Sep 23, 2010

Today's the Day for a Q & A!

I've been getting a lot of emails with questions from readers so I figured I'd put together a Q&A post. As always, feel free to ask me a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g by commenting on the blog or emailing me at christinaorso at gmail dot com. If you've been following my blog, you'll know that I'm pretty open to discussing anything!

  Top five favorite drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) you consume on a regular basis?
Diet lemonade from Chick-fil-A - it's kind of disgusting how often I want them and how fast I drink them...and get a refill.
Coor's Light YUM YUM, I love my trashy Nascar beer.
 
Did you guys know you can work out anywhere!? Even in Publix.

Sometimes I even like using my leftover Diet Lemonade cups to hide my Coor's Light obsession:
Umm yeah. On a serious note, I drink a lot of water. I use my 24 oz Camelbak every day and refill it 4-5 times. I drink coffee with skim milk when I need a pick-me-up and I am a huge fan of wine.

Favorite kitchen tools?
Strawberry Huller. You can use it on tomatoes too!
Flexible cutting boards. These are lightweight and easy to clean. Plus you can pick them up and fold them so the food will slide into the pan without making a mess. They are non-porous so no germs are absorbed!

What does your week workout routine look like?
Earlier this year when I first started working out, Julius was my personal trainer 2x a week. I would get my butt beat by him on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 2-3 times a week I'd do cardio. Now that I am no longer training, but I have built up enough muscle/endurance, I try to make an appearance at the gym 3-4 times a week. Typically I go right after work and get it over with. I like to go 3x a week, and then once on the weekends. Working out on the weekends is a great way to stay in check because this is the time when I'm eating a lot of naughty foods.

Any good workout tips?

You have to find what's right for you - and by that I mean find what you enjoy doing. Exercise is a chore unless you're having fun. I used to run run run and I wasn't proud of my body nor was I seeing results. I'm not saying that you won't see results if you just run, because some people do, but I never did. I highly recommend trying different types of classes to see what you like. I never thought I would like spin class or weight training until I tried it. Check out what classes your gym has to offer and try each at least once! If you can afford a trainer, get one. Have your gym manager recommend you one based on personality. This is key. I told them I need someone that would laugh with me and at me, because I was a mess and they directed me to Julius. If you go to Eco, FIND HIM!

What is an acceptable portion of candy/cake/baked goods to you?
When I want something, I have it - but in small doses. This means one cookie, one serving of gelato, or a few m&ms. I don't sit on the couch with the pint of gelato because I will eat too much. I take m&ms out of the bag, then put the bag away. Self-control can be learned, trust me. I hate feeling like I've overindulged, so what's the point? I give myself what I want, and put the rest away. Feeling guilty later isn't nearly as fun as being satisfied with what you've eaten and getting your sweet fix.

What are your stats?
I'm barely 5'2 and weigh between 106-109 pounds. Did I gain weight when I started weight training? No. If anything, maybe a pound. Please weight train - it is the best way to boost your metabolism!!

Favorite food/fitness blogs, magazines, books?
The book that started my healthy eating:
If you're new to healthy eating, this book will teach you a lot. The first book in this series does a great job at informing you how bad eating out really is. It compares what people typically eat with a healthier option. It's a very realistic book in the sense that it doesn't push you to eat salads all day everyday. 

My favorite book in this series is the Supermarket Survival guide. There is a ton of helpful info! I recommend this book if you need general food advice rather than tips on eating out.
David Zinczenko has written 5 other books for this series and they are all great. 

Favorite places to food shop:
For the majority of my grocery shopping, I go to Publix. Publix is the Chick-fil-A of grocery stores. Their employees are so helpful and their Buy One, Get One Free deals are a steal - especially because you don't have to buy 2 - they're just half-off. I also shop at Whole Foods for specific items like chicken, gelato, wine, and bulk bin goods.

