You all made me feel so much better yesterday by letting me know I wasn’t the only one who has experienced the little monsters. I have one pheromone trap still out and good news, no signs of any moths so far!
Since I have yet to restock the pantry, we decided to grab dinner out last night at Mint Indian Cuisine. It was the perfect temperature out last night, so we dined al fresco… and split a bottle of wine. The weather made us do it.
We started with Gobi Manchurian Dry, which are battered and friend cauliflower florets in a delicious, spicy sauce. Seriously, they were so good, as was the shrimp vindaloo and naan.
I forgot how much I enjoy Indian food and now realize I need to step up my at home efforts because my Indian food tastes no where close to this!
Wine and Indian food outside in 70 degree weather had me floating on cloud 9. It’s the little things, like impromptu family date nights (Hailey ate naan!) that make me so unbelievably happy. There was a time where I would have spent half the evening counting the calories in each glass of wine, googling calories in vindaloo sauce and tearing my naan into shreds to make one piece lasted for a whole evening. I’m so glad those days are behind me. Now that I’ve learned to strike a balance in my life, I feel so much more free to simply… enjoy.
Part of the balance that took me the longest to grasp is exercise. I still won’t claim to LOVE it, but I’ve grown to love the feeling once it’s over. I’ve been asked a few times lately exactly how much I exercise and what I do, so here you go…
Typically I work out 5 days a week. I usually chose weekdays because I really like to reserve weekends for family and friends and not stress about whether or not I’m fitting in gym time. During the week, I prefer making it to the gym because I’m completely able to concentrate on my workout, which is helpful when I’m knocking out Tina’s boot camp super sets and intervals. It’s been so beneficial to me having a weight routine presented to me, so I don’t just walk around aimlessly, randomly using machines.
I do strength training 2-3 days a week and it usually takes me anywhere from 40 minutes to 1 hour. Then I go pick up this munchkin and head home with spaghetti arms.
I just recently discovered the ability to workout at home during nap time, too. We have a bonus room (which I plan on cleaning out this weekend), a stability ball (from pregnancy) and free weights. It’s everything I need for a quality workout, without having to drive to the gym! Hailey has been giving me 1.5 hours naps lately, which is more than enough time for a workout, a shower and some work time.
I focus on cardio 2-3 days and week, usually alternating weights and cardio days. My cardio right now is focused on wogging because I have my first 10k in about two weeks (HOLY MOLY, TWO WEEKS??) With the weather be so wonderful, I’m wogging outside with the stroller and the pup, which is difficult. I usually end up somewhere around 4 miles in 45-50 minutes. Slow? Yup, but I’m doing it!
I also enjoy yoga, hiking, pilates and trying out exercise DVDs, too, but these things take more effort, like driving to the yoga studio, so they aren’t as consistent as I’d like. I find there is rarely an excuse for not being able to get out and wog or drop and do a plank in the living room.
I’ve finally (after yearsssss) gotten to the point where I miss exercise if I take more than a few days off. Exercise makes me feel strong, physically and mentally. Am I smiling through every step? Not always (ok, not usually), but afterwards I feel fantastic and enjoy wine and conversation with my hubby even more.
Why do you exercise?
Jen says
Ahh yay for your first 10k! Is Hailey coming to spectate? Wyatt is!
I exercise because it’s fun. Simple as that. Glad you’re loving bootcamp too!
Brittany says
I think she will come if she can hang out with Wyatt 🙂
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
A dog and a stroller while trying to run/walk? Now THAT’S a workout! Good for you! It’s hard enough for me to run by myself without tripping over my own feet! 😉
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
I’m doing the Monument 10K here in Richmond tomorrow and I’m so excited! It’s my second 10K (I ran it last year) but it’s a HUGE race and I love it!
Brittany, you look amazing!!! 🙂
blackhuff says
I’m liking how you fit exercise into your life. I do love my exercise though. It have grown on me, which baffles me till today.
I exercise 6 days a week whereas one fall on a Saturday. The one on Saturday usually entails one where me and my family are doing an activity together like Tennis, soccer or walking.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I’ve finally gotten to that point too with exercise. I honestly never thought it’d happen. It’s fun, it makes me feel good and it’s a great stress release.
btw-your arms look awesome in that gym pic!
