Quick Health Upgrades...

Sip green tea instead of coffee just three times a week. Not only does it boost your immune system, but it also contains catechins, an antioxidant that speeds up metabolism. In fact, studies indicate that people who drink it daily can burn up to 80 more calories per day, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D., a Chicago-based spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

Fill up on 25 to 30 grams of fiber every day. "It absorbs water and makes you feel fuller, so you eat less," says David Katz, M.D., director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center. The best sources: beans, greens, whole-grain cereals and breads, and brightly colored fruit, such as blueberries.

Start taking an omega-3 supplement. These important fatty acids, which include EPA (eicosapentaenoic) and DHA (docosahexaenoic), have been shown to fight inflammation in the body and to protect the heart, skin, and immune system. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega (nordicnaturals.com) is a quality variety that contains both. To get omegas from food, sprinkle flaxseed over yogurt and salads, and eat three ounces of salmon twice a week.

Add two at-home exercises to your routine. Do push-ups (start with 10 per day, and work your way up to 30), and try "the swimmer." Just lie on your belly with arms and legs extended in the air, fluttering your right arm and left leg simultaneously, then your left arm and right leg. Begin with just 10 seconds every day, and slowly build to a full minute. "These moves will give you rapid results, and you can do them in your living room," says Keli Roberts, a certified fitness trainer at Equinox in Pasadena, California.

Double up on the stairs. New research from Pennsylvania State University suggests that taking two at a time burns 90 more calories per hour and provides a 13-percent bigger metabolic boost than climbing them one by one. While you're at it, skip valet parking, speed up your walking pace, and choose parking spots at the back of the lot to sneak in a stealth workout.

Wake up -- and go to bed -- at the same time every day. "Adequate sleep is important for blood pressure, weight control, and mood," says Julie Roth, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. Aim for seven to eight hours of z's per night (the amount most adults require). To adjust to the new schedule, set your alarm clock for a consistent time, and move your bedtime 15 minutes earlier every few days until you reach your goal

Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Get Wedding-Ready Guide

Do you want to re-vamp the challenge?

So here is what I'm thinking...

Starting January 3rd we weigh in and challenge ourselves weekly to meet a goal.  The first goal could be to go to the gym 4 times that week and doing at least 20 minutes of cardio each time.  During the week we can blog about what we are eating, healthy recipes we're trying, and the workouts we are doing.  Do you think we should keep up with weekly weigh ins or do it on a monthly basis? 

I have an idea!

So when we started this Challenge we were both having success but then life got in the way.  Why don't we kick off again after the New Year?  We can jump on the weight loss band wagon and with the holidays over we won't have anymore excuses for pigging out!

Thoughts?

Dec 13

Well, it's December 13 and I started the TSB Challenge more than 8 weeks ago...my progress?  None.

Now that classes are slowing down, I need to make more of an effort of heading to the gym.  This weekend's ski trip was successful, but I am SO out of shape...my legs were KILLING me after only a few hours.  Back to the gym for me!

9:30am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (350 cal)

10:30am yogurt (90 cal)
11:30am pb&j, corn (380 cal)
2:30pm popcorn (240 cal)
3:20pm banana (100 cal)
5:00pm cream of wheat w sugar (240 cal)

Total calories:1,400

Starting Fresh..

Well, it is no secret that the last 7 weeks of my life have been a little crazy.  I did a lot of thinking this weekend and have come up with an eating plan for the next 7 days(Monday-Sunday).  I'm going to mix in some of the 'Fat Flush Detox' recipes into my eating plan. 

Here is a little glimpse into what I will be eating:

Breakfast-Smoothie(tablespoon protein, 1/2-1 cup fruit, 8oz cranwater, teaspoon flaxseed oil)
Snack-10 Almonds
Lunch-2 slices of turkey with 1 piece of wheat bread
Snack-10 dried cranberries
Dinner-Chicken and Vegetables

I need to get back into the gym.  I will be at the gym 4 times a week doing a minimum of 20 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights.  It is time to stop saying I'm going to do it and just do it.

Dec. 9

8:30 am coffee, oatmeal (330 cal)

10:15am chips, yogurt (240 cal)

12:00pm soup, cream of whear (300 cal)  I am uber hungry today!
2:30pm coffee, banana (130 cal)
3:00pm apple (100 cal)  STILL hungry!
4:30pm leftovers OG, 1 breadstick, pasta (350 cal)

Total calories 1,450

Dec. 8

8:30am oatmeal, coffee (330 cal)
10:00am english muffin, banana (200 cal)
12:15pm soup, oatmeal, chips (450 cal)
5:00pm cheerios, chips, cupcake (AHH! 400 cal)
6:30pm Olive Garden -salad, breadstick shrimp primavera 900 cal)
9:45pm pack of m & ms (130 cal)

Dec. 7

8:20am oatmeal, coffee, blueberries (330 cal)

9:30am english muffin, coffee (130 cal)

11:30 english muffin, coffee (130 cal)  I'm seeing a trend!  And I also need to go grocery shopping!
12:15pm soup, roll (280 cal)
3:00pm oatmeal (120 cal)
4:45pm pasta with corn, peanut m&ms (600 cal)
8:00 cheerios, green tea cupcake (500 cal)

Total calories: 2,090

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

The weather is cold, the snow has started to fall, and my skin could not be drier.  I apply what feels like pounds of lotion to my body and still my skin is so dry.  So what does one do?  Start to drink massive amounts of water! I’m going back to my old ways and will be drinking 64 ounces of our water/cranwater a day.  This morning when I woke up I dusted off my trusty nalgen bottle and filled it will the miracle liquid I call Cranwater.  Not only will the Cranwater help me to rehydrate but it also detoxifies the liver and reduces cellulite…. Two birds, one stone(or in this case three birds).

What do you do to keep your skin hydrated during this notoriously dry time?

Dec. 6 - diet

10:00am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (400 cal)
12:30pm crackers, soup, 2 english muffins (550 cal)
2:45pm almonds (100 cal)
3:30pm yogurt, coffee (120 cal)
4:05pm okay I am starving! green beans (40 cal)
4:30pm 3 rice cakes with jelly (170 cal) - soo hungry!
8:30pm pasta with corn and butter, m&ms (600 cal)

Total calories: 1,980

I have been awful.  For the past month (IDK what has gotten into me), but I have been eating NONSTOP and not working out, which is a deadly combo!  I HAVE to start getting in to the routine of going to the gym and eating healthy asap.  I need to go to the market after class tonight and buy more protein rich food, because I stay most satisfied then.  I am keeping my calories to about 1,800-2,000 and working out at least four or five times a week.  I had to take a team picture at work and when I saw it, I nearly died.  I look AWFUL - bloated and swollen and I had no neck!  It's time to change gears and get back.

