I am really enjoying my classes so far this quarter. One of my favorites is Personal Nutrition. One of my first assignments was to check out this awesome website...

 http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

It is super informative! Its full of great information about nutrition and health. I am disappointed that I had never heard of this website before!

I am REALLY excited at the moment because after a year and three months of trying, I have finally convinced my family to join a gym! My dad gave me the okay tonight to sign them up this week! :)

Healthy Kirsty is back. The Arnold's really gave me a good kick in the ass. For an added punch, I am re-reading the book Skinny Bitch... I don't agree with everythinggg they claim but the book is definitely motivational. Here is a sample from the "no-nonsense, tough-love guide..."

"Junk food will never go away. It becomes more alluring by the minute with laboratory-developed aromas, artificial flavors, chemical food colors, toxic preservatives, and heart stopping hydrogenated oils. We know these are all impossible to resist, but no one ever got skinny on junk food. Use your head. Candy bars, potato chips, and ice cream taste like heaven, of course. But they will pitch a tent on your hips and camp out all year."

I'm in Columbus this weekend for the Arnold Classics... I SO needed this! I've been struggling to motivate myself to workout and eat healthy over the past month and I definitely needed some inspiration. For those that have never been to or heard of the Armolds before, its an annual convention of all things related to sports, fitness and nutrition. There are hundreds of booths set up featuring the latest in exercise equipment and supplements. The expo also hosts competitions like the Arnold Strongman Classic and prejudging for Ms. International. It's incredible to see how the human body can be transformed. Seeing all these beautiful women with amazing bodies makes me want to get to the gym ASAP!

Winter is killing me, I'm so over it. I need spring to be here like, now. I've been in hibernation mode; I'm tired all the time and I don't want to do anything but sleep. I haven't worked out in two whole weeks and I've been eating junk food. Lots of cereal and lots of ice cream and nowhere near enough fruits and veggies. Not good at all. I'm sure my lack of energy and blah mood has a lot to do with this... Although I am not at all excited for the workout I am about to have, I know it HAS to happen. No excuses... I'm sick of feeling like this and I know working out will make me feel better... I just don't want tooooo. ugh. Over the past year I've noticed a pattern; the first workout after you've taken a "break" is always the hardest (mentally at least), but once you've accomplished that first workout, something changes... Working out does not seem like such a daunting task, you have more energy, your endorphin's are flowing and you're proud of your accomplishment... I think its time for me to re-read my "list of motivations"......

On another note I have a couple exciting events coming up in the next couple of months. I agreed to run a 5k marathon in March and a 10k in May (this is another reason why my butt needs to start working out again! I need to start training!) Signing up for the marathons was a way for me to hold myself accountable for getting back into a workout routine. Also, in March I am going to the Arnold Classics in Columbus. It is a huge sports / fitness expo that thousands and thousands of people attend each year. I went a few years ago and remember it inspired me to workout for about two days... I'm hoping that by going this year I will be encouraged to get back to a strict working out and diet regime.

"The 2012 Arnold Fitness EXPO will again feature 700 booths of the latest in sports equipment, apparel and nutrition and a stage that hosts unique, non-stop competitions and entertainment"


http://www.arnoldsportsfestival.com/expo/

unfortunately I just established that a treadmill on full tilt, cannot double as an incline bench... 

Pack, Pack, Pack!!!

One of the most important changes I have made in my lifestyle over the past year is what I eat and when I eat it. Avoid processed foods! Your body doesn't want or need all the extra added chemicals. Eat "clean". Pack your food! I've learned that if you pack, you are much less likely to end up stood in front of a vending machine or at a drive through window; both have very limited, nutrient rich, food options! Pack more snacks of smaller sizes (like above) and munch away whenever you get hungry. Your taste buds will adjust, don't worry. After your body rids its addiction to the crap they put in processed foods, you will actually start to prefer eating the healthier ones :)