Random Prize and Warrior Women

Remember the Healthy Recipe Contest? Well...it is FAR from over. I don't know how we're going to ever determine the winners if the rest of your recipes are as good as the Dang Good Chili, Moroccan Chicken, and Oatmeal Pancakes we've tried so far.

In case you were curious, however, as to what the something our first random winner received in the mail would be, wait no longer. It can only be described by a picture, so here you go.

Yes...I was laughing when I saw it, too. Are you now totally bummed that YOU didn't win the random drawing? Well, you can get your own Collector's Item OAHACA pull string robot mecanique here. Or get your own something. It'll obviously be totally worth your ten bucks! So, congrats again, Aly...I'm sure you've never received a better present in your life! Ahem.

Now here's something worth reading. Last week, my SIL celebrated her own personal D-Day anniversary. As in, Diagnosis Day. Six years ago, Erin was diagnosed with breast cancer. She describes her emotions of that day, along with never-before-seen-now-she's-sharing-them-with-the-world pictures of the "hair cut." Erin's one of the most positive individuals I've ever met. Yet she's had more challenges than I would wish on my worst enemy.

I am constantly amazed at the struggles and challenges thrown to different individuals. OK...we all know that life is hard. So I'm not amazed at the struggles. But I am amazed at the ability so many have to overcome, and to be stronger as a result!

Here's another example. If you missed seeing this Mother Warrior on Oprah, read about this woman who lost all of her limbs (shortly after giving birth) due to some flesh-eating bacteria. She knew she had a life to live, and went forward bravely, never looking back, never wishing for a new life, or different circumstances, etc. Amazing!

I'm so grateful for stories like these that remind me how very much I have to be grateful for. They also make me wonder how I would react given the same circumstances. Helps me to not take any second of this precious life for granted.

Who are the Warrior Women examples in your lives? What struggles have you had to overcome? How have your challenges made you stronger?

I Did It!

Every day, my toddler says three words OVER and OVER with each activity accomplished. I. DID. IT. He recently learned to take off his own pants and diaper...that could get messy! But he's so proud of himself. He looks at me (basking in his nekkid glory), smiles, and says, "I did it!"

Every time we go to the park, he still thrills in the excitement of going down the slide by himself. "I did it!" He buckles the top buckle of his carseat. "I did it!" He opens the fridge. "I did it!" He puts his shoes on (usually the wrong feet). "I did it!"

I love his excitement over the little accomplishments. He's loving his newfound independence when he does something himself. And he wants the world to know...he did it!

How often do we give ourselves credit for our own personal accomplishments? How often do we acknowledge the seemingly small achievements? When does the childhood excitement diminish?
I think we could ALL learn some lessons from the world of toddlerhood. Feel proud of what you do! Give yourself some credit. Let the world know what you've accomplished!

I went on a walk today. I stopped eating for the day at 7 pm. I was on time to _________. I took time to put on makeup and do my hair today. I asked that cute girl out (Michael...). I bought tickets to my High School reunion (I really did!). I made a healthy dinner for my family. I ate breakfast. I completed everything on my to-do list. I completed ONE thing on my to-do list.

Whatever it is. Give yourself some credit! My 2-year old NEVER dwells on what he DOESN'T get done, or what he CAN'T do. We shouldn't either! We accomplish a lot more than we think in any given day. Take note and pat yourself on the back! And try something new...it feels great to say "I did it" after doing something not done before.

Give yourself a shout-out below in the comments. What have you accomplished today? What new thing have you tried? Or what new thing are you going to try? Let's hear the ideas. And let us know how the "I did it" factor has helped you personally with your goals.

How's this for an affordable at-home workout?

Have any of you heard of the "gliding disc workout"? It was developed by mother of 3, Mindy Mylrea. The discs themselves are lightweight, and glide easily...you can get in shape without a gym membership or bulky equipment. I personally haven't tried the discs, nor have I seen the videos that come along with them. I'm sure they're great! If you don't have the disc, try these moves with a paper plate! How's that for an affordable workout?

1. Side Lunge
Start with your weight on the left foot, and the ball of your right foot on a paper plate. Glide the right foot to the side, keeping your left knee above (or slightly behind) the toes. Glide the plate back to the starting position, and repeat 15 times. Switch sides to complete the set.

2. Back Lunge
Start with feet hip width apart, with the right leg on the paper plate. Slowly glide the right leg back, while bending the left knee into lunge position. Make sure the weight of the left foot is in the heel, and keep the knee behind the toes (in a 90 degree angle). Keep the abs tucked in, the torso upright, and glide the right leg back to starting position. Repeat 15 times, then switch sides to complete the set.

3. Back lunge with a twist
Begin with the same exercise as the back lunge. When you reach the lunge position, twist to the same side as the forward leg. (I'm twisting the wrong way in the picture...oops!) So if your front leg is the right leg, twist to the right. Return to center, and repeat the entire lunge/twist sequence 15 times, then switch sides to complete the set.

4. Push ups

Begin with your hands on the floor, next to your shoulders, with your elbows at a 90 degree angle, with a paper plate under each hand. On your knees or toes, push your body up, keeping your body in a straight line from the crown of your head to your toes. When you reach the top of the movement, glide your hands in towards each other, until they touch directly under your chest. Bend elbows back down into push up, and repeat. Do 15 repetitions to complete a set.5. Abdominal Curls

With both heels on the paper plate (while lying on your back), with your hands lightly touching the back of your head, crunch up as you glide your heels closer towards your butt. Glide heels back out, lower down (without returning to the floor), then repeat 15 times to complete a set.6. Pike Tucks For Core

Begin in a push up position, with both feet on a paper plate. Using your core muscles, glide your feet toward your hands to tuck into a pike position. Bend your knees, or try the advanced option of pulling straight legs in. Lift your hips. Repeat 15 times to complete a set.

