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)

Healthy Halloween Alternatives

I'm a fan of my gym on facebook and they recently posted this: 

Halloween is coming up!! Here are some healthier alternatives to hand out, rather than the more sugary candies. Don't worry, your house won't get egged, they taste delicious!

1. Dark Chocolate – Everybody loves chocolate and dark chocolate is an excellent source of antioxidants.
2. Granola bars – This could get a little expensive if you have a lot of trick-or-treaters.
3. Trail mix
4. Yogurt or carob covered raisins.
5. Almonds, Peanuts, or other nut mixes. Peanuts in the shell work great too.
6. Pretzels
7. Fruit bars such as Fig Newton’s.
8. Cheese and cracker packages.
9. Stickers – All kids love stickers and you can get them at dollar stores fairly inexpensively.
10. Coloring books or crayons – You can buy these items in bulk fairly reasonably and offering these items may just spark their imagination instead of expanding their waist.

ps: My gym now offers bring your friends for free on the weekends.. next time you come here we are totally going!

Oct. 16, 2010 - diet

9:30am coffee, oatmeal with blueberries & strawberries, eggs with mushrooms, onions and peppers (300 cal)
12:00pm 1/2 Luna bar (80 cal)
2:30pm  1/2 grilled chicken wrap, broccoli (400 cal)
3:45pm the other half of my wrap :) (300 cal)
7:00pm CARBO-loading woot! Italian bread and penne with marinara sauce (500 cal)

It is 13 hours before my race and I am SO nervous.  My BF and I drove the race course today and while it certainly is beautiful, it is also VERY long - eek!  Check out the video someone took of the half marathon course here.

Today was super windy, but the wind is supposed to die down by tomorrow morning. I am going to run out to Walmart and get cheap gloves that I can toss once I get warmed up. The race starts at 8am and I plan on being there for around 6:30 am!  My BF remarked, while we were eating lunch, that I had dead hands (my nails get blue/purple when I'm very cold and I have Hashimoto's, which affects my body temperature)!.


Wish me luck - I'll post my results and my thoughts after the race!  Until then, happy carbo loading to me! :)

Diet and Workout Log

Friday-10/15/2010


8:00am:  1/2 an everything bagel with cream cheese
10:00am:  small coffee and 1/2 an everything bagel with cream cheese
12:30pm:  Chicken salad-lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and chicken
4:00pm:  Sugar free monster
6:30pm:  Chinese dumplings with plain fried rice


Workout- 30 minute walk with dog




Thoughts about the day-  I didn't puke today!!!  I'm finally starting to feel like myself again today.  I'm looking forward to the weekend and started to work out again.

Finally!

Over the course of this week, I went from feeling like I had swallowed a beach ball to noticing my jeans getting looser (which I attributed to their stretch material).  But, I am happy to say I have lost 2.2 lbs!  I knew it would take time and truthfully, I was about to quit last week when I started gaining a big amount of weight in a little amount of time!  But, now, I feel great.

Aside from my clothes fitting a bit better, I'm really noticing that I'm getting more toned.  I've never seen definition this fast and I know it's because I'm eating a ton more protein.  Previously, I've never had a lot of protein in my diet (maybe about 20-30 grams a day!).  Now I'm eating about 100-120 grams a day and not only does it tone me up, but it keeps me very full.  This is a challenge for me because I LOVE carbs.  I just know I have to get more creative with my protein in order for it to appeal with me.

What I've learned so far:

Taste buds change.  I don't 'crave' artificial sweets, like I used to.  I now want an apple before bed (although a lot of natural sugar, it's still better than a bowl of ice cream!).

Cheat days are necessary.  If I didn't have one meal where I could eat a moderate portion of whatever I wanted, I'd surely go insane.  It gives me something to look forward to and it's a nice reward for a job well done.

Exercise is great, but if you eat poorly, you'll feel poorly.  When I was eating processed foods, I was always a little um, backed-up.  Now, I've been visiting the loo more regularly, which is probably from increased natural fiber and additional exercise.

Prepare, prepare, prepare.  This is my biggest challenge, because it's very time consuming to spend a few hours on a Sunday (and Wed/Thurs)  food shopping and preparing meals.  If I have already cut up veggies to throw into my eggs, chances are, I'll use them.  If not, I skimp and I end up making bad choices.

Portion control.  I knew what a portion was, I just lacked the control part.  My idea of a piece of chicken was half the container.  Now, I fill up on veggies and make my protein and complex carbs only about half of my plate (1/4 each).

