Update 4/14

So!
I splurged with food today, but that's okay because it's my fourth day in a row working out. So I don't feel bad.

Also, I've reached a point where food tastes way better now, and I'm trying all sorts of new stuff. Case in point: I've never been a big avocado fan, but this week my favorite mid-day snack has been a Wasa cracker with a little bit of cream cheese and avocado.

The Magness Memorial Tree Farm is 10 miles away; a bit far, but a round trip is $2 in gas and a lovely drive. I've discovered a fantastic web of trails that takes you all over the hills; I spent over an hour there yesterday exploring. I plan to hike a few times a week, weather permitting. Already I've been twice this week! The other days I do a mile at the gym. Since I'm terrified of getting sick again I'm taking it really easy.

Food Journal

So, I've been keeping with the diet really well. It helps to plan it out the day before. One great benefit of doing it this way is that I'm not only becoming much more aware of what I eat/should be eating, but also I'm learning a lot in the process! It takes quite a bit of time, but as I continue to do it I'm getting quicker.

Yesterday:
1/2 c plain yogurt, 1/2 c strawberries, 1 tsp sugar
1 serving fresh pasta, 1/2 c pasta sauce
banana
3/4 c broccoli + 1 tsp butter
salad + low-fat dressing + 6 croutons
cracker snack (prepackaged)
1 c vegetable soup
1 slice whole grain bread + 1 oz ham + 1 slice Havarti
5 cinnamon bears
Protein: 43 g (goal: 52)
Fiber: 15 g (goal: 19)
Carbs: 128 g (goal: less than 100. It was the candy that did it at 33 g)
Total calories: 1200

Today:
1/2 c cracked wheat + 1/2 c milk, 1 tsp brown sugar
1 c vegetable soup
banana
ak-mak (5)
1 slice Havarti
salad + dressing + croutons
yam + 1/2 tbsp butter + 3 tsp brown sugar
granola bar
pre-packaged cracker snack
Protein: 34 g
Fiber: 23 g
Carbs: 160g (the yam and the cracked wheat. oh well.)
Calories: 1215

Getting back into it

Well, Spring Break is almost over so I'm gearing up again to diet. I haven't been horrible, per se, but I haven't been losing.

So! I've planned meals out, complete with protein, fiber, and carb info. Today I did great with 1300 calories, 49 g protein, 14 g fiber and about 80 g carbs. That's even going out to eat - true, it was sushi, but that still counts!

I'm off to make my meals for tomorrow. :)

Wed journal

Yesterday's exercise: 4 15 min walks. didn't snack last night after dinner. this is huge for me
yesterday's dinner: leftover green curry over rice, edamame

Today: 35 min run- and I didn't get rained on.

Tomorrow's goal: run or JM workout

Tonight for dinner- haddock, rice, and veggies.
Made whole wheat blueberry muffins for breakfast this morning, and need to make more granola today.

Monday journal

Sunday workout- none, but had a nice stroll along Crescent Beach.

Monday workout- went back to Crescent Beach this morning and had a short 20 min run. Came home and did a JM workout, level two. I need some new tunes to listen to while running....

Tomorrow's goal- 30 min or longer run

Update: I've lost 10 lbs since Jan 15! Woo! I had sushi for lunch to celebrate. Mmmm...

Saturday journal

Yesterday- no workout, but had a nice walk at Rangley Pond. An ice fishing derby was going on--sounds exciting, eh?

Today- went running for 30 minutes. Another beautiful sunny day.

Tomorrow's goal: 30 min run and JM workout.

So sore!

Thursday, I started doing yoga again for the first time in three years. I am so sore now! However, I have successfully returned to the gym (just treadmill until I lose about 20 lbs - I'm also going to start doing the stationary bike but someone's always been on it when I'm there).

