Kale Creeper

Hey everyone! Happy Tuesday! Here’s hoping today is a thousand times better than yesterday 🙂

It was so fun to hear your money-saving food tips and comforting to know that many of you spend a ton of money on food, too. The way I feel about it is that food is an investment in your health, and there are far worse things to splurge on. Healthy food now, or medical bills later. I’ll roll with the healthy food 😀 Ya’ll had some AWESOME tips on saving money on the good stuff, though- thank you!

Last night’s dinner was kind of a smorgasbord 😀

As soon as I got in the door from spin and Zumba, I reheated a leftover vegan black bean burger from the depths of the freezer

burger

Took a shower, then had a massaged kale salad (1 bunch of kale with Nama shoyu, cayenne, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, Garlic Gold). All ya do is season the kale and then “massage” it with your hands to wilt it down and distribute the seasonings. Not gonna lie, it feels kind of nice to squeeze and massage kale… is that weird? Haha.

kale

And a plentiful plate of sweet potato fries with a side of Dancing with the Stars 😀

fries

Perfection 😀

This morning, Ashley and I did Insanity Pure Cardio and then I made some smoothies for protein powahhhh.

smoothies

For 2 smoothies:

-2 C almond milk

-1 C water

-1 banana

-2 C frozen organic blueberries

– 2 scoops Sun Warrior

-2 T maca

-2 T raw cacao powder

-heaping handful of spinach

-vanilla Stevia

I’m off to take a shower and then drop Bella off for a haircut…. she’s a little fluffball right now 😉

bella

I’ll be sure to post the “after” picture.

My friend is coming over to do our taxes (we filed extensions since the pilot was gone) and she requested a bfast cookie for lunch 😀 Love it.

Have a wonderful day and I’ll see ya later this afternoon!

xoxo,

G$

Something to talk about: What’s your sign that you’re too stressed out and need to take things back a little? How do you chill out? For me, it’s my skin. I usually don’t have skins issues and thrive on a little stress, but lately my skin has gone crazy. Remember when I told ya’ll that the fro yo gave me two small volcanoes on my face? Well I failed to mention the bumpy colony that had already been established there. I’m sure it’s a mix of a lot of things (stress, lots of recent traveling –Vegas, Bahamas, Orlando, a potential deployment, hormones) but I’m going to make a conscious effort to chill a little. I also haven’t been juicing very much lately, but the juice will be coming back today- those enzymes always help out my skin.

Something to do: Let me know how those Day 2 workouts go!! <3

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54 Comments

  1. Diane on May 25, 2010 at 10:03 am

    Hey Gina! Just a question- I found spirulina pills online and was wondering if you think they’d be worth a shot. I can’t seem to find spirulina anywhere and I’d really like to try it. What do you use/recommend?

    • Fitnessista on May 25, 2010 at 10:09 am

      i think they should be fine- you could pop them open and pour it into your smoothies. i prefer the powder though- it would be less messy.

  2. bobbileigh on May 25, 2010 at 10:06 am

    I have two noticable stress indicators. Number one is when my stress is higher than normal but not unbearable and then I require an extra hour or so of sleep. My second is when I am majorly stressed and only happens a couple times a year but my left eye will start twitching (its extremely annoying). When that happens I need to watch the eats carefully, hit the gym to workout some of the stress (this has always worked for me since highschool) then usually come home and take it easy. A couple days like that and I am usually good.

    • Cat on May 25, 2010 at 12:30 pm

      I sometimes get an eye twitch too! But for me, I think it’s when I have too much caffeine coupled with not enough sleep. I first noticed it in college (all-nighters!) and has only happened a few times since (I graduated in 2003).

  3. Brittany on May 25, 2010 at 10:07 am

    Bella is quite the little fur ball, but still cute despite all that hair. 🙂 Olive is the same way right now- I need to book her a grooming appointment asap!

  4. katie @ Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Journey on May 25, 2010 at 10:12 am

    Sorry that you’ve been stressed lately. Ugh and potential deployment, oh no. I hope it doesn’t happen!

    My sign is back pain, especially stiffness in my shoulders and neck. I have been experiencing that lately too which is no fun. I’m in the process of job hunting (from a city 2500 miles away from the one I want to work in) and preparing for a cross country move so I just keep reminding myself that it will all be over soon!

