7. Sleep - Allen Stone (best beat ever - I just wish it was longer)
So, there you have it. The new running list - IT'S FANTASTIC!!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Best. Run. Ever.
If you follow Scrambled Legs, you'll already know that yesterday's run was Ah-Mazing!
I felt great, ran great, and finished strong. 14 miles of running bliss. Since then, I've been racking my brain trying to figure out what I did differently that day, and the days leading up to the epic run. Here is what I have come up with:
1. Started a vitamin regimen as suggested by my coach.
2. Stretched more than normal (which means I stretched a little).
3. Ate more calories during the week - including some girl scout cookies and a cadbury egg.
4. Rested on rest day, and ran slower than normal on my easy days.
5. Ate no gluten or dairy before I ran.
6. Only hydrated with water during my run.
I'm not sure which of these items is responsible for my fantastic run, but I am going to try to repeat this next weekend, and we'll see if I have the recipe for success.
I have a sneakin' suspicion I have been asking too much of my body, and not providing it with enough fuel. This run was my body's way of saying - feed me and I'll treat you right.
Now, to find healthier alternatives to cookies and cream eggs. (Is there such a thing??? kidding, kidding)
I felt great, ran great, and finished strong. 14 miles of running bliss. Since then, I've been racking my brain trying to figure out what I did differently that day, and the days leading up to the epic run. Here is what I have come up with:
1. Started a vitamin regimen as suggested by my coach.
2. Stretched more than normal (which means I stretched a little).
3. Ate more calories during the week - including some girl scout cookies and a cadbury egg.
4. Rested on rest day, and ran slower than normal on my easy days.
5. Ate no gluten or dairy before I ran.
6. Only hydrated with water during my run.
I'm not sure which of these items is responsible for my fantastic run, but I am going to try to repeat this next weekend, and we'll see if I have the recipe for success.
I have a sneakin' suspicion I have been asking too much of my body, and not providing it with enough fuel. This run was my body's way of saying - feed me and I'll treat you right.
Now, to find healthier alternatives to cookies and cream eggs. (Is there such a thing??? kidding, kidding)
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Karly's Protein Muffins.
Yes, you read that correctly ... muffins. Yes, I eat them, but they aren't your ordinary out of the package muffins. They are simple and tasty and excellent for a meal or snack throughout the day, or pre-workout.
This is my version of muffins:
Preheat oven to 350. Cooking time: 15-20 minutes.
2-3 cups of organic old fashioned oats
5 eggs
1 scoop of protein (I used chocolate this time)
Cinnamon to taste
Mix all the ingredients together. You should have a nice batter consistency. Not to runny and not to thick. You can use a bit of water to adjust the thickness if needed.
Oil the muffin pan with organic unrefined coconut oil.
Scoop the mixture into the muffin cups - I fill them to the edge.
Bake and check of the muffins at 15 minutes. If they are still gooey, cook a little longer, but not too long or they will be tough to eat.
I have also switched up the batter to add a mashed banana with some sesame seed butter for an addition of healthy fats, or cut up fruit (raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries) and added them to the batter.
Feel free to experiment but remember, keep it simple. The original batter may seem bland to some so I like to encourage using fruit to liven up the taste - no sugar, stevia, or sweeteners needed. Hope you enjoy!!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Yes, I pee myself and other lies I share with folks!
The moment you decide that you will run a marathon is the exact moment the Universe decides to test your will, character, and sense of humor.
I happen to be incredibly sarcastic and in general really like to mess with people - so here are the most common weird questions I get, and lies you'll hear me tell (with of course the truthful answer - that I almost always include).
Do you pee yourself when you run?? Yeah, at about mile 22 it just happens. You can't control the flow - so you just go with it - I don't even slow down.
No, I don't pee myself. It is the same as always - if you decide to need to pee there are these magnificent things call porti potties lined up all over the course. My shoes cost a lot of money - why in the world would I ever choose to pee on them?
How far is your marathon this time?? Oh, this one? It's a 22 mile marathon, well actually it depends - sometimes they change the finish line. They are all like - thought you were done?? Nope - keep going!!
Marathons are ALWAYS 26.2 miles. If it isn't 26.2 - then it is called something else. Unless you are under the age of 12, you may not interchange "run" with "marathon". That is all.
So, you can just eat whatever you want all the time, huh?? Yup, I personally like to start my day with 14 peanut butter cookies, a Big Mac, 16 sprites, half a sheet cake, and a side of ranch.
No, you can't just eat whatever you want. You are asking a lot of your body, and you need to give it good, whole, nutritious food. Garbage in - garbage out. Do I have an occasional cookie, frozen yogurt, Cadbury Cream Egg? - sure, but not very often.
Does it hurt? Not at all - it's a lot like a day at the spa. The pavement massages your feet, and all of your sweat becomes super moisturizing.
YES IT HURTS!! You are running for 3-6 (sometimes more, sometimes less) hours straight. Everything that touches you is a problem, your mind is screaming at you to stop - reminding you that you paid to torture yourself. Your feet hurt, your ankles hurt, you are simultaneously starving and not hungry, you have a thin layer of salt all over your body... Of course, 85% of all pain goes away the minute you cross the finish line - so hooray for that!!
You don't really get blisters do you?? Oh gosh, no - I could be a foot model. My feet are as beautiful as a new born babies.
