And then I Ran a Race...

This weekend was a crazy mess. Between combining two apartments into one townhouse and running a half marathon, this lady is tired and still only halfway unpacked. I am not going to recap the half marathon...it was by far the best race I have run....from the Expo to the actual course (motivational signs at mile 7 yes please and thank you) but also my work time ever. I have definitely slowed down since packing on the pounds, but a who 30 minutes! (I think it was the 15 minute wait for the bathroom at mile 6) I also forgot my running watch so I have not concept of my pace at all. I just had the goal to finish and I do so I am happy. Plus the Tiffany's necklace was pretty awesome as well. Here is my race weekend in pictures.

I am going to try this link up thing for the first time. I have recently started to follow Amber of Crafty Healthy Mommy and her recent tips and tricks have really motivated me to get back into running. For reelz yo! Just Do It! Here are some of my tips in tricks that have worked for me in the past (and hopefully in the future).

1. Log everything you eat. No matter what. I lost 50 lbs by logging everything I ate, without changing my diet. I trained for a half marathon and averaged around 1300 calories a day. I would eat low calories some days and ridiculously high the next. This time I am trying to consistently eat the same range everyday. MyFitnessPal says 1420. I usually eat less.
2. Get in your fruits and veggies. I eat at least 3 - 6 servings a day. Whole fruits and veggies keep you full. I am trying to eat more veggies because I have a sweet tooth and the fruits feed that. Its just in my head but whatev.
3. Get in your protein. I struggle with this because every now and then I get tired of eating meat. I drink protein shakes everyday. Find a good low calorie low carb protein powder (a good ratio is 10 to 1 for every 10 calories you should have 1 gram of protein  I would by vanilla and add coco to make it chocolate. It is more versatile and you are less likely to get bored. I do not use soy protein only Whey isolate or plant based. Some of my favorite brands are Sunwarrior Raw Vegan, Women's Whey by Drew Manning (fit2fat2fit guy), Click Mocha (great and I make it with coffee like the espresso isn't enough) and Inspire (http://www.bariatriceating.com/). I do not use cheaper proteins because most of them have ingredients that upset my stomach so I am super picky. Whether you eat it or drink it, get at least 100 grams a day.
4. Eat Clean. I try to avoid overly processed foods and I tend to eat at home. I pack my lunch every damn day and I like to see eating out as a treat. That being said, I like to cook and I know some people don't. If you don't and you rely on frozen meals, eat the clean ones. There are a few out there. 
5. Subscribe to cooking magazines for ideas. I used to receive Clean Eating, Cooking Light, Eating Well, ect. Not only are the recipes usually easy to follow, they are adaptable. I know sometimes there are weird ingredients, I substitute all the time. Healthy cooking does not mean loos of flavor. If you add seasoning (including salt if you do not have a issue with it) your foods could be truly amazing.
6. Drink your water. You pee all the time, but water is important. I drink 3 56oz bottles a day. I drink one on they way to work, one all day at the office, and the last one in the evening. It is a lot of water but most hunger pangs are actually your body telling you it is thirsty.
7. Try for 210 minutes of exercise a week. That breaks down to 30 minutes a day. 210 is a starting goal...and since I fell off the running train, I will be striving for just 210 a week. I also like the idea of a 5K everyday. Mix it up too. I am guilty of only running. I need to add strength into my life.
8. Do not let the scale dictate your mood for the day. I literally only see a loss on the scale once a month. Every other time, it is up and down every way to Sunday. I have let that get me down and I avoid the scale, which leads to avoiding accountability and really reaching the point of how did I get back here. It is not worth it. Weigh the way that works for you. Everyday, upon waking naked after you go to the bathroom because really that is when you are lightest. hehe!
9. Have a cheat meal once in a while. Do not make it a daily thing. I do not do cheat meals because I do not see any foods as off limits. As long as I plan for it and it is accounted for than it is part of my plan. The quality of an oreo may not be the same as the quality of an apple (or as filling) but 70 calories of oreo goodness must be had on occasion. 
10. Do what you love and try to lose weight. It is possible. I love to bake. It makes me happy to make tasty treats to share with others. The key word there is share. I bake something, maybe have one piece and the rest is given away without hesitation. 

And one more for the road:

11. You don't have to clean your plate and you don't have to feel bad about throwing it away. Stop eating when you are full. Period. Forcing your self to eat something when you are no longer hungry only makes you feel full and yuck. Throw it out or save it for tomorrow.

Love,

QuinTesSenTialLy ME