First of all, thank you to The Valentine RD, Melissa Burton who recently answered her fitness questions and then tagged me to do the same! WARNING: This is a whole lot about Allie so feel free to skim through, just “mark as read” or judge me as you see fit…
1. What did you eat for breakfast?
I had four whole wheat waffles with fresh blueberries and some pure maple syrup. That’s my breakfast almost everyday! As my sister-in-law once noted “Wow. You like to carb up in the morning!” Indeed I do. I also don’t leave the house without at least a sip of coffee and most likely a whole cup! And YES I put REAL sugar and half and half in it.
I promised myself (and my best friend) that I would never post a picture of my food so you’ll have to daydream about my waffles…:-)
2. How much water do you drink a day?
Not enough. Truth be told, I HATE drinking water. It seems so pointless. Unless I’m teaching spin or running on the treadmill, I rarely drink water. I know, I know, but it doesn’t seem to be bothering me health-wise so THERE!!
There are also no actual pictures of me drinking water…that’s how rarely I do it.
3. What is your current favorite workout?
It has been and will always be (I think?) RUNNING! Stunning I know. I have to admit that I’m on my road bike now more then ever since I’m training for the duathlon championship in the fall, and I’m actually starting to like it…like a redheaded step-child to running.
4. How many calories do you eat a day?
I have no clue but it’s probably more then a small family in a third world country consumes. I eat all day and I eat a lot…and I love every meal.
This is me eating and drinking…which we’ll get to later. I’m in green on the end…
5. What are your favorite healthy snacks?
Oh there are just SO many!! I love fresh fruit, toasted whole wheat bread with natural peanut butter, KIND bars, LUNA bars (the little protein chocolate ones, cold in the fridge), goat cheese with cherries and crackers, Kashi Chia Flax cereal, homemade salsa with blue chips, smoothies and sushi…just to name a few!
6. What do you usually eat for lunch?
Hmmmm. This is tough because I’m more of a grazer (yes, like a cow!) so I tend to eat all of the above all day long…
7. What’s your favorite body part to strength train?
My mouth!! Oh, I mean my legs I guess. They usually get quite the workout…not to mention my heart and lungs!
8. What’s your least favorite body part to strength train?
I don’t think I have one. When I lift weights or do body weight workouts, I don’t feel like it’s complete unless I work out the whole dang thing!! I never train like a bodybuilder, i.e. have a back and abs day and then a bicep and tricep day.
I love using these to mix up my training!
9. What are your “bad” food cravings?
First of all, there really are no “bad” foods unless we’re talking deep fried donuts with bacon or something. I love french fries (the real deal, not sweet potato…although I love those too!) and….um….I don’t know!? The thing is, once you start eating healthy, your body craves healthy foods. Some people think I “deprive” myself of certain foods but in all honesty, I eat mostly what I want (in moderation!) and NO I don’t want a donut. Really. I don’t.
10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?
No, no and no. I feel (perhaps foolishly) that by eating healthy I get all the essential nutrients I need to do all the vigirious activities I need to do. Until a doc tells me I’m deficient in something (with actual proof!) then and only then will I pop a pill.
11. How often do you eat out?
Not often enough! My husband and I used to eat out all the time prior to the little ones and now we take every opportunity we get to go out, sit down and have a nice meal where we can actually have a conversation.
See how happy we are?
12. Do you eat fast food?
Dear God NO! Fast food is the child of satan. I could (and probably should) write another blog about the problem with fast food. And PLEASE don’t tell me McDonald’s has healthy options. The only fast food I have in a pinch is Subway or Fresh City…and I’m not happy about it.
13. Who is your biggest supporter?
My Aunt Carla. She is my number one fan and hardly ever misses one of my races…even if I tell her not to come! She has helped me take care of my kids since before they were born and does it with love and generosity like no one I’ve ever known (besides my own mom, her sister, who passed away when I was 17) and I absolutely, without a doubt, could not be the person, athlete and mom I am without her! No way.
This is a picture of my mom. If I post a picture of my aunt on the internet, she will never speak to me again! She looks a lot like this…just add 30 years.
14. Do you have a gym membership?
Oh hell yes. I used to have several but now I’m down to two – the one I teach classes at and the one my husband likes to go to. I also used to own a personal training studio so – YES!
15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
Are we talking uninterrupted sleep or…
I’m a morning person so I definitely hit the sack early (like 10pm) and sleep until around 6. One or both of my kids usually wake us up at least once a night for various reasons. It’s awesome.
16. Do you have a cheat day?
Nope. Everything in moderation…and when I’m on vacation I take that pretty seriously – drinking and food wise because hey, I’m on vacation!
17. Do you drink alcohol?
Have we met? YES! Red wine, white wine in the summer, the occasional beer, margaritas, mojitos, sangrias…I’m not in treatment yet…
Just one glass…maybe two but that’s it!
18. Do you have a workout buddy?
I have several but don’t get to buddy up as often as I’d like. When I run with a friend, I’m always reminded of what I’m missing out on when I run solo. With a friend, the miles seem to fly by!…plus you get some added therapy which is always a bonus.
I’ve learned almost everything I know about running from my “good buddy” Anne!