I fully realize that I may be the exception here, but I am little Mrs. Tenderfoot. My feet blister at the mere mention of a 10K - let alone a marathon. In fact, they are shedding at the moment, and I mentioned to my husband that if we were lucky - by the end of the week I could fashion him a human skin lamp shade. (did you throw up a little, I am sooooo sorry - sick sense of humor, keep reading) Yes, our feet blister, callus, crack, toenails have gotten lost, or turned black - it's fine though - pretty feet are over rated. (or that is what I am telling myself today - secretly I am totally jealous.)
... and last but not least, so you're running a 5K this weekend - do you carbo load? Are you just gonna go to an all out pasta feed?? Yes, yes I am - I am going to stuff myself silly with pasta, and butter, and cream sauce, and more pasta, and maybe if I am lucky they will have some extra greasy meatballs that I can add on my plate!!
Sigh. A. One does not need to carbo load for a 5K. B. Carbo loading is a multi day process - wherein you make really good choices: more oatmeal for breakfast, and extra serving of whole grains, more fruit, extra Gatorade, and perhaps an occasional cookie will find it's way in there. It is not a one meal - all you can eat - pasta feed. If you are a runner that can do that - hats of to you and your guts of steel -for me, I can't eat all that different than I normally do - or my tummy declares war.
Anyone else get super odd questions??
Keep them guessing - that's what I like to do!! Make it a great day. High fives, runners!!
I happen to be incredibly sarcastic and in general really like to mess with people - so here are the most common weird questions I get, and lies you'll hear me tell (with of course the truthful answer - that I almost always include).
Do you pee yourself when you run?? Yeah, at about mile 22 it just happens. You can't control the flow - so you just go with it - I don't even slow down.
No, I don't pee myself. It is the same as always - if you decide to need to pee there are these magnificent things call porti potties lined up all over the course. My shoes cost a lot of money - why in the world would I ever choose to pee on them?
How far is your marathon this time?? Oh, this one? It's a 22 mile marathon, well actually it depends - sometimes they change the finish line. They are all like - thought you were done?? Nope - keep going!!
Marathons are ALWAYS 26.2 miles. If it isn't 26.2 - then it is called something else. Unless you are under the age of 12, you may not interchange "run" with "marathon". That is all.
So, you can just eat whatever you want all the time, huh?? Yup, I personally like to start my day with 14 peanut butter cookies, a Big Mac, 16 sprites, half a sheet cake, and a side of ranch.
No, you can't just eat whatever you want. You are asking a lot of your body, and you need to give it good, whole, nutritious food. Garbage in - garbage out. Do I have an occasional cookie, frozen yogurt, Cadbury Cream Egg? - sure, but not very often.
Does it hurt? Not at all - it's a lot like a day at the spa. The pavement massages your feet, and all of your sweat becomes super moisturizing.
YES IT HURTS!! You are running for 3-6 (sometimes more, sometimes less) hours straight. Everything that touches you is a problem, your mind is screaming at you to stop - reminding you that you paid to torture yourself. Your feet hurt, your ankles hurt, you are simultaneously starving and not hungry, you have a thin layer of salt all over your body... Of course, 85% of all pain goes away the minute you cross the finish line - so hooray for that!!
You don't really get blisters do you?? Oh gosh, no - I could be a foot model. My feet are as beautiful as a new born babies.
I fully realize that I may be the exception here, but I am little Mrs. Tenderfoot. My feet blister at the mere mention of a 10K - let alone a marathon. In fact, they are shedding at the moment, and I mentioned to my husband that if we were lucky - by the end of the week I could fashion him a human skin lamp shade. (did you throw up a little, I am sooooo sorry - sick sense of humor, keep reading) Yes, our feet blister, callus, crack, toenails have gotten lost, or turned black - it's fine though - pretty feet are over rated. (or that is what I am telling myself today - secretly I am totally jealous.)
... and last but not least, so you're running a 5K this weekend - do you carbo load? Are you just gonna go to an all out pasta feed?? Yes, yes I am - I am going to stuff myself silly with pasta, and butter, and cream sauce, and more pasta, and maybe if I am lucky they will have some extra greasy meatballs that I can add on my plate!!
Sigh. A. One does not need to carbo load for a 5K. B. Carbo loading is a multi day process - wherein you make really good choices: more oatmeal for breakfast, and extra serving of whole grains, more fruit, extra Gatorade, and perhaps an occasional cookie will find it's way in there. It is not a one meal - all you can eat - pasta feed. If you are a runner that can do that - hats of to you and your guts of steel -for me, I can't eat all that different than I normally do - or my tummy declares war.
Anyone else get super odd questions??
Keep them guessing - that's what I like to do!! Make it a great day. High fives, runners!!
Monday, March 11, 2013
If one more non-runner talks to me about my knees...
I will have a full on crazy person meltdown.
Let me get ranty - and then we'll talk facts. I have NEVER had a runner say to me, "you should be careful - you know running is really hard on your knees." In fact, I have only met ONE person whose knee problem was ACTUALLY caused by running (yes, I'm using shouty caps). This person, OPENLY admits to over training, and ignoring the baby warning signs to rest. EVERY other person I have met with knee issues has either: been overweight, injured their knees in another sport before starting to run, has been sedentary, had a job where they were on their feet all day long, and usually has never run.
HERE is why it makes me angry - do NOT attempt to tell me that by running - I am putting added stress on my body. I do not WARN you about the added pounds you carry around, or the crap food you choose to eat, or all the alcohol you choose to drink, or the lack of sleep you choose to get. ALL of those things - are far more detrimental to YOUR health, than running will ever be to mine. SO SHUT YOUR FACE.
