Don't Eat the Cake Anna Mae, Don't Eat the Cake!

Even though cake is AWESOME I can't enjoy it like I'd like to lol...Cravings can be a beast, ESPECIALLY when you are a woman and its near a certain time of the month lol...I have a serious sweet tooth but am now very selective about what I consume. Peanut butter is my best friend, it just seems to taste good on everything! Sadly, it's also packed with calories so you should eat it in moderation. Recently I found an awesome peanut butter option which I will be highlighting below in my SPOTLIGHT section. So keep reading!

Last week wasn't my best but it also wasn't my worst. I set a goal to work out 5x and only ended up working out 3x. Though in my defense those three workouts were hardcore and left me feeling extremely sore! Being fit and healthy is all well and good but let's be realistic, people have to work! If you're like me then you have to find a way to squeeze in your workouts in between work and other personal obligations. And it's not that working out isn't a priority because it definitely is BUT when certain things come up you have to deal with them. That being said work obligations put a huge damper on my fitness last week. Reports, client crisis's, and everything else you can imagine seemed to come my way. I'm definitely not the best at keeping up with all of my obligations and often something gets pushed aside, which lately that has been my workouts. BUT I am trying to do better, I've noticed that when I schedule my workouts in my calendar like an appointment I am more likely to keep it.  I have to carve out a time or there's a chance it won't happen!

I have amazing co workers who are very supportive of my journey! This past week after a long staff meeting they joined me at a local park to get in a workout on our lunch break. It was actually a really great workout and motivated me to keep pushing! Lunch time workouts may be the way to go during busy times of the week. 

I've been lucky because most of the people who know about my fitness journey are supportive and help motivate me. So much so that I forget that not everyone is #TeamBrianna....lol...This past week while having a conversation with one of my friends I was reminded of this fact! I happened to mention that I was working towards having abs by the summer. My friend chimes in " Come on Bri, be realistic, you're not going to have abs by the summer. You are a stress eater so you might as well just go back to doing what you were before". Though I don't think this person meant to be negative I was totally taken aback. I felt "some type of way" about it and ended up changing the conversation fairly quickly. It served as a reminder that this is MY journey and not anyone elses. Just because someone doesn't support you doesn't mean you should be discouraged or defeated. I will have my abs by the summer because I am going to work my ass off to prove the doubters wrong. What adversities have you faced in your fitness journey? And how have you tackled them?

SPOTLIGHT: JIF Whips

Like I said earlier I have a HUGE sweet tooth and an obsession with peanut butter! Unfortunately peanut butter is packed with calories and not good to eat in large quantities. I have been on a hunt to find a healthy way for me to be able to consume my favorite snack. I have tried powdered peanut butter (which tastes chalky and gross to me) as well as other nut butters such as almond butter (yummy but still high in calories) and cashew butter. Even low fat and organic peanut butter options usually don't rate well on the calorie counting meter. One day as I was perusing the grocery store aisle I noticed JIF Whips and was intrigued by the container. I noticed that the calories were significantly lower then that of the low fat peanut butter options and decided to try it out. I have been hooked ever since!!

JIF Whips are awesome because it doesn't compromise any of the peanut buttery goodness that you love however its lower in calories because its whipped (which basically means air is added so its fluffy and soft). Jif Whips are 140 calories for 2 TBSP. Not bad! Jif Whips has 25% less calories and fat then the regular JIF peanut butter but tastes the same! I am addicted to this stuff. If you are a peanut butter lover I suggest you check it out! You won't be sorry you did! 

February is a new month! If you fell off in January don't feel bad, just get back on it! Challenge yourself, work hard, eat clean, and workout!!!!! 

<3 Bri

I've been drankin I've been drankin....a ton of Protein and Pre-Workout!

As the title states I've been DRANKIN! Tons and tons of protein and pre-workout! Why you ask? Because today was the LA Fitness Expo!! OMG, so it was my first time and it was AMAZING. I was really skeptical about going at first because I figured it was only for body-builders and super fit people. (Which I am neither) But I am SO GLAD I went! There were TONS of extremely fit people which was really inspiring for me. Everyone there was supportive of living a healthy lifestyle and it showed!

The expo was full of vendors each promoting their product with samples, giveaways and freebies! Of course I was ON the freebies lol... There were TONS of vendors selling protein, pre-workout drinks, and drinks to rebuild muscle after workouts. And of course I had to try them all. Hence why I was practically skipping from booth to booth lol...Next year I will be more selective on how many free samples I down so I don't feel like the energizer bunny on crack haha...

Along with the awesome vendors there were also fitness competitions, classes, and cooking demonstrations to see. I got to watch a really cool pole dancing performance, pull up contest, super kick karate demonstration and food preparation demonstration. Speaking of food prep, the craziest thing I noticed while at the expo was that EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE was eating pre-prepared meals that they had made at home! All of the people working the booths and competitors were grubbing on prepped meals in Tupperware such as grilled chicken and brown rice. The first person I saw eating a pre-pared meal was cool, but after the 6th person I was kind of tripping out! It was a reminder of how much this is a LIFESTYLE. Even though alot of the vendors and people there were from out of the area and working booths all day they made sure to prepare healthy meals for themselves. I literally did not see anyone eating fast food or anything unhealthy at the expo. It was truly a beautiful thing and totally inspired me to do my food prep once I got home. Not to mention the fact that I had a ton of energy to work off lol...

