So the herbal laxative tea was...interesting. It continues to be...interesting. I don't think I'll use it again unless I have some dire constipation issues. Enough said about that.
I did two workouts today and will barely make my 2400 calorie burn today. What the heck? Actually, I'm noticing as I get closer and closer to my goal, the fewer calories I burn during the workouts. For instance, one of the workouts I did this morning was CardioParty 3. It's 50 minutes and would normally burn over 300 calories. I was under 300 today. Why? Did I not try hard enough? Is my body more efficient? Don't know, but it's annoying. By 11am I had burned the number of calories I normally burn by 4pm. I was all excited because I figured I'd get close to burning 3,000 calories today. Apparently not.
My strategy for the next few days is to continue like today:
Breakfast: Chocolate Shakeology made with water and ice
Lunch: 5 oz. salmon, 4.5 oz. sweet potato, artichoke
Snack: Greek yogurt
Dinner: 1/2 banana, 1 tbs. almond butter, Chocolate Shakeology, coconut milk
Obviously, I won't eat the same thing every day, but the pattern of Shakeology, meal, Shakeology is my intention these next few days. We'll see. Sometimes you just need to crunch something.
In fact, now that I think about it, before dinner I ate 4 Ritz-like crackers.
But overall, I'm trying to really cut down on sodium, too.
I also found out today that Gillian, my friend who is running the challenge, is in some warm climat on spring break. I can't believe she abandoned me in my time of need! I was hoping to weigh on Sunday, hit my goal, and then...eat a big bowl of popcorn on Sunday night. I might have to rethink this. If my weigh in is going to be Monday morning instead, clearly I can't be consuming salty popcorn the night before (like I did for the weigh IN).
One more day between me and my popcorn. Sadness.
A few comments about this challenge:
-Even if I don't make the 10 lbs., and it's looking dicey, I'm pleased with my weight. While I'd still like a little less jiggle on the 'ol thighs, I never would have achieved these last pounds of weight loss without the challenge.
-I don't advocate two shakes a day for any sort of longterm plan. My calorie intake on this type of plan is only about 1200. That's pretty darn low and I don't want to stay here for long.
-When I finish the challenge, I want to eat popcorn. However, I strongly discourage rewarding youself with food. Do something else you like, but try not to use food as a reward since you've worked so hard to break yourself of that. But in this case, I'm going to eat popcorn to celebrate, dang it.
OK, to bed. Exercise, mountain work, skiing ahead of me tomorrow. Good grief, if I don't make my calorie burn after a day like that, I don't know what to think.
Three more days to burn!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
No Change
Angst. No movement on the scale. I know it's to be expected in the middle of woman issues and, BONUS ROUND, I have a flipping cold. It doesn't seem to be too bad. Yet. Maybe it will just be a mild one, but it's definitely what the boys had last week/weekend.
Good thing this challenge is ending on April 4. It has me plotting all sorts of crazy ways to lose one more pound, including drinking a natural laxative tea, which I just did. Should be interesting...but good grief, I don't want to take a chance that anything random stops me up in the homestretch if it can be avoided.
I know. TMI.
Will report back later if you're not too scared.
Oh, and today was a perfect example of apparently not eating enough early on in the day and paying the price later. All winter I've followed the same plan when I worked at ski school: two eggs and gluten free toast for breakfast, granola bar (early in the season I ate a Trio bar, now I've switched to a no sugar cocoa cassava bar with chia seeds. They get stuck in my teeth. I know carry floss.) and a piece of fruit at break around 10am. Then I would be starving by about 11:30am again. When you let yourself get that hungry, it's bad news. You'd think that after 5 months of this pattern I'd have learned, but apparently not.
So when I got home at 2pm today, I started eating and didn't stop--just shoving stuff in my mouth. And frankly, if I'd stopped myself and had a huge glass of water, I probably would have been fine. But I didn't.
Can't wait to see how THAT turns out.
I did get up and do Fire 55 EZ at 5am.
As a result, I am now nearly unconscious.
Goodnight!
Good thing this challenge is ending on April 4. It has me plotting all sorts of crazy ways to lose one more pound, including drinking a natural laxative tea, which I just did. Should be interesting...but good grief, I don't want to take a chance that anything random stops me up in the homestretch if it can be avoided.
I know. TMI.
Will report back later if you're not too scared.
Oh, and today was a perfect example of apparently not eating enough early on in the day and paying the price later. All winter I've followed the same plan when I worked at ski school: two eggs and gluten free toast for breakfast, granola bar (early in the season I ate a Trio bar, now I've switched to a no sugar cocoa cassava bar with chia seeds. They get stuck in my teeth. I know carry floss.) and a piece of fruit at break around 10am. Then I would be starving by about 11:30am again. When you let yourself get that hungry, it's bad news. You'd think that after 5 months of this pattern I'd have learned, but apparently not.
So when I got home at 2pm today, I started eating and didn't stop--just shoving stuff in my mouth. And frankly, if I'd stopped myself and had a huge glass of water, I probably would have been fine. But I didn't.
Can't wait to see how THAT turns out.
I did get up and do Fire 55 EZ at 5am.
As a result, I am now nearly unconscious.
Goodnight!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
91% Complete
That's what it says on my weight loss tracker goal page on WOWY.
I should be really excited by that because the weight that has me at 91% of my goal is actually BELOW what my original goal was for myself, so that's really good. But I bumped it down by two pounds for the weight loss challenge to make sure I'd be "safe" when weigh in day comes, which is Monday, April 4.
Will I make it? Still not sure. I'm very, very close, but Mother Nature decided to throw me a nice little cruve ball a few days early. Dang her! I'm hoping I deflate by this weekend, but it's darn hard not to GAIN weight during your period, let alone lose it. Grrrrr.
Ah well, it is what it is. That saying is so annoying.
My body is trying to come down with the same cold the boys had last week. It's still lingering around. I've been taking extra Vitamin D and gargling with hydrogen peroxide. Have you ever done that? Totally cool if you want to look like a rabid dog and all foamy at the mouth.
