mizfitonline.com

1. Have you seen yet? Our very own Dara Chadwick has an article in this October’s SHAPE MAGAZINE (page 104 for those of you with the mag at the ready). Dara has been a great source of encouragement to me with MizFit and Im a big fan of her blog. (translation: get you a copy of the magazine and let her (or the editors (wink) who can say) know how much you enjoy her writing.)

B. Have you seen that this THIS BLOGGER returned from blogcation™ last week?

No? Stop on in and say hello.

5i. Im pretty sure Im in for this (what’s holding me back? the race is at 5pm. my typical cardio session takes place at 5 AM) . You in the ATX & wanna join me?

yes?

*crickets chirping*

z. Ive received a bunch of emails recently from new readers seeking information I have on site.

On site virtually HIDDEN because of my FAB tagging (is that even the word?) skills.

Here are a few of the links for which you were looking:

Some chatting about/defining of weight training sets and repetitions.

Why you should always remember to stretch!

My protein shake ~~rant~~ chat.

The clean eating post, what I like to nosh on & a snack suggestions snippet.

Why it’s about being CONSISTENT and not spending all day exercising/not eating.

S.M.A.R.T. goals, emotional eating and silencing the negative self chatter.

Topics: Uncategorized | 28 Comments »

Guest Chef Time: Fatty Gets Fit style.

By MizFit | September 4, 2008

This week’s guest chef is a blogger who makes me laugh and, though you have to p-u-l-l it out of her to make her talk about it, is a pretty damn amazing woman as well.

Seriously.

Get over there and ask her about her job.

(well, after you’ve read her food musings I mean…)

What an honor to submit a recipe for guest chef Thursday! I stalk your website during breakfast every morning. It is very motivating to know there are people out there, just like me, aspiring to be healthier! I’ve followed Weight Watchers, for over a year and a half now. I use the POINTS system, which works for me.

Anywho, I’m a young woman with not a lot of time. Or money. This “unfortunate” combination leads to LOTS of experimentation in the kitchen. I usually whip up something that seems elaborate, but is actually quite easy. I mainly end up using frozen veggies, canned beans, whole wheat pasta or brown rice and a serving fish/chicken/shrimp/turkey. I *love* to cook. I *love* to eat my cooking. I enjoy weirding people out when I prepare a meal and watch them eat it.

The other night, I was craving Mexican. And since I’m saving my money, and had some random left overs laying around, I entertained the thought that I could make my own burrito. *garbage style*

Here’s my recipe for Jillian’s Left-ova Pantry Style Burrito

YOU WILL NEED:

Joseph’s Brand Flax, Oatbran & Whole Wheat Lavash bread (1 wrap)

Goya Black Beans (1 can) (Low sodium are good, for obvious reasons)

1/3 cup Mexican cheese shredded (I used WW brand)Frozen peppers and onions (any brand is fine, as many as you want)Jalepeno rings from a jar (any brand is fine, as many as you want) slice if you want smaller pieces

1 teaspoon (or more) of Joseph’s Humus Tahini

1/3 cup of left over rice (For this recipe, I had some Zatarain’s Carribean Style rice with pineapple & coconut but ANY rice will do) (Seriously)

Open the beans, drain and rinse.

In a saucepan add: beans, onions, garlic, frozen peppers, jalepenos

Simmer this until the beans are tender and the frozen veggies have cooked

Get the wrap ready!

Spread thin layer of humus, cheese and rice.

Add the beans (1 cup)

Wrap it up!

Then heat up on each side until wrap is brown and ENJOY!!!!

It’s pretty yummy *and* it’s only 7 POINTS if you, like I, are following weight watchers.

VEEERRRYYYY filling as well.

You can add salsa, guacamole or sour cream to it, ground seasoned turkey meat, whatever you have laying around that would taste authentic!

I made another one that night and ate it cold for lunch the next day. Awesome AND portable.

you want dessert?

