Friday, November 30, 2007
Skating Away
Thursday's Goals
Exercise: Cardio (skating)
Calories: 1500
Thursday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Cardio (skating)
Calories: 1545
I already wrote that yesterday I went skating. I skated for a solid hour. As always, lots of fun and best of all, it gets me out of the office for a couple hours.
I was on pretty much on track with calories yesterday. I had a shake for breakfast (300), an eggplant parmesan pita pizza for lunch (530). For dinner I had a breakfast sandwich....a slice of toasted Tuscan Pane bread topped with 2 scrambled eggs, 2 slices of vegetarian "bacon" and a little cheddar (415). Afterwards I had some Swedish fish (300) to settle my sweet tooth.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Catching up
The bad news is I fell completely off the diet wagon yesterday. I don't know why. I was just HUNGRY and all I could think about was eating and I had absolutely no willpower to count or limit calories. I am not even going to tell you what I ate. Let's just say it was a lot and I didn't track a damned thing.
On the positive side of things, though, I am back on track and determined not to let this turn into a month long downward spiral. One thing that has been weighing on me in the back of my mind is how in the world I am going to manage December with all the social events (that involve eating) planned. The usual custom is that I go totally off the wagon in December, gain several pounds and then have to get back on track in January. Same story every single year. But this year I am not going there. I worked so hard to take off the weight I have - I don't want to slide backwards. But the fact is, I have about 9 social events on my calendar in December so I had to come up with a plan.
I decided the best way to deal with December is to plan the entire month out instead of going week by week. This way I can really figure out where I need to place the high calories days. Since there are so many of them in December (and they don't conveniently fall one-per-week) I need more calendar "space" to utilize in making my plan. Another thing I did was to shift some calories around to create a larger number of higher-calorie days. The end result, though, is that the calories all add up to 1800/day so no damage will be done.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Tantalizing Tuesday
Monday, November 26, 2007
Marvelous Monday
Calories: 1800
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Goals for the Week of November 26, 2007
Sunday
Exercise: Choice
Calories: 1400
Sunday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Pilates/Yoga
Calories: 1550
I had a good day on the program today. For my workout I did Crunch's Super Slimdown - Pilates Yoga Blend. I really enjoy this workout and it's great for days when I don't feel like doing a full-blown, exhausting workout.
For breakfast I had a shake (300). For lunch I had a slice of pizza (400). For dinner I made tilapa breaded with the usual (panko bread crumbs, parm cheese and regular breadcrumbs), a large amount of brocolli and a baked potato with butter (700). That was it for my calorie allowance but those darned pears were calling (actually SHOUTING) my name, so I indulged in a couple (150). I don't worry too much about going over on something like fruit, though. I doubt a couple pears will make or break any progress.
Sensational Saturday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1500
Saturday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Strength & Yoga
Calories: 1570
I had a really good day on the program, I am very happy to say. First of all, I did 2 workouts instead of one. First I did The Firm: Bootcamp 3-in-1 Mix which is a long, challenging strength workout. Afterwards, I really felt like doing some yoga, so I did Crunch Candlelight Yoga and I extended the shavasana (final relaxation) at the end. Perfect! In the evening, I also walked around the mall a little (for about an hour) so I definitely got my exercise in yesterday.
I went over by 70 calories but it was for a pear so I don't feel bad about that. I will explain about the pear in a minute. For breakfast I had a shake (300). For lunch I had an eggplant parmesan pita pizza (513). For dinner I had my favorite salad in the world - one I recently discovered through a recipe in The New Best Recipe Cookbook(my favorite cookbook in the world). It's arugula with roasted pears, walnuts and shaved parmesan (in strips) with an oil and vinegar dressing (680). I made a HUGE salad for those calories. I modified it a little last night...I used the pears unroasted (I discovered I actually prefer them this way in the salad and no butter has to be used) and I used low-fat feta cheese in place of the shaved parmesan - it was just as good and the low-fat feta has only 40 calories per ounce (which is really low for any cheese).
I am not a big salad person. I enjoy them once in a while (usually the fattening ones like ceasar or ones with blue cheese dressing) but generally salad is not something I love to eat or crave. However, I make an exception for this salad. It is OUT OF THIS WORLD. The combination of the sweet pears with the sharp cheese and the crunch of the bitter walnuts with the acidity of the vinegar in the dressing is just outrageously delicious.
And these pears!!!! I bought a different type this time - bosc pears (the ugly brown ones that seem unappealing when you look at them). Wow! Firm AND sweet at the same time. Delicious!
(Can you tell I am hungry right now?)
