Exercise/ Fitness/ Lunch

Charged Up

Despite still not having a vehicle, I’m in a terribly wonderful mood right now!

Photo on 2010-03-04 at 11.36
I had the best RUN! I slammed back two of these cookies first and I think that’s the secret for success:

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I ran 3 miles in 28 minutes and well that might not seem as fast as some speedy bloggers out there, for taking basically a six month running hiatus, I was pretty happy. So happy that when I got home I started researching local races in the area….uh oh…..I have a teeny problem with overcommitting myself (especially in the race category) so I gave myself a pep talk that I was about to do a CENTURY bike ride and that was clearly enough for right now. Oh well.
Lunch was a mix of quinoa, steamed lentils (from TJ’s produce section…they’re great!), a few leftover random chickpeas, hummus and sriracha. Plus a grapefruit:

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I’ll definitely be throwing this together again soon. Quinoa + lentils is a protein powerhouse combination and tastes great, too.
In other (more humorous) new, I finally fit into my favorite black dress again!

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The last time I tried on this dress was on New Years Eve and it ended up being a huge debacle with Anne tugging on the zipper, me yelling, Dexter staring, and us both drinking way too much wine with rap music circa 1999 blasting. It.would.not.zip.up.

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I’m going to this fancy shmancy event here in two weeks and desperately wanted to wear my favorite dress so today I gingerly tried it on again and it fit perfectly! Exhale. Not that I’ve been trying to lose weight or anything but obviously I’ve been watching what I’ve been eating lately since I’m training for a major athletic event and everything…So I’ve made a conscious effort not to chug wine nightly or eat foie gras and pork belly daily. It’s all about moderation, my friends. I’ve gotten a TON of emails and questions regarding if I’ve lost the weight I gained here in California. The answer is that I really don’t know. Even though I gained some weight when I moved here, I still fit into all my clothes (errrr except for that one black dress) and I don’t own a scale or anything so who’s to know. I think the last time I weighed myself was in, like, November when I hopped on Rocky’s scale. I brought that up to him yesterday and he burst out laughing and said “that scale is VERY generous”. Hahahahahahaha 😉
But, obviously I haven’t been on a crazy diet. Y’all see everything I eat daily…I think it’s all about being aware.
Anyways, I’m off to my writer’s workshop. See you!

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  • Tracey @ TropicalHappiness
    March 4, 2010 at 12:06 pm

    Moderation is the best way!!! We drive ourselves crazy any other way. And thanks for writing about it. I think there are tons of people out there who FREAK when an outfit doesn’t fit. And then they take extreme measures. It’s nice to see that there might have been some yelling on new years eve, but that you just took it in stride, made more of an effort to keep things in moderation, and you’re fittin’ back in! Sexy thang! 🙂

    Have fun at your workshop.

  • Jess (Fit Chick in the City)
    March 4, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    Enjoy the workshop and enjoy the black dress!

  • Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
    March 4, 2010 at 12:16 pm

    Ahh yes, Moderation. I’m experiencing the same struggles in Paris – luckily there’s lots of walking to be done here 😉

    Moderation is so key though – I eat a little bit of deliciousness everyday, but balance it out with a long walk, a yoga session, or a big bowl of veggies for dinner. You gotta live a little right?

    Hope the rest of your day is just as cheery!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine
    March 4, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    Yayy for the dress fitting again! I’d be more bummed about losing a pretty dress than the weight gain, too 🙂

  • Mo@MommyRD
    March 4, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    I love the moderation comment, and the fact that we’ve seen you still eat 3 healthy meals and snacks all along. No crash diets, just listening to your body and being active. You go!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine
    March 4, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    Yay for the dress fitting again! I’d be more bummed about losing a pretty dress than the weight gain, too 🙂

  • Jessica @ How Sweet
    March 4, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    There is nothing better than fitting into an old piece of clothing that makes you feel awesome. 🙂

  • Crunchy Granola Gal
    March 4, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    runner’s high + fitting into little black dress = bliss!

  • Jil
    March 4, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    Yayy for fitting into the LBD! 🙂

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    March 4, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    hurray! there’s no better feeling that being able to fit in your favorite dress…that’s so awesome. and i am really REALLY glad you don’t weigh yourself! it’s completely unnecessary for a lot of people, and i think it sets a great example 🙂

  • Ameena
    March 4, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    Amen sister…it is about being aware. Now why can’t I get that through my thick skull and toss my scale in the trash??

