Victoria's Secret Sport

There is an unwritten code in college fashion that allows us to wear oversized shirts and norts/leggings without question. I like this dress code, especially for early morning classes and on the weekends when I am feeling lazy. It's actually kind of funny to realize that we are all dressed to work out, yet there is about a 90% chance that hitting the gym is not in fact on the schedule for the day. 

That being said, working out is such a great stress reliever and I am so excited to start Pure Barre this week! I have workout clothes from several different stores, but this week Influenster and Victoria's Secret Sport sent me a sports bra and leggings that I am absolutely loving!

Before I got this one, I had never worn a structured sports bra and I had no idea what I was missing out on. The bra doesn't just come in small, medium, or large, but instead is sold by standard bra sizing. It is incredibly comfortable and they sell so many different colors and patterns. I have the standard Incredible Sports Bra in black and it fits nicely and is decently breathable.

They also sent me a pair of the Knockout leggings which will be added into my wardrobe when the weather cools down a bit (gosh, it is so hot out!). They are the perfect thickness for winter and they are not see through at all. They sent me the pair with pink mesh detail which is a nice subtle detail on a black legging, I tend to shy away from loud, patterned ones because they make my big butt look huge.

I can't wait to keep working out in this new gear, and I will definitely be adding some more of their sports bras to my collection. Also, there is currently a promotion for $15 off a purchase of $100 or more! How much more incentive do you need? 

xx,
Erin

disclaimer: this is a sponsored post, but these opinions are 100% mine!

Simple Kale Blueberry Smoothie

It is amazing how a morning routine can shape a day. I haven't had work for the last week and I can honestly say that the biggest difference between me today and over the past couple of days was getting back in my routine and starting the day off in a great way. One of the things that I have added to my morning routine is a delicious berry kale smoothie based off of a recipe I found on Pinterest.

Kale is so good for you and this smoothie is a satisfying breakfast, keeping me plenty full until lunch rolls around. As with any recipe, there are a bunch of great variations on this smoothie and you can enjoy it any time of the day!

Kale and Blueberry Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 Cups Kale leaves (rip them off the stem)

3/4 Cup Frozen Blueberries

6oz Greek Yogurt

-possible additions-

1 Banana

splash of Almond or Skim Milk

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until you get it to a consistency you like. Enjoy!

so simple!

Also, if you like for your smoothie to be a bit creamier, add some milk and possibly some extra yogurt, it's all about proportions!

3 ingredients (plus banana and a little extra yogurt)

xx,

Erin

The Opportunity Cost of Healthy Living

As some of you know, I started a "Healthy You In 42" challenge a while ago, and I just realized that I never actually followed up on it. One of the reasons for that is that through the process, I decided to make several lifestyle changes. So instead of focusing on 42 days of being healthy followed by a lifetime of going back to my old habits, I am focusing on fitness. You may notice that there is a tab for fitness next to fashion at the top of my page. I have actually really enjoyed this journey despite several days of feeling defeated and unproductive.

There are several text conversations with Meghan where I lament that despite all my hard work and focus on a healthy lifestyle, that I really haven't seen a change in my weight. The thing is though, I definitely have noticed a change in my figure, my mood, and my ability to perform at the gym. Spin class is never going to be easy, but my recovery time has dropped and resistance has increased. Oh, and my stomach is much flatter thanks to daily yoga. I might not be dropping sizes left and right, but my clothes fit better and I have received more compliments than I did before this challenge.

I think the most important thing that I learned from these past two months is that I am in charge of my body and that progress is what you make of it. Nothing is going to happen overnight, but it shouldn't have to. There is so much more to healthy living than just the number on the scale or the size of your pants. 

Everything in life is about making choices, good or bad, smart or thoughtless, hard or easy. We judge the opportunity cost of buying that shirt, eating that oreo, saying what is on our minds. I won't pretend that I make the healthy choice every time, but I am working on it, and I have certainly made strides in my diet and exercise regime. Instead of Healthy You In 42, I am focusing on being healthy for the rest of my life and I am really excited about it.

xx,

Erin

40-40-20 (and Camo?)

Today I realized something about my getting in shape program that is so important. I really wish I had looked more closely at this before, but since I am just realizing it now, I want to share it with you. In order to see results of weight loss and muscle development, you need to eat a balanced diet and cut calories. That is probably something you already know though, right? Well, did you know that how you breakdown your diet is just as important as how many calories you eat?

