Hi everybunny!
You may have noticed my lack of a new blog post on Monday. I actually got anxiety over it throughout the day. At every appointment, I couldn’t help but think that all I wanted to do was post a new recipe for you guys! True Life: I’m addicted to blogging. No worries, I am back in action! Over the weekend I have become a packing and shipping professional, and shipped a bajillion (omg do you remember saying that word when you were little? who am I kidding, I still use it) Eat More Rabbit Food shirts. I cannot believe how many shirts were purchased within the first couple of days, my little bunnies are so amazing! I am loving all of your Instagram and Twitter photos of you guys wearing your shirts, SO CUTE! I have had a problem viewing and commenting on some of your Instagram photos because some accounts are private, but I do get to see a little thumbnail and that makes me so happy!
Drumroll pleaseeeee: Wednesday, August 15th is my 23rd Birthday! This birthday doesn’t seem too magical. I’m usually so into birthdays. I’m like the birthday queen ova hurrrr, but not so much this year. Blink 182 totally called it in their song “What’s My Age Again“… Nobody likes you when your 23. You’ll hear it right at the 27 second mark of their video. So nostalgic, I love Blink 182! I’ll be blasting this song at midnight on my birthday, feel free to sing along with me haha
Louder drumroll pleaseeee: Thursday I will be having a minor surgery (no anesthesia or anything like that) on my foot to remove a possibly but hopefully not cancerous mole. Happy Birthday Catherine, enjoy your surgery! BOOOO! Skin Cancer runs in my family and I have had a cancerous mole before, so cross your fingers that this one is not! Skin cancer does not discriminate, you guys. It doesn’t matter how tan or dark you are. Since I will have stitches and crutches I probably won’t be able to do too much standing or cooking, so I am thinking of some other fun things to write about towards the end of the week. I’m thinking about being super obnoxious and quizzing my Dermatologist about skin and skin cancer during my surgery. That would be some fun times, right? Orrr maybe RFFMBT Q&A Part 2? Then I can get nice ‘n’ comfy on the couch, prop my foot up, and type away!
If you have any questions for the Q&A you can leave them in a comment on this post, or via Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #RFFMBTQA2
It can be anything from health & fitness, to beauty!
The incredible Heather from For the Love of Kale wore my EAT MORE RABBIT FOOD SHIRT in her latest vlog! Umm how amaze does she look?! Total celeb status! Heather, I want a hair tutorial next! haha
I don’t know if it’s just me, but recently I have not been motivated to run. Great timing since I am having surgery on my foot, right? I’m in such a running rut that I cannot even lace my shoes up. Maybe it’s the heat? Maybe not actually, because I cannot even get myself to run indoors on a treadmill. There are times where I get obsessed with an exercise and do it almost every day for months straight and then get super sick of it, but running and The Bar Method have been my two favorites for quite some time now. The combination of Bar Method classes and running seem to be a perfect match for me and my schedule but lately I’m so over running. I don’t even know how I am saying this because I usually look forward to going on a run since it is usually a way for me to get things off of my mind and relax. Recently it just seems like more of a chore than something I look forward to. That’s definitely not how working out should be. If you feel this way, Join me as I try to get out of my exercise rut! Don’t forget, there are so many options, there is something out there for everyone to enjoy.
When I have been in previous workout ruts, I usually have a go to list to get myself motivated again, so here I am again with my list!
1. Make a new running playlist
2. Pick a new route to explore
3. Put together some cute/stylish running outfits
4. Get a new pair of running shoes
Sometimes my workout routines just get well… too routine, which leads to boredom. I always try to change up my playlist and route to keep from getting bored, and it is definitely time to shake things up. When I am really stuck in a workout rut, I will sometimes treat myself to some new workout swag to get myself pumped up again. This usually does the trick for me, because I’m a total girly girl and I love a new outfit! This time I think I need a little gifty for myself and a goal to work towards to keep me motivated. I really want to try a pair of Vibram FiveFingers! I took to my Facebook and Twitter to ask if anyone had a pair, and if so what they thought about them. I got some great responses that got me totally excited to try them out! Did you hear that, I got excited to run again, woo! Baby steps here! I’ve heard that it takes some time to get used to them since they are so different than normal running shoes (they have individual toes), and you have to gradually work up towards running 100% in them. This seems like a fun and interesting challenge for me. Viola, have I solved my running rut with a new running shoe challenge? I hope so! It’s time to set a new FitFluential goal! #FitFluential
Question: Have you ever been in a workout rut? How did you get through it?
