Wednesday 10/5/11

Happy Hump Day!

Recap of yesterday:

Gym time! It felt good to get back into the gym and I am feeling it this morning, which always makes me happy J

Here’s what I did:

TIME	EXERCISE	REPS	LBS	SETS
	PUSHUPS	10	N/A	3
	UP/DOWN/IN/OUT	10	12.5	4
	UP/OUT/IN/DOWN	10	12.5	3
	DB FLYES	10	12.5	4
	SKULL CRUSHERS	10	12.5	4
	DB KICKBACK	10	12.5	4
5 MIN	TREADMILL	JOG		1
1 MIN	TREADMILL	SPRINT		1

The cardio was less than impressive but I decided to do the weights first and I was running out of time. I’ve been doing regular ‘boy pushups’ recently and I like it! They may not be the prettiest but I’m happy with myself for doing them J

Food yesterday:

Breakfast: Mocha protein shake

Snack: Oatmeal w/ raisins & cinnamon

Lunch: Thai Butternut Squash soup over brown rice and edamame (soup recipe below)

Snack: Protein Tofu

Snack: 1/4c natural fruit & nut trail mix

Dinner: Cesar salad & bread at a baby shower J

Once the baby shower was over, I just came home and it was time to put miss Nora to bed J

Nora woke up with me this morning and then would not let me out of her grasp so I didn’t go to the gym… I cuddled with my girl instead. My mom has her bellydance class tonight so I’m going to try to make it to that to at least get a little sweat going!

Food Today:

Breakfast:

Mocha Protein Shake

Snack:

Oatmeal w/ raisins & cinnamon

Lunch:

Brown rice w/ carmalized onions and roasted sweet potato

Snack:

1/4c all natural fruit & nut trail mix

Snack:

Protein Tofu

Dinner:

TBD – probably squash, zucchini and tofu sauté J

Thai Butternut Squash Soup (vegan J)

1can Light coconut Milk

1tsp Red curry Paste

3lbs Butternut Squash, peeled and chopped

1 ½ - 2” piece of ginger, peeled and grated

1tb garlic, minced

1 medium red onion, minced

1tbs EVOO

1qt low sodium veggie stock

Juice of 2 limes

Minced cilantro (for serving)

Chopped peanuts (optional – for serving)

Natural fine seasalt

-          In large lidded pot, saute onions in EVOO for about 5 min, until soft

-          Add ginger, garlic and curry paste and cook 1 minute

-          Add coconut milk, veggie stock and squash – bring to a boil then reduce to simmer and simmer, partially covered, until squash is tender (about 20 minutes)

-          Add juice of limes then puree w/ immersion blender/food processor/blender (I did in 2 portions)

-          Season with salt to taste (I added a little additional garlic powder at this point – season as you see fit J)

-          Sprinkle with cilantro and peanuts (if using) and enjoy!

I am absolutely OBSESSED with this soup!!  I love to dip WW pita chips in it!

So I have decided to start a new training regimine. I mentioned that I was unhappy with my workout routine as it was and I knew that I needed to kick things up with something new... so I’m going to start training via Crossfit! I’m not actually going to the gym yet (I don’t think I’m physically, or hell, financially ready for that just yet) but Branden has done a lot of research on it and has put together a 4 week program for me! I’ll be beginning my program on Monday and I am PUMPED! I have always loved extreme fitness and one of my life-long goals has been to compete in a fitness competition! I’m not saying that I want to have biceps as big as my head or be all testosterone-d out by any means, I just want to be… REALLY fit lol. It’s definintely a long-term goal/program for me but I have full faith in my ability to get to the competition point! Branden is training for the Crossfit Games while I’ll be training to train for the games lol. I’m excited, not only to start this new program (which I think is better suited to the way I like to workout) but also to be doing something kind of WITH my husband! We’ve never worked out together before as he’s always been in such great shape, it would be damn near impossible for us to have an effective workout together, working on such different levels. But NOW we won’t necessarily be working out together but we’ll be doing a lot of the same things and can talk through/support each other along the way! I’m stoked, can ya tell? J

Like I said, training begins on Monday… and I am anticipating a lot of sore muscles but I’m welcoming them with open arms lol.