Along with all of the free stuff there were some amazing deals at the expo. I was good and only bought a cute tank top but believe me I wanted to buy more! Next year I'm going to make sure I have extra cash to use! Check out my shirt below, isn't it cute!? I have been talking about how I miss lifting and saw this shirt and knew it was destined to be mine! lol..All in all the expo was a great experience full of like minded people, good quality products, innovative fitness technology, and awesome samples! I will be back next year for sure and you should to! If you're not from the area google and see if there is a fitness expo that is held in your area. I guarantee you wont regret it.

So this week I was able to remain consistent with my eating! I didn't have a cheat meal and only consumed healthy meal options. Sadly, my workouts weren't very consistent this week. I only worked out 3x and burned a total of 3,723 calories missing the goal I had set for myself last week.

 I was able to do two major bike rides this week. I did a 24 mile bike ride with my neo Saturday and did 30 mile solo ride at the beginning of the week! Yes I said 30 MILES. My legs were so sore I could barely walk the next day. I LOVE riding though because it doesn't feel like I'm working as hard as I am. My goal is to ride my bike twice a week and to continue to increase the distance that I travel. One day I want to do a 50 mile ride! 

What are some of your fitness goals for the upcoming week? My next post I promise to update my measurements and spotlight one of the product freebies I got from the LA Fitness Expo. Have a great week everyone and LIVE HEALTHY! 

<3 BRI

Swervin on it, Swerv, Swervin on that trail

I've been swervin on all kinds of trails this week! I completed two big rides and even though my legs probably hate me for it, I LOVE IT! The first ride I completed was 22 miles round trip and the second ride was 27 miles round trip! Admittedly, I wasn't always into bike riding. In fact up until two years ago I hadn't owned a bike since I was in elementary school. But then I started dating a guy who was super into biking. Deciding to check it out I got a bike and hit the pavement. The boyfriend came and went but biking stayed! I love the feeling of freedom that biking allows. I can ride anywhere I want as fast as I want and no one can stop me! When I started working out hard core last year I decided to incorporate biking into my weekly routine and I started to notice a change in my leg strength and endurance when working out in other areas. Biking is a great way to burn calories while having fun! Honestly I would rather bike 10 miles then run 2 miles ANY DAY. But that's just me. If you own a bike dust it off and give it a ride, if you don't own a bike then GET ONE! I promise you that you won't regret it! Plus I need more people willing to ride with me hahaha...

Living in California makes me SOOOO spoiled! It's January and I am still able to do all of my workouts outside! The weather here has been an amazing 80 degrees most of the week! I completed 5 workouts this week and 1 two-a-day. I didn't see any movement on the scale though :( which is a total bummer. I keep telling myself its not about the scale and to keep doing what I'm doing and I will see results. Plus its not just about losing weight, I really want to get fit and be in better shape. So my journey continues..... 

My Polar Ft7 heart rate monitor continues to be the best thing since sliced bread lol... I decided I am going to start weekly calorie goals of how many calories I want to burn since I track the amount each workout anyways. This week my goal is to burn 4,200 calories during my workouts. Which is doable but will still push me to work a little harder! I'll let you know if I am able to reach my goal or not next week.

I have come to the realization that working out sucks some times. LOL...Twice this week I stopped MID WORKOUT and was about to give up and go home because I was tired. Working out and posting IG pics is all well and good but actually putting in the work, sweating, and dealing with a sore body is a whole other story! Thankfully both times I kept going and completed my workouts. I felt awesome after but it reminded me of how much our minds can play tricks on us. Both times my mind was telling me "Brianna you're tired, just go home, you can finish your workout later". Even though I know damn well I would have went home, took a nap, or watched TV never completing the rest of my workout! Don't let your mind trick you! You CAN do this! Even when you feel tired, go that extra mile. You're body can handle much more then your mind thinks it can. I'm glad I was able to push myself this week. How do you get past the hurdle of your mind?

So I had challenged myself NOT to have a cheat meal this week. And I made it the whole week, until Saturday night. Sadly I gave in to my temptation and had the most amazing chicken parmesan ever! lol...It was heaven. Well for 30 minutes! Then after wards I started to feel gross. My stomach doesn't process "non healthy" food the way it used to. Back to the veggies and proteins I go! lol...

So this week I am SPOTLIGHTING Chia Seeds!

