SpinCycler’s BodyBlog

I know, I know. My birthday is not until tomorrow, but I don’t think I’ll have time to post my results as my school work is starting to pile up (Finals Time). I did not have specific number goals for my 27th birthday, except that I wanted my clothes to be loose (in other words losing inches) and I wanted to weigh less than 120. The results: I weighed 119 right after Thanksgiving, which means it is probably lower now and my clothes are definitely looser (even those skinny jeans). More importantly I feel fantastic and energetic. So mission accomplished.

BUT….

There has been one goal I have not shared with ya’ll. I hate to admit this because it is so hypocritical coming from someone who preaches the importance of fitness and nutrition. I WAS a closet smoker (3 cigarettes a day) until Nov. 16, 2007, when I quit for good. My goal was to be a non-smoker by the age of 27 and I have done it.  I quit for many reasons, such as it was inconsistent with my fitness goals, cancer, premature aging, ect. But mostly I no longer wanted to be embarrassed when running next to my boyfriend. I would start weezing at mile 3. I was mortified and knew I had to put my foot down and stop once and for all. I kept saying I’d quit when I graduated from ungrad in 2002, and then said I was too stressed from moving to a new city. I said I’d quit before age 25, and then I was dealing with being laid off. There was ALWAYS an excuse!

This time I joined a program with group support and nicotine replacement therapy (the patch has saved my life). I knew some weight gain would occur as I quit smoking, but the health benefits would outweigh the 3 pounds the average female gains when smoking. I did gain some at first, but it has disappeared as I am already able to run more. Also, I switched to a low-carb diet from my normal 40-30-30 diet, and it has helped tremendously.

I am still on the lowest dose of the patch they make (every other day) but it is getting much easier to deal with the side effects. So for anyone that might still smoke (even though you are into fitness like me), you can quit. And the horrible side effects (it’s like I quit crack or something!), it is worth it and they do eventually go away. I promise!

I can’t believe I am admitting this, but I want to be held accountable for my actions in declaring myself SMOKE FREE. This is the best birthday present I could give myself.

Thanks for all your support on my birthday goals.

**One more thing: I can’t go without a new goal, and it is to fit into 27 designer jeans. The jeans I plan to buy myself are the reward. I have not set a new workout regimen but plan to soon.

It is my belief that whatever we think becomes a reality, so I am just trying to give myself a little pep talk today. The mental battle is the biggest challenge. I am thinking thin and not beating myself up for not being perfect. I am thinking thin and not beating myself up for not being perfect. If I say it enough, it will be true.I am back on track and feeling great. I am back on track and feeling great…..

Instead of writing about me, for once I thought I would share a great recipe for a protein shake I like to make. I have dozens of combinations I make but this is one of my favorite post workout shakes.

"Vanilla Berry Dream"

Put the following ingredients in a blender:

4 oz. organic skim milk or for a creamier, thicker texture 4 oz. of Dannon Light n Fit Vanilla Yogurt

3-5 ice cubes

4 oz. water

1-1.5 scoops vanilla protein powder, more you add the thicker it will be
1/2 teaspoon flax oil (more if you do not eat fish, I eat tons so I don’t need that much)

3 large frozen organic strawberries

1/4 cup frozen organic blueberries

(I buy the frozen fruit in bulk at Costo or Sams to save $)

Blend until ice and fruit are completely smooth.

Poor into a glass and enjoy. I like to drink it from a straw:)

The shake is about 250-300 calories and provides about 20-30 grams of protein. The fruit is an excellent source of fiber as well. It is my version of ice cream!