Hey, hey!

I’ve actually been wanting to blog for several days, just because I’ve been in a pretty darn great mood for about 2 weeks straight. I thought I’d talk about the top 5 things in my life (the goods) that are rocking my world, especially in the arena of fitness and health.

5. Klean Kanteen

My klean kanteen is a great help throughout the day, I know that before I go home from work, I need to drink 2 bottles full of water. I love the weight of the bottle. (Yes, I know that it can double as a weapon on dark walks to my car from the fitness center;) ) I also love that I know I’m drinking clean water, without any toxins leeching from my plastic bottles.

4. Whole Wheat

Whole wheat is taking over my life! I’ve traded in my regular “wheat bread” for a variety that is actually 100% whole grain (not to mention free of high fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, which is another cause for madness all on its own). Also, I’m on the whole wheat pasta bandwagon, whole grain waffles, whole grain pita… It is filling, and keeps me rolling through the workday without grabbing for candy or treats.

3. Data Trackers

I’ve got to cheat a little and combine two of my most important tools into this one category. I like data and keeping track of minutia, part of that is tracking what is coming into my body, and what I’m doing to burn it off of my body.

Sparkpeople/DailyPlate

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Sparkpeople and the Daily Plate are huge helps for me. First, Sparkpeople is how I track my workouts, and get meal plans for the week. It tracks my weight and measurements, as well as provides me with tons of really great articles. Another cool feature that has been motivational for me, is the point system. For doing good stuff, and accomplishing goals, I earn points (that are virtually useless) but I still want them, dangit!

Daily Plate is FAR superior to Sparkpeople for finding specific, brandname nutrition information. Ate a can of Amy’s organic lentil soup? It’s on dailyplate. Ate a McDonald’s egg mcmuffin with no canadian bacon? It’s on dailyplate. Now to be fair, as I’ve significantly reduced the amount of junk I eat, but even greek yogurt, raw almonds, and veggiepatch portobello burgers are in there. It is a great resource.

Garmin Forerunner 50 + Garmin Connect

Now, how I track what I’m doing to take calories OUT of my body, my garmin forerunner 50. This badboy is my second attempt at a heart rate monitor/tracker. This thing is awesome! I’ve been able to get detailed information about my pace, distance, calories burned, and cadence. It is a really great device, and I’m really enjoying the cool tools on their data management site, garmin connect.

2. Good Running Shoes (for me- Nike Zoom Structure Triax+12)

Getting fitted for, buying, and using these running shoes have made all the difference in my runs. I’m able to go farther, faster, and without pain. These shoes feel like they were made for my feet, and make me feel like I’m running on clouds. They’re extremely breathable, and I just can’t tell you how awesome they are. I <3 them.

1. human support system

I’ve got a GREAT support system. My hubby is awesome, and always has something great to say that keeps me motivated. Just the other day, I was walking in front of him in the grocery store, and like a good husband, he checked out my butt. He proceeded to stop me, turn me around, give me a kiss, look me in the eye, and say, “I’m so proud of you. Your jeans are REALLY baggy in the butt, like, they look like they’re gonna fall off.” That was a good moment.

Jess always goes the extra mile to encourage me throughout the workday. I found this in my inbox last week:

Roses are red,
Violets always pout,
Have you been working out?

Because you look svelte.

Can you beat that? I don’t think so.

Lastly, I’ve got a GREAT online community of highly knowledgeable and supportive women, who I check in with on a daily basis. They are always there to listen, or guide, and they have great ideas about fitness, and how I can keep my life on track.

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I know this was a long one, but I’ve been wanting to write it for a while.  I’m really enjoying my journey, and I hope you’re doing well on yours!