Good morning, friends. I never talk politics on this blog, but I feel that I can’t publish today’s post without saying how deeply saddened I am by the results of yesterday’s election. As someone who strongly believes in inclusion and acceptance, in curiosity of other cultures and beliefs rather than fear, in love and not hate, I’m scared and very unsettled by what the next 4 years may look like. I’ll leave it there – but please remember that it’s more important now than ever to continue to spread love and positivity. We can be the change we want to see in the world, and it’s never to late to stand up and take action. I know I will be. xo
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And now – moving on to some more San Diego adventures.
As you know, my blogger friend, personal trainer Gina, and I co-host a Winter Shape Up (<- link to last year’s) together in January every year. It’s a free 4 week challenge inspiring readers to prioritize health in a fun and sustainable way (crash diets need not apply). In the past, Gina has done the workout videos on her own and I’ve done the meal plans, but since I was going to be in San Diego this year (where Gina lives) so close to the challenge, we thought it would be fun to film the workout videos together!
This year’s Winter Shape Up launches on January 23, 2017 (mark your calendars!) and we can’t WAIT to share it with you. We’ll be spending the next couple months finalizing sponsors and getting ready to launch!
We filmed 6 videos for the shape up this week – a strength workout, a strength/HIIT workout, a cardio workout, and a barre workout (so hard), plus a bonus warm up and cool down. Gina’s a pro at workout videos – I was impressed!
I’ve loved the Winter Shape Up videos in the past, and these were no exception – Gina does an awesome job making them quick and efficient. You definitely make the most of the time, that’s for sure! I’ve lost a lot of strength as a result of marathon training and wow – these workouts were hard. So excited to get back into strength/interval workout training again! I was like, “Um, I’ll be the person modifying the lunges in the video because I can’t do the intense version!” No shame in modifying, my friends!
We filmed the videos on Monday and Tuesday mornings and grabbed a late lunch afterward both days. It was so fun to have time to catch up with my buddy – it had been awhile!
On Monday we went to Fig Tree Café (in Liberty Station), where I enjoyed a big salad with chicken, butternut squash, walnuts, dried cranberries, goat cheese, apples, and balsamic vinaigrette. Delicious! Plus some kombucha on the side. :)
On Tuesday we went to Tender Greens (also in Liberty Station). This time I got their Tuna Nicoise salad and added a side of the roasted root veggies and a green juice! All the veggies – so good!
I’ll be back tomorrow to share more San Diego fun, but for now I’ll leave you with a few links from around the web:
- Recipes to Fuel Your Long Run (guest post by yours truly)
- Healthy Freezer Meals – my Sweet Potato Lentil Chili is featured!
- Vegetarian Tailgate Recipes – my Healthier 7 Layer Dip is featured!
Beautiful thoughts on spreading positivity and love now more than ever. Thank you, Anne.
Definitely agree about the election. As a young woman about to enter into the career world, I am also quite nervous and upset over the results. It is easy to feel defeated, but, like you, I believe if we spread love, acceptance, and positive vibes, maybe the next four years won’t be so bad. On a lighter note, I’m super excited to see the Winter Shape Up videos and I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in San Diego!
I agree with you about the election, and appreciate you not staying silent about it. Sending love and hope. xo
Thank you for commenting on the election, even though it’s hard to do so. I appreciate the idea of continuing to spread love wherever we can.
Good for you for stating your position on this blog. Not many bloggers are courageous enough to post their thoughts on the election and I commend you for doing so. I am also deeply, deeply saddened and terrified at what lies ahead. Thank you for being real.
I appreciate your comments regarding the election…I feel the same way. Sheer disappointment and sadness and shock which tomorrow will hopefully start to turn into action.
All I want right now is to eat junk food and sugar for my emotional eating, which I know in the long term will not make me feel good. I hit the gym this morning, which was horrible sadness, but have any tips on how to keep the junk food craving/emotional eating at bay besides repeating to myself “it won’t make me feel better in the long term.”?
What makes you happy? What’s your favorite form of self care? I’d do that – something to distract yourself in a positive way. For me that’s things like being in nature, reading a good book, being with friends, taking a bubble bath, going to yoga… etc. Hang in there ❤️
Good to see you had such a nice reunion in San Diego!