You have known about Chia seeds since you were a kid and UOENO! lol...Yes these are the Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia seeds that were used for the infamous growing plants! (Don't act like you don't still remember the jingle from the infomercials because you know you do!) Instead of growing hair on a ceramic mans head they now have an even better use lol! Chia seeds may look tiny and boring but they pack a major punch. One TBSP of Chia seeds has more Calcium then a glass of milk and more Omega-3s then Salmon! Not to mention they are a great "filler food". Meaning, when you put Chia seeds into anything with liquid they expand and turn into a "gel like" consistency. Adding Chia seeds to a smoothie or even water is a great way to feel "fuller" as they act as an appetite suppressant when they expand. They don't have a taste so you can literally add them to anything. This week I have been making tons of smoothies and throwing them in. I actually DO feel fuller when I add Chia seeds. I got a small bag from Trade Joe's for $4.99, it was definitely worth it and I will totally be buying more. After perusing the Internet I found tons of cool recipes using chia seeds. If you haven't tried them you should!

Embrace your sore muscles this week and work through the pain!

<3 BRI

Turn Down for.....Weightloss!

Losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle makes you a loser!!!!!!!  Just kidding...lol...But it does cut into your social life! Especially if you are used to partying, drinking, and eating out every weekend. I never realized how often I did these things until I STOPPED doing them. Eating, drinking, and partying aren't necessarily bad, but when you are counting calories it sure puts a damper on things. Usually if I'm trying to "turn up" it involves lots of drinks which always leads to some sort of fatty and oily food after. Oh and that wonderful little hangover that I have to deal with the next day lol...Since I started working out my "turn ups" have pretty much diminished. I go out occasionally but I am MUCH more conscious of what I consume. Now that I use my Polar Ft7 during every workout I am keeping track of the amount of calories I burn. It takes a SUPER kick ass workout to burn 1,000 calories or more. While one meal at Mcdonalds will have you consuming twice that in ten minutes. No bueno! The ends don't justify the means in that equation. Plus I hate having a hangover the next day because it usually screws up my workout and causes me to spend most of the day in bed or laying around the house like a zombie. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to make you boring but it DOES make you get your priorities in order. Turning up for one night, OR working out and burning a grip of calories so I can have those awesome abs this summer? I'll take the abs! 

                                        

This week's workouts were somewhat hit or miss. I worked out but I feel like I could have pushed harder and done better. I DID workout though and I maintained my healthy eating! My "treat meal" this week was sushi. (Which actually isn't that bad) The rest of the week I stuck with a mix of proteins, veggies, whole grains, and lots of water! I haven't drank soda in over a month. I've never really been much of a soda person though so it's not THAT much of a win lol...

So I decided to take monthly progress pics and measurements. In all honesty I don't feel comfortable posting my current pics BUT I promise I will once I make some progress on this stomach pudge lol...I will however provide monthly updates on my measurements. I am interested in seeing what my non-scale victories are looking like! I feel like I'm losing inches even though the scale hasn't dropped much. I wish I would have taken my measurements at my largest (187lbs) but it's better late then never! So here it goes! P.S. I went to Walmart and purchased a measuring tape from the sewing section, it was only $2.00, if you have never measured yourself and are on a weight loss journey I highly recommend it! It gives you another way to track the changes your body goes through as your journey progresses! 

My Current Measurements:

Waist: 36"
Hips: 41"
Arms: 12"
Legs: 23"

I got back into the gym this week! As you know I have been outdoors for most of my workouts. I didn't suddenly get a gym membership or anything though. I just happened to go with one of my friends who has a membership to Planet Fitness. Honestly it was kind of weird doing my workout on a machine instead of out in the elements! lol...I still prefer the outdoors but it was kinda nice to be able to use the weights, elliptical (my favorite machine) and the ab cruncher thingy. 

Throughout this journey I have experimented with alot of different dishes and tried alot of different foods. Not everything I have tried or purchased has been good but every now and then I find something awesome that helps make this journey a little easier! I figured I would impart some of my knowledge and highlight some of my favorite food finds in my posts. (No I'm not Oprah so don't expect free samples of my favorite things lol) This week I am highlighting "Vitatops"! These things are SO awesome! Each is only 100 calories and a great source of fiber! I love the Vitatops because they taste good, are good for you, and help me get rid of my sweet tooth without feeling guilty! They have tons of flavors ranging from chocolate chip, blueberry, pumpkin spice, cranberry, etc. Vitatops can be found at Target, Sprouts, and Ralphs and are under $5.00. I bought the banana chocolate chip ones today and can't wait to try them out! 

In other food news I'm having a random obsession with avocado right now. (I go through phases and currently I'm craving avocado!) This week I plan on making this yummy looking grilled chicken with avocado sauce I saw on pinterest. I think I'm going t pair it with black beans and some sort of veggies. What are you going to be meal prepping for the week?

I'm super hyped right now. I was on a Groupon binge this week and purchased an awesome deal for 10 yoga classes for $29.99 from a studio near my house! I have never taken a yoga class before but have always wanted to. I want to work on strengthening my core and improving my flexibility. Plus yoga is supposed to help relieve stress which I really need right now. I decided to practice a few moves to prepare myself for the classes and needless to say yoga is alot harder then it looks lol... Is anyone a yogi? What are some tips for a new yogi just getting started? 

<3 BRI