Fit Fashion Friday: Funny

I think it's important to not take ourselves, and others too seriously.

Life isn't a joke, but there are certainly times to be silly, smile and laugh. Working out is a pretty critical thing for us because it affects our health and overall well being. Just because it's important does not mean it can't be fun, funny or light hearted. 

This brings me to this weeks #FitFashionFriday topic, putting a little "funny" in your workout wardrobe. What I mean here, is to have a couple pieces that make you smirk when you put them on to go workout. Something that you know people might look twice at or just that you get a kick out of. It can be a funny saying on a T-Shirt or a tank top, or something like a Sox Hat at a gym in NYC. Anything that makes you feel witty, clever and most of all happy! 

Here is my own favorite "Funny" addition to my workout wardrobe. Aly bought it for me and has one of her own. Matching "Funny" makes it that much better, and it's a great way to motivate a friend to get to the gym with a shirt like this...

Sites like zazzle.com & cafepress will let you customize pieces as well! 
Get creative and get a little "Funny" into your workout wardrobe!

Show me your #TooFitFunny workout wear!

"You Can't Go From Zero To Hero"

Felix Baumgartner used these words to describe his and his team's approach to the Red Bull Stratos Project - the mission to  "transcend human limits." With a world record freefall jump of 128,100 feet in which he broke the speed of sound, Felix and his team did precisely that.

Still a little high from my (measly in comparison) first tandem skydive at 10,000 feet,  I was excited to check out a lecture from the top dogs on the Red Bull Stratos team at the National Air & Space Museum here in D.C. Kait and I went with a bunch of cool skydiving guys (Nick and his friends) and checked out the museum’s exhibit beforehand. Everything about this exhibit is awesome. Click here for the Red Bull Stratos site and if you haven't seen the video of the jump, watch here. It is one of the coolest things in our lifetime.

I tried to get Kait to ask him out during the Q&A.  She was too bashful, and well,
he has a pretty lady back in Austria. 

During the lecture, we heard from both Felix himself, who I must say is rather studly, and the topdogs of his team. Joe Kittinger, who held the original record of freefalling to Earth from 102,800 feet in 1960 was Felix's "wingman" throughout the project as  "Capcom" (Capsule communications). I thought this was pretty amazing - one superhero building another to beat his record. Instructing him and encouraging him through every step, with seemingly no doubt that it was going to be a success, Joe was literally in Felix's ear during the record breaking jump. 

Nick & Meeting Joe Kittinger Post Lecture. Felix, saluting before his 128,100ft jump. Following his jump in 1960, Joe spoke of the mass interest there was in breaking his record, how he heard from people who just wanted to "do it once," and that he respectfully declined all of them. The reason for his refusal was everyone’s lack of understanding of the true gravity of the feat and the intense preparation involved. Felix was ready for that, and he spoke about overcoming various obstacles even before beginning the series of jumps that lead to the finale. Staying in his suit for long periods of time and working with/depending on a team were challenges he and the team overcame before he even stepped into the capsule. Needless to say, if anyone on the Red Bull Stratos team had the "Zero to Hero" attitude, the mission would've been a bust. When Felix said that he knew he could not go from "Zero to Hero," I thought about how this relates to our own health and fitness. There are instant benefits from exercise and eating well, such as more energy and a happier/feel-good mood. Also, you will probably surprise yourself with the amount of exercises you can do well pretty quickly (Muscle memory is a wonderful thing.). However, actual change in your body (especially as drastically as we'd like) takes time and usually a decent amount.  Do not get discouraged; do not get frustrated;  and accept the fact that "patience is a virtue" with your fitness. Extremes, quick fixes, and fad diets/workouts will NOT do the trick (I have tried, foolishly.) and are likely not safe or healthy. There is no magic; you must eat well and exercise to improve your fitness and change your body; and you must do it consistently. This is easier to work into your life than you think. Also, it takes 21 days to form a habit and 21 days to break a habit.

Back to the different levels of "zero" and "hero" and extremes. If you don't exercise regularly, don't throw yourself into a crazy boot camp class or  try  to run ten miles. You can push your fitness limits, but don't blur the definition of those limits - or even worse, ignore them. Get with a trainer (one session even) for an evaluation, and ask for suggestions. There are plenty of classes with modifications and workouts you can do as a beginner! Attempting exercises/diets that are too extreme will have you pissed off, frustrated and likely hurt. That being said, if you work out regularly and aren't seeing the results you want, it's time to step it up. Change up your workouts, and do different types of exercises so your body doesn't get used to what you're doing. In both cases, challenge yourself, and appreciate the process.