I have been doing a really good job with my caloric intake and exercising and monitoring it all on My Fitness Pal, but what I haven't cared about is how that breaks down. I have been eating proportionally more carbs and fats than proteins and that is a big part of why I don't feel like I am getting results! That being said, going forward, I have a new goal for my daily caloric intake:

40-40-20

What does that mean? Your diet should consist of roughly 40% proteins, 40% carbs, and 20% fats. This nutrition breakdown is a great way to get in shape. You need more proteins for fuel to build and repair muscles, and of course it makes sense that you need less fat if you're trying to burn fat. Breaking down your diet this way will also help you if you tend to eat foods that are more wholesome and healthy if that is your weak spot.

Okay, now that we have that health tip out of the way, can we discuss the Fabletics Camo Comeback? It might be a bit ridiculous, but I just really want a pair of camo leggings to encourage me to kick butt in a 5:15am Spin class or Yoga (yeah, started that as my afternoon workout yesterday...)

xoxo,

Sugar Snap Pearls

What's In my (Gym) Bag

I am writing this post at 10pm on a Tuesday night...this may not seem late to you, but to the girl who has to wake up at 4:30 to go to spin class, this is a big no-no. That being said, I just couldn't fall asleep until I shared what I pack in my gym bag (woohoo)! 

Preparing to go to the gym is half of the battle, whether you go before or after work. Having a gym bag sitting there, waiting to be used, makes it that much harder to come up with an excuse not to go. I always pack my bag the night before as I lay out my outfit for the day so that it is all together and ready to go. My work bag is also packed the night before, but that is a different post for a later date.

Since I go to the gym before I go to work, I am the biggest fan of those showers at the gym. I finish with class, head to the showers, change for work, and am in the office at 7am. Sure it sounds sort of insane to workout at 5:15am, but having that out of the way and having your whole day ahead of you is the greatest feeling, plus I am noticeably less antsy at work.

-My Gym Bag is a Lesportsac Overnight Bag they sent me last summer and I absolutely love it, and it is even better as a gym bag. The nylon is easy to clean and remove odor from! Be careful not to pick a cotton bag that will smell when choosing a gym bag!

-The Nike Gear Bag is for my sweaty gym clothes to go in after class so that they don't stink up my normal gym bag and the rest of the stuff I bring with me.

-The toiletry kit I have packed includes makeup and face wash, etc. and I leave it stored in there all the time so that I can just grab it off my bathroom counter and go in the morning.

-My Venus Snap Razor was sent to me by Influenster and, while I was a bit skeptical at first, I have come to absolutely love it! It is a small travel razor that uses Venus Embrace blades so you don't need shaving cream, just water! This is perfect for when I forget to shave the night before but bring a dress to wear to work, especially if I am going out after work!

-A Change of Clothes is a necessity and it is nice to not be rushing around in the morning trying to get everything together

-Shower Shoes and Shampoo for my shower at the gym, but honestly, I just use the shampoo that they have at the gym because it is just as good!

-Each night I put my Water Bottle in the fridge to chill and leave a note on my bag so that I don't forget it!

-I have actually started keeping my Gym Card in the back of my phone so that I have it with me at all times and hopefully I don't leave it in my locker (again...)

-Breakfast isn't pictured, but I always bring it to the office with me because I get hungry about an hour after I work out

What do you keep in your gym bag? What other fitness-inspired posts do you want to see?

xoxo,

Sugar Snap Pearls

update: I didn't make it to spin class...but I did work out! I got to the gym and rewlIzed that I had left my phone (with gym card) at home and so I had to turn around to get it! The struggle is real...

Celebrity Fitspiration

If I had really thought this through, I probably would have posted this yesterday as a "Woman Crush Wednesday" post, so let's just pretend I did. Actually, the thought did cross my mind, but then I had to go to bed in preparation for a 5:15am Spin Class...yeah, that happened. Anyways...

How awesome are Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert? I mean seriously, they are my girl crushes all the time (someone please teach me to sing like them!), but they also have really inspiring fitness stories. For the record, both Carrie and Miranda are awesome, no matter what their weight. They are gorgeous, talented, and genuine. Oh, and both got their start on reality singing shows (yes, Miranda too).  

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While they have always been inspiring, their weight loss and fitness stories also inspire me, especially Miranda's. I always loved that Miranda was an average girl and was not especially concerned with her weight, then one day, she decided that she was going to make some lifestyle changes. How many of us can relate to that story? 