Tuesday: 40 minutes walking
Wednesday: 40 minutes walking
Thursday: 30 minutes yoga
Friday: 30 minutes yoga, 40 minutes walking
Saturday: rest. I woke up with a headache, anyway. It's sunny outside so I'll probably go get some Vitamin D. It's 54 degrees outside and not a cloud in the sky! *sigh*

Also, the diet is going well. Eating about 1300 calories a day every day this week, except yesterday I splurged a little bit since James made fried chicken. Still, less than 1800 calories, I think.

Thursday Journal catch up

Went running today- a beautiful, sunny 40 degrees felt great. was gone 30 min, around 3 miles.

Yesterday's workout: JM video

Tuesday workout: nada

Monday workout: JM video

I've been eating very well this week. I made my own no bake energy bars which are fantastic! They have puffed kasha, oats, ground up sunflower seeds and dark choc chips, coconut, chopped cranberries, and almond butter/brown rice syrup to bind together. Yummy and the kids love them. They make a 9x13 inch pan and I keep them in the fridge. Way cheaper than store bought too.

I made a vegetable thai curry last night with green beans and peas, coc milk, fish sauce, raw sugar and basil with some chicken stock, eaten over brown rice. This also went over well with the kids. I usually make this with chicken or tofu as well, but I was out.

I've been trying to have my daily green tea, and if I snack at night I've been either having mint tea or an orange.

Big goals

I returned to the gym today, feeling recovered enough from my cold that I wouldn't relapse. James had class today, so I've been home alone... which means washing the bed linens (and buying new pillows!), tidying up the bathroom, and of course, exercise. I got such little sleep last night I almost wimped out, but I figured that if it was Wednesday by the time I did it, I'd feel horrible. And while I'm sore now, I think I'll sleep much better.

After a few months of deliberation, James and I have decided that I'm going to apply to an Administrative License program. It's only 11 months and it starts in July. Even if I don't do anything with the license after I get it, I'll jump to the next tier over on the pay schedule (due to all the additional credits), which would mean the license would pay for itself after a couple years. AND Spanish classes are part of the program, which I thought quite smart/progressive. This, of course, means that not only do I have to act more responsible, but also look it. I'm really going to amp up my dieting/exercise so that by the time I start the program, I'll be fit and confident and feel professional. Not like the slob I kinda feel like now.

Now, on to take a shower and crawl into a freshly made bed with brand-new pillows...

Sick Monday Blues

Both kids have been sick since Sat night- they both have bad colds and coughs. Yuck! Looks like no running today but will do a JM workout instead.

Yesterday I had a great run- 30 minutes with last 1/4 mile sprinting.

This week's goals: more running- which will be tough since the kids are off on vacation. the only time I'll be able to do it is in the morning before Craig goes to work. This will be SO HARD because I'm not a first thing in the morning runner. I need to get used to it because this is what I'll have to do this summer.

Foodwise: trying to eat less wheat and more veggies. Also have been eating more fish.

Update

My cold is finally subsiding so I think I might go to the gym tomorrow. I've been slacking with my diet, but I don't think I've *gained* weight, so I'm okay with that. Today I had a big/busy/strange day at work and ended up going out with a few coworkers to this fabulous tapas place. It's won awards and it's generally recognized as one of the best tapas places on the west coast. The couple sitting a few seats from us had driven four hours to eat there. So, you know, it's good. I had stuffed dates wrapped in bacon and sitting in warm honey, as well as a baked goat cheese served with a marinara sauce and freshly baked bread. Sooooo good. But I went waaay over calorie limit so I need to get back on the bandwagon.

Ginny, you're doing awesome! Anytime it's under 50 degrees I say it's too cold to run. I can't imagine 35 as being warm.

catch up

had a great run yesterday- the weather was 35, sunny, and not windy at all. Perfect! was gone 30 minutes so close to 3 miles.

Monday- lots of 10-15 min walks, probably an hour altogether.

Sunday- JM 30 day shred, level 2

Today's goal: stairstepper or JM video.

Week's goal: logging daily exercise here and not snacking after dinner....

