What Cabin Fever did and How I reversed it....Somewhat.

Hello my friends!

I came to visit my mom but she is busy helping my dad with his business so, I decided to sit back and do some blogging. I write this after eating this delicious home made meal:

It had been a while since I had my mom's cooking and I was kinda missing it yesterday. So, Im glad I made it here today. Is also always nice to come home and see my family-- Always a plus (in other words: I am not just here for the food lol).

The Cabin Fever Fiasco: So yesterday I spent the E.N.T.I.R.E day at my apartment. I had plans in the morning of going for a run but then I noticed that they hadn't clean the path where I usually do my running. Plus, I saw A LOT of kids and their parents playing in the snow (the greatness of being able to see the entire track from my bedroom window!). I didn't feel like being the random person just running and risking busting my ass behind  in front of all my neighbors so I decided to postpone my run and do some cleaning instead. 

Well, after a nice breakfast, some cleaning and internet browsing I planted myself in front of the TV and did a WHOLE lot of snacking and eating and then some more! Ugh! I know a big trigger for me is the TV but somehow after a long week I guess I was too lazy to do anything else. I also had somewhat of a headache and didn't feel too great so, while my snacking was taking place I watched a gazillion Lifetime movies about peoples lives which I find really interesting (don't judge me lol) and other random shows. By the time the day was over I felt like the biggest bum in the world.

....FAST FORWARD to this morning: I woke up with a mission!! Before I could think twice I put on my running gear and off I went. I completed 3 easy miles non-stop (by "easy" I mean I took my time) and then did a cool down by walking my way back to my apartment. There was still snow in the ground (probably my first time running on snow) but I made it work somehow! That run felt A.M.A.Z.I.NG.

Note: I am not the fastest runner in the world. I go at my own pace. I know a lot of you guys can do an 8 minute mile. Im still working myself up to that. One day I shall surprise you all :)

Back at my place I was in the mood for some hard boiled eggs so, while that was getting done I decided to do my scheduled Jillian workout: Ripped In 30. I am happy to announce I completed day 7 of week 2. I start week 3 this week coming up. I don't know if I should be excited or scared.

Post my workout and breakfast I took a shower, washed my hair. I then snacked on almonds and dark chocolate (not pictured). Eventually I got motivated to do some meal prepping for the week and that's what I did. Here are some photos:

In the zip-locks  Seasoned salmon and tilapia which i can cook up quickly. The containers on the side have whole wheat pasta divided up for 3 days.

Also, prepped some "grab and go" breakfast items:

In the zip locks: Granola with raisins. In the white paper: Almond butter and Jelly on sprouted raisin bread they all make a great and super satisfying breakfast).

Once that was done I came to visit my parents and here I am for a bit. Feels good to be here :).

So, the "somewhat" on the title of this post means that I cant say I've been eating 100% clean today (although I am working on recovering from yesterday's eating fiasco!). But, I've found a nice balance. I ate my moms food in moderation and somehow found the will power not to over do it too much on the dark chocolate earlier today! Life is all about balance. I am usually super good about my food and my workouts during the week. We all slip off once in a while. Is part of life!

Question: Hows your Sunday going? were you affected by the snow storm this weekend?

January Goal Review: How did I do?!

Hey everyone! Happy Saturday! I had quite the eventful day. I went to lunch with a very good friend of mine. We met up at California Kitchen and I had the most amazing Cobb Salad with house ranch dressing on the side (used very sparingly).

After a very nice lunch and an amazing time catching up I decided to do some shopping. My goal was just maybe an hour or two but that turned in to about 5 hours where I visited:

• Walmart
• Target
• Trader Joes
• The Container Store

I had to take advantage because most of the stores are no where near my apartment (I was about 20-25 miles away from home). So, believe me! I had a blast. Specially at Walmart  I think I stocked up on enough house cleaning products and snacks to last me for the rest of the year!

So anyways, without further ado I'd like to get to the point of the post which is my January Goals Review. If you missed the very first post of the year you can check it out here. These were my target goals:

1. Read an entire book of choice. January's Selection: Aleph By Paulo Coelho

I finished the book in about 2 weeks in to the month. Although the book was quite good and included several "inspirational- follow your dreams" quotes, which are almost in every Coelho's book--- I still find that the Alchemist is his best work to date. 

Aleph is written as non-fiction and is actually Coelho's personal account of a trip he made
with his writing team while crossing the Trans-Siberian railway (a very, very long and adventurous train ride from Europe to Russia). I wont tell you much in case you want to read it but he shares multiple adventures where the main character is a stalker fan which he allows to join him on the trip. 

Like I mentioned, the book is filled with amazing quotes. Here are a few of my favorites:

"When faced by any loss, there’s no point in trying to recover what has been, it’s best to take advantage of the large space that opens up before us and fill it with something new." -Aleph, Paulo Coelho

"Don’t be intimidated by other people’s opinions.  Only mediocrity is sure of itself, so take risks and do what you really want to do."

"Anyone who knows God cannot describe Him. Anyone who can describe God does not know Him."

