If I Were a Boy, Picking Clothes Out Everyday Would Be a Simpler Process

I've stolen the 1st part of my blog from a link that my dear friend Niki sent me.  I enjoyed reading it and feel that at least one of these could relate to several of my readers!

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1. SNACK, BUT SMARTLY

Grazing between meals used to be on the weight-loss hit list. But nutritionists now know that it's better to satisfy a craving with healthy grub than ignore it and risk a junk-food binge later. The best picks are filling, protein-packed snacks, such as one stick of string cheese, a tablespoon of peanut butter on a piece of fruit, or a medium-size bowl of edamame.

2. TURN OFF THE TV

Dining while viewing can make you take in 40 percent more calories than usual, reports a new study. And texting, driving, or any other distracting activity during a meal can also result in your eating too much. Instead, make each meal something you put on a plate and sit down to, even if you're eating solo.

3. STEP ON THE SCALE DAILY

If your regular weight increases several days in a row, it's a red flag letting you know you need to cut back a little or beef up your workouts slightly.

4. SCULPT THREE TIMES A WEEK

Doing 5 minutes each of push-ups, lunges, and squats (in 30-second intervals) will help build and maintain muscle mass. The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism will be, so you'll torch more calories as you go about your day.

5. REACH FOR YOUR CELL

Next time your mind gets stuck on a certain food, call a friend and redirect your brain by asking how her day's going. Research shows that cravings only last about 5 minutes, so by the time you hang up, the urge to devour junk will have subsided.

6. EAT A BIG, BALANCED BREAKFAST

An a.m. meal made up mostly of carbs and protein with some fat keeps blood-sugar levels steady and hunger pangs away so you're not susceptible to pigging out come lunch, studies show. Opt for something satisfying for your stomach and taste buds — like egg whites and turkey bacon with whole-wheat toast.

7. WATCH THE BOOZE

One innocent-looking margarita or cosmopolitan can rack up hundreds of calories that do nothing to quench your appetite. Treat yourself just on the weekends and cut back somewhere else or stick to a glass of wine, light beer, or vodka and soda — three drinks that each have about 100 calories per serving.

8. HAVE FRUIT TWICE A DAY

Fruit has no fat and is mostly water, so it'll fill you up while leaving less room on your plate (and in your stomach) for high-cal fare. Don't freak about fruit's carb count — we're talking the good kind of carbohydrates that contain lots of healthy fiber.

9. STAY ASLEEP LONGER

Getting to bed just 30 minutes earlier and waking up 30 minutes later than you normally do can help you make better food choices, researchers report. Also, when you're well-rested, you're less prone to snacking out of fatigue or stress.

10. VISUALIZE YOURSELF THIN

When you feel your willpower breaking, conjure up a mental picture of yourself when you looked and felt slim. The visual motivation keeps you focused on your goal weight and reminds you that it isattainable, since you've achieved it before.

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In other news...

Nothing new really.  I'm still basically at the same weight as last time (4ish days ago).  I'm working out in the morning with Bailey.  That will be good.  

School is stressing me out.  I'm just not cut out for anything other than music.  It's what I'm good at.  Plus, I HATE getting called on in class.  It doesn't matter what class, really.  I freeze up and get really nervous.  I can't do public speaking either.  Why is this?  At what point in my life did this happen?  I perform all of the time, so I'm not sure why I get nervous talking in front of people.  Anyways, my back is feeling tense when I leave my classes- probably due to a lot of things: the pressures of being in a class where I might get called on, my backpack is heavy, and I'm overweight.  They all play a part.

Last night we played Beatles Rock Band (which was released yesterday).  We had a copy on reserve.  I made healthy foods and set them up and had [James], Adam, Cayla, Katie, Robbie, SB, and Niki over.  Katie and I made Parmesan Bruschetta, Fruit-Topped Ritz with Pineapple Cream Cheese and some other stuff.  We all took turns playing and singing and had a really good time.  I can't wait to get all my practicing and homework for this weekend accomplished, so that I can play some more!  DIG A PONY!

I'm exhausted again.  Getting up before 7am every day is...Well, my feelings on this are so strong that I'm now speechless.  

Getting up before 7am every day is you fill in the blank.  Be creative!