{original}

Both women credit healthier diet choices and exercise for getting the bodies they have now. While I may never have Carrie's legs (a girl can dream right?), I can aspire to get in shape the same way they did. These are two women who girls can look up to because they did not do some crazy fad diet or get surgery, they lost weight the old-fashioned way. It is so easy to get caught up in all the crazy hollywood fads, but to recognize what is at the core of all of those movements is to understand what is going to make you succeed. Sure, I could follow the crazy lemonade diet, or I could bust my butt at the gym before I go to work every day and get stronger while I am doing it.

{original}

We don't all want Carrie's legs or Miranda's slimmed down figure because it looks like they need to be force-fed some chicken, we aspire for them because they are toned and could kick some butt if they were given the chance.

Getting in shape is a personal journey with personal milestones and that means that weight loss is gradual and that you are also striving to replace that fat with muscle. Yes, I realize that these women can afford trainers and dietitians that some of us can't, but that does not mean that we can't have success in our journey too, and to focus on that is to harp on an insignificant issue. The process would be so much easier if it could happen overnight, but with a little determination, it can be achieved over time and just look, the results are totally worth it! 

Who inspires you? I would love to know!

xoxo,

Sugar Snap Pearls

Summer in Shape

Okay, going back to the real world tomorrow is going to be really tough. Coming off a couple of fun days at the beach and then a relaxing weekend is a far cry from a 40 hour a week job and an internship. However, I would probably get really bored just sitting around all summer knowing me, so maybe this isn't the worst thing in the world.

Speaking of Beach Week, I have a confession. While I had a great time there, I was a bit down for parts of the week because I was not happy with how I looked in a bathing suit. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying I was feeling so terrible that I never showed my face or body on the beach, but I was just a bit self-conscious. I could have and should have been in better shape going into the week. There is no excuse for me to eat unhealthily or not exercise during the year, and yet I managed to somehow convince myself that it was okay.

I go to the beach six weeks from yesterday, and I plan to be significantly more confident going into that trip than I was for this one. I am not saying that my body is going to do a 180, but I can definitely make some good life changes in the meantime. I spent a lot of time over the last couple of days looking at different health tips for eating and I have a gym membership as well as two feet that know how to run, so I am pretty set for my exercise. This isn't going to be easy for me, knowing my love of snacking and sweets, but it is time to make some healthy changes in my life. 

You may notice, there is a new tab on the header for this journey. Honestly, blogging about this is going to have its good and bad moments, but it will definitely keep me more accountable! If any of you are planning on getting in shape this summer I would love to know what your plan is and keep in touch (you can just email me: sugarsnappearls@gmail.com) and if you have any tips, I would also love to hear them.

Also, I just want to stress that this is a personal decision for my health. I do not love myself any less at whatever weight I am, it is about more than that. I am also not doing this as a "beat the scale" challenge because, from what I've heard, those never go well. This is a summer for fitness and making changes that will last me a lifetime! 

xoxo,

Sugar Snap Pearls

*image from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/*

Beach Week Bod and Finals

Guess where I am heading on May 11th? The Beach! I am so excited for Beach Week with my Chi O sisters and friends! A ton of people from UVA venture down to Myrtle Beach after finals for a few fun days and nights at the beach. It is the perfect way to unwind from finals, say goodbye for the summer (and to the fourth-years), and then come back and settle in for the summer. One thing that I am not super excited for is having to wear a bikini again. Let's be real, finals snacking and just generally not being on top of my workout routine is not boding well for me. Regardless, beach week is when it is, and there are a few ways to get ready in two weeks.

While my workout ethic has lacked a bit, I have been getting a workout in here and there, and finals is no excuse! I don't blame you if you're a bit skeptical, but for a super quick workout, I love the 8 Minute Abs and 8 Minute Arms workout videos on Youtube.

80s workout videos are so corny but they are effective. In fact, I discovered clips of the original "Buns Of Steel" workout video the other day on Youtube. I don't know if any of y'all have done that before but it is a great workout, complete with that fabulous aerobics attire.

To make a two week push for improving your beach week body, you also need a couple of other elements. Honestly, running is the best form of cardio that you can do. I know people don't like running, and to be honest, I used to be one of them. Then, I discovered a runner's high and I knew I was hooked...of course, if you are still skeptical, there are other ways to get your cardio in. 

As far as diet goes, try to stick with healthy snacks and meals (I say as I eat chocolate chips...). But seriously, there are so many ways to satisfy a craving without killing a diet. For example, I just discovered Dole Dippers and I am loving them.