Quaker Chocolate Rice Cake
Cool Whip Lite
Strawberry or (fruit of your choosing)

Make it open faced using 1 rice cake, a blob of whip cream and fruit or make it a sandwich. Even freeze it?! The possibilities are endless….

Thanks Jillian!

Especially for the dessert and the *cool whip craving* you’ve triggered in me this morning… (processed? I know. delightful? fo’ shizzle.)

Topics: Uncategorized | 47 Comments »

Viewer Mail (warning. long post ahead. please to grab a protein-rich snack/some water.)

By MizFit | September 3, 2008

Lately we’ve tended toward addressing one question really thoroughly for Viewer Mail.

(yeah Im dragging you into it, People, when we all know it’s me. you’ll have that.)

As my mailbox fills and people begin to mutiny I thought this week we’d plow through a few questions and, if you’d be so kind, when you comment you can address one or two or ALL.

(translation: my answers are merely launching pads for discussion. as we’ve previously established had I not 800 other day jobs I could ramble forever)

MizFit, Ive read your blog for a litle while now and watched your video on consistency with your workouts and here’s my question: how do you stay motivated?!

This email was a little like last week’s floundering question in that my initial reaction was far different from the answer Im about to give.

At first I wanted to launch into a diatribe about gathering accountablilty partners in your goals, setting yourself up for success & packing workout clothes the night before, making long term and short term goals/rewards—————then in HIIT (rimshot!) me.

The email asked how *I* stay motivated not how one could stay motivated.

My answer? not a popular one but mine none the less: I just do it.

A long time ago (hmmm, let’s say not immediately after college but before graduate school) I realized that part of being a grown up is doing shit I didnt like (yes. I said it. no strikeout.)

As an adult we do, in fact, have a number of MUSTS in our lives which are non-negotiable (work, taxes etc) & you know what? for me working out is simply that.

It’s not an choice (& yes Im painting with a broad bush here but you get the idea. of course I take time off.).

By virtue of the fact Im a daughter, sister, mother, wife, and friend there are people to whom Im obligated to keep myself healthy, fit and balanced.

That was my motivation to start and once I realized that it became part of my life.

During the week working out is simply part of my IM A GROWN ASS WOMAN & THIS IS WHAT I HAVE TO DO list. Next to grocery shopping, laundry and work.

As I used to tell my clients (again, broad brush yada yada yada we can, indeed, find things we love): I dont recall asking if you liked this—-just asking you to do it.

see? I told you it wasnt popular but it is, indeed, my motivation-source. It’s like broccoli. Sure some days I ADORE my veggies and am totally in the mood for them, but other days Im not. Five days out of seven, whether Im in the mood or not, I eat my broccoli (read: do my cardio. weights? the OREOS of MizFits diet)

I was wondering if I could get some advice on hiring a personal trainer. I do not want to join a gym as I have a mini gym at home but I would like to hire a personal trainer to help me use all of the equipment that I have. I have heard that many personal trainer like to preach about what to eat, counting calories and all thatjazz. As someone who is really trying to eat intuitively, I am not interested in that. I am really just interested in developing a workout schedule and routine that works for me. What questions do I ask in the hiring process to ensure that I am not going to get someone that fits my needs.

GREAT QUESTION and, in my opinion, a simple answer. First, go here and read all about how to know if youve found a good trainer (and by all I definitely mean the comments as well). That will answer some of your questions.

Now, when I was a trainer I have to admit that Id have loved to receive your phone call. While I was happy to chat with people about food and calories—my passion was the roots & wings of teaching and emancipating. I adored going to people’s homes, showing them how to use the equipment they had, perhaps coming back for one more session as a form “check up” and then not returning for a few months (when they were ready for a new routine).

Id hope that all you’d need to say is PRECISELY what you said in your email (explain what you want) and the trainer’s response will tell you exactly what you need to know. Does s/he hear you or immediately launch into a “that’s great, but I can also…” type answer?

When I worked in people’s homes I still offered a complimentary consultation. I’d urge you to inquire about this as well. NOTHING will answer all your spoken & unspoken questions better than a face-to-face meeting.

