I feel gross when I eat something that's been cooked by means of immersion into a vat of oil... I can sense the greasy yuckiness in my stomach. French fries are so not worth it.
I'm going to the gym from work again tonight. It's lower body day so, my legs and bum muscles are gonna be burnin'! I've got some veggies and rice on the menu for lunch and some whole wheat pasta and sausage stuff for dinner.
I also got a menu plan worked out for next week (Sunday-Saturday). I'm going to start doing a little of what I learned doing Weight Watchers and keep doing the calorie counting aspect too. I'm assuming it's important, especially now that I'm working out, that I get my daily requirements of protein, vegetables/fruits, water, etc.
My roommate is going gangbusters at the gym now too and it's really helping me stay on track... I like that we can inspire each other to stay the course without actually having to say, "Stay the course" or other such cheesy things... It also helps to have someone to share the healthy meals with, rather than being the only one chewing steamed broccoli and wishing it were BBQ chicken nachos.
I'm looking at the chart of the dates that certain goals will be reached and trying not to be discouraged by my desire for instant results... The first milestone, for me, will be on or before April 19th when I drop below 190 for the first time since high school. By summer, I'll be in the high 160's and when sweater weather rolls around, I'll be at the high-end of my healthy BMI at 140.
I've made charts like this before only to look at them months later with a "coulda, shoulda, woulda" attitude. I was very reluctant to make a new one, but I'm determined to keep an eye on this weekly and remind myself of the time line. I think this could be a great way to actually acheive these goals.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Day 22: Workin' Out
I did what I set out to do at the gym and then some!!!
I forgot to get measured though, but I decided to only update those stats once a month, rather than once a week so I'll update on the 1st of February and then again on March 1st.
I worked out, felt great and had energy to burn when I got home. I tried watching TV and vegging out before bed, but I was soooo bored so I went a little stir crazy... I think I'm going to need a hobby or a big thick book to read before I start taking classes in the spring, or maybe I can just spend more time at the gym?
I ate like a monster yesterday, before and after working out, but still noticed a notch down on the scale this morning, so somethings working...
I'm feeling nauseated and dizzy today so food doesn't really sound good to me at all. I might just make some soup for dinner and go to bed right after band rehearsal, hopefully I'm not coming down with something.
I forgot to get measured though, but I decided to only update those stats once a month, rather than once a week so I'll update on the 1st of February and then again on March 1st.
I worked out, felt great and had energy to burn when I got home. I tried watching TV and vegging out before bed, but I was soooo bored so I went a little stir crazy... I think I'm going to need a hobby or a big thick book to read before I start taking classes in the spring, or maybe I can just spend more time at the gym?
I ate like a monster yesterday, before and after working out, but still noticed a notch down on the scale this morning, so somethings working...
I'm feeling nauseated and dizzy today so food doesn't really sound good to me at all. I might just make some soup for dinner and go to bed right after band rehearsal, hopefully I'm not coming down with something.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day 21: Also 19 & 20
The weekend was good and relaxing. I went totally insane with calories, but managed to lose 0.8 lbs over all! I just think of what I could have lost if beer and pizza hadn't gotten thrown into the mix. I've been saying I need to be more active and have yet to do anything to that effect. I had been planning to wait until the Daniel Fast was over to get on a steady schedule anyhow, but I've done one high intensity workout, one session of pilates and one 20 minute round on the elliptical machine in the last 3 weeks... By the way 3 weeks down, 49 to go!!!
Here's the activity plan for the next 4 weeks:
Sundays: Cardio (elliptical 20 min, bike 20 min, treadmill 20 min)
Mondays: Core Training (bike warm-up 10 min, abdominal weight machines and pilates)
Wednesdays: Weight Training - Legs (treadmill warm-up 10 min, lower body weight machines)
Fridays: Weight Training - Arms (nordic elliptical warm-up 10 min, upper body weight machines and free weights)
I see this as about 4-5 hours a week. Planning to succeed requires bringing my gym clothes to work so I can go straight to the gym instead of going home and making an excuse to watch TV instead. :)
I'm going to have the "trainers" at Fitness USA measure me tonight so I can compare it to the measurements I took on my own. I might need to replace mine with theirs because I'm not really sure if I did mine right.
I've read that a routine should be changed up every 2-6 weeks so I'm only commiting to this schedule for 4 weeks to see how it goes and to allow room for adjustments. If it doesn't seem to be producing the results I expect I might consult with a certified trainer down the road.
Anyway, I'm up and at work toooooo early and already losing steam.
I'll update the stats page after my workout tonight.
