Last piece of pie!

So I decided to 'start fresh' today, Sept. 30, after a week of 1/2 healthy, 1/2 very unhealthy eating. I know that I feel a million times better in terms of overall wellness when I eat well - my skin looks better, I don't break out, my energy levels are high, I'm not constipated, I don't feel bloated, etc. I want to feel like that ALL the time and shed a few pounds/tone. I've decided to incorporate fruits/veggies/beans/meat and cut out processed foods (Fiber bars, special K crackers, etc.) wherever possible (but without being too crazy!) - as well as Diet Coke and any artificial sweetener (I use Agave Nectar in my coffee - it's delicious and you only need a little squeeze for a lot of sweet; 1tbsp = 60 cal). I can't give up coffee!

I also realize that a life of deprivation or starvation is not one I want to live. I also realize that it only sets me up for failure. Therefore, I will incorporate one cheat meal into my week (on a Sat. or Sun.) - something higher in calories/fat and a treat - a piece of pie, cookies, etc. This way, my metabolism will get a shock and I won't feel like I'm living on nothing. It also allows for me to be able to enjoy social events without saying 'no, thanks' to every item of food offered. I also sometimes (aka all the time) want something sweet after dinner, so I'll add a slice of candied/dried mango or papaya to satisfy my sweet tooth!

I'm trying to decide if I want to follow the P90X DVDs I have - they are awful, boring, and you feel like a fool hopping all around your living room. But, everyone swears they work. I'd also like to add one or two protein shakes a day - something immediately after my workout and a Casein protein shake before bed to keep a steady stream of food going to my muscles during the night.

HIIT = High Intensity Interval Training - i.e. stairmaster, 1 min. at 70 steps per minute, 30 secs at 160 steps per minute for 20 min.

Workout plan:

M - lite active AM cardio
T - HIIT AM; upper body/abs
W - HIIT AM
Th - HIIT AM; lower body/abs
F - HIIT AM
S - active rest (Cliff walk, park trail, etc.)
S - long run

I'd also like to incorporate a yoga DVD that I have - I totally lack in flexibility...and I can feel the stiffness in everything I do (running, walking, how fast I tighten up at my desk). Depending on when I have time to fit that in, I'll aim for 1x a week.

Food plan:

1,600 calories a day, eating every 2-3 hours, drink lots of water, goal of losing 1 lb per week

Ideal menu (will vary):
7:30 am - egg white omelet, veggies, English muffin w/ a pat of butter and jelly, coffee ~300cal
9:30 am - fruit & almonds -or- cottage cheese w/ fruit, -or- yogurt w/ nuts -or- protein shake ~100-150cal
Noon - protein and carb, like chicken and rice or a baked potato, veggie -or- grilled chicken on salad/roll ~400cal
2:30 - fruit & almonds -or- cottage cheese w/ fruit, -or- yogurt w/ nuts -or- protein shake ~100-150cal
4:30 - banana w/ PB ~100-150cal
6:30 - post-weight training protein shake ~100cal
7:30 - dinner (protein, carb, veggie) ~400cal
9:30 - Casein protein shake ~100cal

My downfall is at night - watching movies or just hanging around - I always want to snack on something...even when I'm not hungry. I need to start listening to my stomach and determine whether or not I'm truly hungry.