Staying on Track + Spring Leg Workout

Hiiiiiii 😀 Hope your Monday is treating ya well so far!

Catching up on the blog world?

We went a MJ show!

I put in my two weeks at a job I love, but can no longer stay at (job hunt starts today)

flowers

Since we spent all day house hunting yesterday, the Pilot and I decided to discuss our options and our own personal deal-breakers. We have very different tastes, and want to make sure we’re both happy in our new place.

We talked over a rita… 16oz for me (which I couldn’t even finish) and a 32oz for the Pilot (which he did, indeed, dominate)

ritas

The house preferences are as follows:

The Pilot: contemporary style, pool, safe-ish area

Me: Location, re-sale value, structure/floor plan

We weren’t planning on getting a realtor, but are thinking it might be the best choice since we could use some help finding one we’re both crazy about.

We dined at Guadalajara Grill, which I frequent pretty often, but the Pilot hasn’t enjoyed it in more than 7 months 😉

Fresh salsa, made right at your table according to spiciness preferences:

salsa

We asked for HOT… and it was perfectly mouth and nose burning 😉

salsa (2)

+ a thousand fresh tortilla chips

For my entree, I rolled with the shrimp fajitas:

shrimp

+ corn tortillas, beans (cheese was scraped off) and guacamole

frijoles

So lately, I’ve received quite a few questions about how I “eat so well all the time”.

The secret?

I don’t. It’s about 80-90% clean, the rest is the not-necessary-but-delicious stuff 😉

For a while, I was doing the healthier treats all the time kinda thing, but it didn’t really work for me. If I want a dessert, I want it to be gooey, chocolaty and I want to eat the whole thing. (I prefer vegan treats, but just because they’re vegan doesn’t mean they’re not loaded with sugar)  I recently brought “treat night” back, which is something I did for a few years and really enjoyed it. I’ll eat the way I prefer to throughout the week, and then one day each week or so, I’ll roll with some different choices for food and/or dessert.

Yesterday afternoon, I thought to myself, “this feels like a great treat day”, so I took a day off from the gym, enjoyed some sorbet, tortilla chips and salsa, fresh corn tortillas with my meal and a hefty margarita. It was GLORIOUS, and now I feel good to go on my Gina style of eating for the rest of the week 🙂

One treat I always have in the house is dark chocolate, which I snack on pretty much every day, and it’s never a set in stone thang. If I really want something, treat night or not, I eat it and move on. NBD (No big deal) 🙂

How do you stay on track with your eats? Can you do the moderation every day kinda thing, or do you roll with a treat night?

I’m off to seize the day and all that jazz 😉

See ya later today!

xoxo

Gina

Something to do:

Spring leg workout!

I love working out legs because they show results fairly quickly. With the emergence of spring dresses and shorts, this workout is a great addition to any spring workout schedule.

Add in this workout to your usual workout split, or on a non-consecutive weights day. As always, make sure to check with a doc before making any fitness or nutrition changes.

Spring Leg Workout

Warm-up, cardio 5-7 minutes (low intensity, bringing it up to moderate)- run/walk, elliptical, bike, jump rope

Complete the following circuit, and then repeat the entire thing 1-2 more times. Use weights that are challenging, but that are appropriate for your fitness level.

1. Split squat (12-15 on each side)

2. Jump squats (pyramid style, as demonstrated in the video)

3. Calf raises (15)

4. Bench hip raise (hold a plate to make it more challenging- 15)

5. Jumping lunges (30 seconds)

6. Sumo deadlift (Can use dumbbells instead of the barbell 12-15)

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99 Comments

  1. Brenda@Year25 on March 28, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    Your Mexican feast looks delicious! I manage my eating by eating a healthy breakfast and taking my lunch (full of fruit) to work. Then at home for dinner, I try to have a good serving of whatever it is. Eating well most of the time allows me to have not feel guilty about the occasional treats- DQ Blizzards or Chipotle. So I guess, like you, 80-90% of my foods are healthy, while 10-20% are of questionable nutritional value. : )

  2. Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen on March 28, 2011 at 5:58 pm

    I find that it’s easier for me to maintain moderation if I allow myself to eat the things I’m craving. If I put it off, I tend to gorge on it later. I can have little bits at a time, savoring each bite and knowing I can have more tomorrow 🙂

  3. Alyson @ Runners Gut on March 28, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    If lulu aint going to promote the one and only Fitnessista then boo on them! I find the cleaner I eat the less I craze non whole foods however, if and when I crave something sweet I usually do my best to give my body what she wants… life is short right!? 🙂

  4. Kimberley on March 28, 2011 at 6:55 pm

    Goodluck looking for a house!

