"Can you do it? You bet you can!"

I've been watching this Bob Harper (one of the trainers from The Biggest Loser) workout DVD and he says that at the beginning of the workout. I always think it is super cheesy when he points to the sign that has that ridiculously positive saying on it. But then when I'm working my butt off and am tired, and don't want to keep going, I find myself saying this. 

My inspiration to work out came to me a couple months ago. I was getting ready for the day, had gotten dressed and all my makeup on, hair was done, and I went to go wash my hands. In the bathroom at home is this huge mirror, and I can see everything from the waist and up. This particular time, I was noticing the extra amount of jiggle that I saw on my upper arms that used to be fairly toned and jiggle free. "Jeez... gotta do something about that", I thought. 

However, Superbowl Sunday was around the corner, which is a pig out holiday. Then there was Valentine's week. And work was crazy. No time to eat healthy or work out. Then the weather was cold and dreary for a week or so, and who can eat salads when it's cold out? Comfort food is best enjoyed on cold days. Then I spent every waking moment studying for a particularly tough microbiology exam.And only ate foods that could be picked up from the fast food lane and stuffed in my face.

I had spent all of this time coming up with excuses and telling my self that it would be too hard, too expensive, I didn't have the time for it, and I would fail. Why should I start working out and really taking care of my body if I was going to fail?

Well, then it was FINALLY spring break! I had to go to the doc for a check up, and got on the dreaded scale... It was then that I got the slap in the face that I needed. And all of a sudden, those asshole voices in my head went away! And in their place came determination and drive to do better. A couple days later I went on a short vacation. I didn't eat super great while I was gone, and didn't do any working out. But as soon as I got back home, I went to pinterest.

I knew that I could find some really good tips and ideas to help me get started on setting some goals. One of the first few things I found was a list of "Skinny Rules" by Bob Harper. Some of them are not possible for me. Like, "no carbs after lunch". Really?? That's a no-can-do. Whole grain pasta is a staple in my quick and cheap dinner routine. And what about the "no added sweeteners, or artificial sugars"? I love me some diet coke. I know that aspartame causes your brain to turn to swiss cheese and all, but I cannot help it. It's zero calories and a yummy beverage that I don't know if I can do without. Cut it back? Sure! But get rid of entirely? No thanks. Plus, who doesn't like swiss cheese?!

However, there are some of the rules that I have implemented. Such as, drink a full glass of water before every meal. It really does cut back how much you eat! And the whole, "go to bed hungry" thing. I'm doing it, but it's not easy. And I'm also trying to cut back on my sodium (see: super salty foods) intake. I have cankles. I am 24 and have cankles. All my years of eating fried foods like they were going out of style have caught up with me, and my ankles are paying the price. Seriously! I am now grossed out if I don't wear pants that cover that mess up.

So! In order to get rid of the jiggle and the cankles, and other gross things that come with not taking proper care of the bodies we are given, I am trying to get it together! I'm eating better, but not cutting out all the foods that I like. I'm just eating the healthier versions of the same foods. And by healthier, I mean any of the following:
- low in calories/fats/sugar/sodium
- higher in fiber and vitamins
- and higher in whole grains
- smaller portions of the fats, and more veggies

I am also working out, but I will save that for another post. Let me know how you eat right and how I can improve my eating habits if I got it wrong somewhere. And as a disclaimer, these are things that I think I should be doing to lose weight and purify my body. This is not some diet program I am trying, and these things might not work for you. These are just the steps I am taking to get where I want to be. Signing off for now!

-Michelle

I'm blogging because... And you should follow because...

Ok, so I deleted all my old posts, and I am revamping this old thing. 

A LOT has happened since I started this blog, and I wanted to re-create my posts and my purpose for blogging, which is why I removed the old posts. My main motivation for starting to blog again is that I feel like I am finally turning into the woman I have always wanted to be. I have a little family (which includes me, my crazy-dog, and the man that puts up with us both), I am fairly knowledgeable about politics and current events, I listen to NPR, I drink wine, I'm in school, I'm starting to garden and be healthier overall... the list goes on and on.

There are many things I have yet to do, that I would love to blog about as I do them!

Here's why I think you should follow me:
I am going to post about all different kinds of stuff! I love to craft and DIY a bunch.
I love to cook and try different recipes, and I will share them with you. The good, the bad, and the ugly. 
I have a lot of different interests, and this would be a collection of a lot of awesome stuff!
I have a super cute puppy, and I plan on posting a lot of pictures of her.

And here we go!