Fast & Furious April 3

I am freakin' crazy excited about this! I am so so so excited about this coming out on APRIL 3!!! It's on my calendar I'm so excited! I loved the first one! I am a huge fan of Vin Diesel.

Natural Peanut Butter

Natural peanut butter is part of any competitor or health conscious person, at least in part of their diet, sometimes (or they're counting down the days until they can have it again), unless of course you don't like peanut butter. I found this in Real Simple magazine, but was disappointed that my favorite, as listed below, was not on the list!!! How could it not be? I have wanted to buy that mixer for almost two years now and still haven't logged online to get it. Do any of you have it? What do you think?

Dooped by JCrew

I love J.Crew and still do. It fits my style to a T, pun intended. And, I also know that airbrushing and photoshopping occurs, but it's one of those things that until it slaps you in the face, you can live in denial. A while back, the unedited photos were accientally placed on jcrew.com with the edited versions as seen above and below. See if you can find the differences in their thighs! So, I'm a little peeved at J.Crew yet on the other hand, I feel a bit better about myself, knowing that even the perfect models had to be edited in order to make it on the pages of my catalogs.

http://www.counterfeitchic.com/busted/

http://photoshopdisasters.blogspot.com/2008/08/j-crew-does-this-make-my-cutout-look.html

Golden Ads

Those of you who know me, know that I love goldens and have one. This is from a series of catalogs that JCrew put out that were filled with goldens. And, of course, I tore every single page out that had a golden or a golden puppy in it to save. I tend to tear out all pages that I see that have goldens in them. Thought I'd share.

Are your friends making you fat? DIETTRIBE

So, I was watching DietTribe the other day. I tend to tivo weight loss, health and nutrition shows and see if they are any good. This one was about these 5 friends who were all losing weight together and were so glad they were supporting each other through this. It was a great positive message but also got me thinking about what they were like as freinds before and how often does this happen to people?

I have talked about it a lot on here....what is normalcy? Do we choose to go out with friends for drinks and dinner more often than we choose the right patch becuase we don't want to be the crazy fitness, nutrition freaks? Or do we choose to surround ourselves with people who "get" us and our interest in fitness and our intensity for nutrition and health?

I have also found that being a thin person in a relationship with someone heavier can sometimes be a bad thing for the skinnier person. There are studies and I don't know them well enough to site them. I did see on Oprah that if your three best friends are overweight there is a 50% better chance you will also be overweight (I saw this on the Oprah that had Dr. Oz on discussing Longevity.)

I often talk about how I want to surround myself with people who make me want to be better. It's not that I don't like heavier people, it's that I don't want anyone in my life who weighs me down and nags on me for not being lazy like them. I want people in my life who are better than me or better in different ways and push me to be better.

So, are your friends making you fat? Do you need to cut some of the fat out of your life?

Take a look at some of these before and afters from the show DietTribe I showed above. Keep in mind that the show is only 6 weeks, so not quite as crazy of results as the Biggest Loser....

The Bachelor Spoiler

Anne, thank you for the info as I have been totally out of the look this last week working on my final Masters paper. She clued me in that there was some spoiler news that you will see at the bottom of this post. First, though I found this video that also spoils and proves to some extent part of the claim of the ending videos from Reality Steve.




So now we know that he picks Melissa...or does he? If this is old news to you, just move on to another post of mine or another blog...this was not new to me. I just heard about it last night from Anne...thank you Anne!!!

Reality Steve: The Bachelor Finale Part 1


Reality Steve: The Bachelor Finale Part 2


Reality Steve: The Bachelor Finale Part 3


So, the finale is on Monday, March 2, 2009. I am really hoping that he doesn't dump Melissa on national television and that if he does that it's all a hoax to get "us" the viewers and that Melissa and Molly weren't harmed in the making of this madness.
We'll see...only time will tell and hopefully someone will come out and speak about the truth of what happened during this show....if there is any truth at all.

