Listen to Your Body

You've heard fitness professionals and physicians say it over and over again. "Listen to your body!" This tip reigns true not only when you're working out or trying to see how far you can push your muscles, but also after a meal.

Last night, my uncle treated me to a big dinner. For the past few days, I've been helping him with his company's national convention, and as a thank you, he took me to dinner at the hotel where the event is taking place. Long story short, I chose the verde turkey club sandwich (because I'm as sucker for roasted chile peppers) and french fries.

Now before you start shouting at me for eating french fries, I had been such a hurry yesterday that the only things I was able to munch on were fruits and vegetables. I guess you could say I was pretty famished. I figured that with my PB [Pure Barre] work out and walking around in heels all day I deserved some delicious fries! I ate most of my meal and finished it off with a small cup of ice cream - Butterfingers ice cream! YUM!

Are you hungry yet?

Although the food was ridiculously good in the moment, the rest of the night my stomach felt miserable. I guess I'm just not used to digesting such heavy and oily food.

Moral of the story? LISTEN! When your body is giving you clear signs, even if it's after a workout or meal, take good notes! Learning to comprehend these directions will help you in the future. And in my case, reviewing these lessons will help to keep me extra healthy in the future!

Source: flickr.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Did this week fly by for anyone else? HAPPY FRIDAY, XO!

Lethargic Thursday!

The past few nights I've had trouble sleeping. I think it's a mix of work-related stress, exhausted muscles and the fear of oversleeping, therefore missing my 6 a.m. Pure Barre class and having to pay a $20 no-show fee!

So smart little me decided Advil PM would solve my problems and allow me to sleep peacefully through the night.

In case you were wondering - I did, in fact, sleep really well. But when I went to PB [Pure Barre] this morning I was incredibly drowsy. I looked like a sloth trying to "life, tone & burn!" I don't know how I managed to make it through the class, but luckily I did. Part of me wanted to personally apologize to the instructor for looking like a lazy bum, but the other part of me realized does probably doesn't take it offensively when people can't make it through the class without shaking out their legs multiple times.

Moral of the story - DO NOT take a sleep aid the night before an early workout. I guess that's why the back of the bottle says you must plan to get eight hours of sleep with each dose! OOPS! :)

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HAPPY THURSDAY, XO!

Update: Twice the Pure Barre

So it's been about a week since my last post about fitness. As much as I'd love to say I've contacted my new blog friend & fitness pal Kristine every day in the past week, I haven't. But, I've worked out EVERY day. So that counts for something right?

Today marks my second week of Pure Barre. So why not go to two classes in one day!? I was nervous to try it, but I survived and burned extra calories because my legs were already so fatigued! If I had all the time in the world I think I'd go twice a day, every day. 

My eating habits have been right on target, and I've only been "over my calories" on MyFitnessPal once in the past week. I like to think six/seven days is perfectly acceptable. 

Thank goodness I'm back on track, as my best friend's wedding is exactly one month away! I really think I'm going to feel good in my bridesmaids dress! Hallelujah! 

As a gift of encouragement to myself, I purchased a new pair of Lululemon pants today. After one wear, I love the Wunder Under Pant! If you're looking for a great, slimming workout legging, I'd highly suggest you invest [yes, they're pricey] in a pair!   

My new "trick" to slimming down is from Pinterest, posted below. Of course I've heard it a million times, but reading it makes it easier to commit to memory!

Source: getmovingprincess.blogspot.com via Shannon on Pinterest

HAPPY TUESDAY, XO! 

New Friend & Fitness Partner

Blogging truly blows my mind- it's such a great way to meet new people from all over. I was reading Kristine's latest post on her blog The Best is Yet to Come and wanted to throw her some encouragement. She was bold enough to post "before" photos to track her progress during her current 30-day fitness challenge... She has guts! I hate to be caught in a swimsuit, and I don't think I'd ever be able to post photos of myself online for all to see [and criticize] - more power to you, Kristine!

Anyway, the day continued and I noticed I had an email stating Kristine commented on one of my past posts, in which I talked making new health and fitness goals. I also explained that I'd post updates about my progress... major fail! I haven't done so at all. Luckily, Kristine's comment said that I should email her if I was interested in holding one another accountable. I jumped to respond and now have a new friend to encourage me along the way! Oh the wonder of the blog world!

Today marks my third Pure Barre class! I am in LOVE with this workout. If you haven't tried it, I totally suggest looking to see if there a studio in your area. I've never felt things burn this intensely before, in places that I didn't know could burn. Ha! Let's just say I'm introducing myself to muscles I never knew I had! In addition, I'm also trying my best to refrain from drinking alcohol and eating sweets. This, of course, is a bit difficult because I'm a sucker for a good glass of wine at the end of the night or a cold beer at happy hour with friends. And if you've read my blog for a while, you know I have the biggest sweet tooth. But, I'm bearing down and saying no to some of my favorite things.

I'm so glad that Kristine is going to help keep me on track. Sometimes it takes someone asking about your progress and daily routine to keep you motivated! So cheers (with water instead of champagne) to a new friend and fresh encouragement! If anyone else wants to join our team we'd be happy to include you! :)

This is exactly what I have to tell myself in Pure Barre during our leg series....

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Chi Omega Convention

Please excuse me while I'm MIA the next few days, as I will be volunteering at the Chi Omega National Convention in Phoenix. I even get to wear a certain animal suit to greet all those who attend - trust me, I'll post a picture as soon as I'm able to. Can you guess what animal I'll be dressed as?

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Generosity

When I think of the word generosity, I tend to associate it money or hospitality. While these are two areas in which one can be very generous, there are so many other ways in which an individual can "give more."

Recently I've been striving to get in tune with what it means to be truly happy. I'm not talking about the joy that comes from a new pair of shoes or declious meal, but the vivid and contagious source of felicity. If only I would have started this blog last summer while reading The Happiness Project. But all "should-haves and could-haves" aside, I'd like to focus my energy towards being generously positive. In turn, I think this will bring my heart and those around me greater happiness. 

In high school I was seen as Miss Optimistic. I was always willing to lend an ear and give sound and encouraging advice to anyone who came my way. After enduring many stresses of the collegiate lifestyle, I can look back and say I've lost part of my positive edge. I'm quick to complain [as hard as it is to admit] and talk about the lows of my day, whereas I used to boast about the highs. 

WHERE HAS THE OPTIMIST GONE? 

I know the real me is lodged somewhere between trying to get a second part-time job and adjusting to the financial stresses of post-undergraduate life. But trials aside, I'm confident that I can bring out the happy-go-lucky attitude that many have associated with me for so long. 

As much as I'd love to be monetarily generous to my friends and family right now, I know that this is the time for me to get my finances in order. And although one day I will be able to fulfill this desire, I hope I can ALWAYS remain generous in the area of happiness, joy and positivity.  

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My hope is that each of us will wake up every morning understanding how blessed and privileged we are to live each day.