I’m sure I mentioned before but I have gone completely meatless. I’m no longer doing seafood, even on the occasion – and I’m completely fine with it! I’m loving this lifestyle and I adore veggies and whole grains so I really don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything! It’s a different way of eating but it’s totally delicious! I’m still trying to keep the dairy to a minimum, but I’m not a nazi about it.

Well, I guess that’s all I have for today….

I hope to post again tomorrow J

Have a great Wednesday!

Monday 10/3

Hello there! Sorry for the late post, everytime I tried to post earlier today something came up and I was never able to complete it :(
But here we are! I'll keep it brief...
Food Today
Breakfast
Mocha protein shake

Snack
Oatmeal raisins cinnamon

Lunch
Sauteed zucchini, squash, onion and tofu

Snack
Trail mix

Snack
Protein tofu

Dinner
Snacked my way through dinner with organic blue corn chips & salsa, protein tofu and ww pita chips

I didn't go to the gym this morning, nora didn't sleep well at all last night which means I got pretty much no sleep :( keeping my fingers crossed for a good night tonight!

That's all tonight... Sorry so short but I need to get this little girl to bed! Adiós!

Here We Go Again

Hi there... well I have to say I'm a bit embarrassed to have to be posting this AGAIN, but,
 I failed. I'll willingly admit that. I've been having a lot of struggles lately (mostly mental and emotional, which typically lead to some sort of physical after-math) and it was really thrown me off course, to say the least. As everyone knows, I went to Chicago last week. Before leaving, things were stressed between Branden and I, which put another level of anxiety on top of everything else (traveling, leaving Nora, work in general etc). Then, once I was there, my brain just kind of went down hill. I got really depressed and was totally lathargic the whole time. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't like suicidal or anything by any means, but I was far more noticably depressed than I've been in a long time. I was totally tired the whole time, all I wanted to do was eat, drink and lay. I feel like I'm going through some sort of identity crisis and I honestly don't know which step is the right one to take. I'm unhappy with where I am in most areas of my life, and desperately want to get myself in the right place... but the GIANT question, how do I go about doing that? Is it time for a career change? Is it time for a residence change? Or should I get a tattoo of a peacock on my foot and hope that will bring along some sort of revelation? Okay, I'm not going to do any of those things any time soon but I'm just feeling incredibly.... blah. I've noticed that I've lost a lot of fire for my 'Losing Path' as well. One would think that after having a great week and hitting the 50lb mark that my engines would be so revved no one could stop me... but unfortunately, that's not the case. I feel like I walk into the gym (which, I will say, I haven't done all week) and I get on a treadmill and then... don't know what to do. As busy as work is right now, I don't have the time to put together any organizaed workouts and Lord knows I don't make enough money to hire a personal trainer so I've gotten very discouraged. On the bright side, I did finally voice all of this anxiety to Branden and he said that he would start putting workouts together for me again so that made me feel much better. Also, I went over to my inlaw's house for dinner last night and with my mother-in-law being a vegetarian, it kind of lit a fire under my ass to start working more on vegetarian recipes and keeping myself excited! I know I've said it a million times before, that I'm the only one who can control my attitude about things... but dammit sometimes it's not so easy to be positive. I plan to take advantage of this week a-new and re-focus. I'm going to go back and re-read parts of 'The Kind Diet', which is what spawned my transition into vegetarianism... I'm going to flip through as many fitness magazines as possible and set a goal for myself (ie, 9minute mile by Christmas etc)... and I'm going to go back and read some of my previous posts to remind myself why I started this whole journey in the first place. I'd appreciate any positive and motivating thoughts, if you have any extras sitting around :)
I don't really think it's necessary to post my food intake, as it has been less than stellar and to be honest, I probably couldn't remember it all if I tried. I know I've gained since before Chicago, but I plan to turn that around ASAP.
It's strange how guilty this blog can make me feel lol... but that's part of the reason that I started it. Part of the duty of this is to be a sort of accountability partner... and when I let that partner down, I feel it. I hope that my readers don't lost faith in me... I'm convinced that this is just another bump in the road that will only make my end result taste that much sweeter :) (which, of course, will involve no sugar lol)

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful fall weather... and you'll be hearing from me tomorrow. I promise.