Favorite healthy oils, condiments, dressings?
I'm fine with throwing balsamic vinegar on a salad and eating it up. It has a ton of flavor and very few calories. Flavored balsamic vinegars, like my fig balsamic, are even tastier. My favorite bottled salad dressing is Garlic Expressions, a 100% natural vinaigrette with tons of flavor. If you love garlic, this is for you! It's also great as a chicken marinade.
Other condiments I love are ketchup, home made honey mustard (literally honey + mustard), and hot sauce.

How did you get the nickname Xtina?
We can thank Brandon for that. It has nothing to do with Christina Aguilera or anything perverted. It's just like when you call Christmas "Xmas". And lately, Xtina has morphed into just "X" so if you'd like to call me that, that's fine too. No XXXtina though. That's bad.

Do you eat differently on the weekends, holidays, or special occasions?
I'm a creature of habit and have no problem eating clean during the week. I stick to my staples because I know my body responds well to them. With that said, to avoid insanity, I treat myself on the weekends. There is nothing wrong with eating sweets if you know your limits and stick with them. Sometimes I want a burger. Ok, I eat a burger. I find that once I do it, I'm happy and don't feel like I'm depriving myself. I eat like 3 burgers a year and I'm fine. As far as holidays are concerned, yes, I do eat what I want. But I eat until I'm full, or try a little bit of everything and then stop. Overeating does not feel good - physically or mentally. Special occasions like birthdays are a great way to get your cake fix - eat the damn cake. Don't be that girl who refuses cake bc she's on a diet. COME ON. Or eat half and give the rest to your boyfriend or dog. They'll be psyched.

Favorite clothing stores?
The majority of my clothes come from Ann Taylor Loft and Banana Republic because they both have a petite section which I haaaaaaave to have. I'm barely 5'2 and have a hell of a time trying to find pants that fit me unless they're petite-sized. Both of those stores are great for classic pieces, but I get a lot of my dresses and trendy items from LuLu's, Francesca's, Forever21, and even Target. Other great sites are ModCloth and Tulle.

That's all for now! Feel free to ask some more! :)

34 comments:

  1. What a fun little Q&A session. I Love the coors light still in the can in your lemonade. genious!

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  2. loveee modcloth, publix and garlic expressions. and your blog!

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  3. From your photos, I would have NEVER guess that you were only 5'2". Hooray for another friend in the fun sized club :)

    Very helpful and informative post (I put the strawberry huller on my Amazon wish list).

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  4. Fun Q&A. I shop mostly at banana, loft & gap too for the petites or ankle length pants and short dresses!!! Old navy has some cute dresses too. YES- weight training rocks. I couldn't imagine my life without it now

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  5. I'm barely 5'2", too! Just half an inch short, but that's a'ight cuz I'm cute and so are YOU! Shortie Club VIP members unite :)

    I liked learning a bit more about you and love that you have b-a-l-a-n-c-e in your diet. I can't wait to get back to that balance myself and begin enjoying a few weekend "fun days" where I can eat some of the yummy foods I've been craving for 2 months. Sheesh! My Hubby will be happy, too, since then maybe I'll stop staring at him when he eats the "good stuff". I swear, I'm like a dog when he bites into a cookie or burger...ah, well.

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  6. Oh I love Ann Taylor Loft! Some people pick on me for that, but I love their petite section (being a 5'1" shortie).

    And sigh... I do miss Publix. Can you believe we don't have them in NC?

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  7. a couple of my nicknames from WAY back : Stina and Xmas Snow. :)

    so when I see Xtina I think of those... :)

    I LOVE your lemonade - beer hider! ;) the lemonade also made me think of the time you took one into the gym :)

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  8. I will laugh all day about this Blog....Great Job...Chick-fil-A RULES.....

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  9. So many people I know drink Coors... I just can't do it! I matured through college on Keystone. Can't beat the price... lol

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  10. I feel like a HUGE moron because I never thought to make honey mustard. Genuis!!!

    ps. I LOVE Natty light. I get made fun of all the time but its my favorite beer! So you are classy compared to me :)

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  11. LOL @ the coor's hiding in the lemonade!!! Loving this blog :)

    Jen
    http://jenslosinit.blogspot.com/

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  12. How do you afford to eat so healthy? Health foods tend to cost way more and Whole Food is very expensive. Any tips? What does your weekly food budget look like?

