Happy Holidays

I hope that everyone has had a great holiday season so far and is looking forward to the New Year!


New Years Resolutions are something we all make, if we admit or not. It's normally something along the lines of lose weight, save money, do this, do that, blah blah blah.


I've been thinking about resolutions lately, and it shouldn't only be for when the New Year starts. Partly, why I started this blog, in December. I know I can make changes whenever I want...just have to stick to them.


So here's my resolutions:


1--Not just lose weight, but GET HEALTHY! In all aspects-psychically, emotionally, mentally, etc


2--Learn how to live on a Peace Corps budget. I mean, yes, I've been on this budget for how long (since March 2009) and I still cant figure it out. I need a class. This will also apply to living on a budget in general after Peace Corps. 


3--Make time for myself, but balance that with friends, family (real or Costa Rican) and work. I need to do a little more of all of these. 


What are your Any-Time-Of-Year Resolutions? (yes, I changed the name).


Christmas was ok. I went to where my boyfriend is currently living. Too cold and too windy, with nothing to do and 9 other people in a house the size of most peoples living room (or smaller). But whatever, good company and atleast I wasn't alone. We're going to be actually celebrating when I get back to my house (which is all decorated with tree and everything) tomorrow afternoon! Yay for (finally) opening presents!!! Everyone here also has the flu virus, which seems to be attacking me, so I am taking it easy and trying to not get sick right now. So the getting psychically healthy part (diet/exercise) will commence when I dont feel like a Mac truck has run me over. I think thats far. Atleast I brought food with me this time, so theres no eating oil with a side of rice/beans haha. yummmy right? no. awful. Not even most Ticos would like this food. it's that bad.


SIDE NOTE: There is a chicken living in my boyfriends room. It now has babies. Super cute and I want one. But I want it to stay little forever. Grown-up hens aren't cute. Baby chicks are :) Pix to come! (weird that theres a chicken living in his room though right? whens that last time you heard that? I bet never!)


Whats the plans for New Years Eve?


Hmm...At first it was going to be go out dancing and make it a date now. Now, (see resolution number 2), its going to be a stay in my town, hang with Canadians kinda night (low-key, free, and ride included!). It should be fun! I bought a new dress on a splurge (again, see resolution number 2), so it's kinda dressy, but whatever! I'm wearing it! It's NEW YEARS!


So, many moons ago I did this crazy, ballet inspired workout. Thinking, oh, haha you danced for 15 years, did this almost everyday! It not going to hurt at all. Again, wrong. (This is a common mistake I make about exercise ha) But I thought I'd include the link here, because it's easy, you dont need anything but a wall and a chair (and we all know there are plenty of those around here!) Maybe a stopwatch if you're lucky,but if you can count, you're fine too! So try this out if you want to feel sore for 3 days...but that sore-in-a-good-way feeling!


http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/isometric-exercises


Also, Womenshealthmag.com has some amazing recipes, FREE workouts you can download and print, and tips for just being overall healthy. I would suggest you take the time to check it out. It's online. It's free. Whats not to love?


Have a good, happy and SAFE New Years!

I'm BACK! and it's a long post!

Ok, so here come the updates!


Two weekends ago I went to a Costa Rican wedding...pretty typical Catholic service and then reception. However, I caught the bouquet, and Geiner caught the garter (thank goodness!) So there was some chisme (rumors) for a while that we're getting married and even more people then normal asked me everyday if they could be invited to the wedding. ha. ok. 

Putting the garter on...que miedo!

It was great seeing Geiner and actually having alone time to catch up. Where he's living there are 8 people in a house with barely any privacy/walls and no alone time. lame. but yah gotta do what yah gotta do.


After he left, I got the beautiful and super fun stomach virus thats going around my town. Thank you little kiddies that I work with. Luckily, it lasted only a day and I was able to get on many buses to go to *drumroll* Nicaragua!!


So Nicaragua was alot of fun! Alot of interesting history and places to see. I visited Managua (the capital), Granada (where I stayed), Masaya and Rivas. Alot of planned activities (volcano, museum) were closed, which stunk (so did the tour guide) but overall a great trip. I really want to go back and visit some more cities and the beaches! I definitely recommend visiting Nicaragua...I felt safe everywhere I went and it has a really rich history! 

Beautiful Vista in Nicaragua 

As far as the diet and exercise go...I have to get back on track. After spending time with Geiner and cooking everything he doesn't get to eat (i.e. bad food), then being sick then being on vacation and eating out, I havn't done too great, not horrible, but not great either. 


So tomorrow I'm leaving to go visit Geiner for Christmas and then we'll be back for New Years Eve to spend it in my town. I'm planning on getting back on track even though I wont be here with all my "luxuries". There will definitely be exercising so I can last showering with cold water. hah! My Christmas day will be spent picking coffee...how fun! but atleast I'll be with my love! :)


I'll try to get pictures up when I have a better/faster internet connection!

I've been MIA...oops!

