Slacking Again....

Been slacking on the blog posts lately...Nothing exciting to write about these days!
I am getting myself back into a routine with fitness and food prep and it feels good. I guess I am kind of just on auto-pilot.
Work, train, sleep, eat - Repeat! With a couple glasses of wine thrown in for good measure of course!

I'm really enjoying my new MET workouts and it's been almost a month since starting this new program.
I am doing three MET workouts a week and two 5K runs a week, and my time is getting pretty good. I am now running a 37 minute 5K and hope to get my time under 30 minutes in the next couple weeks!
Just over a month until The Vancouver Underwear Affair, where I will be running 10K. I really have to get my ass outside running instead of on a treadmill... There is a big difference!

Nutrition is going great. I feel I am on my way to getting back into a healthy balance of eating for fuel and fun.
I hardly crave 'junk' foods, and it's almost seem to lost it's appeal. I'm eating every couple hours - Meals of whole foods with proper nutrition and balanced macros.

I did a little grocery shopping on Monday night at Wal-Mart and prepped some carbs and veggies.

Baby yellow potatoes with olive oil and herbs, long grain wild rice and a veggie stir fry (I guess)
I sauteed red onion and garlic, then added 3/4 cup of tomatoes and let it cook down into a sauce. I then added some green beans and broccoli and cooked until tender. At the end I added some Balsamic Fig Dressing and it was done! Yum!

Have a great day! Happy Hump Day!
xoxo
Andrea

An Andrea Weekend

I really needed this weekend. I stayed in. I didn't do anything, I wasn't travelling or running around with my head chopped off like I normally do.
I feel a tad a burnt out from travelling, working, driving etc, so a weekend for me was much needed.

Friday I went to the gym for a MET workout, grabbed a bottle of Riesling and had my 'cheat meal' which consisted of a chocolate protein brownie, 1 small chopped banana on top and a glob of natural, creamy peanut butter, Heaven in my mouth.
The remainder of the night was spent Facebooking, Instagramming, Twittering & watching t.v as I layed my ass on the couch.

Bliss.

Saturday I 'slept in' (until 9:00am, LOL) and ate my breakfast while watching the news.
I then cleaned my entire house from top to bottom for like four hours. Wow, I didn't know it needed that much work! Now that I've done a good deep clean, I can maintain it easier during the week!
Didn't make it to the gym on Saturday. Too much cleaning and laundry to be done!

Sunday I had a yummy breakfast of 6 egg whites and 2 pieces of Squirlley bread with sugar free blueberry jam.  Perfect way to start the day! Then off to get my eyebrows done and to the gym for another MET workout.
To the couch I went again for rest!

Feeling refreshed, energized and happy :)

xoxo
Andrea

Sore, Sore, Sore!

OMGosh. I don't remember ever being this sore. Well, maybe during my last prep. Holy Hannah!
I have started to day two 5K runs a week to train for my 10k run at The Underwear Affair in early July. I haven't been running since last year, so I have 2 months to get back in condition for running.
Yesterday was my second 5K run, I am doing them on Wednesdays and Sundays.
For the first few weeks I will be doing them on the treadmill, then graduating to outside.
We all know that running outside is harder than running on the treadmill! Plus, the actual 10K takes place outside (obviously) so I need to train outside to be prepared.

I am also doing a new style of training called MET - Metabolic Enhancement Training. It is different. And I LOVE IT. It makes me feel strong, powerful and really gets the endorphins flowing. I am doing ZERO cardio other than my 5k runs twice a week, and the only reason I am doing those is to train for the event, not for a calorie burn or to aid in weight loss.
Not saying my metabolism is damaged, but it is a little slow - - - So cutting out regular, everyday steady state cardio will be good for me.

I have also changed my eating habits a bit. I was trying to just eat like a 'normal person', but unfortunately that included alot of processed 'quick' options which made me sluggish, lazy and lethargic like muffins, granola bars, lots of chocolate, etc. I stopped prepping alot of food and when I realized I was hungry, I had nothing healthy to fuel my body with. So I would grab a sub or something similar, and that just won't do.
Also included alot of wine during the week, and now I have it just on the weekends with the exception of a glass or two if I am with girlfriends or have a random dinner out.

Live and learn and trial and error right?

Diet is back to 6 meals a day, eating every 2-3 hours with protein at every meal, which I haven't been doing for the last little while.
My main staples are egg whites, ground turkey, fish, tuna, Greek/sugar free yogurt, oats, fruit, veggies, avocado, coconut oil, rice, Ezekiel bread, olive oil and protein shakes. Lots of whole foods, with wine and 'cheat' or 'treat' meals on the weekends without binging or over-eating.

....And yes, I still put cream in my coffee.

