30 days

Today officially starts 30 days of eating right and working out.  I have never been a dieter and my friends know that.  I was blessed with a high metabolism and have been able to eat what I want without much concern about calories. I know, I know, I'm one of the lucky ones. Granted my mom majored in nutrition so I did grow up knowing how to make healthier choices, which has helped me along the way, but if I want a bowl of ice cream - I eat it.

I managed to stay the same weight throughout college and vet school.  I noticed the clothes didn't quite fit the same, but I wasn't too worried since the number on the scale was still the same. Well, in the last 2 years since being out of school, that number has crept up 10 lbs, and I was starting to buy bigger sizes. When the shorts I wore last summer no longer fit this summer, reality hit home.  It was time for a serious wake up call!  I realize that I'm still "skinny" by mainstream standards, but I'd really like to lose that 10 lbs, but more importantly, I want to be happier with my size and know that I'm healthy.  Skinny does NOT equal healthy!

Back when I started this little blog at the beginning of the year, I mentioned that I was taking up running, and even completed my first race, but lately I have not been diligent with running or any other exercise for that matter.  I've been more calorie conscious lately, but still not 100% on board.  Throw in our crazy schedule lately and it's been really hard to stay on track.  So now that we are back at home for a while, I marked today as the start of my 30 day "boot camp."

Part one – THE DIET

This will actually be the harder part for me. I love to cook and I love to eat. Now, I'm not going all crazy with the paleo/gluten free/insert fad diet here.  Just eating healthier and counting calories.  I'm not eliminating my ice cream all together, but I will substitute Skinny Cow or No Sugar Added Klondikes. :)  I also will probably still have the occasional glass of wine, but limited to the weekends and only if I have the available calories.
 
My Fitness Pal is a great website to use to keep tract of calories.  They already have tons of nutritional information stored in their database so it's easy to use.  They also have a handy smart-phone app for tracking calories on the go.  It includes a barcode scanner that instantly searches for the info on a product.  Definitely simplifies old school calorie counting.

I plan on incorporating all those "healthy eating" recipes I've found on Pinterest, my Cooking Light cookbook, as well as these great websites:

Part two – EXERCISE

• Running - I've been running off and on all year, but this is something that I really want to become a part of my routine.  I plan to run 3 times a week.  I'm starting back on my couch to 5k program at week 5 (about halfway through) and once I catch up I'm moving to this 10k program (available on Itunes).
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• Crosstraining - 3 days a week, likely not on the same days as I run (because I know my limits!).  I have tons of exercises & workout routines pinned on Pinterest, mainly focusing on butt, hips, and thighs - my problem areas.  I also have the Jilian Michaels 30 day shred video.  It kicks my butt!  
• I'm planning on 1 rest day because everybody needs one.  Six days may sound like a lot, but for me personally, it needs to become a daily thing or I will forget to do it.  I'm not talking about hours every day - just 30 minutes.

I did have a bit of a binge day yesterday and enjoyed this delicious meal.  See you in 30 days Five Guys!

Wish me luck!