Brittany says
You just made my day! My arms are my new focus area. I want them to tone up, so I’m doing 18 lbs baby curls all day long- haha
Katie @ Legally Fit says
I am super impressed that you are running with the jogging stroller and a dog- I can barely take A and my dog for a walk at the same time! Probably bc I’m constantly on alert since my neighbors let their dogs roam freely.
You look great! I need to get back into my exercise routine- I’ve been slacking since our ten day road trip!
Hooray for longer naps 🙂
Meg @ My Chocolate Covered Life says
I exercise because I am unpleasant without it – I get antsy and fidgety and have trouble relaxing and enjoying the moment unless I have worked my body at some point. I also love having muscles and feeling good about my body.
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
i can never make my indian food taste as good as the restaurants. i try to console myself by telling myself it’s healthier 🙂
Brittany says
that’s true, but healthier schmelthier, their stuff is sooo good! 🙂
Susan @ Real Life Travels says
Exercise makes me feel good physically and mentally.
Sarah @ Smart-Mouthed.com says
I just wrote about this, too! I love exercise. But NOT running… I do it anyway. I like classes and bootcamps best. I love the way I feel after a good kick butt workout. You look great momma! Keep it up!
Abby says
I am currently pregnant and know I will be excited to get back into a routine once our little babe comes along. Just curious, how old was Hailey when you started taking her to the gym daycare? A lot of places I have found only accept kids after they are 6 months-1 year old. I would love to find a gym with a great daycare so I can get some quality workouot time in.
Brittany says
Congrats!! I started taking Hailey at 3.5 months. Here’s the post I wrote about our experience: http://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/2012/01/05/couch-to-10k-while-the-baby-is-away/
I hope you find a gym with great childcare because it really makes a big difference!
Nicole says
What are your thoughts on jogging with the City Mini? We have the same one and I was concerned becuase it is not actually a jogging stroller (even though the brand name is babyjogger!!! so strange!). Do you feel like Hailey is supported while you run? Did you run with her when she was still in the infant seat? Sorry for the 20 questions but I really want to start running with my little one! (and true jogging strollers with shocks and brakes are EXPENSIVE!) Thanks for the advice!
Trainer Kjirsten says
I exercise because I love the energy and glow that takes over my body and life when I do it. I swear I’m a much more positive person when I’m exercising consistently as well. Not to mention the healthy benefits that come along with it as well! I love just breaking a sweat each day of the week. Even if that means taking the dog for a nice walk or doing a nice calming 20 minute yoga practice on an off day. It is just important for me to have some sort of activity every day!
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
I love exercise…it’s kind of sick how much I enjoy it. LOL
I have so much more energy to tackle the day after working out and I love challenging myself to get stronger. I also feel very lucky that I am able to exercise as I know some people can’t bc of handicaps, illnesses, etc.
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness says
Seriously can’t wait to be in a place as happy as you are in! I currently struggle with foods and exercise right now and I hope one day to have a balance with it all 🙂
ErikaMC says
I started working out to fit into a pair of pants I bought that were too small and rather than return them I made myself fit in them! That was over 10 years ago and those pants are too big now. Now I exercise to maintain the goal I accomplished, meet new goals I set, feel more engerzied, feel happier in general and to indulge without the guilt.
Jenny @ simply be me says
Remembering how great I feel after I exercise is definitely what gets me off the couch!
Jen says
i NEED some indian food in my life. that sounds like an awesome evening. i love eating outside…wine is a huge bonus! 🙂
Lisa says
That’s great you’ve been able to change your thoughts about exercise. I think I am still struggling with feeling like I have to do it. I mean I love it after, but sometimes I still feel like I have to exercise every day.
Christina says
Look at that cutie smile!!! So adorable!!!
And hooray for at home workouts. I’m so bad at them, I Must go to the gym or it just doesn’t get done.
Kelly@Runmarun says
I exercise to stay positive. There is nothing like a hard workout to feel accomplished. Way to go with stroller running! Those runs are so hard!!
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
I need some Indian ASAP. Especially naan.
Jolene says
Love to see you’re a big Indian food lover too! I spent years trying to master Chicken tikka masala with very little success haha! You look amazing in those photos. 🙂