    But I guess there will just be a new set of stress once we arrive in the new city…That’s life, huh?

  5. Jessica @ How Sweet on May 25, 2010 at 10:15 am

    My skin is my number one sign, too. Beside the feeling of pure exhaustion!

  6. allison @ livingoneday on May 25, 2010 at 10:18 am

    if i cry for no reason or blow up at the boyfriend – that’s usually a sign of stress. my friends always know im stressed/had a bad day if im cleaning the kitchen or baking/cooking furiously. i dont know why but i have a habit of SCRUBBING the kitchen when im feeling stressed or frustrated. i suppose there could be worse things

    • Andrea on May 25, 2010 at 3:51 pm

      I do the exact same things as you when I am stressed!

  7. Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman on May 25, 2010 at 10:21 am

    I love the furry hair! We had a bichon growing up and I loved when his hair got long. He was like a big puffball.

    My skin also lets me know when I’m stressed. That, and my eyelid twitches like crazy!

  8. Paige (Running Around Normal) on May 25, 2010 at 10:24 am

    My chest hurts if I’m too stressed. I mean, stressed to the max. This is a clear WARNING sign that I need to chill the F out. Before it gets that bad, I get moody, emotional, and drink wine a little more than usual.

  9. Shelly on May 25, 2010 at 10:25 am

    I tend to catch colds more easily when I am stressed- either that or the skin around one of my wisdom teeth (yes, I still have them) gets infected.
    It’s a sure sign that I need to step back from everything, take some “me time” and get lots of sleep!
    Oh, I also become really really forgetful when I’m stressed. It’s like my short term memory doesn’t exist!

  10. justine on May 25, 2010 at 10:29 am

    Hi Gina,
    Greetings from Abu Dhabi ( where it is safe to say we will NEVER see Sex and the City 2 in the cinema – hence a trip back to civilisation is in order soon to get my fix).
    Definitely skin issues are the worst. Stress, hormones, diet – and the missing piece of the puzzle is appropriate products. I wanted to share a truly amazing skincare site that I discovered recently and have been using – my volcanos have been pretty much dormant since I started with their products. Both website and customer service first class. Check out http://www.reneerouleau.com. Peace and love. 🙂

  11. Heather (Heather's Dish) on May 25, 2010 at 10:31 am

    the biggest sign for me is my energy level. if i’m getting enough sleep but i’m still exhausted, i know it’s time for me to get MORE rest by cutting back on commitments and activities.

  12. Jenn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) on May 25, 2010 at 10:35 am

    When I’m stressed out I have an uneasy feeling and my sleep patterns change. I either sleep too much or too little, or interrupted sleep. I’ve been very stressed out lately, so I’m trying to relax and find ways to chill. Not always easy! 🙁

    Jenn

  13. Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday on May 25, 2010 at 10:36 am

    My dog always looks so different after a haircut! It’s like a new puppy every time 🙂

  14. Cassie on May 25, 2010 at 10:42 am

    I have a question unlretated to this post =) will taking a spinning class bulk up my lef muscles? im short, 5’2 and i feel like my legs get bulky with muscle easily and want to keep them as lean as possible…i wanted to change up my cardio but was nervous spinning would make them bigger…thanks!!

  15. Kilee on May 25, 2010 at 10:44 am

    Oh no! I hate stressed-induced acne because I feel like it was my fault. I agree, take some time to chillax and be good to yourself. Bella is such a cute little princess! I don’t think my comment got posted yesterday about loving the new SSU. I’m so excited to do day two today! Take care and have a great day, Kilee

    • Fitnessista on May 25, 2010 at 11:50 am

      that’s weird the blog ate your comment
      let me know how day 2 goes!
      xoxo

  16. Therese on May 25, 2010 at 10:45 am

    My stress indicator is my emotional level. I tend to find myself making mountains out of molehills until I realize I’m just stressed and then need to calm the heck down! I had that happen last week, thank goodness I had a long weekend this past weekend!

  17. Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) on May 25, 2010 at 10:47 am

    If I’m stressed, my energy gets zapped… I just start feeling overwhelmed and want to curl up and sleep.