Dec. 3

9:15am oatmeal, coffee (350 cal)

11:00am half protein bar (140 cal)

12:30pm 2 english muffins, soup (250 cal)
2:45pm apple (100 cal)  I'd rather be eating cupcakes all day! 
5:00pm half cheese sandwich, cashews, triscuits (500 cal)

1,340

Dec. 2

8:30am coffee, oatmeal (320 cal)
10:50am english muffin, yogurt (200 cal)
12:15pm english muffin, soup (250 cal)
3:15pm half protein bar (140 cal)
5:00pm pasta with corn, broccoli and cashew (600 cal)

Total calories: 1,650

What a weekend!

I've never been a big fan of Thanksgiving but this year I made up for my lack of interest in the holiday.  I completely missed the weigh in on Friday due to my food coma but I can guarantee it wouldn't have been pretty.


Let's definitely extend the competition until late December!

Nov. 29, 2010 - diet

8:00am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (300 cal)

10:00am english muffin (100 cal)

10:30am english muffin (100 cal)

12:30pm soup, chips, yogurt (350 cal)
3:30pm 2 bananas, almonds (300 cal)
5:45pm apple (100 cal)
9:00pm pasta with shrimp, snack size m&ms (500 cal)

Total calories: 1,750

No workout, but I walked 2 miles during my two breaks during the day.

Day after Thanksgiving and Black Friday and I...

....am the fattest person in the world!

I think we should extend this contest until Christmas eve morning to let us catch up for a few weeks.  Whaddya say?!

Nov. 24, 2010 - diet

8:30am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (300 cal)

10:30am english muffin (100 cal)

1:00pm 2 muffins from DD - who's the fattest girl in the world?!  (720 cal)

7:00pm mini Thanksgiving dinner (1,000 cal)

Total calories:

Eggnog will be the death of me!

So let me tell you a little story..  In an attempt to make my morning a little easier I laid out my outfit for today last night.  I woke up this morning, showered, did my hair, and put on my predetermined outfit.. and what would you know???  I hate it!  It’s an outfit I’ve worn a million times before but this morning it made me feel uncomfortable and large.  I went in my closet and put on a pair of black pants and a sweater and again starting back in the mirror is a stuffed sausage.  Have you ever had one of those mornings where nothing you put on fits?

I don’t understand what happened!  Last week I was actually starting to fill thinner then wham today I can barely fit into any of my clothes.  I started to think about what I’ve been eating and then I realized.. all  the sweets I’ve been eating have clearly caught up with me.  Since the incident with my family I’ve had very little appetite, in fact all I want to eat it cookies , French fries, and egg nog.  I’ve been trying to stop that by eating almonds and cranberries for breakfast and a balance bar in the late afternoon.  I’ve never been a milk drinker but for some reason this year I cannot get enough egg nog.  Obviously I know that egg nog isn’t good for you but I didn’t think a glass a night was that bad.  I can now safely say that eating nothing but sweets and egg nog makes you fat! 

I can’t believe how tight all my clothes were this morning.  It really is true what my trainer says about how eating is the most crucial part of weight loss and maintaining your weight.  He always tells me that the workout is only 20% of it.

Nov. 23, 2010 - diet

8:30am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (400 cal)
10:00am english muffin, banana (200 cal)
12:30pm minestrone soup, wrap (300 cal)
4:30pm Organic Valley bar (140 cal)
5:40pm Shredded Mini Wheats (500 cal)
10:00pm spaghetti squash, bite of apple tart (150 cal)
10:30pm popcorn (100 cal)

Total calories: 1,800

4.5 mile walk

Nov. 22, 2010 - diet

9:30am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (500 cal)
12:00pm minestrone soup, crackers (400 cal)
2:30pm spaghetti squash (150 cal)
4:00pm spaghetti squash, frosted mini wheats (560 cal)
9:30pm popcorn, ice cream (350 cal)

Total calories: 1,960


1.5 mile walk

Only two more Friday!!!

193!  Can we get the current standings?  Who has to lose what weight to weigh? 

Nov. 18, 2010 - diet

It's the BF's bday today, and I made a strawberry upside down cake topped with homemade whipped cream - delicious (but not in the least bit fat-free!).

8:15am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (250 cal)
11:00am banana (100 cal)
12:00pm soup, red pepper with hummus on wrap, scoop pb (550 cal)
2:45pm apple (100 cal)
5:00pm cashews (150 cal)
7:00pm Hibachi - soup & salad, chicken, rice, veggies (900 cal?)
9:00pm strawberry upside down cake (mm good!), tea (200 cal)

1.5 mile walk - where is my gym motivation?  I haven't been in TWO weeks.
I've also been SO busy...I've had something almost every night of the week (but I'm not complaining, it's all fun stuff).

Nov. 17, 2010 - diet

8:30am oatmeal w blueberries (300 cal)
10:30am roll, squash (200 cal)
12:00pm turkey sandwich w cranberry, roll, soup (400 cal)
3:00pm roll, Greek yogurt (200 cal)
5:00pm mashed potatoes, corn, turkey, cashews (600 cal)
7:30pm half a banana walnut muffin (100 cal)
10:00pm popcorn (150 cal)

Total calories: 1,950

Oh Gym... How I've missed you!

At the end of the summer I had lost my interest in the gym.  I was only going when I had personal training and because of that I was feeling tired, sluggish, and let's face it FAT.  Over the past few weeks I've slowly been going more and more.  I think I've finally found my motivation again and it feels great.   Last week I was at the gym four times and so far this week I've been there twice, three times after personal training tonight.


The best part of the gym is regardless of how bad my day is going or how stressed I am, the gym takes it all away.  I walk out feeling refreshed.  Now that I've started going again I've noticed my appetite has increased, its still not where it use to be.  In fact, I'm not sure if I have an appetite because of the gym or because Aunt Flo is in town.  All I've wanted to eat the past four days is chocolate, salt, and greasy food.