I've been right on track with my workouts. Last week I repeated a week of TurboFire since I basically came apart at the seams during the week Daylight Savings occured. I missed three, THREE!, workouts that week and then when we were at the hotel for the state hockey tournament, there wasn't available space to do TurboFire. So I did the treadmill. I know I already told you all of this. Clearly I need to continue to rationalize those missed workouts to someone other than myself.
I've been able to squeeze in a few two-a-days, but they have been fewer and further between last week and this because of my work schedule. Hopefully I'll be able to get some in during the remainder of this week. I have several days of sitting a lot and working--that does wonders for a body. Not. So I'm working against the tide here, people.
Today was a rest day, which is weird because it's usually Wednesday, so that means I'll have to drag my body out of bed at 4:45am tomorrow to get a workout in before I work on the mountain. Ewww. I'm cringing just thinking about it. I should probably head to bed soon. It's 5pm.
I did ski for several hours, so at least I wasn't sitting and working.
So stay tuned to see if I hit my goal. I really want my $100 back. And I really want a share of the $1,100 that's in the pot! And I confess, I'm willing to take some drastic measures this week to make sure I squeak through. I don't know what those drastic measures are, but if I come up with some, I'll let you know.
Drastically yours,
Natalie
I should be really excited by that because the weight that has me at 91% of my goal is actually BELOW what my original goal was for myself, so that's really good. But I bumped it down by two pounds for the weight loss challenge to make sure I'd be "safe" when weigh in day comes, which is Monday, April 4.
Will I make it? Still not sure. I'm very, very close, but Mother Nature decided to throw me a nice little cruve ball a few days early. Dang her! I'm hoping I deflate by this weekend, but it's darn hard not to GAIN weight during your period, let alone lose it. Grrrrr.
Ah well, it is what it is. That saying is so annoying.
My body is trying to come down with the same cold the boys had last week. It's still lingering around. I've been taking extra Vitamin D and gargling with hydrogen peroxide. Have you ever done that? Totally cool if you want to look like a rabid dog and all foamy at the mouth.
I've been right on track with my workouts. Last week I repeated a week of TurboFire since I basically came apart at the seams during the week Daylight Savings occured. I missed three, THREE!, workouts that week and then when we were at the hotel for the state hockey tournament, there wasn't available space to do TurboFire. So I did the treadmill. I know I already told you all of this. Clearly I need to continue to rationalize those missed workouts to someone other than myself.
I've been able to squeeze in a few two-a-days, but they have been fewer and further between last week and this because of my work schedule. Hopefully I'll be able to get some in during the remainder of this week. I have several days of sitting a lot and working--that does wonders for a body. Not. So I'm working against the tide here, people.
Today was a rest day, which is weird because it's usually Wednesday, so that means I'll have to drag my body out of bed at 4:45am tomorrow to get a workout in before I work on the mountain. Ewww. I'm cringing just thinking about it. I should probably head to bed soon. It's 5pm.
I did ski for several hours, so at least I wasn't sitting and working.
So stay tuned to see if I hit my goal. I really want my $100 back. And I really want a share of the $1,100 that's in the pot! And I confess, I'm willing to take some drastic measures this week to make sure I squeak through. I don't know what those drastic measures are, but if I come up with some, I'll let you know.
Drastically yours,
Natalie
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Is it Bedtime Yet?
I am writing this and then going to bed. We're going to do a bullet point summary because I'm just that tired.
First, Erin, the movie was When Harry Met Sally. Come on! I can't believe you missed that.
1. We were away for the state hockey finals over the weekend.
2. On Friday night, we ate at Smashburger. I ate a cheeseburger, oh yes I did!, but wrapped it in lettuce leaves. And I also ate shoestring onion rings and got kind of testy when Finn ate about half of them. I earned those, darn it.
3. Otherwise, my eating was pretty darn good all weekend. I took my Shakeology and chose wisely.
4. The boys were runners up in the state tourney. Many tears after a heartbreaking loss in the final.
5. No space at the hotel to do my TurboFire DVDs.
6. Instead, I used the hotel treadill for 60+ minutes each day.
7. I despise the treadmill.
8. I decided to redo last week of TurboFire to keep myself on track because I'd missed 3 workouts. Not that anyone is keeping track except me, but that's what counts.
9. Weighed yesterday and was down another 1.4 lbs.
10. I am astonished, but happy.
11. .6 lbs. from my goal for the contest, but I am at the goal weight I had set for myself through BodyBugg.
12. Yay me.
13. I figure I should try to crank off another two lbs. in the coming 10 days to be safe for the challenge.
14. Feeling very good, but tired.
15. Probably PMS. And for the first time ever, I want my period to get here early because right now it's due to start two, TWO, days before I weigh in for the challange. That could seriously mess up my weighing mojo, you know? Dang it.
16. My clothes are getting quite loose. Am having drooping issues, but I'll take it.
17. Despite my motivation to lose two more lbs., today was a rest day, I had to call in sick to work because Finn was home sick, and I picked at food here and there all day. Dang it.
18. I did weigh two days in a row, which I always do, including picking up the scale and shaking it violently several times before stepping on the scale and moving it around several times to either make sure it's accurate or to try and get it to be lower, and the weight came out the same both times. But after today, I wouldn't be surprised if I pop back up. Sodium is not my friend. Or yours.
19. Good night.
20. HIIT 25 tomorrow. That one always scares me.
First, Erin, the movie was When Harry Met Sally. Come on! I can't believe you missed that.
1. We were away for the state hockey finals over the weekend.
2. On Friday night, we ate at Smashburger. I ate a cheeseburger, oh yes I did!, but wrapped it in lettuce leaves. And I also ate shoestring onion rings and got kind of testy when Finn ate about half of them. I earned those, darn it.
3. Otherwise, my eating was pretty darn good all weekend. I took my Shakeology and chose wisely.
4. The boys were runners up in the state tourney. Many tears after a heartbreaking loss in the final.
5. No space at the hotel to do my TurboFire DVDs.
6. Instead, I used the hotel treadill for 60+ minutes each day.
7. I despise the treadmill.
8. I decided to redo last week of TurboFire to keep myself on track because I'd missed 3 workouts. Not that anyone is keeping track except me, but that's what counts.
