Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Should be Illegal.

And it's not my usual rant about how Nutella is too fabulous and should be illegal.

I'm talking about having children that insist on getting up BEFORE the sun!

I'm crazy behind this morning. Mr. Grumpybutt woke up at 4:45 and refused to go back to sleep. You'd think I'd be crazy early with that kind of "jump start" but it's the direct opposite. He's thrown off all nap and work schedules. I'm trying to get into my routine and it's just not working. Oy and vey, I say.

My routine was also thrown off yesterday when the Grumpybutt decided that he didn't want his bottle before we walked 3ft to school. So instead of getting to do the C25K after having dropped 3ft off. I had to come home and feed the baby. He then promptly fell asleep so I was stuck doing it again before picking up 3ft. I made it work. But I hate having to. (Can you tell I'm a creature of habit? It's the OCD)

I normally buy Cajun Chicken Deli Lunchmeat for sandwiches. But last weekend I got the great idea to try Rotisserie seasoned. Now I wish I hadn't it's not near as good as the Cajun and I'm stuck with it until I eat it all. Lucky me. And I'm pretty much the only one who eats it. 3ft doesn't eat lunchmeat sandwiches (I have no idea why because he'll eat it on cheese and crackers) and the husband takes dinner leftovers to work for lunch because he get's "tired" of the sandwich (How I ask myself? He hasn't taken a sandwich to work for like a month or better...but whatever, mine is not to question why, I guess). So I'm bitter about that.

I didn't bake or cook anything fabulous yesterday. It was leftover day. So I don't have any delicious food to brag about. Just sub par lunchmeat to whine about.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - c25k.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 84

Only Water - Day 79

Total Pounds Lost - 31.1

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of FiberOne Raisin Bran w/ homemade Almond Milk
Lunch - Rotisserie Chicken (not as good as Cajun) Sandwich using avocado instead of mayo and carrot sticks
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Snowy Brownie and 1/2 peanut butter banana sandwich
Dinner - Mushroom Stroganoff and zucchini

Total Day Calories - 1108

Monday, August 30, 2010

Beware the Snack Ninja!

I had a relatively laid back day, yesterday, all things considered. The husband had to work so it was just me and the boys on a practically chilly day. So what do we do on practically chilly summer days? We bake! And 3ft couldn't have been more delighted when I told him lets bake a snack for you to take to school next week. Especially when we decided to bake:

Snowy Brownies
.


They are easy to make and 3ft loved helping me measure and stir with the whisk. He also loved the finished product. So much so that 3ft and I had this conversation yesterday:

"Can I take two brownies for snack tomorrow at school?" 3ft asked, his face full of innocence.

"No, you can have one brownie and some peanut butter crackers."

"What if someone steals my peanut butter crackers?"

"Who would do that?"

He smiled slyly, "A Snack Ninja!"

I snickered. "A Snack Ninja? Really?"

"You never know, it could happen. And then all my crackers would be gone and I'd still be hungry."

"Why wouldn't the Snack Ninja steal the brownie and leave the crackers?"

He looked at me like I was slow and stupid. "Duh. Snack Ninja's don't like brownies, everyone knows that. They just like to steal peanut butter crackers! Just think of how hungry I'll be if they steal all my crackers."

"Well, then I guess you'll just have to use your ninja skills to fight them off. Either that or you'll starve to death. Only one brownie for you buddy."

"What if beating up the Snack Ninja takes all my energy and I'm still hungry after I eat my peanut butter crackers?"

The depths that child will stoop to try and get two brownies instead of one.

I was feeling particularly industrious cooking-wise yesterday and had been craving Stroganoff for some time. It's not something I want very often. It's definitely a "have to be in the mood for" dish. But I was in the mood for it and I'd bought 20oz of fresh mushrooms at Costco on Saturday and figured what better way to use them than in:

Mushroom Stroganoff.


Every once in awhile I also get a craving for a vegetarian dish, much to my family's dismay. But they like sauce, mushrooms, and noodles so I figured it was a win. So I didn't throw any meat into it and just used extra mushrooms (the whole 20oz of them). It turned out pretty delicious!