Now dust off the paper plate, and go get a snack!

How to run a marathon...and enjoy it!

Well, he did it. My husband completed his 8th marathon on Saturday, along with two of his brothers. This picture was taken after the race. They all look like they're trying really hard to smile. I've already established how much I love watching marathons.

This was the first race (as a spectator) that I didn't spend the whole thing driving madly along the course to find a spot to scream at Joe as he ran by. Instead, my friend Katie and I slept in. Well...sort of. Joe thought it would be a good idea (before leaving) at 4:30 am to put Mr. Ornery Pants back on the mattress he'd fallen off of. Which led to the awakening of the Angel Baby. Which led to a party in our room for the next hour before everyone finally settled down and went back to sleep.)

Katie and I did Turbo Jam, ate breakfast, then shoved 5 kids in her van to meet our husbands at the finish line. I felt slightly guilty for not being more supportive. Until I found out that if I had been somewhere along the course, Joe would've climbed in the car and suggested that we go home. Starting at mile 13.

So yes, my friends, Joe survived. But if he'd actually trained (5 weeks really doesn't count), he could've enjoyed the race...not just survived it!

So here are some tips for any of you considering running a marathon...or a half-marathon...or any race, for that matter. (Since I'm so experienced with ONE marathon under my belt...next time I'll follow my own advice)!

1. GET NEW SHOES! (I'm pretty sure Joe wore the same shoes in this race that he wore in his last half-marathon and full marathon. Maybe his lack of training is the reason they've lasted so long...he's definitely due for a new pair, though). As a general rule, replace your shoes every 300-500 miles, or every six months.
2. TRAIN FOR AT LEAST FOUR MONTHS leading up to the race.
3. RUN CONSISTENTLY FOR AT LEAST A YEAR BEFORE STARTING YOUR TRAINING PROGRAM.
4. RESPECT THE DISTANCE! 26.2 miles is a LOOOOONG way to run. Training is important. Long runs are crucial for physical and mental preparation! Joe ran 15 miles 2-weeks before the marathon. Several long runs (up to 20-milers) are necessary.
5. FOOD IS FUEL! What you eat while training will either slow you down or speed you up! Just because soda's available at work at your disposal doesn't mean you have to drink it!
6. CROSS TRAIN! To his credit, Joe frequently rides his bike to work. This definitely helped build his stamina and overall ability to even survive 26.2. Weight-lifting, cycling, dancing, and even Pilates and Yoga will help prepare your body for the race. Runners who do a lot of core work are better able to keep proper form throughout the race. Cross-training is also important at the first sign of injury while training. If injured, ride a bike until your body heals!
7. TAPER! Since Joe only ran for 5-weeks leading up to this marathon, he really didn't feel like he had time to ease up during the last 2 weeks pre-race. Tapering helps the body heal and recover so you can arrive at the starting line healthy, rested, and ready to run!

Watching runners cross the finish line is AMAZING! Joe crossed it 17 minutes slower than his best time. Assuming I'd missed him (because it was taking longer than normal), I left to look for him and missed his finish! I was so disappointed! Regardless of his lack of training, my husband is amazing! I don't want to sound at all disappointed in his performance...I'm so proud of him for running marathons over and over! I just wish he'd train a little better so that I wouldn't have to stress out so much while he's running thinking that he possibly might not make it!

As always, after watching a marathon, I've caught marathon fever. I'm thinking of running this marathon in April. Who's with me? (There's also a half-marathon). It's 7-months away...we start training in 3! Seriously, people!

Comments Rule!

OK...I promised a pre-marathon post, but it's going to have to wait. We'll see whether my husband survives 26.2 miles with only 5 weeks of training under his belt, and THEN we'll decide whether his method works or not. Maybe I'll be posting how TO train for a marathon rather than how NOT TO train!

I'm actually supposed to be packing right now, but my kids are sleeping and I'd rather take a few moments to share with you some of the AWESOME stuff we've gotten from our fitalicious readers this week. I feel really humbled by the sincerity of your advice, your thoughts, your insecurities, etc. I love that we're all working from the inside out...because who we are inside matters most...and makes us more beautiful on the outside! Anyway, in case you haven't read the comments, you should...cuz this is just a snipit! (And yes, Michael, feel free to comment on the comments!)

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With regards to healthy eating, and getting our kids to eat right, y'all gave some much-needed (for me, anyway) insight!

Michael said: (from his experience as a missionary in Honduras) Kids will eat what everyone else eats ONLY when there aren't any other options. There wasn't a single picky eater down there. When they know there's something else, of course they're going to want it.

Kimberly said: I try not to make food an issue. We have an open cupboard policy, but I want the kids to feel like they are the ones making the healthy choices and that their mom isn't forcing them to eat that way.

Christie's not afraid to throw away any uneaten birthday cake the day after the celebration. "I don't feel it's wasteful because we don't need to eat something just because it's there, and somehow, nobody seems to miss it."

Kristin's theory on sweets: We have dessert probably once a week, and my kids have to eat all their dinner to get it. I don't see this as a reward. I see it more that I'm teaching them that the healthy dinner is most important and if they don't get all the nutrition from the dinner, then they can't afford the sweets.

Erin said: Kids watch us! They watch us weigh in. And when they're toddlers it's fun, but when they get older, they think they have to go on a diet too. So be careful that you say you are eating healthy to be well and strong; not to be skinny or because you're too fat. So we have to be careful what we say!! So what's my point? Moderation...but don't freak out about it...be happy!

Rachelle reiterated the BALANCE and MODERATION theme: My 3 year old knows that I do buy treats, but she also knows that they are not to pig out on whenever she wants. I also don't want her to have an unhealthy relationship with treats and sweets because she will probably grow up and pig out as soon as I let her, so...I guess we (us lucky parents) need to find a balance.

