Wedding Wednesday - Feeling Good

I've felt it and I know you all have too.  While that cupcake, glass of wine, and extra handful of chips tastes so good, it leaves you feeling a little, well, blah later.  I've felt that blah feeling for way too long, despite my regular workout routine.  I seem to always forget the saying, "Abs are made in the kitchen!"  To try to put an end to that feeling, I've been eating better to get ready for the wedding.  Although I haven't seen much movement on the scale, I feel so much better.  My head is clearer and I just feel lighter.

Here are some of the steps I take to "feel good."

For breakfast, I would LOVE to have a couple cinnamon rolls -and yes, on the weekends I will splurge a little and have some.  But, having fresh juice is the perfect way for me to start my day.  My favorite juice combination has been a green apple, a handful of carrots, a tiny sliver of ginger, a handful or two of spinach, and maybe a few strawberries if I have them on hand.  Yesterday, I had an orange, some cucumber, spinach, and a banana.  Yes, I've been told that juicing a banana doesn't work... but it does in my cheapo juicer.  And it's good. 

For lunch, I try to stay away from anything that has an abundance of carbs and sodium.  Turkey sandwiches with a side of baked chips is perfection.  Sometimes I'll opt for a salad.  Sometimes it's leftovers from dinner the night before.  I try to keep it light.  For dinner, I may not eat quite as clean, but my portions are small.  Which brings me to my next point... I snack.  A lot.  I watch the clock and make sure to eat something every three hours (Fiber One bars, rice cakes, and organic granola are some recent favorites).  

I try to work out five times a week.  My recent obsession has been pilates.  Wow, the transformation is amazing -my core is so much stronger.  No, I'm not showing a six pack, but I can hold my planks longer, do more sit ups, and my posture is better.  I try to combine my pilates with enough cardio.  My schedule usually looks something like this: 

Monday- Pilates with Ball

Tuesday- 30 minutes Zumba, 20 minutes of walking/running combo on treadmill, 10 minutes stretching

Wednesday- Either Pilates Mat or Tae-bo

Thursday- 20 minutes treadmill, 10 minutes elliptical, 25 minutes free weights, 5 minutes stretching

Friday- Pilates Foam Roller (all time favorite)

 On top of that, I move whenever possible.  I try not to look at running errands around our hospital's campus as a chore, but as an excuse to move and soak up some vitamin D.  I don't waste time searching for a parking spot near the door of the grocery store ...I park near the back and walk.  I take the stairs.  

 Aside from eating right and exercising, there are a few other things I have been doing lately to feel good.  I've been drinking tea.  I used to HATE tea, but crave it now.  I drink a chamomile tea at night before bed and add a few drops of lemon juice.  I drink a detoxifying tea during the day.  First thing in the mornings, I'll sometimes drink a mixture of warm water and lemon juice -- this is incredibly simple and cleansing.  

Also, I've started taking baths with Epsom salt.  I found this one at Harris Teeter for five dollars.  It smells like a spa and I'm obsessed.  Epsom salt helps to draw impurities and toxins out of your body.  It's incredibly relaxing... but then again, when is a hot bath not?

Finally, SLEEP.

I could stay up all night.  I get a second wind around 11pm, but I know how important it is to get at least eight hours every night.  My goal has been to be ready for bed at 10pm each night.  By doing this, I'm usually in bed with my eyes closed by 11pm.  This is a huge accomplishment since I used to go to sleep around 1am.  The extra two hours have made a tremendous difference in my clarity, mood, and overall health. 

What do YOU do to feel good? 

By the way, I had my bridal portraits yesterday!  It was cold and overcast, but I think they are going to be amazing.  My photographer is the absolute best and I LOVED my hair and makeup (huge surprise because I'm super picky).  My photog shot all in film and I don't know how I'm going to be able to wait to see the photos.

Here's the venue where we did the portraits (Lowndes Grove):

 Happy Humpday, Loves!