One of My Reasons-

Above is one of the reasons I am on this healthy lifestyle journey. She is also one of the reasons why I have not been around this week. I was busy running around getting a big science event ready at work so that I could take an hour off to go and see her perform. She is the best kid a mother could have- beautiful, responsible, kind, creative, smart and determined. Now that she is 13 I realize that life goes way too fast and I want to be around for a really long time so I can continue to be a part of her life.  So I strive to be a good role model and citizen, a mindful parent, and someone who encourages everyone to do their personal best.
It is finally Saturday and my weekend is just as busy with my own events! I have a benefit dinner with my husband to attend while arranging for kids to go to the SJ Earthquakes soccer game with their grandparents since my daughter's team are the ball girls tonight. Tomorrow is busy with Pilates and ukulele festival where I am performing with Kapalakiko Hawaiian Workshop Band  (really I am not that good, but when you play with a big group you can hide really well!) 
The exercising, and eating are coming along. It helps to keep busy since I eat when I am bored and stressed out.  It also helps to measure out 2 healthy snacks in the morning so I have something as I run around. I also bought a bag of spinach that I keep in the refrigerator to make sure I have a salad a day, but I also throw some into my scrambled eggs, soup, pasta, or couscous. Now, we have the fruit bowl on the counter and that helps to have the healthy food out in site because I will go to it first instead of trying to find something in the pantry. I also drink at least 1 cup of green tea with lemon or plain to relax in the evening so that I am not tempted to have a glass of wine, beer or more food. Lately I have been hungry after dinner and drinking tea has been a good alternative. To stop the emotional food cravings it has helped to brush my teeth or if I am out and about I munch on a sugar-free mint. The biggest thing is being more mindful of what I am putting in my body, what I am doing with my body, really identifying how I am feeling and doing something to deal with that emotion instead of drowning it with food.  
I have been also been busy reading a friend's blog, Julie who I have known since middle school. She is doing the Paleo diet. I think she is amazing because she is a single mom with 3 teenage daughters and holds it all together with such grace. You can check out her blog here- How's that been working for you?  I love her recipe suggestions and the pictures make the food look pretty good.  I am not thinking about going on the Paleo diet, but I like a little variety in my diet so it is good to have other resources to check out to see what is out there.  
I also have a friend who is injured right now, but inspired me to make my vision board. She also is learning to push her body to be the best and has learn to enjoy running.  I want to be like Katy some day and be able to run a 5K. Her blog is Run it Out, Kate! She entered a contest so please help her out and vote for her here- Fitness Magazine Photo Contest.
Oh and btw, I have misplaced my 100 days of weight loss. OOPS! So as soon as I find it I will post all days that I have missed. 
Have a great weekend! 
REMEMBER:
STAY STRONG!
KEEP AT IT!
DON"T EVER GIVE UP! 
YOU CAN DO IT!
Always,
Mer