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NOW, ONTO THE REEEEALLY GOOD STUFF! ON SELF-ESTEEM, and FEELING BEAUTIFUL FOR WHO WE ARE:

Here are three women who have had to overcome some SERIOUS stuff with their bodies, but are truly beautiful on the inside and out...

Evelyn said: After two misscarriages, numerous surgeries to have kids and two kids... my body is just not the same! It's so hard for me, but I honestly think my honey likes it better this way...I work on me so I can be that for him and we're both happy with the outcome!!!

Erin (and I don't know what to cut out, so I'm just posting the entire thing) said:

Seriously folks, I'm the queen of deformed bodies! After a masectomy, reconstruction, (yes, my stomach IS my boob)my body is one giant road map leading to no where.

I think one's true character is discovered when you look in the mirror and have no hair, no eyebrows or eyelashes; your face is fat due to the 40 pounds you've gained from the steroids your taking so the chemo doesn't kill you, you're missing one boob and you look at your husband and go..."Wow babe, I'm sexy!" I guess you just embrace what you've got and realize that beauty comes from the inside out.

And trust me people, that's hard to say when your reflection stares back some face you don't even recognize! But it's true. Life is about LIVING not being worried about all of our faults. Eat right, exercise, stay healthy and let the scars be happy reminders of all the fun things we've accomplished in life.

I still have a scar on my leg from a hiking trip to a beautiful Hawaiian waterfall. I love that scar...every time I look at it I remember how much fun that trip was!

So each stretch mark can count for each year we've celebrated motherhood. Each wrinkle can remind us of all the laughs we had with our families and our saggy boobs can remind us that our kids were once tiny babies and how much fun it was to cradle them in our arms. We need to teach our kids, (especially daughters) that beauty is the person that you ARE, not the person you SEE.

And a first-time commenter, Tina: I have struggled with self esteem my entire life. Feeling like I wasn't "good enough" to make parents happy or want me etc. And unfortunately when I put on weight after having children, I wondered what could possibly be attractive to my husband.

But, the awesome thing is. He loves me. I guess I am lovable.

So why don't I love myself?

I have an awesome scar from my birth defect on my stomach that is literally a deep crevasse that you can lose a finger in....OK, so not THAT deep, but I have struggled with the way my stomach looks, especially in a skin tight, wet swimming suit.

But you know, that scar represents life to me.

I am alive, and that scar reminds me every day what a gift my life is.

Behind that scar is scar tissue. It almost looks like an inner tube, only partially inflated, is stuck right to my stomach. Yes, the hole in the middle and everything.

Anyway, I have struggled with self esteem so long and so much but I am with Erin, I have to find my inner beauty and it shows on the outside as well. We aren't all supermodels. But we are "Hot Mama's" because we are moms who love our kids and do our best to be our best.

I guess that when we know who we really are, and WHOSE we really are, we can always find something to love about ourselves because of whose image we are created in.

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So way to go...a Trace Adkins song turned into a Young Women-esque lesson!

Have a fabulous weekend. Do something for YOU! We'll be back Monday (unless my sister's more motivated than me to blog on the weekends...)

One Hot Mama!

Many of you, who are dedicated readers to Starpansie, know how much I love music--especially music that relates to my own life.

My husband and I have multiple "theme" songs we feel best describe our marriage, or "moments" in our life. However, the one that best describes us is "One Hot Mama" by Trace Adkins.

If you haven't heard it, it is hilarious! I am always amazed when a male song writer can get into a woman's head and describe--vividly--the way she feels about herself. I mean, my own DH (love him dearly!) can't even do that sometimes!

Read these words and tell me you haven't (or don't ever) feel this way.

You're doin' all you can to get in them old jeans.
You want that body back, you had at seventeen.
Baby, don't get down; don't worry 'bout a thing.
'Cause the way you fill 'em out, hey, that's all right with me.
I don't want the girl you used to be.
An' if you ain't noticed, the kids are fast asleep, *wink, wink*

An' you're one hot mama;
You turn me on, let's turn it up,
An' turn this room into a sauna.
One hot mama,
Oh, whaddya say, baby?
You wanna?

Well, I know sometimes you think that all you really are,
Is the woman with the kids an' the groceries in the car.
An' you worry about your hips an' you worry about your age.
Meanwhile I'm tryin' to catch the breath you take away.
Oh, an' believe me, you still do.
Baby, all I see, when I look at you,

Is one hot mama...

So classic, right?

Why is it that we worry so much about our hips, our age, the kids, the stretch marks, the old jeans that no longer fit, and sometimes feel like all we are is "the woman with the kids, the groceries, and the car?" Seriously, how can we be expected to turn that room into a "sauna" with all of these things on our mind?

My DH claims loves me just the way that I am (stretch marks, saggy boobs and all).

{{Sometimes I think anything would turn his room into a sauna *wink, wink*}}

So. Why is it we still struggle with our own self-image? Why not embrace the stretch marks and sagginess?

Here at Fit Me Pink, our goal is to help you be a better you! If that means helping you embrace your stretch marks, sagginess, or maybe give you motivation to blast some calories, run a marathon, eat healthier, and feel beautiful just the way you are...then we have accomplished our goal.

We want to hear from you...our fitalicious readers! Do you relate? What is your story? What are you doing to feel like a "Hot Mama" every day? Cuz we know you are!

Discuss...

The FIRST lucky winner and some food for thought

Thanks so much to all of you who submitted recipes! Not only are they healthy, but we have an awesome variety to choose from...dinner, breakfast, treats, appetizers, etc. We received nearly 40 recipes!!! Can't wait to try 'em out! Our families thank you in advance (as long as we don't screw 'em up)! Once we've tried them out, we'll announce the winners of the $20 Visa Giftcard and the Custom Vinyl Lettering. Don't cross your fingers yet...this could take a while!

