Fit Friday

Jeez, this week's FF crept up on me! 

Not gonna lie, this week has not been good. I've been busy. Not only have I not been out running ONCE, I also ate like crap. Just really bad. Thankfully I did not gain any weight, but I didn't lose any either. Sucks. This is why I have no results to share this week:

- wine
- nachos
- chips and salsa
- candy
- candy (counts twice because I ate so much of it)
- sale Easter chocolate
- Smart Food
- white sticky rice (and a lot of it)
- bagels (notice the "s")
- pasta AFTER i've already had dinner

...and the list goes on.

After looking at that list, I should technically be 800 lbs. I guess not gaining any weight isn't so bad after a huge week like this!

I promised myself I be good starting...yesterday! I will have good news to report next Friday.  Hope everyone has a nice weekend! If you fall off the wagon like I did this week (big time), forget it happened and start fresh. :)

Britt

"Heidi Montag Struggles to Eat Burger Because of Surgery"

Just...bah, so great. 3 days until the new season of the Hills!

Weekend Alert

I don't know what kind of weird Corona-cocktail that is, but I know I want it.

TGIF!

Fit Friday

First FF! Woo-hoo! I had a pretttty good week - 2 lbs down. Some minor slip-ups, of course. But that's to be expected. I have come to realize I cannot live without candy or chocolate every day. Even if it's just a small amount. I'd rather run a million miles than give up dark chocolate or Jelly Bellys.

I've been working on my thesis from school, which has been really helping create some much-needed structure in my life. I've been packing healthy meals and trying not to snack throughout the day. I hate it when it's 7 pm, and you're not hungry for dinner because you've been snacking all day.  Or when you wake up and aren't hungry because you were up late eating crap (Doritos, Mini Eggs, or a combination of Doritos and Mini Eggs...) the night before. It's just a gross feeling.  I think what's also been helping me if pairing carbs and protein. For example, yesterday for lunch I packed a chicken salad, and brought some cooked wild rice too. The rice helped me feel full throughout the day. I feel like I should have known this by now...seems like common knowledge. Protein + carbs = full. Who knew? Anyways, whatever works for you. I feel like I'm constantly starving, so I need the carbs to tide me over. Or else I get reeeeally complainy...

I've had a good week, running-wise. I've logged 19 km in total. I varied between 4 and 6 km, and ran 5 times. The iPod sensor has really motivated me because I can see the distance and calories burned. It's really cool. Who doesn't love data?! (Anyone? Just me? Haha) I'm a little ahead of my 10K running schedule, just because the beginning distances weren't challenging enough. I still can't run without stopping once or twice. I'll have to work on that. 

Hope everyone had a good week! If you want to join me (publicly or anonymously) for FF's, let me know! I have a couple people on board, but they don't want their stats on the blog. That's totally cool. Sometimes it's just nice to have a "check-in" once a week. Or as Bethenny Frankel (Real Housewives of NY) says, "you gotta check yourself before you wreck yourself." This saying definitely applies to me and my relationship with Bulk Barn...

Britt

PS - I totally didn't abide by my "going meatless for Earth Day" vow. I had a few beef nachos at Mexi's yesterday afternoon with friends. Bahhh I have such a soft spot for the darned beef nachos. I couldn't resist. Plus, they paired so nicely with my sangria. You know summer's almost here when you break out the sangria! :)

Above: Here is a funny clip from Kendra, Season 2. I can relate! I would absolutely brake for CANDY!

Earth Day 2010

As you're all probably aware, tomorrow is Earth Day! Normally I don't really celebrate (or acknowledge, really) Earth Day because 1) I forget, and 2) I try to live relatively "green" the other 364 days.

I've been reading some really cool articles about what single, young females can contribute. Sometimes it's hard to recognize the benefits of our individual actions and the see changes our efforts are producing. But, without the power of 1 we wouldn't have the power of 100, 1000, or 1 million!