    I agree with Cassie’s comment- I’ve been debating spinning because I don’t want my legs to bulk up either… I’m only 5’1 and have pretty “strong” legs as it. What are your thoughts on that?

  18. s on May 25, 2010 at 10:49 am

    I have MANY stress indicators. I think my skin is a secondary one though. I tend to have issues there when I am not eating well. My eye twitches and I need more sleep when I am stressed out.

  19. Annie D. from Annie'sSimpleLife on May 25, 2010 at 10:54 am

    Your question couldn’t come soon enough! I get TIRED. I just start to feel run-down and I cry a lot! I have felt this way for the last two days. I just need to make a big to-do list and start crossing things off. That normally helps me a LOT! Other things that help me get away from my stresses are taking a walk in the woods or doing some yoga in the dark to some music or ocean sounds. Getting away from people, the tv, the computer, the phone and going into solitude for a while really helps to clear the mind.

  20. Lindsay on May 25, 2010 at 10:56 am

    A sign for me is that I’ll be really tired and end up sleeping for 12 hours straight. It doesn’t happen often, but afterward, there’s a 75 percent chance I end up with the flu or cold or something. If I react quickly enough and eat extra fruits and veggies and rest, I can stay healthy.

  21. Heather @ get healthy with Heather on May 25, 2010 at 11:02 am

    Headaches are when I know I need to scale it back a bit. I’m enjoying a massaged kale salad as a snack this morning, so energizing!

  22. Diana (Soap & Chocolate) on May 25, 2010 at 11:06 am

    Oh you’re definitely in good company where food $$ goes. Absolutely the largest percentage of my spending is food. Well, besides rent and that kind of nonsense. 🙂 You’re totally right – eating well is probably better health insurance than actual health insurance. 😉

    I think a sure sign of me stressing is having difficulty concentrating. If I’m stressed about something, I fixate on it, so usually the best strategy is to just attack it, or at least make a move so that I’ve “done something” about it, even if it’s just to put it on a to-do list. Right now, I’m packing up my apt for a move next Monday, and I’m stressing that the paint won’t be dry in the new place, etc, so I both emailed my new super to make sure he’s on top of it and called my movers to see what their availability is like, should the painters drop the ball. Baby steps. And if nothing else, it will all be done by this time next week! Just need to power through. (Can you tell I’m giving myself a pep talk more than just commenting for your sake? HAha…)

  23. Krystina on May 25, 2010 at 11:12 am

    I LOVE massaged kale! I’ve never thought about what my “sign” is, but now I want to pay more attention.

  24. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on May 25, 2010 at 11:22 am

    When I’m a major bitchface and snap at people for no reason, that’s a sure sign I’m stressed out!

  25. mal on May 25, 2010 at 11:44 am

    did a spin class @ 5.30 this morning.
    summer shape up 2010 is off to a great start!

    • Fitnessista on May 25, 2010 at 11:47 am

      yes it is! awesome job!

  26. Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) on May 25, 2010 at 11:49 am

    Ugh stress….it makes me break out too. I have back issues sometimes so that may start to flare up too.

  27. Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter on May 25, 2010 at 11:56 am

    Mine is definitely in my stomach. When I get stressed I tighten my stomach, and if I’m really stressed I get horrendous stomach aches. With my final presentation for studio coming up in a week, I’m really trying to avoid that but its not working too well right now.

  28. Jenn on May 25, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    When I become super stressed, I get fidgety. Typically I’ll start picking at and peeling my fingernails at a rapid rate, until they’re super short. (I do this without noticing what I’m doing until I’m halfway through) And this is gross, but I’ve also picked at my feet until they bled. Total nervous reaction, happens every time. It’s “stage one” of intense stress, in my case.

    PS – I’m doing my own summer shape up with y’all – I restarted P90X yesterday (after a “DNF” of sorts last round); this time I’m doing the lean version which it much easier to stick with!

  29. Gina on May 25, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    Breakouts are my first indicator of stress as well. I had a big deadline last week, which was very stressful and scheduled a facial for the evening after it was due…it was amazing and I felt completely rejuvinated afterward!