9. Weighed yesterday and was down another 1.4 lbs.
10. I am astonished, but happy.
11. .6 lbs. from my goal for the contest, but I am at the goal weight I had set for myself through BodyBugg.
12. Yay me.
13. I figure I should try to crank off another two lbs. in the coming 10 days to be safe for the challenge.
14. Feeling very good, but tired.
15. Probably PMS. And for the first time ever, I want my period to get here early because right now it's due to start two, TWO, days before I weigh in for the challange. That could seriously mess up my weighing mojo, you know? Dang it.
16. My clothes are getting quite loose. Am having drooping issues, but I'll take it.
17. Despite my motivation to lose two more lbs., today was a rest day, I had to call in sick to work because Finn was home sick, and I picked at food here and there all day. Dang it.
18. I did weigh two days in a row, which I always do, including picking up the scale and shaking it violently several times before stepping on the scale and moving it around several times to either make sure it's accurate or to try and get it to be lower, and the weight came out the same both times. But after today, I wouldn't be surprised if I pop back up. Sodium is not my friend. Or yours.
19. Good night.
20. HIIT 25 tomorrow. That one always scares me.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Pseudo Rest Week
Well, this week has sort of turned into a partial rest week. I never planned it that way, but I'm feeling like my body is sending me a message. I set my alarm and when it went off this morning, I just didn't have it in me to get up. Time change? PMS? What is it? Did you read that on Saturday, the moon will be at its closest point to the Earth for 2011? Is it that?
I hate it when I get off schedule with a workout program though.
I've been pondering what I'll do, because let's face it, we're going away for nearly 3 weeks on vacation in April/May and I will not be taking Chalene with me. Sorry, girlfriend! I'll just push all of the remaining workouts back on my WOWY calendar and pick up where I left off when I get home.
I think I also need to count today as a cheat day--the horror! Just kidding. There is no horror in a cheat day. I've had conversations with both Anne and Erin about how when we have a rest day, everything sort of falls flat, especially eating. And that pretty much describes today.
I didn't exercise, didn't eat well. I feel pretty gross. Good motivation for getting back on track tomorrow.
And with that, I'm going to bed at 9:05pm.
"Well I went to bed at seven thirty last night. I haven't done that since third grade." Name that movie.
You can ponder that while I sleep.
I hate it when I get off schedule with a workout program though.
I've been pondering what I'll do, because let's face it, we're going away for nearly 3 weeks on vacation in April/May and I will not be taking Chalene with me. Sorry, girlfriend! I'll just push all of the remaining workouts back on my WOWY calendar and pick up where I left off when I get home.
I think I also need to count today as a cheat day--the horror! Just kidding. There is no horror in a cheat day. I've had conversations with both Anne and Erin about how when we have a rest day, everything sort of falls flat, especially eating. And that pretty much describes today.
I didn't exercise, didn't eat well. I feel pretty gross. Good motivation for getting back on track tomorrow.
And with that, I'm going to bed at 9:05pm.
"Well I went to bed at seven thirty last night. I haven't done that since third grade." Name that movie.
You can ponder that while I sleep.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Surprise!
I weighed this morning and was down another pound. I won't officially believe that another pound is gone until I weigh again and see that it has stayed down. Again, I suspect that I was dehydrated. Because nothing can explain a loss of 3 lbs. in one week!
My two days off in a row ended up being a good thing. I had a really good workout this morning: Turbo Fire Fire 45 and Stretch 10. Fire 45 is my favorite workout, I think. I got up at 4:45am to do it!
I also worked at ski school for a few hours.
Calorie wise I came out at about 1529 so I'll have a 500 calorie deficit. And now, I'm going to have to go to bed because I am literally falling asleep...
My two days off in a row ended up being a good thing. I had a really good workout this morning: Turbo Fire Fire 45 and Stretch 10. Fire 45 is my favorite workout, I think. I got up at 4:45am to do it!
I also worked at ski school for a few hours.
Calorie wise I came out at about 1529 so I'll have a 500 calorie deficit. And now, I'm going to have to go to bed because I am literally falling asleep...
Monday, March 14, 2011
Oops, I did it again!
I didn't get up for my workout AGAIN! This hasn't happened in months and months. Daylight Savings Time--I abhor you!
I just saw a news story about how on this particular day of the year, people need to take a nap. Well, I didn't do that, so I'm heading to bed (10:30pm, so early for me, sadly) so I can drag my carcass out of bed before I have to be on the mountain tomorrow morning. Ewww, it's going to be early, but clearly, if I don't do it early, I'm not strong enough to do an evening workout. Plus, I was looking at my evening schedule this week and frankly, it sucks. PTA, hockey practice, cooking for a local family in a bit of a health crisis, etc.
Bottom line: it's going to have to be a 5am situation.
Gross.
I only consumed about 1200 calories today, which I never go that low, but it was pretty much a necessity since I haven't worked out! GAH!
Workout: NONE. AGAIN.
Food
Breakfast: Chocolate Shakeology, almond milk
Snack: Brazil nuts, apple
Lunch: Amy's Palak Paneer
Snack: 2 oz. cheese, 2 oz. chicken
Dinner: Chocolate Shakeology, almond milk (not in my original plan, nothing else sounded good)
I will weigh in the morning. I doubt I'll be down again since I cheated and weighed on Friday and not what has become my official day. But I'm fine with seeing the same weight because it's still 2 lbs. down from last Tuesday overall.
Just need it to keep moving down. I have to get my $100 back. Shoes. The end.
I just saw a news story about how on this particular day of the year, people need to take a nap. Well, I didn't do that, so I'm heading to bed (10:30pm, so early for me, sadly) so I can drag my carcass out of bed before I have to be on the mountain tomorrow morning. Ewww, it's going to be early, but clearly, if I don't do it early, I'm not strong enough to do an evening workout. Plus, I was looking at my evening schedule this week and frankly, it sucks. PTA, hockey practice, cooking for a local family in a bit of a health crisis, etc.
Bottom line: it's going to have to be a 5am situation.
Gross.