Reality Steve posted more new info today...check out his blog...


realitysteve.com

BIGGEST LOSER: Ali

I loved this season when Ali won. She is such an inspiration to everyone! She has a website and a blog that I listed below. She answers her fans' questions on her blog which is really cool.

http://alivincent.com/

MUST HAVE: Vision Board

I got the idea to blog about my vision board from Girl With No Name on her blog. Great idea!!! Thanks!

I put together my vision board when I redesigned my office last Spring. I did not know that this year I'd be working from home and staring at it every day. Back then, I was using it only in the evenings after my long days at work when I wrote my masters papers. I'm now in here all day for work and then to write my papers at night, so my board is really important.

I also blogged about my calender and you can see that blog post here to see how and why I made this calendar:

http://fitori.blogspot.com/2009/01/inspiration-calendar-2009.html

I change the pictures periodically. I have a pyrografie of me that was done on my trip to Germany last summer. I have some quotes:

Become the woman you admire

Be happy for this moment, This moment is your life

The longest journey is the journey inward - Dag Hammarskjold

We do not remember days, We remember moments - Casare Pavese

Your work is to discover your work and then give yourself to it - Buddha

Be a Fitness Leader

I also have the meaning of my name: Victoria is Latin for Conqueror

her provocative and engaging smile will win you over
she commands attention wherever she goes
she will acheive great progress with little effort
others blossom under her influence
(I LOVE LOVE LOVE THAT!)

You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone else who will never be able to repay you.
- John Wooden, former UCLA basketball coach

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going

Stay Fit, Love Life! (Monica Brant's slogan)

Real Women: fit bodies "She even makes grocery shopping look good..."

I went to Hobby Lobby (with a coupon, of course) and purchased 2 cork boards. I also then purchased khaki colored linen and I stretched it and stapled it over the sides. I also got picture frame hardware for the back so that I could hang it and I used outdoor double-sided tape at the bottom to stick it to the walls. I am still looking for thick enough curtains to match this khaki linen to cover the window in my office.

I challenge you to make one. Don't be afraid to be made fun of...especially if you're on the beginning of your challenge. You will soon be able to say...see, I can do it! I did it! Keep reminders around you of what you want and what you are working towards. It will inspire you and keep your mind in a positive place and it will make you feel as though you are not along in this journey. I think often we feel like we are the only ones and like we are freaks when we get out and socialize with people who are not like us with fitness. It's nice to have a safe place where this is not crazy! In my office, I am me. I am working towards my goal and my fitness "friends" and inspiration are all around me supporting me and pushing me.

EXERCISES: Skullcrushers (Triceps)

Muscle & Fitness HERS - Mar/Apr 2008 - Figure Pro Felicia Romero

I call these Skullcrushers and I use a 30-40 lb BB or Curl BB. I have been having pain my right wrist lately and these have strained that too much to use. There are some variations of this, like on an incline bench that I have not tried but sound like a nice change.

EXCERCISES: Barbell Squat

Oxygen Magazine - april 2004 - Katy Odiatu

I used to use the Smith Machine solely for squats. I have since branched out and I'm adding weight. I'm nervous to add too much weight though as I start to lift heavier to add size. I'm afraid I'll make an ass out of myself and lift too much. I need to quit that. I added 100 to the bar yesterday and honestly it hurt my forarms and wrists more than my legs. It was a lot of weight to be walking around with on my shoulders but damn did it feel good to squat that much on my own!!!

fitness gear: Hand Sanitizer

I found this in Oprah's Magazine in September 2008. Thought I'd share with you because it looks like a great thing to keep in the car. I've added it to my list to get one. At least one day a week I forget to wash my hands before I get in the car and think...EWWWW! This looks like a less messy way than the gels and foams.

EXERCISES: Leg Extensions

Oxygen Magazine - June 2002 - IFBB Pro Adelina Friedmansky

I know most of you know this machine, but I also wanted my blog to be for beginners to learn and some of you are still intimidated by the weight room. This is one of my favorite quad exercises and I like to wait until the end of my workout so I can work my quads to failure. (It's better to fail on the leg extension than a barbell squat! :-D) I have been kickin' it w/ my leg extensions lately pushing 150 - 175.

