First Date

First Date

Three Questions with Sabrina from Fit.Laugh.Love

 I can honestly say that Sabrina is one of the coolest girls I know. I love her enthusiasm for fitness and healthy living, and the encouraging posts over at her blog Fit.Laugh.Love. (Also, the childhood photo of Sabrina showing off her guns wearing TMNT shorts, t-shirt, backback, and My Little Pony sweatbands is pretty much the most epic thing I've seen in a while) And yeah, we have definitely bonded over our love of Doctor Who. She agreed to answer a few of my fitness related questions, and its my hope that some of the answers will inspire you! 

Source: Sabrina!

"Hi! I’m Sabrina! I blog over at fitlaughlove.com with a focus on informative content to help inspire people to get off their adorable behinds and get their fitness on. I firmly believe that living healthy doesn’t have to be miserable; being healthy is fun! I’m a fan of fashion and fitness because I love looking and feeling good but I also love board games and Doctor Who. Yes – you can look hot and be nerdy! It’s true! Also, my favorite color is teal and my birthday is in July so you’ve been given fair time to get me something really good this year."

1.) I've heard from many people that they feel overwhelmed in regard to fitness and health. what advice would you give someone who doesn't know where to (or how to) begin when it comes to working out and eating healthy?

      1. Acknowledge that it is overwhelming. I am a part of the fitness industry and I still find it all overwhelming at times. Eat this; not that. Do this; not that. Try this; not that. There’s so much information out there that it can be really daunting. Do your research to find what works for you. 

 

2. Take baby steps. 99% of people can’t handle a whole sweeping life change so try to make small changes over time instead of doing it all at once. Start incorporating exercise one week, add more fruits and veggies the next, lessen your intake of processed foods the next. Taking the time to incorporate each part of a healthy life one at a time will make it easier for you to stick with.

3. Big goals are great but they can be discouraging too. Set a big goal and set various small goals leading up to it. Say you have 100 pounds to lose: if you don’t celebrate the smaller goals (like every 10 pounds lost which is still awesome!) you can feel like you’re not getting there fast enough. Smaller goals give you the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge your accomplishments.

4.Ultimately remember that you didn’t wake up one morning 20 pounds overweight and out of shape. It happened over time. Creating a healthy life and seeing progress will take time too. Don’t get discouraged.

2.) Stereotypically, nerds are portrayed as being surrounded by their weight in chips and mountain dew. What are your healthy snack and drink suggestions for people during those marathon gaming sessions? 

If possible, get a couple of your engineering friends over and build this : Treadmills used to play WoW

Not possible? Okay fine. For the marathon sesh it’s important that the snacks don’t need to be refrigerated or can sit out for a while without getting nasty. Here’s my top picks:

Drink:

water – add fruit if  you’re so inclined or get carbonated water if you’re really craving soda

tea

Food:

All natural air-popped popcorn (not microwave)

mixed nuts (look for a mix that is less than 50% peanuts)

rice cakes

apples

edamame

sunflower seeds

chia seeds

raw, fresh veggies

3.) What are your thoughts on the recent "exer-gaming" trend? (e.g. Wii-Fit games and the Microsoft Kinect) Do you think it can be an effective form of exercise?

Source: Buzzle.com

"Love it! With each new console comes a new, more involved way to get physical while working out. It’s a great way to incorporate movement into an otherwise sedentary hobby.

I think these absolutely can provide effective exercise. I’ve done workouts using both the Wii and Kinect and have got my sweat on during both. I would definitely recommend the Kinect over the Wii because it allows freedom from the controller and the ability to truly move but they both offer games that will get you up and sweating.

The more activity the better so if you can get up and moving outside of video gaming (whether it’s an active game or not) is fantastic; but something is better than nothing so if that is all you can fit in then it’s a great place to start (next step, getting outside).

Whatever you’re doing, work hard. If you choose to work out using a video game or a treadmill, remember to always keep the intensity up to get the most out of your workouts. If you finish a workout and think “Wow, that was easy” then you need a newer and/or more challenging workout. Step it up and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. You might surprise yourself. "

Three Questions with Sabrina from Fit.Laugh.Love

Fitness Apps for Health N00bs

Even though its been a while since my last post, let's continue with the fitness theme shall we? You know what? I'll even go so far as to call it Fitness WEEK at Dungeons and Diamonds, especially since I have a sweet Fitness/Health Blogger interview tomorrow with someone who knows her stuff!

Today I'm going to tell you about  two sweet fitness apps to help get you motivated to be healthier, stronger... and harder to kill in the event of an zombie attack.


1.) MyFitnessPal (MFP)

MyFitnessPal is a FREE utility available as both a website and a mobile phone application (I have it for the iPhone) that tracks your calories, nutrients, and exercise. When I first started using MFP, I decided to log every single thing I ate without really changing my diet, so I could assess how close I was to meeting my recommended numbers. I was really surprised at my excess calorie intake, and realized how much little unhealthy snacks and drinks add up. I think MFP is an excellent tool for staying on track with your healthy eating goals. The interface is very user friendly, and I've had no trouble in finding the brand specific foods and various fruits, meats, and veggies that I like to eat. There is even an option to enter in your own unique recipes. Visit MyFitnessPal.com to create an account and find inspiration/support/advice on their message boards.


2.) Zombies, Run!

Zombies, Run! is an "ulta-immersive running game" currently available on iPhone, iTouch, and Android. You play the part of Runner 5, who must run further and further in order to collect supplies to rebuild your home base. As you are running, you will hear the guttural and far too near sounding zombie noises from your headphones. There are several missions you can play and you learn more of the story behind the zombies as you run and build your collection of medicine, weapons, and food. This app is a bit expensive, at $7.99 but I think you get a lot of value for your money. And it's cheaper than a gym membership or a treadmill.





