Sometimes life throws you a curveball- it’s what we do with that ball that makes all the difference. Well, my curveball- I got dumped. There isn’t an Alanis Morristette or Taylor Swift song for this kind of breakup- I just went through a huge friend breakup. 

I was pretty bummed. I was pretty shocked. And I didn’t feel like working out. All I wanted to do was sit on the couch and eat chips, chips, chips and so on and so on. So that’s what I did. For 3 days, I sat on my couch and ate chips and possibly drank some beer. My mood ranged from sad to bitchy. I was a jerk to my husband. Do you do that? When I’m mad at someone- lets say a coworker or an acquaintance- someone who you can’t “blow up” at- do you take it out on someone you love? I know I was being grumpy to my hubby because it’s safe to be grumpy with him. He loves me and understands. My husband is a really awesome guy- instead of engaging in my grumpiness- he gave me the space to be angry. Angry was what I needed to be. He sat beside me while I ate chips and chocolate and didn’t judge. But on the third day he said- “let’s go for a run”. I didn’t want to go for a run. I was quite happy sitting on the couch wallowing. But he didn’t take no for an answer- so we ran. 

You know what? It was awesome. I felt happier. 

The next day my “pity party” mood had returned.  My husband strongly suggested that I try his P90X video workout. So I begrudgenly did. Again I felt happier. So the next day, I worked out again. And the day after that I worked out again. The power of endorphins and sweat! 

I have fallen in love with P90X and its coach Tony Horton but I do miss working out at the gym with my friends. I miss the social aspect of the gym and after I finish the 90 days of P90X I hope to join a new gym. For those of you who don’t know, P90X is a workout DVD collection. It’s a combination of strength, cardio and yoga workouts. It’s a pretty tough set of workouts (hence the “X”). It is a 90 day program (hence the “90” lol). It’s what I need right now. Now that I can’t go to my gym anymore, I’m doing this physical fitness and eating healthy thing totally on my own- I really need to lean on a program to help guide me. 

This week is my birthday. I’m turning 41. Last year’s 40th Birthday was the catapult of change in my life. I changed my entire lifestyle last year because I didn’t want to be fat and forty. Last January I made working out a priority and I started eating “clean” and healthy. I was super focused on working out and eating healthy until my birthday- well the eating healthy and working out kept going past my birthday- it became how I live. For those who haven’t seen my before and after photos- here they are. 

 

I am super proud of that photo. I’ve maintained my weight for an entire year but now I feel ready for something new.  I’m going to find a new challenge. A new way of thinking. So here it is… My new “before” photo. 

  

 

And the back view:

  

This time last year, this could have been my “after” photo. I was so happy to have reached my goal, but that’s the best thing about goals- once you reach them you can make new ones! I’m super excited about my own shift in thinking. I’m really looking forward to this journey! I’m super pumped and most importantly HAPPY to begin this new chapter- staying healthy and physically fit on my own terms. 

Since I’ve gotten off the couch I did have this problem of leftover chips! I found this recipe to put them to good use, and most importantly get the chips out of my cupboard and out of the reach of temptation. I really love chips- they have always been my go to junk food. Are all chips bad and created equal? Nope! Good news there are “healthy-ish” chips out there. If you buy chips fried in a good quality oil like avocado oil- you can guiltlessly enjoy a small bowl of chips from time to time or you can sneak fish into your kids life by trying this recipe. My daughter (who isn’t a fish lover) actually loved this recipe!

For the Salt and Vinegar Crispy Baked Fish you will need:

Fish
• 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets (or other firm white fish)** I used Halibut
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• 2-ounces (about 30 chips) salt and vinegar kettle-style potato chips, crushed**
• ½ cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 (6-ounce) skinless cod fillets
• Cooking spray

**I used Avocado Oil Chips (pictured above)- I had leftovers and I was concerned the Salt & Vinegar chips might be too strong of a flavour.

You can find the directions here.

  

 Yummy! A great use of leftover chips! Although, usually leftover chips are like leftover wine- there isn’t any!!!!

 

Choose happy 😀