I only consumed about 1200 calories today, which I never go that low, but it was pretty much a necessity since I haven't worked out! GAH!
Workout: NONE. AGAIN.
Food
Breakfast: Chocolate Shakeology, almond milk
Snack: Brazil nuts, apple
Lunch: Amy's Palak Paneer
Snack: 2 oz. cheese, 2 oz. chicken
Dinner: Chocolate Shakeology, almond milk (not in my original plan, nothing else sounded good)
I will weigh in the morning. I doubt I'll be down again since I cheated and weighed on Friday and not what has become my official day. But I'm fine with seeing the same weight because it's still 2 lbs. down from last Tuesday overall.
Just need it to keep moving down. I have to get my $100 back. Shoes. The end.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Oops! Missed a Workout!
I despise Daylight Savings Time. It is nice for it to be light later, but I hate the time change. It totally whacks me out.
Today was the final day of hockey playoffs. With the time change, I suspected I wouldn't have the energy for an early AM workout. I was right. In my head, I had planned for a rest day. I have tons of work to do and felt like I didn't think I could spare an hour or so today.
In the end, I had hoped that we would be finished by about noon and MAYBE I could squeeze something in, but alas, it was not to be. We didn't get home until after 5pm. The boys won the league championship, so it was all worthwhile in the end!
This is going to be a hard week to get any workouts in, let alone doubles! Three days of mountain work, tons of client work, vacation planning, state hockey tournament this weekend. I'm determined to get at least the bare minimum in.
With that, I'll say good night. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be back on a normal eating schedule, not trapped at the rink with pizza and birthday cake (which I did not eat!) and subsisting on granola bars out of my tote bag!
I've just realized I'm hungry.
It's midnight. Sigh.
Today was the final day of hockey playoffs. With the time change, I suspected I wouldn't have the energy for an early AM workout. I was right. In my head, I had planned for a rest day. I have tons of work to do and felt like I didn't think I could spare an hour or so today.
In the end, I had hoped that we would be finished by about noon and MAYBE I could squeeze something in, but alas, it was not to be. We didn't get home until after 5pm. The boys won the league championship, so it was all worthwhile in the end!
This is going to be a hard week to get any workouts in, let alone doubles! Three days of mountain work, tons of client work, vacation planning, state hockey tournament this weekend. I'm determined to get at least the bare minimum in.
With that, I'll say good night. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be back on a normal eating schedule, not trapped at the rink with pizza and birthday cake (which I did not eat!) and subsisting on granola bars out of my tote bag!
I've just realized I'm hungry.
It's midnight. Sigh.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Something You'll Never Hear Me Say
"I forgot to eat."
Truly, I never forget to eat. I totally don't get those people who say things like, "I got so busy I forgot to eat." My body would never let me forget to eat. I become some sort of raging lunatic when I go without food for more than 3 hours. Like a lock-up-your-small-children-because-I'm-going-to-gnaw-on-their-plump-little-appendages lunatic when I don't eat on a regular basis.
I should probably be checked for hypoglycemia or something, but I don't need yet another red flag on my health insurance, thankyouverymuch. The thyroid, the abnormal pap smear, the heart palpitations. I figure I can get traditional insurance again when I'm about 110.
Anyway, today I did intentionally NOT eat (something you know I would totally chastise you for). And, happy news, I did not eat any small children. But there was a method to my madness. First, I weighed myself this morning and I don't know if I was totally dehydrated or what, but I am now three, 3, THREE!, pounds from hitting my 10 lb. weight loss goal for the challenge and getting my $100 back! And I'm telling you now, I really need that $100 back because I ordered some shoes for an upcoming trip and it earned me a set of raised eyebrows from my other half.
Dang it. Who knew he was going to be working from home on the day the shoes were delivered?
Back to today. I drank a shake before we left for the hockey playoffs. Between games, as the host team, we put on a barbeque for all of the other teams. So that meant burgers and hot dogs (and I knew this would be the case because I was responsible for buying all of the food at Costco and did you know you can fit 500 hot dog/hamburger buns in one cart? A little factoid for future reference in case you need to know that.).
So, I had consumed a Shakeology. At the barbeque, I did have a serving of a casserole someone made with quinoa and gnocchi and veggies. Sounds weird, but it was really good. I also ate 3 tortilla chips.
Then I forgot we'd be going to the St. Baldrick's Day fundraiser, so we headed out yet again.
I did slug down another shake right before, no lie, heading back to the rink to watch another hockey game (to see who we will play Sunday morning). I threw baked potatoes and frozen mini meatloves in the oven before we left. They were very done by the time we got home. The boys ate those. I picked at one and ate half of a potato skin with a little butter on it.
I should calculate my calories, but alas, I will not.
Workouts:
1. HIIT 20
2. Cardio Party
I'll have a nice deficit today. Or I think I will anyway.
And now, I am going to bed even though it is currently only 9:21pm. Hockey in the AM and we lose an hour of sleep. I frequently think how good it is that I am not actually on the team because I can barely have the stamina to get through being a spectator.
I need to go to Spectator Training.
I hope the class is in Hawaii.
3 lbs. 3 lbs. I can do it. Going to see if I can go without popcorn for awhile to push me over the edge. I know I said that last week, too. I haven't eaten any yet this weekend even though I desperately want it.
But I also want to keep those shoes.
Truly, I never forget to eat. I totally don't get those people who say things like, "I got so busy I forgot to eat." My body would never let me forget to eat. I become some sort of raging lunatic when I go without food for more than 3 hours. Like a lock-up-your-small-children-because-I'm-going-to-gnaw-on-their-plump-little-appendages lunatic when I don't eat on a regular basis.
I should probably be checked for hypoglycemia or something, but I don't need yet another red flag on my health insurance, thankyouverymuch. The thyroid, the abnormal pap smear, the heart palpitations. I figure I can get traditional insurance again when I'm about 110.
Anyway, today I did intentionally NOT eat (something you know I would totally chastise you for). And, happy news, I did not eat any small children. But there was a method to my madness. First, I weighed myself this morning and I don't know if I was totally dehydrated or what, but I am now three, 3, THREE!, pounds from hitting my 10 lb. weight loss goal for the challenge and getting my $100 back! And I'm telling you now, I really need that $100 back because I ordered some shoes for an upcoming trip and it earned me a set of raised eyebrows from my other half.