Thursday journal

Today's workout: JM 30 day shred, level two. I totally didn't feel like doing a workout video but I made myself put on my workout clothes and got out my mat and weights, and before I knew it is was over and I felt fantastic. It's like with running how the hardest part is putting on my shoes.

eating weird today- homemade granola with almond milk for breakfast, and granola with choc chips for lunch. Just had some zucchini bread and green tea. Hmm..what to make for dinner. Pasta and veggies for the kids, maybe a smoothie for me.

Thanks Audrey for letting me joining this blog- it helps me stay motivated to keep up the exercise during these freezing winter days....

Sick!

Bah, I've done little in the past few days. It seems that every time I start a new exercise routine I get a horrible cold. So, I'm in a holding pattern. And I'm sure I've had well over my calories today; I don't feel that guilty since I need good stuff to get better, but still, I feel like a cheater.

I made chicken noodle soup today from scratch! No recipe, except a list of ingredients for the noodles. Originally I had planned to go the whole nine yards and boil the chicken to make stock, but James bought a hot rotisserie chicken instead of a raw one - it didn't matter much, and in hindsight that was probably better anyway. I had organic free-range chicken stock and some veggies lying around the house and just dumped them all in. Surprisingly, it turned out super-good! I had seconds. And more for lunch tomorrow.

I'm annoyed that colds knock me out as much as they do. I went to Urgent Care Monday since my doctor is way up in Tualatin and she's only around two days of the week. The Urgent Care doctor said that since I'm immuno-compromised, medicine doesn't help me much and I get way sicker than normal people. He basically said, "Sorry, I can't do much for you." At least he gave me the Sudafed that was the reason I was there to begin with. I understand the reasons behind the Oregon law, but I'm not cooking meth and I don't appreciate feeling like I have to prove that to doctors, thankyouverymuch. At least he made a joke about it. And gave me free steroid nasal spray to help my stuffiness. And a prescription for an antibiotic if my sinus infection gets worse, not that I'll really use it. Oh! And a refill on the Sudafed. Woot.

Enough rambling. I hope work doesn't make me relapse tomorrow. It's already moving to my chest and I only have six Vicodin left.

Wed workout

Today's workout: Jillian Michaels 30 day shred, level 2.

Tomorrow's goal: JM workout, stairstepper, or 2-3 mile run. keep plugging away.....

Tuesday journal

today's exercise: 3 20 min fast walks/runs, 2 15 min walks

good eating today- eating more veggies (yay rainbow chard! and romaine lettuce!) and snacking less.

tomorrow's goal: 2-3 mile run, stairstepper for 40 min, or J.M workout. we'll see if the weather cooperates.

Monday Monday

Yesterday's exercise: none. I had a friend over and we drank wine and ate homemade chicken noodle soup. also took the kids ice skating at Deering Oaks.

Today's exercise: 2 mile run + 2 20 min brisk walks.

Tomorrow's goal: 2-3 mile run or J.M workout.

Shea butter Saturday and various ramblings

A friend gave me some unrefined shea butter and I can't believe how awesome it is. My hands feel 20 years younger.

we got a new fridge today. I must really be an adult now because it was very exciting- it was my first big appliance purchase.

The kids biked and rode scooters outside today in a -5 windchill. They're real little Mainers for sure.

Today's workout: Jillian Michaels 30 day shred, level 3.

Tomorrow's workout goal: another 30 day shred or stairstepper. By Monday we'll have warmer weather making a run possible! Fingers crossed....

This week's goal: To not skip one day of exercise. can I do it? stay tuned.....

friday journal

today's workout: Jillian Michaels 30 day shred, level two. also: 4 10 min walks in windy 10 degree weather has to count for something right?

have been trying to eat nutrient dense foods: oatmeal with almonds for breakfast, hard boiled eggs for lunch, homemade granola for snack, lots of green and peppermint tea, and a yummy turkey/kidney bean taco with shredded lettuce and salsa. Had a huge mocha after dinner (it's friday....) I need to go to Whole Foods tomorrow to stock up on baby carrots and more apples and bananas for snacks.

