Today I had a “confessional” lunch with my great Mommy-friend who shall remain nameless since we were dishin’ some dirt. . .so I’m just going to put it out there. . .I am not typically insecure.  I am also not totally obsessed with my body. . .a few pounds give or take is how I live. . .I’m happy.  I like food; I like beer!  My friends still love me and my husband thinks I am just about the coolest thing since sliced bread.  So there!

 

H O W E V E R. . .I am still a girl!  And what makes this girl get a little self-conscious is a S W I M S U I T.  Or more aptly this year. . .the realization that swimsuit season also means our friend Johnny’s wedding in June. . .where, did I mention, my hubby’s college sweetheart will be in attendance!?!?!?!?!?  Now, obviously, I have the prize and we have two little prizlings as well.  But I sure don’t want to give the impression that the prize was acquired at some sort of eating contest. . .if you catch my drift!!  5 years and 2 kids later, this momma has packed on a few too many extra pounds. . .and a little insecurity about flaunting them in front of Miss Runner-Outdoorswoman-No Kid Hips-California hottie-ex-girlfriend of my beloved!!!!  Hence, I have jumped on Marathon Mom’s bandwagon.  I’ve joined up with Jill Parr’s Couch to 5K Running Club on Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m. at 41st & Riverside (it’s free. . .so is the Runner’s World club and I think it meets at 9:00 a.m. at 31st & Riverside!).  I’m going to tackle a cleanse a-la-Clear the Clutter Mom.  And I am examining how my quest for green-ness can also lead to a better bod.  Going green can’t just be good for the planet – it must lead to looking good for swimsuit (or wedding) season too!  Right?!?!?

 

Here are some tips I have gleaned from my research so far:

 

  • I’ve said it time and time again in my posts:  Go green with TAP WATER!  Purchase a reusable neoprene bottle and fill it up at home!  Americans throw away 70 million plastic water bottles each day – I know you might be recycling, but is your neighbor?  A very small percentage of water bottles (or really any recyclables) are actually recycled.  And in most cases the bottled water isn’t any more pure than the tap water.  If you don’t like the taste of tap water, purchase a filter such as Brita, or use fresh lemon or lime; or how about refreshing and spa-like cucumber water:
  • 1 cucumber, sliced and unpeeled + 6-7 cucumber slices for decoration
  • 1 1/2 to 2 liters of water
  • 3 mint sprigs + 2 mint sprigs for decoration
  • Half a lemon, sliced and unpeeled
  • Ice cubes
  • In a pitcher, mix the water, cucumber, 3 mint sprigs and lemon. Let it rest on the fridge for 24 hours. If you prepare the water at the last minute, cut the first cucumber in three or four pieces. Then, squeeze the cucumber pieces to release all the juice.   Before serving remove the cucumber slices used to flavor the water. Then stir with a wooden spoon, add some ice cubes,  6 or 7 fresh cucumber slices and the remaining 2 mint sprigs. Enjoy this refreshing drink.

 

  • Frailty, thy name is Diet Coke!  This is one that is SO hard for me, but I know the health benefits would be endless.  Eliminate (I would do well to even just extremely limit) sodas, even (or especially depending on your overall health) the diet ones. You’ll save on aluminum (remember those recyclables that I just told you probably aren’t getting recycled!?!?!?)  and get healthier in the process.  Medical research blames “pop” for diabetes, hyperactivity, childhood obesity, and tooth decay.  Look at the label – it will say something like “not a significant source of Vitamin A, calcium” and so on.  Not much nutritional value there, ladies.

 

  • Instead of choosing vegetables that are prepackaged in individually wrapped containers, choose your produce loose from bins.  Or why not take the opportunity to use local, seasonal produce? This will help cut down on shipping costs and decrease our dependence on oil for transportation.  In addition, you can feel good about supporting local farmers, the local economy, and eating the freshest produce available.  Local produce may cost a little more but it will last longer and be better for your family.  Try a vegetable that you’ve never had before and ask the grower for healthy cooking tips.  Rutabaga, anyone?

 

  • You could also take it a step further and try out your “farming” skills.  If you’ve never grown anything before, start by planting on your patio or deck. Tomatoes can be easily grown in a pot and enjoyed all summer!  Potted gardens are also easy for little kids to help with. . .my son was thrilled to eat the tomatoes we planted and cared for together on our patio!

 

  • My friend Melanie does this once a week I think and I haven’t heard her husband or son complain. . .Plan vegetarian meals for your family.  As soon as you all see how delicious the meals can be, add more vegetarian days.  Also, plant protein tends to be cheaper than meat protein anyway; so why not use beans to enhance your meals. The commercial meat industry plays a big part in our environmental problems.  The industry requires a lot of energy and may be a factor in climate changes due to greenhouse gas emissions.  (My husband said that last sentence was way too “tree hugger-ish”.  Thanks, honey; at least you’re reading this!)

 

  • Work out at home! The living room, kitchen, or the park at the end of the block are all perfect for exercising.  It works so great for me!  It takes much less time because I can easily carve out 15- 30 minutes a day to do the actual workout; but ask me to spend 2 hours (back and forth to gym or exercise class) and I’ll probably opt to watch Biggest Loser and diet by osmosis!  J  I try to use the treadmill, Cox cable’s free Fitness on Demand, running with friends, playing at the park with the kids, and yoga in my room with the door LOCKED so I don’t get bored and I can do whatever works for me on any given day.  Walking the dog, a bicycle ride to the store or washing the car (BY HAND!!) all count too!

 

  • I also strongly believe that going green means giving back – whether you are serving food to the homeless or donating gently loved clothing — so my friend/training partner, Nikki, and I are signing up for fitness events that benefit local charities.  You will find us at the Sweetheart Run on February 13th benefiting the Oklahoma Blood Institute, the 28th Annual St. Patrick’s 5K on March 13th benefiting Special Olympics Oklahoma, the Grace Race 5K Run or Walk For Light on April 17th benefiting the Little Lighthouse, and the 3rd Annual Hope Rains 5K on May 1st benefiting the Jeanette Holmes Memorial Fund.  (I’d also like to put in a plug for the 4th Annual Ready…Set…Run! 5K/Fun Run on May 8th which benefits the Autism Center of Tulsa which I will also be doing – and I bet Nikki will too – because I want to support my Kappa sister, awesome friend and Mommy to 2 great boys.)

 

We often become overwhelmed when we need to make changes (and FAST. . .how many months away is June again?!?!?!), but if we start small and do it together, we just might find that it is very easy to Go Green and Get Healthy! Small modifications to our daily routines really do add up to big changes in our bodies and the environment!