Category Archives: Monday Munchies: Food for thought

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. After coming back from hot yoga @ All People and watching my boyfriends basketball game, I wanted to get on top of Monday Morning’s blog while I had some alone time…::Quick! Photoshoot!::

So today Im going to give a confession… Ive been a little naughty lately. Even though Ive been working out HARD and my fitness always come first, I too can struggle with the diet portion. I believe in enjoying certain moments and I also try to remember to not beat myself up, or be too hard on myself either for the consequences that come a long with enjoying certain moments. I could wallow and hate myself for this or that, but its about living in the now and to not ruin the current moment because youre mad about your past or are anxiety ridden because youre worrying about the future. Instead of complaining, do something about it, right? Remembering that oneself is in charge, I headed to Marsh coming back with my healthy ammo!  Here are some staples that I KNOW will help me get back on track and are oh so yummy! Putting it into my own hands gives me an instant facelift ::Smile::

Heres my already nibbled rice cake with hummus and broccoli…

I plan to eat more fruit this week. Im really good about loving my veggies, but heres a poster below to understand why not only are my vegetables and shakeology important, but also the bananas, apples, and oranges in the world.

Viva las Frutas!

Lets have a great week and be kind to ourselves

Maria ”Like the Lettuce” Romaine, xoxoxo

Posted by Maria in Monday Munchies: Food for thought

Happy Monday friends! Hope you all had a great weekend. Mine consisted of a lot of the same relaxing weekend rituals I partake in (going out to eat, drinking my shakeology, exercising, trying to get caught up on shopping and cleaning). I did however manage to participate in something Id been wanting to for a long time- the Breakfast with Santa! I also was able to begin building my home gym. Another thing Ive been wanting to do for the longest time.

Below are those regular weekend rituals (my shakeology concoction to keep me on track, grilled fish and wild rice for my out to eat dinner, and me and my youngest sister at her 9th birthday party at Pin Heads (she was quite the bowler!).

The breakfast with Santa at the Rathskeller downtown was awesome. My boyfriend came with me and we were table elves. This was my first ride around this block, so I wasnt sure what to expect- I just knew I wanted to be a part of it. We helped two families make their crafts and bring home gifts from the giving tree. We couldnt have been luckier with the kids we got. They were so engaging and proud of their work. I’ll never forget how when my boyfriend started to make a craft, two of the children wanted to help HIM because he  his frame was not decorated enough. They took jewels and stickers off their frames to put on his. I thought we were there to help make their holiday, but they reminded us that it goes both ways. They wanted to help just as much as we did!

Now I don’t know if you’re spoiled by going to certain workouts that you LOVE. Getting to the class or gym might be a little difficult, but for the most part you thoroughly enjoy your workouts and look forward to them. I definitely have my classes that are like that (Spin, Turbo Kick, Hot Yoga) but then theres those days, weekends especially, where I know that in order to get a good workout Ive got to line myself up with helpful tools. For this reason music playlists are not only key, but at home workout dvd’s are just as vital. The equipment might not be as important, but Im starting to build that too. These are also incredibly affordable for what you get out of them. Just this weekend I did some Chalene Extreme with my new weights I bought (bowflex set that can be anywhere from 5 to 50 pound dumbells!). I also bought Turbo Fire to have at home and currently own PIYO dvds, kettle bell, and some Jillians Michaels. Body Pump is also coming which I know will be AWESOME to have at home. Before you know it throughout the years I plan to accumulate quite the arsenal! I may even have some mirrors coming soon or even a boxing bag (hopeful Christmas presents). Im also excited to hook up my road bike to my trainer so I can do my indoor triathlon training.

Whether it be you need to squeeze in the workout at home before work, are traveling and need to take in the go, or just are sick of hopping on a treadmill and there are no group exercise classes youre interested in at the time, I suggest you start building your at home/traveling gym- even if its just one program. If theres a snow acopolyse you can LOSE weight because theres nothing to do but get into your at home gym. Think about it! Being proactive may just make your winter all the more wonderful. Emergency proof your workout schedule for the week and you’ll have success in staying right on track.

 TURBO FIRE

Chalene Extreme (weights)

Me at home with my weights!