I was hoping that you lovely folks could help me out. I’m having issues with eating healthier and working at a university where there are so many bad (yet yummy) food choices to be made. We have a pizza stand (where it’s really good), chic-fil-a (yummy waffle fries), oriental and a hot sub place with the best fries imagineable (see my french fry problem?). We have healthier choices too, but they’re not as good and let’s face it, they don’t pay grad students the millions we deserve I’ve been eating frozen meals and soup, which I know are not all that great for you (sodium, preservatives, etc.). What do you do (if you go to work and pack a lunch) or what good ideas could you suggest? I still want to do lower carb, but it’s more trying to get rid of bad carbs. So, I’ll have enriched bread, no sugar added peaches (or apple sauce), etc.

This email is one I receive often in many forms (I actually loved this phrasing when I saw it on a blog so I asked if I mightcould use it as representative).

We discussed it here (what’s that you say? ad nauseum?) so definitely read those suggestions/reader comments there first. I also wanted to use the question because with so many new members of the Bumbling Band I know all you * new* peeps have a ton of great ideas to share, yes?

I gave most of mine there—but have found a new love whose tubes have helped me through many an ImFrigginFamishedAllTheSudden time.

(and yes. Im so smitten with Barney Butter that they’re coming soon for a testdrive creation & a freebie. keep yer collective eyes peeled.)

Miz, do you REALLY go to fast food places? or do you go and not eat. I dont believe it.

I do. Perhaps far too often but the Toddler Tornado loves the Yogurt Parfait at McDonalds and I figure there are worse things she could eat (please to yell at me below).

And I eat (not cheaply, but I eat). A couple of grilled chicken breasts (I finally have one place that will KEEP the bun so it isnt wasted) tossed on a salad typically. I know that it isnt the (fingerquotes) best (unFQ) chicken out there——but this is all about living as I can, well, FOR LIFE!

Whew.

I did get a tad longer than planned so Im gonna wrap this up here and let you jump in.

PLEASE to hit us all up in the comments with anything.

your thoughts on motivation. help in selecting a personal trainer. your tips for healthy eating on the go. your please for MizFit to be less verbose. whatever you got—throw it our way.

Topics: Viewer mail | 76 Comments »

The Hungry Girl hat winner is…

By MizFit | September 3, 2008

TRICIA2

You know the drill: email me your mailing address (MizFit08 AT yahoo.com) and the hat shall be on its way.

Please to wear it with FEELIN’ THE FEAR BUT DOIN’ IT ANYHOO pride.

Topics: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Tues Tip: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyhoo.

By MizFit | September 2, 2008

Last week we talked about ~~running in a dress~~ getting out of our comfort zone.

about stretching ourselves (and *not* in this sense).

Its been a week, People. Whatcha got for me?

What did you do, over the past seven days, which scared you but you did it anyway.

Me? (yes, I hear you out there grumbling that Id better put up or shut up!) I started a career goal Id shelved because I (fingerquote) didnt have enough time right now (unFQ).

yeah, if by didnt have enough time you meant I was (am? who can say.) worried it would fail——which I sadly did.

but no longer.

Im off, feeling the fear, & working to make myself do it anyway.

you?

This week we are FORTUNATE enough to have a Q&A with one fantastic Felt the Fear But Did It Anyhoo woman: Hungry Girl.

Seven years ago HG shed thirty pounds & four years ago she decided to compile all the tips she’d figured out along the way into an email newsletter for friends.

Today that friendnewsletter is sent out daily to almost half a million subscribers!

(& isnt that really why, whether you eat the way she does or not, we all enjoy her daily missives? say what you will about HG you have to agree that her emails are NOT the dull mindnumbing health newsletters of yore).

Whatever your goals are right now, from marathon running to book writing to working out on a daily basis, what Ive learned by watching HG’s empire grow is that if I dont start—-it’s never gonna happen. If I do start? The world is my ~~cheesecake~~ oyster.

