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I Did It!

Well friends, after three weeks of an on-going argument between myself and myself—I finally won and got my butt to the gym this morning. Without even setting my alarm, I woke up at 5:45 on the dot, quickly changed, brushed my teeth and was on my way. Luckily the gym is only ten minutes away, so after 25minutes on the elliptical I still had enough time to go home and shower and get ready for work. Of course if I packed all my gear and got ready for work at the gym it would allow for a longer workout, but I'm not quite ready to get organized the night before. Plus, it would be just like me to forget a vital component like a towel, makeup bag or undergarments........Today I forgot my water bottle. It's tough going 25 minutes without a sip.
Here's hoping this is the beginning of a new routine, and a few more calories burned in the process. Wish me luck!

Kale chips-Yum!

Lately I had been hearing a lot about kale chips. Chef's and nutritionists had been touting them as a great snack food. When Gwyneth Paltrow was on Ellen a few month's ago she was saying how even her kids love them. From what I've heard the crunchy texture combined with the savoury taste are a great alternative to potato chips.

Oxygen' nutrition editor Helen Vong whipped up a batch on the weekend and shared some with me. They were delicious. And as I tend to do, I've already started thinking of alternative ways to eat or prepare them. Topping my salad with them is first on the list. 

Here's the recipe. Enjoy!

Kale Chips

Ready in 20 minutes  Makes 4 servings

1 bunch kale

Olive oil spray or 1 tbsp olive oil  

Lemon juice

Sea salt, to taste

1.              Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

2.              Use a knife to remove kale leaves from its thick stems. Tear kale leaves into bite size pieces and place onto cookie sheet.

3.              Drizzle kale with oil and toss gently to mix.  Sprinkle with salt and lemon juice. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until crispy. 

Morning Workouts-Help!

What time of day do you workout? I've always preferred lunch time or right after work, but lately I find these times just aren't working for me anymore. For the past week or so I've been entertaining the idea of early morning workouts. I'm totally a morning person, but for some reason have never been motivated to get myself to the gym that early. But now I see the appeal of getting my workout out of the way and having the rest of the day free. Plus, I've heard morning workouts give you a little extra energy kick throughout the day.
So tell me this, for those of you who do manage to get up before 6am and head to the gym, what's your secret? When your alarm goes off Monday morning, especially when it's pouring rain, how do you drag your butt to the gym. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Battle Ropes Training

Check out Oxygen's fitness editor Rachel Crocker trying out battle ropes, a new strength and conditioning technique!
A big thank you to Medcan's John Vizzini and Vince Rinella for rolling out the "green" carpet and taking the time to show us this innovation in fitness.
Stay tuned for a future issue of Oxygen where you can learn your very own routine.

A lesson in innovation

Tomorrow my fitness editor Rachel Crocker and I are going on a field trip. We're going to see a demonstration of a new fitness technique. It's very popular right now in New York City, and we've included a small blurb about it in a recent issue of Oxygen.
Are you intrigued? Stay tuned next week for all the details. Reminder to self—bring your camera.
To all my Canadian friends, happy long weekend. To all my friends south of the border, same to you, one week later!

My latest obsession

When Kristi Youngdahl submitted her Success Story to Oxygen, she included an interesting nugget of information. One of her favorite clean recipes is this: Preheat oven to 350. Spray 12-serving muffin tins with nonstick spray. Put 1 tablespoon each of old fashioned oats and blueberries in each muffin cup. Top off with liquid egg whites. Stir each cup; bake for 20-25 minutes. 
Last week I decided to give it a shot. The first time I made the recipe, I did it exactly how Kristi suggested. I brought them into work and they were a hit with the Oxygen and Clean Eating staff members. This past weekend I added raspberries to the mix, and I think they turned out even better.
Now I've become obsessed with finding even more variations. One of Oxygen's designers Megan suggested a dash of cinnamon. Assistant Editor Kirstyn added a slice of banana to the top once it was done baking. Clean Eating's Alicia is aiming for a savoury quiche-like concoction I'm looking forward to. 
If you have any suggestions, please send them my way!

Arnold Action-who can forget it?

Check out what happened at the Oxygen booth at the Arnold!
Although March feels like forever ago, the memories of the Arnold still linger. When I watch this video it brings a smile to my face as I flash back to three action-packed days of celebrating fitness. Although the weekend is a whirlwind, it's still one of my favourite things about working at Oxygen.
Enjoy!