Yesterday I ate:


-1/2 fiber one pop tart
-Small piece of coffee cake
-Handful of crackers with port cheese
-Cheese quesadilla with mushrooms
-Chocolate chip cookie
-Bowl of Cereal
-3 girl scout thin mints


ie... All junk food.

Nov. 16, 2010 - diet

Still have a residual headache, but hopefully today will be better than yesterday.

8:40am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (320 cal)
10:45am grapes (100 cal)
12:10pm cup of noodles soup, turkey sandwich, 4 tootsie rolls (410 cal)
4:30pm cashews (150 cal)
7:30pm mini Thanksgiving!  turkey, cranberry sauce, squash, mashed potatoes, corn, shrimp cocktail, cheese and crackers, 3 beers, a slice of pumpkin roulade mm mm! (1,000 cal)

Total calories: 1,980

No workout today, since I had to make the pumpkin roulade right after work...the holidays and birthday really screw me up and the next two weeks are going to be tough (BF's birthday, Thanksgiving).

Nov. 15, 2010 - diet

9:20am oatmeal with blueberries (200 cal)
10:30am almonds (100 cal)
12:30pm turkey sandwich on oat bread, grapes (400 cal)
3:00pm popcorn, almonds (200 cal) 
5:30pm salad, 2 eggs, dressing (300 cal)


Total calories: 1,200


Workout:
1.5 mile walk

I had the worst ever killer headache when I got home from class...I think it was a migraine.  I went straight to bed at 10 and slept until 7:15!  Ay ye ye!

Nov. 11, 2010 - diet

8:30am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (250 cal)

I know for a fact now that my body thrives on marginally more calories than a typical 'diet'.  Since I've bumped up my intake to about 1,800-2,000, I've felt a ton better and I have been noticing better results.

Another Friday.. Another Weigh In

I had another PT session yesterday and I'm starting to feel a lot better about myself physically, it's also helping to release a little tension.  For this weeks weigh in .... 192.3

Slow and steady wins the race

Nov. 11, 2010 - diet

8:20am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (200 cal)

9:15am almonds (100 cal)
10:30am tortilla, strawberries (200 cal)
12:10pm  salad with baked chicken, scoop pb (400 cal)
2:00pm FAGE yogurt (130 cal)

Total calories: 1,030

I have noticed that every time I get these bouts of exhaustion, my face is puffy and I am ravenous.  My endocrinologist says it has to do with my thyroid hormones fluctuating which is why sometimes my antibodies are up, giving me classic hypothyroidism symptoms, or down giving me hyperthyroid symptoms.  Hashimoto's disease means that your antibodies attack your thyroid thinking it is something that doesn't belong in your body, so when they are high, my thyroid functions less - leaving me puffy, bloated, retaining fluid, exhausted, constipated and dry skin all over.  It's an awful cycle and the meds aren't working (I have to have blood work and visit every 6 weeks to find a dosage that works and to start, I'm on a very low dose).  I have blood work the week after next and I go to see her in Jan.  But I feel awful.  Last night, I was at Target and left abruptly, running home to my bed because I thought I was going to pass out.  I slept from 10 until 7 like a rock. I plan on showing this post to my Dr. to make a record of when/how I feel:

First experienced dizziness and heart palpitations, as well as dry skin and scalp, then came the puffiness and exhaustion.
----------------------------------------------
Dizziness
Cold
Exhausted
Puffy, swollen eyes/face
Dry skin, scalp
Heart Palpitations

Food & Workout Log

Wednesday-November 10th 
9am-Cinnamon raisin English muffin with peanut butter
11am-Cup of green tea with FiberOne pop tart
1pm-Salad: 1/2 cup lettuce, tablespoon shredded carrots, tablespoon cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup pasta salad, 1 1/2 tablespoons Ranch, two leftover baked chicken tenders from night before.
3pm-3 mini halloween candies
7pm-Pizza Night!  3 slices cheese pizza from medium pizza hut pizza

Workout-It was a busy night and I barely had time to workout.  I only did 22 minutes on the Elliptical but something is better then nothing, right?

Still not sleeping and sorry for being tmi but I'm not pooping either :(

Nov. 10, 2010 - diet

8:20am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (250 cal)

10:00am banana (100 cal)

11:30am tortilla (90 cal)

12:20pm soup, peanut butter scoop (400 cal)
1:45pm green beans, tootsie roll (60 cal)
3:00pm apple (80 cal)
4:30pm shepherd's pie, 4 graham crackers (640 cal)
8:30pm popcorn (200 cal)

Total calories:1,620

I have been soo tired lately and I have no idea why, so I've really been skimping on the gym.  It's a vicious cycle - the gym gives me energy, but when I'm too tired, I don't go.

Where has my appetitie gone?

The past two weeks I've had little to no appetite.  Here is what I've eaten the past two days:

Monday-November 8th

9am-Cinnamon raison english muffin with peanut butter
11am-Cup of green tea with FiberOne pop tart
1pm-1/2 cup of homemade Chilli with 1/2 cup lettuce
6:30pm-Small bowl of Hamburger Helper with two small piece of garlic bread

No Monday Workout. 

Tuesday-November 9th 
9am-Cinnamon raisin English muffin with peanut butter
11am-Cup of green tea with FiberOne pop tart
1pm-1/2 cup of homemade Chili with 1/2 cup lettuce
3pm-Chocolate Chip Cookie
7pm-2 chicken tenders(baked with flax seed oil, garlic, and onion)with brown rice and corn

Tuesday Work-Personal Training focused on lower body.

I'm not even eating because I'm hungry, more so I have energy.  I'm also only sleeping like 4 hours a night,  I took Tylenol pm last night and went to sleep for 45 minutes and then was wide eyed and bushy tailed.  So annoying!!  Hopefully I will sleep better because I worked out.

Nov. 9, 2010 - diet

8:20am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (250 cal)
10:00am torilla (90 cal)
11:30am roll (100 cal)
12:30pm 6" turkey on honey oat from Subway (360 cal)
2:35pm apple (100 cal)
3:40pm tootsie roll (25 cal)
4:15pm apple cinnamon granola bar (140 cal)
5:30pm shepherd's pie, triscuits (700 cal)


Total calories: 1,875

Nov. 8, 2010 - diet

9:20am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (250 cal)
12:00pm roll, shepherd's pie (500 cal) 
3:00pm apple, tortilla (190 cal) 
4:40pm cottage cheese, 2 tootsie rolls (130 cal) 
5:30pm med. cappucino, protein bar (280 cal)
9:45pm shepherd's pie, popcorn (500 cal)


Total calories: 1,850


Mondays are always messed up because I have class at 6 and I go until I get home around 10 to eat.  I also wasn't able to get in any exercise.  I really would like to get into the habit of waking up early and heading to the gym, but it's super difficult to move my butt in the morning - especially when it's cold!

