Minnie / December 10, 2012

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

I did a good amount of reflecting today.

I thought back to my last year of college and how I was a skinny minnie, and thought skinny was perfect. I thought back to PA school and how miserable I was (not only studying, but making poor food choices and not caring as much). And I thought back to a couple months ago, when I started losing weight again in hopes of gaining back a really nice figure. I did it because I cared what other people thought, and how I appeared to them. No matter what stage my body was in, “other people” was something I always thought about.

I’ve come to the conclusion of why I’m happy now with the way my body is. It’s not for other people, but for ME! I have never felt stronger, never felt more positive about my appearance. When I lift a weight in the gym, I feel like I can tackle the world. So if you find something in this world that makes you feel this passion, please enjoy it and do it because YOU want to. Not anyone else.

Same goes with writing this blog. Whether I have 2 followers, 2 hundred, 2 thousand, or 2 million, I will continue to blog because I love it. It’s almost like my diary that I share with the world. All of my memories will be in the internet universe forever, even if it’s not much or not exciting, it makes me happy!

Happy Lady — Blogging makes me happy, and Phoebs of course

Speaking of happiness. Doesn’t pasta make you happy? Well I would think so! Who doesn’t love to slurp up some noodles? Phoebe certainly does!

The recipe I have for you today is Whole Wheat Tofu Veggie Pasta

Don’t run away because of the tofu. You can easily substitute with any protein. Chicken, shrimp, scallops, whatever you like. Or try out the tofu 😉 Click the picture above for the recipe!

I also had a delicious fruit snack today!

So my gym workout today was a tad different than my usual. I was rehearsing for a video I am putting together for you guys! It’s high intense interval cardio training. And let me tell you I was out of breath and sweating like crazy. And the great news about this workout is that you need absolutely NOTHING! Just your body and a little space. I did it right in my own apartment. Its about 25 minutes long but the whole time your heart rate is in the target zone. Amazing! It includes things like power squats, mountain climbers, burpees, and more! It’s coming so be patient 🙂

I then went down to my apartment gym and did some chest work and 10 minutes on the elliptical. My chest work today included:

Chest Presses on the machine. 15 reps at 40lbs x 2 sets. Then on an INCLINE (if your machine doesn’t change positions just do regular) 12 reps at 30lbs x 2 sets. The incline really makes a difference!

Incline — How the machine inclines. You end up doing your chest press on an angle. I really felt this!

Chest Flys on the machine. 45 lbs, then 60lbs. 15 reps x 4 sets

I then did some cable work. I did cable crossovers. Handles up high

Scoop your hands in to one another, ultimately crossing your arms/hands to work your chest. I did 30lbs, then 40lbs. 15 reps x 4 sets

And finished chest with some pushups. On toes 20 reps x 2 sets

So pretty short but effective today! I pick up on the weekdays quite a bit.

I also like to track my progress with pictures. Going back to the beginning of my post and “feeling strong”, I have to say I’m loving my figure more and more. I’m definitely gaining muscle and I love it!