Ok, sorry about that. Long story. I was ocupied. And currently, I dont have time to write a full on blog. So I'm just going to say sorry, super duper sorry with whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on top. I'll be MIA until about Wednesday of next week.


Off to Nicaragua I go!


I promise to return with food/recipes, updates and anything else you'd like!!

Recipe Mania!!!

Happy Saturday!!!


I know I've been excited for this weekend since about the last time I saw my boyfriend! Woohoo!! Today is a Costa Rican wedding and party in the afternoon which will be fun, and lots of dancing!


Speaking of dancing, my friend here in town, many moons ago gave me Zumba dvd's and I just never did them (time, laziness, feeling blah...too many excuses to list here). However, last night I popped in the beginner..whoa. Ok, this is too easy. They are explaining the dances I do all the time here (I'm a merengue and cumbia queen, fyi). Ok, so theres no intermediate, so I'm thinking, hmmm...Zumba advanced, can't be too hard right? Here we gooooooooo! I did it from start to finish with no breaks however, man my legs are sore today! I didnt think of it as exercise but more dancing hah...my mistake! However, super fun and I plan on doing another one today (this could be addicting). Seeing as I will take up ANY chance I get to dance here, latin style, why not do it for exercise to? Plus it works with my tiny teeny amount of moving around space in my cabina! :) I <33 Zumba


Ok so this post is tittled recipe mania, so onto the recipes! I got inventive after buying tons and tons of veggies at the farmers market last week! This week I got tons of fruits---pineapple, mangos, grapes, blackberries, bananas. I don't normally have to buy bananas because they grow like wildflowers on the farm I live on, however, there aren't any currently ripe..bummer. It's ok, I only paid $0.60 for a bunch! woohoo! Plus they are the smaller variety and much cuter :) Oh, I got sidetracked by my love of fruit. 


Ok. Recipes.


Whatever-you-have-in-your-house Stir Fry


Literally!


This one I used:


1 chicken breast (boneless and skinless...a splurge but I hate bones and skin!)
broccoli
carrots
onion
green beans
bell peppers


Cook the chicken. Add chopped up veggies. Cook until the beautiful colors come out! I added a little chicken bouillon (powder form), water and Salsa Lizano for the sauce. Serve over rice! :) 

 

Ok. Salsa Lizano is a kitchen staple now in my mind. If you are interested in what this salsa stuff is let me know. It's not sold in the states. bummer! I will need to find a supplier when I move home. It's not salsa like tomato/chili/etc. It's a sauce, that gives anything--rice, beans, meat, poultry, veggies--a delicious flavor! I can arrange to bring some home in January, just place your orders now! 


Stir fry is always delicious, but can get boring after awhile! So mix it up! Add fruit (pineapple, mango) will give it an exotic/tropical taste! That's my next project! yummmm Ive made this with more veggies, different veggies, soy sauce, steak, and it's always good. 


Next Recipe:


Shredded Chicken for Tacos


1 boneless/skinless chicken breast
1 can sweet corn, drained (I used a mini-can)
Onion, chopped
Bell peppers, chopped
Carrot, shredded
Taco seasoning
Salsa Lizano (ok..optional if you're not in CR!)


Boil the chicken breast until cooked completely. Then shred it using the fork method (I've just seen my mom do this all my life. Plus its easy!). In skillet add chicken, and all the veggies. Cook until onions are gettng soft. Then add some seasoning, salsa lizano if you're one of the lucky ones.  Oh, water also! Let simmer until you get the desired thickness for the "sauce". 


I ate it with refried beans spread on a tortilla, fat free cheese, avocado and a spoonful of rice. That was meal 1. Then I got rid of the tortilla (none left) the other two meals and still have some left over!

Drumroll pleassssssssssssssssssssse!


Last recipe for today, and the easiest.


You need:


1 Mango-smallish
1 Banana
Strawberry flavored low-fat yogurt (to liking, depending on thickness you want.)


Add in a blender with ice. Blend. Pour in cup. Drink. Enjoy. yummm! 


So I did a little comparison photoshoping today...from last December (2009) to this December. And  take a lookey...I think I've done pretty good so far...out on my own, getting healthy!

Ok, you got 3 recipes out of me today. Before 8am. I'm done. Off to enjoy the day filled with the boy, sun, and wedding fun! 

Week 1--Done!

So I know this is a getting healthy journey blog and all, but I saw this flower on my walk and thought it was beautiful. 

I'm done with week 1 wooohooo!!! And I've lost 4lbs :) Double wooohooo!!

Side note: Nutella is amazing. With almost anything. However, I almost burnt down my little wood cabina trying to heat it up in the microwave....didn't realize there was still a little bit of tin on the top...oops! You may be asking "why does she heat it up? its pretty good room-temp" well, the answer to that is...it has to go in the fridge OR it'll be attacked by ants and I'll have to make the tough decision of picking them out (not fun) or throwing it away (even less fun). So, it goes in the fridge where it gets hard and I like it soft, as to dip my apples in it :) yummm!

