Exercise: Fun?!

I've never been one to just head outside and start jogging. If you read my last post, then by now you know about my "lifestyle change" that I've recently undertaken. Even though I finally had the diet part down, I knew it was time to incorporate some exercise.

I was intrigued by a colleague's Facebook status update that he ran with an app he recently downloaded called "Zombies, Run!" The app, which is priced at $7.99, features a storyline intertwined with a playlist of your choice. During the first run I was informed that I was in the middle of a zombie apocalypse and I was the new "runner" for the township of survivors.

While you run (or walk and jog like I do), you could be chased by a mob of zombies. A beeping noise indicates how close they are and if they catch you, a few supplies could be taken away from you.

Here's the end result of my walk/jogging last night!


When you finish your run or walk, you can then build up your town with the supplies you've collected. I have to admit that the app was really fun and the storyline is super detailed. Once you complete your mission, there's a radio playlist that weaves a "radio" broadcast of two silly guys and your music. Even then, you can still collect supplies.

Overall I truly enjoyed it and woke up this morning to see what happened next. After a tour of the "base", I think I heard some zombies, so I decided to sprint.

Whatever it takes to get me moving!

I'm not on a Diet; I'm Eating Healthy!

 

I've always taken my health for granted. When something goes wrong, I don't even know why I'm shocked! Looking back I know exactly how I got here. Now, I've never considered myself to be "overweight" or anything, but in the last few years I've noticed just a little extra that kind of bothered me.

A few weeks back at my yearly health checkup, I stepped up on the scale as the nurse requested. I was horrified by the number. It isn't terrible in some people's minds I'm sure, but to me 154 just didn't look right!

I've been telling people my excuse lately: in college I walked everywhere! To class, up the hills, down the hills and to my apartment for a quick nap. You see, I lived close to campus and I only drove my car to get groceries. I also didn't eat well.

Since I was getting so much exercise, I was burning off calories I didn't even consider that I was consuming. As a college student, I'm sure you know diet isn't usually a concern. (Mac and cheese for dinner? Yes, please!)

Fast forward three and a half years. Same diet. Near to none exercise. That equals a problem. Now I will say that I was in such shock over my nearly 25 lb. weight gain since high school (which was almost seven years ago now). And yes, I'll never be 18 again.

So I hopped on to my own scale in the bathroom. Luckily that one read 144 the same night. (Instant 10 lbs. of weight loss. Woot!) Now I don't know if the scale in my bathroom is accurate, but I've been weighing in on that one since my "lifestyle" change.

Yep, I'm calling it a lifestyle change. Not a diet! Diets can work for people who stick to them, yes, but a lifestyle change is something I feel is more permanent for me. You see, my mother recently found out that she has Type 2 diabetes. I knew it was now or never. So I studied up and did something I've never actually done before: cook meals at home.

And not just any meals. Healthy meals packed with vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts. Tacos stuffed with sautéed veggies and a side of beans. Whole gain pizza crusts covered in fresh veggies. Homemade fruit "ice creams" that I didn't feel guilty eating.

Friends are asking me, "So you're vegetarian, now?!" I don't know the answer to that just yet. However, I was surprised that 18 days later I'm now down six pounds. Not only that, but I'm feeling phenomenal! I'm getting to work an hour a half earlier and waking up without attempting to hit the snooze. I can see a change in my body and I crave the taste of my next decadent meal with the full flavors all the vegetables and fruits offer.

And I'm not looking back! Sure, there's been challenges. I've been tempted during my workdays with pulled pork, warm chocolate chip cookies and even endured the smells during Waffle Wednesday. It's all been well worth it, though. I'm excited about the challenges ahead but feel more empowered and in charge of my health than ever before! For more information on my new lifestyle change, please visit the Engine 2 Diet website.

UPDATE: See how going plant-strong changed my life and my results six months later here!

Looking to go vegan? Check out these related posts below!

Where to Begin
Kitchen Overhaul

5 Tips for a Healthy Vegan Diet

Pinterest Plant-Strong Board
Top 5 Reactions to "I'm Vegan"
Protein in a Vegan Diet
5 Tips for Eating a Plant-Based Diet (Anywhere)
Veganism in a Nutshell (video)
5 Things I've Learned Through Veganism
Foods That Kill

Lessons Learned in 2011

The year is over and I realized a few things when I began to reflect on the past year. I've been thinking about blogging lately, and wasn't able to post as much as I'd like. However, I thought I would start the new year off with some overall lessons that I've learned over the last twelve months.

1. Ask for what you want.
Now this one may seem simple and straightforward, but last February I had finally taken an official stand in my job as the print shop operator. I was done with going above and beyond and finally asked for something I had wanted and felt I had deserved: a raise! I did not receive one even eight months later. Which brings us to number two...

2. Don't be afraid to take a stand.
I had articulated my reasons for a raise with three pages of bullet points noting things I'd accomplished outside of my job duties. I had several conversations and impromptu meetings with my supervisor to explain why I had felt I deserved said raise. There were some major cuts in funding in Texas education, so my timing couldn't be worse.

3. Know when to take a break.
I eventually stressed myself out emotionally, mentally and physically, and led to an extended injury with my back. I think all of the combined reasons above triggered the pain, and I realized I could no longer "do it all" myself. After months of physical therapy, I had decided to look elsewhere seeing no other choice. This all brought me to the next goal in my life.

4. Find the "right fit".
I'm not talking shoes here, but a good solid fit in employment. I had poured my heart and soul into something that just wasn't panning out. So after nine months of searching and sending out hundreds of resumes, I found a great company to work for in September. After a successful in-person interview, I was chosen for the position.

5. Above all, NEVER lose your ambition.
Starting my fourth job in three years was admittedly embarrassing and frustrating for me. I was always a planner and to be confused about my life at the age of 24 was not helpful! (I even purchased a book titled, "The Quarterlife Crisis"!) For several months, I was completely saddened by the lack of results my hard work had failed to produce. I tried to remember how positive I had been on the day of my college graduation and that thought somehow pulled me through one of the toughest years I've had so far. I understand the importance of having this ambition and how this fuels your motivation and dedication to do anything.

Last year was a little rough for me professionally and personally, but things are looking up! I've passed my three month mark with my new company and I'm loving every day of it! Being happy is what 2012 is all about. Find your happiness no matter what that means!

Cheers to all of you and here's to a great year.