I think that a lot of people try to “get fit,” like it’s a specific state of being that you can reach and then just be there. Once you “get fit,” in many people’s minds, you are in shape, and no more work is needed. I have been guilty of that kind of thinking many times in my life. I have often planned a 12 week work out plan (such as the 100 mile summer) and assumed that by the time I was done, I would be “in shape.” I would be “fit.” And while it’s true that by the end of the 12 weeks, if I stick to it, I am in better shape, I have come to learn that it’s more than that. Fitness is a way of life. It’s a journey. It’s not just a goal you reach and you are done. Because the second you start thinking that way, things go down hill. I used to feel like losing weight was a full time job. I realized that it only feels that way because I had to change so many of my habits in order to lose weight. When I made lifestyle changes instead of going on quick fad diets, losing weight became a natural thing. When I focused on being healthy instead of losing weight, the weight came off. Not flying off, like I would like, but it came off slowly, and healthily. 

Sorry that this post is a little ramble-y. I didn’t really have a plan when I started writing. The purpose was to motivate you. Motivate you to keep going. So what if you didn’t lose weight this week. I promise that ding dong and sixteen cookies aren’t going to make it better. Push through. Think back to how things used to be, how far you’ve come. Visualize how far you can go. Your body is amazing. It’s meant to feel amazing, to be amazing. Push yourself a little farther than you thought you could. Be a little better than you were yesterday. KEEP GOING. And remember, being fit is a journey, not a destination. It is not a place you will reach tomorrow or next week or a year from now. It is a constant, everyday decision. And just because you stray from the “fit” path once in awhile doesn’t mean you can’t hop right back on again. 

Traci created this awesome printable for you to hang on your fridge or wherever you can see it often so you can remind yourself of these things.

 BeingFitIsAJourney

The post Being Fit Is A Journey appeared first on A Mouse In My Kitchen.

We have shared the following posts:

Four tips to help you through the running challenge

The best running, walking, biking app… ever

Tips to learn to love running, even if you hate it. 

A tropical green smoothie

10 overeating habits and how to correct them

A delicious tomato, avocado, cucumber sandwich

Quinoa Stuffed Avocados 

Raspberry Lemon Muffins

Best way to cook green beans

Only this week and next week left of the challenge! I hope reviewing these posts help you to push through to the end and hit that 100 mile goal! 

The post Week 11 of the 100 mile summer appeared first on A Mouse In My Kitchen.

Remember that when you talk about the 100 mile summer on social media, use the hash tag #100milesummer so we can all cheer each other along!

Each week Traci or I have been sharing weight loss tips or healthy recipes with you. I’m really excited to share this one with you today.

My husband does NOT like to eat vegetables. I have had to try lots of different things to find ways to cook them where he will actually eat them. This one was a HUGE hit. Bonus – it was really easy.

These green beans aren’t even fried in bacon grease (although my husband said he would like it better if they were…)

The post Best Way To Cook Green Beans appeared first on A Mouse In My Kitchen.

In case this is your first time joining us, be sure to check out some of the other healthy posts we’ve done. My personal favorites are this one that focuses on overeating and this one that gives you tricks on how to love running, even if you hate it. 

This week, Traci is sharing a little dessert recipe with you. Don’t worry, these Raspberry Lemon Muffins are about as healthy as they come! 

Okay guys, honestly, when you hear “muffin recipe” are you thinking Costco Muffins? Crazy good, but they have about the same amount of calories in them as you should have daily. The serving size on those suckers are a fourth a muffin. Really, who eats a fourth of a muffin?? I however would like to share a super secret recipe with you. These muffins are good for you, and have the consistency of those super moist muffins, without all the calories and oil. They have yogurt in them, which helps them to be moist, and they don’t have a crazy amount of sugar either! My husband gets so excited when I make these, and whenever I take them places they are gone in about two seconds. I know,  I really shouldn’t share this, because they rock, but I am going to, because I love you guys So without further ado, the magic muffin recipe.

Raspberry Lemon Muffins

2013-06-30 20:01:02

Yields 12

A super moist muffin you can use almost any fruit in! And the best part, they are good for you, too!

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Prep Time

20 min

Prep Time

20 min

Ingredients

1. 1/2 Cup Yogurt {plain is what is suggested, but I have used whatever is in my fridge, too! The plain yogurt makes sure there isn't too much sugar!}
2. 3 TBSP Vegetable Oil
3. 1 TBSP lemon juice
4. 2 Egg Whites
5. 1/2 tsp lemon extract {optional}
6. 1 1/2 Cups Flour
7. 3/4 Cup Sugar
8. 2 tsp. baking powder
9. 1/4 tsp. salt
10. 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
11. 1 Cup frozen or fresh Raspberries
12. 2 TBSP powdered or white sugar {for decoration}

Instructions

1. 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease or Line a muffin tin.
2. 2. Mix together the first five ingredients {yogurt, oil, lemon juice, egg whites, lemon extract}
3. 3.In a separate bowl mix the remaining ingredients.
4. 4. Combine both mixtures {but don't over mix!}
5. 5. Gently fold in raspberries.
6. 6. Spoon into muffin tins, and sprinkle sugar on top for decoration {this is optional}
7. 7.Bake for 15-17 minutes. Until a fork or toothpick comes out clean. Let cool on rack.
8. Enjoy!

Notes

1. I usually do not add the lemon extract. I just don't keep it on hand. It makes it yummy but! I don't always use it. Also, if you want to make these EXTRA healthy, you can substitute applesauce for some or all of the oil. Just make sure you use 3 TBSP total {either combined, or just applesauce} This will make them a bit more dry but not much. I love using applesauce instead of oil!
2. Also-This is amazing with strawberries, or blueberries, or huckleberries, too! Try it out with your favorite berry!

By Traci Fuller

A Mouse In My Kitchen http://www.amouseinmykitchen.com/

The post Raspberry Lemon Muffins {Shh! They’re healthy!} appeared first on A Mouse In My Kitchen.

Welcome to week 8 of the running challenge! If you’ve been keeping up, by the end of this week you’ll be 2/3 of the way done (time wise) with you 100 mile summer challenge. You should have run a total of 53.5 miles so far. Good job if you’re keeping up! If you’re not, don’t worry! Just keep on keeping on and you’ll reach your goal in no time. Just don’t give up! 

Remember if you are participating in this challenge, use the hash tag #100milesummer when talking about it so we can all keep up on how everyone is doing! 

Each week, either Traci or I try to share some kind of running tip or recipe. Our most popular one (by far) has been this post by Traci on how to love running, even if you hate it. Be sure to check it out if you’re having a hard time with this challenge! 

This week, I’m going to share my favorite ever sandwich with you guys. It’s delicious and easy to make, and super good for you! 

Just look at these pictures if you don’t believe me about how delicious it is. 

The post Week 8 of the running challenge & a delicious sandwich recipe appeared first on A Mouse In My Kitchen.