My Journey To Find Sleep

Photo Cred:  City-struck.tumblr.com

My body clock is screwed up.  S e r i o u s l y.  If my body were a clock...it would be on Tokyo time every other night, and then cracked into little pieces every Monday.  Here's the problem:  I'm not in Tokyo.  I'm just a sleep-deprived girl in California who is trying to find love...with her alarm clock.  I figure that I'm not the only one who is struggling to keep a consistent sleep schedule.  Maybe you don't care to have one.  In my case, I find that I'm not a fully functioning human when I've stayed up too late.  In order words, I turn into a quarter-functioning depressive who suddenly has no idea what she's doing with her life.  I actually fantasized about killing several annoying as hell children at work on Sunday because I had slept so terribly.  And sleeping IN is even worse.  I mean, how am I supposed to fit my morning workout in?  You can see my dilemma.

Fortunately, when there is a problem, there is always a solution.  In order to turn things around for good, I did a little research, courtesy a la Google.  In this post, I will give you a few reasons why we stay up so late, why that's not such a great idea, and how we can [and why we should] get better sleep tonight.  Read on.

Reasons Why We Stay Up Too Late:

Stress.

Work.  Fuck you, retail.

Bad television.

The bed is too far from the bad television.

It's become a terrible habit.

You're reading my blog.  Or Facebook stalking.

Sexting.  I mean, texting.

Side Effects of Not Getting Enough Sleep:

Late night snacking.  And let's face it, you're not eating kale.

Weight gain from the late night snacking.

Decreased productivity.  Increased stress.

Nausea and/or dizziness.

Memory loss.

Moodiness.

You will look like a zombie.

Tips For Better Sleep:

Set your phone to 'Do Not Disturb' 45-60 minutes before bed.

Don't drink coffee after 2pm.

Turn off your lights an hour before sleep.

Read rather than subject your eyes to TV's artificial light.

If your mind is running, write about it and let it go.

Benefits of Quality Sleep (7-9 Hours):

Memory improvement.

Reduced stress.

More time in the day to accomplish goals.

Healthier mind.

Stronger body.

May help you lose weight.

One more thing:  Do. Not. Press. Snooze.  Aint nobody got time for that.

Goodnight.

xx,

E

Ah, Avocados.

Follow me on Instagram @ElinVanAtta

According to legend, the very first avocado was eaten by a Mayan princess.  You know, those people who predict the world is going to end every other year.  The green fruit was said to have magical and mystical powers.  Makes sense.  In Mexico, the avocado is considered an aphrodisiac.  Eh, okay.  Sometimes.  As far as I'm concerned, the avocado is the dessert on my salad.  The olé in guacamole.  The epitome of simple deliciousness.  Not only that, they're super good for you.  [In moderation, of course.]  To my delight, they're growing in excess right outside my kitchen window.  I filled a basket with about 15 avocados, and there are so many more to be picked.  Happy day.  

Here are a few of the things I'll be making with them.

Avocado Toast

1/2 ripe avocado

bread of choice

lemon juice

sea salt

pepper

Mash up avocado, using a fork.  Add lemon juice and spread over toast.  Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.  Voila!  Slice of breakfast heaven.

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DIY Face Mask

1/2 avocado // mashed

1/2 banana // mashed

Mash the two together in a bowl and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.  Apply to face.  Leave on for 20 minutes.  Ah, refreshing.  This super hydration mask will:  nourish your complexion, soothe redness, lighten under-eye circles, and fight sun damage/aging.  

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Baked Egg-ocado

1 large avocado

2 small eggs

Salt & pepper

Hot sauce [if desired]

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Slice and pit the avocado.  Place avocado halves in a baking dish.  Crack egg into each into avocado halves.  Note:  Make sure to rest the halves against the baking dish so that they do not fall over.  Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Optional: Add chopped tomatoes, cheese, hot sauce, ghost pepper, and/or bacon.

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Remember:  An avocado a day keeps the doctor away. 

xx,

E 

May Challenge(s)

I love the beginning of a new month.  Today is May 3rd.  I'm 8 months sober and feeling good.  However, I want to see progress in other areas of my life.  I think it's important to constantly challenge ourselves.  So, for the next four weeks until June, I'll be taking on the following personal challenges and goals.  The theme is health & wellness.  Feel free to join me! 
 

Run 40 Miles In 4 Weeks. 

