A New Work Out Class!

The Bar Method work out class is my new obsession. And before you ask, no it does not involve going to bars or drinking at all. : )

Well, I guess you can't really call having only gone to two classes an obsession but it's definitely something that I'm about to dive into. Today I even purchased a month long package deal. I've been bored with the gym lately and my running routine outside is slowly getting too hot to do when I want to do it. In comes my dear friend Belinda who has been going to bar method classes for a few months now to help her trim down a little in time for her amazing Hawaii wedding at the end of this month. We had plans to meet for dinner last week and she suggested that I come with her to one of these classes before we grab dinner. I am so glad that I took her up on this offer because the class felt amazing!

Here is the description of what exactly the bar method is all about: "Exercise classes that integrates the fat burning format of interval training, the muscle shaping technique of isometrics, the elongating principles of dance conditioning, and the science of physical therapy to create a revolutionary new workout that quickly and safely reshapes your entire body." It's a combination of dance, pilates, yoga and then some strength training thrown in there too. Sounds easy enough, right? Uh, not so much! It's a tough hour-long work out that burns just about every muscle in your body. Tonight's instructor told us, "the more you shake and the more you burn, the better".

Apparently all the celebs are taking bar method classes so it's incredibly trendy right now, especially here in Los Angeles. Drew Barrymore and Kelly Osbourne specifically have recently lost a ton of weight and it's all because of these workout classes. They both are looking incredible these days! I'm a big of Ms. Drew Barrymore so that enticed me to try the classes out for myself too.

I'll keep you posted on my progress! Have you ever heard of the Bar Method?

Tasty Tuesdays-Apples!

Thanks to Alissa at 33 Shades of Green for continuing to do this blogging meme. I always enjoy participating in it every week. It gives me a great excuse to try new recipes that I've never made before.

Last night I decided to have a little fun with apples. I have a bunch that were pretty small I thought it would be neat to try a recipe that I've been hanging on to for awhile that involves baking red apples.

APPLES TO THE THIRD POWER

Ingredients:

4 large apples (I used 5 smallish ones)
3 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 cup apple butter (I couldn't find this so I used regular butter and they turned out great)
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup apple cider (I decided to be adventurous and used sparkling apple cider)


Here's what you do:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Core the apples. Stir together sugar and cardamom, and put in 1 teaspoon in the cavity of each apple. Fill to the top with apple butter. Top each with a slice of butter and the remaining cardamom sugar.

Arrange the apples in a pie tin (or cookie sheet), and pour the cider all around them.
Bake 50 minutes, until soft. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the apples to serving plates. Transfer the pan juices to a saucepan and boil until reduced slightly, for about 2 minutes. Pour juice around the apples. (I didn't do this last step because the juice was already fairly thick and syrupy when it came out of the oven)

I was thrilled with the final results! We threw some vanilla ice cream on top of them and this really brought out all the yummy flavors. There's really nothing better than hot apples with cold ice cream! This is a super easy recipe so I definitely encourage you to try it out for yourself.

Tasty Tuesday

It's time for another fun Tasty Tuesday, originally created by Alicia at but now the new host is Alissa over at 33 Shades of Green.

For this week's cuisine, I decided to make Creamy Cauliflower Mac. I found the recipe in my latest Runners Magazine and thought it sounded good and pretty healthy too. It's another genius concoction from renown food writer, Mark Bittman. "Instead of using high-fat butter and cream, Bittman makes his healthier mac and cheese with pureed cauliflower, chicken stock, and a moderate amount of cheese."

Here's the recipe:

2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
2 bay leaves
1 large cauliflower, cored and cut into pieces
8 ounces whole-wheat elbow macaroni
1/2 cup grated cheese (such as sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or Emmental, or a combination)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup whole-grain bread crumbs
salt and pepper


Heat oven to 400F. Boil a pot of salted water. In a saucepan, warm stock and bay leaves on medium-low heat for five minutes; turn off heat. Cook cauliflower in boiling water for 25 minutes. Put cauliflower in food processor or blender. Cook pasta in boiling water for five minutes. Drain and rinse to cool; put pasta in a greased, nine-inch square baking dish. Process cauliflower with stock (discard bay leaves), cheese, oil, mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, working in batches. Pour sauce over pasta, toss, and spread evenly in dish. Top with Parmesan and bread crumbs. Bake 20 minutes. Serves four.

Calories Per Serving: 420 Carbs: 57G Protein: 20G Fat: 15G

Here it is!


While it turned out pretty good, I still will always prefer the traditional mac and cheese. This just wasn't exactly creamy enough for me... Wonder what I could have added to get that consistency? I also think that I might have had too much noodles and not enough of the cauliflower cheese sauce.