It's funny, on Facebook I usually post what I'm cooking or baking. Because I put both the snowy brownies up and mentioned that I made Stroganoff I got a lot of people asking me how can I lose weight when I make such delicious food? To which I replied: I use creative substitution, pick healthier ingredients, and stick to portion control. (I desperately wanted to eat the whole batch of brownies yesterday w/ 3ft's help... but we stuck to just the one serving.) Healthy living isn't about giving up everything that you love and that tastes good. It's about moderation and finding ways to make your favorite foods healthier.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Day Off.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 83

Only Water - Day 78

Total Pounds Lost - 31.1

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of FiberOne Raisin Bran w/ homemade Almond Milk
Lunch - Cajun Chicken Sandwich using avocado instead of mayo, carrot sticks, and a snowy brownie
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Handful of chocolate covered almonds and 1/2 peanut butter banana sandwich
Dinner - Mushroom Stroganoff and broccoli

Total Day Calories - 1130

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Really?...

Had a fairly heinous day yesterday. Started out normal enough. The family and I started running (actually driving -- yeah I know I'm hilarious) our errands yesterday. We had to hit Target, Costco, Safeway, and Blockbuster (actually we just needed to go inside and shop -- hitting them would have hurt our hands). Well Target went off without a hitch until we loaded up into the car and it refused to start.

The battery was dead. Like really dead. No clicking, no trying to turn over, no power... nothing.

Luckily the woman parked next to us was leaving too and let us steal some of her power to jump the car. We drove it to an AutoZone. The guy came out with the battery tester and sure enough it was a bad battery. 100 bucks later that we hadn't planned on spending following so closely to 90 bucks we hadn't planned on spending on a new tire we had a new battery.

However, don't you know, after we turned the car off to test the battery and then had to turn the car back on to go get the money, it started right up! RIGHT UP! We didn't want to push our luck so we got the new battery anyway because the husband commutes an hour and a half to work and then back again everyday.

I just have to say, the Moroccan Chicken w/ Almond Couscous was really good the first day but it was even more fabulous last night for dinner! I was going to save it for lunches but we didn't get back from our heinous battery nightmare and errands until after 5pm. We were hungry and it just needed to be heated up.

I climbed on the scale this morning. Guess what? I lost 3.8lbs this week! For a grand total of 31.1lbs lost!!! I'm in my pre-pregnancy range. The total suck of of it is this -- pants I wore before at this weight still don't fit. It's a total bummer what having a baby does to your body. So while I can fit into some of my pre-pregnancy pants my "skinny" jeans still remain elusive for the moment. I'll get there though, I'm on a roll (hold the butter. I crack myself up).

And a great big thanks to those who have been sending me recipes!!! I heart you all!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Day Off.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 82

Only Water - Day 77

Total Pounds Lost - 31.1

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade Almond Milk
Lunch - McDonalds Classic Grilled Chicken Sandwich w/out mayo
Mid-Afternoon Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar and 1/2 peanut butter banana sandwich
Dinner - Moroccan Chicken and Almond Couscous and zucchini

Total Day Calories - 1152

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Moroccan and Chicken and Almond Couscous...Oh My!

I have a correction to make. I made a comment the other day on my Almond Milk post that I found out was wrong. I had said 1lb of almonds made 2 batches of almond milk. I misspoke. I found out yesterday that it will in fact make 3 batches of almond milk. Which makes making my own almond milk even more cheap than buying it. Yay. And it so easy and fun to do.

After dropping 3ft off at school yesterday, I came home and changed clothes and Mr. Grumpybutt and I went for my "run". I don't know, but those three minute sprints seem harder. I'm wondering now if it's because I'm pushing weight instead of just running on my own. Mr. Grumpybutt's stroller is heavy and he's no slouch himself. My legs feel more worked out and I struggled more than I had before.

Moroccan Chicken and Almond Couscous w/ zucchini


I toyed around with a Moroccan Chicken and Almond Couscous recipe yesterday. It gave me something else to use my almond meal in. And it turned out really good! Even my picky eater husband (yeah, 3ft comes by it naturally) liked it. Except for he had his with green beans because both the boys don't have the sense to love delicious zucchini like I do.

I got the base recipe off of Cooking Light but I didn't have some of the ingredients and I don't like the flavor of some of the others. So I toyed around with it and came up with something that had less calories and tasted wonderful.

Ingredients

Moroccan Chicken

1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
2 chicken breasts cut into halves
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cups chopped onion
1/2 cups and 2 TBS fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/2 tablespoon basil

Almond Couscous


3/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice Seasoning
3/4 cup uncooked couscous
2 tablespoon ground almonds

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°.