Dang it. Who knew he was going to be working from home on the day the shoes were delivered?
Back to today. I drank a shake before we left for the hockey playoffs. Between games, as the host team, we put on a barbeque for all of the other teams. So that meant burgers and hot dogs (and I knew this would be the case because I was responsible for buying all of the food at Costco and did you know you can fit 500 hot dog/hamburger buns in one cart? A little factoid for future reference in case you need to know that.).
So, I had consumed a Shakeology. At the barbeque, I did have a serving of a casserole someone made with quinoa and gnocchi and veggies. Sounds weird, but it was really good. I also ate 3 tortilla chips.
Then I forgot we'd be going to the St. Baldrick's Day fundraiser, so we headed out yet again.
I did slug down another shake right before, no lie, heading back to the rink to watch another hockey game (to see who we will play Sunday morning). I threw baked potatoes and frozen mini meatloves in the oven before we left. They were very done by the time we got home. The boys ate those. I picked at one and ate half of a potato skin with a little butter on it.
I should calculate my calories, but alas, I will not.
Workouts:
1. HIIT 20
2. Cardio Party
I'll have a nice deficit today. Or I think I will anyway.
And now, I am going to bed even though it is currently only 9:21pm. Hockey in the AM and we lose an hour of sleep. I frequently think how good it is that I am not actually on the team because I can barely have the stamina to get through being a spectator.
I need to go to Spectator Training.
I hope the class is in Hawaii.
3 lbs. 3 lbs. I can do it. Going to see if I can go without popcorn for awhile to push me over the edge. I know I said that last week, too. I haven't eaten any yet this weekend even though I desperately want it.
But I also want to keep those shoes.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Cereal. It's what's for dinner.
I have eaten cereal for dinner the last two nights.
And I liked it.
I love cereal, in fact. I am somewhat careful about which ones I eat now. Since I try to avoid gluten, I no longer eat my beloved Grape Nuts. Yesterday I did break down and eat some Frosted Mini Wheats though. I'm fairly certain that they are nowhere on Michi's Ladder.
Anyway, it has been a weird last two days, but I can't exactly explain why. What was I doing that I needed to eat cereal for dinner two nights in a row?
I think I did it last night because I didn't want to eat pizza. And tonight, we were at a hockey game until 9pm, so nothing screams "I am a healthy eater" like cornflakes and granola at that hour.
Good example of me not logging my food and forgetting what I ate. I'd better get my act together.
Workouts are good--on track. Today I only got one workout in and that's may very well be the trend for awhile--possibly until the end of the challenge because work is racheting into high gear for the next month.
I hate it when I have to work for a living. It totally messes with my plans.
Hope you are eating well and getting fit and not eating cereal for dinner.
And I liked it.
I love cereal, in fact. I am somewhat careful about which ones I eat now. Since I try to avoid gluten, I no longer eat my beloved Grape Nuts. Yesterday I did break down and eat some Frosted Mini Wheats though. I'm fairly certain that they are nowhere on Michi's Ladder.
Anyway, it has been a weird last two days, but I can't exactly explain why. What was I doing that I needed to eat cereal for dinner two nights in a row?
I think I did it last night because I didn't want to eat pizza. And tonight, we were at a hockey game until 9pm, so nothing screams "I am a healthy eater" like cornflakes and granola at that hour.
Good example of me not logging my food and forgetting what I ate. I'd better get my act together.
Workouts are good--on track. Today I only got one workout in and that's may very well be the trend for awhile--possibly until the end of the challenge because work is racheting into high gear for the next month.
I hate it when I have to work for a living. It totally messes with my plans.
Hope you are eating well and getting fit and not eating cereal for dinner.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Pancake Day
I was elated when I was reminded that today is Fat Tuesday. Nevermind that we are not Catholic. Well, Eamonn is, but he describes himself as a recovering Catholic. So I asked him if they ate pancakes on this day when he was growing up and still a Catholic. He said, "Of course!" He didn't know today by Fat Tuesday.
"Well," I asked, "Did you call it Shrove Tuesday?"
"Yes, it's Shrove Tuesday, but we just called it Pancake Day."
That's about all of the encouragement I needed to declare "Pancakes for dinner!" I ignored the fact that we had also eaten pancakes LAST Tuesday in honor of National Pancake Day. Next year they should probably combine Fat Tuesday and National Pancake Day.
Just my two cents. You know, if anyone from the Vatican or the national holiday society is looking for advice.
When I weighed this morning, I was happy to discover that I was down 1.6 lbs. from last week. The scale continues to move.
But perhaps I will have a rebound effect because yes, I did eat pancakes. How can you not eat pancakes today?
Two-a-days continue and I'm pleased with how I'm feeling. I've hit 2400 calories burned consistently as well. I may not get there today, but I have been sitting and working a lot today.
Tomorrow is a rest day and I am feeling happy about that.
As a side note for today, Anne and I had an e-mail conversation about contests and diets, etc. Here's something important to know: The way I eat and structure these challenges--this is what has worked for me and for other people on my BeachBody forums. BUT, that doesn't mean it's right for everyone. Anne is tweaking things and working to find what is right for her and that's really good and really important. There are plenty of ways people eat or structure their workouts that don't work for me. Take the ideas and mold them into what gets you into the groove.
When I really committed to getting fit two years ago, it still took me time to settle in. First I had to develop a routine that worked. It comes and goes at times, but I'd say this is the area where I feel really solid.
Next, I had to get the eating part down. I tried lots of different ways of eating: planned menus per different websites, vegan, higher protein, etc. To me, it's fun to experiment in this way. Ultimately, what I found out is that I need to eat the foods I like, just in a controlled way. I finally mastered portion control--my lifetime nemesis! Deprivation will never work for me. My eating 6 days clean (perhaps not on Fat Tuesday) and one day wild card works for me. I don't feel deprived at all. I like how I feel when I eat this way. Plus, as silly as it sounds, until someone tells me that I have to stop eating popcorn or else I'll die, I have to have it. Have to. Whatever your "Have To" is, make it a part of your plan.