I also vary this and do singles too at 65 or so per leg until I'm "spent." It's nice to isolate each leg and see where your strength is. Most people have a dominant side.

EXERCISES: Bench Step Ups

Oxygen Magazine in Spring 2008 - Glutes Collectors Issue

If you read my workouts in my journals you see I've been doing these on Saturdays with my workout partner on my quad day. Because I use these more for Quads, I really concentrate on the step up and using my quad. I also add a 20 or 30 lb BB to my shoulders. You can also hold DBs which helps you to use your arms to still be able to swing during the movement.

Reality Bites

click on image to blow up so that you can read

This article came out of Runners World (October 2007) and I thought it was hilarious. It's about a guy who east nothing but protein bars for two weeks. It's hilarious!!! He is such a great writer!

exercises: Upright Rows (Delts)

I got this image from the Abs Collector's Issue of Oxygen Magazine from Summer 2008

I use my VersaGripps on this exercise usually. And, I use 50-70 lb BB depending on the day.

Are you a gymaholic? - Nikewomen.com

This is another great ad I found from the folks at nikewomen.com. I just love motivational ads...if you've read my blog for long you know that!

Nike Butt ads - Nikewomen.com

I love this series of ads that came out in 2005, I think. When I found them there were women who commented about how they are "real women" ads, but I don't think so...I think they are real HARDWORKING ATHLETIC women ads. The women in these ads work hard to look the way they do. Which one suits you the best...the butt ad is definitely my ad :) I dig the Thunder Thighs ad except for the running...I've never enjoyed running. The shoulders reminds me of Shawna b/c she's a swimmer and now totally into yoga and the buffest pregnant chica I know!!!

Importance of Sleep

I've always know that sleep was important so I've done very well to be sure to get enough of it, until last week! I pushed myself too far and stayed up late to write a paper for my masters class and then got up early for a long day at work. By Thursday night, I was so tired that I was like a walking zombie! I lost all will to eat healthy. It was completely chemical! I have always known that sleep impacts willpower and increases appetite. You're really tired so you're ability to control yourself is weakened and also you're so tired that your body is needing something...sleep, so you eat to fill that void!

I think had I just started my weight loss journey and had I not had enough sleep like on Thursday night I would have assumed that I was not strong enough to accomplish my weight loss goals. I am sure that many people are in this same position. They really just need a few more hours of sleep at night but they think they are not strong enough to complete a goal.

So, bottom line - get enough sleep people or you won't be able to achieve your goals!

JOURNAL: 2.8.09 - 2.14.09 WEEK 3 BULKING

Allison Ethier is my motivation and inspiration this week. She has been so gracious helping me with information on trainers. She works full time, has a husband and child and also is a successful competitor. She just won the Bodybuilding.com Spokesmodel contest and she is competing at the Arnold in a few weeks! She's a true inspiration!!!

***********
FOOD
***********
Sunday 2.8.09
Water 1 Gallon
730: 8whites, 1.5T Peanut butter, 1/2c oatmeal
1115: 6 oz salmon, 60g rice
23o: 9 oz abs diet Burger w/ organic ketchup & mustard
500: 1 orange
530: 6 oz salmon, 50g rice
630: 40g GNC protein
930: 40g protein casein

Monday 2.9.09
Water 1 Gallon
730: 8 whites, 1/2 yolk oops, 3/4c oatmeal, 1.5 T Pnut butter, 150 B, 1000 C, zyrtec, 1hydro
1100: 6 oz salmon, 125g rice, 1 hydro, bcaas
*wkout*
200: fruit Smoothie 50g, L glut, bcaas
500: 6 oz chicken, 50g rice
800: 40g whey protein