But for now, the random number generator has spoken. ALYSON (the beautiful cake maker) is the FIRST WINNER!!!!!! Woo hoo!

And the prize is...still a surprise! I've had my eyes on The Something Store for a while. Interesting concept...you pay $10 and await your random gift. So Aly, check your mailbox...one something is on it's way! And please let us know what it is...I'm dying to know if it's worth the $10!

Now for more on FOOD! I was checking this blog on Monday, where Miz Fit talked about a diet that was all the rage years ago. The abundance diet. Have any of you heard of this? I guess the idea is that you stock your cupboards chock full of all the stuff you *can't* have. If oreo's are your weakness, you fill your cupboards with them. Slowly, your brain will begin to process the fact that you don't need to eat *all* of them right now (probably after eating *all* of them the first few times you stock your pantry.) They aren't a scarcity, so you eat less...there'll be more tomorrow. I kind of get this, but I'm not sure it would work for me. But maybe it would. Any thoughts?

The REAL reason I'm questioning this, is because I've never been quite sure how to handle sweets in my house. Honestly, we rarely have "treats" in our house. We have a definite abundance of snacks, just not sweets. Whenever we do have treats, however, my toddler is ALL OVER THEM! Which I'm sort of OK with, since it's not all the time. But the abundance idea made me think that maybe it IS OK to have them available all the time, so that they're not such a novelty.

We try not to use food as a reward. We don't say, "If you do such and such, you'll get a treat." We use toys, stickers, stories, playdates, etc. as rewards. But occasionally we don't allow the "dessert" unless dinner is eaten first. So then food is a reward. I sort of feel like it's a good thing to teach my kids that treats are something we eat on special occasions. But now I'm wondering whether it's better for them to view them as everyday specialties.

Are you confused yet?

So here's my question to you, my more-experienced-fitalicious-family. How have you handled treats with your kids? Are they rewards? Are they readily available in your house in full abundance? Or are treats only for special occasions?

Please discuss.

Pilates and a Stronger You!

For years I have spent most of my time exercising either on the treadmill or on the elliptical. I love the way I feel after a good cardio workout. However, I was never able to manage slimming down my waistline (post-childbirth) doing only cardio. That's when I discovered Pilates. Pilates is a conditioning routine that seeks to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination without adding muscle bulk.

Since discovering this passion for Pilates, I've combined these exercises with my regular cardio routine. I have experienced much delight from the results and thought I would share a few of my favorite exercises that will trim down your waistline, tighten your abs, increase your flexibility, and shrink your back side. If that doesn't motivate you, I don't know what will!

To make this post more entertaining, in shape magazine fashion, I have added some not-so-beautiful-me pictures to help explain and show these moves in action. These moves are really that great--you'll be begging me for more (well, maybe not. At least they will jazz up your workout). To make this even more entertaining (in case you're not jumping out of your chair yet), I wanted to share with you (once again) my favorite playlist(at the end of the post) to go along with the moves...

Elbow Plank Hip Abduction

Layer 1:
1) Elbow Plank from top of head to knees making sure the elbows are directly underneath the shoulders and the belly button is pulled back toward the spine.
2) Hold for 15-20 seconds.

Layer 2:
1) Elbow Plank from top of head to toes. Again, make sure elbows are directly underneath the shoulders and belly button is pulled back toward the spine.
2) Hold for 15-20 seconds
Layer 3:
1) Maintain Elbow Plank from top of head to toes (keep stomach in tight and elbows under shoulders).
2) Lift right leg up (off floor) move away from the body and bring back in 8 times
3) Lift left leg up (off floor) move away from the body and bring back in 8 times.
Lower and stretch in child's pose, then repeat entire sequence.
Elbow Side Bend
Set yourself up sitting on your side, elbow under shoulder, hips stacked and knees bent.

Layer 1: (no picture)
1) Lift your pelvis up off the floor, upper leg extended, lower leg bent (elbow and lower leg supporting your body)
2) Lower back down
Repeat this sequence 4 times.

Layer 2: Add an arm and leg movement, top leg extends
1) Lift to side plank, arm reaching over head, top leg lifting upward
2) Lower
Repeat 4 times.

Layer 3: Add Hip extension
1) Lift yourself up into side plank
2) Top leg extends forward 8 times.
Lower and stretch and then repeat sequence on the other side. (Do both sides of your body twice).

I promise, these moves will make you sweat and you will see results!

Now that I've shared a few of my favorite exercises...share yours! I am always looking for new exercises to try and would love to know how you stay in shape and what you enjoy doing! (Feel free to email pictures along with the comments!)

On my playlist (to name a few): "Chasing Cars," snow patrol--The Way I Am," Ingrid Michaelson--"Your body is a wonderland," John mayer--"Keep Holding On," Avril Lavigne.

SEND IN YOUR HEALTHY RECIPES!

***LAST CALL TO ENTER THE HEALTHY RECIPE CONTEST! SEND IN YOUR RECIPES TODAY!!!!***

And check back later today and throughout the week for:

• The Workout of the Week
• How NOT to train for a marathon (modeled after my husband who started training 5 weeks ago for a marathon THIS week!)
• An exciting change to Fit Me Pink!
• The RANDOMLY PICKED winner of the recipe contest (and the prize)
• And more...

If you want to be recognized as a Fit-a-licious Mama, as well as to qualify for future giveaways, copy and paste the code on the right to your sidebar to add a "Fit Me Pink" button to your website!

