Inspiration for getting healthy

My last post described my problem: not in shape. Need to lose weight. This post? I'm providing solutions! Or at least inspirations. I've done some Internet research and found a few items that should get me motivated. (Somewhat of an oxymoron, I realize, to be sitting in front of the computer lazily searching for ways to be active and healthy.) Anyway, here we go....

Eat Healthy!
Some summer recipes that look delicious and are health-conscious (thanks Epicurious.com for offering a healthy menu tab!)

Pan Seared Salmon on Baby Arugula
Smoked Turkey, Black Bean, Bell Pepper and Corn Salad
Herb Roasted Eggplant with Tomatoes and Feta
Green Bean and Hazelnut Salad
Grilled Portabella and Arugula Burgers
Asian Chicken Salad with Snap Peas and Bok Choy
Peach and Tomato Gazpacho

And for the sweet-tooths out there:
Blueberry-Orange Smoothie
Asian Fruit Salad with Papaya-Mint Sauce
Mini Chocolate Cupcakes
Strawberry Buttermilk Ice
Chocolate Angel Food Cake with Fruit and Maple Yogurt
Grilled Nectarines with Honey Balsamic Glaze
Three Grape Sorbets
Mocha Chip Gelato

Lose Weight!
I found an online weight loss calculator that how long it will take, how many calories you need to burn, etc. to reach a goal weight. It also has a calories burned calculator and other tips: http://www.caloriesperhour.com/. It's free!

I plan on starting a food diary that goes over how much I really eat in a day. (I think I will be surprised, and not in a good way.) For $9 a month, you can log this scary information online at http://www.myfooddiary.com/.

Be Active!
Self.com and Shape.com have a lot of online content featuring workout ideas. Also check out Workoutsforwomen.com for a free library of stretches, a free newsletter, tip of the day, workout of the week and more.

I personally like jogging outside versus the indoor machine workout. Going outside changes things up a bit, and it's easy to find targets to say, "Okay, I'll run to the lightpost, I'll go a bit further to the stop sign," etc. It's a good way to push yourself and not stare at how far you've gone down to the hundredth of the mile (like you do, or at least I do, on treadmills).

Shop Healthy!
I've strayed from my usual healthy-shopping habits, mainly due to a lack of time. But especially in the summer, it's easy to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. I read somewhere that you should shop on the perimeter of the grocery store--this is where you find produce, fresh meats, dairy, etc. You avoid the boxed dinners and preservative-filled items this way. It really works!!

Of course, the "shop healthy" term also takes on a new meaning when you consider the green movement. I've been trying to incorporate this more into my life recently. I'm using cloth bags whenever possible to shop. I just bought a roll-up bag that is only about an inch around when compact, but turns into a big bag when opened. Plus, it's waterproof, durable and hand-washable. Hooray! There are also a lot of cute cloth bags out there. Enviro-tote.com has a great selection, and you can have the bags printed with a company or organization logo!

The "shop healthy" idea can be taken into the fashion world, too. Certain designers, like Stella McCartney, have a focus on organic materials. Some people choose to shop vintage and resale to do their part in recycling what's already been made (plus, there are some great vintage pieces out there too!). It helps to know your stuff and do a little research. Once you're aware of how things are made, or the ethical practices behind manufacturing or mining, you may choose an alternative to avoid participating. Moissanite is the perfect choice to avoid the questionable ethics surrounding the diamond mining trade, for example. Moissanite has over 2 times the fire of diamond, is nearly colorless and just as brilliant...plus it's a fraction of the price! Sometimes it pays off to do a little research! You end up with something equal or better and you're saving the earth and the people that inhabit it.

So I got a little off-track from my weight-loss/get-in-shape post, but to truly be healthy I believe you need to take a look at all aspects of not only your life, but life all around you too. How's that for inspiration! It feels good just thinking about being healthy.

Getting in shape for summer

Let me tell you...it's really, really easy to gain weight in Chicago in the winter. It's cold outside, people are stuck indoors and the activity of choice is to order carry-out and watch movies. And drink. It's a recipe for disaster.

Now that summer is dangerously near, I'm nearing panic mode...I definitely need to work out and change some eating habits! The problem is, while it is nicer outside (making it simpler to work out), I don't have a lot of time. Hence carry-out, ready-made foods and even eating out during dinner meetings.

I'm now officially on the hunt for time-saving, sure-fire ways to get into shape and get back on track with healthy eating. Any suggestions? I'll be posting my findings soon!

Rainy days

I know April showers bring May flowers, but it's officially May and it looks like it's about to storm pretty hard here. As Chicagoans we all get very excited for warm weather. Restauranteurs eagerly put out tables and chairs on sidewalks (even when it's just 50 degrees), convertibles appear from out of hibernation, and people begin wearing shorts and flip-flops. But when it rains, the exciting buzz that accompanies the warm rays of sunshine creeps its way back indoors, as we all go about our ho-hum lives for a while longer.

Something about rain makes me analyze things more. I like to listen to depressing music and contemplate the difficulties or ambiguities of life. Elton John said it (or sang it I guess)--sad songs say so much. There's something about this melancholy state of being that takes over during a rainstorm , and it seems to be almost enjoyable, oddly enough.

Is it just me? Unless it was something pre-planned, I'll likely avoid a cheery activity. I much prefer to brood over a glass of wine. To drive my car a long distance, listening to sad music while it sprinkles outside. To rent a movie that is about unrequited love. To visit an art museum by myself and slowly take in each of the especially tragic pieces.

And somehow, amongst this strange, dark attitude, I'm a little happier--and the next sunny day I'm back to beautiful frivolity.