Nov. 7, 2010 - diet

8:30am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (250 cal)
10:30am latte (100 cal)
12:30pm pb and j, almonds, chips (700 cal)
3:30pm pb and j (400 cal)
5:00pm pretzels loaded with Reese's pieces, chocolate and sugar! (700 cal)
11:30pm shepherd's pie (200 cal)


Total calories 2,350

I was so bad today!  I got a new Kitchen-Aid mixer (so excited) and made (and consumed many!) pretzels (JUST like Auntie Anne's) and a shepherd's pie.  Little to no exercise (1.5 mile walk), but the BF and I did attend the home show, so we got in a moderate amount of exercise.  Back on track tomorrow!

Nov. 6, 2010 - diet

10:45am oatmeal with blueberries, eggs with veggies & cheese, coffee (350 cal)

1:45pm pb&j on oat bread (460 cal)
2:30pm almonds (200 cal)
4:30pm shrimp arriabiata (500 cal)
9:30pm leftover pasta (300 cal)

Total calories: 1,900

Workout:

Biceps, triceps

20 min. elliptical

1.5 mile walk

Drink Up!

I recently read this is a magazine:  The no-cost magic elixir that melts pounds!

'Suprise-it's plain old tap water!  In a just-released study out of Virginia Tech, dieters who drank two 8-oz glasses of water before breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 12 weeks ate 90 fewer calories per meal-and lost five more pounds-than dieters who didn't take pre-meal sips!  The reason is simple: Water fills you up, so you east less without feeling hungry, explain the researchers.'

Nov. 5, 2010 - diet

9:30am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (300 cal)
11:00am banana (100 cal) 
12:00pm egg salad sandwich, red pepper (300 cal) 
2:15pm apple, tortilla (160 cal) 
5:00pm PB and J sandwich, jalapeno crunchies (700 cal)
8:00pm protein shake with blueberries and almond milk (160 cal)
9:45pm popcorn (100 cal)


Total calories 1,820


Workout:
Abs, legs
30 min. bike, 1.5 mile walk

Thoughts on today:

Woohoo!  Today was (mostly) back on track. I bumped my calories up to 1,800 because I actually find my body reacts better to more calories.  Have you ever noticed that when you eat a little extra for a few days, sometimes you feel thinner?  I don't mean anall-out pig fest, but a healthy amount of calories from healthy foods?  I do...and I'm thinking that since I literally ingested almost 2,500 calories pre-diet, that the 1,000 calorie deficiency messed my body up (which is why it was holding on to the fat!).  After a few days of eating extra, I'm seeing better results (I haven't noticed any weight loss, but I definitely see more definition), so I bumped it up 200 calories.  I think on workout days, I can probably go as high as 2,000 calories, but sometimes I don't want all that food and I also want to create a little wiggle room for the weekends :)

I got this great email from my gym today.. Check it out!

You may end up taking a step back for every step forward if you indulge too much over the weekend. Do your best to stay on a healthy course by coming in for workout and following some of these tips.

 

Healthy Lifestyle Tip: Weekend Overload
After being "good" all week, many of us feel we deserve a treat on the weekend. The problem is, unless we're careful, even a few treats can easily provide more calories than we've saved during the week.

 

Not surprisingly, the foods that tend to be available when we're relaxing or socializing are often high in calories and fat, and nutritional information is not always available to enable us to work out just how many calories they contain. This means we often end up guessing the calorie content – and usually end up considerably underestimating! The trick is to plan your indulgences so that you can have some fun while staying on track with your goals. Try these tips for a healthy weekend:

• Avoid a free-for-all weekend. Instead, choose one or two treats to enjoy and continue eating healthy the rest of the time.
   
• Avoid rewarding yourself with food. If you've been eating healthy all week, it's natural to want to reward yourself with something tasty. That kind of thinking can set you back. Instead of food, reward yourself with a trip to the movies, a good book, a massage or exercise gear.
   
• Keep moving. If you like to rest on the weekends, why not make your rests more active? Spend time taking a long walk with friends.

If you have had a few unplanned treats, do not think, "I've blown it" and give up. You work too hard to let a couple of days undo everything. Stay on track but still enjoy the weekend.

Source: Consumer Report on Health, June 2010

Nov. 4, 2010 - diet

9:00am oatmeal, banana, almonds, coffee (400 cal)
11:45am peanut butter sandwich, popcorn (500 cal) 
3:30pm Jalapeno crunchies (200 cal) 
7:00pm Olive Garden - Shrimp Bordetto, roll, coffee, diet coke, salad (700 cal)
10:00pm ice cream and nutter butters (700 cal)


Total calories - 2,500 (OMG!)


I've been in such a funk and I really need to shake it off....I haven't been eating healthy, which in turn, leaves me feeling gross and bloated.  I'm getting back on track tomorrow - for good!

I'm back to blogging and boy do these sound delicous!

Have I ever told you that I have a girl crush on Bethenny Frankel?  Well I do.  I wasn't the biggest fan of her book(wish it had more recipes in it) but I love her website.  I haven't made these yet but I'm considering making them this weekend.

Pumpkin Spice MuffinsMakes 1 dozen

 

Ingredients:

3 cups oat flour

2 cups raw sugar

2 T unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1 ½ cups canned pumpkin

½ cup water

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon cloves

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 ½ cups dried cranberries

¼ cup unsalted walnuts

12 muffin cups

 

 

Directions:

 

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine raw sugar, melted butter, oil, eggs, pumpkin and water. Beat for 90 seconds, or until well mixed.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices, stirring until no streaks remain.
3. Combine flour mixture and pumpkin mixture. Stir in nuts and cranberries; stirring only until all ingredients are mixed.
4. Cover batter and allow to set at room temperature for 60 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F.
6. Place muffin cups in muffin holders and fill 2/3 of the way full.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until muffins tops spring back when lightly touched.
8. If the muffins will be frozen, allow to cool for 1 hour, then tightly wrap in plastic wrap; store in freezer zipper bags.
9. To reheat, wrap loosely in foil and bake for 5-10 minutes at 350F. Or they may be reheated in the microwave wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel.

