‘Zumba’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Recipe: Asian Turkey Meatballs and {Eat. Live. Be.}

April 18, 2012 · Narrative

This should make Joanne very happy. Eat. Live. Be. I’m here.

As a multitude of 5ks and Zumba classes permeate my calendar and Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred dvd gets plenty of play time. I’m here. I’ve been here.

Clean eating? Yep, I’m there too. Oh how I’ve missed it. There’s just something so very satisfying about it that is sometimes hard to articulate. Unless you’re there too. But the rub? Eat good food and you feel good. I’ve noticed the shift again, as I’ve purposefully made my way back to where I’m supposed to be.

The familiar feelings of euphoria when an early weekend morning is punctuated by sweat stinging my eyeballs. Which is, I swear, the sign of an awesome work-out.

The words “No, I can’t, we’re doing a 5k that day” coming out of my mouth.

The friends that get it. To the point that we just scheduled another 5k. In September. Out of state. After we get through the three we already have on the calendar.

When I’m in the zone, I have blinders on. And I instantly remember why I’m doing what I’m doing.

For me.

For them.

Always and forever.

Amen.

Mary Fischer’s quote rings in my ears. “Tell me, what are you going to do with this wild and precious life?”

“You have exactly one life in which to do everything you’ll ever do. Act accordingly.” Colin Wright

“…to know there is a better story for your life and to choose something other is like choosing to die.” Donald Miller

A co-worker and I were talking about that last week. Tomorrow being guaranteed to no one. I worry that I won’t have time enough to do everything I want to do. For me. Or with my kids. And I’ll be darned if we’re just going to laze our days away turning into zombies in front of the tv.

Sure there is tv time.

Down time.

Chill time.

But it’s dotted by play time. Spring Bucket Lists. Playgrounds. Activities. Adventures. Memory making. In our backyard. And in the great outdoors.

…

Recipe: Caramel Pecan Bars

April 12, 2011 · Narrative

In the interest of keeping everyone happy, another non-healthy recipe for you tonight. These Caramel Pecan Bars are in a Taste of Home Brownies magazine that is currently on newsstands; I was looking for something quick and simple that would cut neatly and this certainly filled the bill. The pecan flavor really comes through, for sure, but these remind me a bit of Blondies, which I’m not as big a fan of. The recipe notes “that the bars really capture the flavor of pecan pie,” and there is a definite hint of that, without the gooeyness of it. If you’re looking for something new to get out of a chocolate rut, this might be just the thing, but with its two sticks of butter, two plus cups of sugar and two cups of pecans, a massive work-out will be needed right after to absolve you of any guilt you may have. Aside from one tiny nibble to determine edibleness, the work-out I just came back from is still firmly intact.

A little photo catch-up from the past week, and then I’m off to find my remote and a pillow because the two and a half hours of sleep I got last night just aren’t cutting it anymore. Today is only Tuesday and this week has seriously kicked my hide. I came back completely replenished after a few days away , only to be depleted very soon after. Another friend, who is having an equally challenging week, texted me that God only gives us as much as we can handle. While I definitely believe that, I just wish he didn’t think I can handle quite as much as he gives me. At some point, it has to be someone else’s turn, because I need a break. Insert big deep sigh here.

Project 365
April 4, 2011, Photo #93
Whenever I feel an inkling of any sick or sniffle or ache coming on, I go get this Ten Ingredient Soup from a local restaurant. I don’t exactly know what all the ten ingredients are, and I’m pretty sure that it’s better that way, but it never fails to work a little magic for me.

Project 365
April 5, 2011, Photo #94
Beth and I got the new shellac manicures last Saturday. This is what it looked like on Day 4, completely chip-free. The manicure is a few bucks more but is advertised to last up to 14 days.

Project 365
April 6, 2011, Photo #95 (and a bonus)
Last week, we took two of the kids’ friends to Zumba class. Since they’re both joining us again tomorrow (with a third for good measure), I think it’s safe to say they were hooked.

Project 365
April 7, 2011, Photo #96
I can’t remember what this sandwich is called, but it’s from Panera. I want to say it was called a Power Sandwich, but don’t hold me to it. Whole grain bread, egg whites, ham, Cheddar, amazingly good.