Today I started my exercise along with the diet. I walked for an hour about 5km (down hill and then back up) and man, its so nice that summer is finally here! It was great and motivating to work in the sun, not in the rain. I think I might have also worked on my tan while exercising. 2 birds, 1 stone

Side note: anyone notice how annoying it is when something gets stuck under a key in your keyboard and you have to try to fish it out without completely breaking the key off? I just accomplished this! woot my "t" works again :)

I hope everyones having a good week. I know this week seems forever long to me because I'm excited for the weekend. But Happy Humpday to all! 

Whew! Made it through the weekend!

So this weekend was actually pretty busy compared to a "typical" weekend in Costa Rica! 


Saturday I went to a first communion in my town and then to a lunch afterwards. The food was amazing, and also cooked in a lot of grease...hmmm...is the way here! However, it was really great to see the kiddies all dressed up and so excited!


Sunday I went to the 2nd Annual Hanukkah party! We had a green bean and carrot stirfry with cashews, potatos latkes (YUM!), homemade applesauce plenty of wine and good company! It was really nice to be "gringos" for the night and not have worries about our towns. Plus, potatos latkes are always a good reason to get together!!

So now its back to "behaving" and working and eating all the beautiful and delish food from the farmers market! Still yummmy!

Hit the Jackpot!

So, today I woke up at 5:30 am (this is already a bad start to the day) and then had to shower with cold water (strike 2). I take the bus into town thinking why did I do this to myself!?! Then as leaving the ATM this weird old man keeps staring at my friend and stops right in front of me while I'm walking and starts laughing at us..super rude and annoying like (strike 3) As I'm saying that I have chicha (angry) and dont know why I left the house...I remember...it's farmers market day!! :)


I got tons of veggies--avocado, lettuce, tomatos, green beans, broccoli, etc all fresh and all cheap! :) I forgot my camera, but next time I'm at the market, there will be pictures, because the colors and food are so pretty!


Then I go to the post office. This is where hitting the jackpot comes in! I got not 1, not 2, but 3 packages full of goodies and decorations! It always feels great getting mail, but packages like this top everything. 


Only problem now...trying to fit a HUGE block of ice filled with reeses, fruit snacks, twix, cheesecake mix and more temptations into my freezer...hmm...


I'll post pictures later because this is like care package-madness!


Other then that, pretty good. I'm excited about my super fresh salads and apples with peanut butter (yum!) this week!

Feeling Inspired

Somehow today I woke up with some motivation to get stuff done! I've sent in work to my boss(es) that has been pending (for too long...editing in spanish is horrible!). I've visited a few people, started some laundry (which seems like nothing, but here is a h.a.s.s.l.e) and planned for english! good start! Later today I'm going to try out some Zumba :)


I had a healthy, filling breakfast and am lusting for a light, healthy lunch...one of my favs! 


A recipe I kind of invented and has turned out to be one of the easiest meals ever! 

Here's the recipe:

1 can tuna, light, in water, drained

tomato, diced

onion, diced

1tsp olive oil

basil, oregano, cilantro, garlic...to your liking

Cook tomato and onion (possibly garlic if you want) in olive oil in a skillet until cooked/browned. Add tuna, break up the tuna. Add spices. finished!

It's great served hot or room temp, in lettuce as a wrap, over salad, with pasta, especially delicious with avocado, with crackers as a snack. Pretty much amazing with everything and you can change it up...add more veggies, different spices, etc! Enjoy :) 

Starting Over...yet again

I'm currently living overseas for my work,I'm a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica. Before coming here in March 2009 I had managed to lose about 30 lbs and really had my healthy habits in place. However, with the stress, changes (big and small) and the food, I gained the 30lbs and more back. I have recently lost 30lbs again just by simple food changes and living on my own, however never got back into the exercise habits. I loved going to the gym, I found it motivating being around other people working out and here I just dont have that option. 

However, I will be spending the holidays here in Costa Rica, and without the pressure of parties, parties and more parties, I feel like December 1st is a great day to start over with my healthy habits!

I'm hoping to get to my happy weight--which is easy for my body to stay at, even when I have parties, or special events and I dont feel like I'm killing myself to stay at this super-low number. With that, I hope to find my self-confidence again, it goes away when you're weight keeps going up and down--we all know that! And also, do anything I can to eat healthy most of the time (with my work, sometimes its hard when you're at someone elses house, traveling, etc) and always look for healthier options.

Exercise is going to be different this time around--outside, in all types of weather (suuuuuuuuper hott to cold and rainy!) and using what little resources (yoga mat, body ball, weights made from old water bottles) I have to make this personal challenge work!!  

I don't plan on posting my daily foods and exercise on here, however I will post some recipes that I've found or invented that are healthy. I also look forward to any feedback, helpful hints, comments from anyone!

So here's to starting off this month and hopefully the rest of my life on this right foot!!