Karen's Steps!

So, I don't know if I'm going to write down every single thing I eat every day, but I thought I'd give a rundown of what my lifestyle is currently like as far as diet and exercise.

3-4 times a week, I get up extra early (well, betwee 5:15 and 5:45 now since I work later) and go to the gym with my friend/neighbor/coworker, Rebecca. During "busy season" at work, I get up at 4:45am. We switch off on what we do at the gym. Usually, it rotates between just cardio workouts and cardio/weights workouts.

I honestly didn't think I could manage the early morning routine, but the hardest part truly is just getting my butt out of bed. It really helps to have a buddy to work out with because we both feel like we don't want to let the other down. We go for about an hour, give or take, go home and then get ready for work.

This routine has been working fairly well for me, I would say...I used to work out after work, but often lacked the motivation for it. Now I can get it over with and have more energy for work!

As for food, I've been trying to be healthier. I usually succeed for breakfast and lunch, but seem to have a problem with dinner. Probably because I don't have a ton of food in the apartment, and don't feel like running to the grocery store. My live-in boyfriend, Tony, doesn't usually have a full meal for dinner, so oftentimes when I want to cook, it's just me that's going to eat it, which is kind of discouraging for me. When I cook, I like to share it! I also am pretty busy, so I don't always have the time for a full-out meal. Suggestions on this matter are welcome!

I've been making sure to get a lot of vitamins throughout the day...I take them, and I drink things with them in it. I have antioxidant berry juice every day and an energy drink - which sounds really bad, but it doesn't have any carbs or sugar...has 8 calories and has a plethora of B vitamins. After working out, I usually drink a protein shake as well.

Oh, one other little tidbit...I read in a women's health magazine that people who eat yogurt every day are more likely to lose bellyfat than those who don't (of course, in addition to exercise and diet). I feel like I've heard this on a yogurt commercial...but reading it in a health magazine kind of verified it. I try to have one a day, but it all depends on my stock at home!

I'm pretty proud of myself about cutting diet soda out of my eating habits. I used to have at least one can/bottle a day, but haven't had any in a week and a half. Score!

There are also a couple supplements I'm going to try out. I'll make sure to update on that!