    I used to have a treat day but I found it didn’t work for me as I tended to have an all or nothing mindset unfortunatly. Now I am trying to allow myself small treats when I crave it instead of denying myself from treats until a certain day. SO far it is working better! But with that being said different things work for different people 🙂

  5. Cara Craves... on March 28, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    If I want a treat I eat a treat; I have never been one to deprive myself of my cravings. It’s usually a once a day thing…just a little sweet something after my dinner and I’m good to go.

  6. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on March 28, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    I’ve been seriously neglecting my legs at the gym lately. Thanks for the workout! 😀

    I don’t really eat many treats on a daily basis because I don’t really crave them that much. I’m a fan of just having an occasional treat night, preferraby involving pizza, my friends, and a chick flick!

  7. Anna L. on March 28, 2011 at 7:24 pm

    Do you eat grains? (whole wheat [pasta, bread, etc.]) I couldn’t find another place to ask this question. 😛

    • Fitnessista on March 28, 2011 at 10:19 pm

      i don’t do wheat, but love brown rice, oats, millet, and quinoa

  8. Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun on March 28, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    That looks like an awesome leg workout!

    And I stay sane with the healthy eats exactly like you. I tend to have some dark chocolate around for sweet cravings on a regular basis…but then have one day or meal/week where I don’t worry and go with whatever I may be craving. It’s usually Saturdays because we have dates or social events usually at that time. I love that balance.

  9. Amelia on March 28, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    Kevin & I are going through the same thing right now in regards to the house hunt. We both agree that we want water access/dock, but after that it splits. He knows my priorities are in location and kitchen. His are price and convenience to work over all others…and a workshop. Thank goodness there are drinks and compromise. 🙂 Good luck on the job and house hunt.

    It is easier w/ a realtor, but you have more bargaining power w/o a realtor.

  10. Sam M. on March 28, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    As a Realtor (and long-time reader), I definitely suggest working with one. It won’t cost you anything out of your pocket and you can shop around to find someone who really does have your best interest at hand. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of “smarmy, used-car salesman” types out there, but there are also many agents who really do care about their clients and have a genuine passion for helping them find the perfect home!

    • Fitnessista on March 28, 2011 at 10:19 pm

      thank you, good to know! i’ve already met a few that put a bad taste in my mouth

      • Amy on March 28, 2011 at 10:50 pm

        I totally agree with what Sam M. says! Realtor fees are all paid for on the seller’s side, so it won’t cost you anything to work with one. If you work directly with just the seller’s agent, they basically pocket double the commission since they are the buying and selling agent. While a seller’s agent doing this is supposed to look out for both sides’ best interests, I don’t think they can truly do this if representing the seller. A good buyer’s agent will likely save you more money than if you go at it on your own – they won’t be emotionally involved in the transaction, and they’ll have the skills to negotiate a fair price for you! 🙂

  11. Babs on March 28, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    I’m all about treat day! Saturday I allow myself fro yo or some chocolate. It helps me stay straight for 6 short days. Started that with Body for Life…but their cheat day got me into trouble:)

    Gina, you kinda eat paleo-ish as far I can tell:)Good luck with the house shopping!

