Why I'm doing this.

I'm a the kind of person who thinks a lot...I mean a LOT.  I can't seem to shut my mind off sometimes.  That's where hobbies come in right?  I don't think about anything but what I'm doing right in front of me.

That's where baking comes in.  Baking is an acquired art form.  It takes a lot of practice.  Yeah I get frustrated when my cookies come out hard or my bread is a little darker than I would like but I love the challenge of it all.  Baking helps me clear my mind.  I love the long process of creating the dough and the end result of soft, Warm Bread out of the oven.  What's better than warm bread out of the oven?  Come on now.  I love making Cupcakes too but based on experience, cupcakes intimidate people and therefore I always have a lot leftover and they go stale.  

You know what everyone loves??? COOKIES.  My cookies are gone within the day, if not the next.  And I'm talking about when I take them to work.  I like taking my cookies to my work and my husband's work.  I can't help but feel accomplished when I get comments on my cookies.  I've also dabbled in Pie-Making.  Making the crust is not always fun.  I've made good crusts and bad ones.  I'm totally fine with buying the store-bought crust.  Tastes just the same to me.  

Quick breads are the easiest thing in the world to make.  I could make that all the time but I would eat all of it, if it were up to me.  So if you want to start with something easy, make a quick bread whether it be Banana---my favorite, Zucchini, Carrot, Apple and so on.  I could make Muffins all the time.  You can make the healthiest muffin and eat a couple without feeling the guilt.  I'll have to post some of my favorite muffin recipes that I've made.  

You know what else helps me clear my head?? EXERCISE!  I know, the two don't really go together BUT hey you need energy right?  So I just balance everything out.  That's all it is---Calories in, Calories out!  That's what works for me.  I don't count calories, and I don't restrict myself from the foods I love.  I have before,  and it's so EFFING miserable!  Don't do it.  Exercise has always been good to me...because seriously, have you ever regretted a workout??? NEVER, right?  I'm always glad I worked out.  So, I do it nearly everyday (5-6 days a/week, mostly 6)  

What has worked for me in staying motivated???  Everyone needs a support system.  I'm not talking about a workout buddy.  I don't like depending on anyone to get MY body fit----only Jillian Michaels and Shaun T :)  Recently, my support system has been listening to a podcast called THE JILLIAN MICHAELS SHOW.  I've never dived into podcasts cause well...I rather listen to music.  But I found this podcast, and it's listed as #1 under health/fittness category.  So I thought WHY NOT?  I'm telling you, if you want motivation...Listen to her podcast....if it's not for you, it's not for you.  But the podcast has changed my outlook on food and exercise in such a positive way.  If you need to rebuild a healthy relationship with FOOD, EXERCISE, or even YOURSELF.  Try it out!  

Sorry this was a lot.  The first post is always a bit wordy.  But I hope you continue to read my blog if you want a recipe for a good treat, or motivation to exercise.  I know I need both :)

With Love,

Laura