Thanks so much, Hungry Girl, for making time for us.

We’re all about ‘feeling the fear & doing it anyway’ at the MizFits. As a result we wanna know: were you terrified when you decided to launch Hungry Girl?

I’ve read that you invested $10,000 of your own money but far more than that Im wondering how you overcame any fear of simply putting yourself out there?
I would say taking risks and taking chances is part of growing. And it can happen at any age. It makes you stronger as a person and helps your self esteem. Get out of your comfort zone every now and then. Starting a business can be scary for sure but if you are doing something you truly love and are passionate about it is so much easier. Just kick yourself in the butt and do it! And that was the case with Hungry Girl. I work more than 14 hours a day on average but it doesn’t feel like work at all!

Did you ever dream Hungry Girl would grow as it did? The book, the product endorsements, the hats (FORESHADOWING, People. Pay attention!)

My vision board is bursting with my plans, goals and dreams—-do you have a similar vision-anything?

I dont!

I am thrilled that HG has grown as quickly as it has. I always thought people could really benefit from my nuttiness about food (MizFit note: HG initially lost her weight by giving up “everything good.” when she realized there was no way she could stick to this long term she set about creating all the recipes found in her newsletters/book).

I’m so glad that I am helping so many people so fast.
Please tell us you’re *normal* (if by normal you mean like we are—-which we do). I could eat vat after vat of popcorn (*drool*) and detest doing my cardio workouts.

You? whats your biggest diet and exercise weakness or vice?

I had always wanted to lose 10 - 15 lbs. And I kept losing and gaining that same 10-15 lbs over and over. One day I decided to give up what I call “dry carbs” — bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, flour… etc. I thought I would do that for 30 days but it lasted almost a full year.

I lost close to 30 lbs in the first three months. I started to follow the Weight Watchers plan for maintenance after that first year.

ALL exercise is a bit of a struggle for me. But I do it anyway.

I watch TIVO and walk on the treadmill. Reality TV helps me get through my workouts. And as for the food thing, it’s a constant struggle because ironically food companies send about 15 - 20 boxes of food to the HG offices every week and sometimes I want to eat it all.

What’s your favorite recipe in the HG book? Your husband’s?

LORD OF THE ONION RINGS!!! (for both of us!)

Having opened my own small business (read: felt the fear and was thisclose to NOT doing it anyway) I know how scary it can be to take that leap of faith that if you build it they will come.

Have you always been entrepreneurial/had this much, as my peeps say, chutzpah?

I’ve always been a bit of a captain — a leader more than a follower and entrepreneurial by nature, but this is the first business I have ever launched or entered into. In the past I was entrepreneurial in a corporate setting (and, yes, that is sometimes possible).

I’m a huge movie buff & long for Julia Louis Dreyfus to play me in the made-for-TV movie about my life. Who would play the role HUNGRY GIRL in your Lifetime Television movie?
wow– that’s a good one!!

Um, can it be a cartoon character??? I’d like to see the animated HG to play me in the TV movie! Can I say that?

There you have it.
Got a question you wish Id asked HG? Wanna blow your own horn about a felt the fear but did it anyway experience from last week?

Please to hit us up in the comments (and you’ll be entered to win a Hungry Girl baseball cap as well! ).

Topics: Tuesday Trends | 80 Comments »

Labor(ing? less?) Day Monday.

By MizFit | September 1, 2008

I decided that since it’s only a day off for all of us USA’ers Id do a post.

That way should you reside in the USA (*and*have the day off as not all of us do) you mightcould skim, get some tips and, GIT to living life (not reading about living).

Should you live elsewhere, however, you can glean some info and (please? maybe?) share some of your tips & thoughts ~~(for example: screw you American people for getting a long weekend)~~ in the comments.

Today’s facelessFACETIME?

Fabulous Fall Tips.

All the reasons to be glad (*sniff sniff*) summer is officially over & some ideas for easily adjusting our lives to the shorter days & cooler temps to come.

