Overcoming comparison, competition, and jealousy

I wanted to touch base on a topic that isn't talked about much - how do women deal with issues of competing or comparing bodies, physique, successes, etc? 

I was thinking about this topic as I watched the Victorias Secret fashion show. I was jealous of their flat tummies, long lean legs and perky chests. And then I had a reality check: that is their job. Many of them were genetically born with those body types or work several hours a day with professionals to keep it that way. They aren't perfect- many in fact would say they are too skinny. But they get paid the big bucks to look like that and if we all could look that way we'd all be VS models. But we aren't.

We are all guilty of this at some point. You see a perfectly trim celeb in a magazine, the fit gym rat with perfect muscle tone, the skinny mom in her skinny jeans at the mall....and the thoughts creep in. "I wish I was 10 lbs lighter," or "I wish I had her thighs" "Why can't my tummy be flat..." 

It happens. We all get envious of other women in our lives at some point. Some of these women we will never meet, and some might be our sisters, best friends, co-workers, or trainers. The important thing is to recognize when this is happening and combat it with positive thoughts.

We are each on our own journey and we each have our own struggles. That woman with the perfect thighs might be so unhappy with her chest size. Or the woman who looks so "skinny" might have a hard time gaining weight and is very self conscious about it. The perfect fit looking gym goer might struggle with food issues. So we really can't assume someone has a perfect life based on their looks or lifestyle.

Every now and then this happens to me and I start to get down on myself. I just simply remind myself that my life is good, I have many great features and things to be thankful for. Everyone is fighting their own battles.

Say it out loud: I am beautiful in my own skin. I work hard to take care of myself. I have no reason to be jealous or compare myself to other women. I am just doing the best I can do!

The Breakfast Debate

Most health, diet, and fitness books and websites will all recommend eating a healthy breakfast to support weight loss. Depending on who you ask, there are conflicting opinions and studies on this. (Read this article for a quick synopsis). Other studies have determined that eating breakfast has no effect on weight loss and may in fact cause weight gain. So, what's a person to do?

My personal opinion is this- I recommend that most people eat a healthy breakfast as part of their daily routine.

Why? Your body has been fasting for 8 -10 hours overnight, sending your metabolism to a nice slow pace for conservation. Several people wake up hungry and eating a healthy breakfast with a balance of protein, carbs, fat (and don't forget fiber) can set the mood for healthy eating and curb starvation pangs for the rest of the day. 

Now some people argue eating breakfast makes them hungrier for the day. Well, yeah, if you eat cereal chock-full of 20g of sugar like Raisin Bran (yes, this cereal is bad for you!), you will feel hungrier an hour later. But if you eat an egg, piece of plain whole grain toast,plain oatmeal, or low sugar cereal with unsweetened milk, you probably won't experience that annoying blood sugar spike. Making sure you have fiber also helps feel fuller longer. Eating a muffin the size of your head will indeed result in hunger pangs an hour later as well. It's all about what you choose to eat!

There are some folks that are adamant about NOT eating breakfast. Lets say for example, you are one of those people who hate eating breakfast, so you typically don't. Or perhaps you are someone who ate a ginormous dinner the night before and you simply don't "feel hungry" for breakfast. So this describes you and you typically skip breakfast, do you find yourself starving at midmorning or lunch time? Does this sudden hunger attack lead to stuffing yourself?

If so, you should probably reconsider eating breakfast. If you end up reaching for donuts in the break room, downing half a jug of coffee creamer, or consuming a 1,000 calorie lunch, you probably aren't coming out ahead by not eating breakfast (even if you think you are!).

On the other hand, if you find that you can still stay on track with your personal calorie targets and healthy meal habits for the entire day, despite not eating breakfast, than by all means do your thing!

It's just that there is typically an association of behaviors - typically people who don't eat breakfast are more overweight. Typically people who do eat breakfast are at healthier weights. This doesn't mean one causes another but the behaviors are associated. Something to think about! 

My fav breakfasts:

• Nonfat Greek yogurt (sweetened with stevia or fruit) with chia seeds
• Egg white scramble (spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, egg whites)
• Whole grain toast with peanut butter
• Plain Oatmeal with half apple cut in chunks and cinnamon (all microwaved together to cook apple)
• High protein/fiber cereal w unsweetened almond milk
• Nonfat cottage cheese w a tbsp no sugar added jam

Foodie Friday: Pork, White Bean and Kale Soup

I tried this recipe and it is really yummy! I like it with a little tabasco/hot sauce in it as well. I simmered a little longer than recommended because I felt like the wine still seemed pretty strong, but other than that, I made as is. Hope you like it!

