One week until Mexico and I can hardly contain the excitement I'm feeling.
I also feel slightly like I need to prepare more or that I'm slacking a bit on the organization front. But I still have 4 days off to get my act together.
I hit up a new pool this morning. I typically swim on the west end because it's literally across the street from my job and thus makes it super easy for before work/after work laps. Buuuut since I live basically in sherwood park I figured I needed to get comfortable with other places that aren't a half hour drive. (Side note, I can't wait for the meadows pool to reopen so I can go there because it's walking distance from my condo)
But this pool at bonnie doon was a nice time. 25m laps instead of the 50m I'm used to - which I think I actually prefer. I worked mainly in my breathing today since I've pretty much mastered my stroke time. But breathing seems to trip me up. But today was great.
I love getting my day started with the pool. I am an early morning cardio person most of the time anyways but it's nice to kickstart the day. Except now I'm killing time until I leave for airdrie to see my parents for a few days.
Shift work is the best.

You're either in, or you're out.

My meal prep game is so strong today.
I guess waking up at 6am on your last day off will do that to you.
Meal prepping is not something that a lot of people find easy. It does take up quite a bit of time and effort. Plus you gotta be willing to eat nearly the same thing every day for your work week.
It's even harder when you work shift work. Instead of prepping for 5 days I have to prep for 7. Not only that but I have to prep for 12 hour days.
PLUS 2 of those 7 days have to be different and well - it can be tough.
And it was. But just to begin with. I'm a pro now.
Today I did up a bunch of egg muffins (scoring in at 59 calories each and 7gs of protein)
Healthy eatmore bars that I've spoken about before annnd I've also become obsessed with spaghetti squash. So I prepped those and a bunch of veggie packed sauce. Zucchini, broccoli, carrots, onions, ground chicken, blackbeans, corn and home made tomatoe sauce. 1/2 of squash and 1/2 cup of sauce is a only 450 calories (including the cheddar cheese I top that shit with because #cheeselife)
Throw in a ton of raw veggies, hardboiled eggs and turkey bites and you've basically got my entire day wrapped up. This works for me because I don't get bored and I'm an advocate for raw and clean eating.
Everyone needs different things. Some people need carbs in the morning. I prefer to consume mine before swimming or running.
I also started a 5/2 intermittent fasting schedule under the advice of my dr because of my constant battle with my stomach issues. These things work for me. These things might not work for everyone. Talk to a nutritionist. Talk to your dr. Google everything. Ask ten million questions. But the principal is simple. Prep an eat food that isn't processed. Exercise. And throw out your scale.
And don't refuse things you love because you'll just get grumpy.
This shit isn't a diet. It's a life. You're either in or your out.

I can't even handle how good dinner was tonight.
Spaghetti squash with zucchini marinara and crispy kale chips.
I've heard rumors that kale chips are magical but I've never made them before. Until today. And yea - they are fucking magical.
Like a unicorn riding on a dragon playing a ukulele made out of fucking rainbows and the weeping tears of mother fucking ANGELS magical.
that's how good they are.
So yea. I can't even.

I got my first foot cardigan socks in the mail today and they are sweeeeeeet! Esp since if you know me you know how obsessed I am with eggs. Plus they have these sweet storing and washing instructions - best monthly subscription ever.

Did nearly 2 hours of laps this morning and now my shoulders are letting me know that they didn't appreciate it. So just an easy night with some hockey and catching up a few chapters of a book that was recommended to me months ago that I'm just getting around to picking up.
Can't ask for anything more. #LifeIsGood

Pants Vs this life is too good to be true sometimes

So we're all booked for Mexico.
the conversation pretty much went like this
Sunday - We should go to Mexico
Monday - Booked flights to Mexico

I love that we get to be spontaneous and adventurous and just go with shit. It makes for moments.
And you know me - I am a lover of moments.

There's so many things going on. I can't keep up most days. I don't think I want to keep up.
All of it, the good, the great, the everything - it can keep cascading on me as often as it would like to. I wont feel bad about it.
I quit smoking. I saved so much money from said quitting of smoking. I'm healthier and lighter than I can ever remember being. I rediscovered my passion for swimming. I'm generally just in love.

So Puerto Vallarta here we come!