Ill start us off:

Take vitamin D supplements from now until memorial day. Living in the land of unyielding sunshine I skip this one but have friends who swear by it. Any of you supplement your vitamin D in the winter?

Build in/maintain at least 30 minutes of YOU TIME a day. This sounds like a no-brainer but with the days growing soon shorter DONT make yourself the first item you drop off your Important Things To Do list.

Make eating healthy a fun fall thang. Seek seasonal fruits and vegetables. Visit a farmers market! Scour your grocery store for “GROWN LOCALLY!” signage. Need help figuring out what is in season? LOOK HERE.

Do you live, as I do, in a place where you spend less time outside in the summer because of the *heat* and more time outdoors come fall? take full advantage of this! Frolic outside. Need ideas? Watch this.

Workout while you watch TV! I love me some television. I’ll admit it. I love all the launch of the new fall shows *and* football season. Try working out during the commercials if you dont wanna miss a minute of your favorite show (jump rope, lunge, corework, squats, push ups. ANYTHING). During football games take halftime to *skip the snacks* & exercise or at least do a vigorous field goal & touchdown dance—-for both teams!!

Remember the 30 Days To A New Habit rule. It takes a month or so for our bodies to adjust to a new healthy habit. Should fall (and the start of school!) mean your workout time is now early morning set yourself up for success. Make a contract with yourself that, even if it’s darker & colder outside, you’ll give the new workout schedule a true effort for one month. You may be surprised how it’s simply part of your routine after 30 days. (if not you can yell at me then. Ill mark my calendar.)

Treat yourself to fall fitness stuff to make workouts more exciting & alluring. Buy new reflective clothing (or tape. lots of fun to be had with reflective tape!) for the darker fall mornings/post-dinner hour. Set yourself up for success & eliminate excuses for not exercising.

Layer Layer Layer. Again, set yourself up for success (and not overheating) by layering your clothing when you exercise. That way the ole “Im too friggin hot. I quit!” doesnt work as well.

Last, but certainly not least is this. We’ve all heard, ad nauseum, how I ADORE my MBT shoes. Today MBT is launching a Thirty Reasons To Walk campaign. They are focusing on the fact that walking is better for the environment than driving & it’s good for our health (physical, mental and spiritual). They’ve teamed up with Map My Walk to encourage us to walk thirty times in thirty days. I ADORE their completely DOABLE yet motivating challenge. You in? The Toddler Tornado and I are for sure.

That’s what Ive got and what I hope will carry this woman through the ‘waaaah summer is over’ blues & past the ‘I loathe the flipping time change’ woes right into spring 2009.

Now you.

Whatcha got to help me, and the rest of the Bumbling Band, get ready for fall 2008.

Im waiting.

Topics: Monday Facetime | 79 Comments »

Link Love: poetry in motion.

By MizFit | August 29, 2008

to do lists all on my desk.

caint I get a moment’s rest?

pets they whine. clamour. shout.

WE ARE READY. Let us out.

Im too busy to make haste.

messing with my putty face.

yet I smile. love my life.

(could optimism cause me strife?!)

I caint see that it is bad

*more* depleting to be sad.

(with the lifeview need some helps?

as with all things ask the Phelps!)

of the weekend Im now thinking

(yours include some bar-time drinking?)

Happy Friday to you all—

& if you need me simply CALL!

*please to note for some reason the LET US OUT site is running slower than ~~molasses in winter time~~ I do. Not sure why. Link is correct.

Topics: Link Love | 69 Comments »

HIIT me baby one more time. (no? HIIT me with your best shot? no again?!)

By MizFit | August 28, 2008

Are you joining in TA’s HIIT challenge?

I have a dream that at some point here Ill get ~~my shit~~ it together and do a lovely long HIIT post.

Until then? Perhaps skim my more grown up rambles as linked HERE.

(while youre there—if you dont already—read morethanafew of TA’s other posts. She’ll make you laugh, cry, think, nod your head in agreement and did I mention chuckle?)

Topics: Uncategorized | 19 Comments »

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