Here are my plans to "do my part" for Earth Day 2010:

1. Using no lights (which will kinda fun because I love candles)
2. Walking to where I need to go, or using public transportation when necessary
3. Using my own mug for coffee/tea, and using a reusable water bottle
4. Limiting my shower time to under 5 minutes, and only once throughout the day (I usually take 2 or 3...love showers)
5. Going meatless, dairy-less for the day
6. Limiting TV time to 1 hr, limiting internet time to when necessary (need it for school work)
7. Using reusable containers to transport and store food throughout the day
8. Be mindful of the amount of garbage I accumulate throughout the day
9. Try to limit the amount of time I use the stove and oven

I can't turn the temperature in my apartment (it's pre-set by my landlord), or I would do this too. I know I'm not out there planting trees, but every little bit helps I think!

Happy Earth Day!

Above: Our pretty planet :)

Wordless Wednesday

Above: Eyjafjallajokull eruption (Dante's Peak?)

PS - If you live in NS, here's a link to $2 off admission to Empire Theatres. Just a little FYI...

"Dude, sick Uggs."

I am not going to pretend I hate Uggs, because I really don't. I've never owned a pair because I could never rationalize paying $300 for boots that didn't start with Christian and end with Louboutin (in which case I would totally shell out $300). I feel like if I were to jump on board the Ugg train right now, I would be a bit tardy for the party.

I think it's the whole uggitude that girls have when they wear Uggs that bugs me. It's the slouchy, slob-kabob, apathetic thing they have going on. I dunno. It's kinda icky. Very..."Kesha-esque". You just want to anonymously yell "shower!", and then hide behind a tree.

If you are capable of wearing Uggs for what they are - casual winter footwear, then you're golden. Just make sure to check your uggitude at the door. Uggs are amazing for casual winter events, such as getting groceries in January, going to a movie with friend when you're wearing leggings and don't want to wear high heeled boots, or walking your dog.

My rhetoric throughout this post has been kinda flip-floppy, and I guess that's because I go back and forth as to whether I am un Uggs supporter. However, make no mistake - the only thing worse than girls wearing Uggs is GUYS wearing Uggs. I cannot deal with this trend. Take a perusal through the little gallery below to form your own opinion.

Note: I must advise that I am not meaning to offend, this is just my personal stance. :)

Above: Urban-chic Uggs guy. Probably going to pick up his dry cleaning.

Above: Just-rolled-out-of-bed-but-still-sloppy Uggs guy.

Above: Semi-drunk Uggs guy. He looks British to me.

Above: Way-too-good looking-to-be-wearing-Uggs, Uggs guy.

Above: Sidney and Peter Klaven. Can't harp on Sidney. This is one of my favourite movies. He gets a pass...this time.

Juuuust Right

I'm extremely particular about food. Actually, about most things in general. I'm pretty much the exact opposite of "easy going", haha. But really.

For example, today at brunch I ordered hard poached eggs and whole wheat toast, no butter. Of course the toast comes out, and it's generously slathered with butter. So picky Britt has to ask for new toast. This sort of stuff happens to me every single time I go out to eat. No lie, it's like I'm jinxed. Something is always off. Last week I asked for no mayo in my sushi, and obv there was a ton of mayo all up in it. I hate to be whiny and a snob about my food. It kills me every single time.

Meat, beef especially, I'm picky about. I like my steak as fat-less as possible, juicy (like a "juiced-up gorilla meat-head" - Jersey Shore), and "just been butchered" rare.  As sashimi-style as possible. The only person who knows exactly how to cook my steak right is my boyfriend. I call him the "meat master", because he literally has a sixth sense about when the meat's ready.

I've worked in the food industry, and I know what the line cooks and people in the kitchen say about customers who have their food taken back, and it 'aint pretty. That's why I'm always super nice about it, because I am frightened someone's going to stick my new steak underneath their armpit or something. I remember at a restaurant I once worked out, people in the kitchen actually used to eat food from your plate before sending it out to be served!

Bottom line, though - if you ask for something a certain way, I think you should get it a certain way. I do feel bad when I have to send food back, but always make sure to tip appropriately. Readers: are you picky when it comes to restaurant food?

Are you picky about restaurant food?

SNOW?!

Hate to rant about the weather, buuttt...

Woke up this morning (at noon, amazing), looked outside - it was cold and rainy. Booo...