Posted by Maria in Monday Munchies: Food for thought

Hope you all had as an incredible weekend as I did. My boyfriend and I hosted a holiday party with much success and I spent an awesome night with two of my best friends drinking wine and eating course by course with the Occasions Divine groupon. It didnt hurt that I was asked to be a bridesmaid to a friend Ive known since I was 3. I am so happy for her and cannot wait until October!

Below with two festive Caroler’s. I could not help but invite them in for warm scnapp hot chocolate and egg nogg.  

Below at our 8 course meal, learning about wine, glass by glass.

I had grand plans to attend 3 classes this weekend to keep me on track with my fitness, however, I will admit it things can fall through. Sometimes I opt for fitness at the expense of sleep and end up being miserable and lacking energy all weekend. Since I was hosting all Friday night, I couldnt attend the Spin class I had wanted to on Saturday morning. I was proud of myself however for making it to Sunday’s Hot Yoga class and it was AWESOME. I was dripping with sweat and using my muscles in ways Ive been wanting to for quite some time. Very excited to incorporate this into my workout routine. Another example of trying new things more than once before it can truly be appreciated. A new instructor, location, and people can make it 10x better than your previous experience.

Now, just to be clear,  I absolutely did NOT skip my workouts despite the classes not working out with my schedule. I took advantage of my back up plans and went to the LA fitness near me. I know that its not the most fun workout to hop onto an elliptical or treadmill or stairmaster, but I know what surely helps me make it fun. 1) A good tasting hydration fluid (water with crystal light for me) 2) a heart rate monitor to keep me on track and to help motivate me to work harder and 3) MUSIC!!! I was still able to have 600-700 calorie workouts during my hour because I had tricks to help push myself. It may be hard for you to believe, but I feel much more effective at motivating others than myself. This can be a tough process. Music is a must.

I touch on this topic because whether you do incorporate music into your workouts or dont, Ive had many comments on people enjoying my playlist or people wanting access to my playlists. I feel very free when it comes to what songs I purchase and use routine to routine, but I will definitely share with you what I do to gain motivating music.

1) Anytime I hear an AWESOME song on the radio, I note it on my Iphone or purchase it right there through the Itunes app. Ive heard Shazam is a great app too.

2) I look through Itunes of songs from those artists that I already am familiar with. If they have one song you love, chances are they probably have albums upon albums of that. For example I know that I can look up Pitbull, Afrojack, Black Eyed Peas, MIA, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, JLO, Pink, and LMFA for go to jams. Now they might even have a few songs that annoy the heck out of you- so be open. 

3) I love songs that build momentum. You can find these mixes through different DJ’s. I go to Itunes top dance songs or top rock or top pop so that Im not going to the same lead system every time. I find amazing songs Id never hear of by going here.

4) Mix up your station on the radio. I love 104.5 (Indianapolis) so I can hear the best of the best songs from years’ past. Nothing beats those classic hits you can remember only from movies or your parents talking about them. Those never get old.

5) Id suggest specific songs for you guys, but you know that whole famous story about this really wise man that didnt just hand over the fish and grains for the community, but instead he taught the community how to fish and farm? Well I know Im not teaching you how to survive nutritiously, but I will tell you that if you incorporate these techniques you will be building playlists that will motivate you on any machine.

Make that treadmill your first rock concert. Make that elliptical a Saturday night out in the club. Or make that stairmaster your own personal climb to the top of the Philadelpha Art Museum. Id certainly be lying if I didnt pretend I was the Italian Stallion from time to time… with my playlist motivating me step by step.

You’re in charge and dont you ever forget it. Happy Monday!

Posted by Maria in Monday Munchies: Food for thought

 I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and long weekend. In  years’ past I would be bragging about the food, while rubbing my  tummy in sorrow wondering what all I need to do in the next few weeks to combat the damage. I felt incredibly blessed with being around all the loved ones, having the warmth of shelter, and the satisfaction of food, however I still had that feeling of blaaaah. It was always because I didnt work out at all during that time and I ate way too much the WHOLE long weekend.

This Thanksgiving holiday was the absolute best its ever been. Of course it helps to have wonderful and incredible people in my life. I know that this has everything to do with why I want to take care of myself and not dive into the gravy bowl and pancit wok that I have year after year to help escape. Im not saying I had a bad life before or that Ive even been through a lot, but as Ive grown with confidence and independence, theres so much more worth fighting for, and that includes my conviction to be healthy- not letting anyone or anything get in the way.