*big deep breaths*
Now, opinions are opinions so let's ask SCIENCE.
An article in Time shows … after tracking 1,000 people, runners and non-runners, for over twenty years, they found that the runners’ knees were no more or less healthy than the nonrunners’ knees. Instead … the findings lend support to the theory that osteoarthritis … is caused mainly by genes and risk factors like obesity (obese men and women are at least four times as likely to become arthritic as their thinner peers) In addition, they found that runners were less likely to be physically disabled and had a 39% lower mortality rate than those who didn’t run. The lower mortality rate is most likely because of the reduced stress, increased mental alertness, and/or overall health benefits you get from running.
An article in Runner’s World says that not only doesn’t exercise hurt knees, but it can make them healthier … When you exercise, the cartilage in your hips, knees, and ankles compresses and expands. This draws in oxygen and flushes out waste products, nourishing and keeping the cartilage healthy. “Without exercise, cartilage cells get weak and sick,” he says.
That said, I can tell you this - I am going to go ahead and keep running. I am going to go ahead and keep eating right, and cross training. I am going to keep encouraging others to get active, and run, and make better choices. I am going to high five runners that cross off races on their bucket list, and who find peace on the road, and who all of sudden find that they can sleep better and just feel better in general.
... and you, you go ahead and sit on your couch, and eat your bon bons, and warn me about injuring my knees.
I'll just smile and wave, (until the day I completely go bat shit ham sandwich crazy on you - of which - you've been warned, and I am already not even sorry.)
Let me get ranty - and then we'll talk facts. I have NEVER had a runner say to me, "you should be careful - you know running is really hard on your knees." In fact, I have only met ONE person whose knee problem was ACTUALLY caused by running (yes, I'm using shouty caps). This person, OPENLY admits to over training, and ignoring the baby warning signs to rest. EVERY other person I have met with knee issues has either: been overweight, injured their knees in another sport before starting to run, has been sedentary, had a job where they were on their feet all day long, and usually has never run.
HERE is why it makes me angry - do NOT attempt to tell me that by running - I am putting added stress on my body. I do not WARN you about the added pounds you carry around, or the crap food you choose to eat, or all the alcohol you choose to drink, or the lack of sleep you choose to get. ALL of those things - are far more detrimental to YOUR health, than running will ever be to mine. SO SHUT YOUR FACE.
*big deep breaths*
Now, opinions are opinions so let's ask SCIENCE.
An article in Time shows … after tracking 1,000 people, runners and non-runners, for over twenty years, they found that the runners’ knees were no more or less healthy than the nonrunners’ knees. Instead … the findings lend support to the theory that osteoarthritis … is caused mainly by genes and risk factors like obesity (obese men and women are at least four times as likely to become arthritic as their thinner peers) In addition, they found that runners were less likely to be physically disabled and had a 39% lower mortality rate than those who didn’t run. The lower mortality rate is most likely because of the reduced stress, increased mental alertness, and/or overall health benefits you get from running.
An article in Runner’s World says that not only doesn’t exercise hurt knees, but it can make them healthier … When you exercise, the cartilage in your hips, knees, and ankles compresses and expands. This draws in oxygen and flushes out waste products, nourishing and keeping the cartilage healthy. “Without exercise, cartilage cells get weak and sick,” he says.
That said, I can tell you this - I am going to go ahead and keep running. I am going to go ahead and keep eating right, and cross training. I am going to keep encouraging others to get active, and run, and make better choices. I am going to high five runners that cross off races on their bucket list, and who find peace on the road, and who all of sudden find that they can sleep better and just feel better in general.
... and you, you go ahead and sit on your couch, and eat your bon bons, and warn me about injuring my knees.
I'll just smile and wave, (until the day I completely go bat shit ham sandwich crazy on you - of which - you've been warned, and I am already not even sorry.)
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Karly's Talking About Sleep - Are You Getting Enough??
This weekend, I was hit with the inevitable: exhaustion. Why? Because I thought that I could do everything I was doing at super hero tempo, and only recovering and resting on 4-5 hours of sleep a night. Yeah, that worked out well. In tears and feeling overwhelmed and so tired that I couldn’t get to sleep, I realized that I was cutting myself short. There is no way on earth that I should be teaching 5 fitness classes a week, weight training 5 days a week (in addition to teaching the classes), and working full-time, while taking care of a family all at once without truly resting. What I ended up with is an achy, tired body and mind, and a sick day from work.
Sleep is so important. This is the time when our body rebuilds and recovers from all the work we put it through day- in and day- out. Without sleep, we cannot function. We have to have it. After several days without sleep a person begins to feel groggy, and unable to focus, and by days 3 & 4 a person can begin to feel like they have the flu or worse. For me, I kept this going for the past 4 weeks.
It is common for so many people to put sleep on the back-burner. The comments and excuses I hear are: You only live once, I will catch up on my sleep on the weekend, no pain no gain, there aren’t enough hours in the day, and if I don’t get x-y-z done, the world will end (kind of dramatic, but you get the point).
On that note, let us just elaborate on each of the comments above…
1. You only live once - yes, this is true. We aren’t cats with 9 lives, we only get one life, one body. If we don’t take care of ourselves now, what will happen in the future? Will we be sick? What is it worth to put sleep on hold, if you are only going to end up that way? I think not.
