Fitness and Healthy Eating

Since Mid-April, I've been exercising and eating healthy all in the pursuit of losing weight and getting healthy. Since April, I've lost about 26 lbs, and maybe about 13% body fat. I now run and hit the gym daily. I recently participated in the Scotiabank's Toronto Waterfront Marathon, well the 5K run. It rainned for the whole run, which really sucked, because by the time I hit the finish line (31mins, chip; 39 official) I was drenched and cold. I picked my medal up and headed to my car to warm up and dry off. Needless to say, I felt I could have ran further, so I signed up for a half marathon at the Downsview Air Force Base, on November 11/12. I am looking forward to the long haul and I am hoping that it isn't snowing or raining because that would just suck for me.

August 5, 2012

 Today is the 50th Anniversary of the untimely death of Marilyn Monroe. She has long been one of the Hollywood icons who I admire and also who I've amassed a collection of stuff on the late screen actress. Recently, while in NYC, I came across some limited edition portraits of the actress, taken by the photographer, Schiller.

The framed prints, taken around the time of her last unfinished picture, Something's Got To Give, feature the Marilyn in a towel, emerging from the water, in the water, and some candid shots of her in the company of Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.

A friend said that particular picture would be a nice picture to own and I had considered purchasing it, until I remembered that Dean Martin was no friend of Marilyn. In fact, according to the author's book, he stated that the likes of him and Hollywood were not allowed by Joe DiMaggio to come to her funeral, as they all contributed to her demise. I tend to agree.

So why would I want a picture of this man on my wall. I would have preferred one where she is alone. I'd have to visit the store again because I'm sure there were a few others that were more interesting.

2012, so far....

Well, the second part of the year is underway. January to July went by super quick and I've accomplished much during that period. Upon returning back from a gluttonous Mexico trip, I needed to focus on getting health and in shape. I do not want to have the same issues as many of my friends and family ~ so I committed to getting in shape. Unfortunately, it wasn't until mid April that I started to really make a change and see the results! I was beginning to enjoy hitting the gym, eating healthy and no processed foods. Working with coworkers and a fitness expert, I managed to drop 10 lbs like that, *snap*. Since April, I've managed to drop back down to the weight I was when I started to lose control of things, about 4 years ago. I'm better off as I have a clearer idea of where I want to be, who I want to be around and I'm cutting out those people who have never given me the time of day. I really don't want to be a number on someone's friend list. I recently did a purge on Facebook and I guess I offended someone, I'm like whatever, I don't need your drama. I'm on a roll, I'm at the gym everyday, started running and I love it! I can't be around people who live unhealthy lifestyles, because I view it like an alcoholic ~ if you must eat what you eat, I don't want to be around you because I'm very vulnerable and do not want the temptation. I prefer to be around those who share a similar view.

New Year, New Goals

I have spent the past year trying to fit in to my life a new boyfriend, new courses, and more responsibility at work. I had a roommate, then I was alone and it was the best time for me. Things are no longer the same, my priorities have changed. I know longer drink, I avoid events where this is alcohol, I'm eating healthy, exercising, and for the first time in over 5 months, I have finally cracked my weight, I'm down by almost 8lbs. I'm not going to allow the people around me to fall of the wagon, so to speak, and keep on with this healthy living kick for at least another 5 weeks. My goal is 20lbs. by June 15/12. I made a difficult decision a few days ago and I have to stick with it, that is to get a way from a very unhealthy relationship. I feel it was a codependent one and after months of on again and off again - I needed to make the final move and say enough! I need strength in my higher power to stay away from a few things, but this is a biggy. It is bad and the sad thing is I think I love the person and I need to stop that. Lets see how this works out...

Some People

that's all.

Shirt Steak recipe from Food Lovers Primal Palate

by Hayley and Bill

Skirt steak is on of the most amazing cuts of steak, in our humble opinion. Every time we place an order with US Wellness Meats we absolutely have to order a skirt steak, because theirs are always mouth watering! We drool over every cut of meat we receive from US Wellness, but skirt steak is definitely one of our top picks.

Skirt steak is one of those cuts of beef where it almost seems like a crime to do anything to it beyond a sprinkle of salt and a quick flip on the grill, so for this recipe we did just that. Salt, and a grill: that is all you need with skirt steak. To take the steak to the next level, we sauteed some white mushrooms in butter, garlic, and lemon zest. Amazing. This meal was totally drool-worthy, and I think we were both sad to see it end!

This one one of the meals that we enjoyed on The 21 Day Sugar Detox, and we highly recommend adding it to your Sugar Detox menu as well!

Ingredients:

• 1 skirt steak
• 2, 8 oz packs of white mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, plus one teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon grass fed butter or coconut oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Preheat grill to high heat.
2. Rinse skirt steak under cool water and pat dry with a paper towel.
3. Cut steak into 4 equal portions.
4. Sprinkle steaks on either side with salt.
5. Grill 3 minutes per side.
6. Remove from grill and allow to rest.
7. In a medium skillet, melt butter on medium heat.
8. Add minced garlic to butter and saute until the garlic infuses the butter slightly.
9. Add mushrooms to garlic butter and saute.
10. Once mushrooms start to soften add lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
11. Continue to saute until mushrooms are tender.
12. Top each serving of steak with lemon mushrooms and enjoy.