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Fickle Friday
Exercise: Rest
Calories: 1400
Friday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Rest
Calories: ?
I am ashamed to report I went off the wagon yesterday and didn't keep track of my calories. I was doing fine...counting everything up until after dinner and then I had a meltdown. I was feeling a little run-down and under the weather and my willpower really sucked. That's no excuse but that's the reason. Oh well. I am back on the wagon today and I plan to really stay on track for the next 7 days since my December 1 check-in is coming up. I don't think I am going to have big losses for November since I was off the wagon for a good chunk of it.
My program buddy dlv reminded me that I need to pick out my next charm and yesterday I realized that that would probably be a good idea considering the motivation issues. So since travel is my greatest love above all other interests, I chose this charm for when I reach 40 pounds lost:
Isn't it cute?
It's hard to find charms! First of all, in most cases, I only like three-dimensional ones (not the flat ones). So that eliminates about 90% of what's out there. Then, trying to find ones that match up with my interests, are in 14K, in my price range and that I really like is very hard! But I certainly like this one a lot.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday's Goals
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1400
Wednesday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1400
Today is Thanksgiving and hurray! It's a splurge day. What could be better than splurging on good 'ole heavy, starchy, fatty, sugary American comfort food? When you're counting calories 6 days a week, NOTHING!
As for Wednesday, for my workout, I pulled out one of my old favorites, FitPrime's Strong Bear. Haven't done that one in awhile and forgot how great it is - probably one of my all-time favorite video workouts! A toughie with lots of inner thigh work. I am feeling it this morning.
For breakfast I had a shake (300). For lunch I had some pasta primavera (500). Afterwards I had sugar craving and had a handful of jelly beans (300). That left only 300 calories for dinner so I decided to have another shake (300). I didn't feel like cooking and there are not many things one can cook with 300 calories, so I decided to make it easy on myself. With all the extra time I had after "dinner" I decided to put up the Christmas decorations. This was the first year pulling out our "Insta-Tree"! (an artificial tree we bought last year, decorated and after Christmas put a sheet over it fully-decorated and put it in the garage until this year). Pulled it out, plugged it in and VOILA - Insta-Tree! So funny and ridiculous but I love it - it saved us about 2-3 hours of work! Hubby was rolling his eyes at me the whole time and laughing at me, but I know he was relieved to not have the entire house torn apart for an entire afternoon.
I must admit that Insta-Tree isn't anywhere near as pretty as my big, real, meticulously-decorated trees of years gone by, but that's okay. I just don't have the desire to go through all that hassle anymore so it's either Insta-Tree or nothing. Been there, done that.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Terrific Tuesday
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Manic Monday
Monday, November 19, 2007
Goals for Week of November 19th
Successful Sunday
Exercise: Rest
Calories: 1500
Sunday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Rest
Calories: 1503
No exercise today...it was a rest day (and a much needed one!). I had a clementine before breakfast (70) and then for breakfast I had a slice of Tuscan Pane bread with 2 eggs, vegetarian "bacon" and cheese (433). All I wanted for lunch was ice cream so that's what I had - my favorite light ice cream - Turkey Hill Chocolaty Moose Tracks topped with whipped cream (500). For dinner I made pasta primavera (pasta and vegetables) topped with some grated cheese (500).
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Splurging is Sensational
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Friday
Friday, November 16, 2007
Ice Skating and Hot Cocoa - what could be better?
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 2000
Thursday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 2010
For my workout yesterday I went figure skating. It was a perfect session - the ice was glass smooth, the temperature of the rink was comfortable, I felt energetic and there were no reckless show-offs aggravating me. I skated for a full hour.
I was on target with my calories. For breakfast I had the same toast/egg/vegetarian "sausage"/cheese sandwich I've had a couple days this week (551). For lunch I went out to my favorite pizza place across the street from work and had 2 slices and can of Coke (1000). For dinner I didn't have too many calories left so I had a grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of hot chocolate (460).
By the way, Hershey's has a new cocoa out called Hershey's Special Dark that is out of this world. It's so dark, it is almost black! I mostly use it to add to my protein shakes to make them extra chocolately but it also makes an outrageously delicious (and dark!) hot chocolate - really satisfies a chocolate craving. This is unsweetened cocoa and it has 20 calories/tablespoon. You can find it in the baking section of your supermarket where they sell regular cocoa.