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
    March 4, 2010 at 12:28 pm

    Yay for getting back into your favourite dress, that must be so satisfying!! And you have a fabulous attitude about it too – ‘moderation’ – too many people just fail on stupid crash diets and I hate it! So it’s lovely to read about someone so clever and smart as to not do them 🙂

  • Tara
    March 4, 2010 at 12:29 pm

    Just in case you have not heard this enough….I love the dark hair!

  • Amanda
    March 4, 2010 at 12:29 pm

    Love this post! Ever since dealing with disordered eating, once I got back to a healthy weight, I stopped using a scale. I only go by how I feel and how my clothes fit and it has kept me SANE! I also absolutely agree about everything in moderation – I have learned to enjoy a little bit of something I crave … that way there is no guilt, but also no deprivation!

  • Anna
    March 4, 2010 at 12:31 pm

    Gotta love fitting into clothes that were too tight at some point! Fancy shmancy events are the best!

  • Kim
    March 4, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    Man, I don’t know how you handle it with everyone asking about and commenting on your weight. You deal with it very gracefully, I must say! I think it’s great that you don’t own a scale. For the majority of us, weighing is not necessary. There is a big range of “healthy.” Your attitude is very positive and uplifting (even after a car debacle!), and I always appreciate that! I’m actually not sure I’ve ever commented before… Anyway, thanks, as always, for your healthy views 🙂

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
    March 4, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    Your approach is so refreshing and it’s great seeing that your happiness trumps your weight/body size. I feel like the less you try to lose weight weight, the easier it is to lose a couple to fit into a dress.

  • Tracey
    March 4, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    Woohoo! I love it when I try on clothes that were once to small and they fit again. Best feeling ever!

  • Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl
    March 4, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    Jenna, I think you look beautiful and healthy – with OR without that 10 pounds!!! 😀

    Hugs,
    Michele

  • Carolyn
    March 4, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    Great job on getting back into your dress without stressing about it. 🙂

  • La
    March 4, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    Jenna, I really admire your attitude towards food. I am struggling with recovery from an eating disorder and your positive and uncomplicated food perspective is both refreshing and inspiring. Thank you!

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner
    March 4, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    Moderation is the key, congrats on the run (and the dress)! 😉

  • amanda
    March 4, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    I never weigh myself either. I use to let my life be ruled by that damn thing and now I am FRREEEEEE!! 😉

  • Sarah Ikegami
    March 4, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    Good for you, Jenna! You are a strong, fit and balanced role model for us, thanks!
    I stopped dieting and now I focus on intuitive eating with all things in moderation, even the non-diet foods!
    Have a great day!

  • Sarah (Oc2Seattle)
    March 4, 2010 at 12:50 pm

    It’s all about moderation . . . however, you define it 😉 Congrats on getting back into the black dress and hope your car is fixed ASAP.

  • Kristy
    March 4, 2010 at 12:57 pm

    Jenna, Please feel free to not answer this if you’d rather not, but I find the one thing that prevents me from traveling and not being attached to one location/job is health insurance. How are you handling this/how do you plan to handle it for your summer abroad? Thanks!

  • Alyson @ Nourished Fitness
    March 4, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    Congrats on a great run, that’s such an awesome feeling! I just love your attitude towards health, and I couldn’t agree more.. even if I’m still working on always having such a balanced attitude 🙂

  • Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle
    March 4, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    Congrats on fitting back in the fave dress! Training makes me eat better too. I haven’t weighed myself in a few months and just tried on some jeans that were tooooo tight the last time I wanted to wear them and voila, they fit!

  • Rebekah
    March 4, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    There is absolutely nothing better then a good run!

  • Shannon
    March 4, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    You are SOOO cute Jenna! I love the colour of your hair right now! How do you keep the brown so nice looking? When I go blonde to dark brown it fades so quick. 🙁

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie
    March 4, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    Fitting into old clothes is always something to boost the mood for sure! I’m pregger so I won’t be trying this for a while but I’m sure once I have this baby I’ll be wanting back in!

  • Kalli@fitandfortysomething
    March 4, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    Well you look great and have always looked great. I am glad you are not fixated on the scale. You have a very healthy attitude on weight.
    Thanks!

