I love spring!

I absolutely love the spring time, as I'm sure everyone does! In the past I enjoyed it simply because the cold was over and spring seemed to make people happier and just a little nicer. This year is the first year that I have truly taken the time to admire the beauty of this wonderful world God created for us. I have been able to take in all of the wonderful sights of the blooming flowers and trees and I find it all to be so overwhelming and amazing all at the same time.

I am a tulip FREAK! I have always wanted to plant rows and rows of tulips but I never seem to find the time to get it done. Tulip bulbs must be planted around October if you want them to bloom in the spring and the fall months are always incredibly busy. This year I have had some tulips pop up and didn't even have to plant them! Not only that, but the houses that align the streets here in town all have tulips in their yards, so I have definitely gotten my fill of my absolute favorite flower. There is a house down the street that has yellow tulips trimmed in fuschia, and fuschia ones trimmed in yellow, and they are the most beautiful flower I have ever seen! Not much to smell, like a rose or hyacinth, but they are much nicer to look at in my opinion.

This is the time of year that my kids and I love to start taking walks! Since it started warming up I don't think we have missed a day other than the days it has been rainy and Wednesdays, since we have church. We love walking from our house to the square in town and over to the trails in the park. Then on the way back we stop at a lovely little Christian bookstore in town and, I must admit, spend a few hours in there. The first time we found this store my husband almost sent out a search party looking for us, I can't seem to get enough of this store! I have found so many secret sister gifts there, and I love it!

The springtime is so peaceful and calm and laid back (until storm season rolls around) and I am all about being laid back! I don't get to relax very often, but when I do I find that I can become better aware of what is going on around me.

I must say that I am not looking foward to the steamy and stifling hot months to come, but I am so thankful that we are finally out of the winter months! I pray that you can all have some relaxation time to thoroughly enjoy the splendor of this amazing creation! Don't forget to thank the Creator! Isn't God glorious?

Eating and working out

I think that most of us know how important it is to have good eating habits, especially when adding a workout routine. It's important to find what works best for you personally, rather than doing what this guy does because it works for him. Everyone's body is different and everyone burns carbs, fat and calories at a different rate and at different times.
The first thing your body will burn, of course, is the carbohydrates in your body. Carbs are the body's favorite energy source and, although we should limit our carb intake at certain times of the day, it is important to eat good carbs.
After carbs are burnt, the body will then start to burn stored fat. (This is why some people believe that a 'no carb' diet is worthwhile, because if there are no carbs in the body energy will come directly from stored fat.) Personally, I feel that a no carb diet is dangerous as the body needs carbohydrates (which literally means "carbon and water".) Just be sure that your carbs are coming from whole grains rather than 'white foods', such as white breads, pastas and refined sugars.
One way to be sure that your body is getting what it needs after a workout is to eat protein with the carbs you consume. For example, after your workout if you choose to eat wheat toast, eat an egg with it. I must also add that if you are buying whole wheat bread be sure to read the label as most breads these days contain sugar, molasses or even high fructose corn syrup. Aunt Millie's bread now puts clearly on their label that it contains no HFCS.
I could go on and on and on for pages on this subject, but I will come back at a later time and discuss this further. I think most importantly we must find what is best for our body. Some may wish to eat a small amount before a work out, or in the middle of a work out. If this is the case, I would suggest something full of protein such as a Clif protein bar. These also have carbs, so this will give you sustained energy for a lengthy workout.
What you eat will also depend on how long your work out is. If you are working out for only 20 minutes you will not need as much of a protein boost afterward. If you work out for 2 hours, a nice big bowl of Kashi Go Lean with added protein, some milled flax seed and some low fat milk is wonderful for boosting your energy.
Again, this depends on your body type. For some a half our work out might be as beneficial as a 2 hour workout for others. If you feel light headed or out of energy after a work out then up your protein intake just a bit. Decide what works best for you.
You will read in magazines and fitness sites a zillion different ideas about what you should eat, when you should eat, and how you should break up your routine, but do what works for you.
For me, personally, the best thing to do is not eat before the workout and eat my carbs and proteins when I am finished. I have found that if I don't eat a good amount of protein after a workout that is when my muscles will be extremely sore...even after a routine that I do regularly. Also remember to drink lots and lots of water during your workout and throughout the day to replenish what you burn. Water is essential for our bodies!!!