2. I will catch up on my sleep on the weekend- I have said this to myself many times and it never happens. All the chores and activities that go on during the weekend never seem to allow for a much needed nap or sleeping in during the morning. Once you miss sleep, you can never make it up. It’s gone, forever. Sorry, there is no make-up test for missing sleep.
3. No Pain, No Gain- I am going to be blunt and I am sorry, but if this is you, you are crazy. Nothing should cause pain or suffering. To be healthy is to feel good. Enough said.
4. There aren’t enough hours in the day- While this may feel true at times, we all have the same amount of time - 24 hours total in a day. With this, it comes down to organization and prioritization. Get done what really needs to be done and then come bed time, whatever doesn’t get done just has to wait until the next day. In addition, really analyze your to do list you have in front of you. Do you really have to vacuum every day, have the house spotless, and so on? No, the world will not end if you do not have a perfect house (I am guilty of this one 100%). This brings up the last comment…
5. The world will end, I promise! What is important, what can wait, and what are the consequences if you don’t finish project x-y &z? Be honest with yourself. This can be hard. Soul searching really. Digging deep within ourselves This evaluation is the time to really sit down and focus on what is important to you and what will truly suffer if you don’t focus your time on them. Please tell me that on this list is sleep as one of the important things in life.
Examples on my list of importance are: Spending time with my kids both for fun things and for school related items such as homework and reading; Spending quality one-on-one time with my husband, Making sure my family has good nutritious food prepared and ready to go; planning my group fitness classes and music; loving and playing with my animals; Training at the gym, Having clean clothes for the family (this doesn’t necessarily mean putting it away-just making sure things are washed); Making sure bills get paid on time; and getting to bed before or no later than 9:00 p.m. so that I can be sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night.
Things that wait if I can’t get to them: Facebook, cleaning the house, “cleaning projects,” putting the laundry away, watching NetFlix, and work that I brought home because things are crazy at work ( I mean really, I don’t get paid for the extra time so why am I doing it?) and anything else that doesn’t fit in the items listed above.
We can all find time in our schedules if we sit down and think about it, and that extra time we find can be well spent with resting so that we can tackle on the important things in a happy and healthy state of mind.
For more information on why sleep is so important and the effects of lack thereof, click on the links below. These are just a few out there and trust me, there are a million more!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
New Running Accessory
This is the note that I sent to my running/workout group:
"Ladies and Ladies. Tomorrow we will be working our arms. Mainly due to the fact I can't begin to fathom lifting my legs in any way, shape, or form.Also, I'll be wearing a new running accessory that COULD be embarrassing for you all. I'll need you to take photos. It's a very serious experiment in journalism. Now, whose face am I going to see tomorrow?"
They were not quite ready for what I had in store for them. I am not sure what they expected to see, but I can assure you it wasn't these beauties!! They were awesome sports and took the new accessory in stride; they didn't even act like I was a complete nut-job stranger they just happened upon!!
I bought these bad boys in Las Vegas (it was my ONLY purchase of the week - thankyouverymuch), and I am in LOVE with them. Now, people did stare, and smile, and laugh, and look oddly, and one young lad even gave me a "those are awesome socks." OF COURSE THEY ARE!!! THEY HAVE CAPES!!! (I am going to assume the capes will make me *super* fast)
They have brought me a lot of joy in my short ownership, and while I don't post a ton of self portraits - you need to get the full effect.Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Dinner - Italian Chicken!!
Yummy Italian Chicken: Or, if you want to come up with a fancier name - let's call it that.
What You'll Need:
Yummy Italian Chicken: Or, if you want to come up with a fancier name - let's call it that.
What You'll Need:
Chicken Breasts
3/4 of a cup (there abouts) Cherry Tomatoes (diced in half)
1/4-1/2 cup Fresh Basil
1/2 to 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste, or whatever spices you are into.
1-2 tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar
First, grill up the chicken!! About 7-8 minutes per side.
Salt and Pepper to taste, or whatever spices you are into.
1-2 tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar
First, grill up the chicken!! About 7-8 minutes per side.
While that is grilling mix all other ingredients together.
Once the chicken is almost done add the tomato/basil mixture over the top. Cover with a lid (or with a plate if you need to be crafty). Wait until the cheese has melted and the chicken is fully cooked (about 165 degrees internal temp).
Please note - I recommend that you use fresh mozzarella and not the pre-packaged shredded kind. The pre-packed cheese is coated with *stuffs* and does not melt well at all. Just a tip.
Now, enjoy that dinner!!
Monday, March 4, 2013
I am Ready.
So, I was sick last week. Major Thumbs Down!
I had a lot of time to think. Mainly, to think about running. I kinda missed it.
I am currently two months out from my third full. I get a little geeky about this time; full of nerves, and doubt, and worry, and over all just anxious. But something is different this time - something has changed.
I am ready. I know what I need to do, how it goes, where I need to take my training, the effort that needs to be made, and I am ready for it. I am done with doubt, and slackin' off, and making excuses - it's time to work hard. Harder than I have before, harder that what is comfortable, harder than what people expect. It's time - because I KNOW I can do it.
I have been amazed at how much other people believe in me. Because, to be honest, I wasn't sure. I didn't quite have the confidence in myself that everyone else seemed to have. But that doesn't matter now, even if everyone stopped believing that I could do it - I know I can.
And at the end of the day - that's the only opinion that matters.
I had a lot of time to think. Mainly, to think about running. I kinda missed it.
I am currently two months out from my third full. I get a little geeky about this time; full of nerves, and doubt, and worry, and over all just anxious. But something is different this time - something has changed.