Make it a great day everyone!

xoxo
Andrea

Zucchini Pasta & Chickpea Salad

You may remember my post from about a week ago with my disappointing grocery shopping trip at Price Mart foods.
The cost of living is high these days and sometimes you need to make your money stretch.
Yesterday I decided to go to Superstore instead of my usual Save-On or Price Mart, and I'll tell you it was really worth the change.
Although I hate going in that huge store, especially after a long day of work and commuting, I found that I got alot more food for my money.

I spent 15 minutes and $54.00 dollars in Superstore and got the following;

• 1 pack of extra lean ground turkey
• 1 pack of extra lean ground chicken
• 3 cartons of egg whites
• 1 Greek yogurt, 1 red velvet yogurt
• Olive oil
• 3 cans of tuna (0.98 each!!!)
• 1 can of pasta sauce
• 1 can of chickpeas
• Veggies - asparagus, avocado, mini cucumbers, broccoli, peppers, zucchini, cilantro, cherry tomatoes
• Fruit - 1 huge grapefruit, 2 apples

This will last me all week and then some! Crazy!
Tons of protein sources, veggies and fruits for tons of healthy meals.

Last night I made two new recipes to try. I got one idea from my Mom, she told me about it over the weekend when we were having lunch and I just had to try it!
This is my personal recipe that I threw together, but you can change so many things!

Zucchini Pasta

4-5 large zucchini
1 can pasta sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 large tomato, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro or other fresh herbs
1 package extra lean ground turkey
Olive oil
S&P to taste

• Add 1 tbsp of olive oil in large pot and heat. Add chopped garlic and onions and cook on medium until soft. Add ground turkey and cook until done.
• Add 1 can pasta sauce, red bell pepper and tomato. Simmer sauce for 30 minutes or longer if desired. Add cilantro near the end of cooking.

• Wash zucchini and use a potato peeler to peel the zucchini into strips. The strips will resemble large strips of  'pasta'.
• Heat a large skillet with olive oil and add the zucchini. Add some salt and pepper, and any other herbs you desire.

• Cook zucchini until translucent.

Plate desired amount of zucchini on plate and add sauce. You can also add fresh basil or other herbs on top and some Parmesan cheese.
It's low-carb if that is your thing and absolutely delicious!

I had this for dinner last night and also brought some for lunch today, alongside my "wing it" recipe of the day, LOL.
I love chickpeas. They are a great carb and fiber source and very filling. I have a thing for chickpea salads and also hummus.
I made a fresh, summery chickpea salad last night, and I couldn't think of a cool, witty name so, Summer Chickpea Salad it is!

Summer Chickpea Salad

1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed, patted dry
1 tbsp of olive oil
3/4 - 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
2 mini cucumbers, chopped
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
3 tbsp balsamic dressing or balsamic vinegar
Dill or other herbs. Basil would be nice.

• Combine all ingredients and refrigerate overnight so all the flavours can infuse together!

Great for a picnic, BBQ or Potluck. For a bigger crowd, double the recipe and add different veggies, and maybe some fresh mozzarella cheese.

That's whats for lunch today! Refreshing and healthy!
Make it a great day everyone!

xoxo
Andrea

Spring is in the air!

Hump day is finally upon us. The middle of the week, and so much closer to seeing my fiance!
This week seems to be going by fast, and even better - The weather is absolutely beautiful in Vancouver this week. Hope it lasts well into summer! Me and rain just do not get along! It makes me absolutely miserable!
I notice everyone is in a better mood when it's sunny out! Especially me! I love Spring, now time for new clothes!

Thanks to all who read my post yesterday! It was written typed from the heart and I am feeling more and more positive everyday about myself. A work in progress no doubt.

Yesterday after work I stopped at PriceMart foods for a quick grocery shop, I only needed a few things. But, just like every time I shop there, I walk out thinking... What the fuck did I just buy?!
I walked out with 4 bags of groceries and somehow spent $80?

Please tell me how these items cost $80.00?!

• 2 packages of salmon
• 1 small package of chicken
• Eggs
• Egg whites
• Kale, Cucumber, 2 bananas, 1 avocado
• Marble cheese
• Greek yogurt and cottage cheese
• Almond milk
• 2 Luna bars, gum, cashews and wasabi snacks
• Tassimo coffee

Absolutely ridiculous if you ask me! I refuse to shop there anymore! Wal-Mart and Superstore it is fro now on!
For dinner I made a piece of salmon cooked in coconut oil until it was nice and crispy. I added salt, pepper and dill.
I chopped up a small zucchini with 1 tomato and cooked them together with salt, pepper and dill. After it cooked for awhile I added a couple tbsps of fig balsamic dressing and it turned out to be so delicious!

I also stopped at MAC for a little treat for myself! I needed a new light base eyeshadow so I picked up my favourite shade, Naked Lunch.
It's so beautiful! I love how MAC does the empty containers recycling program. If you have 6 empty containers and bring them in, you get a free eyeshadow or lipstick! I am 3 away.