I'm also happy with my moderate weight loss of 1lb per week.  Sure, if I dipped into 1,200 calories a day, I'd lose weight very fast (including muscle!).  But it wouldn't be sustainable.  This was always my era in the past - I'd starve my body for 1-3 days, then binge, rinse and repeat.  And it NEVER worked.  Now I eat a steady 1,600-1,800 calories, and I have energy for exercising and I'm not a ravenous, miserable person.  My metabolism was also wayy out of whack due to my cycle of eat, not eat, eat a ton, etc.

Oct. 15, 2010 - diet

8:30am eggs with mushrooms, peppers, onions, cheese, oatmeal with strawberries/blueberries, coffee (300 cal)
10:45am apple, pb, tortilla (280 cal) 
1:30pm two tuna on tortilla, salad w balsamic vinaigrette (400 cal)
5:45pm oatmeal w strawberries & blueberries (it's rainy and cold and I was craving warm carbs mmm) (300 cal)
10:00pm carrots w butter, beef patty, pb apple (420 cal)

Total calories: 1,700

Workout: Today is my last workout before the big race.  I did 30 min. on the bike at a low intensity - nothing to tax my muscles, but enough to get a light sweat going.  Eeek!  It's getting so close!

Oct. 14, 2010 - diet

8:35am oatmeal w strawberries, eggs with mushrooms, cheese, peppers, coffee (320 cal)
12:45pm tuna wrap, salad w balsamic vinaigrette, 1/3 Kashi bar (350 cal) 
2:30pm pb on tortilla (200 cal)
4:45pm remainder of Kashi bar (100 cal)
6:30pm broccoli w marinara sauce & parm cheese, beef patty with veggie cheese (380 cal) 
10:15pm apple w cinnamon, protein shake w blueberries & strawberries (300 cal)

Total calories :1,650

Workout:

1.5 mile walk
bowling

Thoughts on today: Overall good day...I had some slight foot pain from the cotisone shot as the night wore on, but nothing more than the soreness you'd get from a typical vaccine. 

Friday!!

What a week it has been!  New job, tummy issues, and our second weigh in!!  I'm clocking in at 195 pounds.

I was thinking about my blog from yesterday and I don't want to waste anymore time not working out.  My trainer says that if you don't workout for 10-14 days your body has to be re-trained.  He suggested taking the weekend to ease back into my training and that way come Monday I'm ready to start my workout/training program again.  Here is my schedule for the new few days:



Friday-30 minutes cardio(dog walk if weather permits or treadmill) 
Saturday-30 minutes cardio & 4 weight training workouts
Sunday-Apple/Pumpkin picking

Starting Monday I will be back to 10-15 minutes cardio combined with weight training 4 times a week.  I am also hoping to start walking for a little bit of my lunch hour, even if its just a loop around the buildings.  Watch out my next weigh in is going to knock your socks off!

Life can't always be perfect..

There are many things that can make you fall off the wagon(the diet wagon that is), it could be a night our with friends, a stressful week at work, or a sickness.  I most recently have gotten sick and it has thrown my diet/workout routine for a loop.  I've been feeling ill off and on for about 6/7 days and it has put a major damper on my routine I was previously committed too.

Yesterday, Wednesday, I woke up reinvigorated.  I was ready to get back into my diet/workout routine but that was until I had lunch.  I started to feel sick again and decided that I should struggle through my previously scheduled personal training session.. isn't working out suppose to make you feel better?  Well needless to say my workout didn't make me feel better, in fact it made me feel worse.

I'm going to the doctors tomorrow and plan on taking it easy the rest of the day/night but how do I bounce back from my week off?  Do I start fresh on Monday?  What if this happens again?  Instead of not going to the gym, should I re-work my workout?  I don't want destroy all my hardwork just because I'm not feeling well. 

I will never run in pain again because...

...pain isn't necessary.  I'm not saying quit, not at all.  And I'm not saying that drugs are the cure-all, but after receiving my very first (and totally almost painless...yes, painLESS) cotisone shot, I will never again run through pain.  Although you shouldn't run through pain anyway, and I certainly don't advise masking the pain only to deal with more problems down the road (which is pretty much what cortisone is doing for me), but I also know what it feels like to prepare for something and be thrown for a curve when you get injured.  Do I not participate?  Do I run through the pain?  Will it get worse?  Maybe it'll be better by then.  Do I really feel pain or am I imagining it?

I have three days until my first half-marathon.  I'm VERY nervous, anxious and excited.  But I'm also in a lot of pain - my right foot is always giving me trouble.  This pain is causing me additional anxiety because I'm sure how it will be during mile 2, mile 6 mile 10, or mile 13.09. Would it get worse?  Would I be a 'DNF' (did not finish, for non-runners).  