On a higher note: One of my best friends, Behnaz brought me back a little treat from her trip to Israel this summer! She brought me a Milk Chocolate Bar with Popping Candy. It’s literally a chocolate bar with pop rocks in it! This is probably the most genius chocolate bar ever invented. Willy Wonka, you’re my man, but you’re seriously lagging in this department. Every time you take a bite, you get the flavor of creamy milky chocolate, and the popping sensation of pop rocks. It really makes you slow down and be aware of how much chocolate you are consuming because those things are pop pop popping the entire time! Touché to this chocolate company for making me stop and think before inhaling the entire bar haha and thank you Behnaz for the awesome treat!
On a completely different note: I use way too many exclamation marks!!!!! I can’t help it, I’m always so excited when I talk about these things! If you know me, you totally understand! EXCLAMATION MARK!
Don’t forget to submit your questions about health, fitness, and beauty for the RFFMBT Q&A at the end of the week and check back on Wednesday for my Birthday post! xo
Niki
August 14, 2012 at 2:59 am (12 years ago)Good luck with your surgery, you are in my prayers. I too have moles in need tI get checked quite regularly. Happy Birthday to you! Oh to be 23 again, my birthday is coming up, the big 27, in September. I have a ton of questions but can only think of 2 right now. I have your pyramid on my fridge and you have totally helped me stay motivated and reach my goal weight, yay you! So my question is, on he pyramid it says breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack, do you only eat one snack throughout the day and is the snack suppose to consist of 1 serving of each or do I chose 1? Second question is personal, what is your weakness/cheat food, like your kryptonite? I LOVE creme brule! I also like exclamation marks, I can feel the excitement when I read your posts. Wow ok sorry for the essay I just wrote. Good luck with surgery and have a happy happy birthday!!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:47 pm (12 years ago)Thanks Niki! xo
Kim
August 14, 2012 at 4:50 am (12 years ago)Whenever I get in a running rut I sign up for a race to keep me motivated! I don’t race to win, just to (maybe) improve my time and because I love the atmosphere. I’m not sure how far you usually run, but a 5K is always fun, especially some of the big national ones like Race for the Cure or even a smaller one benefiting a cause that you believe in. My husband and I *LOVE* the Disney races and have run their Wine and Dine Half Marathon every year. Keep it up! I am coming off of an injury, so I know how it is to get remotivated! You’re awesome and inspire me and everybody that I show your blog to!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:47 pm (12 years ago)That’s a great idea Kim! I haven’t done a race for so long!
Amanda
August 14, 2012 at 6:04 am (12 years ago)I’ve been in a rut lately as well. I think a big part of mine is starting grad classes next week, so I’m having to change my routine to work around that, which I don’t like. Getting new running clothes always motivates me though 🙂
And happy early birthday! I just turned 23 in July and I think I played Blink for a month lol.
Good luck with your surgery, I hope all goes well!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:48 pm (12 years ago)Happy belated birthday to you! xo
Malia
August 14, 2012 at 6:22 am (12 years ago)Happy Birthday and Good Luck with your surgery!! So I was going to start your cleanse next week to help jump start clean eating and drop some pounds I’ve gained over the last year, BUT I just found out I’m pregnant! I know I’m not supposed to be cutting calories (unfortunatly I am already about 20 pounds overweight) so I was wondering if you had any suggestions on foods I could maybe supplement your cleanse with so I can still get the benefits of cleaning up my diet but not denying my growing baby of enough food 😉
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:50 pm (12 years ago)Thank you so much Malia! Congratulations on your pregnancy! Since I am not a processional doctor, dietician, or nutritionist, I suggest speaking with your doctor before making any changes to your diet! xo
S
August 14, 2012 at 7:42 am (12 years ago)This definitely got me out of my workout rut: http://www.toneitup.com/blog.php?Tone-It-Up-in-30-5553
Try it!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:50 pm (12 years ago)Thank you S! I LOVE the Tone It Up Girls, they are quite amazing!
