Loving Myself Every Day


I think food is my problem….

I think I have a problem with over-eating.  And no, I am not being dramatic.  When it comes to food, I have no will power.  I can NOT resist a craving.  For example, here was my menu today:

Breakfast – Poptarts 410

Lunch – Chinese Buffet, easily 800 calories or more

Snacks – Granola Bar 140, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups 210, Popcorn 300

Dinner – Frozen meal 250

Total – 2110

And even though working out sounds totally lame, I’m going to go.  And I’m going to push for three miles tonight.  I may take a five minute break between miles two and three, but I’m going to do it.  And I’m going to do abs, arms, legs, chest, AND back exercises.

Hope everyone is having a good day!


I am not proud of my behavior…..

Hey guys, today started out much earlier than anticipated.  I was expecting to get up at 7, hit the gym, jog two miles, and unfortunately that plan went out the window.  Poor Winston got really sick. 🙁  The little guy had a couple of accidents on my bed.  It was my fault though, I gave him a different food.  I guess you’re supposed to SLOWLY introduce it to their diet.  I felt like a really bad mom.  But my buddy is feeling a million times better.  I’m so glad.

Well today, I went a little overboard on calories I think.  Here’s what I had:

Breakfast: Blueberry Poptarts – 410

Snack: Cottage Cheese cup – 90

Lunch: Chipotle steak burrito bowl – 710

Dinner: Turkey burger with avocado, swiss cheese, onions, baby spinach and a Woodchuck – We’ll assume this was roughly 1000 calories.

Total – 2210 calories

Jogged 2 miles, did 270 different ab exercises (9 sets of 30).  So kind of a slack day, BUT a) before I started counting calories, I probably would have added another 100 to 200 calories to that total.  And b) I wouldn’t have exercised.  I’m not super proud of the way I ate today.  But I am proud of the fact that I dragged my butt to the gym.

As my roommates (or neighbors, for anyone who doesn’t know the four girls that I am so blessed to have live in my building) would tell you, I often fit-spire myself to go to the gym by looking at pictures of fit girls.  Not skinny girls, but FIT girls.  Here’s my most current inspiration:

She is so buff!  Let’s all work to look like that. 🙂  Feel free to let me know how YOUR New Year’s Resolution is coming along.  Hope everyone is having a great week.


Uh oh….

Add 180 calories to today’s total. I had whole wheat toast after I worked out.


New Year, New Me!

Hi everyone!

I apologize that it has taken me so long to make another post.  The past six months have been INSANE!

In June, I moved my life to Omaha, NE and started a job as a marketing representative for one of the Berkshire-Hathaway companies.  It’s a great job, with a great company, and I get to work with great people every day.  I could not have asked to find a better job.  And it doesn’t hurt that I am well compensated for my hard work.  In July, I adopted my dog, Winston.  He’s a 15-year-old Maltese.  I know, he’s very old, but amazingly, the little guy doesn’t have any health problems!  He’s a great little guy, and I am so happy to have made him a part of my family.  August thru December have consisted of making new friends, discovering new things in my new town, and going on dates here and there.

Winston

This year, though, has resulted in a change.  I need to get back to where I was with my health.  I’ve been letting it go and going out to eat a lot.  I haven’t been exercising, and I’ll be honest with you, it shows.  So we’re back to blogging every day about my exercise and food intake.

Breakfast: Blueberry Poptarts – 410

Snack: Granola bar – 140

Lunch: Frozen meal (Chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots, onions); Leftover fettuccine alfredo (approximately half a serving); Jr. Mints for dessert – 495

Dinner: Frozen meal (fish, rice, corn, peppers); fat free chocolate pudding – 380

Total:  1425

I haven’t exercised yet, but the plan is to jog 2 to 4 miles, 250-300 ab exercises (i.e. 10 sets of 30), biceps, triceps, lunges, squats.  The Bachelor is on, ya’ll!  Who do you like for Bachelor Ben?


Let’s talk about inspiration…

Oh, you guys! I hope everyone had a safe, happy Memorial Day weekend.  I know I super enjoyed mine.  I spent a lot of times with friends.  Which was awesome!  In fact, my friend Chuck and I even went to the WWE event in Sioux City.  We had so much fun.  Not only did we “steal” ringside seats…JOHN CENA NOTICED MY SIGN!  For those of you who know me, you know I absolutely love WWE and John Cena.  I’ve even gone down to Houston for Wrestlemania.  I know it’s a little dorky, but how can you not love this:

John Cena

Over the past few days I didn’t post.  Mostly because I didn’t work out.  🙁 Sorry guys! BUT I got a ton accomplished for the big move.  Starting with the biggest thing….I FOUND AN APARTMENT! It is just the cutest little place.  I’m really excited to move in.  I’ll keep you posted about what is going on, but for sure keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  And if you don’t pray…send well wishes my way.