I am ready. I know what I need to do, how it goes, where I need to take my training, the effort that needs to be made, and I am ready for it. I am done with doubt, and slackin' off, and making excuses - it's time to work hard. Harder than I have before, harder that what is comfortable, harder than what people expect. It's time - because I KNOW I can do it.
I have been amazed at how much other people believe in me. Because, to be honest, I wasn't sure. I didn't quite have the confidence in myself that everyone else seemed to have. But that doesn't matter now, even if everyone stopped believing that I could do it - I know I can.
And at the end of the day - that's the only opinion that matters.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Karly's 7 Minutes to Delicious Food
One of the many excuses I hear from others regarding why they can't eat healthy is that they don't have time. I am challenging this mind set today. I will show you an estimated time to make my lunch today versus going to the drive in or eating a Lean Cuisine.
Here it goes:
Drive in: average time through the drive in 5 minutes and then an additional 5 or so minutes until you get home or back to the office. Total time: 10 minutes (I am being generous here on driving time).
Lean Cuisine- According to the instructions cook 2 minutes- stir and then cook for an additional 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes before eating. Total time: 5 & 1/2 minutes plus the time it takes to unwrap the packaging which I didn't factor in)
My Lunch today: 2 grass fed beef patties on a romaine lettuce leaf with raw mild cheese and red and green peppers. This took me 7 minutes total time to prep and cook. Breakdown- season and mix one egg with raw meet and form into patties and warm up pan or grill at the same time 30 seconds. Cook patties for 5 minutes. Wash and cut strips of red and green peppers, wash romaine lettuce leafs and slice cheese: 1 minute. Put it altogether: 30 seconds. Total time: 7 minutes.
So as a comparison, it really doesn't take long and if you cook your meals in advance and just grab them as you go it is even quicker. I am not even going to get into the details of how much healthier my lunch is on a micro and macro nutrient level in comparison to the fast food and box food.
My food was truly delicious, nutritious and quick to make. No excuses! - Karly
Here it goes:
Drive in: average time through the drive in 5 minutes and then an additional 5 or so minutes until you get home or back to the office. Total time: 10 minutes (I am being generous here on driving time).
Lean Cuisine- According to the instructions cook 2 minutes- stir and then cook for an additional 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes before eating. Total time: 5 & 1/2 minutes plus the time it takes to unwrap the packaging which I didn't factor in)
My Lunch today: 2 grass fed beef patties on a romaine lettuce leaf with raw mild cheese and red and green peppers. This took me 7 minutes total time to prep and cook. Breakdown- season and mix one egg with raw meet and form into patties and warm up pan or grill at the same time 30 seconds. Cook patties for 5 minutes. Wash and cut strips of red and green peppers, wash romaine lettuce leafs and slice cheese: 1 minute. Put it altogether: 30 seconds. Total time: 7 minutes.
So as a comparison, it really doesn't take long and if you cook your meals in advance and just grab them as you go it is even quicker. I am not even going to get into the details of how much healthier my lunch is on a micro and macro nutrient level in comparison to the fast food and box food.
My food was truly delicious, nutritious and quick to make. No excuses! - Karly
(In addition to Karly's post - I'd like to add the following quick and delicious lunch. Take three pieces of romaine lettuce, fill each leaf with tuna or browned meat, top with low sodium salsa and other veggies. Super fast, super easy, better than you expect!)
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Let's talk about Aqua Jogging.
I'm a little late in posting this blog - mainly because I wanted to you have ALL the information.
I aqua jog about once a week, and usually it's after my longest run of the week. Why?? Because you get all the benefits of running without the impact, and after 12-18 miles your body loves that.
So let's get technical. What you'll need - a bathing suit and a floatation belt (oh, and a pool).
I deep water jog - so that means you'll find me in the deep end of the pool, and my feet will never touch the ground. So, now that I have strapped on the floatation belt, it's time to get busy. I always joke that I look like a duck in the water because all the action is happening under the surface. You want to start out by leaning slightly forward in the water (we want to simulate running - not treading water). Now, begin an exaggerated running motion - bring the legs up a little higher than normal, pump the arms a little harder than normal, and keep those fists closed! Remember to flex your ankles as though they are actually striking a surface. Congrats, you now look like a duck Success.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Eating on a Budget - How David Does It.
A lot of you have asked how to eat clean on a budget. GREAT question, and David Nance from Running My Pace has some suggestions.
David has been running since October 2009. Since then, he has run in six 50k races, six half marathons, countless 5k and 10k races, a 24-hour endurance run, and one failed attempt at Mountain Masochist Trail Run that ended in a DNF due to a pulled calf muscle. His goals for 2013 are to complete as many races/ultra marathon events as he can. The list includes three 50k races (one of which was ran on January 5th), his first road marathon, two 50-mile races, and an attempt at his first 100-mile race. He will also jump into the field of Race Director, taking over the FATS 50k (www.fats50k.com) race held during the first Sunday of October in North Augusta, South Carolina. He is currently a sponsored runner with Team Wheaties and gives back to the sport of running by leading a couch to 5k style training group for beginning runners. He blogs about running, food, and faith when he is not running or working, over at www.dnancejr.com and he maintains a Facebook fan page, Facebook.com/RunningMyPace.
David - tell us how you eat on a budget!!