I read online certain things that can be done for pre-race injuries, which included typical RICE treatment , foam rollers, massage and some voodoo magic (no, really).  Then I spotted the cortisone shot cure.  I read about it...a lot of people advise against it.  I'm usually one who trudges through pain - I have a pretty high threshold.  But with my nerves the way they are, I know I needed relief, albeit temporarily.

I called my podiatirst and was told his office would be closing at noon today because he was leaving on vacation and wouldn't be back until next week.  GAH!  Then the nurse said he would call me back and thankfully, he was able to take me at 11:45.  

I got into the office and patiently waited for my turn.  Around 12:10, I was called into the examination room and sat on the mechanical chair (not electrical, ha!).  The Dr. came in and we chatted about my pain and my race.  And then I saw The Needle.  The Needle is huge.  It's wayyy bigger than any needle I've ever seen in my life.  And it's also very painful (I have been told).  He wiped my foot with antiseptic and sprayed some topical  numbing agent on my skin.  I turned and gripped the seat...we chatted more.  I felt a little pinch in my skin, but I knew this wasn't The Needle going in.  No, no, no - The Needle is much too big to make that little pinch.  He walked over to get a band-aid.  I'm thinking 'oh man, he's already prepping for the bloody aftermath!'.  He unwraps it and places it on my skin.  

"You're done?" I ask.

"Yep, all set."

PAINLESS.  I almost gave him a hug.  We finished with him giving me some great advice (do your own pace, not your brother's, not the girl in pink and certainly not the guy from Kenya!) and off I was - feeling GREAT.

There's a good lesson here: don't listen to others about what is painful, painless, good, bad, etc.  It's all about YOUR experience of things.  The half-marathon might be awful/long/painful by some people's standards, but it might be incredible by mine.  I need to take a deep breath (woosa) and think about MY experience, not what I've been told. 

Oct. 13, 2010 - diet

8:45am oatmeal with strawberries, almond milk, coffee w cream (220 cal)
10:00am eggs with onions, broccoli, mushrooms, tortilla (200 cal)  note* I am VERY hungry today!
11:15am tortilla w peanut butter (180 cal)
12:30pm oatmeal w strawberries (170 cal)
2:30pm chicken, broccoli, tortilla, apple w cinnamon (350 cal)

5:45pm two eggs, one egg white tortilla (250 cal)

9:30pm protein shake, broccoli, scoop pb, wrap with veggie cheese (470 cal)

Total calories 1,870 (I was realllly hungry today!)

Workout:
Biceps, shoulders, back, triceps (had to do them all in one day so I can take some rest days).
1.5 mile walk

Thoughts on today:  I feel good...one of my bigger stresses for the week is done - psych exam.  Now if I can only get through Sunday (half marathon!), despite a very sore foot/ankle.  :( 

I found my mojo!

I don't know if it's my fear of becoming an obese corporate America worker or that the tsb gods whispered in my ears while I was sleeping last night, but I woke up this morning with a renewed motivation to be TSB.

Food Log:

Breakfast:  FiberOne Poptart
Lunch:
Dinner:


Workout:
It's a PT day!

Corporate America

I use to work in a small office with woman who were consumed with staying healthy and active.  Now I work in an office with people who are consumed with how much they can consume.  It is shocking to me how much people eat during the day and how hungry you get sitting in a cubicle.

My first day at the new job I came armed with my breakfast, lunch, and water bottle.  To my surprise I had finished my breakfast before my first hour and before I knew it found myself craving my lunch.  Was is boredom or was I really hungry?(that question has yet to be answered).  When lunch time came around at 12 my new co-workers informed me that they were treating me to lunch, I said good-bye to my healthy turkey sandwich and hello to the company grille.  The grille we visited was amazing, it had everything you could imagine and it was hard to choose what to eat.  I settled on the turkey panini which did not disappoint. 

After lunch I felt full and a little sluggish.. more then that I was shocked and a little disgusted when I saw that a few of my team members ate two more times before the end of the day.  Could they really be that hungry?  I think the answer is no but who am I to say.. it's only been two days.

I realized the past two days that I need to make healthy choices in my new work environment and my choices in what I eat should include food that will make me feel full while giving me natural energy.  Any suggestions?

Quitting cold turkey

"It's my last pack."

"I'll quit tomorrow."