Tuesday 2.10.09
Water: 1 Gallon
730: 10 whites, 3/4c oatmeal, coffee, 150b, 1000c, 1hydro, zyrtec,
1130: 6 oz tilapia, 100g rice
100: 20g whey, 2 scoops cell tech creatine, Bcaas, l glute, 1hydro
**wkout**
230: 40g fruit Smoothie
530: 6 oz chicken, 100g rice, salad w/ olive oil
730: 20g protein
1030: 40g casein protein

Wednesday 2.11.09
700: 9 whites, 1/2c oatmeal, 1T peanut butter
900: coffee w/ 2T creamer
1130:6 oz tilapia & chicken, 70g rice, 2scoops creatine
500: 150g wheat pasta, 12 oz spaghetti
900: 40g casein protein

Thursday 2.12.09
800: 8 whites, 2T peanut butter, 3/4 cup oats, 150b, 1000c, 2thermo
900: 1 scoop creatine, 20g EAS
1030: 40g protein fruit Smoothie, 1 scoop creatine
120: 6 oz tilapia, 80g rice
5oo: 9oz spagetti, 120g wheat pasta
700: cheated cookies - (tired - see blog post about sleep)

Friday 2.13.09
730: 9 whites, 3/4 oatmeal, 150b, 1000c,2thermo, zyrtrc
900: 1 scoop creatine, 20g whey
**wkout*
1100: 40g protein and creatine Smoothie fruit
1200: l glute, bcaas, b, c, pain med, 1hydro, flax oil
200: 5 oz chicken, 100g rice
515: 5 oz chicken, 100g rice
530: l glute, bcaas, fish oil, pain
700: cheat cookies

Saturday 2.14.09
730: 7 whites, 1/2c oats, 1T peanut butter
830: 1 scoop creatine
**wkout**
930: 1 scoop creatine, 40g protein with fruit smoothie

**********************************************
WORKOUTS - resting 1.5 min between sets
**********************************************
Monday 2.9.09 - Chest & Tris
Chest: Hammerstrength Press: 50/12, 60/10, 90/5, 90/5, 90/5
Pec Deck: 75/4, 75/5, 75/5, 75/5
Incline DB Press: 20e/10, 25e/7, 30e/4, 30e/4
Decline DB Press: 30e/4, 30e/6, 30e/6
Tri: Str Bar Cable Pulldown: 80/5, 90/3, 80/7, 80/6, 80/6
Tri Ext machine: 60/7, 60/10, 70/6, 70/6
Overhead Rope Cable: 60/6, 60/8, 60/5
TOTALS: 450 calories (right wrist still hurting)

Tuesday 2.10.09 - Hams/Glutes
Seated Leg Curls: 80/10, 100/5, 100/5, 100/5
Stiff Leg Deadlifts: 90/10, 100/7, 105/6, 105/6, 105/5
Walking Lunges: 30/20, 40/20, 50/12, 60/10 **start at 60BB next time
Smith Squat (deep): 50/10, 70/8, 90/5, 90/5
TOTALS: 420 calories

Thursday 2.12.09 - Shoulders and Abs (rushed)
D Ring Shoulder Press: 30e/12, 40e/6, 40e/6, 40e/6, 40e/6
Cable Rope Front Raise: 30/5, 30/8, 30/8, 30/8, 30/8
Upright Row Cables: 70/8, 80/7, 80/6
DB Lat Raise: 12e/12, 12e/12, 3 more sets to failure + 3 more for Left side
Oblique Dips: +10/20 e side, +25/10, +25/10
TOTALS: 320 calories

Friday 2.13.09 - Back/ Bis (right wrist still hurting w/ bis)
Back: Wide Asst Pullups: -70/8, 70/8, 65/5, 65/5
Wide Str Arm Pulldown: 40/6, 40/6, 40/6, 40/6
Close Grip Pulldown: 85/6, 85/6, 85/6, 85/6
DB Bent Over Row: 40e/5, 45e/5, 40e/5,
Hammerstrength Lat Pull: 25e/6, 30e/6, 30e/5
Bi: DB Curl Standing: 20e/7, 20e/8, 25e/3, 20e/8
Hammer DB Curl: 20e/5, 20e/4, 20e/5
St Bar Cable Curl: **rt wrist hurt too bad
Curl Bar Cable Curl: 30e/4, 30e/6, 30e/6, 30e/6
TOTALS: 400 calories