LOTS OF TIPS FROM THE FITALICIOUS FAMILY OF READERS

***Only a few more days to enter the healthy recipe contest! Send in your recipes***

When we decided to start this blog, we hoped not only to impart some of the little knowledge we have of health and fitness to our readers, but to gain some insight as well. You ladies (and Michael) know your stuff! So in case you aren't keeping up with the comments, here are a few of the tips we've learned from our fitalicious family of readers (that means you!).

In response to a question about fitness for pregnant women, Tami said:
The elliptical kept me sane as a prego mom. Also, fast walking/jogging to the park every day helped me feel better. Exercise is said to reduce swelling in the legs and to shorten labor. Good luck!

For skin-care products, Christie recommends Origins Perfect World moisturizer and Bare Essentials make-up. They are just the best.

Regarding skin care, Michelle had some great at-home remedies:
I like to use just plain old, regular, white sugar to exfoliate my entire body. It's important not to push AT ALL, just move the sugar around gently and thats enough. It works everywhere, except for my feet (I use Ped Egg and then moisturizer on my feet, I recommend it highly...Exfoliation has been the number one way for me to rid myself of acne (which I am also prone to.) My skin is so hyper sensitive I can no longer use even Proactive Solution's sensitive formula anymore. I use banana boat sunscreen for babies spf 50. For whatever reason it doesn't make be breakout. It feels a little greasy going on, but soaks right in after a few minutes. Then I do the rest of my make-up.

Michael (yay for male readers...nevermind that he's our brother and has to...) said on acne treatment:
Dr. Fulton gave me one free bottle of this:
After one bottle, I was sold. Nothing gets rid of acne like that stuff.

Lots of you helped set the record straight on work-out myths as well!

Melissa said:
My physical therapist told me that stretching before a workout can actually hurt you. Always do most of your stretching after you've worked out.

On ab-work (Listen up, here! We all want to lose our mummy tummies...) Tami said:
Watch out for doing crunches and sit-ups. Not the best way to work the ABS! The abs are postural muscles and we definitely don't walk around in a hunched position all day, so why would you do this to work out. Besides that, it can create or worsen a diastasis ( a separation of the rectus abdominus muscle that comes from being pregnant or doing sit-ups and ab work wrong). Do work the abs by holding them in on all the work you do. Planks are great, heel slides are great, holding the abs in as you do bicep or tricep curls or holding them every time you stand up from a chair has you working them all day long.
For more info check out the book "Lose Your Mummy Tummy" by Julie Tupler

Christie attests to the importance of strength training:
I've been working out with a trainer for almost a year now. Strength training really has made a difference for me. And no, women can't bulk up unless they do steroids. You're right on!

To which Erin responded:
Yes, women can bulk up and do without the use of steroids...I'm a living example!!

Any thoughts? Just for the record, though, Erin definitely doesn't look like a woman on steroids! She's a hot, buff mama!

On to the food stuff!

On eating healthy, Lyenna (who happens to be 5 lbs. from her pre-pregnancy weight 8 weeks after giving birth!) suggests portion control.
I eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm satisfied, not full. I also cut out extra fat. For example, I use mustard instead of mayo, for a sandwich and pile on the veggies to make it more satisfying. Also a good rule of thumb is to pay attention to serving size. If it's bigger than your fist (use this for fruit, potatoes, etc) or palm (use this for chicken, steak, etc) it's too big. Also with dessert, have it, just don't go overboard.

Aly (the beautiful cake maker) suggests:
Lots of...Fiber/Grains
Fruit and Veggies

2 servings...dairy
Easy on the...leans meats

8 glasses (or more)...of water

Essential Fats/Oils: Very small amount

All in moderation 6 days/week...

AND one over induldging day that I throw it all out the window!

Tami (who really is a health and fitness expert) says:
I try to avoid the five whites which are well known for giving you a "gut," "rice gut," "spare tire," whatever you want to call that extra around your waist line.

The five whites:
White flour
White pasta
White sugar
White rice
White potatoes

So what the heck do I eat? Hmmm.... good question!
Whole wheat bread
Whole wheat couscous
Quinoa (said to be the most nutritous grain, it's high in protein - use like rice, or like oatmeal)Brown rice (brown rice cakes are nice to snack on)
Oatmeal
Whole wheat pasta
And I try to eat my vegetables
Go for variety in color

And finally, some extra motivation...cuz I know we could all use some!

Christie nailed one of my motivating factors for exercise on the nose:
The only thing that motivates me is my extreme desire to eat bad food. I work out so that I can eat bad. Sure, I'd like to lose a few pounds, but if I can keep myself from gaining, I've done good.

And we know she runs like crazy...she ran a marathon a few years ago...

Miguelito said:
I guess one motivation is to keep up with you two. There's nothing better than a mid-morning jog in San Diego with my sisters.

We love our cute little brother!

And my favorite from Evelyn:
It is the one thing I can fully accomplish during the day.

If you cross nothing else off your to-do list for the day, you can feel accomplished knowing you did something good for yourself!

Thank you so much for making this blog better than we can make it ourselves. We hope our readership keeps growing so we can keep learning from you inspiring people! Have a great weekend!

***SEND IN YOUR RECIPES! ONLY A FEW MORE DAYS!***

Hey! Who's drivin' this flyin' umbrella?

***Only a few more days to enter the recipe contest! Send in your recipes***

Before we go any further, allow us to introduce ourselves....


Q: Who are you?

R: I'm Robyn...the middle child and favorite sister...hee hee.

K: I'm Kimberly, the flatter-chested, older and wiser sister.

Q: What is your fitness background?