Nicole
August 14, 2012 at 8:14 am (12 years ago)Best wishes for a quick recovery! I truly love your blog, and like the earlier comment, I can feel your excitement! Keep it up. You really are helping and inspiring all of us to be better bunnies! Green is just better.
Here is my question:
Do you meal plan for the week? When do you do that? What do you use to help (excel, paper and pencil, some cute organizer off Pinterest, etc.)?
I think half my battle is planning and buying the food in advance. Healthy delicious bunny food doesn’t come to my mind easily yet. This Sunday I stalked your blog and made a list of some ideas. I’m hoping next week I have enough time for a full weeks menu.
Oh, before I forget, your post about walnut apple toast is not working. 🙁
Thanks again!
Nic
Nicole
August 14, 2012 at 8:29 am (12 years ago)Oh no! I just realized on your last q&a you already answered this question! Sorry. Here is an alternative question:
Are there any specific books you have read on health that were motivating? What about magazines? Have any favorites?
A beauty question:
What is your facial cleansing routine? What do you use? I’m in a rut, I can’t find a cleanser that doesn’t sting my eyes or a creme that doesn’t feel greasy.
Thanks!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:52 pm (12 years ago)No worries, I’m glad your previous question was already answered 🙂 Thanks for your new Q&A questions! xo
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:51 pm (12 years ago)Thank you for the kind words!
Kim
August 14, 2012 at 8:29 am (12 years ago)For the running rut, #5 on your list should definitely be “run with a friend.” Not only does it hold you accountable to meet up and actually get out there, but sometimes that’s all you need is someone doing it with you. Sometimes all you need is a conversation instead of a playlist during a run, or sometimes you just need to see your friend running along side you to get you back to it. Also, there’s always tons of running groups that meet weekly you could join and this’d give you the opportunity to meet new people as well. Good luck, chica.
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:52 pm (12 years ago)Great idea Kim, a running group would be so much fun! xo
Victoria
August 14, 2012 at 8:31 am (12 years ago)Good luck with your surgery! I had the same thing on my back last year. Painful but it makes me a lot more conscious of the sun!
I LOVED your Q&A When you posted a basic day of meals. It was really helpful to visualize my day and the amounts and items you had at each meal. Another one of those would be helpful. I work at an office and often bring my lunch. Something that is easy to make/eat at my desk is great.
Have a very happy Birthday!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:53 pm (12 years ago)Thanks Victoria! Ouch, definitely not fun! Thanks for you Q&A suggestion 🙂
Robin
August 14, 2012 at 8:39 am (12 years ago)One of the many things I love about blogging is that no one really thinks about what age everyone else is! Probably because I’m older, but I love it when I find out someone is as young as you are and so wise too! Good luck with the mole surgery, the blog community will be thinking about you and sending good thoughts your way!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:54 pm (12 years ago)Haha thank you so much Robin, you are so sweet! xo
Kara
August 14, 2012 at 9:27 am (12 years ago)I am definitely in a rut at the moment. I had been SO good with eating right and working out daily (my body responds very well to daily workouts) for almost 3 whole weeks. Then I went to visit a friend this past weekend and didn’t workout and didn’t eat that great either. Now, well, I’m depressed because I feel like all my hard work and two days of carelessness and I’m back at square one (which I don’t know for sure, but it feels like it).
How do you just get out of a “pity party”? I know it’s something that needs to be done but I am literally dreading it 🙁
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:54 pm (12 years ago)You will get back into your groove soon! These ruts don’t last forever 🙂 We will get through it together! Thanks for your Q&A question! xo
Elvia
August 14, 2012 at 9:28 am (12 years ago)I totally feel you on this. I was just talking about this to my mom’s friend who is a personal trainer. I always start doing such a good job but two weeks after I crash and burn not only stopping to work out but eating HORRIBLY! I was making a lot of your recipes and feeling amazing and I was also running. Now I have just completely fallen off the wagon and do not know how to get back on without repeating this cycle. I am hoping since I am starting a new job it will put me back into the routine. I am going to buy myself work out clothes and shoes just as you suggested. I mean I need to look fly as i’m trying to make myself look and feel fly. My question is though have you ever tried working out with other people? How do you keep yourself motivated and those you are working out with? Sorry for the long comment. But anyways, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:55 pm (12 years ago)I’ve totally been there, Elvia! You get back into the swing of things 🙂 Thank you for your Q&A question! xo
Linda J
August 14, 2012 at 9:49 am (12 years ago)My birthday is also August 15th! Hope you have a great day!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:56 pm (12 years ago)LEO LOVE! Happy birthday to you too, Linda! xo
Katy
August 14, 2012 at 10:38 am (12 years ago)Catherine ,
I hope you have an awesome Birthday .