Agree with you completely about the election. So disheartening, but going to try and focus one day at a time on being positive and loving.
I always look forward to the winter shape ups – they’re so much fun to participate in.
As a Canadian who gets lots of American TV channels and therefore a lot of the same media, it’s shocking that he got elected last night. I just don’t understand how you look beyond the things he’s said about people of color, those who are different religions, people who aren’t straight, and women. It’s truly mind boggling.
I don’t either.
I think I’m more upset by the fact that so many people voted for him than the fact that he actually won (if that makes sense). I was completely STUNNED!!! Who are these people? Where did they come from? Have they not been watching TV for the past year??? Are some of these people my friends & neighbors? It’s horrifying, & I’m so embarrassed for our country in the eyes of others (like you). I have been in a funk all day. It really is SO disheartening!
Ditto…
Thanks for speaking out! As a pro-choice female healthcare provider (and a military spouse) I am deeply troubled by the result of this election. I cannot believe we are going to be governed by a narcissistic, racist misogynist. The best we can hope for is that his campaign was all for show.
I know – that’s what I’m hoping too… so scary.
I LOVE Fig Tree Cafe! I got to visit there when I was in San Diego a few years ago and had to resist the urge to go back every day of my visit.
Thanks for making your comment! As a first-generation American and woman of color, the gravity of what just occurred hurts too much to ignore. I’m taking today slowly, and am thinking that a nice long run may be a good way to try and wrap my mind around some of what is happening & think of what I can do to improve it.
Sending hugs and lots of love to you ❤️
You are right Anne you shouldn’t talk politics. You and Matt come from privilege. You live in the beltway bubble. Have you ever seen what has happened to small towns, coal towns where the media doesn’t go to see what over 30 years of DC politics have done.
My church pantry gives out more packages then we ever have to needy families. Those that were just surviving now cannot afford health insurance. I’m sure Matt has excellent coverage in the DC without the high deductibles and premiums.
Since you rely on mainstream media for your news or perhaps the Huffington Post you don’t know these stories. The desperation many Americans go through is tragic.
I challenge you to go to these communities and witness their desperation. These truly are the forgotten people . DC has not helped them.
I’m surprised you don’t understand the inpirtance of classified information or the disinterest Hillary had in embassy security. Let’s not forget the favors she or President Clinton have done for money the past 8 years.. why would you feel safe with her.
Anne I love you but please stick to fitness and food.
Hi Gabriella, Thank you for reading my blog and for sharing your thoughts. I certainly agree with you and am well aware of the fact that there are a lot of things in this country that need to change. I know that many needy families have felt slighted and ignored by this country, and my heart goes out to those people. That said, I do not believe that the path to change should be paved with hate and racism.
Couldn’t agree with you more, Anne. Misogyny, racism, and hate are not how we build change.
Anne, thank you for speaking your mind and NOT just sticking to fitness and food. Your positivity and loving words are an encouragement to us all.
Thanks for saying exactly what I was thinking, Gabriella. Anne of all people should understand the magnitude of what Hillary did.
I totally understand that things are very difficult in many parts of the country. I wish Mr. Trump hadn’t used such inflammatory rhetoric on the campaign trail, and instead stuck to issues and policies.
Anne, I applaud that you spoke your mind. There will be many people in the days ahead telling us to not talk about this election, to ‘stick’ to our respective professions, etc…ignore them if you desire.
I appreciate you saying something about the election. This one was too important and too devastating to ignore. Food & fitness posts without any mention of it seem kind of trivial today. I am so terribly sad today.
I just wrote a blog post on 8 ways to cope with the stress and fear from the election. It was really helpful to write, and I hope that someone gets something from it. http://www.hyggewellness.com/blog
even if it was brief, the message of positivity was much needed <3
but also, can't wait for WSU :D (though i'm loving the weather right now!) and i'm excited for the workouts!
Thank you for having the courage to provide your thoughts on the election. I am truly devastated and appreciate your positivity.