To prepare chicken, combine first 9 ingredients in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in flour mixture. Reserve remaining flour mixture.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 3 minutes on one side. Turn chicken; remove skillet from heat. Combine reserved flour mixture and chopped onions; add to skillet. Stir in broth.

Pour skillet into a baking dish and bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until chicken is done.

Remove chicken from baking dish and pour the rest into a skillet skillet. Place skillet over medium heat; stir in basil and cook 5 minutes. Return chicken to pan. Cover; remove pan from heat.

To prepare couscous, combine 3/4 cup broth, water, 1/2 teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice Seasoning in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in almonds. Serve with chicken breast and sauce.

Number of Servings: 4

Calories - 270
Fat - 5
Carbs - 22
Fiber - 2
Protein - 31.6

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - C25K and walking.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 81

Only Water - Day 76

Total Pounds Lost - 31

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade Almond Milk and Banana Almond Muffin
Lunch - Cajun Chicken Sandwich w/ avocado and a pickle spear
Mid-Afternoon Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar and 1/2 peanut butter banana sandwich
Dinner - Moroccan Chicken and Almond Couscous

Total Day Calories - 1163

Friday, August 27, 2010

The Pork Is No More

Finally the heatwave broke. It's been hotter than hell here the last couple days -- "well insulated" (how's that for a politically correct term for FAT?) and extreme heat don't mix. It was gorgeous yesterday morning. After we dropped 3ft off at school, Mr. Grumpybutt, and I went for a long walk. I'd say at least 2 miles. There's nothing better (well chocolate, probably -- but I refuse to bring that up) than walking in the cool morning with a happy baby gurgling about everything he sees. (Then he fell asleep. Screwed up his nap schedule and was the Evil Mr. Grumpybutt the rest of the day.)

We finally finished off the Mango Salsa so we didn't have pulled pork tacos (which is a godsend, as delicious as they were I was getting tired of them). Instead I mixed a little barbecue sauce -- not a lot, just enough to give it some bbq flavor -- and put it on an Orowheat Thin with some jalapenos. Super Delicious! Have I mentioned how much I love Orowheat Thins? They're loaded with fiber and have less calories than two slices of bread. And they taste really good too. And now the pork is gone. Which reminds me I need to get chicken out of the freezer for dinner tonight.

I'm also soaking more almonds. Yum. Now trying to decide what flavor I want to try and make. My friend, Turkey, wondered if I'd made chocolate milk out of my chocolate covered almonds. I thought her a genius for thinking of it. The only problem on retrospect is when I soak them it'll wash all the chocolate off. LOL I do have unsweetened cocoa powder. Hmmm, the possibilities. I'll need to make two batches, I think. The normal for cereal and cooking and then flavored for drinking and baking with.

I can't wait til my cooking magazines get here. I ordered Cooking Light and my awesome sister, Crystal, got me a subscription to Clean Eating. Do you ever get tired of your recipes and your cooking? I do. So I'm hoping they get here soon so I can have some fresh ideas.

Hey I know! You could do a girl a solid and send me some of your favorite meal recipes!! Post them in the comments or e-mail them to me at lisadovichi@yahoo.com. That would be so epic. Don't worry about how healthy they are or aren't. I can health-i-fy anything!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Walking.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 80

Only Water - Day 75

Total Pounds Lost - 31

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade Almond Milk and Banana Almond Muffin
Lunch - BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich w/ jalapenos and carrots
Mid-Afternoon Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar and 1/2 peanut butter banana sandwich
Dinner - Eggs and Hash browns

Total Day Calories - 1297

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Inspiration!

Ha! "Walker", I'll show you. I'll just do my C25K in the morning after I drop off 3ft to Kindergarten.

It was a flash of inspiration yesterday morning. I dropped 3ft off at school and I thought, why don't I run now? Well, for one I wasn't prepared to have that light bulb go off so I didn't have my podcast, running shoes, or workout clothes on. I know, right? Poor planning on my part.

So, after Mr. Grumpybutt got up after his nap. We left to pick up 3ft early. I did my C25K run AND then walked to the school to pick up 3ft. This wasn't the optimal time as it was hot as hell outside, and I had to do a circuit around his school so I wouldn't be too far away when I was done so I could get there by 11:30. But I DID it. And the greatest thing was I didn't have to fight with the "Walker" to get the treadmill, not to mention Mr. Grumpybutt gets to go and he really likes going outside in his stroller.