R: I remember doing Mousercize workouts on the Disney Channel when we were little. I think we woke up at 6 am (I was probably 8-years old) to exercise with Mickey Mouse! Does that count as experience? While serving a mission for my church in Finland, I gained A LOT of weight...much more than the fresh-woman 15 I'd gained previously. I then joined the gym, hired a personal trainer, met my husband, and became a personal trainer myself. I worked at an all-woman's gym in California before giving birth to my first baby.

K: I've always had a passion for fitness. I teach pilates, dance, and step classes at the gym--and run in my spare time.


Q: How do you stay motivated to exercise?

R: We come from a long line of family members with OCD in one form or another. For most of us, once something becomes a habit, it just sticks. I wouldn't say that I'm always super motivated, but it's just a normal part of my day. It's one of those things that's easy to do some days, but is really hard to do on other days. Either way, I just do it. I try to have a plan of when I'm going to workout the next day before going to bed. I set out all my clothes, towel, fill up my water bottle, etc. That way when the alarm goes off, I get right into my workout clothes and go (although actually "go"-ing sometimes takes an hour or two with small children in the mix).

K: I just know if I don't work out, I'll be fatter than my sister...and I can't let that happen. My sister's a motivator to me--I know she's not slacking off, so I can't either. There's nothing like those workout endorphins...they're great. My favorite quote from Legally Blonde is, "Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, and happy people don't kill their husbands."


Q: What is your biggest accomplisment to date?

R: Probably running a marathon. Before meeting my now-husband, the furthest I'd ever run was probably 3 miles. He was training for a marathon at the time. The next year, he was going to run one again. I thought, "Why not?" So before ever running a 5K or a 10K or even a 1/2 marathon, I ran 26.2 miles in the St. George Marathon. I cursed myself for doing so the entire second half of the race, but bawled like a baby while crossing the finish line. It felt amazing and I hope to run another one next year. The pain of 26.2 miles really was worth the feeling of accomplishment.

K: Well...doesn't squeezing three babies out of my body count?

R: Oh yeah, that too.


Q: What are your "weakness" foods?

R: Pretty much anything with chocolate, peanut butter, or both. Peanut butter is the only thing I craved during both pregnancies.

K : Chips. I love chips. And cookie dough. And Coke. And hamburgers and fries. Is that enough, or should I keep going?


Q: Why Fit Me Pink?

R: I really want to help women in their healthy-living quest. Our ultimate dream is to open an all-women's Fit Me Pink gym.

K: What better way to promote fitness for women than with my favorite color, pink!


Q: What was your relationship like growing up?

R: We fought a lot. I remember Kimberly playing LOTS of mean tricks on me. We had a playhouse in our backyard, and we'd often take sleeping bags out there to lay on. I remember laying in the playhouse once and Kimberly asking me if I wanted her to tickle my back. Of course I said yes! Turns out, she just wanted a back to wipe her boogers on! Thanks, sis! Our mom also made us "sing" our arguments. We'd end up laughing and forget what we were fighting about in the first place!

K: I don't remember fighting a lot, I just remember not wanting to share my clothes with my messy little sister. When we were a bit older, we became really good friends.


Q: What is your relationship like now?

R: Kimberly really is my best friend. Which is probably why we still fight! We know each other so well, we're not afraid to speak our minds. My mouth has always been what gets me in trouble. Always! But, we also know each other well enough to know that any hurtful thing probably wasn't meant to be hurtful, so we move on as best friends and sisters should.

K: Ditto.


Q: If Hollywood were to contact you to make a movie about your lives, who would play the characters?

R: That's a tough one. I still picture us kind of like Stephanie and D.J. Tanner from Full House. I was always the scraggly, messy younger sister. Kimberly was the clean, perfect, beautiful child. If I could choose an actress now for myself, though, I'd pick Reese Witherspoon. Not sure why...I just really like her. We're both blonde, right?

K: I would pick Carrie Underwood for myself. I love Country Music, and I love American Idol.

Tell us about YOU! What keeps you motivated? Who would play YOU in a movie? What are your weakness foods? ETC.

***Bonus points if you know what movie the title of this post is from***

SEND YOUR RECIPES!

Workout of the Week--BLAST 300-500 CALORIES in 40-50 Min.

***If you haven't yet, check out our healthy recipe contest and submit your recipes!***

I am a total treadmill junkie! Just thinking about running makes my heart skip a beat. There is nothing like listening to your favorite playlist while blasting calories!

For your enjoyment and workout pleasure, here are a few of my favorite songs and favorite workouts to help you get in shape, hit the pavement (or in my case--the treadmill), and blast some serious calories!!

PLAYLIST
Bye Bye--Mariah Carey
Check On It--Beyonce & Slim
Dance Like There's No Tomorrow--Paula Abdul
Girlfriend--Avril Lavigne
Johnny and June--Heidi Newfield
Love Like This--Natasha Bedingfield
No Air--Chris Brown & Jordin Sparks

CALORIE BLAST WORKOUTS!!
These treadmill workouts are designed to blast 300 to 500+ calories in about 40 to 50 minutes. Choose from one of three levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and pick either a high-impact run or a low-impact speed walk on an incline. Don't have access to a treadmill? Do the same program outside on flat or hilly terrain. Follow your cardio workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching for your shoulders, chest, hips, glutes and legs.