A new hobby

Yesterday I treated myself to a day off from work. I knew in advance my weekend would be a busy one—my sister and I threw a surprise 40th anniversary party for our parents, so I thought no time like the present to use up a vacation day. The weather couldn't have cooperated any better, so instead of lazing around like I originally intended,  I spent the morning tending to my front lawn.
I'm ashamed to say, last year my lawn was neglected and unfortunately the weeds and dandelions didn't magically disappear under the weight of the winter snow like I had hoped. So this year I made a promise I would do my best to bring my lawn back to life.
With my new gardening gloves, dandelion picker and SPF loaded on, I was ready to go. And let me tell you, there is not much else more satisfying than pulling a weed, root and all, out of the ground. Excuse me while I get a little vulgar, but it's almost as good as tackling a stubborn pimple or ingrown hair.
Today my calves are a little achey, and I'm moving a little slower than usual, but I can't wait to get back out there and do some gardening. Next weekend, top soil and mulch!

Sunny Days are Here Again!

I love summer. I love the sun, the heat, I don't even mind the humidity. I only turn the A/C on in the house in order to get a good nights sleep. Although these days if I'm going to be spending any significant time in the sun, I load up on SPF 55. Lessons learned from my youth!
Today was the first day in a while I've taken my workout outside. There isn't a cloud in the sky! I asked my good friend Alicia Rewega (Clean Eating mag's editor in chief) to join me in a jog, and she suggested ending off the run with some sprints and lunges. Needless to say my legs are shaking, but I feel great. There's just something about the hint of summertime, for me anyway, that lures me outdoors and instantly lifts my mood. Plus, in the news yesterday they've forecasted a dry, warm and sunny summer. I can't wait!
PS, Robert Kennedy Publishing baseball season starts next Tuesday. Wish me luck, I've got a bit of the "first-game jitters".

Love is in the air

Last weekend I was glued to the TV every chance I got. Friday morning I had enough time to catch a glimpse of Kate and Wills during the ceremony before heading off the work. Once I punched out at 4:30 Friday, the rest of the weekend any time I could catch a recap, I was on it. Body language specialists, lip readers, and of course fashion police; whoever was sharing an opinion, I was mesmerized.
A male neighbour asked me what the appeal was. I explained how it was a day of pure fantasy. Forget about the economic woes of the nation, or the fact the Queen's children are not really the poster-people for successful marriages. For me, there is not much else more exciting than seeing the gown a bride chooses to wed her prince charming (for real) of her dreams. And better yet, getting the thumbs up 'round the world for the perfect dress.
And I don't think I'm alone. One reporter said "love was in the air" all over the world.  I think he was right. We definitely felt a buzz in the Oxygen department.  For a brief moment, we were given permission to forget about reality and just enjoy the romance of it all. This week it's back to work, back to eating right, and hitting the gym. But wasn't it nice for a few days to jump on the wedding bandwagon, and not take it all so seriously?

Excuse me while I vent.

Take my advice—if you're at the shopping mall, and the mood suddenly strikes you to try on bathing suits, don't do it. Bikini shopping should only be a planned event, preferably first thing in the morning when your tummy is nice and flat, before any bloating sets in. Also, if the store has a good return policy for swimwear, try the suit on in the comfort of your own home.
Lately I've been feeling pretty good about my diet and workout regime. So when I was at the mall and suddenly Old Navy came into view, I thought, why not try a few suits on. They're very affordable and have a great variety. I have a beach vacation planned for the end of July, so there's no time like the present to get organized.
While I had to give myself a thumb's up for spontaneity, I should have factored in a few things:
1. After three long work days (we are on deadline this week), I was super tired and more sensitive than usual.
2. The change rooms in Old Navy do absolutely nothing to flatter the body. Harsh lights, small spaces and concrete floors make for a rather dreary environment.
3. I was shopping alone. Bathing suit shopping is always more successful when you have a companion and they can give a second opinion. We are our own worst critics!

To sum up, I left the store and the mall feeling a little dejected. But lesson learned. Next time I will be more prepared, full of energy, perhaps with a layer of self-tanner, and my mom or sister by my side!