And for some laughs, here are a few fitness tips from Captain Picard.

See my previous health and fitness related posts here:
Pick a Palette- Poison Ivy [Running]
D&D Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake 
Tough Mudder Recap
The Juice Must Flow
To Mordor
Pump up the Jam

Fitness Apps for Health N00bs

Tokidoki & Jillian & Superheros on a Bad Camera!

Tokidoki & Jillian & Superheros on a Bad Camera!

Pick a Palette- Poison Ivy [Arkham Asylum Edition]

Some of you may know from my various tweets and Facebook posts that Batman:Arkham Asylum is my game du jour. I know, I know, I'm so frakking behind on the times, especially since Arkham City is already out! A close friend of mine gifted me this game and its been staring at me from my media shelf, unloved and un-played until recently. (I'm always wary about the time I carve out to play video games due to an unfortunate incident about 14 years ago where I was late picking up my younger sister from school because I got sucked into Chrono Cross.) Well, I finally popped Batman: AA into my PS3 a couple of weeks ago and I am hooked! I'll be honest, at first I thought it was a bit too easy, until the escaped convicts kept shooting Arkham's personnel because I wasn't fast enough (so brutal!). Also, when it went from having to take down 3 armed escapees to 8, I had several *ahem* "do-overs" until I got my stealth take-down just right.

I haven't quite reached Poison Ivy in the game yet, but I am totally digging the concept art for the game. For this pick a palette, I think the obvious choice would have been a bikini or something, but I came up with this summery running outfit (+ accessories) instead. To keep it from looking to pumpkin-y, I decided on a muted green top and shorts and a melon colored jacket. I also included a green iPod nano and Sigg water bottle, to keep your roots hydrated.

 

 

1. Jacket: Nike, "Pasadena II Soccer Jacket" in Bright Mango, (here) $48.00

2. Sports Bra: Nike, "Victory Shape" in Gym Green (here) $42.00

3. Running Shorts: Nike, in Gym Green, (here) $35.00

4. Shoes: Nike, "Air Max+ 2011 iD Custom" in green and white, (here) $200.00

5. Water Bottle: Sigg, "Swiss Emblem"in Green Touch (here) $375.00

6. MP3 Player: Apple, "iPod Nano" in Green (here) $129.00 for 8GB

 

Batman Arkham Asylum (Game of the Year Edition) for the Sony PS3 is available on Amazon.com

If you missed them, check out my other palettes- Worf, Link, Harry Dresden

 

Question: Are there any other palettes you'd love to see? 

Pick a Palette- Poison Ivy [Arkham Asylum Edition]

D and D Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake

As much as I try to deny my sweet tooth, I always get "the craving" (especially after dinner). And although I love fruit, these cravings are always epitomized by things like chocolate milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, and cake. All those things usually lead to a slippery, slippery slope, so unless it's a special occasion (mmmm, fresh anniversary cake!) I try to make healthier versions of the sweet treats that I love. Below is the recipe for the "Dungeons and Diamonds Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake.

1 Cup Almond Milk (I usually buy either plain or unsweetened vanilla)

1 Tbsp Natural Peanut Butter (more or less to taste)

1 1/2 Tsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (more or less to taste)

1 Banana

~ 7 Ice Cubes

Makes 2 servings

1. Blend the liquid and soft ingredients first

2. Add ice and blend until smooth

So simple, but so delicious! I love how it tastes like something way more calorie-laden and decadent than it actually is.

 (via BleacherReport)

Do you have a "healthy-fied" dessert to share? Post a link in the comments section!

D and D Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake

Possibilities

(via Never Lose Hope)

Yet another year has passed me by, even though I feel like just yesterday I was writing my 2011 New Year's Post. In retrospect, 2011 was a huge year for personal growth. I think we are all subconsciously aware of the simple truths of life, but sometimes it takes someone else to re-state the obvious. This could be in the form of an inspiring book, a conversation with a friend, or listening to your inner voice (the one that separates itself from all of the "shoulds"  and "can'ts" of the world.) All of these things have contributed to a renewed sense of purpose over the course of the past year. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up, but I DO know that I want to be happier and feel a sense of fulfillment about what I do. If 2011 has taught me anything, it's that I must make it happen! Thomas Edison said "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." I need to remember those words when it comes to this blog and all of the creative projects I have lined up. Be unstoppable.

(via Weheartit)

In an effort to make more sound resolutions for this year, I have tried to make them measurable and achievable.

1. I will post at LEAST one new blog a week. Some of you may say, "only one? Isn't that setting the bar a bit low?" With my work schedule (and inconsistent posting schedule) I think making this goal achievable is best. If I manage more, fantastic, but my goal for now (with my work schedule) is one. Hopefully I can bump it up to 2 or 3 once I establish the habit.

2. I will continue down the path towards financial freedom/success by sticking to the budget we have created, learning more about finance, and seeking the advice of a financial adviser.

3. I will work out 3x a week. As with #1, if I do more, great,  but if I can stick to at least 3, I will be happy (I know, I know, this resolution is being made en masse, but its a big one for me!) I will achieve this by waking up a little earlier in the morning to get a workout in, and setting mini-goals for myself. (First goal is January 15, my anniversary! Second is February 14, Valentines Day!)

4. I will study for and take the GRE.

5. I will apply to grad school to start my MBA.

6. I will make it to at least two nerdy conventions.

7. I will discover what makes me happy and pursue it with vigor!!

This song brought me into the new year via her live performance.
HAPPY 2012!!

Question: What was your favorite moment of 2011?

Possibilities