Thursday 9/22

Fail, I know! I was at home all day with Nora yesterday and didn’t get an opportunity to post. I’m in a bit of a hurry now so here’s a brief run-down of yesterday and today…

Yesterday Gym:

TIME	EXERCISE	REPS	LBS	SETS
5M	TREADMILL	WALK
5M	TREADMILL	JOG
	PUSHUPS	10		3
	TWISTING BICEP CURLS	15	12.5	4
	SHOULDER PRESS	15	12.5	4
	SKULL CRUSHERS	15	20	4
5M	TREADMILL	JOG

Yesterday Food:

Breakfast: Mocha Protein Shake

Snack: Oatmeal w/ raisins & cinnamon

Lunch: Snacked-through w/ a few WW pita chips w/ baba gannouj and protein tofu

Snack: Whole grain chips & organic salsa

Dinner: 7sprouted grain tortilla w/ brown rice (w/ diced poblano and red bell pepper), organic tomato salsa and pineapple salsa and spice-roasted sweet potatoes, daikon & squash.. I’ll post recipes later J

Today:

Didn’t make it to the gym… I had absolutely no energy when I woke up this morning after getting crappy sleep the last 2 nights. I also had some things to do at the house since I’m leaving for Chicago tomorrow morning!

Food:

Breakfast: Mocha Protein Shake

Snack: Oatmeal w/ raisins & cinnamon

Lunch: 1 Leftover Manicotti & protein tofu

Snack: 1/4c Trail Mix

Dinner: TBD, probably a mushroom veggie burger.

Well our flight leaves at 7:30am for Chitown!!  I’m so excited J

I’ll continue to post as much as possible from the windy city! I hope everyone is having a happy and healthy Thursday!!!

Sprints! 9/20/11

Happy Tuesday!

I’m in a mood today… Not sure what kind of a mood but it’s tasting a little foul.

I wasn’t able to go to dance last night as Branden didn’t get home from work until almost 7:30 (dance was at 6:30). So, I cooked Manicotti instead. It wasn’t the best or worst food option, but it sure was tasty. It’s good for regular lean cooking, but not so much for my vegan-flirting new style of eating. Regardless, the recipe is below. A BIG slip-up last night was oatmeal lace cookies. My mom makes this in the cooler-weather time of year and they are the most delicious things on the planet… and completely addicting. I will absolutely not post the recipe (lol) but I will admit that I over-indulged.

SO after my cookie and manicotti dinner last night, I decided to amp-up my running this morning! This is what I did at the gym today:

TIME	EXERCISE	REPS	LBS	SETS
5 M WARMUP	TREADMILL	WALK	N/A	1
15 M INTERVAL	TREADMILL	2 MIN JOG / 1 MIN WALK	N/A	1
10 M INTERVAL	TREADMILL	1 MIN SPRINT / 1 MIN WALK	N/A	1
	BALL CRUNCHES	20	N/A	4
	6 INCH KILLERS	10	N/A	2

I felt really great stepping off of that treadmill! Sure, there were a couple of points during the sprint intervals that I thought I was going to vomit/die/both… and I actually extended one walking portion to 1 ½ minutes… and then made up for it with the next sprint by increasing the speed by .5 J

I’ve been noticing the reactions from people when they see me running, and I think it’s really funny! For instance, I was jogging on the street the other day when Nora and I were going to the park and a lady actually applauded me and said “good for you!”. Lol… and I’ve noticed people at the gym having kind of surprised looks on their faces when I start jogging/ sprinting on the treadmill (like this morning). I freakin love it! I’ve always refused to let the ‘fat bring me down’ (as opposed to the ‘man’?) and it always surprises the hell out of people to find that I don’t just sit on my ass and eat Little Debbies all day. I’m really happy that my body is starting to whittle down to the appropriate size and allowing me to do the exercise-type of things that I’ve always wanted!

Another great thing happened today… I tried a size 9 ring on my ring finger and it fit! I can honestly say that I don’t know that a size 9 has ever fit on my ring finger. Granted, it’s only 1 ring and it could very well just run big but damnit I was excited! I remember when I used to buy size 12 rings and would sometimes have issues with those! Every part of my body is changing and it’s awesome J Did I mention yesterday that I ordered a size 20 pair of jeans? Well, I did. Another first in a VERY long time! I’m not so sure that they’re going to fit right now but they sure as hell will very soon!