  • Laura
    March 4, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    I’m glad you’re in better spirits. When you start to feel down just think “…Paris…Paris…” 🙂
    btw, your friend looks like Amy Poehler

  • jen trinque
    March 4, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    I always, always, ALWAYS appreciate your healthy attitude to food and your body!

  • greenbean
    March 4, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    ditto to what Kim said. you handle the discussion about weight and all the questions about your weight with such grace. all the questions…that sheeit would drive me crazy.

  • Evan Thomas
    March 4, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    Cookies are def the secret to good runs

  • Such a Blessed Life
    March 4, 2010 at 1:21 pm

    You are precious Jenna!!

  • Tara
    March 4, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    That is such a wonderful feeling. I am trying to fit better into a pair of my old jeans. Goals!

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly
    March 4, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    Awesome…enjoy that black little number!

  • Katy ( The Balanced Foodie)
    March 4, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    That’s an AWESOME time for 3 miles! I’ve been training for the first time the last two months and I don’t even run a 28 min. 3-miler yet! I wish! I need a Garmin, maybe that would help. Congrats on fitting into the dress! You’re taking care of yourself, AND enjoying life. It’s a balance and you do it well. 🙂

  • Nicole
    March 4, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    Hey Jenna! So I am having the worst time with severe severe shin splints and I think thats what you suffered from as well. do you have any tips? I dont have a bike and im not sure I could handle the expenses of buying/renting a bike and all of that…so im kind of stuck to the elliptical for now I guess 🙁 ugh so boring, haha. but anyway, do you have tips for getting past your shin splints? did you just randomly run the 3 miles? im taking 6 weeks off from running for now..but i’d love any help! thanks <3

  • andrea
    March 4, 2010 at 2:32 pm

    that combo sounds delish- what does the sriracha sauce taste like?

  • alexe @ soyaetchocolat
    March 4, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    I finally had time to bake a batch of Supercharge Me cookies and I had one also before my run this morning. I had a great run too so maybe there really is something magical about it! 🙂

  • MMiller
    March 4, 2010 at 2:55 pm

    Such a nice surprise! My husband has been losing weight by eating more! He did cut out soda and most caffeine, but he is eating about 400 calories every 4 hours (4 or 5 times a day)! He used to skip breakfast and most of the time, lunch too! So he was eating one massive meal and snacking at night! And gaining weight! He is trying to fit back into his jeans for a trip up north! I am not normally a scale person either, My clothes were starting to get a little tight, but a recent Drs appt showed I had gained a little more than 5 pounds so far THIS YEAR! So I went back to tea in the morning and stopped my daily cappuccino! Now to start moving more!

  • Jenn @ Livewellfit
    March 4, 2010 at 3:03 pm

    Balanced, moderation + mindful = absolute health!!!! By far the biggest lesson I HAVE EVER LEARNED AS AN ADULT. 🙂 You look fab!

  • Lauren @ louisianagrown
    March 4, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    I’ve been running non stop for a year now and consider it an okay day when I do 3 miles in 28 minutes. Go you!

  • christie, honoring health
    March 4, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    Glad you had a great run and hoooray for fitting into your black dress again. Mindfulness is all we need to stay happy and healthy!

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
    March 4, 2010 at 3:50 pm

    I love how you take everything as it comes and can still be in a great mood despite setbacks! 🙂

    Hooray for the dress… can’t wait to see it!

  • Michelle
    March 4, 2010 at 3:50 pm

    yay! It’s so exciting to fit into clothes again!
    And congrats on the run 🙂

  • Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
    March 4, 2010 at 3:56 pm

    I like the idea of the qunioa and lentils.

  • kate
    March 4, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    youre such a healthy living role model! i bet youll look killer in your lbd!

  • Carrie
    March 4, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    Gotta love those running endorphins! Congrats on fitting in to your dress, that’s one nice benefit of working out so hard.

  • Brittany
    March 4, 2010 at 4:22 pm

    I am glad you got a good run in – that is always exciting! I also do not own a scale. I like to maintain my weight via the way my jeans fit and it works pretty well – blue jeans dont lie!

  • Sarah
    March 4, 2010 at 4:32 pm

    You’ve inspired me and now I add sriracha to everything, too!