This one is easy if you run on a consistent basis.  Not so easy if you're a procrastinator, like moi.  Hence:  Challenge.   I've been putting the elliptical & Look Better Naked DVD before the pavement.  It's time to get back to a regular running schedule.  I'm hoping this push will be exactly what I need.

Allow myself no more than 1 Starbucks beverage a week.

Despite the fact that I get 50% off at select Starbucks, this needs to stop.  Who do I think I am?  Rachel Zoe?  I'm writing to you today from the comfort of my home.  However, I often take this blog [among other things] to a coffee shop, ordering a grande soy latte like I'm financially stable.  Reality:  I'm starting from the bottom and I'm here.  Frugal is the new chic.

Eliminate anything with Aspartame. 

I used to never drink diet soda...on it's own, at least.  I knew it was awful for me.  For some reason, when I gave up alcohol, I gave in to Diet Ginger Ale, Diet Coke...The Diets.  It's really strange.  Two days ago, my sister and I got into a really stupid fight.  I was so upset that I poured myself a Diet Ginger Ale on the rocks.   I mean, what?  Basically, I have traded one bad habit for another.  Aspartame is responsible for so many health problems and I'm over it.  For the next month, I'll be detoxing from the artificial sweetener.  More water, less poison.

Go to sleep earlier, wake up earlier.

This is a change that I've been wanting to make in my life for awhile now.  I used to work at a coffee shop, often starting my day at 5 in the morning.  Or earlier.  Those days felt so much longer (in a good way) and productive than the days I slept till 11.  This month, I'm removing the option to sleep in.  I'll set my alarm to 6:00 AM [Okay, let's start at 7:00AM] and ditch the snooze button.  There are so many benefits to waking up early:  More time to be productive, quietude, and the sunrise, to name a few.

xx,

E

HIIT it.

I am so bored by the elliptical, the pavement, my workout DVDs.  Honestly.  I'll lose my mind if I do Jessica Smith's Look Better Naked routine one more time.  It's time for a new challenge.  Therefore, I'm trying HIIT:  High Intensity Interval Training. 

HIIT is all about speed.  Basically, you run, bike, or swim like a lunatic for a short burst and then have an active recovery period.  Repeat.  Repeat.  Repeat.  From what I've heard, it's intense and burns more calories than your average workout.   For those of you looking to lose a few pounds, high intensity interval training ramps up fat burning and is ideal for weight loss. 

I'll be using the following chart tomorrow when I run the treadmill at the gym.   Goodbye Jessica Smith.  Hello supercharged endorphins.

 

xx,

E

As I Ice My Knees

The half-marathon was this morning and I survived.  In fact, I feel fabulous.  However, there are a couple things that I learned this time around that I would like to share with you.  

1.  Do not purchase a new pair of headphones two days before the race.
As much as you think you deserve them, do not do this.  I decided to replace my old Apple headphones with new Skull Candy ear buds.  Mistake.  After running for .2 miles, one ear bud fell out.  I pushed it back in.  The other fell out.  I pushed it back in.  Repeat until mile 13.  On the bright side, at least I had music.  Embarrassing story:  I forgot my iPod when I ran my first half-marathon.  It was early.  Eventually I'll get it right.  You know what they say, third time's the charm.

2.  Maybe Definitely do not wear shorts.
Wear pants unless you get off on inner-thigh pain.  I'm being dramatic but be prepared to chaff between the legs for the last six miles.  But hey, maybe that's your thing.

The rest is easy.  Eat a healthy breakfast 2 hours prior, drink more water than coffee, and don't stop running.    This concludes the half-marathon portion of my blog.  [Finally, right?]  Starting tomorrow, I will continue to express my twenty-something problems, love of inspirational quotes, and whatever-the-hell-I-want.  Stay fly.

xx,

E

Give Me One Reason

Countdown: 14 hours

If a genie gave you three wishes, what would you wish for?  Along with, "Did you watch Boy Meets World last night?", this was a popular question in the 90s.  Who am I kidding?  It still is.  Our world is wish-obsessed.  Make a wish when you blow out a candle.  Wish upon a star.  Oh, it's 11:11?  You better make a wish.  #wishing

I forgot to mention one of the most important reasons why I'm running a half-marathon tomorrow.  Have you ever wished that you could eat anything your heart desires without gaining a pound?  French toast with a side of six-pack, please.  Or maybe you've wished that you could be Michael Phelps for a day.  Well, that's the same thing.  The sexy Olympic swimmer eats up to 12,000 calories a day while training.  While I don't plan on eating even a third of that intake, I am definitely going to go off on carbs this weekend.  It's called carbo-loading and it's encouraged.  Need a reason to run a half-marathon?  This is it.  

xx,

E

Elle Woods and Endorphins

Elle Woods is right.  Those who exercise are less likely to kill their spouse.  It's just science.