Finally, I had to learn to pay attention to my body and that has been a very interesting process. After a lifetime, I feel like I can finally stop when I'm satisfied, before I'm full. I had to train my brain. If I crave something, I eat it and then factor it in. I've mentioned that for the most part, I don't eat cheese. For whatever reason, today I was craving cheese (salty, fatty protein) so badly. So I ate one ounce of cheese and I was happy.
Keep it simple.
Today
Workout 1: Fire 45 (I was also supposed to do Stretch 10, but forgot!)
Workout 2: 20 minutes on elliptical
Breakfast: Chocolate Shakeology, almond milk
Snack: Apple, Brazil nuts
Lunch: Banana, almond butter
Snack: Chocolate Shakeology, almond milk, cheese
Dinner: Pancakes, maple syrup, strawberries YUM!
I am full. I am Fat on Tuesday.
Total calories: 1643 (although I just realized I didn't put the strawberries in there, so it's higher)
"Well," I asked, "Did you call it Shrove Tuesday?"
"Yes, it's Shrove Tuesday, but we just called it Pancake Day."
That's about all of the encouragement I needed to declare "Pancakes for dinner!" I ignored the fact that we had also eaten pancakes LAST Tuesday in honor of National Pancake Day. Next year they should probably combine Fat Tuesday and National Pancake Day.
Just my two cents. You know, if anyone from the Vatican or the national holiday society is looking for advice.
When I weighed this morning, I was happy to discover that I was down 1.6 lbs. from last week. The scale continues to move.
But perhaps I will have a rebound effect because yes, I did eat pancakes. How can you not eat pancakes today?
Two-a-days continue and I'm pleased with how I'm feeling. I've hit 2400 calories burned consistently as well. I may not get there today, but I have been sitting and working a lot today.
Tomorrow is a rest day and I am feeling happy about that.
As a side note for today, Anne and I had an e-mail conversation about contests and diets, etc. Here's something important to know: The way I eat and structure these challenges--this is what has worked for me and for other people on my BeachBody forums. BUT, that doesn't mean it's right for everyone. Anne is tweaking things and working to find what is right for her and that's really good and really important. There are plenty of ways people eat or structure their workouts that don't work for me. Take the ideas and mold them into what gets you into the groove.
When I really committed to getting fit two years ago, it still took me time to settle in. First I had to develop a routine that worked. It comes and goes at times, but I'd say this is the area where I feel really solid.
Next, I had to get the eating part down. I tried lots of different ways of eating: planned menus per different websites, vegan, higher protein, etc. To me, it's fun to experiment in this way. Ultimately, what I found out is that I need to eat the foods I like, just in a controlled way. I finally mastered portion control--my lifetime nemesis! Deprivation will never work for me. My eating 6 days clean (perhaps not on Fat Tuesday) and one day wild card works for me. I don't feel deprived at all. I like how I feel when I eat this way. Plus, as silly as it sounds, until someone tells me that I have to stop eating popcorn or else I'll die, I have to have it. Have to. Whatever your "Have To" is, make it a part of your plan.
Finally, I had to learn to pay attention to my body and that has been a very interesting process. After a lifetime, I feel like I can finally stop when I'm satisfied, before I'm full. I had to train my brain. If I crave something, I eat it and then factor it in. I've mentioned that for the most part, I don't eat cheese. For whatever reason, today I was craving cheese (salty, fatty protein) so badly. So I ate one ounce of cheese and I was happy.
Keep it simple.
Today
Workout 1: Fire 45 (I was also supposed to do Stretch 10, but forgot!)
Workout 2: 20 minutes on elliptical
Breakfast: Chocolate Shakeology, almond milk
Snack: Apple, Brazil nuts
Lunch: Banana, almond butter
Snack: Chocolate Shakeology, almond milk, cheese
Dinner: Pancakes, maple syrup, strawberries YUM!
I am full. I am Fat on Tuesday.
Total calories: 1643 (although I just realized I didn't put the strawberries in there, so it's higher)
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The Scale Is Moving
Pardon that there was no post yesterday. I was still mentally at the spa.
Good news. My twice daily workouts this week have paid off. Nevermind that I'm exhausted and probably getting sick, the important thing is that I will weigh less.
I'm definitely losing inches. Pants that I wore during the summer of 2004, when Finn was first in treatment and I couldn't wear for six years, are now too big. Very exciting--and yet very sad at the same time. I love those pants and do not want to not wear them, if that makes sense.
So it will be interesting to see if the inches and scale continue to match up. I have 4 lbs. to go to my own personal goal, but I figure I need to go 2 lbs. below that to make sure I'm weight loss challenge-worthy.
It's going to be hard.
And for years, Eamonn has told me I can't have both worlds--weight loss and inches. He used to tell me to stop weighing myself and just go by inches lost. That is sound advice. However, I refuse to admit defeat and I'm going to continue my epic journey.
I have done really well hitting my 2400 calorie burn these past few days. Today, I'll be short because even though I worked out twice, I spent a chunk of time sitting in the car to and from hockey and then being still at a hockey game.
I haven't tracked calories because I haven't been on the computer all day.
Alas.
But the day looked like this...
Workout 1: HIIT 20, Sculpt 30
Workout 2: 60 min. walk
Disgusting that all of that doesn't get me to 2400, isn't it?
Food was sort of a series of snacks because we were en route somewhere.
B: Chocolate Shakeology, almond milk
Snack: Handful of homemade trail mix
Lunch: Cocoa cassava bar
Snack: 1/2 apple, 1 tbl. peanut butter, 1 cup grapes
Dinner: 1 oz. cheese (!), cornflakes, almond milk (!)
Snack: popcorn
Hmmm, a decided lack of vegetables.
Tomorrow I'm going to--no lie--a class called "Yoga for Still People." Make of that title what you will. I'm going to get my workout done early before the yoga and then we're allegedly skiing. Allegedly.
Good news. My twice daily workouts this week have paid off. Nevermind that I'm exhausted and probably getting sick, the important thing is that I will weigh less.