Here's the activity plan for the next 4 weeks:
Sundays: Cardio (elliptical 20 min, bike 20 min, treadmill 20 min)
Mondays: Core Training (bike warm-up 10 min, abdominal weight machines and pilates)
Wednesdays: Weight Training - Legs (treadmill warm-up 10 min, lower body weight machines)
Fridays: Weight Training - Arms (nordic elliptical warm-up 10 min, upper body weight machines and free weights)
I see this as about 4-5 hours a week. Planning to succeed requires bringing my gym clothes to work so I can go straight to the gym instead of going home and making an excuse to watch TV instead. :)
I'm going to have the "trainers" at Fitness USA measure me tonight so I can compare it to the measurements I took on my own. I might need to replace mine with theirs because I'm not really sure if I did mine right.
I've read that a routine should be changed up every 2-6 weeks so I'm only commiting to this schedule for 4 weeks to see how it goes and to allow room for adjustments. If it doesn't seem to be producing the results I expect I might consult with a certified trainer down the road.
Anyway, I'm up and at work toooooo early and already losing steam.
I'll update the stats page after my workout tonight.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Day 18: Bad Mood
There's something about being in a funky mood that makes me want to eat junk food. Though the scale is moving steadily down, I'm getting discouraged that the desire to be unhealthy seems to be holding strong. This makes me cranky... and makes me bad company... not the band, just... you know what I meant.
Things I like and will keep doing:
Things I like and will keep doing:
- Fruit alone for breakfast. It's easy, tasty and satisfying in the AM.
- Heavy on the veggies. Having mostly vegetables helps to fill me without all of the calories in carbs and proteins.
- Variety show. Different meal options in an wide array of colors is pleasing to my stomach and my eyes.
- Lean proteins. Beans, hummus, nuts, edamame and lentils... Delicious protein that is high in fiber and low in fat.
- Whole grains. Wheat tortillas and whole grain bread just taste better and have more nutrients than white flour.
- Whole foods. The less it's processed, the better it is for anyone. Plus, cooking your own food burns more calories.
- Coffee (no... really?!?!?)
- Honey
- Some meat... once in awhile I really miss chicken
- Cheese!!!!!
- Eggs... the most perfect form of animal protein if you're careful about the yolks.
- Processed and pre-packaged foods... This covers anything that has a nutrition label that lists anything that is unrecognizable unless it's written in another language. So... Most (but not all) chips, crackers, noodle bowls, frozen dinners, canned concoctions, candy bars and frozen desserts. Exceptions are organic/all natural alternatives with clearly listed ingredients that read like "Whole wheat flour, canola oil, salt" (no "monosodiumglutacarbodiglyceridepolymorphinmeldahyd to preserve freshness")
- White things... Why's it gotta be WHITE things? No white rice, sugar, flour, mayonnaise, sour cream... The exceptions are yogurt, cauliflower, egg whites and, technically, potatoes (in moderation)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Day 17: Excuses and Gifts
There's this beer at the local brewery called The Gift... It's a Belgian Amber Ale with a rather high alcohol content by volume... 10%
It happens to be as delicious as it is potent. I allowed myself to enjoy one of these wonderful treats last night and, I have to say, it was very worth it.
I'm really tired today though and all I want is a big salad from the local coney island. I wonder if The Gift had anything to do with it?
It happens to be as delicious as it is potent. I allowed myself to enjoy one of these wonderful treats last night and, I have to say, it was very worth it.
I'm really tired today though and all I want is a big salad from the local coney island. I wonder if The Gift had anything to do with it?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Day 16: Tacos
Sensing a theme yet? Here's the thing... I'm a food addict. I love the feeling of chewing and being full. For the most part taste doesn't really get factored in, because I used to cram the food in as fast as I could and rarely got to taste it... Knowing this now and knowing how much I enjoy tasting food now, I would assume that I wouldn't want to eat the tasteless cardboard and paste concoctions offered by Taco Bell... but I can help but crave a run for the border. One day soon this garbage instinct will pass, right?
I'm looking forward to next Monday when I end phase 1: The Daniel Fast and go straight into Calorie Reduction and physical activity. I miss levened bread, coffee and honey. All things that can be good for you in the right proportions...
I'm looking forward to next Monday when I end phase 1: The Daniel Fast and go straight into Calorie Reduction and physical activity. I miss levened bread, coffee and honey. All things that can be good for you in the right proportions...
Day 15: Pizzaaaaa
I want pizza... but... I checked it out on my calorie counter and the way I used to eat pizza (one for me, none for you) cost me over 2,000 calories!!! TWO THOUSAND!!! Gross!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Day 14: Mom's Gone Organic
I spent the day after church with my mom and dad doing laundry at their place. My mom made lunch and to my surprise she had all organic vegetables and some really good/healthy choices around the house. I had some homemade red lentil soup and a nice green salad with a vinaigrette that I made (mmmmm). When I got home around 6 I was still a bit full so I cooked all of my lunches (and some dinners) for the week and had a little bit of the red beans and rice that I'm having for lunch Wednesday. I'm still having spells of mentally craving unhealthy foods... I'm still struggling with hissy fits and inner arguments about the difference between want and need, but I've got 2 weeks out of 52 under my belt and I'm still committed.