In the afternoon, it starts snowing! Not Ontario snow, which actually stays on the ground when it drops, but maritime snow. The kind of snow that melts as soon as it touches the ground. But still, nasty! All I can think about is summer summer summer. How am I supposed to be planning my fun summer activities when it's snowing?! Double booo...

According to the Weather Network, only the maritimes are experiencing these cold, wet temps. Nothing like a gross day to make you want to curl up in bed with a tea and doze in out of sleep while watching mindless TV shoes. Or wait, maybe that's just me... :)

Britt

10K Training Schedule & Fit Fridays

This is the 10K running schedule I am following. I'm using MapMyRun.com to run the required distances.

Week	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7
1	Rest	1.5 mi	CT or rest	1.5 mi	Rest	2 mi	Easy 25-30 mins
2	Rest	2	CT or rest	2	Rest	2.5 mi	Easy 25-30 mins
3	Rest	2.5 mi	CT or rest	2 mi	Rest	3 mi	Easy 30-35 mins
4	Rest	2.5 mi	CT or rest	2 mi	Rest	3.5 mi	Easy 35 mins
5	Rest	3 mi	CT or rest	2.5 mi	Rest	4 mi	Easy 35-40 mins
6	Rest	3 mi	CT or rest	2.5 mi	Rest	4.5 mi	Easy 35-40 mins
7	Rest	3.5 mi	CT or rest	3 mi	Rest	5 mi	Easy 40 mins
8	Rest	4 mi	CT or rest	3 mi	Rest	5.5 mi	Easy 40-45 mins
9	Rest	5 mi	CT or rest	3.3 mi	Rest	6 mi	Easy 45 mins

I've also bought a new toy! It's a Nike sensor that syncs your running shoes to your iPod and collects data about your run (distance, calories burned, speed, time). Then you download the info to Nike's website, and can view your progress. I thought it was pretty cool. :) I have set my preferences so that my Twitter is synced with my Nike profile, so you should be seeing my run updates on the right-hand side of the screen (where my Twitter updates are located).

I probably haven't mentioned, but one of my best friend's is getting married this summer (if you're reading - love you!). We're all extremely excited because this is the first wedding for our group of friends. And, I am a bridesmaid! It's going to be an absolutely gorgeous wedding.

Anyways, my other best friend and I (also a bridesmaid) have been talking about how annoying "toning up" (that's what we call it, but it's really more of "not eating crap" haha) is. I thought it might be useful to dedicate my Friday posts to, ah-hem, "Fit Fridays" (snappy, n'est pas). I will be writing about my week in terms of eating habits and exercise. I will also be tracking my pounds lost. I have set a goal of 10 big ones. I figure this is a good way to hold myself accountable.

If anyone wants to join me on this challenge, let me know! The more the merrier. :) We can complain about how much we want Bulk Barn together...

Britt

Wordless Wednesday

Above: Zuma Beach (Malibu, CA)

Taken August 2009

Running Month 1: Recap

Running month 1 was not so hot. Hate to make excuses, but I've been wrapping up grad school and just haven't been in the mood. And hello, Easter candy's on sale? I don't have a lot to report unfortunately. However, change is in the air. This month will be different (how many times have you heard that one?) It's been really nice out lately, and since I am done school (except for my old pal, thesis) I don't really have an excuse. Expect a more positive update next month!

Here's a clip from one of my fave movies ever, Heavyweights. If only I had Tony Perkins as my trainer...

Obsessed with...

Today is kind of a gloomy and dull sort of day. I thought I'd share some of the things that I am currently obsessed with, and maybe if you read this, you can share some of your faves and we can all be obsessed together! :)

Obsession #1: Aveda "Comforting" tea

This tea is so amazing and relaxing, and I have become almost addicted to it. Obviously it's like a million dollars. Figures. It's $24 US, but ~$40 Cdn. I should know, since I was a dummy, and bought a jar at the beginning of the year (I was desperate!). You can buy the individual tea bags, too, but their missing an ingredient or two, and it just doesn't taste as good as the loose leaf version. Since I have champagne taste on a beer budget, I have made my own concoction which is 99.9% identical to the stuff you buy from the Aveda store. Hooray! Here is the recipe (borrowed from someone online):

• 1-1/4 cup Licorice root (can buy here)
• 1 cup Peppermint leaves (can buy at Bulk Barn)
• 1/8 cup Fennel (can buy here)
• 1/8 cup Basil leaves (can buy here)

I think it's the basil and licorice root that produces the yummy aftertaste (actually, basil could be a whole other obsession of mine...). This is a perfect "wind-down" tea. 