Project 365
April 8, 2011, Photo #97 and a bonus

Breakfast on Friday. Guilt-free and delish.

Project 365
April 9, 2011, Photo #98
So excuse the fact that I’m headless, go get yourself this shirt. Victoria’s Secret, of course, but the softest and most comfortable thing ever.

Project 365
April 10, 2011, Photo #99
Sunrise. Gorge.

Project 365
April 11, 2011, Photo #100 (yay!)
Inside Out Onion Roll Sandwich. Recipe coming to a computer screen near you.

Project 365
April 12, 2011, Photo #101 (caught up!!)
This book is one of our new favorites. Seems a little strange to think of Weird Al Yankovic as a children’s book author, but it’s a great book. Lots of big words and thoughts to stimulate Nick’s mind, and fabulous illustrations for Madeline (who, surprisingly, totally got the concept of the book; doesn’t hurt that they’re studying professions in school this week, so that worked out to my advantage). The rhyming, although the sentence structure is a bit longer, reminded us a bit of Dr. Seuss, whom we love dearly, so if you have littles that you read to at night, grab this one. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. If you happen to buy it (or anything else at Amazon for that matter) through this link, this single mom gets a teensy percentage of your purchase and is very much appreciative (and any other time you happen to be going shopping at Amazon, if you click on the (rotating) cookbook picture/ad in my sidebar to the right, the O’Malley clan gets a little commission, and we thank you. Public service announcement over). …

Preparing for Success

March 8, 2011 · Narrative

When it comes to meeting any goal head-on, whether it be health, fitness or otherwise, you absolutely, positively have to be prepared going in. If not, you are just setting yourself up for failure. Guaranteed. How can you succeed if you don’t have the proper tools?

The difference between the impossible and the possible
lies in a person’s determination.
– Tommy Lasorda

Since I started my massive “Cate overhaul” over a year ago, I’ve had friends ask me how they can get started. What I have been doing is not rocket science. I armed myself with the best tools possible for what I wanted to achieve and committed to it. I have given this nearly everything that I can, and then some, and have reaped the rewards because of it. But it’s nothing special. You can do it just as easily. As long as your going-in position is all about preparedness. How could you possibly succeed otherwise?

A good beginning makes a good end.
– English Proverb

You have GOT to have a good pair of sneakers. It doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune on them either. Truth be told, my go-to Zumba sneakers are a pair of $15 Danskin sneakers from Wal-Mart, which The Neighbor Husband calls my “lunchlady sneakers.” Hey, they do the job. So do these Rykas. I heart Ryka, a brand made for women by women. They mold to your feet like no other. Whatever your exercise routine is, make sure you get the proper sneakers for your activity. I have a few pairs I swap out, but have a soft spot for Ryka. In fact, I am still hanging on to my favorite pair, even though the holes in them mean my feet automatically get wet when it’s raining outside. Just can’t give them up.

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude
from achieving his goal, nothing on earth can help the man
with the wrong attitude”
– Thomas Jefferson

If you are heading out of the house for your work-outs, get thyself a gym bag. Again, it’s not about how much you spend. Five Below has some great Nike ones. Mine comes from TJ Maxx and was a whopping twelve bucks. Fifteen months later, even though I’ve grown tired of the design, it’s still going strong and is washable, a huge plus in my opinion. I keep my gym membership cards in the zippered pocket, as well as my iPod headphones, a few dollars and a couple granola bars, so the bag is ready when I am.

What you have to do and the way you have to do it is incredibly simple. Whether you are willing to do it, that’s another matter.
– Peter F. Drucker

Whatever your work-out of choice is, make sure you have the proper equipment before embarking on a new program. If you don’t, there will always be an excuse. Whether you need kettlebells (my newest obsession), resistance bands or a jump-rope, arm yourself with the necessities.

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
– Beverly Sills

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Whether you’re on Weight Watchers, visiting Curves or a gym rat, the refrain is very commonplace … drink water, drink water, drink water. You are supposed to drink half your weight in water ounces a day. And that is if you’re not working out. Are you drinking enough? And if you’re working out, it should be even more. My Spin instructor said 40 ounces of water for 40 minutes of spin. And get yourself a refillable water bottle. Please. Enough of the disposable bottles. It kills me to see a garbage bin filled with them at the gym. First, they should be recycling them, and second, so much unnecessary waste. I’ve gone through a bunch of reusable sports bottles to find my favorite. These are from Costco. They were $18 for a package of three (although they have gone on sale for $15/set before). They are BPA-free and completely and positively leak-proof. They have a clip so you can attach them to your gym bag. Nick even takes one to school every day. Love them.