Endorphins also act as a(an):

1.  Pain reducer.  

2.  Stress fighter.

3.  Anti-depressant.

4.  Sleeping aid.

5.  Euphoria maker.

6.  Sex enhancer.

7.  Appetite suppressant.

Natural ways to increase endorphins:

1.  Exercise.  Duh.

2.  Laugh.  A lot.

3.  Take deep breaths.  Meditate.

4.  Eat spicy food.  Or chocolate.

5.  Dance your ass off.

6.  Listen to live music with friends.

7.  Jump out of an airplane.

xx,

E

Thursday Tracks // Vol. 5: The Workout Edition

I once dated a guy who had run a marathon.  I found that attractive, of course.  Then he looked me in the eyes and told me that he ran the entire 26 miles without music.  I think that's when I knew we would never work out.  Clearly this man was out of his mind and insanity is a deal breaker.  

Music is everything.  Music is necessary.  Have you ever tried dancing to the sound of silence?  [And I don't mean the song.]  No, of course not.  I mean, why would anyone want to do that?  In my opinion, the same concept applies to running.  

Selecting the right songs for a sweat session is crucial.  First, there's the warm-up song.  This one is especially important, as it sets the tone for your entire run.  Start off your workout with Sigur Ros and you're screwed.  Each song after that needs to be high-energy, ghettolicious, and loud.  Embrace rap on your run.  Get inappropriate   No one else can hear what you're listening to.  It's just you and Snoop.

Thursday Tracks // Vol. 5: The Workout Edition

1. Going On // Gnarls Barkley

2. Work It // Missy Elliot

3. Dancing On My Own // Robyn

4. Thrift Shop // Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

5. Countdown // Beyonce

6. Fire // Kasabian

7. Unstoppable (feat. Drake) // Santigold

8. Difficult // Uffie

9. All I Do is Win // DJ Khaled

10. Dirty Bass // Far East Movement

11. Come Fly Away // Benny Bennasi 

12. Ice Cream // New Young Pony Club

13. Power // Kanye West

14. She Wants To Move // N.E.R.D.

15. Sweat // Snoop Dog
16.  I Fink Your Freaky // Die Antwoord

What songs do YOU work it out to?

xx,

E

Why. Am. I. Doing. This?

If you told me two years ago that I would be running a half-marathon in three days, I would have thought you were insane in the membrane.  "Why on earth would someone run more than three miles at a time? THAT SOUNDS LIKE MY NIGHTMARE."  I just didn't get it...until last year.  Everyone has their own timing.  I ran my first half-marathon in 2012.  One day, I'd like to run a full marathon.  Why?  I found my own reasons to run.

Who knows, maybe you'll surprise yourself too.  

Why I'm Running 13.1 Miles on Sunday

1.  My mom. //  My main motivation.  If she can do it, so can I.

2.  The endorphin high. // It's real and I'm addicted.   

3.  Everyone gets a medal. // It's like an award show for runners and everyone wins.

4.  To accomplish something challenging. // There's nothing like crossing the finish line.

5.  Being healthy is important to me. // Fit is hot, fat is not.

6.  Positive outlet for stress. // Anxiety can suck it.

7.  Runners look good naked. // Burn calories while building lean muscle. Win.

8.  I adore the screaming crowds.  // Strangers cheering me on for two hours?  Kind of amazing.

9.  Because I can. // I am 24 and can feel my legs. No excuses.

10.  Anything to avoid the Super Bowl. 

xx,

E

So Fresh and So Green, Green

Two words.  Juice cleanse.  Sound familiar?  Of course it does.  Green drinks are, like, so hot right now.  I won't lie, I'm drinking one from Necter as we speak.  Who would have thought that drinking liquid vegetables would gain such popularity?  I mean, really.  Juice Bars are sprouting up all over the place.  In fact, did you know that Starbucks opened four Evolution Fresh Inc. juice stores last year?  I was living in San Francisco when they took over Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.  Not cool.  Personally, I think that Starbucks should calm down and stick to coffee.  