True to his word, 3ft had a taco last night for dinner. I made it just like mine, well except I added cheese to his (blech -- I'm not a huge fan of cheese) and he ate the whole thing. Then a donut, and then some pretzels. I think he would've kept eating if one of his friends hadn't come over to have him play outside. I couldn't believe my picky eater actually ate it. I figured I'd make it, he'd take a couple bites, and then be "full". I just beamed the whole time with pride. I'm sure he thinks I'm crazy (well crazier, anyway) now.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - C25K and walking

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 79

Only Water - Day 74

Total Pounds Lost - 31

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade Almond Milk and Banana Almond Muffin
Lunch - Cajun Chicken Sandwich w/ avocado instead of mayo, carrots, and a pickle spear
Mid-Afternoon Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar and 1/2 peanut butter banana sandwich
Dinner - (LAST NIGHT!) Pulled pork tacos w/ mango salsa

Total Day Calories - 1177

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Banana Almond Muffins

I used some of the almond meal from making the Almond Milk yesterday. I made Banana Almond Muffins. And let me just say they turned out so freaking delicious. They have a great banana nutty flavor but without having major nut chunks. I love nuts but I'm not a huge fan of having crunchy in my pastries or muffins or cakes. Also, talk about a workout. I did all the mixing by hand instead of getting out my mixer (Mr. Grumpybutt was sleeping -- I didn't want to wake him up) So, it was a total win.


Even the pickiest of eaters, 3ft, gave them two thumbs up.

Speaking of picky eaters and thumbs up. When I made the pulled pork tacos (which we're still eating) I didn't make 3ft eat them. He was having an upset stomach that day so I let him have mac n cheese while I had delicious tacos. Well yesterday, he was having a PB&J sandwich for lunch and I was having pulled pork tacos w/ mango salsa and sour cream, he asked if he could try a bite. I couldn't have been more shocked. That kid NEVER asks to try a bite. I have to make him try things.

So, I give him a bite and he says it's delicious. I don't think anything of it. Even if he doesn't like it enough to want more of it, he'll still say it's delicious. Then a couple seconds later, he asked if he could have another bite. Then another. Then, he asked if he could have it for dinner tomorrow (tonight). I was flabbergasted. He really did like it. He's been talking about them ever since too.

This morning, I asked my husband if he wanted to take tacos for lunch or have them for dinner when he got home from work. 3ft pops out of nowhere, "I want tacos for dinner. Remember Mom, you said I could." It was the cutest thing. Oh, and if anyone cares, the husband opted to have them for dinner.

Since I made the Banana Almond Muffins, I opted to have one of them for snack instead of chocolate covered almonds. Naturally, I had to try the muffin to make sure I wasn't poisoning the boy as he was looking forward to taking one to school today for snack. If it's poison, what a way to go. In the immortal words of Tony the Tiger, "They'rrrrrrrrrrrre Grrrrrrreat!!!!!

And in case anyone is interested. Here you go.

Banana Almond Muffin Recipe

Ingredients
1 Cup All Purpose White Flour
1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
3/4 TSP Baking Soda
2 TSP Cinnamon
1/2 TSP Salt
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/4 Cup Brummel and Brown Butter
2 Eggs
1 1/2 Cups Mashed Banana (approximately 3 VERY RIPE bananas)
1/3 Cup Non Fat Sour Cream
1 TSP Vanilla Extract
1/4 Cup Ground Almonds

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, and cinnamon in a bowl -- stir with a metal whisk.
Place sugars and butter in a separate large bowl, and whisk until well blended.
Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add mashed banana, sour cream, and vanilla -- beat until blended.
Add ground almonds -- stir til blended
Add flour mixture -- whisk until just mixed.
Spoon batter into a prepared muffin pan.
Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.

Makes 12 Muffins

Nutritional Info:
Calories -- 210.1
Total Fat -- 3.8g
Carbs -- 43.6
Fiber -- 1.4g
Protein -- 4.1g

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 50 minutes walking

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 78

Only Water - Day 73

Total Pounds Lost - 27.3

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade Almond Milk and slice of peanut butter toast
Lunch - Pulled Pork Tacos w/ homemade mango salsa
Mid-Afternoon Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar and a Banana Almond Muffin
Dinner - (Breakfast, its what's for dinner!) Eggs, hash browns, and piece of toast

Total Day Calories - 1229

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Dinner Win!