…

Eat. Live. Be. #10: Listening to the Experts

March 7, 2011 · Narrative

This week’s Eat. Live. Be. topic is all about the experts… who do we listen from? Whose tips do we like? Who should we be listening to?

Honestly, this week’s topic comes at a good time for me, as I’m currently in the spot where I’m shaking things up a bit, fighting through any rut that I and my body might be in. A task that is much easier said than done. Last week, I bumped my average work-out totals from 7 hours to topping out at just under 11. And my body responded. I also added a Spinning class to my schedule. And I can’t put into words how much I hate spinning. I swapped out one of my weekend Zumba classes for a three mile hike instead. Little tweaks here and there to change up my regular regime and get things uncomfortable.

As for the experts, I listen to different experts for different things. I’m an ardent follower of Dr. Mehmet Oz. Such practical, easy to apply advice for the general health and well-being of your body. I like Jillian Michaels and Bob Greene for work-out tips. When it comes to food, I lean more and more on Michael Pollan. What about you? What experts do you glean the most from?

One small suggestion for you, as you make your way through your “get healthy” journey, go and “like” your favorite experts on facebook. Most of the ones I follow post regularly, and you’ll get all sorts of new ideas and motivation from seeing their updates. I know I do. From Jillian, particularly. While you’re at it, go “like” our Eat. Live. Be. page and come interact with us too. I also follow all of my instructors (Zumba, Spinning, etc.) … seeing them on facebook are like little subtle reminders of what I’m doing, what my goals are. I’m lucky in that I’ve sought out instructors that are personally invested in their students; they care about me meeting my goals and are quick to offer countless ideas and suggestions when I need help. And my (new) Spin instructor, in particular, gently guilts me into showing up at his class. It works. And I’m grateful for it.

To find out which experts my fellow ELBers turn to, please visit them at the below links:

Sarah Caron from Sarah’s Cucina Bella
Joanne from Eats Well with Others
Chris Arpante – Melecotte
Faith – Blog Appetit
Casey – The Starnes Family
Patsy – Family, Friends and Food
Claire – Cooking is Medicine
Rivki Locker – Healthy Eating for Ordinary People
Jennifer Schulz – Lick-a-Plate
Sarah Rogers – Sarah’s Sweet Creations

…

Eat. Live. Be. Week #2: Finding Your Support Group

January 10, 2011 · Narrative

For our second week of Eat. Live. Be. we are all tackling the topic of finding a support network. Remember when you were in high school and your parents cautioned you against hanging out with certain crowds? Oh. That was just me? Ok then, let’s pretend it wasn’t. Having a support group to help you meet your goals is kind of like that. Hang out with negative influences and they might entice you to behave negatively. Positive peeps bring out the positive. Yes, it really can be that simple.

One of the parts of our lives that I have worked on over the past few years is paying closer attention to the people that we interact with on a regular basis. Not like any of our besties are like Danny Zuko pushing us to smoke cigarettes and drag race until the wee hours, but I’m sure you get my drift. I want to be around people that are good. That make us feel good. That want more. That strive for more. That treat their bodies well. Because good begets good. And that makes me a) want to be even better and b) want to stay on the straight and narrow and stay away from detractors. You know, like Diet Coke and potato chips. Hello, salt, thy name is Cate.

Having a support network is absolutely 100% paramount to meeting a goal successfully. And it’s not just about losing weight. It can be about anything really. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who get you. Who get what you’re working to achieve. Who will cheer you on as you work towards it. Who will pick you back up and bolster you if need be. Who are like-minded folks with like-minded goals.

So now that you know you need a support network, how do you go about getting one? For me, it happens rather organically.