The big number for loss this week is 0.6... not a whole pound, but it beats staying the same after trying so hard to not over eat and kicks the pants off of gaining.
If you're interested you can check my stats here
I went to the gym once last week and didn't do one workout at home. I did help with a little lifting and running up and down stairs to move a friend's stuff into my basement, but I believe I need to be doing more intentional exercize. I haven't been making the time but I'm going to make a trip to the gym tonight and Wednesday night for some more elliptical abuse. :)
The big number for loss this week is 0.6... not a whole pound, but it beats staying the same after trying so hard to not over eat and kicks the pants off of gaining.
If you're interested you can check my stats here
I went to the gym once last week and didn't do one workout at home. I did help with a little lifting and running up and down stairs to move a friend's stuff into my basement, but I believe I need to be doing more intentional exercize. I haven't been making the time but I'm going to make a trip to the gym tonight and Wednesday night for some more elliptical abuse. :)
Day 13: Busy Eater
I had a busy morning and all I wanted to do in the evening was eat... So I did, but I didn't go as nuts as I could have... Beans, corn, salsa and blue corn chips make the most excellent nachos! Alos, movie... popcorn... didn't reallt want it and didn't see the bottom of the bag for the first time in, like, forever!!!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Day 12: Tiny Stomach
I've always heard that the human stomach is about the size of the average human's fist... but year's of training (or bad habits) have caused mine to stretch a bit and caused the nerves in there that say, "Hey! Enough already!!!", to be silent. In the last two weeks, because of my insanely restrictive kick off diet, I now feel like my stomach is super tiny. I eat a banana for breakfast and I'm full, I eat a whole can of lentil soup for lunch and I'm stuffed to the gills... this is great... this is why the arguments with myself and the hissy fits I threw in my head are all worthwhile. I'm making real progress in my attitude about food and I'm feeling good.
Yesterday was sooooo not about eating. It was about being really busy with year end close at work and being excited about starting up RPM (small group bible study) again. It was about going to see a friend I haven't seen in almost a year and staying out way past my bedtime watching zombie movies and chatting with an ex-marine and his friend from Portugal. When I lose the desire to have my face in a big bowl of food, I look up and see all of the fun I've been missing. There are so many people I've ignored or pushed aside just to sit at home and listen to the TV while I eat as many cheeseburgers and onion chips as I can cram into my mouth. I used to prefer Saturday nights to myself to "catch up on my DVR and Netflix" with a bag of Taco Bell or Mickey D's... When food is not just the substitute for friends, but the preference, there's a problem... I am so glad I'm through the other side and seeing where that path began. Never again.
Tonight. Cardio after work and then home for some R&R... I had 4 hours of sleep last night and I'm helping a friend move tomorrow so I'll need to be refreshed for that.
Yesterday was sooooo not about eating. It was about being really busy with year end close at work and being excited about starting up RPM (small group bible study) again. It was about going to see a friend I haven't seen in almost a year and staying out way past my bedtime watching zombie movies and chatting with an ex-marine and his friend from Portugal. When I lose the desire to have my face in a big bowl of food, I look up and see all of the fun I've been missing. There are so many people I've ignored or pushed aside just to sit at home and listen to the TV while I eat as many cheeseburgers and onion chips as I can cram into my mouth. I used to prefer Saturday nights to myself to "catch up on my DVR and Netflix" with a bag of Taco Bell or Mickey D's... When food is not just the substitute for friends, but the preference, there's a problem... I am so glad I'm through the other side and seeing where that path began. Never again.
Tonight. Cardio after work and then home for some R&R... I had 4 hours of sleep last night and I'm helping a friend move tomorrow so I'll need to be refreshed for that.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Day 11: Countdown to Coffee
Oh how I miss my rich and robust caffienated friend! I smell it all through the office all the day and crave it's deliciousness! Seriously, water's getting boring. 9 days left to go... I can do this!
I went to the gym lasy night and did 20 minutes on the elliptical machine... I forgot how hard it is. At one point I could push myself to do a whole hour or up to 500 calories from the little meter on the machine. But now I have to really keep telling myself, "I can do it," to get through the halfway mark. Once I'm halfway I might as well finish, right? So I worked out and was feeling all good and endorphiney and went home to stretch (my favorite, for real) and I feel really good today. I'm definately going to keep up with a good cardio schedule.