To be brutally honest this is what I had for my Thanksgiving day diet!-1) Toast in the morning with peanutbutter and coffee. A bananna when I got back.

We rushed off to my boyfriend’s family’s dinner and had-1) turkey 2) cranberry sauce 3) sweet potatoes 4) cole slaw 5) mashed potatoes 6) greenbean casserole 7) a sice of pear tart, raspberry pie, and ganache cake from Taylors Bakery

And THEN we went to my familys for dinner and had 1) ham 2) palabok and diniguan (filipino noodle and rice dishes) 3) stuffing 4) mashed sweet potatoes 3) cabbage 4) a pear salad 3) hawaiin macaroni salad 5) pumpkin cheesecake 6) strawberry parfait 7) hershey kiss peanutbutter cookies and 8- my absolute favorite CARROT CAKE

Now hopefully this is proof that I can put it down! Im actually very proud of my ability to eat like a Anthony Bourdain stunt double, only because it makes my discipline appear that much greater…he he. So in attempts to impress you guys, but also just let you know that everyones normal and enjoys a few days a year where they can indulge, and give their mouths a massage of flavors and belly’s a warm comfort blanket. I definitely think its understandable and healthy to experience life’s treasures that come in the form of food, and when it comes to Thanksgiving, well there ya go. The food is just a bit more jam packed than other days.

What helped me NOT feel bad about this was the many things I did the entire weekend and I will list them off for you.

1) Thanksgiving eve- made it a super intense cycling class even though attendance was half full. Had my old soccer coach attend which was super motivating. Planned a birthday dinner with my sister but went to Seasons 52- a restaurant where everything is under 475 calories. If you havent checked it out yet, DO. Its a wonderful healthy way to enjoy a nice night out to eat.

Below are the 200-250 calorie little desserts you could have after your under 475  calorie meal! 

2) Thanksgiving morning- ran the hardest 4.5 miles I ever have in my life. Normally Id take it nice and slow, but I decided to make it a maximal effort so I was EXHAUSTED by the end and burned a lot more calories Im sure than if I just doddled along not trying to push myself the way I always do.

Before we ran our little hearts out. Do not mind my scary eyes in this pic- I inherited the ghoulish special effects eyes from my father.

3) Black Friday- woke up and did a 2 hour Turbo Black Friday Class. So fun to have family, friends, and my Y clan there to have fun and sweat it out. It flew by and I burned 1200 calories! I also did not have any more thanksgiving food for the rest of the weekend. Started drinking shakeology to help combat cravings! Had family and friends over to socialize and entertain myself. This was way more fun than diving back into leftovers. I enjoyed talking and playing games over making eating the main entertainment.

Below is one of the many fun actions shots. Below that are the attendees that stuck around long enough for me to capture them in a picture! GREAT JOB!

  Having the family all over to my place! With sis and cousins!

With my Ma, Aunt Ro, and Uncle Jeff.

With Papa Bear and my Aunt Cath being silly in the back 

4) Saturday- EXHAUSTED. Legs were dead from hard workouts and being on my feet all day. Took the day off to relax, do cleaning, get things in order. Had my shakeology which helped me feel full all day- especially since I didnt work out.

Instead of watching a movie, we moved around a little and went bowling! My high score was 101, whoo hoo…Steve Urkel anyone?

5) Sunday- woke up, tackled a pile of laundry that had been accumulating for weeks, drank my shakeology, had a nice hard workout at the gym (elliptical, treadmill style) and went shopping with a mission! My boyfriend and I celebrated our one year last weekend on our hiking/Jeeping adventure, but I wanted to cook him dinner. It went really well! It was Lighter Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Salmon, Rolls with light butter, Salad and Champagne!
I had a recipe for these skinny cookies and they failed miserably in the oven. Hey, atleast the main course warranted a standing ovation. The failed dessert merely exhisted to point out just how much work I have yet to accomplish in the kitchen.

It was truly a blessed and beautiful weekend. Excited to see all of you this week in classes, or talk with the challengers (shakeology) further through our exclusive facebook group, or through sharing my little world here on this blog. Theres so much to come in the next few months- I promise that if you make your holiday filled with other festive excitements besides food, you will be SO much more satisfied  

Posted by Maria in Monday Munchies: Food for thought