Staying on Track + Spring Leg Workout
Hiiiiiii 😀 Hope your Monday is treating ya well so far!
Catching up on the blog world?
–I put in my two weeks at a job I love, but can no longer stay at (job hunt starts today)
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)
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:
We asked for HOT… and it was perfectly mouth and nose burning 😉
+ a thousand fresh tortilla chips
For my entree, I rolled with the shrimp fajitas:
+ corn tortillas, beans (cheese was scraped off) and guacamole
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 😉
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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I definitely follow a moderation every day (or most days) kinda thing. Dark chocolate usually makes an appearance every day and if I want something else – I go with. I’m all about enjoying the treat and moving on! 🙂
Good luck on the job hunt! I try to stick with the moderation thing but sometimes you just want a huge bowl of fro yo full of every single topping! I gave up treats for lent though so its been more pb and raisins for “treats.”
I think I’ve gotten pretty good at knowing myself and intuitively discerning when it’s right for me to indulge or when I need to abstain. Sometimes I just crave things because I am feeling restless, etc., and when I give in I just feel disappointed! It cheapens a treat when you have it without really wanting it. So, I have learned what makes me feel good; if I visualize how I will feel after eating it (both emotionally, and physically — moreso if I will feel sick, tired, etc.), that guides my decision pretty well usually. 🙂 Best of luck to you as you navigate jobs and houses!
Those fajitas look fabulous and fresh hot salsa? I would love to go there.
Love the legs workout, I was planning on switching up what I’m doing and this looks perfect!
OMG custom salsa at your table looks like heaven to me. Definitely going to try and include some of your leg workouts in this week so gracias!! 😀
oooh, margies!
the spring leg workout sounds fabulous! i just started week 2 of 2010’s summer shape up and i now have 5 girls participating in it with me. they all said it looked like so much fun when i was doing it at the gym! you have a following at my gym!
I eat what I want when I want, but I always try to eat a ton of veggies, use moderation, and make sure I’m actually hungry, not bored.
Good luck with house hunting! I guess this means your dream house is out?
i think it does 🙁
he doesn’t love it, and i would never want him to live in a house he didn’t love
I have a really hard time with everything in moderation – does that mean a small treat every day? Or just whenever I “intuitively” want something? I’m still figuring it out. Your concept of treat night seems to be a smart idea, though 🙂
One thing I have decided is to keep alcohol to one night a week or every other week!
i think that’s what it means.. i don’t do that very well though- it’s easy for me to get addicted to sugary stuff
alcohol about once a week works well for me too 🙂
I roll like you do- mostly clean/healthy but occasional indulgence and treat–ain’t no biggie 😉 Love chips and salsa that are fresh, fresh, fresh!!
I try not to eat when I am bored or not really hungry- so this helps with my eat when i want an indulgence thang. I like your house needs, btw. I’d roll with a POOL, fo sho 😉
i like to try and have a ‘treat night’ usually the weekend, but if i really want something , ill just go for it so that i dont drive myself crazy thinking about it!
Treat nights for sure! But I kinda tend to just indulge in a craving. Otherwise, if I hold off for too long, once I do get to satisfying it, I end up wanting more.
I was thinking with the frequency you guys shuffle around you rented those houses. Doesn’t buying and selling take time/money and you have to move sometimes at short notice?
Anyway – yes about the taking breaks – stress is a big factor in affecting how we eat and sometimes doing less helps you get clarity, rest and refocus.
I get sunwarrior chocolate and I’m not such a choco holic, so I dont really feel the desire to buy it ever- I mostly have avoid having mucho bread around or anything like granola or cereal or cookies- anything carby like that, that you can overeat on easily –
when you’re military, you can get out of any rental contract with 30 days notice. the townhouse we’re staying at knows we’ll be leaving this summer, and the condo we were at in valdizzy knew we’d be leaving before tom deployed, too.
it does take time, and money, but such is the woes of military life
so sometimes you rent sometimes you buy. I move a lot in NY too (even before I lived here – never went to one school more than 2 years) and know it sucks – I even ended up in the ER, have facial scars and could have been blinded in one move – so I can commiserate – — all the spots you’re in look super cozy and swank if it is any consolation.