DARK & DELICIOUS HOT COCOA
Permanent link to recipe
1 cup of skim milk
1 heaping tablespoon Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa
Couple shakes of cinnamon
1 pinch salt
sweetener to taste (for this, I use Whey Low as it tastes better in this application than stevia)
Pour a small amount of milk into a mug (about 1/8 cup). Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Add the cocoa, the salt, the cinnamon and the sweetener. With a fork or small whisk, whisk this mixture really well until smooth (no lumps). Slowly pour in the rest of the milk and whisk. Put back in the microwave and heat for another minute or so.
(150 calories)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Wonderful Wednesday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1800
Wednesday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1850
I did a really tough workout this morning - The Firm: Bootcamp 3-in-1 Mix. It's a long one too...I think it's about an hour and 10 minutes and it hits every muscle. Lots of bicep work!
I still haven't received my Whey Gourmet Protein Powder, so I had a traditional breakfast today....cereal with skim milk topped with sliced almonds and raspberries (485). For lunch I had an eggplant parmesan pita pizza (465). For dinner I had a burrito stuffed with black beans, salsa, minced jalapeno peppers, cilantro and cheddar with a squirt of lime juice and dipped it in a little light sour cream (550). I indulged in a pile of jelly beans for a treat. Boy they really were good! (300)
An Unusual (and Exciting) Experience
The thing that I noticed was that my shape has become very hourglass and I no longer have a large matronly stomach. Also, all the strength training I have been doing over the past year is starting to show. I can see definition in my shoulders - they are broader (I love that), and more sculpted. I also noticed that my stomach is getting those 2 vertical lines - the beginnings of a six pack! When I looked in the mirror today, I also had the thought that I am getting my old body back...it was like seeing a long-lost friend who you loved but haven't seen in years. I recognized the positive features of my new physique and remembered that I used to have these features before I gained all the weight over the years. And here, I thought they were gone for good and just a casualty of age.
What makes me even more excited about this whole experience today is that I am not even half way to goal and I am already feeling happy about the way I look and feel. I can't imagine how satisfying it will be when my physique is at goal.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Terrific Tuesday
Motivated Monday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1500
Monday's Accomplishments
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1548
I had a good day on the program yesterday. I was a little short on time in the morning so I did Tom Holland's Total Body Workout. I am really sore today! It's a really great workout in 45 minutes.
I was only 48 calories over my allotment (which I consider acceptable). I ran out of protein powder and my new supply has not arrived yet so I'll be having regular breakfasts until it arrives. I had a slice of whole wheat toast topped with 1 slice of vegetarian "bacon", 2 scrambled eggs and a little cheddar cheese (345). For lunch I had an eggplant parmesan pita pizza (pita topped with sauce, breaded eggplant cutlets, parmesan and low-fat mozzarella) - 560. For dinner I had pasta marinara filled with sauteed veggies (peppers, onions, mushrooms, garlic) - 593. During the day I also had a couple hard candies to take the edge off a sweet tooth (50).
I feel glad that I am back on the wagon and moving forward again. And I am glad my 2 motivating partners are back from vacation - it's much easier to be on top of this with a support system! :)
Monday, November 12, 2007
Goals for Week of November 12, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
The Gala
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Successful Sunday
I had 1500 calories today. For breakfast I had the usual shake (300). For lunch I had an eggplant parmesan pizza bagel (565). For dinner I made one of my favorite dishes...Mexican tilapia (tilapia, breaded in a mixture of bread crumbs, wheat germ and parmesan with herbs mixed in, baked and topped with salsa and Mexican cheese, served over rice with a lime wedge, a little guacamole and sour cream (630). I was proud of myself because I could have easily eaten 2 more servings of that delicious fish, but I didn't.
Tilapia is a really good choice for fish. It's very satisfying and delicious, but extremely low calorie (only 27 calories per ounce) so I can really get a substantial meal out of it without loading up on calories.
Goals for Week of November 5, 2007
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1500
Tuesday
Exercise: Cardi0
Calories: 1400
Wednesday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1800
Thursday
Exercise: Cardio
Calories: 1500
Friday
Exercise: Strength
Calories: 1400
Saturday
Exercise: Yoga and Swimming
Calories: 3000
Sunday
Exercise: Rest
Calories: 2000
Back on the Wagon
Onward!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
October Results!
I also lost 5.75 inches in October:
2 inches off my chest
2 inches off my stomach
1 inch off my hips
1/4 inch off my thigh
1/2 inch off my arm
(no loss on my waist this month)
My total inches lost since I began the program:
4 inches off my chest
6.24 inches off my stomach
5.5 inches off my hips
3 inches off my thigh
1 1/2 inches off my arm
4 1/2 inches off my waist
TOTAL INCHES LOST TO DATE: 24.85