Green drinks can be expensive.  If you want to save money, I would suggest investing in a juicer.  [I am completely obsessed with the Jack LaLanne Power Juicer.]  You'll be able to make your own green drinks from the comfort of your home.  If you're feeling creative, you can even make up your own nutritious concoction.  For those of you who already own a juicer (You go, Glen Coco!), I highly suggest the following easy recipes.  

The Buzz

1 orange

5 medium carrots

1 " piece ginger (Add more for an extra kick.)

1/2 lemon

Power Punch

2 c. kale

2 c. parsley

1 c. spinach leaves

1 medium apple

3 celery stalks

1/2 green bell pepper

Breakfast Eye Opener

4 pineapple spears

1 pink grapefruit (peeled)

Love Potion

1 peach (pitted)

1 c. seedless red grapes

1 c. strawberries 

1 small apple

xox,

E

Running Tips for Babes

Running Tips for Babes

1.  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Duh.  You can figure this part out, right?

2.  Put *the right* running shoes on.

Investing in the right pair of running shoes for your unique foot type and running style is extremely important.  There is nothing fierce about getting an injury from wearing the wrong pair of Nike's   Get your toned tush to a running specialty store.  They'll take care of you.

3.  Look the part.

Wear running clothes that you look damn fine in.  Putting on something that makes you feel confident will give you motivation to run.  Wear some mascara if you need to and get out there.

4.  Think positive.

It's time to remove the words "can't" and "never" from your vocabulary.  When it comes to running, you will only go as far as your mind will let you.  Running is such a mental game.  Rather than slow your pace with negative thoughts, come up with a personal mantra that you can use throughout your run.  Example:  "I CAN do this because I'm a fierce bitch!"  Negative thoughts screw you over.  Positive thoughts get you to the finish line.  Get it?  Great.

5.  Take deep breaths. 

In through the nose, out through the mouth.  Repeat.  It's important to take deep breaths while running in order to avoid side stitches   And hello, you're a human.  You need to breathe.  Namaste. 

6.  Add variety.

To be a great runner, you need to do more than just run.  Yeah, you heard me.  Strength-training reduces boredom and enhances running form.  Pilates is one of my favorite cross-training activities to incorporate into my running schedule because it strengthens my core...and other assets.  A strong core improves your posture, protects your spine, and looks great naked.  Babe, you need to do Pilates.

7.  Never give up.

A runner's high is earned.  Tell yourself to keep going.  You are strong.  Keep pushing yourself.  Find your pace and get lost in it.  The results are so worth it.  You are worth it.

xox,

E

Blog Meets Pinterest

With the Surf City USA Half-Marathon just one week away, I am in need of some serious fitspiration.  Therefore, each daily entry this week will be dedicated to health, fitness, and kicking ass.  If there is a specific area you'd like me to focus on, let me know in the comments below.

Today, some visual inspiration.  Sometimes a motivating slogan attached to a photo of let's say, Ryan Gosling, can be enough to get me moving.  It worked for me today and I hope the following images do the same for you.  Work it out, ya hot tamale. 

xox,

E

 P.S. I apologize for the foul language...but doesn't it kinda work?  

The Hottest 90 Minutes of my Life

It was 110 degrees inside the studio and not a pair of pants was in sight.  I had arrived at Bikram's Yoga College in Costa Mesa.  Bikram yoga, otherwise known as 'hot yoga', is a 90-minutes series of poses and exercises in a heated room.  The purpose of the high temperature is to enhance flexibility while cleansing toxins from the body.  However, the baking room will also cause you to panic for your life if you forget to breathe.  Even when beads of sweat begin to cover your entire body within minutes, BREATHE.  I have never sweat so much in my entire life.  Honestly, I saw more sweaty men in underwear tonight than I've seen in...a while.  Lots of men.  Sweating.  In underwear.  Ick.  I think they came for the half-naked women.  It was quite an intimate experience for a room full of strangers.  All in all, I burned about 1,000 calories and I feel awesome.  Bikram wasn't as scary as I had built it up to be.  In fact, I loved it and I'm going back tomorrow.  As for now, I'm going to jump into an ice bath.  [But not.]  Namaste.

Break the Habit

I did not make any New Year's resolutions this year.  

