Category: Fitness

Motivation for the last 5 pounds

Posted on by KSSBelle

b5dd15e186244f596da29874b0b115af
via

I remember this time last year I was not in a good place, weight-wise. I had just had our first baby, and I still had a lot of weight to lose. Today, I’m proud to say I’ve lost everything but the last 5 pounds.
I took a short break exercising, as the last four weeks have been hard to get out and exercise in this heat. But, today, I went for a walk again with my little one, and it felt so good. What feels even better? Knowing that this Fall, I’m actually going to be back to the size I was before I found out I was expecting. I’m giddy with excitement about fitting into my old clothes too. It was a hard road. I remember days when I didn’t want to go for a walk, but I forced myself to go. I eat better too. No crash diets here, just simply making better choices at every meal. And, it’s paid off. Next time around, I’m not gaining as much weight, but to look back where I was a year ago, it’s truly amazing what I’ve accomplished besides raising our little one. One day at a time, one step at a time. You can do it too.

Happy Monday, friends!
~KSSBelle

Just Begin

Posted on by KSSBelle

It’s time. Time to just begin…again.

just begin

via

Every so often I get in a workout lull, and I am there, and I have been for a few months now. I always seem to find an excuse as to why “I don’t have time” to fit my workout into my day, yet in my head I know what kind of shape I want to be in, and I am not there yet. And, it’s my fault. I have no one to blame but myself. I am done with the excuses, done with blaming not being in shape on other things as to why I am not at my best.

I am perfectionist at heart, which is a really good thing when it comes to some things in my life, and an enemy with other things. I know I am capable of doing anything I put my mind to, too.  As my water bottle during my swimming days said “no pain, no gain.” I am a firm believer in that statement. I am so blessed to be able to workout and push myself beyond my comfort zone. I’ve been eating healthy for quite awhile now, and that’s helped with the weight loss, but now I need to tone up. Now, I just need to get out there and do it. Today, I’m back. I am getting back on track, and making it a part of my everyday again. Working out helps me relax, relieve stress and be a better wife, mom and person.

Here are a few things that motivate me to get out there and get in shape. It doesn’t hurt to have cute workout clothes to get you in the mindset, right? Sometimes these workout clothes double as an everyday outfit. One of the perks of being a SAHM. Target is where I get most of my workout clothes (off of the clearance rack) or Old Navy. I am not impressed with the Target stuff this year, so these are more links to the “styles” I wear, but I don’t pay Athleta prices. Way too much for something you sweat in, in my opinion.

 Bustle Skort

cn9594402

I love running skorts. They are cute and feminine. They move with you while you’re working out. I have a ton of these from Target and Costco. Costco is another great place for workout bottoms.

Go-Dry Racerback Tanks

cn9119418

I like my workout tops to be loose. No one needs to see what I am trying to lose. It’s a pet peeve of my mine to see super tight workout clothes on people. Even if you’re really fit. Why? There is no need for it. Again, these move with you. Stock up in every color.

Compression Capris

cn5533168

Love the length of these capris. They come in Tall, too. So comfortable.

Women’s New Balance for J.Crew 620 Sneakers

06690_NA6363

I am due for another pair of these New Balance. Mine are red right now, but I’m loving this color combination, and they’re on sale right now.

iPhone 6 Armband

71T-T5FTRSL__SL1060_

Love this case. Hands-free is the only way to go.

What workout gear motivates you?

bd76c77e43b4d371ff50eb2505b6bb42

via

Let’s do this!

Losing the Baby Weight + A New Stroller

Posted on by KSSBelle

I have a pretty simple workout these days, but it works. I speed walk with my little one. It’s that simple. I am still about 5-8 pounds away from losing the last of the baby weight, and I am determined I will get there in a healthy way. For some, the baby weight melted right off (lucky girls!). For me, it has taken a lot of work on my part, but I know it will be worth it in the end. The next time around, I won’t gain as much during my pregnancy, trust me.

Since I speed walk most days, and my other stroller was meant more for shopping, rather than working out,  I have been looking for a running stroller, and I found a GREAT one! I wanted to share with other Moms out there, because it’s a game changer, literally.  It’s the City Elite baby jogger. It is a bit expensive, but I had a coupon, so that took a significant amount off my total. And, I look at it as an “investment in my health.” And, it most certainly has been.

city-elite-gray-560x560

via

My first requirement was that I wanted the sun out of my twinkle toe’s face. The canopy is super long, and has built-in UV 50+ sun protection, which is awesome, and worth the money. Another great aspect of this stroller is that it is great for tall gals like me. I am 5’10, and the adjustable handle bars come up high enough. It’s the only stroller I found that does that on the market. I finally don’t feel like I have to “slouch” to walk with my little one. It also makes my workout so much more efficient. There are so many things good about this stroller that I could go on an on, but these are my favorite features so far.

What helps you lose the baby weight?

Do you have a city elite running stroller? If you haven’t tested one out, and are looking for a new running stroller, this is the only one you need in your life!

Favorite Breakfast Lately

Posted on by KSSBelle

c0f1833f8ec4d5464cf488efb44272fb
via

I have been trying to lose the last of the baby weight (I have about 8 pounds to go to get to my wedding weight), and so since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I have been trying to find my new favorite breakfast. Well, I found it.

I will go through phases with my breakfasts, and then I get bored. Some days, all I want is a piece of toast with butter and jam, and other days, I want eggs or an English muffin. Since I am trying to lose weight, I am trying to eat less bread. I cannot completely cut it out, because I know once I do start eating it again, I will just gain everything back. Crash diets don’t work for me, “everything in moderation” does. I love bread, but if I ever want to get to my size 6 again, I’ve got to cut back. And, I have, thankfully.