Food wise I'm seeing an improvement in my attitude about what I'm choosing to eat. Last night I made a stir fry with some of my veggies and my roommate made some brown rice to go with it. It turned out to be super good and I had never made stir fry before. I've decided to share it with you. It should serve 4 hungry people.
Vegetable Stir Fry-
1/2 cup Baby Carrots cut into strips
1/2 cup Sweet Potato chopped
1/2 Yellow Pepper cut into strips
1/2 Green Pepper cut into strips
1/2 cup Sweet Yellow Onion cut into 1" thick strips
2 cups Mushrooms sliced
1/4 cup Edamame (Soy) Beans precooked/frozen thawed
2 cups Brown Rice cooked
1 tbsp Olive Oil
2 tbsp Soy Sauce
Salt and Cajun seasoning to taste
Heat the oil to just under medium heat in a large skillet. Add carrots and sweet potatoes. After about 3 minutes add peppers and onions and stir. Add mushrooms, edamame and seasoning after another 5 minutes. Stir to coat evenly with seasonings. Lower the heat to simmer, put a lid on it and walk away for 10 minutes. Serve over hot rice and eat it all up.
Serves 4-6 at only 248 calories per serving!!!
I went to the gym lasy night and did 20 minutes on the elliptical machine... I forgot how hard it is. At one point I could push myself to do a whole hour or up to 500 calories from the little meter on the machine. But now I have to really keep telling myself, "I can do it," to get through the halfway mark. Once I'm halfway I might as well finish, right? So I worked out and was feeling all good and endorphiney and went home to stretch (my favorite, for real) and I feel really good today. I'm definately going to keep up with a good cardio schedule.
Food wise I'm seeing an improvement in my attitude about what I'm choosing to eat. Last night I made a stir fry with some of my veggies and my roommate made some brown rice to go with it. It turned out to be super good and I had never made stir fry before. I've decided to share it with you. It should serve 4 hungry people.
Vegetable Stir Fry-
1/2 cup Baby Carrots cut into strips
1/2 cup Sweet Potato chopped
1/2 Yellow Pepper cut into strips
1/2 Green Pepper cut into strips
1/2 cup Sweet Yellow Onion cut into 1" thick strips
2 cups Mushrooms sliced
1/4 cup Edamame (Soy) Beans precooked/frozen thawed
2 cups Brown Rice cooked
1 tbsp Olive Oil
2 tbsp Soy Sauce
Salt and Cajun seasoning to taste
Heat the oil to just under medium heat in a large skillet. Add carrots and sweet potatoes. After about 3 minutes add peppers and onions and stir. Add mushrooms, edamame and seasoning after another 5 minutes. Stir to coat evenly with seasonings. Lower the heat to simmer, put a lid on it and walk away for 10 minutes. Serve over hot rice and eat it all up.
Serves 4-6 at only 248 calories per serving!!!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Day 10: Today?
I don't remember what day is what anymore... I tried to update at night, but I'm too tired to pay attention to anything but my awesomely comfortable bed...
I'm amping up the cardio this week. I feel lazy and discouraged so the cure, for me, is the endorphin rush of moving my body.
The food plan is going fine. I find myself having little hissy fits about not being able to have one of the cookies that someone brought into work or not stopping at Taco Bell to pick up dinner and I don't know how, but I'm talking myself down pretty well. I have some scientific research and graphs as visual aids to remind me of the consequences of giving in to every little craving. Also, I think it's going to be important to break this indulgence cycle once and for all, because I'm not going to stay at my goal weight eating 2000+ calories a day either. I'm conditioning my thoughts and habits and cravings for a whole new lifestyle.
I'm keeping at it... just need to get my inner eater to get on board.
I'm amping up the cardio this week. I feel lazy and discouraged so the cure, for me, is the endorphin rush of moving my body.
The food plan is going fine. I find myself having little hissy fits about not being able to have one of the cookies that someone brought into work or not stopping at Taco Bell to pick up dinner and I don't know how, but I'm talking myself down pretty well. I have some scientific research and graphs as visual aids to remind me of the consequences of giving in to every little craving. Also, I think it's going to be important to break this indulgence cycle once and for all, because I'm not going to stay at my goal weight eating 2000+ calories a day either. I'm conditioning my thoughts and habits and cravings for a whole new lifestyle.
I'm keeping at it... just need to get my inner eater to get on board.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Day 8: Stats and Start Overs
I updated my stats in another post here
Woo Hoo!!! Week 1 is done and I, ultimately, did very well.
Even with the minor hiccup yesterday, I lost 5 lbs and a few inches here and there. I feel good and I'm growing spiritually through this first phase of the journey. This week I continue the Daniel Fast (ending date for that is 1/25/10). When the fasting stage is over I will be adding in more cardio workouts. For now I need to take it easy so I don't go passing out and all that silly stuff. Pilates all week, this week...