2. Get started on my new Jillian Michaels DVD. Shred IN 30

What can I say?! I love, love, love Jillian! I am currently on week 2, day 4 of Shred In 30. Ive been doing the workouts pretty consistently about every other day (minus this past week because I did not have time due to my school-scheduling chaos). Nonetheless, the workouts continue to be amazing and I definitely find this DVD much more challenging that the 30 day shred. I feel so much stronger and with more definition. Cant wait to see what weeks 3 and 4 are all about. I have a feeling I should be quite scared. But I am sure it'll be worth it!

*The way I am approaching the workouts: Since is 4 weeks worth of different workouts what I am doing is completing each week through the course of 7 days (skipping a day in between) which makes it to about 2 weeks per weekly workout. Hope that makes sense! I dont do it everyday because the workouts involve weights so, I like to give my muscles a rest day in between.

3. Look at the NY Road Runners schedule and map out a few races for the year or next 6 months. My sister got me a membership for Christmas (gotta love her!) so I cant wait to put it to use

Yes! So excited I have my 5 races mapped out for the year (I had made a goal of completing at least 5 races in 2013). I sat down the other day and googled some cool races for the year. I still have to sign up but a couple of the ones I am super excited about are: The Rock N Roll Race and The Color Run. Tomorrow I am running my very first race of the year with my sister. Is a 4-miler. Not too bad but I am excited :)

Ok, so I know I mentioned I would have my February objectives mapped out by today but I am still working on a few details for that particular post. I want to make sure my goals are realistic and attainable considering I am about to go back in to my full-time employee/ Part-time student routine so, there's going to be quite a nice mix of time-management going on. I am hoping to finish up rounding up my feb goals by tomorrow.

Question: Did you have any particular objectives for January? What was the best thing that happened to you in the last 31 days?

Fortunate Fridays!

Hey Everyone!

Sorry Ive been MIA for a couple of days. As mentioned in my previous post-- I am back at work and my schedule got a little busy. Last night I actually spent the night at one of my good friend's apartment. She was going through some stuff and needed someone to talk to so, I didnt mind keeping her company. We got to share a lot of things and bond a lot more than before. I am definitely grateful for those people I can call real friends. Her apartment is actually about 30 minutes closer to my job than my apartment is so that actually worked out perfect and I got to work 20 minutes earlier this morning (cant remember the last time that happened!).

Today was a good and productive day but best of all today is FRIDAY! So, without further 'ado this is what I feel fortunate for this week:

1. The people that have crossed my path and have added tremendous value to life. They say you meet people for a reason, a season or a lifetime. This week I got to thinking about the people that have come in to my life and have added VALUE. Weather they're still in my life or not; their passage was significant in so many levels and for that I feel so fortunate. 

Examples: From someone whom taught me how to invest in the stock market (which is something I ALWAYS wanted to do and now I am obsessed), to the person whom helped me with my resume when I was looking for a job a year ago (and did such an amazing job that I was getting calls left a right from different employers!), to my friend whom was constantly running races and working out (and had such an amazing body) and whom sparked my interest in doing the same and now I love it, to the friends that are consistently pushing me to get better and whom lead by example. And many, many other people that have crossed my path. I am fortunate to have met them all and cant wait to see what other people God has in store for me.

2. My commitment to working out and remaining consistent with my fitness during this past year. I have to admit---to get started with working out and eating healthy may be super difficult (at first) but eventually comes a time where it does become easier and you look forward to working out and eating clean food that taste good. I am not saying it becomes 'super easy' but the satisfaction that you get when you start seeing results makes it all worth it and motivates you that much more.

3. My (crazy) family. Ive spent the past 20 something new years eves with my immediate and extended family and although we're not perfect-- we are very close and sure know how to stick together. We always have a blast  party when we meet up and this past December 31st was no exception! Random fact: Ive never spent new years or Christmas away from family in my entire life! I am sure that may change one day when I have a family of my own and children but for now, is all I know and I enjoy it.

4. My dad for teaching me how to manage my money from a very young age and for always reminding me of the importance of good finances. He has taught me so much to last me a lifetime and all of that is simply priceless!

5. The random (and SUPER WARM) winter jacket I found in the back of my closet when I was organizing stuff this past week. NYC has been insane with freezing temperatures lately and I was constantly freezing with my "professional" yet non-warm pea coat. When I found this other jacket and realized how warm it is (apparently I had forgotten) I felt like I hit the lotto. Dont you love finding useful stuff you forgot you even had?! 

6. Super Bonus Fortunate: My new followers! I gained some new followers this past week and that always puts a HUGE smile on my face. Thanks for following my blog. Is greatly appreciated. :) If you are new here (or have been here before) and you like what you see please follow my RSS feed or add yourself to the Google profile list to the right.

Now I am finally at home relaxing and sipping on some chai tea (I am still trying to perfect the recipe):

...And I leave you with a few pics of my eats today:

Lunch was a 6 inch subway sandwich with grilled chicken (had to buy lunch since I slept over at my friend's and couldn't pack lunch from home). This was good (no seasoning needed!):

As a snack, I had one of these granola bars which I found at TJ maxx. Have you seen these? They are soooo good, natural and gluten free!

Dinner-- Turkey burger tossed with lettuce and spinach. I added some raisins and seasoned with EVOO and Vinaigrette:

Had a small sweet potato on the side:

QUESTION: How was your week? What did you feel fortunate for this past week?