It's been awhile...

Okay, Team Mountain has been super busy and I am completely dropping the ball on this blogging thing. SO, I decided that I would choose a specific topic to blog about during different seasons and then I could always throw in something random and blog-worthy.

I am going to re-visit the topic of getting in shape. I had blogged about polka dot bikinis back in January. I have done an alright job, but last week actually got into it. I detoxed...UGH! Not the most fun thing to do. Only lean mean, veggies, and fruits. It doesn't sound awful until you do it for 10 days and you starve! The first week I was allowed to eat as much as I wanted of those things to curb the hunger part. This week will be the final week of all this. I am now starting to watch how much of all those wonderful things I eat.

Other rules: I can have 2 servings of good carbs (i.e., double fiber english muffin or a cup of whole wheat pasta)....there is an 'if', IF I work out that day. So I can earn those wonderful carbs but working my little butt off. And if I'm working out, I'll need them.

I have started going to cycling classes. My goal is to go Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. Then anything else I can fit in my schedule.

My little secrets to success...
Mexican Salads: I love a big bed of lettuce with black beans, corn, salsa, and just a pinch of sharp cheddar on top. These are great because the salsa is a super healthy substitute for dressing.

Frozen Applesauce: Seriously! I get the frozen thing from my dad. He prefers everything frozen! I get the No Sugar Added Mott's Applesauce that is either regular, strawberry, pomegranate, or peach flavored. Stick them in the freezer, then it's like sherbet when you eat it! Great low-sugar, 50 calories snack.

Orbitz Gum: If there is something wrong with this little vice I would prefer not know. I can chew on this stuff and not think about eating for hours.

Water: Really, I never used to drink the proper amount of water and I'm trying to nurse bottles of water now all the time. It really does keep me from craving things I ought not. And I'm sure there are a million other health benefits.

Things to do other than eating: Americans are so bad at filling their time with munching. I know I am. So I have picked up little hobbies and watched myself to make sure I don't bring a snack when it's not necessary. Taking pictures, blogging (getting back on that one), reading some of my new favorite magazines (ShopSmart and The Nest), and doing projects around the apartment (repainting stools and decorating.)

All of these things have really helped.

Blaine has been great. He encourages me to get to the gym when I'm just a little shy of enough get-up-and-go. He has also learned how to help me find a healthy alternative when I'm claiming to be famished :)

Driving reasons to get into better shape:

1) It's good for you. Everyone should care about your body. It's a gift from God and I want to do my part to be a good steward.
2) I'm going to PROM! Ha Ha...sounds funny coming from someone who is about to be 25. Blaine and I are going to prom as sponsors and they dress up at this school.
3)Taking 1 year anniversary pictures in June! Can't wait! Blaine and I are going to put our gear back on and take some portraits to celebrate!
4)Summer...come on ladies. We all care.
5)I'm going to be a bridesmaid again! Super cute orange dresses.
6)Orlando! Blaine and I are going to Orlando, Florida in August for an MOG/National Conference retreat. The Conference,Disney World, Universal Studios, and the pool are calling my name!

I'm excited and actually motivated this time. I'll keep everyone up-to-date on how it goes!