How I’m Staying in Shape & What I’m Eating

Hi friends!  How was your weekend?  We enjoyed lovely low temps and even got to dine on the patio, which is such a rarity in Houston.  We’re usually sweating our butts off, so when we get patio weather, we definitely take advantage of it!

I also ate out sooo much, which I definitely enjoyed, but now I’m ready to get back to it!

How I’m Staying in Shape & What I’m Eating

I’m so thankful y’all encouraged me to do another fitness challenge in September- I really needed it.  If you don’t recall, we challenged ourselves to workout for 20 minutes a day, 6 days a week, for 30 days.

I had started slacking in the fitness area with Covid and the kids being home, so having a challenge and goal was just what I needed.  Everyday, even if I didn’t ‘feel’ like it, after I made myself move for 20 minutes, I would feel so much better and have much more energy.

I don’t necessarily workout 6 days a week, but definitely 4 days, sometimes 5. My gym opened back up with safety precautions, so I’ve been going there regularly.  We have to wear masks while in the club, with the exception of while you’re doing cardio or a class.  They take your temperature and you have to answer health questions before entering.

I really appreciate everything they’re doing so that we can have a safe place to exercise.  It’s essential for my mental health!

All the equipment is sanitized after every use and they’ve worked with professions to ensure their air filtration system is state of the art.  Of course, social distancing is required too.

They have amazing several fitness classes with the best instructors, but they only allow a small number of people to participate in each class.  You have to sign up for the class in advance to reserve your spot.

My favorite classes are:

Tabata (high-intensity interval training that consists of eight sets of fast-paced exercises each performed for 20 seconds, then a brief 10 second rest)

Video Spin (a challenging spin class with the hottest music videos and a combination of hand weight exercises on the bike)

Cutting Edge (a weight training class with cardio intervals)

Fitness, Black Tee, Leggings, Sweatshirt, Shoes

TeeLeggingsSweatshirtSneakers

Tee Fit: I’m wearing an XS

Sweatshirt Fit: I’m wearing an XS 

Leggings Fit: I’m wearing an XS, color blue weather

Fitness, Black Tee, Leggings, Sweatshirt, Shoes

TeeLeggingsSweatshirtSneakers

I got a few new Zella workout pieces, which always makes exercise feel better.  These are the Zella high waist 7/8 pocket leggings.  They are perfect for those high intense workouts because they’re made with a moisture wicking fabric that helps keep you cool and dry.

They fit TTS and pull on easily, while the high rise keeps you comfortably tucked in.  They come in five colors and I thought the ‘blue weather’ was so pretty for a change from my basic black.

Fitness, Black Tee, Leggings, Sweatshirt, Shoes

TeeLeggingsSweatshirtSneakers

I’m crazy for this scoop neck long sleeve tee.  It’s incredibly comfortable and soft, also made with a breathable, moisture wicking fabric.

Fitness, Black Tee, Leggings, Sweatshirt, Shoes

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I don’t workout in sweatshirts (I get too hot), but for going to and from, or even running errands, this hi/low sweatshirt is so cute and comfy.

Fitness, Leggings, Sweatshirt, Shoes

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I also strength train with a personal trainer twice a week for 30 minutes.  Especially as we get older, it’s critical to keep up our strength and muscle tone.  My trainer, Matt, holds me accountable, but also challenges me to push myself, while helping me avoid injury.

Fitness, Black Tee, Joggers, Sneakers

Black TeeJoggersSneakers

Oh holy sweatpants!  I want to LIVE in these!  They are so flipping soft, but also have a flattering high rise. The drawstring waist is functional and they have pockets.

Tee Fit: I’m wearing an XS

Joggers Fit: I’m wearing an XS

Fitness, Black Tee, Joggers, Sneakers

Black TeeJoggersSneakers

I highly recommend this running shoe.  After being an ASICS girl for so many years when running, I switched to Nike about four years ago and never looked back.

When I run at home, I’m jogging on the street or sidewalk, and that can be really hard on your feet, ankles, knees, back, etc.  But, when I started running in this style, I felt so much more cushioned.  But, even with the cushion, you still feel stable in this sneaker.

Fitness, Black Tee, Joggers, Sneakers

Black TeeJoggersSneakers

Fitness, Black Tee, Joggers, Sneakers

Black TeeJoggersSneakers

All of these items I ordered at Nordstrom, and used their Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS) option.