This is going to sound wasteful, but my whole life, I have always tried to eat just half of what was on my plate. I have always eaten like a bird, I just pick at my food. Except when it comes to filets or dessert – I finish those every time. You’ve got to balance your calories out, or as I like to call it, prioritizing properly!

Lately, I’ve been loving Greek yogurt with granola mixed in it. Some days, I add fruit to it, like a sliced banana, raspberries or strawberries. It just depends how much time I have between feeding the hubs and the baby before I eat my breakfast, and how lazy I am feeling about washing/cutting fruit!  Coffee is the first thing I make for us, after making a bottle. I usually only drink two cups (bad, I know), but now that I can drink caffeine again, I am living it up. It also just helps when you’re up at 6:00 am everyday with little ones, too.

1e7adfcabbec679da3832f436adfd8ef

via

Dannon Oikos Greek Vanilla Yogurt

17034931

Nature’s Path Organix Flax Plus Vanilla Almond Granola

14774067

 

So, that’s what I start my day off with lately. It is helping me lose the weight, I can already tell. I feel full until lunch time, which is all that matters.

What are you loving for breakfast right now? And no, I’m not talking about McDonald’s when I say that, either!

What helps you lose weight? Any tips you would like to share? If so, please do!

21272760c0541a0e774e435cb670b712

via

Five on Friday

Posted on by KSSBelle

Happy Friday Everyone! Today is the first Friday I’ve ever joined the “Five on Friday!”

I couldn’t be more excited to join all of the other great bloggers on here!

It’s time for Five on Friday and I do hope you’ll join me, Darci, Christina, and Natasha!

All you have to do is post about five things on your mind, add the logo (found at the bottom of this post), and join the party using the linky tools below. Easy, and a great way to find new blogs and be found.

ONE

Spring makes me so happy with everything in full bloom right now. I went for a walk with my little twinkle toes last night after dinner ( it’s becoming part of our normal routine in the early evenings), and fell in love with this cherry tree. I definitely want to add one to our yard now. I am obsessed!

cherry tree

TWO

My husband and I just discovered these macarons from Trader Joe’s. Such a great Spring/Summer dessert. So light and refreshing. You should buy a few boxes next time you go. It will save you another trip, trust me.

macaroons

 THREE

This weekend we are doing lots of yard work, and I couldn’t be more happy about it. We recently had a truck load (literally) of mulch dumped at the end of our driveway. If you see someone in your neighborhood getting tree work done, you can ask them to dump the wood chips at your house for free. You save a ton of money this way, and they don’t have to pay a fee to dump the mulch. A win win for all. My parents are big gardeners and have been doing this for years. Such a nice way to make your yard look great at low cost. You will have your work cut out for you, but so worth it. So, we are weeding and spreading mulch to get our backyard ready for our soon to be walking baby!

a3b540e24133e6f3236d7d94c39e2892

via

FOUR

Coffee. We recently found a new favorite coffee from Target. We have tried so many kinds, and just haven’t been happy until now. Next time you’re at Target pick up this: Archer Farms Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee (it’s a light roast, but is perfection in your morning mug).

coffee

FIVE

We are searching for a good show to watch at night once our little one goes to sleep. Now that Downton Abbey and Homeland are both done for the season, we are needing a few new replacements. Any suggestions?

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

You are next… Click here to enter
This list will close in 6 days, 15 hrs, 50 min (4/2/2015 11:59 PM North America – Central Standard Time)

 

 

Running vs. Walking

Posted on by KSSBelle

Running

via

I love running, except running doesn’t love me. I speed walk almost faster than I run. No joke. To explain what I mean, I’ll give you a little bit more of my background.

From ages 9-18 I was a year round swimmer. Anyone who knows this sport well, knows it’s an intense sport of long hours in the pool, and a lot of hard work, but it’s so worth it. I love swimming to this day. It literally relaxes me, when nothing else will. I was in the best shape of my life during those years, and looking back, I didn’t appreciate it until I was much older.

During swim practice we would also do some cross training and run. I loved the running or “dryland” as our coach would call it, even if I wasn’t as good at it as I was at swimming. I loved the fact that I was outdoors. I love being out in nature. I spent my childhood playing outside. If it wasn’t raining, I was outside, so the love of nature started really early for me. Running takes me back to my childhood, and I have so many happy years/memories of my childhood. So, now, as an adult, if it is pretty outside and below 85 degrees I want to go for a run.

Funny story, I married a runner, a really good runner in fact. He has helped me a lot with my technique, and I do feel like I am better at running now than I was back then, but I find myself speed walking instead. My Dad taught me how to properly speed walk years ago. I lose weight faster that way. Losing the baby weight hasn’t been easy. It’s been hard, and when I want to truly lose weight, walking is best. It’s a more efficient workout when I walk. It just takes so much more time than running, but for me, it’s way more effective than running, and I am still out in nature, which is truly important to me.

Occasionally, I still run, because I love the “intensity” of running like I did with swimming (and it takes me back to my childhood), but when it comes to losing real weight, I have found that speed walking is a better fit for me. So, while you still may see me out there “giving it the old college try” with running, I know in my heart of hearts, I am a walker, I just haven’t fully accepted that one yet. Maybe one day I will.

walking

via

What helps you lose weight? Does a sport take you back to your childhood days? Either way, keep exercising! It’s good for the soul, no matter what sport you play. Do what you do, and do it well!