Level 1

0:00-5:00: Warm up, 3.5 mph, 0% (RPE: 3)

5:00-7:00: Speed-walk, 4.0 mph, 0% (RPE: 5)

7:00-9:00: Run, jog (5.2-6.0 mph, 0%) or speed-walk (3.8 mph, 6%) (RPE: 6-7)

9:00-33:00: Repeat minutes 5:00-9:00 six more times, alternating 2 minutes of walking with 2 minutes of running or walking on an incline (RPE:7-8)

33:00-38:00: Cool down, 3.5 mph, 0% (RPE: 3)

Level 2

0-5:00: Warm up, 3.5 mph, 0% (RPE: 3)

5:00-7:00: Speed-walk, 4.0 mph, 0% (RPE: 5)

7:00-22:00: Run, jog (5.2-6.0 mph, 0%) or speed-walk (3.8 mph, 6%) (RPE: 6-7)

22:00-39:00: Repeat minutes 5:00-22:00, alternating 2 minutes of walking with 15 minutes of running or walking on an incline (RPE: 7-8)

39:00-45:00: Cool down, 3.5 mph, 0% (RPE: 3)

Level 3

0-5:00: Warm up, 3.5 mph, 0% (RPE: 3)

5:00-10:00: Run, jog (5.2-6-0 mph, 0%) or speed-walk (3.8 mph, 6%) (RPE: 5)

10:00-12:00: Sprint (6.0-7.0 mph, 0%) or speed-walk (3.8 mph, 10%) (RPE: 6-7)

12:00-47:00: Repeat minutes 5:00-12:00 5 more times, alternating 5 minutes of running or walking on an incline (RPE: 7-8)

47:00-52:00: Cool down, 3.5 mph, 0% (RPE: 3)

Have a great workout!

*Note: Always use your own Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) to determine how fast you should go. This rate should be used when gauging your intensity in any cardio workout. Here's what the numbers mean.

• RPE 1-2: VERY EASY; you can talk on the phone, converse with no labored breathing or effort.
• RPE 3: EASY; you can converse with almost no effort. Slightly labored breathing, barely noticeable.
• RPE 4: MODERATELY EASY; you can still converse somewhat comfortably with very little effort.
• RPE 5: MODERATE; you can still talk, but with some effort.
• RPE 6: MODERATELY HARD; now talking requires quite a bit of effort.
• RPE 7: HARD; you can probably still talk a bit, but you don't want to...requires too much effort.
• RPE 8: VERY HARD; you probably can't get out a full sentence without gasping for air. Conversing requires maximum effort.
• RPE 9-10: PEAK EFFORT; you can't talk. You are anaerobic. You can only stay in this zone for a few minutes at most!

What are some of your favorite workouts? What music keeps you motivated? Or do you prefer to let your thoughts/TV/books entertain you?

FIT ME PINK HEALTHY RECIPE CONTEST--no more "stuff"!

My husband recently told me that I never make anything he likes anymore. My garbanzo- bean chocolate chip cookies, canned-pumpkin pancakes, and carrot puree tuna fish aren't quite hitting the mark. His favorites (that he asks for every time I ask what he wants included on the menu--to which I always say, "no") include a dish his family calls "Stuff." The main ingredients? Full-fat cream cheese, full-fat sour cream, loads of cheese, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, white pasta, and a few others all mixed together to form the "stuff." So yummy, creamy, fatty and well, stuff-y. He likes most of the healthy things I make, but makes it his lot in life to complain. My husband who will eat anything is turning into a food-scrutinizing-what-sort-of-weird-vegetable-did-you-unsuccesfully-try-to-conceal-in-my-hamburger-I-don't-like-it-at-all kind of guy. I tell him I'm saving him thousands in future medical bills.

I really do believe that healthy eating can be enjoyable. I'm not orthorexic by any standard. I eat plenty of things some would consider "toxic." Meat. Processed foods. Cookies. Cake. Which reminds me of a poem I recently wrote for a low-cal snack foods contest on this blog.

I love cupcakes.

I love cake.

I love cookies.

I love shakes.

I love white bread.

Yes, I do.

The problem comes,

When it's time to...poo!

Hemorrhoids are my curse in life,

So high fiber foods I must bite.

But as long as I eat enough good stuff,

I still have room for what I love!

Anyway, sorry for the somewhat embarrassing digression. Back to the REAL reason for this post.

I am really not going to change my quest for a healthy lifestyle for me or my family. But I need help! About a year ago, our cousin did a recipe contest on her blog. A few of the healthy meals my husband loves came as a result (including the winning salsa chicken burritos and a white bean chicken chili). But we need more. So, we're having a FIT ME PINK HEALTHY RECIPE CONTEST!

Here are the rules...

1. Send us up to two of your FAVORITE "healthy" recipes. We'll use the term "healthy" loosely. Send us recipes YOU consider healthy (low fat, low cal, high fiber, lots of veggies, fruit, whatever.) Send us stuff that you've actually made and loved. Your tried and true recipes. (Note: You can send as many recipes as you want, but only two will be considered for the contest...let us know which ones are the best!)
2. Let us know if we can share these recipes on our blog.
3. You can email the recipes to fitmepink@gmail.com, or leave your recipe in the comments.
4. Tell your friends
5. Send them by next Monday, September 15th.

Depending on how many recipes we get, this may take a while. But it will be worth the wait! Between both of us (Kimberly and Robyn), we will try each and every recipe we receive. We will determine the winner based on taste, how easy it is to prepare, whether it's really "healthy", whether our families enjoyed it as much as we did, etc. We will have AT LEAST three winners, and possibly more if we really can't decide which ones are the best. As for now, however, the FIRST PLACE WINNER will receive a $20 Visa Gift Card (to spend however you want!) and the SECOND PLACE WINNER will receive a custom vinyl wall lettering phrase from Starpansie Designs! And just for submitting a recipe, you will be entered into a drawing for another undecided prize...trust us...it will be good!

So SEND US YOUR RECIPES, people! Ones that my husband will beg for...that will replace his desire for artery-clogging "stuff"!

Workout Myth Busters

When it comes to working out, we are bombarded with opposing information and beliefs. It can get pretty confusing to sort through all the opposing advice. Here are a few of our favorite myths...