I'm definitely losing inches. Pants that I wore during the summer of 2004, when Finn was first in treatment and I couldn't wear for six years, are now too big. Very exciting--and yet very sad at the same time. I love those pants and do not want to not wear them, if that makes sense.
So it will be interesting to see if the inches and scale continue to match up. I have 4 lbs. to go to my own personal goal, but I figure I need to go 2 lbs. below that to make sure I'm weight loss challenge-worthy.
It's going to be hard.
And for years, Eamonn has told me I can't have both worlds--weight loss and inches. He used to tell me to stop weighing myself and just go by inches lost. That is sound advice. However, I refuse to admit defeat and I'm going to continue my epic journey.
I have done really well hitting my 2400 calorie burn these past few days. Today, I'll be short because even though I worked out twice, I spent a chunk of time sitting in the car to and from hockey and then being still at a hockey game.
I haven't tracked calories because I haven't been on the computer all day.
Alas.
But the day looked like this...
Workout 1: HIIT 20, Sculpt 30
Workout 2: 60 min. walk
Disgusting that all of that doesn't get me to 2400, isn't it?
Food was sort of a series of snacks because we were en route somewhere.
B: Chocolate Shakeology, almond milk
Snack: Handful of homemade trail mix
Lunch: Cocoa cassava bar
Snack: 1/2 apple, 1 tbl. peanut butter, 1 cup grapes
Dinner: 1 oz. cheese (!), cornflakes, almond milk (!)
Snack: popcorn
Hmmm, a decided lack of vegetables.
Tomorrow I'm going to--no lie--a class called "Yoga for Still People." Make of that title what you will. I'm going to get my workout done early before the yoga and then we're allegedly skiing. Allegedly.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Spa Night
I just got back from a hockey moms' spa night. I had originally intended that today would be my cheat day, but I have to say that I ate well all day and kept myself in check at spa night. It didn't hurt that everyone brought healthy snacks--hummus, cheese, fruit, etc. I did drink a glass of wine.
In anticipation, I did two workouts:
Workout 1: HIIT 15, Tone 30
Workout 2: 45 minutes on the elliptical watching cheesey woman TV. It was divine.
So, hockey moms' spa night...I hope we do it again. The spa was open just for us. We were there for 3 hours, which I originally thought was a ridiculously long amount of time, but when I looked at the clock and saw it was 8:55pm, I wasn't ready to leave. For $50, you get two spa services--one big one like a facial, massage or pedicure, and one small one like a paraffin dip on your hands, lash tint, brow wax, etc. The person who organizes the party (ME!) gets their service free. I had an awesome massage.
Now, I'm going to bed.
In anticipation, I did two workouts:
Workout 1: HIIT 15, Tone 30
Workout 2: 45 minutes on the elliptical watching cheesey woman TV. It was divine.
So, hockey moms' spa night...I hope we do it again. The spa was open just for us. We were there for 3 hours, which I originally thought was a ridiculously long amount of time, but when I looked at the clock and saw it was 8:55pm, I wasn't ready to leave. For $50, you get two spa services--one big one like a facial, massage or pedicure, and one small one like a paraffin dip on your hands, lash tint, brow wax, etc. The person who organizes the party (ME!) gets their service free. I had an awesome massage.
Now, I'm going to bed.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Whoever Michi is, he's rolling over in his grave
Today was so far off the top two tiers of Michi's ladder, it isn't even funny. I was fine for total calories, but here's the deal.
Last February 10, a cow was butchered in our name. Well, in several people's names actually, but we got a 1/4 of it. And I know it was Feb. 10 because it's stamped on all of the packages of meat in the freezer. It feels overly personal when you know when your cow was killed, just in case you were wondering.
Anyway, we are down to the last few pounds of beef left in the freezer and so a few weeks ago, I commited to buy another 1/4 cow. Last night, the farmer called and said the new 1/4 beef will be here in two weeks.
Houston, we have a freezer problem.
Cow #1 is still partially in there. A few weeks ago, I hit the day old bread sale at the grocery and my freezer has a lot of bread in there. And then I accidentally bought some duplicate items at Costco. The sum of all of these things means my freezer is full and I have a limited amount of time to get it mostly empty or else.
Hence: Beef, it's what's for dinner. I made Eamonn and the boys minute steaks. I myself ate liver. I know, I know. It's all so Hannibal Lechter, isn't it? I did not eat fava beans, however.
Anyway, this may be the trend for a bit while we eat through the freezer.
With that said, I'm also planning a green smoothie cleanse starting Monday. Maybe earlier if I can get to the store and get some greens other than the limp spinach currently hanging out in my fridge.
That will be an interesting experiment and I promise to give you all the gory details. You know how I love all of the experimental eating stuff.
Today's workout: Rest day, ahhhhh
Breakfast: 2 clementines, 3/4 cup Nature's Path hemp granola, almond milk
Snack: Cocoa cassava bar; apple
Lunch: Potato leek soup, flax crackers, chopped veggie salad with too many olives
Dinner: Liver, onions, mushrooms, mashed potatoes
Snack: Banana
Total calories: 1553
Burned: 1952 with 40 minutes to go. I won't hit 2400, obviously, but I will have a 500 calorie deficit.
Running to bed. I'm sure that counts for something.
Last February 10, a cow was butchered in our name. Well, in several people's names actually, but we got a 1/4 of it. And I know it was Feb. 10 because it's stamped on all of the packages of meat in the freezer. It feels overly personal when you know when your cow was killed, just in case you were wondering.
Anyway, we are down to the last few pounds of beef left in the freezer and so a few weeks ago, I commited to buy another 1/4 cow. Last night, the farmer called and said the new 1/4 beef will be here in two weeks.
Houston, we have a freezer problem.
Cow #1 is still partially in there. A few weeks ago, I hit the day old bread sale at the grocery and my freezer has a lot of bread in there. And then I accidentally bought some duplicate items at Costco. The sum of all of these things means my freezer is full and I have a limited amount of time to get it mostly empty or else.