19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since you committed to a healthy lifestyle?
The people I’ve met! I’m inspired everyday by all the people around me who are committed to doing the same. It’s pretty cool. And when I teach fitness classes, I’m surrounded by them! It’s like a sweat party…for me at least.
We are smiling because the race is over!…and I won an Elvis Mr. Potato Head
20. What is the last healthy thing you did?
Said “no” to something I really didn’t want to do. Seems like a no-brainer but I tend to overcommit and it makes me insane so, no more!…well, I’m trying anyway…
21. What are your favorite shoes to workout in?
My MAGIC SHOES of course!! Ever since I started wearing these puppies the PRs are flowing like rain!! I’m a little scared because I’m almost due for a new pair…will the spell be broken?
I’m so sorry I said all those nasty things about your colors. I love you just the way you are!
22. Photo of your favorite workout outfit
I love, love, love Athleta clothing! They recently opened a store near me and I have to physically restrain myself from going there too often! Power to the She!
This is a picture of the entire store because I love everything in it! Yes I took a picture of it at the Grand Opening. #weird
Feel free to answer the questions in the comments or link up and share!
I loved reading this!! I like to hit everything when I work out, too! It doesn’t feel complete otherwise! I love that your aunt is so supportive. (and I howled with laughter that you can’t post her picture on the interwebs!! 😀 SO CUTE!!)
I’m surprised you haven’t stocked up on magic shoes before they change their style. My dad is a runner and he had a favorite shoe several years ago that he ADORED. He almost cried when, after several blissful pairs, the company changed the model slightly and it didn’t suit him as well. Poor guy. –Lisa
Oh I feel your dad’s pain. I’m going to buy two more pair online right now!! Thanks Lisa!
Great post! It’s refreshing to see people promoting healthy eating (and a lot of it) incorporated with regular exercise 🙂
Ha ha – yep, that’s what I do! Thanks Kate:-)
I love these surveys & questionnaires – such a great way to learn more about you! I love that you eat & drink in moderation and don’t categorize foods as good vs. bad. Such an important lesson for our children, and if we want them to learn it, we better practice it too!
This was my first one & it was definitely fun!!! I try to lead by example with my kids & then let them make their own choices but then daddy brings them to McDonalds!!!
Allie: Loved reading your answers! What are these magic shoes of which you speak?!? Personally, I think they look kind of awesome. Also, I applaud you not taking pictures if food but me, I can’t help myself!
Thanks Melissa! My magic shoes are Brooks Revennas. After years of running in the Adrenaline, I switched, and I have seriously had a half-year of great races, therefore – they are MAGIC! As for the pics of food…it’s just kind of a joke. I’m certain I will break down and post pics of food. I definitely enjoy it when others do it. I’m very visual.
These surveys are SUPER fun! I’m like you when it comes to snacking, fresh fruit is my absolute favorite thing to snack on! Matter of fact, I just finished a bowl of fresh pineapple for my midmorning snack!
Pineapple is so great in the summer! Fresh fruit is just so easy and the kids will eat it too which is a win/win. Thanks Britton!!
{Melinda} Love this, Allie. I like getting to know other bloggers better. 🙂 I adore LUNA bars … been eating them for years. And I also avoid fast food like the plague. If I HAVE to eat it, I usually try to do Chick-fil-A, which SEEMS healthier (although I’m pretty sure it’s not).
Going to the gym with my husband tonight …. trying to keep my health/fitness streak going. Coming up on 4 weeks! 🙂
YAY for YOU!!! I’m so happy to hear you’re sticking with your health and fitness goals…and you’ve got your husband on board too – excellent.
Oh yes, those LUNA bars are like a tiny little chocolate bar that’s packed with protein. YUM!
Such a fun survey!! I definitely have days like you where I graze all day and never have an actual “lunch”… I love to exercise my mouth, too. 🙂
It was fun to write for sure…and one of the easier posts! Lunchtime is so busy for me since it’s the only real break I get in my day from the boys, so of course I’m reading all my fav blogs…who has time to eat a meal??
I love your answer to each and every question. I can totally hear your voice and your personality in each one! I’m not a huge runner but I do love cycling. It’s so fun and you can go so much faster! 🙂 Also, I love your mantra of moderation. That, to me, is healthy living.
Thank you so much!! Maybe you can give me some cycling tips!?
I would be happy to but I’m no pro! I just get out and ride and do the best I can!
That’s all any of us can do!! It’s always helpful to swap tips:-)
That wasn’t a really long post! 🙂 I think it is great that you don’t worry about what you eat. Too often we get bogged down by calories and good vs. bad food. Ugh. I think trusting your body is the way to go.
Absolutely!!! I’m glad you didn’t think it was too long – ha ha!! Thanks for reading:-)
First– I love your blog. Your writing. Everything is just fantastic and I am SO happy that we have *met* 🙂
Second– I met Melissa last month at Fitbloggin and I kinda adore her. So if she tagged you then you are all good with me
third — on to the actual post LOL I LOVE those sneaks, and that your aunt supports you at every race (that made me smile lots) I love this survey. I think I want to do it too! 🙂
Wow!!! I don’t even know where to start!? Thank you SO very much. This is an amazingly huge compliment because your blog is the so great & helpful & funny…I guess we just have a love fest going on here!!:-) and, Melissa is obviously fantastic so we have a lot in common!!