Gina, one thing I notice in your posts is that you are a woman who really knows herself. I really admire that about you and strive to come to the same understanding with myself.
Good luck on the house hunt!!!
thanks girl 🙂 you’ll figure out what works best for you, it definitely takes some trial and error
Morning Gina! Like you, my husband and I eat healthy 80-90% of the time and we have designated one cheat meal on Sunday nights where we eat (and drink) what we want so that there is no feeling of deprivation. Come Monday morning, we are back to eating healthy while savoring the wonderful feeling that we’ve indulged in some yummy goodness the day before. Btw, chips and salsa are my weakness, I cave in when I have those in front of me =)
I like your philosophy! Over time, I’ve sort of become accustomed to craving clean foods as opposed to super sugary ones – they seem attractive at the time but I know that I’m really sensitive to sugar and it’ll have me in a sugar coma (with a killer stomach ache!) if I indulge too much. Once in a while though…. that’s perfectly fine by me! 🙂
I think that is smart of you to hire a realtor . . . my husband and I have very similar taste when it comes to homes so we had an easy time of it. And I wanted a safe neighborhood, where I could walk around the block at any time without worry. I’m sure you’ll be able to find something you both love. Those shrimp look huge! Were they really that big? Our healthy eating takes a big dive on Sunday’s. We’re in such a rut of eating crappy on Sunday’s and not sure how to fix it. Any tips? Take care – looks beautiful there – we got more snow and the cold just won’t break. Thank you for sharing the flowers and the sunshine. Mo
they were GIANT. i could only eat 3 tacos with one shrimp in each one 🙂
i think if sunday is your day to eat less healthy stuff, but it’s food you enjoy, keep it. if you want to change it, maybe seek out some healthier versions of your usual sunday faves?
I really liked this post, especially about snacks, healthy eating etc. I do the 80-90% (if we’re honest, it’s more like 85%) of the time healthy, then have treat days or enjoy little indulgences. It’s important to treat myself…especially with chocolate, plus it does keep me eating healthy the rest of the time. It’s a good balance…treat night for me is Friday when I usually enjoy a Bertucci’s pizza…my favorite ever. Have you ever done a post about eating on vay-cay?? (If you have, and it’s been recent…lo siento.)
I find moderation is the way to go. 🙂 I also notice that when I do have treat meals, if I overeat I feel sick to my stomach… so now when I do have “treats”, I try to watch my portions so that I don’t get any food hangovers.
It’s hard for me if I oly allow myself just one day for a special treat. It’s much easier if I just tell myself I can have something every day — it just doesn’t have to be huge. For example, I’ll have 10 jelly beans or something of the sort daily so that I don’t eat a whole bag on the weekends.
I HIGHLY recommend getting a realtor, especially since you’re the buyer. My mom is a real estate agent, and I think a lot of people have a misconception that using a realtor costs you money – not at all when you’re the buyer! It in fact costs the realtor money isntead. The only way the realtor gets paid for the services is if you buy a house, and their comission will come out of the seller’s pocket! Good luck with everything!
Ahh, the house hunt. My boyfriend and I had insanely different tastes as well. But in the end trust that you’ll find one that both of you will absolutely love!
And I’d say, I’m all about finding balance and patience with my eats. I try to eat pretty clean and healthy, but if a ‘worth it’ treat comes my way, I let myself indulge and bounce back at the next opportunity.
Good luck with the job hunt!
I have to be really careful when I want something that’s a treat because I’m still learning how to stay in control! It’s so easy for me to totally go off the rails, and I can feel so guilty too. I’m really starting to change that now though, and I think blogs (especially yours and a couple of others) are really helping!
Good luck on the house front I’m sure you’ll find the perfect house in the end! When the Pilot gets deployed again will you have to sell up and move or will you still keep it?
there are no plans for the pilot to be deployed again for at least the next 3 years 🙂 this house will be a “keeper”- if we move, we’ll plan to rent it out
Glory house hunt still on ! Oh it’s fun though, these are times you will never forget! I think a realtor is a great idea ; )
Loving the huge shrimpies!!!!!