Food Today:

Breakfast:

Mocha Protein shake

Snack:

Oatmeal

Snack:

Banana and 4 chunks pineapple

Lunch:

Sandwich on 7sprouted grain bread w/ black bean spread, avocado and pineapple salsa

Snack:

¼ c fruit & nut trail mix

Snack:

Protein tofu

Dinner:

No clue – we’re taking Nora to see Yo! Gabba Gabba live at the Aranoff tonight!!

I know that I list pretty much the same thing for lunch everyday, so I thought that I would post a picture of what my lunch looks like all packed-up! (This is yesterday’s lunchJ)

Spinach & Leek Manicotti

1box Manicotti Shells

2tubs Fat Free Ricotta Cheese

2c Fat Free Mozzarella Cheese, separated

2c fresh baby spinach, chopped small

1c Leeks, chopped small

2tbs garlic, minced

½ tsp red pepper flake (optional)

S&P

1 jar Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Sauce

(could easily add fresh oregano/basil/herbs of your choice – I chose to highlight the garlicJ)

-          Boil manicotti per box directions, drain and rinse with cold water for immediate filling

-          While manicotti is boiling, mix ricotta, 1c mozzarella, spinach, leeks, garlic, s&p and red pepper flake (if using) in a large bowl

-          Spread ¼ jar of sauce on bottom of a glass baking dish

-          Fill manicotti shells w/ ricotta mixture and place in baking dish in a single layer

-          Cover with the rest of the sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese

-          Cover dish w/ foil and bake for 30 minutes

I just served this with some crusty whole grain bread and it was delicious!

Well, I suppose that’s about all I have for today. Hopefully I can get out of this funk soon! Ugh.. I need a pumpkin patch in my life – that will definitely cheer me up J

I hope everyone is having a happy and healthy Tuesday! Until tomorrow…

50lbs Down :)

Happy Monday!

So, I did a little blog spoil on Facebook this weekend (because I was so excited) so this may not be news to most, but I’ve officially lost 50 lbs!! It feels so amazing to put a solid number like ‘50’ behind me. J This 50 is coming from when I started this blog in March, before I actually posted my weight on the blog lol. I started the blog between 298 and 299 lbs… and as of yesterday morning, I am officially at 248 J Which also means that I lost 3lbs last week! An all-around good week J At the beginning, the thought of losing 50lbs seemed nearly impossible and incredibly daunting. I definitely learned that you have to make small goals and work on achieving them… if you walk into it saying “I’m going to lost 50 lbs in 6 months”, there’s a very good chance that you will be intimidated and get easily discouraged. After all of the ups and downs along my path so far, I think I’m at a good place and feel great about the decisions that I’ve made J

So I didn’t make it to the gym this morning… fail, I know. But we all know how terrible Monday mornings are for me! I’m going to try to go dance tonight, but I’m not so sure that I’ll be able to make it. I’m supposed to meet with a friend this evening and it all depends on what time I’ll be finished with that!

Brief recap of the weekend:

Saturday:

Breakfast: Mocha Protein Shake

Lunch: can’t remember? Lol

Dinner: Grilled veggies and rice (YUM!) – see below J

Saturday I participated in the Congenital Heart 5k, and then I went home and jogged Nora up to the park and back (with some play-time in between, obviously). In total, I walked 2 miles and jogged 2 miles! I was feeling PRETTY great! It’s funny how your brain evolves along with your body… before, I would have never in my life even considered jogging on the streets! I never wanted anyone to see me plus I was so afraid of the hills making it too difficult for me to do it… now I just say, well… I’ll do my best! I look at everything as a ‘work-in-progress’ as opposed to just ‘it is what it is’. It’s a really refreshing way to think, I must say!

Sunday:

Breakfast; Mocha Protein Shake, 1slice 7 sprouted grain bread w/ pineapple salsa

Lunch: Snacked my way through.. chips & salsa and pita chips & baba ganouj

Dinner: FABULOUS dinner party with the girls! Organic vegetable and barley soup with pear salad yummy pumpkin bread! I brought dessert, baked apples w/ butter pecan soy dream icecream and maybe a sugar free cupcake (brought by Emily J) It was really delicious and pretty healthy!