It’s so convenient and you don’t even have to get out of your car.  You just drive up to the store and call, then an associate brings your item out to your car and puts them in the trunk for you.

Fitness, Red Tank Top, Leggings, Sneakers

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Tank Fit: I’m wearing an XS

Leggings Fit: I’m wearing an XS

click the images below to shop

WEEKLY MEAL PREP

Another thing I’ve been doing to stay in shape is prepping my meals in advance on the weekend.  I like to mix it up, but in general, I’ll typically cook a protein like fish, chicken, or lean beef, make veggies (I love zucchini, squash, green beans), and cook potatoes or rice.

I also make Greek salad or buy romaine and spinach and mix up my own salad with chickpeas and add some nuts.

RICE RECIPE

One way Jordan loves to eat rice is when I make Basmati rice and cook it with a Bouillon cube.  She gobbles it up!  She also eats fish and veggies.  I have to make my son something different, but that’s okay with me.

ROASTED POTATOES

I usually roast my potatoes in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes, then flip and cook another 10 minutes or so.  Seasoning is just a light spray of olive oil and salt and pepper.

VEGGIES

I usually steam broccoli or green beans and saute zucchini and squash.  It’s food cooked very simply, just a big batch of it so I have leftovers for the week.

RED SNAPPER RECIPE

On the weekends that my kids are with their Dad, Brian and I have been cooking together and we really enjoy it!

He loves to fish and we’ve cooked red snapper and trout that he caught on his fishing trips.  I think that’s so cool to be eating food that he actually reeled in!

This fish is so easy to prepare!  Simply season with olive oil, SeasonAll and pepper, paprika and cook on the grill for about 15-20 minutes, until cooked through and flakey.

Or, you can bake it in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes.  I store it in the fridge and it’s good for about 5-6 days.  I just put it in the microwave for about 1.5 minutes to reheat.

STEAK & SHRIMP KEBABS

We’ve also made steak kebabs and shrimp kabobs and they were both so yummy!  The recipe is from Cooking Classy.

I do like meal prepping for the health benefits, but honestly, just having meals ready to go is such a time and energy saver.  You know how busy life is, so just having something ready is so convenient.  

I don’t have to spend time thinking about what I’m going to eat or when I’m going to prepare it. It’s already done ahead of time and that is such a game changer.  

It takes some time and prep at the front end, but we sometimes enjoy a glass of wine while cooking, and it’s lovely!

DINING OUT

I try to eat really healthy during the week and indulge in my favorites on the weekend.  Wine and desserts included!  When you eat clean during the week, it makes you look forward to something different on the weekend.

I love getting dressed up, having great conversation and laughs while enjoying delicious food.  It’s also great to support our Houston restaurants that have been suffering the last several months.

We’ll usually go out to eat once or twice a week.  I’m quick to offer to share an entree if it looks big or especially rich.  I’m mindful of what I’m eating, but don’t restrict myself either.

Mutiny

Brasserie 19

Savior

Paulie’s

FM Kitchen

We’re lucky that Houston has such a wonderfully diverse and delicious selection of restaurants to choose from.  Where are you from and what’s your favorite restaurant?

Do you ever meal prep in advance?  Even preparing two batches of a meal like lasagna and freezing one can be so helpful in the future.  Big batches of soup also freeze well.  I’d love to hear how you save time and keep your meals healthy.

I tend to eat the same kind of thing on repeat during the week, but I do like that food!  And, going out to eat on the weekends makes it worth it!

Now let’s go kick Monday’s booty!

*affiliate links used in collaboration with Nordstrom

 

 

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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

7 Comments

  1. Love this post Megan! I need to get back in the habit of prepping some meals and healthy snacks over the weekend.. such a time saver! You look absolutely beautiful! I’m so happy to see you so happy! 🙂

  2. Hi Megan, we usually cook once and eat twice. We love leftovers and some meals get better with age. You are looking fabulous, perky, pretty and happy. Love you and those cute kiddos.

  3. Do you take any supplements (pre-workout, BCAA’s, etc)? I see people talking about those and wondered if they really work/are necessary.

    1. I did take a BCAA and they do work! But, the brand I used to take changed it’s formula and I haven’t found a new one yet. I’ll share if I find another good one.

  4. Hello! I enjoy your posts!! I am not from Houston, but spent many months there. The restaurants are FABULOUS!! I especially like Taste of Texas and Pappasitos……????

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