After dinner I went to the gym and did back & shoulders, followed by 30 minutes of running intervals. 5 minute warm-up, 3 minute run, 2 minute walk, 90 second run. Repeated this three times.

Meals today;
Breakfast - Oatmeal with berries, 1 egg and 5 whites with ketchup
Snack - Dried apricots, cheese, coffee
Lunch - Chicken breast, rice, cucumber, avocado
Snack - Greek yogurt with berries, nutracleanse and hemp hearts
Snack/Post workout - Smoothie with almond milk, Greek yogurt, 1 banana, frozen fruit and 3 cups kale.

I am feeling full and great. Feels nice to eat whole foods and have energy. Sluggish is not a good feeling at all!

Have a great day everyone!
xoxo
Andrea

Thank You

I am still in the process of figuring it all out. It? Well... Food, nutrition, training, cardio and my view of it all.
After you have done something, the same way for so many years it is hard to change your view about what works and what doesn't.
I had always believed that to lose weight you had to eat very little calories, do hours of steady state cardio a day, train using only high reps and eat a limited diet of proteins and greens.
For years I did this, twice I have re-bounded - Beating myself up day after day, thinking to myself';

"Why don't you have any self control?"
"Why can't you just stick to your diet?"
"Stop thinking about carbs and yummy foods! Eat a boring diet to achieve an exciting body!"

This is wrong. All of it. Everything I have ever learned is a LIE, and in the process I have ruined my metabolism. I have ruined my self-image, I have developed these feelings of hatred for my 'off season body'
Never thinking I am good enough unless I am a certain weight or dress size. Constantly comparing myself to other women, especially in the fitness industry. If she can stick to her diet, training and two a days, Why can't I?
Little did I know, she was probably dying inside. Hungry, TIRED, grumpy. Eating her fish and asparagus, striving for this perfect body. Ignoring her family and friends, ruining relationships, not being social, and living in the gym and kitchen.
I'm not saying everyone with an amazing physique does this, but MANY do. Last year, after I came out with my Initial post, Vicious Cycle  - It got a little popular. It went on the Sioux Country forums, Facebook page and on a couple Twitter accounts.
I got alot of comments on it, and it felt great to get it all out. Not for anyone but me.

It seems like ever since then, there has been so many women coming out from the woodwork with their metabolic issues, adrenal fatigue, hormone issues and food and body image disorders - Which is what I have experienced the most, along with a stubborn ass body!
My body is having a hard time responding to what *used* to work - Which is low calorie, high cardio programs.
A good example being last November I tried to start prep again for the 2013 Western Canadians, which I should be 3 weeks out right now, but my body was not responding to the program as well as I expected even though I was working hard.
I knew I had to pull myself out of prep for a couple reasons. One being I had surgery in January and couldn't train very hard, and another being I knew I couldn't put myself through another prep. My body was begging for a break. Forever it seems.

So I stopped dieting. Yes, I gained weight. More than I would like. My body was hungry, I fed it. I had an occasional binge and yes I over-ate at times.
The important things is, that I recognized the damage I was doing to my body and that I stopped it. I got some great advice from some people that I truly appreciate and am forever grateful for their insights.

Renee - Thank you for letting me e-mail you after my show and pour my heart out to you. Thank you for giving me the best advice I could have ever gotten for my health. Stop dieting and stop doing cardio. It really helped. You told me some harsh truths that I needed to hear.  You told me that yes I would probably gain weight, but as hard as it is, to LOVE my body unconditionally.

Jason and the rest of the crew at Sioux Country - Jason, thanks for running such an amazing board of inspirational women (and men) who aim to help and support future, current and past competitors.
Thanks to the forum, I have an outlet. I have a place to ask questions and get answers.
It is here that competitors and fitness enthusiasts can get REAL advice that they can use.

Scott Abel - Although you will never read this blog, I want to say thank you for the amazing information that you put out there for us. Your E-Books have honestly saved me from years of pain.
I have read three of your E-Books and they have helped me immensely. I will continue to follow your teachings and read your blog. Thank you for teaching me how to love my body, contest or no contest.

Layne Norton - Thank you for all you do for women like us. Your video logs, tweets, Facebook and Sioux Country posts have done so much for me, in letting me see the light. Letting my see that contest prep and fitness doesn't have to be that way of starving and over-cardio. Thank you for responding to my e-mail and tweets. It means alot.
Thanks for taking the time to post on the boards and help us out when in need. It is because of you that I know I don't have to starve myself and kill myself with cardio to get fit. Because if it worked, I would have stayed that size.

I also want to say a thank you for anyone that reads this blog and comments, or sends me messages. Thank you for your support over the last year and a bit!