    I needed a kick in the butt with my workouts lately, so the summer shape-up was great timing! I switched the workout around a bit because my favorite yoga instructor teaches Monday and Saturday classes. I started my shape-up with a super sweaty hot vinyasa class last night and it was AWESOME!!! I am doing a 30 min interval run today after work (my new apt has a free gym and yoga studio that overlook the Space Needle in Seattle…I LOVE it!!!) Then tomorrow is the big strength training/moderate cardio day and I am looking forward to it! Thanks for the great program!

  30. Heather on May 25, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    Hey Gina sorry to bring this up again but the sun warrior is still not in your store. My friend and i want to purchase some but want to find the best price.

  31. Mary @ What's Cookin' with Mary on May 25, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    lol @ massaging the kale… I said the same kind of thing about roast chicken… I love massaging in the evoo and spices 😉

    I know I’m stressed when I can’t (fall asleep) sleep… It SUCKS.

  32. Katy(Balanced Foodie) on May 25, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    My skin has been crazy breaking out as well. I actually just got off BC(not to have babies but because I’ve been on it since high school and I wanted to wean myself off of it). But anyways thanks to that and stress my face is looking awful. I’m going to try limiting my milk intake actually and see if that helps. I also wish we had $$ for a juicer since I heard that helps a lot too. Any other tips are well appreciated!! Any good face stuff that you can recommend?

    • Fitnessista on May 25, 2010 at 1:37 pm

      it must be the season for icky skin :/
      check out juice beauty and repechage- my fave brands!

  33. Catherine on May 25, 2010 at 1:08 pm

    My skin is definitely my #1 indicator in addition to a crazy craving for sweets, which is very unlike me since I am so not a sweets person! I have actually been sorta kind more stressed than normal recently, so I’m pluggin the juicer back in and getting some lovely live enzymes into my system stat!

  34. Kathleen on May 25, 2010 at 1:09 pm

    Completed Day 2: Speed- I don’t know about the rest of you, I am 41 and not much of a runner but I really had a lot of fun! SWEATY SWEATY SWEATY! It is nice sometimes not to have to think of what to do, just follow what the page says and 30 minutes done! BTW my abs and shoulders are sore from yesterday in places I haven’t been sore for awhile. This summer shape up is just what I needed!

    • Fitnessista on May 25, 2010 at 1:20 pm

      whoo hoo! LOVE IT! so glad you liked it <3

  35. Lisa on May 25, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    I did the day 1 strength workout today and it was AWESOME! I’m a day behind but I’m gonna keep with the Shape Up! 😉

  36. Ilana on May 25, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    When I’m stressed out, I swear my skin changes color. It just looks greyer somehow. And my hair never seems as shiny, either.

  37. Allison @ Food For Healing on May 25, 2010 at 2:04 pm

    bella is definitely needing a haircut, silly furball!

    When i am stressed my stomach always gets really upset very quickly, even when i dont eat. thats a sign to take a breather

  38. Hayley on May 25, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    I’m so with you on splurging for healthy food. I’ll sometimes feel a twinge of guilt after purchasing new clothes, but never get that feeling with food!

  39. Errign on May 25, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    Hey Gina! Question for ya – which category would you put 1.5 hours mountain biking in? We did 6.6 miles – can I count as speed & just do some lunges/butt kicks to supplement?

    Having fun so far!

    • Fitnessista on May 25, 2010 at 3:58 pm

      that sounds good!

  40. Lindsay on May 25, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    Day 2 of SSU kicked my ass!!! I loved it! I was already a little sore from Day 1, so this was definitely a challenge for me, and I love running!

    • Fitnessista on May 25, 2010 at 3:58 pm

      so glad you loved it <3

  41. Andrea on May 25, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    Day 2 is excellente over here!

    • Fitnessista on May 25, 2010 at 3:57 pm

      whoo hoo!

  42. Gina G on May 25, 2010 at 3:56 pm

    sorry things have been so stressful for you =( i have many different indicators,chest pains, my skin breaks out, i toss and turn all night, and one time my stress was so bad that i lost sooo much hair and i am still growing back! kinda crazy hah
    have a wonderful day Gina! things will get better =)

  43. kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com on May 25, 2010 at 6:51 pm

    i usually know im TOO stressed out when i become super angry and anxious at the same time! hate the feeling. <3

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