I was a little less active yesterday… I didn’t do any formal exercising but I did go grocery shopping, cooked and cleaned the house, so I wasn’t exactly stagnant.

Food Today:

Breakfast:

Mocha Protein Shake

Snack:

Oatmeal w/ craisins and cinnamon

Lunch:

Sandwich of 7-sprouted grain bread, black bean spread, avocado slices and pineapple salsa

Snack:

¼ cup Natural fruit & nut trailmix

Snack:

Protein Tofu

Dinner:

I haven’t a clue.

Grilled Veggies & Rice

2 Shanghai Bok Choy, quartered

2-3 small/medium tomatoes, cut into 1/8ths

1 red onion, thickly sliced

Brown rice, cook to specifications

½ red bell pepper, diced

EVOO

3tbs garlic

1tbs Balsamic Vinegar

-Combine Bok Choy, Tomatoes and Red onion in bowl. Gently toss w/ EVOO, 2tbs garlic and balsamic vinegar

-After rice is cooked, add red bell pepper and remaining garlic with a dash of EVOO and mix together. Cover the pot and leave on LOW heat while veggies are cooking

-Grill veggies, turning once, until you see a little char and they start to wilt

-Serve veggies over rice!

This is one of my favorite meals! There are few things I love more than a grilled onion J

Pineapple Salsa

2 large chunks pineapple, diced

½ mango, peeled and diced

¼ jicama, peeled and diced

2 green onions, diced

2tbs red bell pepper, minced

S &P to taste

Juice of 1 lime  (to taste, may be more or less)

Mix it all up and voila! Delicioso!

I must say, I’m feeling really great right now.  My initial goal at the beginning of this year was to lost 60 lbs by Christmas… at this rate, I think I may surpass my goal J

It’s amazing the feel the support from my family and peers. Last night, my friend Emily gave me a gift to celebrate my 50lb achievement.. it’s so amazing to me that my friends care that much! I just want to say thank you, from the deepest depths of my soul, for sticking by me through this endeavor! I still have quite a way to go, but I am fully confident in my ability to succeed. J

Thank you again – I’ll be in touch tomorrow J

Take a Walk :)

A late night hello to all! Unfortunately, technology issues have yet again delayed the posting of my MUCH anticipated blog! (much anticipated, right? Lol)
Anyway, today has been very off my regular routine, food-wise. Actually, let's start with last night... As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I went to Tribal Night at Leapin Lizard. It was awesome! There weren't many people there which meant that I was able to dance the entire time! I literally danced for almost 2 hours straight, only breaking briefly for water :-) I was sweating my ass off, my quads and shoulders/arms were burning and it felt amazing! I definitely have to give props to the drummers, I can only imagine how much their arms/hands were burning! When I finally got home at around 10, I jumped in the shower and went straight to bed so I had no dinner last night. Actually, I didn't have anything at all after work.
Well, after going to bed at around 11 and not eating last night, you can only imagine the lack of energy this morning! I was super sore when I woke up and knew that I wasn't going to have a very productive workout so I decided to just skip the gym and get some extra rest. As part of my make up for missing my workout this morning, I'll be doing a 5k fitness walk to benefit congenital heart disease research! I'm excited! Of course I'll be taking Nora with me and I think she'll enjoy a nice stroll through Eden Park :-) I'm not sure what the rest of my day shall hold after the walk so I'll have to update later... Probably the park if the weather's nice!
Food Today:
Breakfast:
Mocha protein shake

Snack:
Oatmeal w/ raisins & cinnamon

Snack:
Small WW pita chopped into points and dipped in light hummus

Lunch:
Veggie grilled cheese(incredibly unhealthy but it was tasty :-( ) and a tomato/basil/spinach salad

Snack:
Protein mousse

Dinner:
Red cabbage & leek pizza w/ vegan mozz cheese on homemade ww pizza crust
Delish!

I'm excited to weigh-in this weekend, I'm feeling pretty good! Even after my grilled cheese mistake today lol...
I'll try to post this weekend but, as usual, can't promise I'll have time! I hope everyone has a happy and healthy weekend! The weather's supposed to be nice... Get your ass outside and do something! ;-)