I like the Jillian Michaels workout- it's a bit short for me, but totally intense and I'm feeling a bit sore today- a good sign. If I can't run, this is a good choice for cardio and strength. I don't care if I'm a total nerd for doing a video workout, plus I can do it with the kids here so there are no excuses for missing a workout.

Tomorrow's fitness goal- I'd love to fit in a run, since Sat and Sun are my days for a long run, but I can't go if the temp is below 20 degrees. Here's hoping for 20+ tomorrow! If not, I'll do another Jillian Michaels or the stairstepper.

endorphins rule!

today's workout: Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, level three. after four days of not working out I feel human again.

tomorrow I plan to fit in a 3 mile run after I volunteer in Noah's class and before Claire comes home from preschool. Hopefully the weather cooperates! If not, I'll do a stairstepper workout or another Jillian Michaels.

made homemade granola and whole wheat blueberry muffins today. also have been making lots of beans in the crockpot to have handy for beans and rice and burritos.

tomorrow's goal: eat more veggies

Soup.

Ten reasons why soup is the greatest food ever:
1. It can be quite hearty.
2. So many flavor possibilities!
3. It's easy to make with fresh ingredients
4. Very low calorie
5. You have to eat it slowly, therefore helping you eat less because you'll feel full before you finish.
6. It's so good for you; all those vitamins and minerals
7. You can find quality soups prepackaged if you can't make it yourself.
8. Soups are good for every season; they warm you up in winter but they're nice and light for summer.
9. Soup's fun to eat - there are all sorts of things you can add to it. My favorite is a fancy grilled cheese sandwich with roasted red pepper tomato soup.
10. It is sooooo delicious!

In other news: 6 PM and 1000 calories. Went to the gym right after school and watched half of an Oprah episode about eating healthy. At least it wasn't the Food Network again.

Yay!

Went to the gym again today. Yesterday I couldn't go because I could hardly move the joints in my legs. I took a hot bath with Epsom salts and enjoyed a leg massage.

Calories: 1220ish.

I'm continuing to drink OJ fortified with Acai berries. At the very least, I'm getting plenty of antioxidants!

To address my (way) earlier post in August:

I injured my knee and had to quit running for a while. Then the weather turned bad. And although I had been keeping strict tabs on my diet, and had upped my running to four miles four times a week, I gained two pounds in the two months I did it. Since that really shouldn't have happened, I went to my doctor, who tested my thyroid... it was totally normal. So, I'm extremely frustrated. That led to my even stricter diet that I'm on currently.

Anyway, today I splurged and had roughly 15 or 1600 calories. I also started my gym membership and went for the first time today, so I feel pretty good besides the calorie splurge. Regardless of said splurge, I still should have lost weight today.

As of yesterday: 221.0 pounds.

I also ran out of my medicine yesterday. Today I've taken none, but since the amount of medicine necessary for me to feel okay is directly proportional to the amount of food I take, I never got sick! Of course, the day still hasn't come to an end, but that's still not bad at all. And I have an extra stash at work, so I should be fine until my doctor renews my prescription.

I've also started eating acai berry. Whole foods sells a million acai products, the cheapest at the time being a freeze-dried powder. I've been mixing it with juice at night - we'll see if I feel better/lose more weight. At least I'm getting tons of antioxidants.

Today: I'm at 1250. Will probably eat a grapefruit and/or broccoli, making it 1300-1350. And I'm not starving! Yay!

I think posting on this jinxes me.

Nevertheless:

I'm a total fatty. I weigh more than I ever have before. But I'm back doing really well with changing my diet, and I'm joining the gym down the street. Woo!

Today: 222.6
Two weeks ago: 226.4

Four pounds down.

Yesterday I had 1300 calories
Today I had 1400

I have awesomeness planned for my foods in the next few weeks. Woo!