OK, let’s get down to business.  🙂

I worked out today!!!! I decided to give Kick-boxing a try.  I’m so uncoordinated.  Haha! I think I kept up pretty good though.  And it made me feel so tough.  I definitely know I can give anyone a good “jab” if they try to mess with me.  My calves were killing me though.

As for food, I’ve been trying to eat pretty good, no desserts.  Today I didn’t eat breakfast.  But for lunch I had stuffing, corn, and applesauce with a BIG glass of water.  I have to work this evening, so I don’t know what I’ll eat for dinner if anything.

Lastly, I want to talk about a little more inspiration.  As if meeting guys who look like John Cena isn’t enough reason to get fit and feel good, do it because it makes YOU feel good.  I don’t see anything wrong with looking at pictures of other girls to be inspired, to see what you want to look like.  One big one for me is Ashley Hebert, the bachelorette.  She is so buff! So here’s a little inspiration for you too!

Have a great rest of the day, everyone!

UPDATE: Dinner was a turkey and swiss sandwhich with sundried tomatoes, mayo, and mustard, a personal bag of doritos, and a diet pepsi zero. YUM!

 


I love sunshine!

Today was such a nice day here! The sun was out, there was a nice breeze….it made me sad I went into the office early.  But I did get out on my lunch break and enjoyed it.

I did not work out today.  I hate letting you guys down like that, but I had a good reason.  Our full-time girl at work was sick today, so I went in at noon to answer phones and help out.  But I did eat pretty good. 

Like I’ve said before, I’m not a big fan of breakfast, but today I simply didn’t get around to it.  I have noticed I’ve felt better the past couple of days with just that little extra jump start.  So here’s what I ate today.

Breakfast (if you can call it that): Diet Pepsi

Lunch: Chinese food courtesy of my boss – seasame chicken, an egg roll, crab rangoon, and rice.  Plus dessert, or a fortune cookie, is only a few calories.

Snack: Leftover rice and coffee

Dinner: I went to a friend’s house and we made bbq ribs on the grill, corn on the cob, and scalloped potatoes.  We made caramel swirl brownies for dessert.

As I was typing that I thought of a couple of things.  When I eat out or eat Chinese food, or whatever, I try to eat the vegetables.  That way, even though it is overall a few more calories, I am getting the nutrients and healthy “stuff” I need.  Also, I do eat dessert.  I don’t think a healthy lifestyle is about deprevation or starving, it’s about everything in moderation.

I hope everyone had a great day! Please feel freee to comment or share what you did to work out or what you ate… I always like getting recipes to try!!!


Two for the price of one!

Hi everyone!!!  Sorry I didn’t update yesterday, my sister and parents came home from California.  It is so good to have them home!

Ok, so we’re gonna start with the workout from yesterday.  I went to the gym and did 20 minutes on the Cybrex.  If you haven’t tried the Cybrex at your gym, I highly suggest you do so.  A Cybrex is very similar to an elliptical, but it burns more fat and calories.  It’s a more running-like motion.  So I did that, and I light ab workout.  I also did lunges, squats, and a bent rows with the free weights.  I personally don’t want to bulk up, so I use a lighter weight set and aim for definition.

As far as food goes, I wasn’t very good.  I ate out for every meal BUT I tried to pick healthier options.  I’ve found that reporting to you guys and holding myself accountable is really reducing my snacking.

Breakfast: Multi-grain bagel with cream cheese, coffee with nonfat milk and two sugars, and iced green tea

Lunch: Hardee’s with my friend Titus; I had a turkey burger with all the veggies, mayo, ketchup, and mustard (NO CHEESE!), fries (which are potatoes…), and diet Coke.  Not great, but probably better than a burger or deep-fried chicken strips.

Snack: Free donut at work :/

Dinner: Thai/Laos Kitchen. For those of you in SSC that haven’t tried this place, RUN there.  It is next to Dairy Queen in the old Park Plaza restaurant.  It is to die for! I had sweet and sour chicken (lean chicken, onions, carrots, zucchini, pineapple), rice noodles, and fried won-tons.  I drank water though!

OK! So now today is Wednesday….it is a new day.  I woke up really late this morning, not feeling the greatest.  But I did go to Centergy, the Yoga class at our YMCA.  It’s not slow yoga, so you burn a lot of calories too.  It was a really good total body workout and Suzy, the instructor, was great.

