Study Food

I have been doing well with healthy, planned, snacking. I plan my snacks for when I am studying. (Always studying...) But today, it's like I was on an exercise bike and keep needing energy to burn. So I wanted EVERYTHING. I practically ate my 2 oranges, whole. Either I forgot my almonds, or I ate them so fast that I thought I left them at home. I had a frozen Ensure, just in case. But it was too frozen.

Listen.

What I am about to share is between you and me. I had no other choice. "Everyone" does it. "I will work it off" in the gym. So, I found a couple of dollars in my bag. I never carry cash. Like, I will spend that on something dumb. (hmmmm.....now this makes more sense!) Vending machine called my name. I have a nice name <3. I bought a 2 oz bag of cheetos! Not bad...right? But they aren't gluten free....so here I go; hives, itchy, fat tongue, headache. But, it tasted good while it lasted.

Since I felt bad about my "life choices", I bought a KIND bar. REDEMPTION!

Yeah. I'm a bit dramatic. It's all fun and games, till someone has an allergic reaction.

Health. Weights. Happiness.

Gym Life is Contagious

As a mother of 6, I do my best at trying to be a positive role model for my children. My teenage sons have been into their looks since the first time a girl smiled at them. Now, they are understanding the importance of fitness in life and they plan for gym sessions daily. I love seeing them get excited when they notice a change in their body. It's awesome to see them proud of their hard work. When I, or anyone, gives them compliments, they feel good about themselves and they want to continue. My daughter is a competitive gymnast and she's never been into gym workouts. But, for some reason she wanted to join me a couple of weeks ago, and she loved it. We had so much fun. We had a full workout together. We even did a burn-out on abs together. Since then, she has been wanting to train with me.

I took sweets out of the house completely at the beginning of the year...but because of birthdays and other adults that like sweets in the house, sweets keep coming back. I'm teaching them, slowly but surely, the importance of health. One day they will understand.

For now, I love hearing my three oldest's talk about being coaches when they graduate college. :) #proudmom

Nephew Alejandro, Nephew TJ, Son Chris, Son Seth,

Daughter Josalyn

How Much Protein?

Protein shakes are increasing in popularity, and sometimes people are consuming too much unknowingly. Consuming too much protein will make your body turn the excess protein into fat. I read an article today (http://www.eatright.org/resource/fitness/sports-and-performance/fueling-your-workout/protein-and-the-athlete) that I really liked and found so useful. It confirmed what I was taught.... when training, you should consume 1.2 to 2.0 g of protein per kg of your body weight. We can get all our protein needs from the food we eat, but protein shakes are quick and easier to get to right after a workout. 

Protein is important for growth, maintenance, and repair of cells. 

Thinking back, I have always been a runner

I never considered myself a runner before I joined the Army...actually, I didn't consider myself a runner then either. As a kid, I ran all the time, with my friends and cousins when we were outside playing. When I had kids, I ran after my kids all day long. I even ran on the treadmill at the gym because I didn't know what other cardio I could do. When I joined the Army, I ran because I had to. Then I broke my hips and couldn't run. I realized that I missed it. During my therapy, I worked hard so that I could run faster and further than before. And I did! It was such fun! I was 20 years old and running 7 minute miles.

Then, life happened and running fast wasn't a priority or a goal. I deployed, so my priority was spending quality time with the people I love. In Iraq I still exercised like clock-work. I ran almost daily...but the stress from Iraq took a toll on my body and I lost weight. When I was back in the US, I was pregnant and still running :) I ran until I was 8 months pregnant. That was probably the easiest pregnancy I've had (6 kids).

Now, I run regularly. Not every day....but I have a schedule. I love the time outside that I get to think about anything, I get to see the world around me that I usually drive by and not really notice. I love when people wave to me. It's nice.

I still run after kids. I still run towards goals. I still run my life. I'm a runner. Are you?

Complex Carbs?.....

Why is studying the carbohydrates so hard? Why does it make us tired when we study, or think a bunch? Do you know why you want to eat so much when you are just sitting down, studying??

Our brain needs ENERGY to work, as much as our body does! Food is the fuel our bodies need. Carbohydrates are necessary for our bodies. Whole grains, veggies, fruits, and even milk contain carbohydrates that our bodies benefit from. When looking for a healthy snack, steer clear from soda and candies.

Send me your questions and comments! I'm going to keep studying :)

All About Me...

In case you want to know...

My name is Hilary Herrera, I am a mother of 6, Army Veteran, and forever a Exercise Science student. I enjoy everything that involves movement. I love kayaking even though I don't get to do it as often as I would like.

I started being serious about exercise when I was recovering from superior pubic ramus fractures. I have always enjoyed running, but after my injury, I was able to run faster and further. I have learned to exercise in ways that don't further injure me. I am so excited about the benefits of exercise, that I want to help people with injuries/disabilities learn to exercise safely and successfully. I have a ton of injuries and medical conditions that I have learned to handle with the attempt of easing the daily pain, with minimum prescription medication.

Follow me through my training and experiences!