The Four Agreements

About three years ago, I learned about the Four Agreements. They were created by Mexican new age author, Miguel Angel Ruiz. The Four Agreements is his most famous and influential work.

From time to time, I've used them to get through some of life's most challenging situations. They are simple and fairly easy to remember. If you haven't heard of them before, I highly encourage you to read them below.

1. BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using words to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the pursuit of truth and love.

2. DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST. Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are tired as opposed to well-rested. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

New Years Resolutions

I've always had mixed feelings about making New Years Resolutions. On the one hand, they are a great way of looking back on your year and really evaluate the good and bad things that happened during the course of the year. However, it can also be pointless to make resolutions because who honestly keeps track of them throughout the year? I certainly don't, maybe just for the first few weeks of January.

In any case, every year without fail, I can't help but make of few of those pesky New Years Resolutions. So here they are mine for 2011:

1. Continue to work out and train for my upcoming Half-Marathon in Feb and the Full Marathon in March.
2. While I've traveled a ton this year and explored many cities around the US, I think I need to further delve into this crazy city that I live in.
3. Learn to master the art of parallel parking.
4. Read more.
5. Meet more new people here in LA, maybe through my college alumnae association or other online meet-up groups.
   
6. Write in my journal more often. I need to make an effort to write something in it almost every day.
7. See my LA friends more often.
8. Last but definitely not least, do not give up on my dreams of working in the music industry. If I want it badly enough, it will happen. Persistence and determination are key!

So, what are your resolutions for 2011? Got any in common with mine?

31 Day Photo Challenge-Day 18

31 Day Photo Challenge- Day 18: Post a photo of your biggest insecurity.

I found this image below when I did a search on Google of 'insecurities'. While I think it's kind of funny, I also think that it's a rather accurate depiction of the way most people feel about their bodies.

Unfortunately, I too, struggle with the typical body insecurities but I strongly believe that I've gotten better and will continue to become an even healthier person inside and out.

Healthier Curvy!

I've been reading a lot of blogs lately that are about women's experiences losing weight and their adventures in dieting and exercising. I commend these women for putting themselves out there. That takes courage. So, I'm going to follow in their example and talk a little about my quest for a better bod.

Honestly, I've never had the best self-esteem when it comes to my body. I've always felt that I would look and feel so much better about myself if I were to lose some weight. I know that I'm never going to be skinny and I'm totally fine with that. I'm curvy. I just want to be a healthier curvy. Does that make sense? We all have something that we want to improve about ourselves, this is mine.

Over the past few months, leading up to my Half Marathon over Labor Day weekend and continuing now, I've been super focused on becoming healthier and happier with my body. Thus, I've followed a serious work out regime at the gym. Of course, I have had days where I slacked off but for the most part, I've been good.

This month, in particular, I've stepped it up a notch. Last week I introduced the dreaded sit ups with your legs crossed up in the air into the mix. I hate them with a passion but my trainer (and by 'my trainer', I mean, she was my trainer for one day) told me that sit ups are great for an ab workout which is what I'm working really hard on. I've always worked out here and there but never with this kind of gusto and drive. Yep, that's right, I got gusto and drive now. Ha!

Of course all the training for my half marathon and now for the full marathon I'm doing in March are helping me along immensely. Knowing you have an upcoming athletic event really do wonders for your drive. Signing up for that Half Marathon and this Marathon were probably two of the smartest decisions I've ever made.

So, has all this hard work paid off so far? Yes, actually since I've moved to LA, drum roll please, I've lost a whopping.........20 pounds! I know, it's crazy! The odd thing is that the only time I can really tell is when I put on older clothes. That is the best feeling ever-throwing on an old shirt or a pair of jeans and practically swimming in them. It's so awesome! But I'm not done yet, I'm going to keep working out and training for the LA Marathon and hopefully this time next year, I'll be at my goal weight.

Something else interesting that I've been thinking about is whether or not living here in LA has been a factor in my quest to lose weight and I answer, yes. Of course LA is full of lots and lots of beautiful skinny people. I would have to be blind not to be affected by all of them. Yet the bottom line is that I want to be healthier for me and for no one else. I think that's the most important thing to remember in life.

Live a Longer Life

I heard about this list from a friend and thought it was too interesting not to share on my blog. What do you think about it? Do you agree? There are certainly a few that I don't agree with.

Check it out: Life a Longer Life: 15 Signs

Cleaning Out My Closet

Today I spent about two hours going through all my clothes and I was able to get rid of a lot. I usually do this about once every other month. I try on things that I haven't worn in awhile and see if I still like them and/or they still fit right. Then, whatever I don't want, I haul into my car and take over to Goodwill.