Also, I'm soooo glad I added whole grains and beans, nuts and legumes. I would have completely lost my mind otherwise. And... chocolate rice milk... love it.
I seriously miss drinking coffee... :(
Short-ish post today... I'm going to start updating at night from now on so the thoughts of the day are more fresh in my mind.
Woo Hoo!!! Week 1 is done and I, ultimately, did very well.
Even with the minor hiccup yesterday, I lost 5 lbs and a few inches here and there. I feel good and I'm growing spiritually through this first phase of the journey. This week I continue the Daniel Fast (ending date for that is 1/25/10). When the fasting stage is over I will be adding in more cardio workouts. For now I need to take it easy so I don't go passing out and all that silly stuff. Pilates all week, this week...
Also, I'm soooo glad I added whole grains and beans, nuts and legumes. I would have completely lost my mind otherwise. And... chocolate rice milk... love it.
I seriously miss drinking coffee... :(
Short-ish post today... I'm going to start updating at night from now on so the thoughts of the day are more fresh in my mind.
Statistics
Monday, January 18, 2010
Weight: 212.8
Weight: 212.8
Measurements-
Arms: 15"
Calves: 16"
Thighs: 30"
Butt: 53"
Hips: 51"
Waist: 36"
Bust: 36"
Thighs: 30"
Butt: 53"
Hips: 51"
Waist: 36"
Bust: 36"
Last Week:
Weight: 213.4
Measurements-
Arms: 15"
Calves: 16"
Thighs: 30"
Butt: 53"
Hips: 51"
Waist: 36"
Bust: 36"
Thighs: 30"
Butt: 53"
Hips: 51"
Waist: 36"
Bust: 36"
Difference:
Weight: -0.8
Measurements-
Arms: 0"
Calves: 0"
Thighs: 0"
Butt: 0"
Hips: 0"
Waist: 0"
Bust: 0"
Monday, January 11, 2010
Weight: 213.4
Measurements-
Arms: 15"
Calves: 16"
Thighs: 30"
Butt: 53"
Hips: 51"
Waist: 36"
Bust: 36"
Thighs: 30"
Butt: 53"
Hips: 51"
Waist: 36"
Bust: 36"
Last Week:
Weight: 218.4
Measurements-
Arms: 16"
Calves: 17"
Thighs: 30"
Butt: 53"
Hips: 52"
Waist: 37"
Bust: 38"
Difference:
Weight: -5
Measurements-
Arms: -1"
Calves: -1"
Thighs: 0"
Butt: 0"
Hips: -1"
Waist: -1"
Bust: -2"
Monday, January 4, 2010
Weight: 218.4
Measurements-
Arms: 16"
Calves: 17"
Thighs: 30"
Butt: 53"
Hips: 52"
Waist: 37"
Bust: 38"
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Day 7: Failure
On Sunday I went to lunch with my grandma and cousins and realized my idea of going off the rails is much different than it used to be. I had chicken and a little bit of really lean steak and felt guilty. My body retaliated to the chemicals and bacteria that it was no longer used to. I don't feel bad emotionally though. Tomorrow morning is weigh in and measuring. I'm back on the Daniel Fast program and praying hard for guidance and strength from God. I've heard He's pretty good at carrying people through their tough situations, so I'm really looking forward to being helped out. God is so good to me and I'm thankful for His infinite wisdom.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Day 6: Dying For a Sweet Fix
Day 5 was awesome... food was the last thing on my mind for most of the day. I spent the evening cutting hair at the warming center and had the best time.
Today I'm trying out a few new flavor options and adding in whole grains. I was flipping out and dreaming of Doritos so I went to Whole Foods and got whole grain crackers (ingredients: whole grain, salt) and whole wheat tortillas made with no honey or added weirdness... Guacamole never tasted so good as it did with the Whole Foods healthy version od Triscuits. Also, chocolate rice milk is a sweet salvation with no sweetener or bad stuff!!!
Today's entry is short and may be updated later. I've got to run to see Avatar @ IMAX 3D! it's gonna rock!
Today I'm trying out a few new flavor options and adding in whole grains. I was flipping out and dreaming of Doritos so I went to Whole Foods and got whole grain crackers (ingredients: whole grain, salt) and whole wheat tortillas made with no honey or added weirdness... Guacamole never tasted so good as it did with the Whole Foods healthy version od Triscuits. Also, chocolate rice milk is a sweet salvation with no sweetener or bad stuff!!!
Today's entry is short and may be updated later. I've got to run to see Avatar @ IMAX 3D! it's gonna rock!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Day 5: Getting Full
Yesterday was great...