What an unnecessary way to stress oneself out.  I mean, you're going to make a resolution for an entire year?  Polls show that 88% of people fail their resolutions before the end of the first month.  Sign me OUT.  Take it one day at a time, people.  I don't have a "goal weight" to reach by "insert date here".  Speaking of that resolution, have you noticed that there has been a significant drop in gym participants today?  

HOWEVER.  My partner-in-chocolate-crime [Erika] and I have been making batches of brownies every other day since the holiday trifecta began.  The holidays have not ceased in the Van Atta household.  I kid you not, our Christmas tree is still up.  Also, I refuse to take down my sassy Christmas wreath from my bedroom wall.  We're eating chocolate around here like it's going out of business.  But I'm calling an end to the sugar-coated madness. 

I miss kale.  Green drinks.  Water.  Grapefruit.  Waking up without a sugar hangover.  That general healthy feeling.  They [you know, the 'experts'] say that it takes 21 days to break a bad habit.  So, despite my rebellion to resolutions, I am challenging myself to a 21-Day-No-Junk-Food-Challenge.  

*Not listed: No Fun!  Just kidding.  This really isn't that hard.  Nowhere does it say "No coffee" on that list.  [And thank god...I'm holding coffee in one hand as I write this. ]  Health and fitness are both so important to me so I would really like to get back to my healthy diet.  Honest to blog, I believe that I am a better person when I'm respecting my body.  

Is there an unhealthy habit that you are having trouble eliminating?  Whether it's smoking, gossiping, rage blackouts...If you're ready to make a change, jump on the 21-day cycle with me.    

xox,

E

P.S.  Today is Day 1.  I will update you every 7 days!

P.P.S. If you'd like to join me in this challenge, email me at vanattaelin@gmail.com.

Top 10 Reasons: Why You Should Try Pilates (Like, Now)

1.  Body awareness. //  Pilates teaches you how to beathe and how to stand correctly. 

2.  Reshape and lengthen your muscles.  //  Practicing Pilates combats muscle bulkiness.

3.  Tone your abs and shrink your waist.  //  The secret is to do the exercises correctly.

4.  Develop a strong back.  //  Core-centric moves protect and align the spine, reducing back pain.

5.  Gain flexibility.  //  Stretch and bend like a real-life Gumbi. 

5.  Reinvigorate and refresh.  //  Forget about your day while you focus on each movement.

6.  Feel sexy and empowered.  //  I always walk out of a Pilates class with swag in my step.

7.  Meet like-minded people.  //  The law of attraction.  Enough said.

8.  Improve your mood.  //  Pilates is an elixir for the soul.

9.  Incredibly effective cross-training tool.  //  Jump higher, run faster, lift with more control.

10.  Challenge yourself.  //  Master one level and then move on up.  You can never stop advancing.

Sunday Runday

I never considered myself a runner until recently.  My sport of choice ever since I was a little girl with braces was dance. I got my groove on all through high school on a competitive dance team.  It was a very special time in my life.  Honestly, I have never experienced anything more liberating than moving my body to the music, whether it be in in my bedroom or on the dance floor.  Because I only dance for fun these days, I have looked for other endorphin-pumping activities that I can incorporate into my life.  What I found:  Running.  Who inspired me?  My mom.  I want you to know that my mom is one of the strongest women I know.  We are very close and I truly love spending time with her.  

In 2009, my mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  MS is a chronic, typically progressive 

disease involving damage to the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.  My mom lost all feeling from her waist down to her toes.  Instead of giving up, my mom started training for her first half-marathon.  I mean, seriously?  Who does that?  Since her diagnosis, she has run 4 half marathons and 1 marathon.  She has accomplished all of those races without having feeling in her feet.  Superwoman?  I think so.  She is so badass, I can't even handle it.

Mom after finishing her first marathon!

Last year, I decided that I wanted to join my mom in her next half-marathon.  I had never run more than five miles in my life but I was up for the challenge.  If my mom could do it, so could I.  In June 2012, I ran alongside my mom in the San Diego Rock & Roll Half-Marathon.  We ran the entire race together and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  Passing the finish line was indescribable.  I mean, truly amazing.  I enjoyed the high that running gave me so much that I decided to sign up for my second half-marathon..  On February 4th, my mom and I will be running the Huntington Beach Surf City Half-Marathon.  Countdown: 21 days.  Oh mah gawd.

Unlike the first half-marathon,  I've actually been training for this one.  Today I will be running 7 miles.

Let's do this.



Happy Sunday, everyone!  Thanks for stopping by.

xox,

E