Saturday 2.14.09 - Valentine's Quads
Squats: +50/8, +80/8, +100/5, +100/5
Step Ups: +30/7, +20/8, +20/8, +30/5
Leg Press: 180/8, 180/8, 180/8, 200/5
Leg Ext: 150/10, 165/6, 150/8, 150/6
Singles: 60e/6, 60e/6, 45e/8
TOTALS; 375 calories

**********************
PROGRESS PICS
**********************


I have put on about 4 pounds in the last 3 weeks of bulking and that is too much!! Women can usually put on about .25 lbs of muscle per week which is about a pound a month so I've put on 3x as much fat as muscle if the scale is right. Now, some of that is problaby water since I did start creatine. Regardless, I am lowering my protein intake for next week and thus lowering my calories. You can tell in this picture that I have put on some weight....so it took a lot of guts to put a picture on my blog of me heavier!

This week has been interesting. I learned the important of sleep. I always get at least 8 hours of sleep and this week was the first time I was truly sleep deprived and so by Thursday, I was so tired that I caved!!! Then by Friday I just got discouraged because I'm putting on so much weight!

Please don't mind my doo-rag that I am wearing as I'm just getting home from the gym.

******************
DECISIONS
******************
See above where I decided to lower my protein.
I think I have also narrowed down my decision on a trainer for nutrition and training.
I'll let you know as soon as I have signed up with him and made my decision!
I need help to put on as much muscle as possible with as little fat.

I Can't

I found this on Erik's Blog on Lean Bodies Consulting, but it was originally written by Leigh Peele on her blog. I feel like I should give them both credit here for both writing it and for me finding it. I love love love it!! It's fantastic!!!

********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

I CAN'T.....

I can’t hit my diet today because I didn’t get a chance to get to the store.
I can’t do my workout today because it is cold outside.
I can’t get up right now and do my stretching because my neck hurts.
I can’t stick to this diet plan because it just asks too much of me.
I can’t stick to my diet today because I just need to get the job done.
I can’t stick to my diet today because I am tired and stressed and just need a break.
I can’t do this because I just want to live my life.
I can’t go out because I am too fat for life.
I can’t not eat when I go out with friends, it’s rude.
I can’t tell my spouse that I wish they would stop tempting me with fast food they bring home.
I can’t say out loud that this is the 2nd 3rd 4th 5th year in a row that I made a diet resolution.
I can’t tell my family that I need their help this time.
I can’t tell my friends that this time I want it to be for real.
I can’t take off my shirt and not cringe.
I can’t get it out of my head how good my life would be if I could just do this.
I can’t figure out what it is I am doing wrong.

I can’t be the person that says can’t anymore.

How to be a good wife

I have always thought that this article was interesting. It has not been confirmed to be true or false. It is definitely funnier if it is true. I hope you enjoy if you haven't seen this before.

JOURNAL: 2.1.09 - 2.7.09 Week 2 Bulking

I am trying to make this the fittest year of my life, are you? (Not those of you who are pregnant...you are exempt from this question)

*******
FOOD - Week 2 Bulking
*******
Sunday 2.1.09
900: 8 whites, 1yolk, 1/2c oatmeal, 1000 c, 150 b, 1 hydro, 1zyrtec, coffee
1130: 6 oz salmon, sm yam, 10 oz broccoli
300: EAS
400: 6 oz chicken, 75g rice, salad, 2t evoo, 2t balsamic
600: 5 oz pangasius fish, 50g rice, 1orange
900: casein protein 40g
Water: 1 Gallon