PS. A lot of people have never tried Kale. It looks like extra crinkly lettuce in the produce section. Some find it "bitter" but if you remove the veins, that seems to help.

Here's the recipe from Eatingwell.com.

6 servings, about 1 2/3 cups each | Active Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons paprika, preferably smoked
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste (optional)
• 1 cup white wine
• 4 plum tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bunch kale, ribs removed, chopped (about 8 cups lightly packed)
• 1 15-ounce can white beans, rinsed (see Tip)

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add pork, sprinkle with salt and cook, stirring once or twice, until no longer pink on the outside, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate with tongs, leaving juices in the pot.
2. Add onion to the pot and cook, stirring often, until just beginning to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic, paprika and crushed red pepper (if using) and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add wine and tomatoes, increase heat to high and stir to scrape up any browned bits. Add broth and bring to a boil.
3. Add kale and stir just until it wilts. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the kale is just tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in beans, the reserved pork and any accumulated juices; simmer until the beans and pork are heated through, about 2 minutes.

Nutrition

Per serving : 262 Calories; 6 g Fat; 1 g Sat; 3 g Mono; 45 mg Cholesterol; 26 g Carbohydrates; 25 g Protein; 7 g Fiber; 627 mg Sodium; 1024 mg Potassium

1 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat

Tips & Notes

• Tip: While we love the convenience of canned beans, they tend to be high in sodium. Give them a good rinse before adding to a recipe to rid them of some of their sodium (up to 35 percent) or opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties. (Our recipes are analyzed with rinsed, regular canned beans.) Or, if you have the time, cook your own beans from scratch.

Why Barre Workouts ROCK

Barre workouts are basically ballet-inspired toning routines (but don't be fooled, you won't be prancing in a tutu- these workouts are HARD).

These workouts are designed to give you a long, lean dancer-like physique (without having dance experience), and are becoming quite popular these days. While all barre workouts differ slightly in structure, most methods incorporate exercises done at a ballet barre (you can use the back of a chair at home) combined with elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga.  Barre exercises rely mainly upon one's bodyweight for resistance, and the moves challenge your core stability and balance. The nice thing about these exercises is that it's a low-impact option to get a little cardio and sculpting all in the same hour.

I am excited to start teaching Barre classes with Brenda Curtright, owner of The Dance Center, here in Grants. Brenda teaches Monday and Wednesday nights from 6:30 - 7:30 pm and I will be teaching Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 - 10:30 am, beginning on Oct. 29. We also offer a Saturday morning class at 8-9 am.

For a Barre class, all you need is yourself in comfortable clothes, a pair of LIGHT handweights (think 2 - 5 lbs) and a yoga mat. Workouts are done without shoes. You may buy special barre socks, but they aren't required.

If you are interested in trying it out, let me know! Our first evening class has a wait list, but get your name on there soon to get in!

Goal Setting and Reflection

I am currently in week 3 of my Fall 8 Week Tabata Bootcamp for women. My participants are doing really, really well - majority are making it to classes and doing their at home workouts. So I thought what better time than now to make sure we all have specific goals in mind and that we are staying on track to meet those goals.

So for my Bootcamp Girls or anyone else who may be on the path towards a healthier fit self, I challenge you to complete the homework below:

HOMEWORK EXERCISE
(Visit Maria Kang's website for her "No Excuse Program" and more info on goal setting)

1. Find a journal, notebook or something to write down some goals.
2. Write 3 very specific goals. Nothing vague, like "I want to get fit." Goals should be SMART - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reasonable, and include a Time frame. Examples: I want to fit into old jeans, I want to run a 5k, I want to lose 20 lbs or 10 inches. 
3. Tape these goals to your mirror on your vanity or bathroom or tape somewhere in your closet where you will see it everyday.
4. Set a date that you want to reach these goals. A birthday, a trip, upcoming event, etc. If you don't already have a special date in mind, you can create one. For example reward yourself with a boudoir photo shoot or a pamper day if you meet your goals. This date should be around 8-12 weeks from now.
5. Write positive affirmations, quotes, photos, or create a moodboard (See my example below). Place these random places - screensaver on your phone/computer, your mirror, the fridge, your car, etc. Stay positive!
6. Weigh yourself/measure every week or every other week. You won't know if you are on track to meet your goals unless you measure periodically.
7. Make a habit of posting your thoughts/progress/inspiration on your favorite social networks - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. The more open you are about your fitness goals, and the more people who know about it, the more likely you are to hold yourself accountable. If you are the type of person who really prefers privacy, join my private Tabata Bootcamp Facebook group where the posts are only visible to other women in the program with similar goals.

Fall Favorites

With the Fall Season in full swing, I thought I'd highlight what I'm loving most these days!