I just believe eating is all about balance, life is too short! I eat very healthy but I also enjoy not so healthy things too ; ) moderation , you know this though ; )
xoxo <3
I actually just wrote about “cheat days” today – I dont think they’re a good idea at all. I much prefer eating what sounds good when it sounds good, but in small portions. That way you get to enjoy how it hits the spot without feeling guilty about a little nibble here and there!
that’s why i don’t call them “treat days”. i don’t feel like i need to “cheat” with how i usually eat- i like to eat the way i do 🙂 i think it’s fun to treat myself to things i may be craving and enjoy more of it, instead of little bites
oh thats how we are too. My husband wants contemporary and I am all about location, floor plan, KITCHEN SPACE! hehe.
Way to keep that mental health Gina, so freeing to know that you eat what your body craves and 80% of the time thats HEALTHY!
As long as I’m good 85% of the time, that’s what matters. I make sure I’m balanced and I count calories, because that seems to be the only way I successfully stay aware of what I’m consuming. 🙂
Oh how I wish we had your weather right now! I would’ve been all over those shrimp fajitas too!
Thanks for all your workout posts and your positive attitude to everything – it what’s kept me subscribed for over 6 months now. 🙂
I eat halthy most of the time and I don’t deny myself a treat when i want one which is usually 3-4 pieces of dark chocolate or brownie! I try to keep in mind serving size and moderation when I do have a snack.
Sorry to hear about the dream job but must not be the right one for you after all (who knows this better than you with all the crazy job changes in your life!)
Hope you all find your dream house soon!!
Thanks for the leg workout! Perfect timing, I needed some new ideas. Also, I am a longtime reader, never commented much – but I am sure your next work adventure will be even more fun and rewarding!
thanks so much for saying hi! 🙂 let me know if you try the workout 🙂
That salsa looks so good. I wish there were a place around me that made it fresh at the table.
so sorry to hear about your job, gina. all the best. it’s tough to leave employment that you love but is just not right for right now.
just saw your comment about the pilot being around for the next three years! that is joyous news! good luck with the house hunt. a realtor would save you time and aggravation (thumbs up!).
For me, it’s important to allow myself to have the stuff I really love, in all its unhealthy, sugary glory. Healthy treats just don’t do it for me the way a huge Crumbs cupcake does! I make good choices when I’m not craving anything specific, or when I’m at home, but it’s important for my sanity not to stress over eating my favorites once a week or so. That includes frosting and beer!
LOVE frosting 🙂
miss you, friend!
Love the massive ‘rita! Alcohol is my weekend “treat.” By throughout the week I have a mini-treat on the daily. My sweet tooth needs to be fed! 🙂
Thanks for posting the leg workout – I just posed a killer upper body/interval routine, but I always have trouble motivating for lower body.
Kudos to you for taking the steps to making your life the way YOU want it to be when it comes to a job. It’s pretty inspiring for me in the place that I’m in right now with my work. Just have to remember to do what’s right for me and not worry about everything else around it.
LOVED Guadalajara Grill (I lived in Tucson for a few months). But I think Mi Nidito was my favorite. 🙂 Good luck with your house hunting!
I have seen readers ask you in your comment field recently about “how you eat so clean” and I love how you just addressed it. 80-90%, treat night, and this “If I really want something, treat night or not, I eat it and move on. NBD”
That is me. I eat mostly plants, but I also love coffee and chocolate and desserts and have no intention of giving those things up. And I am not even into “healthy” desserts per se. If it happens to be healthy, vegan, etc…great. If not, oh well. It’s DESSERT, not broccoli. One should never confuse the two and should make a place for both in their life, so to speak.
Love that you and Pilot are really hashing out the house stuff…better now than after you close on one! And get a realtor. As the buyers,it costs you nothing and if you dont like the person you can switch or dump them provided on the details of your contract/partnership.