Water is obviously incredibly important all the time and it will help to clear up your skin as well. If you throw some lemon, mint, and/or cucumber in the water, it will add some flavor and it also helps to make it a detox drink.

The bottom line is that with 2.5 weeks to the beach, you won't be in the best shape of your life, but you can tone and lose a couple of pounds before then. Plus, these are good habits to get in and exercising during finals will reduce stress (and maybe that will help curb that late-night Ben and Jerry's craving at the library)

Any other ideas for prepping for beach week?

xoxo,

SSP

5 Reasons to Run

It is snowing today, like accumulation of 1-3 inches snowing. Unfortunately this weather is bringing my spirits down too, I mean, there one can only handle so many pictures of a snow-covered rotunda in March!

That being said, this snow is not going to change when beach week happens or the fact that I am not confident traipsing around in a bikini right now. Since that's still the case and I am pretty sure I am not alone in this (aka I've already had countless conversations about this topic with friends and sorority sisters), I am going to start a bit of a Project Fit campaign for myself because those two half marathons aren't going to run themselves! My exercise routine is going to focus primarily on running, but I will add in other exercises as well so that the plan is more well-rounded.

I am focusing on running because I do want to run two half marathons by October, and also because there are so many benefits to running!

ONE: Strong Muscles

There is no doubt that running is a great workout. This is especially helpful if the area of your body that you aren't comfortable with is your lower half (like me!). If you run outdoors, work towards getting to a point where you embrace running hills!

TWO: Weight Loss

You will absolutely shed some weight when you run. However, if the scale doesn't always reflect this, don't worry. Look in the mirror! As you get in better shape, the fat will turn into muscle and we all know that muscle is denser (weighs more) than fat!

THREE: Disease Prevention

Running brings down your blood flood, makes your heart healthier, boosts your immune system, and can even reduce your chance of some cancers. It's sort of like a jumpstart for your body that is 100% natural and healthy

FOUR: Stress Relief

Exercise releases endorphins, Elle Woods taught us that. Going for a run can help relieve stress and put you in a better mood. If you've ever gone for a good run, I am sure you've felt a "runner's high," that euphoric feeling that comes after a run. I know, it sounds weird, but it's a real thing and it becomes addicting.

FIVE: Time To Think

I love running because I get to clear my head, listen to music and just be lost in myself. I have always preferred running alone, though I enjoy running with friends too. If you're someone who is busy all the time, scheduling in 45 minutes to go for a run can provide you with a nice break from hectic life and it will help relieve stress, it's a win-win!

Who else is getting in shape this Spring? I'd love to know what y'all are doing so I can keep up with your journey, too!

xoxo,

SSP

Kick It Into Gear

First of all, yesterday some sisters and I went to the Kappa Sigma headquarters to drop off a birthday cake in honor of Dr. Charles Richardson's birthday. He was a founder of Chi Omega and a brother of Kappa Sigma. Their headquarters was absolutely stunning and an afternoon of that followed by an evening of cheering on UVA basketball as they crushed Wake Forest was just what I needed. Of course, it is back to J-Term for me today...

CAKE!

with the Dr. Charles Richardson bust in their museum

A little self-criticism never hurt anyone, right? Actually, I don't know the answer. What I do know is that when I looked in the mirror last night as I tried on one of the dresses that I got in the Lilly sale, I did not like what I saw. Yes, I was wearing a size 4 dress...two sizes smaller than what I would have worn at times in high school, and yes it was pretty. What I didn't like was the way my legs looked. I didn't like that despite adding some lotion and a pair of pumps, they still weren't that impressive.

Now, I am never going to have Carrie Underwood legs and I am not complaining about my weight. That isn't what bothered me. The problem I saw when I looked in the mirror was that the reflection was showing me a reality I had been trying to avoid. I have been absolutely horrible about working out, and now, my body is showing it. It is not about just fitting into the dress, it is about how you look once your in it. 

I wasn't upset that I was lacking definition because I wanted to weigh less, I was mad because I let myself fall out of shape. The image in the mirror was upsetting because it confirmed a reality I had been carefully avoiding. One that could no longer be avoided. So, how about no more excuses. How about I just start running again and liking what I see? I am not trying to get the "perfect figure" that others determine, but I would like to be proud of myself when I look in the mirror or at my outfit shots.

Here's to making healthy lifestyle changes and becoming the happy person you deserve to be!
 

Cheers,
SSP