I didn't appreciate the process until I was put out of commission for a little over a month due to a surgery. No working out, nothing. I was in pretty good shape before the surgery, and my first time back to the gym I couldn't even do a push up. I fell over trying to do simple squats and was a bit horrified to find my new "zero." My "hero" was getting back to where I was before the surgery, and then in even better shape. That took, and continues to take, much longer than I realized.

We should share the same attitude toward our health and fitness goals as Felix did for his jump from the edge of space. "You can't go from zero to hero."

Okay,  great. Now that you've read this, no one will be eating only lettuce, doing twoadays for a week and then complaining that you're "STILL not in shape," right? 

If so, mission accomplished.

Fit Fashion Friday: #BostonTooFit

On Monday morning, thousands of runners will take to the starting line at the Boston Marathon. This year's Boston Marathon and the runners participating, stand for more than ever before. Every year, on the third Monday in April, people from all over the world watch, run and feel the special, unique energy of the Boston Marathon. Regardless of the senseless and horrible events of last year, April 21st will not lack any of what makes this day so special for Massachusetts and the world. 

Today's #FitFashionFriday is dedicated to Boston, my Bostonians, The Marathon on Monday, the runners and supporters. 

Show your Beantown love and support for The Marathon Monday - #BostonTooFit 

#BostonStrong - One Year Later

To put into words my feelings on the one year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings is nearly impossible.

What I know I will never be at a loss of words for, is my love for my home city, the Bean. There is simply no where like it. The history, the people, the attitude and yes, the accent hold a very special, and very solid place in my heart.



Needless to say, last years attack hit home, hard, wicked hard. And the anniversary today does also. It is one of those things that you know is coming, but even still, can hit you like a tractor trailer truck. Prayers, and more prayers for the victims and their families.

Although it is beyond me to pinpoint the right words for today, I was able to pin point my top 3 #BostonStrong quotes/instances. All of these occurred in the days following the Marathon Bombing and they speak to the heart, fire and tenacity of Boston.

• Adam's Sandler's tweet - "Boston is probably the only major city that if you fuck with them, they will shut down the whole city, stop everything and find you."

• Bostonian's Sing National Anthem at the Bruins Game 4/17

• Big Papi, saying what every single Bostonian on earth was thinking.

Another thing I can say is this: anytime you are feeling "lazy" and whining "I don't want to go to the gym" or "I really don't want to run right now." Shut up. Be grateful to even have the option of working out, running or even walking. Let that gratitude compel you to take NOTHING for granted, especially you're health and body. Do an extra set of push ups, run an extra mile or lift a little more for the people who can't. 

When something kick's you down, get up and kick it's ass. That is Too Fit & #BostonStrong

So much love to Boston. 

Fit Fashion Friday: If it doesn't fit, don't wear it.

Your too much booty shorts and your extra tight "muscle shirt" need to be gone.

Buying, having and wearing clothes that don't FIT is a no-no. When something is too small, too big, or too anything with the clothes you put on your body, it is virtually impossible for you to feel Too fit. This applies to dressing for anything, period. 

Even more so though, when dressing for anything active. You know my philosophy on looking and feeling great when you work out; it inspires an addicting confidence for doing something amazing yourself, and theres nothing better than that. However, figuring out how to maximize this can be a bit tricky.

Most of us just don't know any better regarding the benefit of proper fitting workout clothes! It's difficult to find the balance between the look factor and the comfort and utility function. 

For Gals - there is that super cute sports bra, but as good as it looks is as effective it isn't for sports bra duties (support.) AND theres those super cute spandex shorty shorts that look PERFECT, just don't move (at all) or your giving some unworthy gym go-ers a show.

Guys Too - can have issues with this, I think they just pay attention to it less. The battle between a muscle shirt and merely a second layer of skin seems to be pretty prevalent. I don't care how stretchy what looks to be your girl friends t-shirt is, theres no way that is comfortable. Additionally, the shorts that sag around your butt literally leave me dumbfounded as to how you manage to walk without them falling, let alone work out.

Take it from a girl who has fallen victim to the cute, but non-supportive sports bra and the spandex shorts with a little too much movement. Your workout is MUCH more enjoyable when you're wearing proper fitting clothes. Finding the most proper fit for your body, and activity is tricky. Activewear requires more than our day to day wardrobe so be picky, shop around and find your perfect fit.