How many times have you heard this coming from yourself or someone you care about?  While I'm certainly to blame, I'd like to think my additiction is a lot less health-harming (but nonetheless an addiction!).  I'm addicted to GUM.  Any kind of gum - Juicy Fruit, Orbit, Trident.  Heck, I'll even sneak some of Grandma's Freedent if I'm really desperate.

But, I've learned that gum - with artificial sugars or not - makes me bloated.  Like REALLY bloated.  And I don't like being bloated.  EVER.

I consume probably around 10 or so pieces a day and I really need to cut back.  

My tactic is to buy slightly more 'expensive' gum, so I chew less of it (I buy Trident in the blister packs now vs. the Sam's Club bulk sized Orbit).  I also buy one at a time, versus the three packs, so I ration it out to last a while. I also 'reward' myself after a healthy lunch or snack with a stick of gum versus a stick 'whenever I feel like it'.  So far, I've really cut back.  I'm not ready (or willing) to quit cold turkey, but I am proud to say I've resisted to pop a Trident more often than not.

What are you addicted to?  And how have you curbed it?

Oct. 11, 2010 - diet

8:30am oatmeal with blueberries, eggs with mushrooms, onions, peppers, coffee (320 cal)
11:50am 10 almonds, salad with grilled chicken & balsamic vinaigrette, 1/2 c Spanish rice (400 cal)
2:30pm apple w/ PB (200 cal)
5:00pm meatloaf, green beans, cauliflower, bread (400 cal)
6:30pm protein shake (100 cal)
8:15pm two egg wraps (2 whole eggs, 1 egg white) (250 cal)

Total calories: 1,670

Workout
Legs, abs
1.5 mile walk

Thoughts on today: I am swollen and bloated.  I look like I stuffed a giant beach ball under my shirt.  I'm hoping it's because of Aunt Flo that I've gained three pounds in the past week.  Honestly, sometimes I wish I actually was pregnant because then it would explain why I'm 1) ravenous 2) pimply and 3) looking like a barrel with legs.  I initially set out to do 30 min. on the bike after legs today, but decided to opt out because I did 30 min. on the bike Fri. & Sat. of this week.  I took my pup for a leisurely 1.5 mile walk and the cool, crisp fall air felt gooood.

Oct. 10, 2010 - diet

8:30am oatmeal with blueberries (200 cal)

11:15am scrambled eggs with onions, peppers, wrap (200 cal)

1:00pm 1 tbsp peanut butter (100 cal)

3:30pm salad with one hard boiled egg, protein shake w blueberries/strawberries (280 cal)
5:40pm turkey meatloaf w picante sauce, cauliflower, green beans (400 cal)
7:30pm  apple w pb, pb and jelly on wrap (400 cal)
9:30pm apple w cinnamon (100 cal)


Total calories: 1,700

Thoughts on today: Today was okay...had a lot of things on my mind, but surprisingly made pretty good decisions.

It has been a stressful few days...

It has been a very busy/stressful/fun few days and I haven't had much time to write.

I will be back in my daily blogging groove tomorrow.  I was good and didn't pig out all weekend but I did have lots of wine. 

Weigh in number two in 4 days!

Oct. 9, 2010 - diet

I get to have my cheat meal today!  Woot - shrimp scampi and cake! Mmm :)

9:00am oatmeal with blueberries, 3 eggs whites, coffee (300 cal)

11:30am 3 eggs (1 yolk), 1 tbsp mayo w EVOO, wrap (300 cal)

7:00pm 2 glasses red wine, shrimp scampi, salad, strawberry shortcake and carrot cake


Workout:
1.5 mile walk
25 min. bike @ gym

Stress eating

The next week will really be a testament to my focus on health and fitness.  I have a lot going on - a fabulous friend's engagement party, two exams, finding a tenant to rent my condo, a sick grandparent, closing on my condo (refi), waiting to hear on a home purchase AND a half marathon the following Sunday (Oct. 17).  

Whenever I'm stressed or bored (or working from home), I tend to nibble...on anything and everything.  Apples, cake, cookies, chips, carrots, chicken - my mouth is like a garbage disposal!

How do I plan on coping?  I know I need to get in an early morning workout.  Doing so will put me in a clear frame of mind and also help me focus on the task(s) at hand.  Aside from being centered, I will know that any reckless eating will diminish my intense workout and stall results.  I also plan on using exercise as way to cope with stress - rather than reaching for the fridge, I'll reach for my sneakers, take the dog for a walk or go run errands.  I know that feeding my body, won't feed my soul and that is exactly what I'm looking for when I emotionally eat.

How do YOU cope with stress?

