FitandFab365

Down a Pound

Apr 152012

Not me, but my dogs.

This morning after breakfast the pups and I headed out for a walk. And it looks like all that extra walking because of our mild winter has paid off. I took them Thursday for their heartworm test and they were weighed. And each has lost a pound.

Way to go pups!

I feel it’s my responsibility as their mom to keep them moving on a regular basis. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association there are 41 million pet dogs and approximately 40 percent, 17 million, are obese. That’s a staggering number. Dogs are meant to walk and walk and walk. Too many have found comfort on the sofa and have poor diets. Sadly, just like their humans.

All it takes is a walk to get started. It can’t get any more simpler than that.

Debra
Everyday is Fabulous

Rejoice, It's Hump Day

Cooking 2 Responses »

Apr 112012

Finally. It feels like it’s taken many, many days to get to Wednesday. But the good news is that Friday is now only two days away. Yay! There’s no workout today as today was a scheduled rest day like yesterday. This means tomorrow I have to decide which DVD I want to pull out and pop into the player. Hmmm. Decisions. Decisions.

At least dinner was an easy choice – steak.

This was the best steak I’ve ever made. And I’ve been cooking them for years. A few weeks ago I watched ABC’s The Chew and there was a tip about sprinkling sugar on your steak. It sounded interesting and I tried it tonight. I salt & peppered both sides of the steak and sugared both sides also. I pan-seared the steak in olive and butter. It looked delicious.

Then I put it in the oven to finish cooking. I popped it in the over for about 12 minutes at 400 degrees and it came out perfect for me. I prefer a medium-well steak. Then I let it rest while I dished the potatoes.

The fingerling potatoes were easy to make. I halved them, then set them cut side down in a heated pan with butter and olive oil, covered and let cook for about 5-7 minutes. Then I added chicken broth and brought to a boil then reduced to a simmer and cooked partially covered for 12-14 minutes. They are easy and so tasty.

I added some corn and dinner was done. This was a perfect mean for a long-time coming hump day.

So, how did you fare on your hump day?

Debra
Everyday is Fabulous

More Than a Walk?

Exercise No Responses »

Apr 092012

Last week I watched the Real Housewives of Orange County (I know, last year I swore off of the RH shows but I can’t help myself, I’m addicted) and Tamra had convinced Heather & Gretchen to participate in a mud run. Real housewives down and dirty in mud, I had to see it for myself to believe it. When the mud run was over the cleaned up crew went for lunch and that’s when Eddie (Tamra’s boyfriend) and Slade (Gretchen’s boyfriend) got into a discussion about cycling. When Slade goes out for a ride he says that he’s going to church. Both men agreed that the workout clears their minds. Also in the episode Tamra said that she had rediscovered working out and it help her get through her divorce. And it was a lot cheaper than therapy.

Hmmm. Interesting thoughts.

Which leads me to think that yesterday I did go to church. But my church was our town’s open space where there is a walking trail for runners, cyclists, walkers and dogs. I gathered the pups and we headed out for a walk. As we walked the trail I realized how lucky I was to have the greatest dogs ever, that my body was healthy and strong enough to walk and that sun was shining. Yeah, working out is my church. Wow, I can’t believe that I agree with Slade on something. LOL.

I love walking. It’s a great workout and it’s so easy to start. One foot in front of the other and you’re off to a stronger, healthier you. I have a few tips that may make starting a walking program a little easier for you whether it’s outdoors or on a treadmill.

- Set a Schedule
Whether you decide to walk first thing in the morning or after work you want to set a specific time for your walk. However, life happens and seasons change so you’ll want to stay flexible. The most
important thing is to be consistent and schedules make that easy.
- Be Sure to Hydrate
Eating before a walk depends on the individual walker and how far and fast you walk. But, we all need to be hydrated. If you do want to have a snack before your walk keep it small and simple like a
piece of fruit or a fat-free yogurt.
- Find a Good Pair of Sneakers
Skip the shoe aisles at TJ Maxx for this purchase. You want a pair of walking shoes because they are designed specifically for this activity. They will also will lessen the chance of injury and you’re
feet won’t hurt.
- Get Socks
Unless you have athletic socks in your sock drawer you’ll need to buy socks for walking. You want to make sure that your socked feet fit comfortably in your walking shoes. The wrong pair of socks
can cause blisters and other foot issues.
- Be in the Moment
Your walking time is your time to focus on yourself. Enjoy the movement and don’t weigh down your workout with problems. Use this time to get healthy, slim and to clear your head. Have fun!