Positive Body Image: be the role model

When I first started to lose weight and really notice a difference I had this un-necessary feeling of hate towards my parents because they never told me I needed to lose weight. I didn't understand how they let me get to that point. The point where I was unhappy and downright miserable. I used them as a scapegoat for the decisions I made. 

My high school self would start my day with a medium campfire mocha from Caribou, eat 2 servings of pizza and a small salad for lunch, and a bag of chips and string cheese for an after school snack...and sadly that was a good day. 

I was an athlete. 

I was a varsity team captain. 

On the outside I thought I was comfortable, but I really thought was never good enough and I never would be. Not good enough for the popular crowd, for a boyfriend, for the cool clothes, nothing. 

I went to a high school where most of the girls were stick thin and those girls were the only ones who got the "popular" boys or really any attention at all. 

I didn't understand it then, but I know now that working for the body and the person I've become now is the best gift I could have ever given myself. 

For any mom's or female role models please get rid of the trashy magazines that are promoting these stick figure bodies and please let your kids be kids. Encourage healthy habits but everyone will become the person they deserve to be in their own time. If they have the heart to do it and the passion to succeed anything is possible. 

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3678534?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000010

Much love, 

C

Weekend Recap

Friday- 

I had a crazy day on Friday.  One of my professors recently accepted a teaching job at a private school in London, so she had a huge sale of all her teaching stuff.  Needless to say my apartment is now fully stocked with classroom supplies....can't wait until I bring it all home on Saturday....Dad may have a minor meltdown. 

Maria found a great new use for our new footstools.  Her version of a "plank". 

After the sale Annie, Maria, and I had dinner with some friends from our freshmen year.  It was a blast. 

Then we joined them to watch the Johnnie A-Capella group Johnnie Blend.  They are absolutely amazing. 

Saturday-

Bailey came up to visit this weekend and as you all know those are my favorite weekends because I get a workout buddy! 

I have really wanted to get some pictures taken of me working out to critique form and so naturally I recruited Bails and PR'd squatting! 

The last few weeks have been busy, but please be patient because I will soon have lots to write about :)

Much love,

C

New Meal Plan

My new meal plan has been a total blessing. I have never been more full or had more energy. 

Here's the template I use: 

Here's an example of my lunch. All clean foods and super delicious! 

I would say my number one recommendation as I start my second week would be FOOD PREP. 

Here's what I prepped yesterday 

6 chicken breasts chopped 

2 heads of broccoli

1 bag of baby carrots 

4 salmon filets 

1 rotisserie chicken 

1 bag spinach

What does your meal plan look like? 

C

One year anniversary of being pretty darn cool.

One year ago today, I did something I never thought possible. 

I ran 13.1 miles! 

It was emotional, hard, heartbreaking, difficult, and amazing all at the same time. 

Since this race Bails and I have only gotten closer.  Without her I definitely wouldn't have the motivation to run at wild and crazy hours and try new eating plans to stay on track.  I am so grateful for her support as well as Annie, Katie, and of course my parents.  I don't know many people who understand bringing food everywhere you go to stay on track, but these people sure do. 

Love them forever and I challenge you to do something that you never thought possible! 

C

It's Dr. Official. I can run again.

I know. I know.  I ran outside a few miles this week, but today I went back to the DR. and NO surgery is needed to fix my foot and I can run!  I can run ALL the miles I want. 

PRAISE THE LORD! 

Woot woot! (Throwing a party over here)

I seriously can't even tell you how excited I am. 

Stay tuned for some fun posts this weekend :) 

Much love, 

C

Spring Break Recap

Spring break was a total blessing. 

Last week I put in my last few days at a job that has taught me more than I would've ever thought. The last two and a half years at granite have been great, but I was offered a full time nanny position for the summer and I couldn't say no. 

After that I got to spend some time with my family which was incredibly necessary. 

I mean baby time, empanadas, and beer = complete heaven. 

To end the week Annie came back to Minnesota on Friday and we worked with another one of my cousins at the food and wine experience at Target Field. It was tons of work but it was so much fun. Who can say no to an unlimited amount of free samples? 

After all that craziness I needed a fresh start. I met with my uncle over break and he helped me formulate a very high protein and low carb diet and exercise plan for the next 12 weeks. It has only been 2 days but it has been fun so far! All of these whole unprocessed foods are keeping me insanely full and it's difficult for me to eat everything I need to throughout my day. I'll take that over being hungry ANY day. 

I'll keep you up to date with all the fun improvements or workout changes this week :) 

Much love, 

C

Summit Pilates

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a Barre Yoga Class at the new

Summit Pilates in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

This studio is absolutely stunning.  

The classes are capped at 5 participants, so you get a completely individualized workout.

It is a small space with a homey feel.  The dark woods and the fun chandeliers make this a perfectly relaxing place to re-discover muscles you were not aware existed.

Like I said, I took the Barre class.  I did Barre this summer so I wasn't sure what to expect since every teacher puts their own twist on things, but Tracy was great.  She made sure that everyone knew adjustments and extensions for the exercises that we were doing.

I would 100% recommend this studio for any beginner or intermediate yogi.  I had an absolute blast and cannot wait to go back to the reformer class tomorrow morning.

I’ll keep you posted,

C