Please, please answer these questions on your blog! I would love to see your responses!! Thanks again!!
Ha! You hating drinking water reminds me of my last blog post about NUUN as a replacement for water! I am not a huge water drinker EITHER… I need some flavor in there, plus water tends to bloat me! 🙁
Yes! I read that post & then promptly forgot to do it!! Thanks for the reminder…
I love Q and A blog posts. You learn so much about people. I can’t go to Athleta because I want to buy everything.in that store. I love wine too…well when I am not on detox 🙂
So true! I agree 100% with it all…
Thanks for reading and getting to know me better:-)
Great post! I love your focus on moderation in eating. You’re totally right about letting yourself have a little of everything, just not overdoing it! Also, I completely agree – when you’re eating/living a healthy life, those donuts just don’t sound appealing at all!
Thanks Nicole! It definitely just becomes habit!!
I came over from SITS for your day. Great interview! I love that you have a healthy relationship with food and look so great. Oh, and I was just at Athleta yesterday…that place is dangerous. I want the whole store!
Debbie
Thanks for stopping by!! Athleta is a dream come true and can be extremely dangerous. Proceed with caution!
You look like your Mom! Found you at SITS and love your energy! New follower!
Awesome post! I love that you eat what you want and you’re so right…once you eat healthy you don’t really want to eat like crap. New follower and HAPPY SITS DAY! 🙂
My favorite exercise currently is stairs–the actual stairs in our house. I walk the length of the house (60 feet) five times and then the stairs. I live in the PNW and when it is rainy there is no way I will exercise outside. Another favorite exercise is brush clearing. I like the format of your blog. I’ve never done a question blog and it is about time. Enjoy your SITS Day.
What – I missed this one? I guess I hadn’t been lucky enough to have found your blog when you wrote this. Love your answers to these questions – one day we will hopefully meet, go for a run and then drink wine!!!
I would love nothing more then to have that day with you!!! Glad to see you actually found something “new” for you!
I’m guilty of not eating breakfast five to six days a week. That’s awful, I know! It’s an ancient habit…and one I probably won’t fix.
It’s always interesting to read how others exercise and their dietary habits. Riding horses is my passion and believe me, it keeps me pretty darn fit. I do a little more exercise at home to strengthen and stay limber, but truly, riding three to five times a week (especially if I’m riding multiple horses) does the trick.
I LOVE WATER! There’s no problem drinking tons of it every day. I also believe in a good vitamin/supplement regimen, too.
And – stay away from junk food. YUCK
Happy SITS Day to you – I really like your blog. 🙂
Horse riding is something I’ve never done but I’m sure it’s quite a workout! I’m thinking your core and upper body strength play key roles but you’re also constantly working your mind to navigate and push the huge beast you’re riding! That is awesome.
Thank again for your great comments!
LOL I love that you call Fast Food the child of Satan. It really is! I’m a runner too, albeit a slow one. I’m trying to drop some weight right now and hope it will speed me up some.
A runner is a runner girl – own it!! Yep, fast food and I are not friends:-) Thank you for reading and commenting.
I don’t feel so bad about hating water now! I try to add some lemon and Mio to make it “mo betta”.
Which Brooks are those? I tried a pair last year that weren’t right for me. But I love the way Brooks look!
I know I need to drink more but it’s truly an effort and something’s gotta give.
They are the Revennas and I LOVE them!!
Thanks for reading and commenting…:-)
Great questions and AWESOME answers!!!! You and I will get along just fine… 😉
Lets go out for a drink soon, okay? lol
You’re ON! Thanks Chris!!
LOVE this post!! I totally agree with what you said about cheat days, there shouldn’t be nay if you eat in moderation anyway…came over from The Sits Girls!! Happy Sits Day!!
Right on!! Thanks so much for checking me out…
Glad you linked this one. I remember Nellie saying you did one and I thought, hum…must of been before we met. We had such similar answers. Funny how being self motivated to exercise allows you some freedoms like not counting calories.
I hate to think of the time before we met my dear Joi! Yes, self-motivation is a very lucky/cool thing and allows me to eat to my hearts content…I make good choices, but still! Thanks again.
My favorite answer is “Fast food is the child of Satan.” I am borrowing your answer to give to some of my friends who still thinks that MCDonald and Dunkin Donut has healthy options.
I mean really! My husband says that all the time too and I’m like “Are you out of your mind?” Luckily these days you can look up nutritional values (or lack thereof) online and prove your point pretty easily!! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Great Post, and a great choice to link up for SITS Day! I rally enjoyed getting to know you! I agree that Cheat day is not necessary when you have chosen a healthy lifestyle.
Thank you! I’m so glad you said that since it’s incredibly hard to only chose three posts and hope you cover the gamut of your site. Here’s to everything in moderation!
Oh, how I wish we had an Athleta near us! Happy SITS day!
We just got it and I LOVE having it so close!! Thanks for stopping by and reading!