If you’re anything like me; budgeting your household income has become a HUGE factor in the monthly planning. With everything getting more and more expensive by the day (have you looked at road race pricing recently?), we’ve looked at all options to maximize every penny earned. Are we on a Dave Ramsey level of saving/budgeting? Not quite but we have learned some of the many techniques at reducing our out of pocket expenses. One of these areas comes via the grocery budget. We used to shop twice a month for groceries; each trip would result in us spending in the $300 range. We would use coupons to save a few pennies. We would buy what we thought was a good deal because of the size of the packaging. Our overall per meal cost would average around $14.50 per meal per person. At the beginning of this year we decided to really focus on this aspect of our household budget. Our last three shopping trips have been under $110 for food only purchases (taking out the cost for cleaning supplies and other non-food items purchased) and the best part...not a single coupon has been clipped!
So how do we do it?
We grocery shop and meal plan by these easy to follow guidelines (I loathe calling them rules):
* Plan ahead
* Buy what is on sale/buy bulk
* Buy in season
* Stick to the perimeter
* Portion control
We don’t really buy in regards to organic and non-GMO. Why? In our house, we subscribe to the Nance economy, not what everyone else does or say we should do. We like saving money to be able to do other things in life (HELLO: racing, vacations, buying a new gadget). So if that means eating a non-organic piece of fruit or a piece of chicken from one of the mass producers, then so be it. This may not sit well with some people but it’s the honest truth and I’m all about honesty.
Planning ahead
We use my wife’s uncanny ability to shop for great deals on everything else and honed them to the grocery stores and our shopping list. Grocery stores, like many other retailers run Sunday to Saturday ads. On Sunday mornings my wife gets online and reviews the digital fliers for the area grocery stores and starts the list. Yes, we will go to several different stores to save the money. We typically go to Kroger, Sam’s Club, and Wal-Mart (I know, GASP!!) for the majority of our purchases. However, we will go wherever the deals are!
Smart Tip: Shop earlier in the week.
We used to shop at the end of the week and would have no luck in getting many of the items on our list that was on sale. We’ve switched to shopping on Sunday afternoons/evenings after church and now have little to no problem getting the sale items. We plan our meals after we see what’s on sale, not the other way around. Since we plan the meals after finding out what is on sale, we limit the amount of excess items that we need to buy. Nothing like planning a meal and getting your heart set on that meal only to find that you need to buy several ingredients for the meal. So that “simple” recipe you find online has now become a “simply expensive” recipe. As simple as this may sound, this one step has saved us a great deal of money!
Buying what is on sale
By creating our shopping list around what is on sale, this allows us to be laser focused when we go into the grocery stores and are less tempted to pick up something we think we may need. Many of the staple items (bread, milk, eggs, etc.) rarely go on sale and this is where shopping at multiple locations come into play. Here in our area items like milk are generally the least expensive at Target (BTW, usually the freshest too), bread is almost always cheapest at Wal-Mart, and eggs at Kroger. Thankfully we are lucky enough to have all three of these stores close by (Target – 2 miles, Kroger – 3 miles, and Wal-Mart – 6 miles).
Smart Tip: Create shopping lists for each store you plan to shop.
By having multiple lists you are less likely to just pick up the items from the other shopping list at the current store you’re in just for convenience sake. Meats are prime examples of this, while it may seem easier to just pick up a tray of chicken breast at one store where it is not on sale, you could ultimately save several dollars buying the same tray at the other store where it’s on sale currently.
We try to buy in bulk for some items. If you have a Sam’s Club membership card, you’re familiar with the quarterly mailings that will show you where you are spending your money. The largest portion of our member benefits comes from the meat department.
Buying in season produce
Knowing what fresh veggies and fruits are in season for your area is key to saving money in the product department. The grocery store produce department stocks almost all fruits and veggies year round which is great because sometimes I really want a fresh peach in December. The down side to that…a fresh peach in December will cost me around $1 per peach whereas that same peach in the summer will cost me about 15 cents! The same goes for vegetables. Corn on the cob is one of my favorites but I know that I’m going to pay more for it during the winter.
Smart Tip: Learn what is in season for your specific area. There is the general rule of thumb for what is in season and what is not but different areas of the country have different “in season” times for most fruits and veggies. For instance, in season right now in Georgia is a large variety or leafy green vegetables but in North Carolina the “in season” items are apples and peanuts.
Check out these two links to learn what is in season for your part of the country:
Field to Plate: http://www.fieldtoplate.com/guide.php
Epicurious Season Map: http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/seasonalcooking/farmtotable/seasonalingredientmap
Stick to the perimeter
This is one of the aspects that we were severely lacking before we started to really focus on our shopping. We’ve closed our view as to what is considered “food.” I’m not going to lie and say that we have always eaten clean/healthy. Being honest, we used to take the easy way out on 85% of our meals. We would either do take-out or “cook” one of those oh so easy boxed meals. You know the boxed meals I’m talking about: Hamburger Helper, Stouffer’s frozen dinners, etc. While these were easy to prep and make, the nutritional value was severely lacking and we (ok, more like I) would end up being hungry within a few hours and wound up eating something else. I’m sure you can see where this leads to…the fact that I was overeating, having to buy even more food, etc. We rarely spent time in the produce section and spent very little time in the meat department. 80% of the time spent in grocery stores used to be going up and down every aisle.
Now, we embrace the perimeter of the store. We start in the produce section, browsing each stand before moving on to the meat department and then dairy/frozen foods. Now we can easily say that we spend the bulk of our time walking the outer edge of the store and only go into the center aisles for minor needs.