Nov. 3, 2010 - diet

8:30am eggs with veggies & cheese, oatmeal w bb, coffee (350 cal) 
10:30am half a tortilla (40 cal) 
11:00am banana (80 cal)
12:30pm egg salad sandwich, grapes (350 cal) 
2:15pm tortilla, apple (160 cal) 
4:45pm turkey burger on bun, broccoli (400 cal) 
8:30pm popcorn, hot chocolate (180 cal)
9:45pm 1/2 cup ice cream with whipped cream, sprinkles (200 cal)

Total calories:1,760

Workout:

7:00am 1.5 mile walk
5:30pm 1.5 mile walk
Chest, back, abs

Nov. 2, 2010 - diet

VOTE!!!

9:00am eggs with cheese, mushrooms, onions and spinach, oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (350 cal)
10:45am cashews (350 cal) 
11:45am trail mix bar, toast with jelly (I'm really hungry today!) (300 cal)
2:00pm Twizzlers Nibs (150 cal) 
3:45pm oatmeal, Arnold breadroll (300 cal) 
7:00pm chicken, rice, broccoli (350 cal) 
9:30pm chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate - oops (650 cal)


Total calories: 2,450 - YIKES!


Workout:
3 mile walk
60 min. spin class

Thoughts on today:
I had chocolate in my house, which is my number one no-no because I find it hard to resist...especially when I'm reading or watching TV, it's so easy to pop a chocolate into my mouth and let it melt.  With the amount of exercise I did, I definitely burned about 500-600 calories, which still brought me in about 1700 calories for the day, which I'm okay with.  Had I not indulged (and I certainly didn't need to), I would have been ahead of the game.  Tomorrow is a new day and I REALLY need to get back on track.

Nov. 1, 2010 - diet

8:30am eggs with cheese, spinach, mushrooms and onions (120 cal)

9:15am oatmeal with blueberries, coffee (200 cal)
10:30am tortilla (120 cal) 
12:20pm salad with grilled chicken, grapes (400 cal)
2:45pm scoop pb (400 cal)
4:45pm cottage cheese with blueberries, apple (200 cal) 
9:45pm almonds (130 cal)
10:30pm pasta (200 cal)

Total calories: 1,770


Workout:
Out of class too late (9:45!), so I didn't get to the gym, but I walked 1.5 miles this morning with Roxy :)

Starting fresh

After an extended birthday/weekend in NY and eating like a maniac (pizza, Magnolia cupcakes, twizzlers, m&ms, wine, wine and more wine), I decided to start fresh on Monday and get back to eating healthy, whole meals.

Let's hope I can get back into the groove and maybe undo some of the damage I did the past 4-5 days.

Another weigh in!

Drum Roll Please... 195!! 


Halloween is going to be the death of me!  Today I must have eaten at least 10 pieces of candy!!

Oct. 29, 2010 - diet

9:30am oatmeal with blueberries (180 cal)

11:30pm tortilla w pb (180 cal)

12:30pm soup (200 cal)

3:30pm pasta w broccoli, almonds (300 cal)
9:45pm pasta w broccoli, almonds, popcorn (500 cal)


Total calories: 1,400

Workout
35 min. bike


Thoughts on today
Not very well rounded...no protein.  I was kind of hungover ;(

Oct. 28, 2010 - diet

It's my birthday and I'll have cake if I want, cake if I want to, cake if I want.  You would have cake too, if it happened to youuuuuuuu! 

9:00am oatmeal with fruit, coffee (200 cal)

10:30am tortilla (80 cal)
12:00pm three bean salad, salad (400 cal)
2:30pm apple, pb (200 cal)
3:30pm tortilla, green beans, how exciting (I've been STARVING 150 cal)
5:30pm scoop pb, banana (130 cal)
8:00pm sushi, 5 glasses of wine, cake and ice cream (too many!)

Total calories: 1,030

Workout:
25 min. bike

Happy Birthday to You!!!!!

Happy Birthday!!  Today is the one day you can have your cake and eat it too!!  Hope you have a fabulous day and all your birthday wishes come true :)

Oct. 27, 2010 - diet

8:30am eggs with cheese, oatmeal with fruit, coffee (300 cal)
11:00am apple, tortilla (130 cal)
12:30pm three bean salad, salad with balsamic vinaigrette, pb (700 cal)
4:00pm 2 rice cakes, tortilla (100 cal)
5:30pm pasta w broccoli, cupcake (580 cal)
10:00pm twizzlers, goldfish, cupcake (400 cal)

Total calories: 2,210 


Workout
3 mile walk
Legs

Thoughts on today: I went a little overboard today....I am really frustrated with losing weight (or lack therof).  I know 'quitting' won't do me any good, but I'm sick of eating like a saint and not seeing any results!

Wanna lose weight?

Nothing is better for losing weight then a family tragedy.  In the past two days I've eaten a bagel with cream cheese, three baby carrots, a medium ice coffee from dunkin donuts, 1/2 a chicken taco, and a balance bar.

I didn't get to the gym yesterday but I went tonight and did 35 minutes of cardio.  I had to cancel my personal training session for Thursday because I don't know what my schedule will be like, my father's sister is coming to town, but that means I'll have a week where I can double up. 

I'm trying to get to the gym as much as possible to release some stress.  The cardio tonight helped me get through the insurance paperwork for my parents and making more phone calls to family and friends.

I'm working a full day tomorrow at work and have prepared a healthy lunch, at some point my appetite will come back and I want to be prepared with all things healthy.  I'll let you know when it comes back!

