What comes to mind when you think of the number 8? I'm sure everyone's answer is radically different, but for me it is just one thing...pounds. That's right, dear friends and lurkers. I am here to come clean both literally and figuratively. I'm just going to put this out there...rip it off like a band aid so we can all move forward.
I gained 8 pounds in Strasbourg!
I am not proud of this, but the fact of the matter is I knew that my body was going to change while living abroad. I had almost no control over my food and had a drastic drop in exercise. Sure, there was plenty of walking. But let's be honest here, walking is not going to keep croissants, french bread, and cheese in copious amounts from adding to your waistline.
I am not proud of this, but the fact of the matter is I knew that my body was going to change while living abroad. I had almost no control over my food and had a drastic drop in exercise. Sure, there was plenty of walking. But let's be honest here, walking is not going to keep croissants, french bread, and cheese in copious amounts from adding to your waistline.
Ok, now that we are all on the same page, let's move on to how I am going to undo the damage. I believe that going back to what I know, which is a lot of greens, will help me get back to at least feeling comfortable. I want to cut down on portions to accelerate the process.
Breakfast was eaten pre work-out, so I kept it light.
(Cherries, pineapple, vanilla yogurt with 1/2 tbsp Chia seeds.)
Chia seeds are back in my life! Thanks in part to Averie and her coupon code :) and the excellent service of the people at iHerb, I was able to enjoy an old favorite this morning.
Did you know that chia seeds are full of soluble fiber? If you put a spoonful in a glass of water and leave it for 30 minutes the little guys will soak up the liquid. It is thought that the same process happens in your stomach. In essence, chia seeds are credited with slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar because the gel they form in your stomach acts as a barrier to slow digestion. Fascinating, no?
I digress...after 45 minutes of morning cardio, I came home and plopped myself on the couch to catch up on Nurse Jackie. I love this show! Hunger struck soon after, so I whipped up breakfast #2.
(1 cup fresh mango.)
I paired my fresh fruit with some divine oats.
I say divine because they cooked perfectly today and were fluffy to the taste.
(1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1/2 scoop chia seeds).
I am definitely getting in my quota of chia seeds for the day. I also tried another new product that I picked up at the grocery store yesterday. Stevia: health conscious individual's answer to splenda!
I am officially a fan. I need some sweet in my life now that my daily petit pain chocolat is no more.
I spent the next couple hours showering, chatting it up with old friends, and procrastinating summer school work (not the best start). When the tummy started rumbling, I fed it some fuel in the form of a very green monster.
I used my other purchase from iHerb in the mix. Nothing like Amazing Grass to make you feel clean! I am not a fan of the original flavor, but when I saw the price of the berry mix, I just couldn't stop myself from adding it to the cart!
I am glad I did too because my monster was so good!
(2 huge handfuls of spinach, 3 kale leaves, 1 scoop Amazing Grass, 1/2 banana, 1 cup almond milk, 1 cup ice.)
Alright, now I have to run to a job interview (not for the real world...just a summer job) and hopefully get out in time to go to a yoga class again tonight! I am so glad health and fitness are back in my life! It's like being reunited with long lost friends!!
Until next time,
~Jenn
Breakfast was eaten pre work-out, so I kept it light.
(Cherries, pineapple, vanilla yogurt with 1/2 tbsp Chia seeds.)
Chia seeds are back in my life! Thanks in part to Averie and her coupon code :) and the excellent service of the people at iHerb, I was able to enjoy an old favorite this morning.Did you know that chia seeds are full of soluble fiber? If you put a spoonful in a glass of water and leave it for 30 minutes the little guys will soak up the liquid. It is thought that the same process happens in your stomach. In essence, chia seeds are credited with slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar because the gel they form in your stomach acts as a barrier to slow digestion. Fascinating, no?
I digress...after 45 minutes of morning cardio, I came home and plopped myself on the couch to catch up on Nurse Jackie. I love this show! Hunger struck soon after, so I whipped up breakfast #2.
(1 cup fresh mango.) I paired my fresh fruit with some divine oats.
I say divine because they cooked perfectly today and were fluffy to the taste.
(1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1/2 scoop chia seeds). I am definitely getting in my quota of chia seeds for the day. I also tried another new product that I picked up at the grocery store yesterday. Stevia: health conscious individual's answer to splenda!
I am officially a fan. I need some sweet in my life now that my daily petit pain chocolat is no more.I spent the next couple hours showering, chatting it up with old friends, and procrastinating summer school work (not the best start). When the tummy started rumbling, I fed it some fuel in the form of a very green monster.
I used my other purchase from iHerb in the mix. Nothing like Amazing Grass to make you feel clean! I am not a fan of the original flavor, but when I saw the price of the berry mix, I just couldn't stop myself from adding it to the cart!I am glad I did too because my monster was so good!
(2 huge handfuls of spinach, 3 kale leaves, 1 scoop Amazing Grass, 1/2 banana, 1 cup almond milk, 1 cup ice.)Alright, now I have to run to a job interview (not for the real world...just a summer job) and hopefully get out in time to go to a yoga class again tonight! I am so glad health and fitness are back in my life! It's like being reunited with long lost friends!!
Until next time,
~Jenn
Looks like a clean and tasty day! Don't worry too much about the extra poundage, my dear, that's cultural exploration and pure happiness right there. That's what I'm trying to tell myself about the 4+ over here ;). It'll come right off in no time!
ReplyDeleteEight pounds is nothing compared to what you got to enjoy abroad. And you're off to an awesome start to get it back in check. You're awesome! (:
ReplyDelete