Discouragement Setting In?

December 10th marks the day that I started working out 4 times a week very early in the morning. Let's count them together one. . .two. . .three months of working out consistently. Two days of cardio and two grueling days of strength training at "Boot Camp." Guess what? I have gained weight. I have probably gained 2-5 pounds. Currently, I am "training" for a 5 K which is about 3.1 miles. In the fall, I ran a 5K out of shape and this time I want to not only run the 5 K, but to be ready for it physically.

Now, nothing is more discouraging for a woman who is dedicated to exercise than to gain weight. At this point I am having to look at the other positive perks of exercising and not give up.

The list below provides my benefits of exercising (outside of weight loss).

Physical

• I have a lot better endurance than I used to. . .this morning I ran for 2.5 miles with a group of women and felt like going more. (This may not be big for some people but it is really good for me since I am used to working out on a treadmill or elliptical)
  
• able to pick up heavy things like my kids and have fun swinging them around!!!
• everyone says that muscle weighs more than fat so maybe there is hope for my weight gain.
  
• my grandmother has osteoporosis and we have the body type that is prone to osteoporosis. Strength training fights osteoporosis.
• more energy, especially in the morning to early afternoon.
  
• makes you choose a little more wisely during the day with your eating because you know it takes a lot to work those calories off.
  

Mental

• helps fight depression
• gives you a better self image which is a great benefit to your marriage
• gives you determination to reach your goals (making a choice each day to get out of bed and exercise
  

Spiritual

• take the time to see the beauty of God's creation when running outdoors
• helps you rely on the strength of the Lord when working out is tough
• listen to music while I run which has been good for my soul
  

Social

• get to see my friends a lot during the week
• able to meet new people through a running/walking club
• continue to develop friendships with people I already know, but also have an interest in exercise

With all that being said, I need not be discouraged, right? There are many other benefits to exercise than weight loss. One of the websites that I get info from and my mother-in-law introduced me to is called sparkpeople.com. I sign up for information from Spark People and it keeps me informed on exercise, healthy dieting and motivating stories.

I would love to know how exercise has helped you or what you do when discouragement sets in. Share your hints with all of us. Happy Exercising!

How to give life to old chips!

I thought of my Works for Me Wednesday post in the middle of the night last night! Exciting life I have! :)

This works especially great for tortilla chips and really I have not tried other kinds of chips. If someone, not naming any names Hansel and Gretel forgets to clip the tortilla chip bag (which by the way is a staple at our house) then we revitalize them in the oven. All you do is put the tortilla chips on a baking sheet and turn the oven to be about 350 degrees for about 5-8 minutes and voila you have yummy Mexican Restaurant quality tortilla chips. Hot and fresh! Hope this works for you to save you money and give life to those old chips in the pantry.

If you have more revitalizing tips for me, I would love to hear about them. As always, check out Works for Me Wednesday to learn more tips to save time and money! Have a great day.

Menu Plan Monday-March 10th

My kitchen is a mess and so is my house. Not a great way to start off the week. BUT, I will have recessed lighting in my kitchen thanks to my honey-do!!! He is one crazy guy!

Monday – Spaghetti, Salad if they’re lucky, rolls

• Making Pineapple Upside Down Cake for Small Group (thanks to my mom-in-law for making this the other day and now I am craving it) J

Tuesday – The Pork Loin that I keep forgetting about! Zucchini, and rolls

Wednesday –Pancakes as always ( Help, I am addicted to Peanut Butter Chip Pancakes! I need INTERVENTION!), Sausage

Thursday – Hmmm…I need something in the crockpot because it helps my brain so much. I think I will throw a whole chicken in the crock pot in the morning and then break it up for chicken and cheese quesadillas for dinner. How's that sound?

Friday – Bratwurst (on sale and have a coupon), Apples and Sauerkraut

Saturday – chicken pot pie (use leftover chicken meat)

Sunday – Taco Smaco Salad!!!!

It's A Nomal Occurrence, I'm Late for the Ultimate Blog Party

Hi, I am Desiree', the writer of this blog. I have two kids, one whom I homeschool and the other goes to a small Christian Montessori school. My husband is a preacher-man (My homey and I above). I work for a non-profit Christian organization from home. We live in Arkansas so you might be get some funny soundin' words on here like "push the buggy-instead of push the cart." Also, you will just about always get a Works for Me Wednesday by Rocks in my Dryer post as well as a post on Menu Plan Monday by Organizing Junkie from me. I love to find practical information that helps me in the things I do every day.

Interesting things about me:

• I have a cardboard phobia (cannot hear the sound without my skin crawling)
• I get up at 4:45 am 4 days a week to work out at the gym
• I take a nap very regularly (I will not admit to how often), probably has something to do with the gym thing! :)
• I am a thrifty girl, I will not buy anything unless it is on sale or clearance.
• The things that make me sad and want to shout are mean people and people who are fakes.

So that's a little bit about me. I am so sorry I was late. Please excuse my delay. I will be posting about the Easter Egg Hunt that is beginning to consume me and to explain my tardiness.

Glad you popped in on this Ultimate Blog Party by 5 Minutes for Mom!