Breakfast: Bagel with cream cheese

Lunch: I’m not going to lie, it’s a great meal and it tastes good and is super easy, but it looks nasty.  In a bowl, combine a can of sliced chicken breast, crushed pineapple, and a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce.  Heat it up in the microwave until it’s as warm as you want it, stirring occasionally.  I call it barbecue pineapple chicken salad.  I also heated up a can of corn with a little butter.

I’ll update later for what I had for dinner. 🙂 Have a beautiful day guys!

UPDATE: Tonight’s dinner was homemade chicken alfredo! It was DELICIOSO!

 

 


Should we call this day one?

Hi everyone! I got a few comments on Facebook, so thank you to everyone that reads my posts.  I hope you find everything helpful. 🙂

I know this is a little off topic, but I’m watching David Letterman and Lady Gaga is his guest tonight.  I like her music a lot, the songs are all pretty fun and catchy.  I know she’s controversial and out-there, but let’s be honest, that’s why she’s so interesting.  I think the best part is going to watch her go nuts from trying to out-do herself.  But she is so gorgeous.  Her skin is lovely! And girl’s got a bangin’ body.  I’d like to aim to have her abs, if no one objects.

Lady Gaga

OK, so here’s what I ate today….we’ll start with that.  I know it’s said that breakfast is pretty essential to jump starting your metabolism for the day.  However, I’m not a big fan of breakfast; a lot of times I’m not hungry.  But hopefully as I get going on this, I get better about doing that.

Lunch: 6-inch Subway sandwich (9-grain honey oat bread, roast beef, provolone cheese, spinach, olives, oil, and vinegar), lemonade, and roasted tomatoes.

Snack: 2 homemade oatmeal raisin cookies, small coffee with cream and 2 sugars

Dinner: 1/2 of a chicken breast, unsweetened iced green tea, and cheesy potatoes ( wouldn’t say it was really dinner, I ate it more to hold me over until after my brother’s baseball game.)

REAL dinner: Chicken wrap (1/2 chicken breast, slice of swiss cheese, barbecue sauce) and cheesy potatoes

Probably not all the best foods, but I would say rather than a Big Mac or Taco Bell, it was a very healthy day food-wise.

Now when it comes to working out, I will admit that I am VERY VERY VERY out of shape.  I haven’t been as good about going to the gym as I should be.  But I did go today!!! I did 20-minutes on the stationary bike at a level 7.  Then I did 20 bicep curls and tricep extensions, and 3 sets of 10 reps on the lateral pull-down.  After that, I was beat! But I’m very proud of myself for getting my butt to the gym.

I think I’m going to try one of the led classes tomorrow, if your gym has them, I would definitely recommend it.  I feel like you get a better, more complete workout from a professional.  Plus, they mix it up so you don’t plateau.  And I know that our YMCA doesn’t have the same class at the same time, so you can mix it up.

Also, they weighed me today when I went to give plasma…I’m not ashamed to say that I am 155 lbs.  That’s not horrible, maybe a little overweight.  But that’s why I’m starting this journey.

Well everyone, sleep well!  Have a wonderful day tomorrow, and stay beautiful.


Life is happening…right NOW!

“I decided, very early on, just to accept life unconditionally; I never expected it to do anything special for me, yet I seemed to accomplish far more than I had ever hoped.  Most of the time it just happened to me without my ever seeking it.” – Audrey Hepburn

So, many of you know that for the past six months, I have been living at home and looking for a job.  Which has been discouraging a lot of the time.  I love my family very much, and I truly didn’t mind living at home….don’t get me wrong on that.  But at times, I felt like I had failed myself.  I spent so much time, money, and energy on college; yet, here I was looking like a loser.  I didn’t even have a job that paid enough for me to have an apartment.  And looking for a job has been so disheartening.  A lot of times, I wasn’t hired because I didn’t have enough experience.  How can a recent college graduate get experience if no one gives him/her a chance? I felt like my life was passing me by, that somehow I’d done something wrong along the way.

But the past week, everything has changed.  On Sunday, I applied for a job.  Monday, said job called me and offered me an interview.  Went to Omaha and interviewed on Tuesday.  Wrote a thank you note on Wednesday.  Worried all day Thursday, and Friday called to see how the process was going.  I was offered the job! I accepted on the spot because I had been so impressed at my interview.  Everyone I met at this interview had a smile on their face and was kind and helpful.  The offices were GORGEOUS, the benefits and compensation were fitting, and I was being considered for a job higher than the one I applied for.  For once, I was over-qualified.  I will be working at a workman’s compensation insurance company owned by Berkshire-Hathaway; Warren Buffet’s company.  I’ll be working in the marketing department as a business development representative.  I’m so excited!!!!  Now I have to find an apartment, figure out how to move and what to take, and make new friends along the way.