Smart Tip: Shop the perimeter first and center aisles last.
By walking the perimeter first and center aisles last, you will spend less time browsing the aisle because you will have fresh meats, cold dairy, and frozen foods that need to be re-introduced back into the cold/frozen environment as quickly as possible.
Portion Control
This is where buying in bulk and knowing your portion sizes goes hand in hand. People generally underestimate their portion sizes and tend to eat two to three times the size of a normal sized portion at dinner ( I know I did!). Buying meats, fruits, and vegetables in bulk is a great way to save on your overall grocery costs if properly handled. Places like Sam’s Club, Costco, and other bulk buy stores are a great value for meats and most produce.
Here are proper portion sizes according to the American Diabetes Association:
* Meat, fish, poultry—3 oz. (about the size of the palm of your hand)
* Cheese—1 oz. (about the size of your thumb)
* Milk, yogurt, fresh vegetables—1 cup (about the size of a tennis ball)
* Bread—one slice
* Rice or cooked pasta—⅓ cup
* Potato or corn—½ cup
* Dry cereal—¾ cup
Another great visual aid that can be printed is from the Virginia Department of Health http://www.vdh.state.va.us/news/PressKits/HealthyVirginians/Lunch%20Well%20portions.pdf
Controlling our portions has helped us to reduce the amount of extra food we cook and subsequently waste. We now cook enough food for up to four meals at a time. This typically consists of dinner for that night and then lunch for the next day.
Smart Tip: Invest in a digital food scale (with a tare function) and a vacuum sealer.
Having a food scale and a vacuum sealer allows us to buy in bulk and then cut and chop down to the standard portion sizes. I like to make it easy on myself and freeze items that are going to get cooked together. Having the tare function on the scale allows me to keep working without having to stop and empty my container. As you can see in the picture below, I freeze just about everything from asparagus to squash to broccoli to meats. The vacuum seal bags are generally a little less expensive than their zipper seal counter parts.
.jpg)
Eating healthy and saving money can really happen if you stick to a plan and shop smart! Our per meal cost now comes in at less than $8 per person! How’s that for saving? If we can do it, anyone can!
Happy Shopping!
David Nance
So, there you have it!! One more way to look at eating clean.
Here's to saving money!!
David has been running since October 2009. Since then, he has run in six 50k races, six half marathons, countless 5k and 10k races, a 24-hour endurance run, and one failed attempt at Mountain Masochist Trail Run that ended in a DNF due to a pulled calf muscle. His goals for 2013 are to complete as many races/ultra marathon events as he can. The list includes three 50k races (one of which was ran on January 5th), his first road marathon, two 50-mile races, and an attempt at his first 100-mile race. He will also jump into the field of Race Director, taking over the FATS 50k (www.fats50k.com) race held during the first Sunday of October in North Augusta, South Carolina. He is currently a sponsored runner with Team Wheaties and gives back to the sport of running by leading a couch to 5k style training group for beginning runners. He blogs about running, food, and faith when he is not running or working, over at www.dnancejr.com and he maintains a Facebook fan page, Facebook.com/RunningMyPace.
David - tell us how you eat on a budget!!
If you’re anything like me; budgeting your household income has become a HUGE factor in the monthly planning. With everything getting more and more expensive by the day (have you looked at road race pricing recently?), we’ve looked at all options to maximize every penny earned. Are we on a Dave Ramsey level of saving/budgeting? Not quite but we have learned some of the many techniques at reducing our out of pocket expenses. One of these areas comes via the grocery budget. We used to shop twice a month for groceries; each trip would result in us spending in the $300 range. We would use coupons to save a few pennies. We would buy what we thought was a good deal because of the size of the packaging. Our overall per meal cost would average around $14.50 per meal per person. At the beginning of this year we decided to really focus on this aspect of our household budget. Our last three shopping trips have been under $110 for food only purchases (taking out the cost for cleaning supplies and other non-food items purchased) and the best part...not a single coupon has been clipped!
So how do we do it?
We grocery shop and meal plan by these easy to follow guidelines (I loathe calling them rules):
* Plan ahead
* Buy what is on sale/buy bulk
* Buy in season
* Stick to the perimeter
* Portion control
We don’t really buy in regards to organic and non-GMO. Why? In our house, we subscribe to the Nance economy, not what everyone else does or say we should do. We like saving money to be able to do other things in life (HELLO: racing, vacations, buying a new gadget). So if that means eating a non-organic piece of fruit or a piece of chicken from one of the mass producers, then so be it. This may not sit well with some people but it’s the honest truth and I’m all about honesty.
Planning ahead
We use my wife’s uncanny ability to shop for great deals on everything else and honed them to the grocery stores and our shopping list. Grocery stores, like many other retailers run Sunday to Saturday ads. On Sunday mornings my wife gets online and reviews the digital fliers for the area grocery stores and starts the list. Yes, we will go to several different stores to save the money. We typically go to Kroger, Sam’s Club, and Wal-Mart (I know, GASP!!) for the majority of our purchases. However, we will go wherever the deals are!
Smart Tip: Shop earlier in the week.
We used to shop at the end of the week and would have no luck in getting many of the items on our list that was on sale. We’ve switched to shopping on Sunday afternoons/evenings after church and now have little to no problem getting the sale items. We plan our meals after we see what’s on sale, not the other way around. Since we plan the meals after finding out what is on sale, we limit the amount of excess items that we need to buy. Nothing like planning a meal and getting your heart set on that meal only to find that you need to buy several ingredients for the meal. So that “simple” recipe you find online has now become a “simply expensive” recipe. As simple as this may sound, this one step has saved us a great deal of money!
