Trying is Planning to Fail

I recently overheard someone say "Trying is planning to fail." Although I don't think this statement can be an absolute, I think it holds true in most instances.

So many times previously I've approached either diets or particularly exercise routines as... "well, i'll try it for awhile" and then if I didn't get the immediate results I was after, or if things became too hard .... that's when I would quit.

If you "try" something you are automatically giving yourself an out. This time around I am not trying to become a runner. I am going to become a runner. I know it's going to be extremely challenging given the extra pounds I have to carry around while running, but I am up for the task (even if it means I look stupid doing it and am not as fast as most). I mean if people on The Biggest Loser can run, so can I! I started week 2 of the program yesterday, which included longer running intervals and lived to tell the tale. Running isn't going to kill me! :)

Besides taking the word "try" out of my vocabulary, this time around I'm also not going to let the scale dictate my success or mood. I am going to base my success on three things. 1. Making smart food choices the large majority of the time. 2. Sticking to an exercise regime. 3. How I feel in my own skin.

Will I use a scale as a general guide... yes! Will I be excited as the numbers decrease.... yes! But if they don't decrease as quickly as I want them too - again I'm not going to beat myself up about it or deem myself unsuccessful (in the past that's when I would quit). I plan to weigh myself once a week and will share the results.

I also plan to share 2 things with you on every post.

1. A song that really motivated me while running.

2. A healthy recipe that I like (hopefully usually with a picture of what it looks like when I cook it)

If there is a particular song that motivates you, or there is a healthy recipe that you would like to share... please do so. You could post in a comment below.

THIS WEEK'S SONG: "That's Not My Name" by the Ting Tings (thanks randi!)

THIS WEEK'S RECIPE: Lemon Quinoa Salad and Wilted Spinach

I got this recipe from Cascadian Farm. I thought it was also good cold. You can find Quinoa at most stores now - I get it from Trader Joe's. It is a very healthy grain vs. brown rice etc. as it has more protein than most grains. Its also a good source of fiber and iron. 


Lemon Quinoa Salad with Feta and Wilted Spinach  

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cups fresh baby spinach

4 scallions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups cooked quinoa

¼ cup feta cheese

Juice and zest from one Meyer lemon

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok. Add the spinach and scallions. Cook over medium heat until spinach begins to wilt. Add garlic, toss and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the cooked quinoa and continue to sauté until quinoa is heated through. Squeeze lemon juice evenly over the salad, add zest and feta. Stir to combine and immediately remove from heat. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Makes 2 meal-sized servings or 4 sides.

I didn't take a picture of the recipe. Hopefully I will have a picture for the next post! :)