Katherine
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:56 pm (12 years ago)Thank you Katherine!
Love, Catherine
Chelsey H
August 14, 2012 at 12:05 pm (12 years ago)My birthday is 5 days after yours – happy birthday fellow Leo!!! My questions:
1. How do you keep on track with healthy eating during weekends or special events (birthdays, parties, etc)?
2. When you first started losing weight and you were at your heaviest, how did you get over the first few important hurdles? 10lbs lost, 15, 20 lbs lost? Those are the first few milestones that will help keep a some people on track, but also sometimes the hardest (like for me).
3. When you first started eating well and exercising, how long did it take you to go down a dress size or notice a change in your body? Sometimes the scale can move but you don’t see a physical change.
Thanks so much! I’m really looking forward to reading all the great Q&A xox (good luck with surgery!)
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:57 pm (12 years ago)Happy almost birthday, Chelsey! Wooo Leo love!
Thank you so much for your great Q&A Questions! xo
Heather @ For the Love of Kale
August 14, 2012 at 2:24 pm (12 years ago)Okay, I’m in love with you. Thanks for totally making my day, Catherine! You’re a freakin’ gem! HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY! I totally know what you mean about age 23. I felt the same way in June…I was like…alright, I’m over it. Haha. Love youuu.
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 3:57 pm (12 years ago)YAYY so happy you saw it! 🙂 Thank you for the birthday wishes! xo
Anne
August 14, 2012 at 3:28 pm (12 years ago)I have a question for you, and I don’t mean for this to sound rude or mean in any way, I swear! I recently found your blog and have been enjoying reading all of your posts. You seem to give a lot of diet/nutrition advice, and my question is, do you have any qualifications to be giving this advice? Or is it just based on your personal weight loss experience? Do you have any nutrition background or qualifications?
Thanks!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 4:02 pm (12 years ago)Hi Anne! Oh my goodness, no that is not a rude or mean question at all! No, I am not a professional doctor, dietician, or nutritionist nor have I studied any of those fiends in school. My blog is all based off of personal experience and research (mainly magazines and books) as stated in my disclaimer on the bottom right column 🙂 I actually have a degree in graphic design, which is helpful in programming my blog and food photography haha This is a great question for the Q&A too xo
Emily
August 14, 2012 at 4:14 pm (12 years ago)Note about the five fingers – make sure you let your feet get used to them before you start running. I know some people that broke their foot because they started running in the shoes immediately. Apparently your feet have to get used to the different type of support.
What are some of your favorite running songs? I’m always on the lookout for some new ones!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 4:18 pm (12 years ago)Thanks for the Vibram FiveFingers tip and your awesome Q&A question, Emily!
Diana
August 14, 2012 at 6:33 pm (12 years ago)Good luck with your surgery! I hope you can still enjoy your birthday! I’m currently in a running rut too! It’s having to motivate yourself, so I’ll usually text my best friend who far I run or how good I feel after an workout until it’s second nature to me. I also create a new playlist and choose a new route, and pick markers along my way where I challenge myself to run faster. Competing with myself not only pushes me harder, but actually makes my run faster.