Now that I don’t have to write this blog for school, I’ve been trying to think of new things to write about.  I’ve kinda decided to focus on health and fitness.  Of course, I’ll give updates about my life too.  Something I’ve always wanted to do was try going vegan.  For those of you who don’t know, vegan is where you don’t eat any animal by-products.  No meat, eggs, cheese, milk, or fish….some vegans don’t even eat honey.  I love honey though, so honey is staying.  I’ve done the vegetarian thing a few times, and loved it.  It’s just hard to maintain at my house….my family eats a lot of meat.  With five kids, sometimes a pork loin is the most effective way to get everyone fed.  Totally understandable though.  And even now, living at home and being a vegan wouldn’t jive.  I’m sure my food that I bought would get eaten.  I mean, I bring leftovers home from a restaurant and John asks if he can have them before they even get into the fridge.  So going vegan is going to be the biggest endeavor of my new life.

As for fitness, I’ve started working out a little.  Mostly hiking, walking, and some squats/sit-ups/lunges in the living room.  My family has a Y membership though.  So I’m going to start doing that and blogging about it.  I figure if you all are depending on me and waiting all day for my blog posts, it will help hold me accountable.  My food intake will probably be on here too.  Don’t think of it as one of those weird thinspiration sites though.  This is about being healthy and feeling good!

I hope you will join me on this journey.  I’d love for you to write your food intake/workout and any tips you have in the comments.  Let’s get healthy together!


Paper 4 Final

Grace Horner

Fundamentals of Journalism: Paper 4

Dr. Ross Fuglsang

December 8, 2010

Holly Habrock has everything going for her.  She has a degree as an esthetician, a job as a personal assistant, and her own apartment in Omaha, Nebraska.  Her boyfriend has a promising job as an air traffic controller for the air force.  Her family is loving and supportive, with her sister living on the other side of town.  But Holly’s life wasn’t always so good.  When her home life got difficult during her high school years, Holly had a dark secret that she used as a coping mechanism.

Holly developed bulimia in high school.  She started throwing up at the age of fourteen.  There were a number of reasons she made herself throw up.  “I got into a bad crowd.  I think a lot of it was the internet,” she says, “This girl added me because she saw my profile on myspace.  I remember her telling me how great it was to be skinny.”

But Holly also had troubles at home.  Her father was emotionally abusive towards her and her mom.  “I wasn’t Holly,” she says, “I was ‘hey bitch’, or ‘come here you little whore.’”

Holly’s father was also an alcoholic and dabbled in using drugs.  Holly believes that he has used marijuana and cocaine, as well as heroin and meth. 

Because of those issues, her mother developed her own mental issues.  “She got really weird.  I think it was because of the shit with my dad.  I wasn’t in the best shape either, my sister had just gone to college, and her uncle had died.  I think it was a mixture of all those things.  She felt like she wasn’t needed anymore,” Holly says sadly.

“When I made myself puke,” she says, “everything bad in my life when down the toilet.  It was a release for me.”

Bulimia didn’t just affect Holly’s relationship with her family.  It affected her schooling; she missed forty days of school during her sophomore year of high school.  She started having headaches, and was in and out of the hospital for stomach problems – which were aggravated by heavy drinking.  She also had a toxic relationship with her boyfriend at the time.  “He knew and was ok with it, so I saw him as kind of a safe person,” Holly says.  “I latched onto him.”

Due to her bulimia and the other problems at home, Holly also pulled away from her family.  And she didn’t have many friends.  “I was a total bitch to everyone,” Holly says.

She had reached the point where she didn’t even care about weight.  After years of doing it, it was an urge; just something she had to do.

When she reached 85 pounds, her family started to realize something was wrong.  After dinner one night, Holly went into the bathroom to throw up.  That night was different though, because her mom heard her gagging and retching.  Her parents and sister sat her down and staged and intervention.  “My mom and sister starting crying, they said they didn’t want to lose me,” Holly says.  “I didn’t know they cared.”

So the healing started.  Her family started going to counselor after counselor.  When they found one that worked, it helped a lot.  “She helped me learn that I didn’t that,” Holly says.  “I just needed to be myself.  They threatened that if I didn’t stop, my heart would give out and I would die.  I already had heart issues from when I was a baby.” 

After three years, Holly had finally gotten healthy.  She is now a beautiful, bright 21-year-old woman with her whole life ahead of her.  “My faith helped me through a lot,” Holly says.  “That and the support of my friends and family.”