Beauty in Strength

Hello everyone, and Happy Sunday!  I honestly can not believe it’s already Sunday night.  This weekend has absolutely flown by!

Yesterday with Aiden went by way too fast, and I cherished absolutely every precious moment.  Once my sister and brother-in-law came home, A went to sleep and I hung out with them for a while before coming home myself.  I had fit in an upper body lift in the morning, so when I got in, I ate dinner, relaxed a bit, and got a good night’s sleep.

Now tonight, after catching up on some things before the work week begins again, I’m curled up on the couch with Morgan and a cup of tea.  Since it’s been so long since I’ve last done a survey, I thought I’d share this healthy living survey with you that I had read first on Emily’s blog.

1. What did you eat for breakfast?

Breakfast this morning was packed with protein – one serving of Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 Almond Sprouted Whole Grain Cereal that I loved so much, 1/2 of a cantaloupe, cubed, and a mug of honey lemon tea.

2. How much water do you drink a day?

I drink A LOT of water. Except for an occasional glass or two of red wine and for the almond milk in my morning oats or cereal, water is the only thing I drink throughout the day. I enjoy it with a squeeze of lemon or lime, and the harder the workout that day, the more I drink!

3. What is your current favorite workout?

I can’t pick one, so I picked two.  I love yoga and how many varieties of the practice there are.  Some types refresh, rejuvenate, and renew, while others are more intense, burning calories and fat.  However, all types stretch your body and make you stronger and more flexibil, while connecting your body with your breath.  I also love strength training, especially with body weight exercises, resistance bands, and free weights.

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4. How many calories do you eat a day?

I make it a point not to count calories, so I’m not sure. I go by my hunger cues, and I acknowledge that each day is different based on my activity level, workout that day, events, and so forth.

5. What are your favorite healthy snacks?

An apple with cinnamon and almond butter, a banana with cinnamon and almond butter, or baby carrots and hummus are usually my go-to snacks.  Other snacks I enjoy include a small piece of dark chocolate, fresh fruit, or some roasted almonds.

6. What do you usually eat for lunch?

Lunches are varied but always balanced. Sometimes it is a vegetable (usually broccoli florets) sauteed in garlic and EVOO and topped with some type of beans or a alongside a sweet potato.

7. What is your favorite body part to strength train?

I enjoy both equally.  To be honest, if you asked me this 6 months ago, I would say my lower body, because it is stronger, and I achieve more PRs, but recently I have really liked training my upper body as well.  I have to work harder to strength train my upper body, but I see the definition and tone more, and I love feeling accomplished when I am done!

8. What is your least favorite body part to strength train?

If I have to pick one, my abs, because it hurts, but it’s worth it.

9. What are your “bad” food cravings?

I don’t believe in “bad” food. Everything in moderation!

10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?

I take a multi-vitamin, Calcium with Vitamin D, Flaxseed Oil, and Vitamin B12 every morning.  Look for a post on this soon!

11. How often do you eat out?

Normally, once or twice a week. It depends on my schedule and date night(s) that week.

12. Do you eat fast food?

No. If I want to grab something fast, I’ll grab some brown rice sushi.

13. Who is your biggest supporter?

My family. My parents and siblings (especially my big sister!) are always so supportive!

14. Do you have a gym membership?

Yes.

15. How many hours of sleep do you get each night?

On average I get about six hours of sleep a night during the week and usually more on the weekends.  After getting more last week and feeling a tremendous difference, my goal is to increase that average.  We’ll see how that works out though.

16. Do you have a “cheat” day?

No!  I don’t believe in, “cheat days,” either, but if I do have a glass or two of wine, eat out, or have a small piece of dark chocolate, it’s usually on the weekends.

17. Do you drink alcohol?

Occasionally, on holidays, special occasions, or out to dinner/drinks with friends.  I stick to red wine ( organic and sulfite free if possible), and I keep it under two glasses.

18. Do you have a workout buddy?

No, I don’t.  Although I enjoy working out with someone else, I enjoy working out alone more.  I feel like it’s, “me,” time.

19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?

I can not express how much energy and strength I have throughout the day since committing to a healthy lifestyle.  I love the way I feel, and I see a noticeable difference in how I look too.

20. What was the last healthy thing you did?

I had a great yoga session just before writing this post.

Have a great night friends!

Question of the Day: Pick one of the questions to answer in the comments section below!

Quote of the Day: “Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.” – Salvador Dali