Priorities

I struggled with whether or not to write a post about this. But then I got all ornery and thought, "It's my blog, and I'll write what I want to!"

Jon and I were in Pueblo the other day. Pueblo is the Hannaford of Puerto Rico, and as a foodie I could not have been more thrilled to find it! While we were there in the household items aisle, I stepped on a scale.  Let me explain....  I am not a scale junkie, and I actually weigh more than people guess due to the fact that there is a lot of muscle on this petite frame.  I take more stock in how my clothes fit and what my energy level is.  Having said that, I do think under these circumstances the scale can be a good gut check.

"These circumstances"

Don't get me wrong, I am loving Puerto Rico, however, these are not a health conscience people.  The diet is predominantly carbs - like overwhelmingly.  From bread, to rice, to fruit, to sweet sweet sweet treats - everywhere.  I am living in a city that offers everything in walking distance and the closest gym is a drive. As much as the Puerto Ricans love to be outside, it's overwhelmingly recreational.  Ok.  Do we have the picture?

Before I proceed, I will say once more - I am loving Puerto Rico and the wonderful, kind people, however, fitness, for so many reasons, is a priority in my life.  I have an active job, an autoimmune disorder that is managed through diet and exercise, and I'm vain!

Back to the scale.  Jon and I both got on, and were both thrilled with the #.  I had not gained or lost a thing, neither had he.  It made me so proud of our choices.  After three weeks here, I have maintained a balance between eating out indulgences and cooking on a regular basis for our family.  Proteins and vegetables.  Jon and I have also maintained our workout regimen.  Total investment of $15 for a yoga mat and a resistance band.  Jon runs regularly enjoying the scenic views of the city and the water.  I have mapped out a two mile walk to the beach, I work out when I get there, jump in the water, and walk home.  Using a combination of purchased items, trees for wall squats, rocks for various exercises, chairs, and other structures, I get in a full body workout three times a week.

Box jumps

Dips

You name it! Curls, Flies, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Squats

Anyone who knows me, knows I preach about diet and exercise.  This blog post is to let you know I practice what I preach.  I want to be a good role model to my kids and to my students.  And if I didn't "walk the walk", I couldn't have climbed those waterfalls, or hiked the rain forest, or played football at the beach with Bryce, or carried my groceries up the San Franciso-esque hill where our apartment resides.  Because of diet and exercise, I am going to be able to take in all that travel has to offer and create memories with my family all while looking pretty darn good in a bikini!!

The View at my gym.

From Puerto Rico - #solutionsoverexcuses