Oct. 8, 2010 - diet

8:20am 2 oz ground turkey, 3 egg whites w/ tomatoes and mushrooms, 1/2c oatmeal w strawberries (300 cal)

11:00am 3 egg whites, 2 tortillas, 1/2c red peppers, 5 almonds (220 cal)
1:00pm large apple, 1 tbsp pb, 1/2c rice (300 cal)

         - my boss burped (extremely gross) at his desk after consuming his lunch.  Kind of ruined my appetite.

3:15pm shake, pita (145 cal)
5:00pm flax cereal w blueberries (180 cal)
7:00pm flax cereal w blueberries, pita w pb (400 cal)
9:00pm Seattle's Best green tea latte with nonfat soymilk (delicious!!) (100 cal)
10:00pm apple with cinnamon (100 cal)

Total calories: 1,745


Thoughts on today: Today was overall pretty good.  I should have done out with the cereal and had a lean protein and complex carb like grilled chicken with a sweet potato.  To be honest, I was pressed for time and didn't have the energy (or the food!) to cook a good meal. My bf and I went to Border's and got coffee and walked around outside (so I got in about another mile).  I had Seattle's Best green tea latte and it was amazing.  I just read they are a subsidiary of Starbucks, which explains the price (!), but it was sweet (no sugar) and healthy (hello, antioxidant's!).


Workout:
Triceps, chest,  30 min. cardio
2 mile walk

Frustration has a new definition...

How do I define frustration?  Putting in a week's worth of clean eating - stomaching egg whites on end and ground turkey in the morning, and then not only not losing any weight, but gaining half a pound.  I used to literally eat a large bowl of chocolate chip cookie ice cream every night, complete with whipped cream and sprinkles, and I would stay the same!!

I know it's going to take a while, and I am certainly not expecting miracles, but I also didn't expect to gain anything.  I'm about a week away from my period, so I'm hoping it's water weight.  Maybe I'll be REALLY happy when, after my period, I've gone down like 3 lbs!  Until then, I'll be crying in my car (while dreaming of ice cream and stomaching egg whites...sigh.).

Good News... Bad News

The good news is I didn't gain any weight... The bads news is I didn't lose any either, still 194.  Thoughts my my results to follow.

Working lunch

When I was at my last job, a working lunch literally meant I was stuck in a meeting listening to an old, bald, fat 40 year old man drone on and on about tracking PR results while spitting out half of his turkey on ciabatta.  

Flash forward six months and my idea of a working lunch now involves me sitting in my 2x2 cube gnawing on a salad and chicken while listening to the melody of keys being stroked and sighs being let out.  I can't say I'm unhappy with this option, but dining under a fluorescent light with a potion of food smells wafting in from the kitchen down the hall, leaves little to be desired.

What's the cure for lunchtime blues?  I can't say I know precisely, but I usually take this time to surf the web, catch up on gossip, I mean world news and stalk on Facebook - a little 'me' time, if you will.  Now I no longer associate 'lunchtime' with another hour of work, but a pleasant (albeit short-lived) escape from spreadsheets and marketing jargon like 'synergy' and 'on my plate'.

I write this as I gnaw on my salad, like I said before and my haphazardness caused me to spill olive oil drops on my shirt UGH!  The Tide To Go stick literally saves me every day.  Two seconds later and with a touch of the Tide stick, you would never even know I spilled a thing.  Tide isn't even paying me to say this!  That's how much I like their product! :)

As a side note, I can't stand when people hum in the office - especially during MY 'me' time!

Oct. 7, 2010 - diet

One more day until the first TSB Challenge weigh-in!

8:20am 2 oz ground turkey, 3 egg whites w/ tomatoes and mushrooms, 1/2c oatmeal w strawberries (300 cal)

11:20am 3 egg whites, 2 tortillas, 1/2c red peppers, 5 almonds (220 cal)
12:15pm I am SO hungry, but stuck on a conference call (UGH!); 1 tortilla (45cal)

1:20pm 3 oz. deli turkey, salad w 1 oz. balsamic vinaigrette, 1/2c rice pilaf (320 cal)

5:15pm apple, 2 tbsp pb, flax cereal (I was starving again!) (600 cal)
930pm protein shake, 3 strawberries (230 cal)

Total calories: 1,720


Thoughs on today: I had one less egg than usual at 11 and I wonder if that was why i was so hungry. My 'dinner' was a big bowl of cereal...kind of unhealthy and sat like lead in my stomach. ...it kept me full until late in the night, though.

Workout:
Legs, cardio