I had 3 clementines for breakfast and was full. I was too busy and not at all hungry at lunch time. For dinner I chopped and roasted two medium red skin potatoes with a little bit of olive oil and a Tuscan seasoning blend I had. It was satisfying and delicious. I'm getting fuller on less food. I think this means my stomach is shrinking back to normal size. I like it!
If it weren't for the smell of the potatoes roasting in my toaster oven, I don't know that I could have made it through making the creamy chicken and pasta casserole for the warming center without grabbing a few "tastes". The casserole smelled really good too, but I was super careful not to lick my fingers or the spoons.
I only know one way to be sure that pasta is cooked, though... and I bit into one of the penne tubes with my front teeth and spit the bite out into the garbage. I'm serious about this challenge and I don't want to get the carb train rolling out of the station just yet.
The mental craving cycle is beginning to break. Yesterday was full of thoughts of Doritos. At the grocery store, while buying the ingredients for the casserole, I noticed how much the low nutrient/high fat foods are marketed over healthier, tastier options. It makes me mad because, even though the choice to by is ultimately mine, I feel preyed upon by large companies selling bags of garbage to fatten their wallets and us. I wonder if weight loss companies are connected to the food makers somehow. It wouldn't shock me if Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig paid for Frito Lay's advertising.
Today is more of the same; Phase one of the Daniel Fast (fruits and veggies only) and tons of water. So far I'm 1,543 calories under my weekly budget of 7,700 and feeling good. Tonight's physical activity is giving haircuts to the homeless folks at the warming center... it's tougher than you think. :)
I had 3 clementines for breakfast and was full. I was too busy and not at all hungry at lunch time. For dinner I chopped and roasted two medium red skin potatoes with a little bit of olive oil and a Tuscan seasoning blend I had. It was satisfying and delicious. I'm getting fuller on less food. I think this means my stomach is shrinking back to normal size. I like it!
If it weren't for the smell of the potatoes roasting in my toaster oven, I don't know that I could have made it through making the creamy chicken and pasta casserole for the warming center without grabbing a few "tastes". The casserole smelled really good too, but I was super careful not to lick my fingers or the spoons.
I only know one way to be sure that pasta is cooked, though... and I bit into one of the penne tubes with my front teeth and spit the bite out into the garbage. I'm serious about this challenge and I don't want to get the carb train rolling out of the station just yet.
The mental craving cycle is beginning to break. Yesterday was full of thoughts of Doritos. At the grocery store, while buying the ingredients for the casserole, I noticed how much the low nutrient/high fat foods are marketed over healthier, tastier options. It makes me mad because, even though the choice to by is ultimately mine, I feel preyed upon by large companies selling bags of garbage to fatten their wallets and us. I wonder if weight loss companies are connected to the food makers somehow. It wouldn't shock me if Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig paid for Frito Lay's advertising.
Today is more of the same; Phase one of the Daniel Fast (fruits and veggies only) and tons of water. So far I'm 1,543 calories under my weekly budget of 7,700 and feeling good. Tonight's physical activity is giving haircuts to the homeless folks at the warming center... it's tougher than you think. :)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Day 4: I Have To Cook
Pilates was awesome and actually helped me to get that final stretch in my legs making it possible to walk like a fully developed human again. My raw food day went well too, but I lost my mind around 8pm and made a bag of low fat microwave popcorn... Popcorn seems to be my weakness lately. Only 220 calories, but still, not planned.
The cravings I'm having are annoying, to say the least. I think I read somewhere that the body's addiction to the chemicals in processed foods should be broken by 72 hours after ending consumption of the garbage... but I believe it's going to take longer to break the mental addiction to Doritos and cheese dip.
Tonight I have to make a casserole for a dinner my church is hosting at a warming shelter in Ferndale. I'm not looking forward to having to cook and cube chicken and make a creamy sauce when I won't be able to have any of it. My plan for my dinner is roasted potatoes and sauteed mushrooms and onions so, hopefully, the consolation dinner will be enough to make up for smelling the Parmesan cheese on the casserole as it's baking.
I'm happy with my efforts so far, but I'm starting to think the same defeating thoughts that got me up to 218Lbs and I'm getting scared. My mantra lately has been "What do I want to love more, food or my body?"
Week one's meal plan (Fruits and Vegetables only) is more than halfway done and I'll be incorporating beans and legumes into my diet next week.
This isn't easy and it's only getting harder, but it helps to know that I have this blog to come to and that someday I might actually have people who read it. :)
The cravings I'm having are annoying, to say the least. I think I read somewhere that the body's addiction to the chemicals in processed foods should be broken by 72 hours after ending consumption of the garbage... but I believe it's going to take longer to break the mental addiction to Doritos and cheese dip.