Obsession #2: Oatmeal with vanilla soy milk and pure maple syrup

Obviously I enjoy the little things in life, such as a bowl of hot oatmeal every morning. My favourite way to prepare this recipe is to bowl 1/4 of oats in 3/4 cup of water until the water has almost dissolved. Then I pour in a splash of vanilla soy, and blend until the oatmeal's creamy. Then I add a teaspoon or two of pure NS maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon! So good. I'm hungry.

Obsession #3: Seriously-real reality TV

Shows like Hoarding, Obsessed, Intervention (pretty much anything on A&E), Birth Stories (don't judge), 16 and Pregnant, etc. The only downfall to watching the first 3 shows I listed is that they can be kind of draining. So, I pair them with an episode of something of the lighter fare afterwards (i.e. Dancing with the Stars)! I think the secret's out that I really appreciate TV...

Obsession #4: Going into stores, trying on shoes and outfits I cannot afford, and then hunting them down on eBay for a lower price

This obsession is turning into a bit of a sickness. Plus, sales associates are starting to get annoyed with me. There is a particular shoe store here that I regularly frequent, try on like 3 pairs of shoes, put them "on hold", and never come back to buy them. It's rude, I know. I think it's the research-lover in me, but I get such a rush out of finding the exact same item for less. If anyone ever needs a price comparison, I'm your girl! I should mention that since I am currently a student, clothes and shoes are not in my budget. So even when I find the discount item I am looking for, I still don't buy it. I flag it, and save it for when I have some cash dedicated to such "variable expenses". The sad part is, by the time I have some money so spend on stuff like this, the item will probably be out of style. Oh well. :)

Obsession #5: Chat-roulette

If you're on chat-roulette, you're either a pervy-mervy, or you're in the red-zone of boredom. If you do find yourself in said zone, it can actually be a pretty fun time. 

Obsession #6: Orange-flavoured dark chocolate

I'm not much of an orange flavour kind of girl...I don't even buy orange Lysol (I opt for the lemon...it seems cleaner and packed with more antibacterial power). However, I am really into orange-flavoured dark chocolate. I think it's the spices, too. My favourite brand is Green and Black's "Maya Gold". It's soooo good. If you're into dark chocolate, and don't mind paying $5 a bar for it, try it out. 

Obsession #7: Shih Tzu's

I YouTube them, I Google Image them, I search them out on Kijiji, I talk to them when I see them on the streets (Do their owners think I am weird? Without a doubt), talk about what I would name my Shih Tzu...it's getting a bit excessive. I really want to get a dog, but hopefully I will have a full time job in a few months, and could not bear to leave the little guy home alone in an apartment for 8 hours. Too cruel. My family dog goes outside whenever he wants, has a whole house to roam around in when nobody's home, and gets a few runs in the forest by our house every day. I couldn't imagine giving my dog anything less than this. So for now, I will have to wait. And think of potential Halloween costumes I could dress my Shih Tzu in. :)

Obsession #8: Mapmyrun.com

Perfect for running outdoors. Allows you to map your run, calculate the distance, and displays other pre-saved runs in the area created by other users. 

Obsession #9: Expensive water

Smart Water, Fiji, Vos, to name a few. This obsession is an unexplainable oxymoron: I am a coupon-a-holic and the grocery store, love discount shopping online, yet have no problem shelling out $5 for 500 ml of trendy water. Hmmm....

Obsession #10: RSS feeds

I know I'm a little late to the game, but I am really into RSS feeds lately. Dynamic, pulls all the info for me - what more could you want?

Hope everyone has a nice weekend!

Britt