This little grassroots Eat. Live. Be. challenge (and accompanying facebook page) has become a great source of support. We are all working towards some sort of goal … together. Becoming each other’s cheerleaders. Getting new ideas. Sharing tips and tricks. Hey, there’s even a giveaway going on today, if you need a new exercise dvd to kick-start your own routine.
The gym. I take classes at a variety of places, and the people that assemble have slowly become a little bit like an adjunct family. One of my Zumba classes I’ve been going to for a year, and there are maybe 7 or 8 of us that chat before and after class. They notice if I’m not there. And I ask where they’ve been when they miss a class or two. Last week, I spent the whole hour of Thursday’s class beating myself up about a specific body part. Just one of those days. Afterwards, one of the women came up to me. “I bet you’ve lost 15 pounds since the holidays,” she said. I smiled. “A few pounds, not quite 15.” “Well you look great!” She didn’t know the mind battles I was going through during the hour-long sweatfest, and her unsolicited pat on the back reminded me how far I’d come.
Exercise buddies. Seek out those in your posse that like to work out. And it doesn’t have to be a regimented class. Maybe you have a group that likes to go hiking. Or bicycle riding. Or chase your kids at the playground with other moms. Seek out people that like to move. And schedule time to move with them.
Friends that hold you accountable. I have a few friends that are total hardcore when it comes to working out. Two especially come to mind. One will text me … “I’m going by your house to pick you up in 30. Be ready. No excuses.” On a day that I wasn’t going. I do work out 5-6 days a week! She said Saturday that I’ve come too far and she will drag me out of the house if need be. This is also coming from someone who takes three back-to-back hour-long classes on the weekend. The word “hardcore” might not even be strong enough to describe her. Another friend works out Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and if I’m feeling ambivalent about a specific day (weather, work, homework, fill in the blank), I know if I just shoot him an IM he will guilt me into the fact that HE is going and if I don’t, he will be one up on me. And I can’t have that. So I engage. This type of guilt works in my favor every time.
Make Standing Appointments. In a roundabout way, this is part of creating your support network. Because it’s about making your support network work in the best way possible. When I was getting in shape for my wedding, I bartered services with a local personal trainer. After we made our arrangements, he said he’d meet me the next day at 12 noon for a one-hour work-out. And he did. Every weekday for three months. Because we had a standing appointment, and this goes back a bit to last week’s Putting YOU on the List, there was no putting it off for a better time. Everything gets worked around it. I have set classes with a few of the people I work out with too, just like the standing appointment with my old personal trainer. They are counting on me to show up, and I them. There is no “it’s a crazy day, I can’t make it” or “Thursday’s not good, what about Friday?” It just is. Period. End of story.

…

What I Wore Wednesday

January 5, 2011 · Narrative

Regaining interest in shopping over the past year has been a totally pleasurable experience, and I have learned more than a few things along the way.

Shop with a friend or family member. Besides the obvious reasons that it’s fun and you’ll get instant objective feedback, I have found that I discover new stores that I wouldn’t normally go into by doing that. When Beth and I hit the outlets this weekend, she dragged me into Ann Taylor, a shop I’ve never set foot in before because I thought it was a little too conservative. Well, two slightly sequined tops later, I had changed my mind.

When I was shopping in Old Navy with Jamie last Spring, I tried on a sweater that I thought looked fine, but she insisted I should try it on in a medium. It never occurred to me that I might have shrunk a bit. Opinions. Everyone has them, and sometimes it even pays to listen to them. Go figure. :)

Don’t pigeonhole a store. Old Navy, for the most part, is typically known for their more casual clothing … sweats, t-shirts, hoodies, pajamas … just about as casual as you can get. That top I’m wearing in the picture? With the ruffles along the neckline? Old Navy. $13.49 on sale this weekend. Love the color.

If you have gift cards, particularly for clothing, seek out the store outlets to make your gift cards really stretch. The necklace (I’m sorry you can’t see it better in the picture) was less than $10 from a J. Crew outlet, and I got a winter coat for $69, regularly priced at $218. I bought my winter coat when I was four sizes bigger and pregnant with Nick, nine years ago. Both pockets had holes in them, and one elbow as well. I normally wouldn’t have looked at J. Crew for a winter coat, and was trying to make it through the season since my sizes are changing too rapidly, but as soon as I saw the steal of a deal, it was too much to resist. And I think after nine years and three holes, not to mention the fact that it’s way too big … well, I’ve gotten all I can out of that coat.