Capabilities

I love when I get to witness someone's strength. Take yesterday for example. I was in the company gym and couldn't help but notice a couple of guys doing hanging dips. I can do dips on a bench with my feet supported no problem, but hanging dips are another story. But get this, not only were they successfully banging out reps using their own body weight, but they also had a 25-pound plate roped around their waist. Good work fellas!
Then there are those accomplishments that are physical feats of strength that happen outside the gym, as part of our daily lives. An example? I thought you'd never ask!
Last week my sister and I had gone to Ikea to buy a dresser. As we all know Ikea is super affordable, but that's where the convenience ends. We managed to get the dresser into her truck and in the front door, but it was so heavy we didn't think we had any chance of getting it up the stairs with just the two of us. We temporarily thought about leaving it in the foyer for a few days until one of the men in our lives were available to help us out. But then common sense kicked in. We're two strong, capable women. There was no reason we couldn't do it. We just needed some stable footing, a tight grip and determination. Well needless to say, once we had our strategy in order, it took about two minutes to accomplish the task.
Fast forward to the weekend, my sister put that whole dresser together all by herself. I couldn't have done it, and didn't even offer to help. After a disaster with a computer desk last year, I have vowed to never put together another piece of furniture. Good work Linds!

Jamie Eason's Eat Clean Tips

Our Seize the Day columnist Jamie Eason is on the road a lot. She talked to me about what she packs in her cooler to eat clean with her busy travel schedule.

What are your favorite portable clean eats?
Note to self, watch my posture for future interviews! ;)
Happy Easter everyone. Here's to a happy and healthy long weekend!

Trish Stratus on the Today Show

Our April cover girl Trish Stratus recently showed off her Oxygen cover on the Today show!



Plus, find out how this wrestler-turned-yogi keeps in top form - we've got her training and nutrition plan on her cover girl insider page!

My inner athlete comes out-well, sorta.

We recently acquired a basketball hoop at the back of our office building. Today, despite my nerves and hesitation I changed into my gym clothes and headed out. The sun was shining, the wind was minimal, and my fellow co-workers were far from judgemental. We didn't play an actual game, just took turns shooting hoops. I wanted to get my calorie burn going, so whenever I got the chance I grabbed the ball and ran around in circles dribbling. I knew I looked clumsy, and probably a little silly, but the fun I was having compensated for any insecurities!
I probably tried for a basket about 20 times, maybe sinking five. But it sure was a blast and I was a little out of breath by the end. One thing is for sure, baseball is definitely my game. But you can bet your top dollar I'll get out there shooting hoops again.

clean eating on a roll

Veggies have always been an important part of my clean eating plan and as you know recently I've been looking for new ways to incorporate them into my day. Thanks to my boyfriend, I've recently become a huge fan of rapini. We were having lunch at his parents place on Sunday and I enjoyed two huge servings of it. He'll even drink the remaining juice from the pan to get a little extra nutrition kick. I tried, but it's a little too bitter for me to drink.
Yesterday I had a hankering for cauliflower (a great source of Vitamin C). So I chopped up the whole head, tossed into my steamer, and voila, 16 minutes later, a tasty little side dish. I find cauliflower so flavourful on it's own, I didn't add anything to it when I ate it with my dinner. But today I packed some in my lunch with a dash of chilli powder. I think it will go nicely with my halibut, salad and snow peas. My stomach is growling just thinking about it.

Spring has sprung

Is it just me, or does the gym seem super packed recently? Ordinarily January is the "busy" time, when people want to get in shape for the new year. But now I'm thinking April just might be the start of the fitness year.
Our company gym is so packed at lunch time I'm using it only for leg day now, and using my home town gym after work for everything else.
But it's nice to shake up my routine once in a while, and I tell you, when I work out after work, I sleep like a baby that night.
What's your favourite time of day to work out and why?

Oxygen outside the office

I just love when I hear about Oxygen staffer's participating in fitness activities on their own time. It's by all means not a prerequisite of the job, but it's hard not to adopt the lifestyle after writing about it for at 40-plus hours a week.
This past weekend, our own success story (read all about her in our Fatloss special issue) assistant editor Kirstyn Brown participated in the Harry Rosen 5k. Read in her own words how she felt about the day. Sorry there aren't any pics, they're trapped on her camera:

"I've always hated running and been envious of people who get up at dawn to go for a nice long jog. As part of my recent reinvention of myself, I set a goal to not only be able to run, but to actually enjoy doing it. I started small by signing up for a 5k and on the day of the run, had myself convinced I was going to collapse en route to the finish. But I surprised myself by crossing the finish line at full speed and smiling! As soon as we were done, I was ready to do it again. I had finally experienced this "runner's high" I'd heard so much about. Next stop, 10K!" 

Officially bored of spinach

Okay, I need a break from spinach. It was my go-to veggie and now I definitely need a hiatus. Does anyone have any suggestions for an easy veggie fix? I don't like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but I want something that's going to give me lots of nutrients like I've come to rely on.
Let me know! I look forward to hearing your suggestions!
And I'd like to give a special shout-out to my pal Theresa. You're a good friend!