    Babs

    • Fitnessista on March 28, 2011 at 10:19 pm

      really? i eat way more carbs and dairy than my paleo friends 🙂

  12. Jenny on March 28, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    My roommates and I always have dark chocolate in the house (or some kind – currently Trader Joe’s milk chocolate), otherwise we end up running down the street and buying a pint of Ben & Jerrys at the local bodega. Three chicks with spoons and Chubby Hubby is never a good idea…or is it 😉

    • Fitnessista on March 28, 2011 at 10:18 pm

      it’s a GREAT idea 🙂

  13. Alicia @ This Organic Body on March 28, 2011 at 8:45 pm

    Sorry about the job, that is such a hard spot to be in. You will find something you love even more I am sure of it. I admire your drive and you can accomplish anything!

    • Fitnessista on March 28, 2011 at 10:18 pm

      thank you <3

  14. KimLivesHealthy on March 28, 2011 at 9:08 pm

    I keep a bar of the darkest chocolate I can find in the house (around 85% cacao is how I like it) and eat a square or a half a square whenever I want, the flavor is so rich I usually can’t take more than 1 a day. I also try to make sure to have a salad a day (either a GIGANTIC lunch salad or a green smoothie) to get on the right foot. The snacks and dinners usually fall into place around that salad.

  15. Serena on March 28, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    I don’t have any sort of designated “treat night”. I just try to listen to myself and see what I’m craving, what I need, and what I want. Sometimes I am ravenous all day. Sometimes I have a small appetite. I sometimes eat too much and feel guilty, but I am beginning to learn it is *not worth it*.

    • Serena on March 28, 2011 at 11:04 pm

      I always keep dark choco in the house, though. 🙂 Delicious!

  16. ashley on March 28, 2011 at 11:14 pm

    I love that you call them “treat days” instead of “cheat days”…it definitely makes it sound more positive! I’m definitely going to steal that! 🙂

    I’ve been slowly working on being less negative and I think this is a small way to do that! Thanks so much!

  17. Nicole on March 29, 2011 at 7:14 am

    I usually have a sweet treat every night after dinner 🙂

  18. Jane on March 29, 2011 at 8:42 am

    Funny thing happened to me after I had jaw surgery, I tried to eat rich foods like cream soups and the fancy whip cream drinks from Starbucks and I couldn’t stomach them.I thought I was missing out on high fat foods that tasted so great. If you allow yourself these foods, you might find you prefer healthy foods….my last meal before surgery was a tofu stir fry with a big salad 🙂

  19. Kristin (Cook, Bake, Nibble) on March 29, 2011 at 9:44 am

    I used to have one specific “treat day” but then it turned into “Kristin binges on chocolate on Saturdays” so instead I go with the moderation thing for the most part- I have one small treat almost every day, and usually one day on the weekends I do tend to eat a little more “treat-like” but I don’t think of it as a “treat day” I just think of it as a little healthy indulging. Keeps me on the healthy track without going crazy in one direction or the other! 😀

    xo

  20. Trisha on March 29, 2011 at 10:58 am

    I don’t know if you bank with USAA, but they have a realtor advantage program & hook you up with a prefered realtor & actually give you money after closing on a house. (If you don’t like the realtor they initially give you, you can switch to another one in the program) Just a thought, It worked great for us and walked us throught the process as first time home buyers. Good luck

    • Fitnessista on March 29, 2011 at 11:46 am

      WOW i had no idea! thanks 🙂

  21. Katherine: Unemployed on March 29, 2011 at 11:30 am

    my parents have a pool and it was awesome having but is a huge pain and is expensive to upkeep!

    • Fitnessista on March 29, 2011 at 11:45 am

      that’s what i keep telling him…
      hahah

  22. Jessica on March 29, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    I tend to eat a little treat every day, and save a splurge treat for once every week and a half to two weeks. If I don’t have a little something sweet every day, it builds up and suddenly I’ve eaten way more brownies than a person should eat.

  23. Anna L. on March 30, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    Is there a reason why you don’t eat wheat bread and pasta? I’ve heard some talk about how wheat isn’t good for you but I don’t understand it.

    • Fitnessista on March 30, 2011 at 7:15 pm

      i’m sensitive to wheat -i get bloated and have a stomach ache after i eat it- so i stay away. wheat is SUPER healthy is you can tolerate it

  24. Ashley on May 3, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    How did I not see this leg workout? Can’t wait to try it…when my thighs + rear aren’t quite so sore! haha

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