Myth: No Pain, No Gain
Fact: Come on people, if your muscles don't hurt, it doesn't mean you're not getting a good workout! While resistance training can be pretty intense, it doesn't have to be painful to qualify as a good workout! Listen to your body...there's a difference between the "pain" when you've reached failure (when you physically can't do any more!), and the "pain" of a torn ligament.

Myth: It's best to workout in the morning.
Fact: Workout WHENEVER it's convenient for you! I definitely prefer working out early in the morning, but since the birth of my second baby, waking up at 5:00 am feels like the middle of the night to me! I hope to get back to that early morning routine, but for now I'm fitting it in during nap time, or occasionally in the evening. It's more important to focus on getting that workout in than worrying about what time you're able to do it.

Myth: Pre-workout stretching will reduce risk of injury.
Fact: Post-workout stretching is much more important. Do a pre-workout warm-up, and a post-workout cool-down, followed by stretching. (And feel free to leave a comment if your opinion differs on this one...)

Myth: Lots of crunches will create a flat tummy!
Fact: There is really no such thing as spot-reducing! If you want to get rid of belly fat, bulging thighs, double chins, etc., it won't be achieved by working that specific area of the body over and over! (I'm picturing one of my mom's old workout videos where you held your hands on your neck, stretched your chin up, and let out a HUGE breath of air...workin' the double chin, baby!) Anyway, ab exercises define muscle, cardio exercises burn fat. If you have more muscle, you'll naturally burn more fat, but the real way to get that flat tummy, etc. is by what you eat, and the calories you burn! Also, when you lose fat, it comes off ALL OVER the body...not just one place at a time. So be patient, and it will come off! Just stop doing all those crunches! I usually skip the crunches, personally (although a good plank is always good).

Myth: Running is the best way to get in shape.
Fact: Running is actually pretty hard on your joints. You may get a great heart workout by running, but you'll actually burn about the same amount of calories walking a mile as you will running a mile. I personally LOVE running, but occasionally burn out and need a change of pace. Do whatever form of cardio exercise you enjoy (be it cycling, swimming, speed walking, the elliptical, jump roping, etc.) and whatever will keep you motivated for the long haul...as in for the rest of your life!

Myth: If you stop working out, muscle will turn to fat.
Fact: Seriously, people? They are COMPLETELY different, so no...they won't turn magically into each other. When you lose weight, muscle mass increases and fat decreases, so it may appear that the fat has turned to muscle. And vice versa. When your muscle atrophies (gets smaller), and fat increases, it may appear that the muscle has turned to fat. It doesn't work that way. Wouldn't it be nice, though, if we could wave the magic wand and turn the fat to muscle? If any of you figure out how that works...let us know!

Are any of you women afraid of resistance training for the fear of "bulking up"? Yet another myth. What other myths have you heard? (Workout related or not...we're dying for some comments here!)

LOVE YOUR BODY

How many of you are satisfied with your body? An estimated 80% of women aren't. Hollywood has done a great job of distorting our ideas of how we should look, and what shape we should be. They've created a very distorted image of the "perfect woman". Take a minute to watch this video made by the Dove Self Esteem Fund. I love the Dove mission: to make women feel more beautiful every day by challenging today’s stereotypical view of beauty and inspiring women to take great care of themselves. To learn more about this AWESOME campaign, read this.

Your body, shape, size, and color are what make you unique. Let's stop focusing on what we CAN'T change, and more on what we CAN! We all have the power to take care of what we've been given, and to love who we are...whatever shape and size that may be!

I'm learning to embrace my skin tone (mostly white with an occasional short-lived tan with lots of freckles and moles from years of trying to be darker), my blonde eyelashes (you'll never see me without mascara), my post-pregnancy body (which I'm slowly, but surely trying to get back into it's natural PEAR shape). What kinds of unchangeable things do you embrace about yourself? And what small, attainable goals are you setting for the things you can change?

Beautiful arms start with beautiful shoulders

Supposedly summer is pretty much over, but we're in denial!!!! This week, we're going to focus on some shoulder moves to fight off the "winter's coming blues!" You won't want to pull out your sweaters after this! These moves will strengthen your shoulders, prevent injuries, and give you beautiful summer arms (which I am still trying to achieve myself)!

Get out some light to medium hand weights (or some heavy soup cans if you don't have any). Stand with your feet hip width apart, your knees slightly bent, while drawing in your lower abdomen. Perform each of these moves 12 to 15 times, working up to 3 sets.

1. Front Raise
Start with your hands in front of your thighs, knuckles towards your body. Slowly raise both dumbbells (with straight arms), stopping no higher than shoulder height. Lower SLOWLY back to starting position, and repeat.

2. Upright Row:
Raise dumbbells toward your chin, coming straight up the front of your body. Stop when the weights are level with your chest. Your elbows should be slightly higher than your hands. Lower slowly, and repeat.

3. Lateral Raise
Start with the dumbbells in front of your body with your knuckles touching. Raise your arms slowly to the side of your body (with a slight bend in the elbows). Sloooowly return to the starting position, and repeat.
For more of a challenge, keep your arms straight!

4. Rear Deltoid Pressback With straight arms, hold the weights behind your body. Keeping your arms straight, press backward. Press back until you feel the work in the back of your shoulder. (And keep your wrists straighter than mine are in this picture....) Return to the start and repeat.

5. Bent Over Lateral Raise This move is just like #3, but bent forward from the hips. Hold in your abs to support the lower back, and keep your knees slightly bent. Raise arms out to the side. For an added bonus, turn your thumbs to the floor, and your pinky fingers to the ceiling!

Note: I've NEVER posed as an exercise model...I just thought these moves needed pictures. Rather than focusing on proper form, I was focusing on trying not to laugh, deciding whether or not to smile, trying to look away from the camera, keeping my belly in, etc. Hopefully you get the idea. The moves really do work!