Oct. 26, 2010 - diet

8:30am eggs with cheese, oatmeal with blueberries, strawberries, coffee (300 cal)
11:00am tortilla (50 cal)
12:00pm three bean salad, salad with balsamic vinaigrette (450 cal)
1:30pm apple, 2 tbsp pb (280 cal)
3:00pm tortilla, scoop pb (100 cal)
5:00pm eggs with cheese, oatmeal with blueberries, strawberries (300 cal)
9:00pm protein shake with blueberries, strawberries & almond milk (150 cal)
10:00pm apple, English muffin (200 cal)


Total calories: 1,830


Workout:
Back, triceps, biceps, chest

Oct. 25, 2010 - diet

8:30am oatmeal with strawberries and blueberries, eggs with cheese (300 cal)
11:00am 2 tortilla (100 cal) 
12:00pm 3 bean salad, scoop of pb (550 cal)
2:45pm apple, scoop pb (200 cal) 
4:30pm egg white in tortilla, green beans (160 cal) 
5:30pm almonds, latte (200 cal)
9:30pm protein shake (150 cal)
10:15pm english muffin (100 cal)


Total calories: 1,760


Workout:
Abs, shoulders

Oct. 24, 2010 - diet

9:30am oatmeal with strawberries and blueberries, coffee (300 cal)

11:30am almonds (200 cal)

1:30am two english muffins with peanut butter (330 cal)

4:00pm apple (80 cal)

5:30pm eggs w cheese, oatmeal (350 cal)
8:00pm three bean salad (350 cal) 
10:30pm Kashi bar (160 cal)

Total calories: 1,760

Workout:

4 mile walk

Oct. 23, 2010 - diet

Cheat day!

9:00am eggs, oatmeal/grits with blueberries, strawberries (300 cal)
11:30am almonds, latte (200 cal)
3:30pm apple, goldfish (120 cal)
5:30pm 1/2 Auntie Annie's cinnamon sugar pretzel dipped in icing (350 cal)
7:00pm Texas Roadhouse - 2 rolls with cinnamon sugar butter, salad with lo fat ranch, 1/2 slab ribs, fries, 220z. Bud Light, peanuts
9:30pm chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream with whipped cream and m&ms, Twizzlers and orange juice


I figured I totaled about 3,000-3,500 calories for today.  The BF and I went to the outlets, so we walked for about 7 hours, which hopefully negated some of the extra calories.  As long as I negate the calories outside of my maintenance calories (which is about 2,000 calories for me to stay the same), then I don't mind eating this much...and trust me, it's needed after being strict all week! I probably could have done without the Auntie Annie's pretzels and Twizzlers!

Oct. 22, 2010 - diet

Updated half marathon entry with finish line picture! 

8:30am eggs with onions, mushrooms, peppers, coffee, 6 grain blend with strawberries & blueberries (300 cal) 
12:30pm taco salad, tortilla (300 cal) I basically eat the same thing everyday! 
2:15pm apple w peanut butter - I love PB, but due to how calorie dense it is, I know I need to cut back! (250 cal)
4:50pm egg salad on english muffin with mayo (400 cal) 
9:30pm burrito, 10 m&ms, two twizzlers, scoop of PB (oops) (400 cal)

Total calories: 1,650

Workout:

Chest, biceps

Thoughts on today:  I've been really hungry lately and I'm not sure why.  I haven't really been working out as much this week, so it's definitely not due to activity levels.  My weight loss halted a bit probably due to my pig out on Sunday after the race...this could be the reason I'm so hungry too.  I also have been skimping on protein, which I know I need to increase again versus relying on carbs.  I have a cheat meal tomorrow (despite a minor 'cheat' tonight) - looking forward to wine, a nice meal and dessert mm mmm!

4th Weigh In

196.4... Totally disgusted

Where did it go?

At the start of summer I had this burning desire to lose weight and get fit, I worked out religiously from mid-June until I left for vacation to Wildwood in August.  I felt great and had lost about 20 pounds.  Now I find myself at the end of October feeling bloated and heavy.

I worked out with my trainer tonight and was shocked at how hard the workout was.  In August when I worked out with my trainer, the session would be tough but I wouldn't struggle through it like I did tonight.

I don't know what happened.  Where did my motivation go?  How can it be there one day and not the next?  I cheated and weighed myself after the session today and was shocked at the number on the scale.  Two months ago I had made it to the one 180s and now I'm nearing 200!!!  As a side note-My trainer says that weighing yourself first thing in the morning before you've eaten anything is your most accurate weight.

I've been talking about my lack of motivation for awhile now but tonight when I was looking at myself in the mirror I was disgusted.  How have I let this happen again? 

So what am I going to do?  This week I got back into going to the gym.  I did 30-35 minutes of cardio on Tuesday/Wednesday and today I did 10 minutes of cardio plus my 30 minutes training session. 

I've said this before but I hope it sticks this time- I really need to commit to my workout sessions.  Now that I'm sitting in a cubicle the majority of the day I need to increase my activity when I'm not at work.  I'm still wearing my pedometer and averaging 4300 steps a day but I need to do more.  I want to get to the gym 3 mornings during the work week for a cardio session 20-30 minutes and then do weight training 4 times a week. 

I'm working on creating my meal plan for the next 7 days.  I'll let you know on what I decide.

Oct. 21, 2010 - diet

8:30am coffee, eggs with mushrooms, broccoli, onions & peppers, 6 grain blend cereal with blueberries & strawberries (300 cal)

10:30am banana, sunflower seed butter (300 cal) - IDK why, but I was starving!
12:15pm taco salad, tortilla - still hungry! What gives? (250 cal)
2:40pm cottage cheese w blueberries (200 cal)
5:00pm oatmeal/grits (I was cold! But missing protein here) with blueberries & strawberries, 1/2 granola bar (500 cal)
9:00pm protein shake with blueberries, strawberries & an apple, wrap w pb (380 cal)

Total calories: 1,930

Workout:
I didn't get to the gym last night, so I crammed a lot of my weight training into tonight.  I focused on abs, back, triceps and legs.  Next up is chest and biceps.  Need to get in some cardio badly!

Thoughts on today:  Pretty good.  Got a sweet new 'do.  And by sweet I mean incredibly short.  Guess that's what happens when you tell the stylist to do as she pleases.  It's a nice change and I like change.  I was also SO hungry all day today and not sure why.  I need to start eating more hard boiled eggs again.

Oct. 20, 2010 - diet

9:00am coffee, eggs with mushrooms, broccoli, onions & peppers, 6 grain blend (whole grain oats, wheat, rye, barley, triticale and flaxseed) with blueberries (300 cal) - the hot cereal blend made me so full...it's a weird consistency, kind of rice-y, but good!
12:00pm taco salad (taco meat with cheese, onions, tomatoes and lettuce), tortilla (300 cal)
2:30pm peanut butter and banana, 1/2 apple (340 cal) 
5:00pm banana (100 cal)
7:00pm fish, asparagus, salad, 1/2 sweet potato, 3 small bites of banana cake mm mm good! (600 cal)
10:00pm scoop of pb (100 cal)

Total calories: 1,740

Workout:
2 mile walk

Thoughts on today:  Not a bad day...I was busy, so I didn't make the best choices and didn't have time to go to the gym. Tomorrow is a new day!