Monday 2.2.09
800: 11egg whites, part of 1 yolk, 1.5 T Pnut butter, 1c oatmeal, 1hydro, 1000 c 150 b
1015: 3 BCAAs
1030: EAS
1230: 50g fruit Smoothie
200: 150 b, 1000 c
330: 6 oz steak & salmon, 75g rice, 10 oz broccoli
700: 6 oz pangasius fish, 1lg orange
830: 40g casein shake, 1T Pnut butter
Water: 1 Gallon

Tuesday 2.3.09
730: 11 whites, 1c oatmeal, 1.5 T peanut butter, 150 b, 1000c, 1hydro
**Wkout**
930: 20g protein, 16 oz milk, banana (gag), coffee and cream
1230: 6.5 oz fish, 50g rice, salad with olive oil & balsamic, 1orange
330: 6 oz fish, 50g rice,
530: 1orange
715: 6 oz tilapia and chicken, 100g rice, salad with olive oil and balsamic
900: 40g casein protein, 1.5 T peanut butter
Water: 1 Gallon

Wednesday 2.4.09
730: 11 whites, 1/2c oatmeal, coffee, 150b, 1000c, 1hyro
1100: 6 oz tilapia, 100g rice, 10 oz broccoli
330: 6 oz tilapia, 50g rice, 1orange
645: 15 oz gr beef and organic sauce, 170g wheat pasta,
945: 40g casein protein
Water: 1 Gallon

Thursday 2.5.09
630: 11whites, 3/4c oats, (forgot) 1.5 T Pnut butter, 150b, 1000c, 2thermo
**wkout**
900: 50g Smoothie fruit
1000: l glut, bcaa
1130: 6 oz chicken, 100g rice,
300: 6 oz tilapia, 100g rice
330: 150b, 1000c, l glut, bcaa
600: 12 oz sauce, 100g pasta
615: EAS 1 orange
730: 20g whey and Pnut butter shake
815: 40g casein protein
Water: 1 Gallon

Friday 2.6.09
800: 3/4 c oatmeal, 11 whites,
1T Pnut butter, coffee
900: 150B, 1000C, 1hydro, 3BCAAs
1200: 6 oz chicken, 115g rice, 1000C, 150B, 1hydro
**wkout**
230: 40g fruit Smoothie, BCAAs
630: 6 oz sirloin
700: bites of brownie & 2 sugar cookies
1000: 40g casein protein
Water: 1 Gallon

Saturday 2.7.09
Free day w/ protein and supps
Protein 140 + other bad food :)

*************
WORKOUTS - 1.5 min rest between sets
*************
Monday 2.2.09 - Chest/Tri
Tricep Pushdown w/ Rope: 60/12, 70/6, 70/6, 70/6, 70/6
Tricep Skullcrushers: 30/12, 30/10 (wrists)
Tricep Overhead Extensions: 60/8, 60/4 (wrists)
Chest DB Press: 25e/10, 30e/8, 35e/6 (spot), 30e/8
Chest Incline Bench: +20/8, +20/6, +20/8, +20/8
Chest DB Decline: 25e/8, 30e/8, 30e/6
Chest Flat Bench DB Fly (deep): 15e/12, 15e/10, 20e/8, 20e/8
Totals: 400 calories

Tuesday 2.3.09 - Glutes/Hams
Seated Leg Curl: 80/12, 90/10, 100/8, 100/7, 100/8
BB Stiff Leg Deadlift: 70/12, 80/8, 90/6, 100/4, 90/5
Glute Machine: 110/8, 120/6, 110/8, 110/6
Outer Abductor: 90/8, 100/5, 100/4, 90/5
Totals: 350 Calories

Thursday 2.5.09 - Back/Bis (quick bi's)
Wide Lat Pulldown: 70/10, 85/8, 90/6, 90/5, 85/6
Row w/ good form: 70/6, 70/6, 70/5, 70/5
Straight Arm Pushdown: 40/6, 40/6, 40/5, 40/6, 40/6
Cable Straight Bar Row: 60/6, 60/6, 60/6
Bicep Curl BB: 30/12, 40/6, 40/6 (wrists hurting)
Bicep DB Curl: 20e/6, 20e/6, 20e/6, 20e/5
Totals: 350 calories