Do not, buy those shorts that are high waisted and squeeze your tummy where it does not like to be squeezed. Do not, buy anything even just "a little big" because it gives you "room". As a chronic over-sizer, I know first hand that this is bad news and makes for the most uncomfortable work-outs. Some of us also buy things a little smaller, for motivation - this is cool for per-say, a pair of jeans, not for the actual process of trimming up. Reward yourself by being comfortable and enjoy the process. With killer gear and a killer mindset, you'll get there!

Have you found your favorites that do the trick for both look and feel with activewear? Share with me and explain why it helps make you feel Too Fit!

When The Moon Hits Your Eyes Like a Big Pizza Pie That's Amore: Recipe

As a proud Italian, I speak with my hands, talk loudly and give everyone I meet or see hugs because well, "you're family!".

You'll be hard pressed to find an Italian who doesn't do at least one of the above, and you'll be even harder pressed to find an Italian who doesn't like Pizza. 
So here I am - a loud mouth, pizza loving Italian with a fitness/lifestyle blog.

No, this isn't a "One of these things is not like the other" game, although I feel like a few aspects of my life could be classified as such. This is instead, my excitement for finding a clean, low carb and delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite: PIZZA!

You can top your pizza with anything you'd like. I did this one as Hawaiian, but have already fantasized as making a Greek version, or spinach and broccoli, or peppers and onions or...The list goes on and on, but lets not get ahead of ourselves here. We must start with the dough.
Protein & Meat vs. Carbs & Starch is the method here. 
For my veggie friends - I am coming up with an alternative for you, and taking suggestions!

You must use the Chicken Sausage on the left vs. the right.
It is in a black container vs. a package and is more "squishy.
Any sausage (like this) you use needs to be this way to be
molded into a yummy dough.

• 1 package of Trader Joe's Tomato Basil Sausage: Thaw for about 24 hours, in the refrigerator. Squeeze the sausage through/out of the casing (this part is gross, but quick, easy & necessary) and put in a mixing bowl.
• 3 eggs: yolks and all, mixed into the sausage.
• 5-6 tablespoons of almond meal or cashew meal. (Use your judgement for consistency here - the dough should be "doughy")
• Mix/knead these all together. You can use a fork but getting down & with your hands does work best.
• Coat a cookie/baking sheet with Canola Oil (or something non-stick) and spread the dough out. You will want it to be about 1cm thick with no breaks or holes.

Now we can move onto the fun stuff, the toppings!

• The sauce - any tomato basil, plain tomato, pesto etc. will work here. Watch the ingredients for anything funky (you can't pronounce) and as long as it's clean it's do-able here. GO HEAVY! Because your "dough" is basically meat, it soaks up a bit of the sauce so your coating needs to be thicker. Add garlic powder, minced garlic and pepper to desired taste!
• Then sprinkle with a THIN layer of cheese to start.
• Add desired toppings: here I did low sodium ham, chopped pineapple, chopped yellow onion and sliced red pepper.
• Top with another thin layer of cheese!

Bake at 400 degrees for a half hour. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving and then enjoy! This serving is enough for 2 hungry people with some leftovers (it is just a delicious reheated or cold) and I'd suggest a veggie for a side!

Enjoy this entree guilt free & share your variations with me! I see a lot of pizza in my future, and that makes me one happy, Too Fit, Italian!

Fit Fashion Friday: Events!

I have been having a lot of fashion-y events come up, and I'm loving it. Knowing you look good = feeling good = living Too Fit!

Last weekend was Taste of the South, which was a total blast. Nick and I ate some yummy southern grub, caught up with some pals we ran into there and danced the night away to an awesome band! Our favorite states were Georgia and Tennessee (of course!)

Dress: Jovani Prom Dress I Wore In 2005. Shoes: Mom Bought From Payless & I plan to buy in every color. Bling: Simply Silver SparklyFrom A Kiosk At The Mall (no joke.) Hair: One of Those Bun Tool Thingy's Actually Worked!

This weekend, another one of my fabulous gal pals is hosting a private event at Madewell where we all get to shop the store after hours, with special deals, wine and treats. If you're thinking this is "too good to be true", those were my thoughts exactly, but it's real! The timing is perfect on this because I need some new jeans, and well, another excuse to shop (I probably don't need that actually). The event is Sunday evening and I'm excited to go with Kait and Nicole for some fashion/girl time!

If anyone wants to tag along to the Madewell event let me know and I will send you the deets! 

Happy Friday Kids! Make It Too Fit!