Tonight I have to make a casserole for a dinner my church is hosting at a warming shelter in Ferndale. I'm not looking forward to having to cook and cube chicken and make a creamy sauce when I won't be able to have any of it. My plan for my dinner is roasted potatoes and sauteed mushrooms and onions so, hopefully, the consolation dinner will be enough to make up for smelling the Parmesan cheese on the casserole as it's baking.
I'm happy with my efforts so far, but I'm starting to think the same defeating thoughts that got me up to 218Lbs and I'm getting scared. My mantra lately has been "What do I want to love more, food or my body?"
Week one's meal plan (Fruits and Vegetables only) is more than halfway done and I'll be incorporating beans and legumes into my diet next week.
This isn't easy and it's only getting harder, but it helps to know that I have this blog to come to and that someday I might actually have people who read it. :)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Day 3: Everything Smells Wonderful
Yesterday went well.
I was still unable to walk like a normal 30 year old, but I made it through the day and stuck to my meal plan... sort of. I replaced my intended avocado and tomato salad dinner with about 8 cups of movie theater popcorn (no butter, of course). It turns out, though, that even that much popcorn is only 440 calories so as a meal goes it was ok... but I didn't get my healthy fat in for the day so I won't be able to make a habit of it. Another downside is that I didn't realize how much salt is really in the stuff when it was coated with. I drank about a gallon of water when I got home from the movie.
A couple new things I'm noticing:
Tonight I intend to do a 20 minute basic pilates workout just to keep things going. I expect to be fully recovered by tomorrow and I plan to tackle the 30 Day Shred again... hopefully this time I'll make it through without hurting myself. I'll definitely be spending more time stretching when the video ends though. :)
As for the meal plan: Today is a new approach. Day 1 I fasted, Day 2 I went with moderation (and popcorn!) today I'm working on a steady flow of raw fruits and vegetables. I'm thinking my body might react better to variety and not just a variety of foods. My hope is that this variety method will keep my metabolism guessing and it's a lot more fun for me. It's also easier for me to stay focused on the little goals if I keep changing the game plan each day. We'll see, huh?
Almost to the half way point of the first week!!! 51 and 1/2 to go!!!
I was still unable to walk like a normal 30 year old, but I made it through the day and stuck to my meal plan... sort of. I replaced my intended avocado and tomato salad dinner with about 8 cups of movie theater popcorn (no butter, of course). It turns out, though, that even that much popcorn is only 440 calories so as a meal goes it was ok... but I didn't get my healthy fat in for the day so I won't be able to make a habit of it. Another downside is that I didn't realize how much salt is really in the stuff when it was coated with. I drank about a gallon of water when I got home from the movie.
A couple new things I'm noticing:
- I can smell things a whole lot better. Similar to when I quit smoking, my sense of smell is hightened. So much so that I can smell whatever people are heating up in the microwaves in the cafeteris that is about 60 yards away from my desk.
- I'm excited to be able to work out again. My tiny stint with a sports injury is upsetting, but it's less about having hurt myself and more about not being physically capable of following my workout plan.
Tonight I intend to do a 20 minute basic pilates workout just to keep things going. I expect to be fully recovered by tomorrow and I plan to tackle the 30 Day Shred again... hopefully this time I'll make it through without hurting myself. I'll definitely be spending more time stretching when the video ends though. :)
As for the meal plan: Today is a new approach. Day 1 I fasted, Day 2 I went with moderation (and popcorn!) today I'm working on a steady flow of raw fruits and vegetables. I'm thinking my body might react better to variety and not just a variety of foods. My hope is that this variety method will keep my metabolism guessing and it's a lot more fun for me. It's also easier for me to stay focused on the little goals if I keep changing the game plan each day. We'll see, huh?
Almost to the half way point of the first week!!! 51 and 1/2 to go!!!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Day 2: Sore and Satisfied
This morning I woke up, still sore from the Jillian Michaels workout I did on Sunday afternoon... I'm not sure if I didn't stretch enough or if I was just way too out of shape for the Beginners Level 1 on the 30 Day Shred video, but I'm feeling pretty shredded and not in the good way.
Needless to say, I won't be working out today... I'm waiting for my torn muscles to heal before damaging them anymore.
Yesterday's meal plan went rather well with the intention of fasting for 24 hours being a success. From 6pm Sunday to 6pm on Monday I drank only water. At 6 on Monday I had a salad with lots of veggies and a fantastic olive oil and garlic dressing. I also broiled some zuchinni and summer squash with a little bit of spray oil and salt and pepper. I was satisfied by the time I finished my salad and was comfortably full after the squash. A few cravings hit after breaking my fast, but determination kept me in check.