Friday 2.6.09 - Shoulders / Abs (a little mismatched - worked in w/ husband too)
Arnold Press 25e/7, 25e/7, 30e/6, 30e/6 (spot)
Lat Raises: 12e/10, 15e/4, 15e/4, 14e/4
Drop Sets w/ BB Press: ? 3 sets
Cable Pull ins : 20e/4, 20e/8, 20e/5, 20e/8
Calbe Pull outs: 20e/10, 30e/8, 40e/4, 30e/8
Upright Rows: 50/5, 50/5, 50/5
Left Arm (weakpoint) DB Lat Raise: 12/8, 12/8
Decline Abs: 3 sets

Saturday 2.7.09 - Quads
Leg Extension: 105/10, 120/10, 135/10, 150/8, 165/6, 180/5 (Rt knee hurting at end)
Squat w/ Bar (elevated heals): +50/8, +50/8, +70/8, +80/5, +80/5
Leg Press: 160/12, 250/5, 210/8, 210/8
Totals: 377 calories

*************
THOUGHTS
*************
I'm realizing that bulking is hard on the psyche and understanding why. Without a coach I am nervous that I'm just packing on the pounds of fat though I know I'm making gains. I think I'll be adding some creatine into the diet next week. I'm still bad about writing down my supps and I'll work on that next week also.

How to read a Nutrition Label & Ingredients

Lately, I'm catching myself reading more ingredients than Nutrition Labels and honestly, once you find your favorite food...the staples of your home, you stop needing to read these all the time. I saw Dr. Oz on Oprah a couple of weeks ago talking to overweight kids and teens and explaining how easy these Nutrition Facts are to read. A GREAT TIP he said was that anything on the top portion of the label, you want LESS of and on the lower portion of the label, you want MORE of...so, less calories, fat, sodium, etc and more protein and vitamins. It makes sense. Also, be sure you're reading the serving sizes!!!

RECIPES: The Official Abs Diet Burger

My husband and I love these burgers...LOVE LOVE LOVE! I went ahead and included the whole two pages just in case you all wanted to try them also. The Abs Diet books are GREAT for recipes and understanding what foods and their ingredients do to you and your body. This recipe came out of the smaller recipe book as shown below.

Test your THINtelligence

Today I am cleaning out my bookcases of magazines I don't need anymore. I'm keeping all of my Oxygen Magazines and my Muscle & Fitness & the HERS version also. I can't get rid of any of those but I have some other odds and ends that I am getting rid of so you might see some posts in here of pages I have ripped to out to save and want to share with you. Scroll down safely...wait until you've done the quiz to see if you are a Thin Genius or not! I got 7/8 correct which is a B....ouch! (An 87.5%) How did you do? Luckily, this quiz gave me the "Fitness Authority" to keep blogging...Phew.......

Eco-Friendly Water Bottles

Many of us are drinking a gallon or more of water a day and we need to take our water with us on the road out for the day. There has been a lot of controversy lately surrounding plastic water bottles and reusing them. I got a text message yesterday from my BFF, Shawna of styleberrry HOME who mentioned that a neurosurgeon told her yesterday that Nalgene bottles (that are not BPA free) are worse for us than we already know. So, I looked for some info to put on here about how bad they are for us, but then I realized that we are hearing from EVERYWHERE to stop using these plastic water bottles....so let's stop using them! And, I decided instead to blog about my favorite eco-friendly water bottles and let you comment on your favorites also!

The photo above is my set of SIGG bottles. I love mine. They are aluminum so my water doesn't taste funny after a while. They have little cleaning tablets that you put in there and let sit with warm water and they clean the bottle out. They also have brushes and things. I think I paid $22 for each of mine so I only bought three and those are my water bottles. I love them. I know you can search for ec0-friendly water bottles and find all sorts. You can read on the SIGG site all about their products.