Old Navy Active Wear - I purchased some running tights, cold weather running top, and compression top. Love, love love!

I also ordered two pairs of Nike sweatpants from Thredup.com, a gently used clothing site. These were only $11 each and I had a $10 credit.

On the fashion front, I have been enjoying my new Miche shell, the Misty, with navy canvas, camel leather. I also bought some Kardashian mascara from Ulta for only $9 and love it! No clumping and great coverage.

If you get a chance, stop by Sonic and try their Red Button coffee. Sooooo good! Links for all items below!

Fall Favorites by mchavez007 featuring an athletic sportswear

Old Navy activewear
oldnavy.gap.com

Old navy activewear
oldnavy.gapcanada.ca

Old Navy athletic sportswear
oldnavy.gap.com

Nike Sweat Pant Women's Size Xs - thredUP
thredup.com

Nike Activewear Women's Size Xs - thredUP
thredup.com

Kardashian Beauty The Quickie Mascara Ulta.com - Cosmetics, Fragrance,...
ulta.com

Beware of the Restaurant Salad

When you are out at a restaurant or even a fast-food place you may be tempted to order a salad off of the menu, thinking it must be a healthier option than the sandwhich or burger or steak, etc. This is not always the case, and in fact many salads at restaurants contain over 1200 calories!!! If that's the case you might as well go for the burger!

Most of the danger in salads lies in the dressing - they are often packed with calories and fat, and many have more than 1500 g sodium, which is the max one should have in the entire day! You must also beware of the toppings.

Prevention.com

Here's some things to look out for when ordering a salad:

Crispy vs. Grilled - Always go for the grilled chicken instead of crispy. It will save you calories and fat grams

Croutons & Bacon Bits & Tortilla Chips - These add calories to your salad but no nutrition. Bacon bits are artificial too. Just opt to keep these off your salad. If you want a crunch, try adding a tbsp of raw nuts (not the candied kind!). Nuts have fat, but a healthy kind of fat.

Too Much Cheese - Don't smother your salad in cheese. If you must have some, try just a tablespoon of low-fat cheese sprinkled on top. A little goes a long way. Feta cheese can be a great flavor boost on a salad, but make sure you use just a bit.

Dressings - Many places list the calories of their salads without the dressing. Try and pick a dressing that is less cream-based and more oil based. I try and go for vinaigrette instead of Caesar or ranch. The dressing alone can add 200+ calories to your salad. You should always ask for it on the side. You can also try dipping your fork in the dressing, then picking up salad and eating it (versus pouring the dressing over top of the salad). This helps you eat less dressing and still get the flavor.

Processed Meat - Salami or similar processed deli meat can add a lot of fat and preservatives to your salad. Shrimp/seafood is also a high-fat meat and should be used in moderation.

Candied nuts and dried fruit - Both of these seem healthy, but candied pecans, walnuts, almonds, have a lot of sugar, as do dried cranberries. Go for raw nuts instead and only a tablespoon. A little goes a long way!

Iceberg Lettuce - This type of lettuce is not nutrient dense like other dark leafy greens. Choose spinach, romaine, kale or other dark green lettuce over iceberg.


Salads to Stay Away from (Salads with over 500 calories or more than 9 g fat):

• Chili's Southwestern Cobb Salad - Has 1080 calories (and that's before you add dressing!).
• Wendy's BLT Cobb Salad - Has 50 grams of fat or the equivalent of two Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers
• Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad - Has over 1300 calories and 90 grams of fat!!! YIKES!
• Taco Bell's Chipotle Steak Salad - Deep frying a tortilla and using it as a salad bowl defeats the purpose. You are better off ordering hard shell tacos.
• Applebee's Grilled Shrimp & Spinach Salad - Over 1,000 calories! Order the Weightwatchers Salad instead.
• Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Salad - 850 calories and 64 g fat
• Sonic Crispy Chicken Salad with Ranch - 40 g fat and lots of sodium
• McDonalds Bacon Ranch Salad with Crispy Chicken and Ranch - 600 calories and 40 g fat.

Other ways to be prepared

• Download a calorie counter app like My Fitness Pal and you can look up nutritional info on a menu item for many restaurants. Do this in the car on the way to the restaurant or before you go, so you already know what you will be avoiding or ordering.
• When in doubt, stay away from: Caesar Salads, Anything with the word Crispy in it, Bacon Salads, Seafood Salads, Creamy Dressings, Southwestern Salads. All of these are typically unhealthy.
• Order dressing on the side. Always.
• Opt for plain old olive oil or ask for a lemon to squeeze over your salad instead of dressing.
• Only use half the dressing they provide.