First time commenter, but had to thank you for speaking out about the election – especially your advice for self care in an earlier comment, as I too have been finding myself wanting to turn to some indulgent emotional eating the last 24 hours. It’s the kind acts of positivity that make the world go round.
Can’t wait to participate in the winter shape up – I already feel the need to shake myself up with the return of dark nights!
Thank you for sharing this, Anne. I’m terrified and distraught.
What I find chilling is that it all seems so selfish–both him and the people who voted for him. The attitude seems to be “What about ME? Why am I not getting everything I want?” He played on this mentality and not a general appeal about what is best for ALL–which is always kindness, love, and acceptance towards EVERYONE.
As you said above, we always need to look for ways to do better for all people, and many people who voted for him may be right to feel left out or disadvantaged. But the answer is never selfishness and bigotry. That’s where you cross a terrible, terrible line.
I couldn’t agree more with you Anne! I was incredibly disheartened to find other bloggers I followed just ignore this news. Thank you for always putting a smile on my face. As a fellow DC dweller i love following your adventures and was so proud to see you speak out for tolerance and acceptance of all. Thank you!
Thank you for your beautiful message. I too, am sickened by our election. I was ready to watch history be made and toast to madame president. I don’t understand how so many people feel an ignorant, racist, bigot should be our leader and represent our country. I’m scared for our future. Love trumps hate #imstillwithher
Thank you for saying something about the election on your blog. I obviously don’t read your blog for any political insights, but tuesday’s results have left a lingering sadness that cannot be shaken regardless of where I look for a reprieve. It is very comforting to know that I am in good company with my feelings on the election and I support a blogger who believes in all the things you listed above.
Since when does love have to marry acceptance? I can love my neighbor as myself and still disagree with them. What we have lost is respect for others who do not believe the same as us. That is what makes America great. Standing up for what is right even when it is unpopular.
Can’t wait for winter shape up! Now having met you both in person over the last year I can’t wait to join you kicking my butt and trying new recipes during the WSU!
Thanks Kelli!
Thank you for speaking up about the elections. It still feels like I woke up in another country — one I am not so sure wants me here.
Gina – There are so many people that do want you here. Please don’t let a minority of people in this country make you feel that way.
Thank you – I appreciate that. XO
I want you here – and I know many others do, too. Hang in there. xo
Thank you. You have always been so kind, and have remained so even after your audience grew.
Thank you for reading! <3
Thank you Anne for saying your truth. I too have been very emotionally charged and scared for what my country has become. This is not a republican/democrat issue. This is a basic human decency issue, and I applaud you for putting the “difficult to deal with” issues on your blog as well.
great message Anne, and could not agree more. We all have the right to voice our opinion, and you did it very eloquently. i was stunned, but if we can all focus on acceptance, love, and doing our part daily, we’ll all be ok.
btw–love all the photos from CA!
Thank you for addressing the elephant in the room. I can really respect the way you brought this up! As a now Washingtonian that comes from a very rural, very red area, I can see that DC is a bubble and those other areas do need help, but this man is not the answer for so many reasons. I’m still shocked honestly (and slept horribly, was stressed all week and came down with a cold for the first time in a long time!) but prepared to fight for what is right – hope you are, too!
Thank you, Anne, for your comments about the election! I appreciate that for many bloggers this is their livelihood and so they don’t want to alienate readers by commenting on the results. But some issues are too important to keep quiet on and I’m glad you risked speaking up. I think we will all need to step up and speak our minds for the next four years to defend people whose rights will surely be in jeopardy.
Thank you Brynn.
Thanks Anne to speak up about the elections. I have been avoiding blogs for a week because I couldn’t stand the idea of reading about food, fitness and clothes during this tragic moment for American democracy. Now it’s time to find answers to this election. Why did we get there? It’s also time to be really inclusive, not only with those who share our views, but with everybody out there, listen to their voices, their reason, their discontent with Obama’s administration and grow together.
Seriously, thank you for using your blog as a public platform for political thought (and if I may add, for human decency)
I absolutely agree. We need to understand and listen to both sides, now more than ever.
Just wanted to throw out my support for you speaking about the election. <3
I worded that so weird. Wake up brain. I meant I support you not that I’m throwing my support for you out in the trash haha
Thank you! :)