Food & Workout Log

Tuesday-4 days until the weigh in!!

8:00am-Blueberry Smoothie (2 tablespoons protein powder, 15 blueberries, 1 packet of raw sugar, and 5 ice cubes)
9:15am-Blueberry Muffin(Bethenny Frankel's recipe) with a cup of coffee

1:00pm-Small slice of enchilada stack from dinner the night before(yummy)

2:30pm-Monster energy drink.. I needed the pick me up

6:30pm-Linguine Carbonara(I used wheat pasta and it was delicious)

8:00pm-Small slice homemade apple pie with small scoop vanilla ice cream

Workout-35 Minutes on the treadmill, I changed the incline from 1-5 every minute.. I did the "climb interval" 3 times.  I did 4200 steps at work today!

Thoughts on the day-I feel good.  Glad I worked out and it felt great to sweat.  I'm going to try to hit the gym before work tomorrow... we shall see.

Oct. 19, 2010 - diet

9:15am oatmeal w blueberries/strawberries, egg whites with mushroom, onions, peppers, cheese (300 cal)
12:15pm salad with balsamic vinaigrette, green beans (200 cal) 
2:00pm 1 tbsp peanut butter - this stuff is the best and it has the added benefit of flaxseeds - delicious and crunchy! (100 cal)
5:00pm pasta with broccoli, two eggs (had to get in my protein somehow - need to go grocery shopping tonight!) (650 cal)
8:30pm protein shake with blueberries, almond milk (250 cal)
9:30pm tortilla w turkey meat, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and sour cream (250 cal)

Total calories: 1,750

Workout: 
Shoulders/abs
I attempted the elliptical but after 4 minutes my knees were like 'aw, hell no, lady', and I got off :)

Thoughts on today:  Good overall.  I'm beginning to despise pasta.  I haven't had it in so long (no reason really) and the last two times I ate it, I was burping all night (gross!).  I think it doesn't agree with me, despite it being Barilla Plus, which has a good amount of protein.  I could literally eat pasta until the cows come home, but for what it takes to fill me up, it's not worth the calories.  I'll be staying away for a while!

Sweet Potato Enchilada Stack Recipe

Looking for something different?  Then you've found it!  Tonight I made a Sweet Potato Enchilada Stack for dinner and not only was it delicious but Mike loved it.

Here is the recipe with notes of the changes I made:

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes(I only used 1/2 the large sweet potato, make sure to cut it into small pieces)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 pound ground beef (I used 1/2 a pound.. I don't like a lot of meat)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (I used 1/2 a medium yellow onion)
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (I added a little cayenne to give it some spice)
• 3 flour tortillas (8 inches) (I only used two tortillas because I did just two layers)
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese (I used approx. 1 cup)

Directions

• In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine sweet potato and water. Cover and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes or until potato is almost tender. (You may need to cook it longer, my potato took about 6-7 minutes)
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the beans, enchilada sauce, chili powder, oregano, cumin and sweet potato; heat through.
• Place a flour tortilla in a greased 9-in. deep-dish pie plate; layer with a third of the beef mixture and cheese. Repeat layers twice.
• Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. (Make sure you let the dish sit for at least 5 minutes before eating)
  

Nutrition Facts: 1 piece equals(one full dish is suppose to yield 6 pieces) 457 calories, 22 g fat (12 g saturated fat), 87 mg cholesterol, 804 mg sodium, 39 g carbohydrate, 6 g fiber, 29 g protein.

Diet & Workout

Monday, October 18th

8am-Coffee w/ splash of milk
11:00am-FiberOne Poptart
1:00pm-Turkey Sandwich on Hearty Wheat
2:00pm-Chocolate Chip Cookie
4:00pm-Granny Smith Apple
6:00pm-Sweet Potato Enchilada Stack(homemade and amazing)
8:00pm-Slice of homemade apple pie with small scoop of vanilla ice cream


Workout- 1 1/2 miles with Mike and Jack after dinner.  I walked 4200 steps at work.

Thoughts for the day- The past few days I've been starving.  I don't know if it is because I'm feeling better or because it's cold out and my body wants to pack on the pounds.  I tried to stick to healthy foods but couldn't resist the cookie or slice of pie, how bad is the pie if its homemade??

Oct. 18, 2010 - diet

9:15am oatmeal w blueberries/strawberries, egg whites with mushroom, onions, peppers, cheese (300 cal)
11:15am tortilla (50 cal)
12:30pm salad with chicken and balsamic vinaigrette (400 cal) 
2:30pm protein shake, apple w pb (300 cal)
4:50pm egg white tortilla wrap, cup of rice (350 cal) 
9:45pm one cup pasta with sauce, oatmeal with blueberries (weird combo, I know, I actually ate the pasta cold out of the pan while I was making tomorrow's lunch...then I wanted something warm and comforting and alas, oatmeal!) (300 cal)


Total calories: 1,700



Thoughts on today: I am SO sore.  It takes me like 5 minutes to get out of my chair at work.  Okay, that's an exaggeration, but it really hurts!  My knees are killing me and they get cramped up once I sit for so long....they almost feel better when I'm standing/walking.  Oh well...the pain will subside in a few days.  I plan on taking about a month off from running...from there, I'll decide whether or not I want to get back into training (outdoors - brr, and the treadmill) or wait until it warms up.

Workout:
NONE!  I am too sore :(

Don’t let sitting at a cubicle make you fat

Do you own a pedometer? I do and now I’m finally putting it to use.  At my new job I spend 85% of my time behind a computer and judging by the people around me it definitely increases the chances of packing on the pounds. 

You’re probably wondering what my desk job and chubby co-workers have to do with my pedometer.. well I’ll tell you… There are approximately 2000 steps in a mile, if I do 3000 steps a day I’ve done 1 ½+/- miles.. hopefully that increased activity will offset the negative side effects of sitting behind a desk for the majority of the day.

I DID IT!! The Amica Marathon (United Healthcare Half Marathon in Newport)

The start of the full and half marathon (Memorial Dr., Newport, RI).

Nearing the finish!