Hence: Beef, it's what's for dinner. I made Eamonn and the boys minute steaks. I myself ate liver. I know, I know. It's all so Hannibal Lechter, isn't it? I did not eat fava beans, however.
Anyway, this may be the trend for a bit while we eat through the freezer.
With that said, I'm also planning a green smoothie cleanse starting Monday. Maybe earlier if I can get to the store and get some greens other than the limp spinach currently hanging out in my fridge.
That will be an interesting experiment and I promise to give you all the gory details. You know how I love all of the experimental eating stuff.
Today's workout: Rest day, ahhhhh
Breakfast: 2 clementines, 3/4 cup Nature's Path hemp granola, almond milk
Snack: Cocoa cassava bar; apple
Lunch: Potato leek soup, flax crackers, chopped veggie salad with too many olives
Dinner: Liver, onions, mushrooms, mashed potatoes
Snack: Banana
Total calories: 1553
Burned: 1952 with 40 minutes to go. I won't hit 2400, obviously, but I will have a 500 calorie deficit.
Running to bed. I'm sure that counts for something.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Calorie Cycling
Today I will hit my 2,400 calorie burn goal and I'm totally excited about it. So there. Even though the frozen Indian dinner I ate had white rice in it which is all the way down in the Swiss tier, I'm calling this day a success.
I was going to write something witty and relevant...and I can't remember what it was...I probably have calorie deprivation brain fog. Just kidding. I think.
Anyway, even though I'm hitting the workouts twice a day to really ramp up my calorie deficit for awhile, you can't do that indefinitely. Have I written about calorie cycling before? Yes? No? Don't remember? Me either.
Calorie cycling is eating a different amount of calories every day, but staying in range for the week or month. Calorie cycling is a theory and method that helps to lose, maintain, or gain weight by eating a different amount of calories each day. The theory is that it keeps your metabolism guessing.
There are a bazillion different theories on whether you should eat the same amount of calories every day or change the total up, keeping in an overall total for the week. I tend to be in the latter category. Even though I generally shoot for 1700 calories (trying to dial that back a bit for the weight loss challenge--unsuccessful so far. Going to have to omit chocolate--wah!), there are days I go a little over and days I try to go under because it's a rest day.
A few things you definitely need to do: You really shouldn't go under 1200 calories a day. Your body needs a certain amount just to function and from what I read, you'll send your metabolism into a nosedive if you "starve" it with too few calories. Your body is no fool. Cut back drastically on your calories and your body is going to conserve.
Remember the low/no fat craze of the 90s? I talked momentarily about it yesterday when I mentioned Snackwells and how everyone loved fat free cookies and binged on them. Well, some people did. Ahem.
Anyway, think about percentages (most calorie counting sites tell you what your carb/protein/fat percentage is--so easy) and keep your fat intake realistic. My BodyBugg calculations have me at about a 55% carb/20% protein/25% fat. I never get those percentages dead on, but mostly I come pretty close.
My point is figure out what you should eat for the week and shoot for that overall total. You might be a little high one day, a little low another, but it all comes out in the wash.
Today's workouts:
Workout 1: Fire 45, Stretch 10; Workout 2: 50 min. walk
Breakfast: Chocolate Shakeology, almond milk
Snack: apple, Brazil nuts
Lunch: Salad w/Romaine, tuna, radishes, celery, tomato, olives, olive oil; one square dark chocolate
Snack: Greek yogurt, banana
Dinner: Amy's Indian entree, two apple slices (leftover)
Total calories eaten: 1609
Total calories burned: 2287 with 3 hours to go. I think I'll just make it!
So realizing how much I have to do to burn 2400 calories a day is sobering. It's a lot of work. But I'm going to keep on, keepin' on to get to my goal.
Hope you had a great day.
I was going to write something witty and relevant...and I can't remember what it was...I probably have calorie deprivation brain fog. Just kidding. I think.
Anyway, even though I'm hitting the workouts twice a day to really ramp up my calorie deficit for awhile, you can't do that indefinitely. Have I written about calorie cycling before? Yes? No? Don't remember? Me either.
Calorie cycling is eating a different amount of calories every day, but staying in range for the week or month. Calorie cycling is a theory and method that helps to lose, maintain, or gain weight by eating a different amount of calories each day. The theory is that it keeps your metabolism guessing.
There are a bazillion different theories on whether you should eat the same amount of calories every day or change the total up, keeping in an overall total for the week. I tend to be in the latter category. Even though I generally shoot for 1700 calories (trying to dial that back a bit for the weight loss challenge--unsuccessful so far. Going to have to omit chocolate--wah!), there are days I go a little over and days I try to go under because it's a rest day.
A few things you definitely need to do: You really shouldn't go under 1200 calories a day. Your body needs a certain amount just to function and from what I read, you'll send your metabolism into a nosedive if you "starve" it with too few calories. Your body is no fool. Cut back drastically on your calories and your body is going to conserve.
Remember the low/no fat craze of the 90s? I talked momentarily about it yesterday when I mentioned Snackwells and how everyone loved fat free cookies and binged on them. Well, some people did. Ahem.
Anyway, think about percentages (most calorie counting sites tell you what your carb/protein/fat percentage is--so easy) and keep your fat intake realistic. My BodyBugg calculations have me at about a 55% carb/20% protein/25% fat. I never get those percentages dead on, but mostly I come pretty close.
My point is figure out what you should eat for the week and shoot for that overall total. You might be a little high one day, a little low another, but it all comes out in the wash.
Today's workouts:
Workout 1: Fire 45, Stretch 10; Workout 2: 50 min. walk
Breakfast: Chocolate Shakeology, almond milk
Snack: apple, Brazil nuts
Lunch: Salad w/Romaine, tuna, radishes, celery, tomato, olives, olive oil; one square dark chocolate
Snack: Greek yogurt, banana
Dinner: Amy's Indian entree, two apple slices (leftover)
Total calories eaten: 1609
Total calories burned: 2287 with 3 hours to go. I think I'll just make it!
So realizing how much I have to do to burn 2400 calories a day is sobering. It's a lot of work. But I'm going to keep on, keepin' on to get to my goal.
Hope you had a great day.
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