An Open Letter to My Trainer

Dear Mr. Trainer,

Ok... I do need my trainer, too.

I'm really grateful for the workouts you've put me through these last few weeks. I can feel changes happening through the focused workouts you've designed. I appreciate the focus you've given on making my body stronger and feel better. I love the challenge you've given me in my fitness training.
But this diet thing with more protein.... it's causing me some stress and frustration. You want me to eat more protein and less carbs. I just don't know how to eat more protein while eating a diet that also includes enough fruits and vegetables. I think that may be why (confession time) I ate a box of cookies this morning for breakfast.
I know. I know.

I only meant to eat one or two. I should have headed the warning from the lady who said don't open it until you're prepared to eat the whole box because it's hard to stop. I should have listened to my gut that said give the cookies to someone else because I knew they would be tempting to me.
I'm sorry.
I'm apologizing to myself and to you. I know you're investing time and energy to help me transform me. I'm investing time, energy, and money in this, too. And eating a box of cookies for breakfast defeats that. I get it. I'm not trying to undo our hard work. I'm stressed. I'm an emotional eater. I know that. You know that now, too.
I know I need to make some changes if I'm going to see the results that I want and that you are trying to give me. I promise that I'm doing my best every day. I wake up with the intention of doing the best to give my best. Please don't take this personally, it's not about your skill as a trainer - you're excellent - it's about my emotional-ness right now. I resolve each day, each moment to do my best to take care of myself. Sometimes I slip. I'll forgive myself. I'd appreciate your forgiveness, too.  I'm trying, really I am. No excuses, just an explanation.
The rest of this day will be better. ...but I still need to work on figuring out that protein - fruit/veg balance.
Sincerely,
Urban Hiker Girl

What Does the Urban Hiker Girl Eat- Lunch

Rochelle, my inspiration to start this blog, once asked: "What does an Urban Hiker Girl eat?" Well, ladies and gents, let me give you a peek into some of my favorite meals!

When I created my goals calendar, one of the first things I put on there was a protein-packed breakfast so I started with something simple: eggs! Of course, I also needed a healthy carb to go with it and what better breakfast carb than potatoes! One of my two favorite, healthy breakfasts is 3/4-1 cup of potatoes O'Brien cooked in olive oil and two eggs scrambled. I season with salt, pepper, onion and/or garlic powder, and herbs de province. Top it off with 1/4 c. of shredded cheese. Yum! Very filling!

Another alternative, favorite breakfast is oatmeal with chia seeds (not chai, like the tea, but like the clay pots, heads, animals that grow grass on them). If I know I'm going to have a busy morning I'll buy the ready oatmeal cups that you just add water to, pop open the top to add 1/2 T. of chia seeds, pour in boiling water, stir, steep, and enjoy. If I have a little more time I'll make homemade oatmeal and add a little brown sugar, some kind of nut, and maybe a little dried fruit, along with the chia seeds. And some mornings I'll put my chia seeds in a little snack bag to take to Starbucks where I'll add to their oatmeal. I often get their "classic" oatmeal, but recently decided to give their blueberry oatmeal a try. (I'm picky about how I eat blueberries and wasn't sure I'd like it this way; turns out it's great AND fewer calories than the classic version.)

I try to eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day to balance my calorie intake so that I don't become "starving" by the time it's mealtime. I keep my snacks a lot like breakfast- protein and a good carb. Usually for me that means fruit or veg and protein. I like a banana or apple and cheese stick or yogurt. Or veggies with hummus or guacamole is great, too; filling and very low cal!

Currently, my favorite lunch is a big salad with some seasonal fruit, nuts, goat cheese, and a vinaigrette. Today's salad was mixed field greens, goat cheese, sliced almonds, a small palm-ful of blueberries, two sliced strawberries, and a pomegranate blueberry vinaigrette. It was delicious! Look at all those yummy goodies in there!

Another snack in the afternoon to keep me full until a light dinner and to provide energy for my afternoon walk. Often I keep the afternoon snack similar to the morning snack, but if I'm on the go I'll often have a Zing! bar, or a Kind bar and piece of fruit.

Dinners have been light and quick lately. Often just a big bowl of soup.

So that's a peek into what the Urban Hiker Girls eats. Would love to hear your favorite meals and snacks!