It has been a long year, and will continue to be a long road, but I'm ready. I've realized a few things just over the last couple months.
Most importantly, I will never be back into a size 4 in a matter of months. It's going to take hard work and to be able to stay in the shape I want, I NEED TO TAKE IT SLOW.
Eating to fuel my body, lifting heavy, and enjoying being in the gym is my main fitness focus right now and it feels pretty damn good!
This time around, it's fitness for life.

xoxo
Andrea

Foodie Pen Pal Reveal Day - April

Hey guys!

It's my first Foodie Pen Pal reveal day!

I signed up for Foodie Pen Pals last month and got paired up with a girl named Ashley from Ontario.
She doesn't have a blog, but here is a shout out to you Ashley! Thanks for the great package!
She sent me a fantastic box of goodies and a wonderful little mini card.
It was so thoughtful, and I could tell she put alot of work into putting together this package for me. I could picture her writing the card, explaining what was in the package for me..., Also going to the store, or market, carefully picking out what she wanted to include in the box.
She packed it beautifully, and nothing was crushed or damaged in any way.

I felt very excited the morning when I arrived at my office, got to my desk - And there it was! My first package for Foodie Pen Pals! I knew after I opened it, that this was something I would participate in every month!
I really enjoyed picking things out for my pen pal match up as well, Also an Ashley, but she is from Newfoundland.

Opening the box from Ashley was the first things I did that morning when I got to my desk! The first thing I saw was the cute little envelope with a mini card inside.
The card reads;

Dear Andrea,
I hope you enjoy your box from me this month. I tried to include lots of things that you can grab and go since you're such a busy lady! I included a bunch of my favs as well!
Enjoy!

Included in box;
1.) My fav fair trade chocolate
2.) Dried seaweed for a healthy snack
3.) Tea! I end everyday with some
4.) Shortbread to go with the tea =)
5.) Lemon raisin snacks
6.) Angel Hair Miracle Noodles - No cal healthy option!
7.) In snowmen bag - 2Go Energy chocolate peanut butter power truffles! - Check out the site!

I unpacked everything and looked at it all! I was surprised she fit so much in one box!
I had a shortbread cookie right away and gave one to a co-worker as they looked sooo yummy! And they were! They are Earl Grey shortbread cookies, and I believe they are lemon poppy seed. So delicious - from a company called Bis Cot Tea! Cute name :)

Yummy shortbread, Miracle noodles and Chiclets

I seriously love these shortbread cookies.
I am still thinking of something to make with the Miracle Noodles. Does anyone have any ideas? Actual delicious ideas???
The Chiclets remind me of my childhood. I loved those darn things. I haven't had some in years and I can't wait to try them and relive the memory!

My co-workers were all wondering what I was receiving in the mail, so of course i had to fill them in on the greatness that is Foodie Pen Pals!
The next thing I tried was the 2Go Energy chocolate peanut butter truffles. 2 Go Energy Website
They are awesome! I had three throughout the day, they kept me going and definitely fulfilled my chocolate and peanut butter craving! They are a delicious treat!
I haven't opened up the Camino chocolate yet - But almonds and raisins sounds delicious from a Fair trade chocolate company!

Delicious chocolate!

Next things I tried was some of the tea she sent me. I brewed a cup of Peppermint tea after lunch. I LOVE peppermint tea. It is a great hot drink to have after a meal, and it aids in digestion.
Peppermint tea is my favourite of all time, especially the Green Tea Peppermint!

All my foodie goodies in the box!

Raisins and Seaweed snacks!

I tried the lemon raisins! They were delicious! I loved the bitterness mixed with the sweetness. What a good snack! I need to find these in B.C!
I haven't tried the seaweed yet. I don't know what to eat it with. I suppose I could try it just plain? I've only had seaweed with sushi rolls! I will let you guys know my thoughts on this treat!
This was a great box for my first experience with Foodie Pen Pals, thanks Ashley!

On another note....
Diet & training - Complete overhaul. The main objective?

SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE!
- I know I am not going to be size 4 by summer (Um, it almost IS summer, and my size 4 jean shorts are calling screaming my name!)
- I know it won't happen overnight (Just like I didn't put the weight on overnight, even though it *felt* like it)
- I know it takes time to reach your goals (I have set many)
- I know I need to have patience (Where can I find some? I need this in my life)
- The scale - Can get the fuck out. Seriously. I threw it out, PEACE, deuces, see ya later, good riddance! I am going by pictures and clothes. Not being a slave to the scale.
I know a girl that started her journey at 115 or something like that. She is now 117 or 118 and looking phenomenal!!!! Added muscle and lost body fat and looks insane! Just goes to show the scale is NOT  good indicator of weight, body composition, etc.

I hope you all follow along my progress to get fit for life!

xoxo
Andrea