The Amica Marathon (United Healthcare Half Marathon in Newport)

13.1 in 2:11 (not official) - and I AM DONE!!!  Woohoo!  More to come after I ice my knees and nap! :)

Update: 2:11:44 is official.  Now, that I am rested and don't feel hungover (I guess to due dehydration), I can type my experience.  I awoke at 5:20am and got everything together - my gels, iPod, throwaway gloves and headband, chapstick, sunscreen, etc.  I had a big bowl of oatmeal with blueberries and strawberries and a cup of coffee around 6am.  At 6:35am, I was out the door.

7:00am - I hit dead stopped traffic off of the bridge into Newport.  I waited there for almost 30 min. before I entered the parking lot.  I normally allot a lot of time to getting to the race and end up standing at the starting line for a solid hour - not good for my body temp or my nerves.  And now, this time, I thought I would be late!  By 7:34, I was parked at Newport Grand and waiting in line for shuttle to Easton's Beach, where the starting line would be.  It was COLD (about 40 degrees), so I put on my gloves and bounced around a little to keep my blood flowing. I got on the bus around 7:38 and was soo super nervous because not only is this my first race, but I was going to be late.  We finally pulled up to Easton's Beach at 7:50am...I had a few minutes to spare and I desperately needed to use the restroom.


I go over the port-a-potties - holy line!  I inquire to a group of guys if they're in line - they point to the back (about 30 people behind them) and exclaim they have been waiting for more than 10 minutes.  Now, I'm really nervous...and desperate.  We're in the middle of a beach. It's 40 degrees out.  And there is nowhere to go to the bathroom.  I frantically search for another less crowded restroom or port-a-potty, but they're all at least 30-40 people deep....

I see a construction site, which is very desolate.  And then I see three old parking ticket booths (a little hut with 3 walls).  I immediately run over, ducking (a cop was about 50 ft away!)  and pop a squat into a small trashcan that was inside the hut.  Disgusting, yes, but this is was necessary.  I was half afraid of getting caught and having my ass stuck in the trashcan!  I felt pretty badass for having skipped an entire line of people waiting for a port-a-potty, which gave me a little high.  I had 2 minutes left to spare and I ran over to the starting line.


Promptly at 8, the gun shot sounded and we were off!  One of my slowest miles was actually in beginning because of all the congestion.  It finally thinned out around mile 2 and I was able to keep a nice pace of about 9:20-9:35.  I was feeling good...we went into Fort Adams (mile 4) and I literally closed my eyes, took a deep breath and felt thankful to be alive.

I kept running...thoughts popping in here and there.  I was so afraid my foot would be hurting, but it actually felt great.  And by great, I mean I loaded the puppy up with Aspercreme (think of putting menthol on your foot) and the menthol felt like acid on my foot once I warmed up.  The feeling of my flesh being ripped off (even though it wasn't really), was enough to take away any foot pain I was feeling (and thankfully, I was feeling none!).

Mile 6, 7, and 8, I felt good.  When I was halfway through mile 7, I was surprised how good I had felt.  Just two weekends ago I had run 7.1 miles and was kind of winded by then.  I wasn't breathing heavy at all (even when I finished).  I wasn't fatigued and my muscles felt great.

Then it came: The Wall.  I had hit it and I hit it hard.  Mile 9 was the death of me.  And not because I was tired or had no energy...I actually felt pretty good.  But my knees were THROBBING.  I knew this pain was not going to go away, but no matter if I walked to ran, it as still going to hurt.  


I repeated some sayings in my head "Pain is just weakness leaving the body.", "Pain is temporary, pride is forever.", "Every wall has a door."  Really lame stuff.  But it actually helped.  With the internet results posted, I knew I had to do well because everyone in my family would be checking and it's also on there forever

I trudged through mile 9 and 10 taking periodic breaks to stretch my knees (no longer than 10 secs at a time).  The last three miles felt like they were forever.  I busted out my Gu that I had stored in my bra (Tri-berry, very tasty!) and sucked it down.  I didn't feel like I needed the energy, but I thought that even if it helped psychologically, it would be worth it.

My knees ached and ached.  At mile 11 (nearing 12) I spotted an athlete competing in a wheelchair.  I literally thought to myself, "What am I? An asshole?  So, your knees hurt...get going and quit complaining.  This man would KILL to have his knees hurting."  This provided a little more fire under my ass to trudge through miles 11 and 12.  As I neared mile 13, I knew I was close.  The last stretch was Annendale Ave/Memorial Dr. and as I was nearing the corner, the crowd got louder and more people were standing around.  The last part was pretty downhill, so I was able to pick up some speed.  I passed a few kids that had their hands out and I gave them each a high five - it was adorable.  I zoomed down and started to head into the narrow section before the finish line.  I ran and ran as I heard the crowd cheering.  I looked to my left and saw Scott, my Dad and Karen saying 'Go, Kelly!!' and ringing their cowbells and pom poms.  

I sprinted toward the finish line and pumped my hand in the air.  I was DONE. A volunteer placed a medal over my head and I walked off to the side.  The clock said 2:15, but my watch said 2:12, so I knew I was somewhere closer to 2:11/12 for my net time.

Scott, my Dad and Karen rushed over and gave me hugs and congratulated me.  Aside from my knees, I felt fine.  I wasn't winded or tired, but man, did my knees ache.  

We walked a half mile to the car (UGH!) and went out to breakfast.  I sucked down coffee milk and four glasses of water (including a full water bottle).  I was feeling queasy, but I knew I had to eat.  I should have really noshed on a bagel and banana, but instead I opted for cinnamon french toast and home fries.  It sat like lead in my belly.  I went to the bathroom a few times and I felt seriously hungover.  

On the drive home, I had to stop at a place to use their restroom and after that last stop, I felt much better.  I chugged more water throughout the day and took a little nap (I barely slept the night before!).  Later on, I watched Marmaduke with Scott and chilled on the couch icing my knees with bags of frozen squash!  Aside from the pain, I felt really accomplished.  I can't wait to do it again next year...but this time, I'll train! :)

I ate like a cow yesterday.  Even though I burned 1800 calories (give or take), I should have relaxed a little.  I knew it was my cheat day, but I totally went overboard.  I'm back to eating healthy today...here's a sampling of what I devoured :)

Oatmeal with blueberries/strawberries

Jelly Belly energy beans

Gu gel

Cinnamon French Toast

Home Fries

Coffee milk

Two pieces of Italian Bread with butter leftover form my carbo load the night before

M&Ms

One blueberry muffin

Four pieces of pizza

3 Cinnastix

Chocolate covered apple (1/8)