A Few of My Favorites

My favorite things to talk about are books, food and fitness. So I thought I'd share my top 3 with you.

Books
I am an avid reader. I would say I read at least 40 to 50 books a year on average, possibly more. With free Kindle downloads and being able to checkout ebooks through my library, I lose count. Here are my top three favorite books of all time.


1. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

I just recently discovered Gaiman, and his latest book is my favorite one. He's one of those writers that even if you don't fully understand what he means by everything, you just enjoy the experience of reading one of his books.

2. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway is my favorite writer of all time. Although my tastes are changing a little, I have always liked fiction that is closely based on reality and gives insight into the author. I have read the majority of his books, and this one is my favorite. I recently bought the Library Edition, which includes his revisions, and I find that so cool to see.

3. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
Pollan is awesome because he takes a fact-based, rational approach to food. He shows what has happened to the food industry and how our eating habits have evolved over time. And he gives easy, manageable "rules" for eating well not based on diets or weight loss. The Omnivore's Dilemma also has a lot of good information, but it's not as easy of a read as this one.

Food
I love to eat. I aim for a plant-based diet, adding in lean meats and, of course, treats every now and then. I do love my share of junk food, but I am going to post the good things here in an effort to be motivational to myself and others.


1. Chai tea
I love tea and have tried a lot of loose-leaf tea varieties, but a good chai is my favorite. I buy a blend from a local tea shop in town and usually steep it in a French press. Chai is best when you cook it on the stove in one pan, warm the milk in another pan (I like adding a cinnamon stick to the milk) and froth it before combining them. I don't often have time for that, but when I do it's far better than any Starbucks latte.

2. Smoothies
You can pack so much goodness in smoothies, whether you use protein powders, meal replacement powders, or just whatever is in the fridge and freezer. Smoothies are my go-to food for when I need to clean up my act or when my kids haven't been getting their 5 a day.

3. Pumpkin seeds
Have you tried these? They have amazing health benefits. They are high in fat and saturated fat, but one serving a day won't hurt. They have a lot of protein and iron, which is the main reason I eat them. They also have magnesium, zinc, omega-3s, antioxidants, fiber and tryptophan.

Fitness
I have tried many different exercise classes and sometimes machines. I am not good at pushing myself when I am alone trying to do a machine. I usually stick to group fitness classes, and I have a few DVD programs at home that I love for the times when I just don't feel like going to the gym or the kids are sick and I can't get there. I like fast-paced, choreographed exercises set to fun, loud music.

1. Les Mills Combat
This is an at-home version of the Body Combat group fitness class. I don't have access to the group classes where I live, so I love this program. It is mixed martial arts, with traditional moves and set to music. I got great results from this program after I had my second child.

2. Yoga
Because no exercise regimen is complete without stretching and relaxation, yoga is awesome. I don't do it nearly as much as I should, but it is still a favorite.

3. Piloxing
This class has weird moves, kind of based on Pilates and boxing. As with most group fitness classes, the instructor really makes the difference. Luckily, there are some great instructors in town, and this class has some really great sculpting moves.