Buying what is on sale
By creating our shopping list around what is on sale, this allows us to be laser focused when we go into the grocery stores and are less tempted to pick up something we think we may need. Many of the staple items (bread, milk, eggs, etc.) rarely go on sale and this is where shopping at multiple locations come into play. Here in our area items like milk are generally the least expensive at Target (BTW, usually the freshest too), bread is almost always cheapest at Wal-Mart, and eggs at Kroger. Thankfully we are lucky enough to have all three of these stores close by (Target – 2 miles, Kroger – 3 miles, and Wal-Mart – 6 miles).
Smart Tip: Create shopping lists for each store you plan to shop.
By having multiple lists you are less likely to just pick up the items from the other shopping list at the current store you’re in just for convenience sake. Meats are prime examples of this, while it may seem easier to just pick up a tray of chicken breast at one store where it is not on sale, you could ultimately save several dollars buying the same tray at the other store where it’s on sale currently.
We try to buy in bulk for some items. If you have a Sam’s Club membership card, you’re familiar with the quarterly mailings that will show you where you are spending your money. The largest portion of our member benefits comes from the meat department.
Buying in season produce
Knowing what fresh veggies and fruits are in season for your area is key to saving money in the product department. The grocery store produce department stocks almost all fruits and veggies year round which is great because sometimes I really want a fresh peach in December. The down side to that…a fresh peach in December will cost me around $1 per peach whereas that same peach in the summer will cost me about 15 cents! The same goes for vegetables. Corn on the cob is one of my favorites but I know that I’m going to pay more for it during the winter.
Smart Tip: Learn what is in season for your specific area. There is the general rule of thumb for what is in season and what is not but different areas of the country have different “in season” times for most fruits and veggies. For instance, in season right now in Georgia is a large variety or leafy green vegetables but in North Carolina the “in season” items are apples and peanuts.
Check out these two links to learn what is in season for your part of the country:
Field to Plate: http://www.fieldtoplate.com/guide.php
Epicurious Season Map: http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/seasonalcooking/farmtotable/seasonalingredientmap
Stick to the perimeter
This is one of the aspects that we were severely lacking before we started to really focus on our shopping. We’ve closed our view as to what is considered “food.” I’m not going to lie and say that we have always eaten clean/healthy. Being honest, we used to take the easy way out on 85% of our meals. We would either do take-out or “cook” one of those oh so easy boxed meals. You know the boxed meals I’m talking about: Hamburger Helper, Stouffer’s frozen dinners, etc. While these were easy to prep and make, the nutritional value was severely lacking and we (ok, more like I) would end up being hungry within a few hours and wound up eating something else. I’m sure you can see where this leads to…the fact that I was overeating, having to buy even more food, etc. We rarely spent time in the produce section and spent very little time in the meat department. 80% of the time spent in grocery stores used to be going up and down every aisle.
Now, we embrace the perimeter of the store. We start in the produce section, browsing each stand before moving on to the meat department and then dairy/frozen foods. Now we can easily say that we spend the bulk of our time walking the outer edge of the store and only go into the center aisles for minor needs.
Smart Tip: Shop the perimeter first and center aisles last.
By walking the perimeter first and center aisles last, you will spend less time browsing the aisle because you will have fresh meats, cold dairy, and frozen foods that need to be re-introduced back into the cold/frozen environment as quickly as possible.
Portion Control
This is where buying in bulk and knowing your portion sizes goes hand in hand. People generally underestimate their portion sizes and tend to eat two to three times the size of a normal sized portion at dinner ( I know I did!). Buying meats, fruits, and vegetables in bulk is a great way to save on your overall grocery costs if properly handled. Places like Sam’s Club, Costco, and other bulk buy stores are a great value for meats and most produce.
Here are proper portion sizes according to the American Diabetes Association:
* Meat, fish, poultry—3 oz. (about the size of the palm of your hand)
* Cheese—1 oz. (about the size of your thumb)
* Milk, yogurt, fresh vegetables—1 cup (about the size of a tennis ball)
* Bread—one slice
* Rice or cooked pasta—⅓ cup
* Potato or corn—½ cup
* Dry cereal—¾ cup
Another great visual aid that can be printed is from the Virginia Department of Health http://www.vdh.state.va.us/news/PressKits/HealthyVirginians/Lunch%20Well%20portions.pdf
Controlling our portions has helped us to reduce the amount of extra food we cook and subsequently waste. We now cook enough food for up to four meals at a time. This typically consists of dinner for that night and then lunch for the next day.
Smart Tip: Invest in a digital food scale (with a tare function) and a vacuum sealer.
Having a food scale and a vacuum sealer allows us to buy in bulk and then cut and chop down to the standard portion sizes. I like to make it easy on myself and freeze items that are going to get cooked together. Having the tare function on the scale allows me to keep working without having to stop and empty my container. As you can see in the picture below, I freeze just about everything from asparagus to squash to broccoli to meats. The vacuum seal bags are generally a little less expensive than their zipper seal counter parts.
.jpg)
Eating healthy and saving money can really happen if you stick to a plan and shop smart! Our per meal cost now comes in at less than $8 per person! How’s that for saving? If we can do it, anyone can!
Happy Shopping!
David Nance
So, there you have it!! One more way to look at eating clean.
Here's to saving money!!
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