Daily Essentials

I decided to write a list of some things I have learned are essential in order for me to have a good clean eating/workout day lifestyle. In no particular order...

1. An amazing cooler. I found this little guy at Target. It is too small to house all my meals, but it handles 3 nicely, which covers me at work. It also is small enough to fit in the work fridge, which is also a bonus, AND it's super cute.

2. A Gallon size water bottle. I choose to tote this around so I have a constant visual reminder to drink water.

3. My polar FT4 heart rate monitor watch. It is amazing! It logs my heart rate, training files, and caloric burn for each session.

4. A good pair of earbuds. I prefer the kind that wrap around your head because I use my headbands to secure them in place.

5. A good pair of workout gloves. These help my grip during all the bar and free weight exercises, especially pull ups.

6. A good hair band. I CAN NOT work out without one of these.

7. My nice set of Cuisinart non stick cooking pans I prep all my meals with.

8. My amazing support system of friends, family, and coworkers that are constantly encouraging me to reach my goal. I love you guys!!

I had an amazing day yesterday. Here is a look at what I accomplished.
Morning - Weight Training Session - lower body and shoulders (and some booty)
Evening - Ran up and down S. Congress (it is hilly)
I was so proud of this. I used to dread that part of my run, but I was able to run up and down easily last night without having to take breaks. It is amazing to see how much my body has changed.

I had a really good nutrition day and burned 830 calories and stayed under my consumption allotment of 1,200 calories, managing to eat enough good lean protein as well. As a result I was down another .5 lbs this morning on the scale! I am only .35 lbs away from my goal weight for Sunday!

Hope you have BE BETTER kind of day!
- Whittney C.