Hey Gina! That food looks delicious. I could really go for some real mexican food right now. I don’t know if you guys have already picked/found a realtor but my brother and sister-in-law are realtors that work together and you know, they’re awesome! Lol. Just thought I’d pass their info along to ya. 🙂 Good luck on the house hunt!
http://ranam.longrealty.com/
I change it up. Sometimes it’s a moderation everyday kind thing. When the moderation begins to turn into “domination” I try to clean up my eats for awhile and go with the treat night thing. It’s always the same cycle. 🙂
I agree- a cheat day is so important and helps you avoid bad decisions during the days you’re trying to be good. Also there are few things as good for the soul as a vat of chips and salsa from an authentic Mexican restaurant. It’s science.
Is it bad that all I could focus on were those Margaritas hehe. If you don’t allow yourself some cheats/treats you will just focus on what you can’t have and want it more.
Can you tell that my cheat use to be margaritas and I haven’t had one in months hehe 🙂
I definitely like to have my treats all throughout the week but just in moderation. This way I never feel deprived! It works best for me 🙂
Mmm, your dinner looks amazing and super authentic. That’s the way to go!
I usually don’t deny my bodys wants and needs. If it wants a treat- I give it to it! Depriving a food will just make me want more of it later. Our bodies know when we deprive it of something, and it’ll try to get it in different ways if you don’t give it to it. I am rigid in my treats, however- I like them to have some nutritional benefits (dark chocolate, coconut, etc.) 🙂
I used to have one “treat” daily, but treats for me are usually sugar-based, which I needed to (for healthy reasons) remove from my diet! I try to enjoy everything that I eat – I think that life’s too short to eat food just for utility, so instead of allowing one treat, I just try to enjoy every meal I eat!
I do treat night too ! I always save my treats for when something unique comes along, like a new ice cream flavor or a really delicious looking desert that I wouldn’t be able to get on the regular (the delicious looking mexican food would definately fall under that category..)Eating well becomes more of a habit after a while, I strongly believe in the idea that there should be no such thing as a diet; it should be a lifestyle. I find that I crave healthy food now (salads, dark greens, fruit, veggies, etc.), It’s amazing how you can train your palate 🙂
As long as I eat super healthy for all my meals, then I will have a (small) desert every day. I’m starting to think it might be too much, though! Mainly because I don’t need it. But sometimes my soul does!
I am pretty sure that I could live off of salsa and beans! 🙂 Shrimp is a very welcomed bonus. 🙂
Hi Gina,
I read every blog and I am so confused. I thought you bought into Dance Trance? Did I miss a post? I guess I am confused about what job you are referring to? I love your blog and am so glad to hear it is your #1 thang!
Good luck on the house hunting! 🙂 My boyfriend and I both have different tastes as well … only thing we relate on is a GIGANTIC walk in closet haha. Best wishes in finding the home that suits both your needs 🙂
I used to deprive myself, then did cheat night, but realized moderation is key for me. I am similar to you in terms of I have dark chocolate in my house and usually have a small piece at some point in the day when my sweet touth starts to show, I eat veganish 85-90 percent of the time, but eats chicken and fish when I want. I switch it up alot, but if im out to dinner and want desert, im going to get it 🙂 i also NEVER over eat 🙂
I have a *really* hard time with the “treats every day” and moderation approach, so I prefer to have a cheat day. I was recently really inspired by Tim Ferris’s 4 Hour Body/Slo-Carb lifestyle, and while I don’t follow it strictly, eating lots of veggies and protein during the week and pretty low carb and then eating whatever I want on Friday or Saturday (sometimes it spills into 2 days…oops!) hasn’t seemed to affect me negatively. But I hear you, I eat extra-dark chocolate at least 4 or 5 times a week, and don’t agonize over my clean eating during the week if something comes up. I think 80-90% clean really works for most people. Thanks for bringing up this topic!
Those fajitas look so good! And, way to go on giving your 2 weeks, I am in my last week of 2 weeks notice at my current job and am so excited to move onto the next opportunity!