For the record, I don't recommend anyone fast without consulting their doctor. The fact is that at 218 lbs I am not putting my body at risk if I choose to fast for a day or two. I've got a lot of stored energy my body can use and I believe fasting to be a biblical and spiritual event. So no worries, I'm no where near anorexia and have no intention of becomming skeletal, I just want to be able to run and wear skirts without my thighs falling apart... probably don't want to do both at the same time, but you get the idea. :)
As for today's meal plan. I'm going to try a consistant approach. I'm having some apples for breakfast, a nice salad with lot's of veggies for lunch and sliced avocado and tomatoes for dinner. I anticipate my physical hunger to be nonexistant, but my mental cravings to be off the charts... Wish me luck!
Needless to say, I won't be working out today... I'm waiting for my torn muscles to heal before damaging them anymore.
Yesterday's meal plan went rather well with the intention of fasting for 24 hours being a success. From 6pm Sunday to 6pm on Monday I drank only water. At 6 on Monday I had a salad with lots of veggies and a fantastic olive oil and garlic dressing. I also broiled some zuchinni and summer squash with a little bit of spray oil and salt and pepper. I was satisfied by the time I finished my salad and was comfortably full after the squash. A few cravings hit after breaking my fast, but determination kept me in check.
For the record, I don't recommend anyone fast without consulting their doctor. The fact is that at 218 lbs I am not putting my body at risk if I choose to fast for a day or two. I've got a lot of stored energy my body can use and I believe fasting to be a biblical and spiritual event. So no worries, I'm no where near anorexia and have no intention of becomming skeletal, I just want to be able to run and wear skirts without my thighs falling apart... probably don't want to do both at the same time, but you get the idea. :)
As for today's meal plan. I'm going to try a consistant approach. I'm having some apples for breakfast, a nice salad with lot's of veggies for lunch and sliced avocado and tomatoes for dinner. I anticipate my physical hunger to be nonexistant, but my mental cravings to be off the charts... Wish me luck!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Day 1: Bravery Required
This is the first full day of my endeavor to lose 100 Lbs by January 3rd 2011.
I am a 30 year old female, 5'2", 218 Lbs. I have been overweight since the age of 13.
My lowest weight in the last 5 years is 192, my highest is 230.
I have tried Weight Watchers, Adkins Diet & Sadkhin Complex and have tried suplemental programs like Alli, Metabolife & Equinox. I gave vegetarianism, veganism & raw foods a whirl and even went a month on nothing but prepackaged foods. As for exercize; there have been countless work out sessions and hours spent on tread mills and elliptical machines with no understanding of what it was even doing for my body. To be perfectly honest I had to have spell check help me out with spelling exercize. My plan is to shake things up with my metabolism. I wnat to take the consistent advice of a few different gurus and mix it with the science of calories in vs. calories out and see what happens. I will update daily with what nutritional method I used and which workout I did and describe hunger, energy, dificulty and what I'm feeling. I will also update every Monday evening with my weight and measurements.
The Food Plan:
Detox by fasting for 1 day
Kick start the calorie reduction by only eating fruits and vegetables for 19 days
Stick to a balanced menu of 1300 calories/day for the remaining days.
The Action Plan:
Sundays, Cross train at the gym 1-4
Mondays, Video: Pilates Basic, 20 min
Tuesdays, Video: Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred, 20 min
Wednesdays, Video: Pilates Buns & Thighs, 20 min
Thursdays, Video: Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred, 20 min
Fridays, Video: Pilates Abs, 20 min
Saturdays, Video: Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred, 20 min
I am a 30 year old female, 5'2", 218 Lbs. I have been overweight since the age of 13.
My lowest weight in the last 5 years is 192, my highest is 230.
I have tried Weight Watchers, Adkins Diet & Sadkhin Complex and have tried suplemental programs like Alli, Metabolife & Equinox. I gave vegetarianism, veganism & raw foods a whirl and even went a month on nothing but prepackaged foods. As for exercize; there have been countless work out sessions and hours spent on tread mills and elliptical machines with no understanding of what it was even doing for my body. To be perfectly honest I had to have spell check help me out with spelling exercize. My plan is to shake things up with my metabolism. I wnat to take the consistent advice of a few different gurus and mix it with the science of calories in vs. calories out and see what happens. I will update daily with what nutritional method I used and which workout I did and describe hunger, energy, dificulty and what I'm feeling. I will also update every Monday evening with my weight and measurements.
The Food Plan:
Detox by fasting for 1 day
Kick start the calorie reduction by only eating fruits and vegetables for 19 days
Stick to a balanced menu of 1300 calories/day for the remaining days.
The Action Plan:
Sundays, Cross train at the gym 1-4
Mondays, Video: Pilates Basic, 20 min
Tuesdays, Video: Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred, 20 min
Wednesdays, Video: Pilates Buns & Thighs, 20 min
Thursdays, Video: Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred, 20 min
Fridays, Video: Pilates Abs, 20 min
Saturdays, Video: Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred, 20 min
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