Need hair accessories? Think kids’ stores. Beth and I happened to wander into Crewcuts, J. Crew’s answer to children’s clothing, to see what they had on sale, and we found great headbands and hairclips there. At a fraction of the cost. The hairclip I’m wearing in this picture, which isn’t especially visible (sorry!) was under two bucks. Love that!

Got shopping tips of your own? I’d love to hear them!

For more of What I Wore Wednesday, you can check out the other participants right here.

Project 365
January 5, 2011, Photo #5
Forgive the terrible picture from my BlackBerry. Due to a last minute change in plans, the kids had to come with me to Zumba. The Wednesday class I only go to in support of The Neighbor Wife and another friend, so I couldn’t miss it since they were both going. I lectured the kids all the way there. And as we walked in. And I got pinkie swears and promises on what we consider good behavior.

They have been asking to come watch a Zumba class basically since I started taking them, and tonight’s venue is a little better suited to kid spectators, so I took a chance. For the first 40 minutes, Madeline sat on the chair, not a peep out of her. It was the cutest thing. When I went over for a water break, she said, “You’re doing a good job, Mom.” Be still my heart. After about forty-five minutes, she started trying to join in, coming up and shaking her tush near me, or holding on to The Neighbor Wife’s leg as she was exercising (extra weight around the ankles is good, yes?). They were so good that they were even invited back. Shocker that.

Welcome to Eat. Live. Be. for a Better 2011

January 3, 2011 · Narrative

And so it begins.

A month or two ago, Sarah and I were chatting about weight loss, and before you know it, a friendly competition was born. It turns out we both want to lose 40 pounds, so the race to the finish is on. As I get closer, it might turn out that 40 isn’t the magic number. Maybe 37 is. Or 32 is. I’ll know when I get there. By how it feels. By how I feel. And the closer I get, I can tell you, the more amazing it feels.

Once we decided to take the leap and have our own friendly competition, we reached out to a number of other bloggers (both food bloggers and non-food bloggers, alike) and amassed quite a fun group of ready and willing participants joining in on this new adventure.

But it’s not all about weight loss. Some are trying to exercise more (or more regularly). Some are working on just less fast food or more healthy dinners for their kids. Some are kicking the sugar habit. Or the Diet Coke cans. All our goals are slightly different, but we’re coming together to create and foster a support network. As you tackle anything in life, having a solid support network is often the difference between success and failure.

Every Monday, we will all be posting on a specific topic, and the last Monday of the month we will be sharing a progress report on how we’ve been doing. This week, to kick us off right, our collective topic is sharing our goals. Next week we will cover how to find support to help you meet your goals. If you have a blog and would like to join in and post on the topic, please share your links below in the comments section. The more the merrier!

Also, if you haven’t already, do check out the Eat. Live. Be. for a Better 2011 facebook page and “like” it. We’ll be sharing tips and ideas, blog posts, giveaways and more along the way, and would love for you to join in on our fun.

Now how will I accomplish my goal of losing the “final forty?” I’m going to continue doing much of the same that I did in 2010. After all, it worked. To the tune of 56 pounds. Can’t argue with those numbers, nor how it’s made me feel, inside and out.

I will continue “clean eating.” The way my body feels when I treat it right is night and day different than when I don’t. And now that I know, quite well, what that feels like, anything else would be doing my body and me a complete disservice.
I will continue to work out regularly. I take several Zumba classes a week, and augment them with Pilates, walking and the stationary bicycle, and will continue to do so.
I will focus on water, water, water. Admittedly I am terrible about it, and usually drop off at around 4 glasses a day. I have nearly given up Diet Coke. I no longer stock it in the house (and that’s where I drank the most of it), and only have it if we’re out somewhere, cutting my Diet Coke consumption to about 15-20% of what it originally was. A dear pain-in-the-ass friend says that doesn’t count as giving up Diet Coke, so to shut him up, I’m going to try, again, to give it up completely. Given I don’t drink coffee or tea, it’s my only source of caffeine. Something that makes it all that much harder for this single Mama to give up.