While of course it's a nice feeling getting rid of clothes, it also makes room for newer clothes which is of course the best part. : ) I love all that room it makes and it really allows you to see exactly what you have. It was time to get rid of some clothes because I am so happy to announce that I have lost 10 pounds since moving here and counting and a few things are just too baggy now. Yay! This is seriously the best feeling ever and I hope to continue losing more and more pounds. I guess I should be thanking all that running I've been doing.

Invisalign-Day 1

Yesterday I finally got my Invisalign and so far so good. They aren't too uncomfortable but I can definitely feel them in my mouth. The hardest part about them is simply taking them out and putting them back in. You are literally supposed to put your nails in there to get them out! Yikes! My dentist says that it will get easier over time so that's good to know. It is kind of annoying to have to go to the bathroom to check my teeth for food and remove or put the aligners back in. I also have a slight lisp right now that I'm told will go away as I get used to having them in my mouth.

So, Day 1 down without any major problems, well minus the fact that I embarrassingly had food stuck in the bracket like things on my teeth through my dinner last night! Ugh! So mortifying! Thank goodness my friend has braces so he understood. : )

Stay tuned for my progress!

Eat Your Way Gorgeous

I'm always on the lookout for ways to eat healthy and now that I live in LA, the quest to look and be healthy is apparent absolutely everywhere. I found this list awhile ago and I figured my blog would be a perfect way to share it since I want all my readers to eat healthy too. It's not always easy to eat all the right foods but when you know exactly how they will help your body, it certainly helps.

So here are 10 foods that are supposed to significantly give you glowing skin, shiny hair and whiter teeth.

1. Lobster- I rarely eat lobster but I do know there are many good things about it. It offers a good, low-fat source of protein, and shellfish also contains high amounts of zinc, a mineral which may help prevent acne and boost the immune function Lobster also has pentatonic acid, a B vitamin that makes hair look shinier. Also try clams, mussels and oysters.

2. Artichoke- It supplies 25% of an adults daily quota of fiber. It is super detoxifying because it helps rid the body of waste. This means clearer and more radiant skin. Artichokes also contain rutin, an antioxidant that reduces inflammation throughout the body so skin looks plumper and less red.

3. Chia Seeds- I've never even heard of these....These seeds are great sources of vitamin E and omega 3 which are essential fatty acids that make skin glow and hair shine. Unlike flax seeds, chia seeds don't need to be grounded up for their beneficial oils to be absorbed. Also try flax, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

4. Strawberries- Yes, I love strawberries! This sweet fruit is loaded with vitamin C, an immune boosting antioxidant that stimulates collagen production and reduces damage from free radicals which are the nasty molecules that cause skin to age prematurely. Strawberries also contain malic acid, a natural astringent that can help remove discoloration from teeth. Also try blueberries, kiwis and oranges.

5. Sweet Potatoes- These tasty, orange complex carbs are full of fiber and are high in vitamin A, an antioxidant that keeps skin fresh, smooth and clear. The topical version of vitamin A-a derivative knows as tretinoin is the main ingredient in many prescription acne and anti-wrinkle creams. Also try carrots and tomatoes.

6. Acai- This is known as a super fruit, it is reddish purple Brazilian berry is full of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants (a couple of ounces have more free-radical fighting power than a glass of red wine). Though it's difficult to find the real fruit outside of Brazil, many companies sell acai capsules, sorbet and other products.

7. Wild Salmon- This is one of the best-known sources of skin-beautifying omega fatty acids, salmon reduces inflammation more effectively than almost any other food. It enhances radiance and reduces wrinkles and puffiness. Also try mackerel and sardines. I'm not a fan of either of those but I do love a good salmon. Lucky for me, Gina has shown exactly how to cook a tasty salmon.

8. Kale- This dark green, leafy vegetable offers lots of fiber which aids in clearing skin and plenty of vitamin A and C which helps reduce wrinkles and discoloration. Kale also has lutein, a nutrient that makes the whites of our eyes look brighter. This isn't a vegetable that I would necessarily pick up so it's nice to be alerted of all its benefits. Also try spinach.

9. Quinoa- Another unknown one. The B-complex vitamins in this nutty grain help skin glow and hair feel less dry. Unlike many starches, quinoa doesn't contain gluten, a common but often overlooked source of food allergies that can irritate the skin,

10. Kefir- Probiotics in this tangy drink cleanse the digestive tract, so skin appears clearer and more luminous. Studies show faster weight loss among people who drink kefir or eat yogurt. Too bad I don't like either..: (