  • eatmovelove
    March 4, 2010 at 4:32 pm

    Good for you. You sound jubilant. I guess everything balances out – bad car , good rest of the day?…writer’s workshop? tell more…

  • Anne P
    March 4, 2010 at 4:46 pm

    Baaaahahahha that was SO hilarious. I miss you. And Dexter. And chugging wine and blasting old school rap while trying to zip you into dresses. 😉

  • Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
    March 4, 2010 at 4:51 pm

    Love black dresses! They are always great! Have fun at the workshop!

  • Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
    March 4, 2010 at 4:51 pm

    Love black dresses! They are always great! Have fun at the workshop!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing
    March 4, 2010 at 4:54 pm

    Congrats on the run girl!!! And honestly, that gives me SO much hope!!! I haven’t been able to run since Dec. and i’m scared to death that I’m going to lose every ounce of endurance that I had.

    And the little black dress… how awesome!! I can’t express to you how much I love and admire your eating philosophy. You rock girl 🙂

  • Amanda
    March 4, 2010 at 5:01 pm

    Yay for the black dress fitting! It really is about moderation … and a healthy dose of exercise : )

  • lindsey
    March 4, 2010 at 5:02 pm

    loves it!! Moderation is DEFINITELY KEY! I have been trying to lose about 8ish pounds, or enough to lose wobbly bits, and I thought “carbs are clearly the issue” but after 1 week of that crap, I was not pleased with how I felt so I decided to just watch my calories (to me, I think that’s ok in my case as I don’t plan on going overboard) and just working out a little more. so easy right?? good luck training for the ride :D!!

  • diana(mymarblerye)
    March 4, 2010 at 6:02 pm

    I love how you DON’T own a scale. I think if you own a scale you become obsessed with what it tells you! BTW I just ate a whole freaking grapefruit today! So good!

  • Cole
    March 4, 2010 at 6:44 pm

    I definitely agree that it’s all about being conscious!

  • Nora@LiveLifeEatRight
    March 4, 2010 at 6:53 pm

    Still lovin’ the hair!!! Glad your day has been going well despite the mishaps! You’ve had me day dreaming of Paris for the past few days, my travel bug is itching for some authentic eats and good wine! AH!

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee)
    March 4, 2010 at 7:08 pm

    Moderation IS key! 🙂

  • Pam (@ TotalHealthCounseling)
    March 4, 2010 at 7:31 pm

    Glad you found that moderation works best for you, congrats on getting back into your dress!
    Quinoa and lentils looks great, I’ll have to try that soon.

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit
    March 4, 2010 at 7:36 pm

    Rock on. Thanks for the down-to-earth explanation!

  • Lauren
    March 4, 2010 at 7:48 pm

    Yay for moderation and it paying off by pulling of a cute sexy little black dress!! Doesn’t it feel great to slip into a dress and realize it fits perfectly?! Especially after hard work and training.

  • Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
    March 4, 2010 at 7:48 pm

    Three things to applaud in this post:

    1) Your awesome run.
    2) That quinoa and lentil lunch blend.
    3) Your healthy, confident, and wonderful attitude about weight and body image. You’re in terrific shape as you are. You have skin that exudes vitality, health, and happiness. Honestly, I think you look better now than prior to your move to California!

  • Sarah W.
    March 5, 2010 at 4:49 am

    I apologized if you’ve answered this, I dont really read any of the comments….but are you bringing Dexter with you to Paris this summer??? if not, where are you leaving him?! and are you going to keep renting the place you are at while you are gone?

    • jenna
      March 5, 2010 at 7:01 am

      Sarah and Marla,

      Dexter will be staying with my parents for the summer!

  • Lauren
    March 5, 2010 at 7:41 am

    I too am all for moderation. Life is far too short to spend worrying about every last calorie you eat. On the flipside, it’s also too short o overindulge on a daily basis! Striking a balance between healthy and indulgent is so important. You seem to do this really well, Jenna.

  • Kristilyn (My 29th Year)
    March 5, 2010 at 12:35 pm

    Good for you! I’ve been making a conscious effort to watch what I eat, too … I told myself I would like to lose 5 pounds by my birthday (next Saturday) and I’m almost there. It feels great to be in charge again. I’m training for a few things, too, and it just feels good to fuel right, you know?

    I’ll have to try that quinoa/lentil combo sometime! I’m always up for something new. 🙂

    K