Tomorrow, I’ll share one of my 2010 goals: met. And the rest of the week, I’ll be sharing tips on achieving your goals, clean eating and more. Consider this week on Sweetnicks to be the ultimate jump-start to getting us all going.

Now, enough about me. Below is the list of other fine bloggers who are joining in for Eat. Live. Be. for a Better 2011. Go check them out, read their posts and cheer them (and me!) on. There are actually a few more coming, so stay tuned!

Jenna Hatfield, @FireMom, is a freelance writer/editor and newspaper photographer. She will turn 30 this year and wants to start this decade off on a healthy foot. She has 20 pounds to lose, but is mostly concerned with food choices, exercise and being generally “well.” She blogs at Stop, Drop & Blog.

Kristen Doyle is a freelance writer and the author behind the award winning blog, Dine & Dish. Nestled in Kansas City with 4 kids and her husband, Kristen’s writing career has spanned writing for both traditional media outlets such as newspapers and magazines as well as online resources including blogs and websites. Specializing in social media, culinary and women’s interest writing, Kristen’s ultimate goal is to bring families back to the table at dinner with recipes that both tempt the tastebuds and spark wonderful conversation.

Jen and her husband Matt are lifelong residents of New Jersey who are just settling into their “empty nest” with two daughters away at college. Jen is passionate about fresh, local foods and travels the state in search of the best to share with her family, friends, and readers of her blog, NJ Epicurean. She is determined to prove that NJ is not a culinary wasteland devoid of culture and to foster an appreciation of the great “Garden State.”

Casey from The Starnes Family is at-home mom of 3 that loves cooking, relocating, travel, photography, writing, reading, motherhood, the Catholic church, Widespread Panic, farmers’ markets, winter sports, the beach, lima beans and LSU. She was raised in Texas, educated in Louisiana, married in San Francisco, back to Texas, relocated to Colorado, then to the Midwest, now in San Diego….

Ten on Tuesday

April 20, 2010 · Narrative, Ten on Tuesday

Some days I really am not friends with our dog, Eli. Today was one of those days. To the point that when Nick left the house for school this morning, he asked if Eli would still be here when he came home. “But if he’s not, can we get another dog?” Sorry, Eli, the kid sold you out in less than three minutes flat.
When Nick was three, if we ate a piece of gum, candy or Tic Tac, we’d be really quiet when opening the wrapper so he wouldn’t hear and ask for a piece. Madeline, on the other hand, has her own way of finding out what you’re eating. “Mommy, ahhhh! MOMMY, AHHHH!” Demanding that I open my mouth and show her. “Jelly beans?” No, Madeline, I have nothing in my mouth. I swear. She must ask me five times a day if she asks me once, and I just got grilled before she went to bed tonight. “Jelly beans, Mommy?” No, Madeline. “Gum?” Nothing, Madeline, there is nothing in my mouth.
If you ever have to call Emirates Air for any reason, allow yourself a good day and a half to get through. Between busy signals, random disconnects and down computer systems, that’s about how long you’ll need. And if you finally get through and that’s the exact moment your two-year-old proceeds to head towards full-on wail, the bathroom is a good place to hide out and finish your call. Just sayin’.
If you find that it’s the third week of April and you’ve only made three new recipes this month, you can fix things by making Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes. Now to make another 20 recipes in the next week and a half to catch up.
The National MS Society is extremely disorganized when it comes to running their 5Ks. Sorry, guys, they need to be called out. For a professional, national organization that regularly runs a multitude of annual 5Ks and assorted other fundraisers, their gaffes this past Sunday just weren’t cool.
National MS Society gaffes aside, I am unbelievably proud of my medal. Even though they ran out of them halfway through because they were busy giving them to everyone who quit the race on the first lap. If you don’t plan properly and order enough for everyone who registered, then they should be saved for those that actually finish the 5K. Not the three hundred or so that bailed after two miles. While in line to grab lunch, we happened to see a volunteer with a few on her arm and made a beeline for her. Just moments before, I had talked with another person who did the 5K. She was diagnosed a month ago with MS, and as soon as she found out, she gathered a team together to do the walk with her. Only to do it and find out that they ran out of the medals. Once we found the few extra ones, we hunted her down in the crowd to give her one. Her eyes welling up with tears said it all….
Read More