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  13. Heart the old beer in the chick fil a cup - classic! I love Modcloth and LOVE Tulle - it's a favorite brand - I have their trench coat in like 8 different colors!! Eat this not that and hungry girl got me started- great books! I need that strawberry thing - I have the cutting boards and love. So easy to keep one for veggies/one for meat and like that they're bendy! I loved the request to please strength train! You're so cute!

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  14. I love this! You are right on with the exercise and eating habits! I am 5'2" on a good day...so yeah, clothing is a bit difficult. I wear the heck out of pants when I find a pair that fits right! You are too cute!

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  15. Hahaha a fellow beer lover. I'm all about pumpkin beer right now. Mmmmm. Haha.

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  16. "Nascar beer" haha I love it! Coors light is my favorite beer too! I loove B Republic, and I have found so many cheap yet cute dresses at F21. I also like Express every so often!

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  17. OMg love that you put the BL into your cup! too funny--brings me back to my college days : )

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  18. The "Eat This, Not That!" books are some of my favorites, too! I remember buying the first one and telling my parents are the surprising swaps..ones I would have never expected :P

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  19. I feel you on the shopping troubles! At just over 5'0, I have the hardest time finding pants that fit and finding tops that don't completely swallow me. It's a major pain!

    I've always been interested in checking out the "Eat This, Not That" books, but they seem like they'd just be full of common sense info. Did you find that at all?

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  20. You really did like the strawberry huller! Yeah!

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  21. You are so funny- I was cracking up thru out this post!
    And, on top of that- I happened to see the strawberry huller & thought 'oooo boy I could really use that'- totally just added it to my registry :)
    And, the XXXtina is HILARIOUS!!

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  22. Fabulous post!! I especially love your fave kitchen tools.

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  23. hey little lady! i totally feel you on not being able to find pants-grr.

    i love how you're hiding your beer in your chick-fil-a. a.maz.ing!

    questions, questions...

    -what is you typical 9-5 job?
    -what are your top five songs currently?

    that's all i can think of right now. i'll be back with others...

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  24. I love Q&A's like this! Ann Taylor Loft is one of my favorite stores for the same reason. And I'm 100% with you on light lemonade refills. What's your favorite go-to breakfast?

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  25. OK there are things on here I've never heard of! The Strawberry Huller?! Where has that little shortcake been my whole life.

    I love reading this!! You're too cute. And Coors Lite?! OK, we'll let that slide. My cheapy lite choice is Miller, don't judge, ha!

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  26. hahaha you crack me up! Love reading this post. Love your sunglasses in that first picture!

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  27. I'm not a beer drinker but if I was I would totally be stealing your "hide the can" trick! LOL The hulller and cutting boards sound like good buys. I'll have to invest in some...

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  28. Loved this!! I really like that strawberry huller--I need to keep my eyes peeled for that!!

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  29. Great q&a!! I love that strawberry huller. SO CUTE.

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  30. hey girlie!!
    loveeeed the Q&A!! I like diet lemonade too..I have a slight liking for fake sugar, eeek! ohh well it's better than crack! (i think!)
    I hope youre having a great weekend!
    xoxo!

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  31. Thanks for sharing! It's nice to hear more detail about how you balance everything. Haha, I'm TRYING to do that myself. I think I epically failed by baking homemade brownies this weekend. But I'm trying what you said, good during the week, reward on the weekends. :)

    I was wondering though, what do you eat during the week? I mean, what's a typical few days of food for you? I know you said you stick to a few things, but WHAT things specifically? Any advice you could give would be great.

    (You can reply at kiser_danielle@yahoo.com). Thanks so much!

    Looking forward to reading more,
    Danielle

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