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 7:19 pm (12 years ago)Thanks Diana! xo
Kristen
August 14, 2012 at 6:36 pm (12 years ago)Good luck with your surgery! I actually had a bone removed from my foot last year and getting back into running is so hard when you’re not the least bit in shape. but a new playlist always helps and i find that sometimes taking the time to drive out to a national park or any park you don’t normally go to is new and fun to explore!
also, i’ve recently become OBSESSED with quinoa due to you!! i’m wondering, how much should i be eating both portion wise and throughout the week? also, the same thing with avocado.. is having a whole one too much?? and then if not, how do you store them because mine turn brown 🙁
thanks 🙂
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 7:22 pm (12 years ago)Thank you 🙂 YESSS another quinoa lover! I have a list of serving sizes per meal on the Rabbit Food Pyramid page! I keep quinoa to 1/2 cup cooked, and avocado to 1/4 an avocado per meal. I don’t limit myself to a certain amount of quinoa per day or week (you could have it every single meal if you want) but make sure that I am having the correct portions per meal so I don’t overdo it! xo
Cheryl
August 14, 2012 at 8:37 pm (12 years ago)Happy Birthday, Catherine! Wednesday, August 15th is my birthday too! But, I am 50 tomorrow.
I am having a birthday party with about 30 of my girlfriends (including my sister and mom)and we’re having a name that tune game and Cheryl trivia. I’m looking forward to celebrating the first half of my life, and moving into the second half.
I discovered your blog and recipes this summer through Pinterest and am absolutely addicted to RFFMBT! You’re an inspiration.
Have a wonderful birthday and I’ll pray for your surgery to go well. I like exclamation marks too!!!
Cheryl
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 8:57 pm (12 years ago)Oh my gosh I have another birthday twin! Happy 50th, that is so exciting! Enjoy your day xo
taylorday
August 14, 2012 at 9:01 pm (12 years ago)I got my tank and love it! I want the tshirt too 😛 Good luck with your sugery & happy early birthday!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 9:29 pm (12 years ago)Haha you are so cute, I’m glad you love your tank! Thanks for the birthday wishes xo
Katherine
August 14, 2012 at 9:19 pm (12 years ago)Hey Catherine! Happy birthday week! I’ve been digging through your blog over the past few days and can relate to everything so much — I’ve been struggling with a pattern of disordered eating and now am discouraged that I’ve been gaining weight since I’ve stopped counting calories and had to quit running for a bit due to an injury. I’m hoping to start up a good exercise routine again and have an all-around healthier outlook, and I can’t wait to try some of the recipes you’ve posted here. I also just had a precancerous mole removed from my arm — I’m extremely pale and melanoma is one of my biggest fears. It’s good to be diligent! I hope everything goes well for you!!!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 9:29 pm (12 years ago)Hi Katherine! Wow are we twins or what? From the not so fun weight subject to our names haha I am positive that you can get through this rough patch! I have actually gained weight recently due to some thyroid related health issues and it has been very frustrating. Don’t get discouraged, I’m right there with you, and this hurdle is temporary! xo
Kristy @ Southern In-Law
August 14, 2012 at 9:23 pm (12 years ago)Happy Birthday! My 20th birthday was on the 12th 🙂
I hope your surgery goes well and the healing process is super quick!
Catherine
August 14, 2012 at 9:26 pm (12 years ago)Aww thank you! Happy belated birthday, Kristy!
Stacy
August 16, 2012 at 1:12 pm (12 years ago)Hey Catherine! I hope your birthday was fabulous! Your blog is so lovely and encouraging!
I think I recall you mentioning previously that you prepare and store most of the ingredients for your meals at the beginning of each week. About how long do you spend preparing those ingredients?
Also, what would you recommend as some “staple” meal ingredients for someone like me who is just getting started?
Thanks!
Catherine
August 16, 2012 at 1:29 pm (12 years ago)Thanks Stacy! Love your Q&A questions! xo
Madeline
August 17, 2012 at 12:48 pm (12 years ago)This isn’t really a Q&A question, but have you read ‘the beauty detox solution’ by Kimberly Snyder? I’ve been really into eating healthy for about 2 1/2 years now but this book totally opened my eyes and took me to a whole new level of health! I love it!
Catherine
August 17, 2012 at 1:11 pm (12 years ago)Hi Madeline! Yes I have read the Beauty Detox solution! Kymberly’s GGS is on my list of favorite green smoothies. She gives a ton of great information in her book, I should make some of the recipes soon! xo
Audrey
September 11, 2012 at 8:44 am (12 years ago)soo, I thought I might brighten your day by letting you in on a little secret. I tried to watch Heather’s video at work, so my speakers are on mute and I turned on the closed caption and I about died laughing!!! you should try it!
ps You will be in my prayers!