I made super delicious tacos yesterday (of which we'll be eating for a couple more days). I got a pork loin roast and stuck it in the crock pot yesterday morning with a bunch of garlic and some salt and pepper and cooked that sucker for 8 hours on low. I shredded it with two forks mixed in some stock and have a huge container of pulled pork. I then made some homemade mango, peach, pineapple salsa w/ red onions and jalapenos to put on the top of it. I threw the corn tortillas on my burner to give them some color while I heated them up. And Voila! Delicious Pulled Pork Tacos w/ Mango salsa. It was hard to only eat two (a serving size) because they were so delicious, but I persevered and stuck to my serving.

I didn't specifically season the pork for tacos because when I get tired of having it on tortillas I can throw a little barbecue sauce in it, mix it up, and have barbecue pulled pork sandwiches. So it's like a double win. Which works because there is a huge container of pork and while I love them, I'm sure I will grow tired of their delicious goodness.


(the picture doesn't really do them justice! I need a new camera!)

There is one huge drawback to using the crock pot. I smell deliciousness cooking all day and it seems to make me hungrier than usual. So I have to really stay focused on my portions and what I'm eating because it'd be so easy to overdo it. It's a good thing I'm a stubborn git when I set my mind to something because I did.

It helped that I had a foodgasm over the chocolate covered almonds again yesterday. Nothing like decadent chocolate to take your mind off how yummy your house smells. And to think I almost didn't buy them. I'm ever so glad I did. I can't wait to have them again today. I'm still battling the chocolate cravings beast. And they appease the monster so well.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 45 minutes walking & Wii Sports Resort

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 77

Only Water - Day 72

Total Pounds Lost - 27.3

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade Almond Milk
Lunch - Cajun Chicken Sandwich w/avocado instead of mayo and carrot sticks
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Handful of chocolate covered Almonds and 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich
Dinner - Pulled Pork Tacos w/ homemade mango salsa

Total Day Calories - 1159

Monday, August 23, 2010

Ta Da...Almond Milk!

I totally did it! I made Almond Milk from scratch. I ate it on my cereal this morning. It was so super good. And it was really easy. I did a standard batch just to see if I would like it. 1 cup almonds soaked over night, then rinsed and blended with 4 cups water. Then strain out the nut bits and ta da... Almond Milk! I also have almond meal to put in my delicious baked goods. Now I'm going to start playing with the recipe and make different flavors of it.

I'm a little bitter though. I went to Trader Joe's and bought a bag of Raw Almonds and paid 5 bucks for a pound. I went to Costco afterward (yesterday was my shopping day, I went to like 5 stores) and I found a 3lb bag for 9 bucks -- a much better deal. C'est la vie, I know for next time.



I also bought some chocolate covered almonds from Costco yesterday. They were so delicious and it totally satisfied the chocolate craving monster I've been battling for the last week. I savored them. Before the lifestyle change I would've horked them down and eaten half the ginormous container (3ft likes them too which is why I bought so much) without even batting an eye then cried as I watched the scale climb. Now I am portion smart and have self control and I was able to stop myself at a handful and ENJOY them. That's a major big deal for me.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Day Off

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 76

Only Water - Day 71

Total Pounds Lost - 27.3

Meals:
Breakfast - peanut butter toast w/ banana and FiberOne Honey Clusters
Lunch - Southwestern Grilled Chicken Salad w/out cheese and dressing (McDonalds)
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Handful of chocolate covered Almonds and a FiberOne Granola Bar
Dinner - Cajun Chicken Sandwich w/ avocado instead of mayo and Homemade Jalapeno Potato Chips

Total Day Calories - 1140

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Surrounded!

I had a great time yesterday even though I was surrounded by delicious food ALL day long!

Had "brunch" with my parents. I had the most delicious Eggs Benedict. It was called California Eggs Benedict and it was two poached eggs on english muffins with avocado and tomato instead of ham. I got the hollandaise sauce on the side and it was super delicious.

Then my mom and I ditched the boys (3ft, my dad, and my husband) and we took Mr. Grumpybutt with us shopping. Got a ton of stuff for both boys including the go to school supplies for 3ft. He loved all the stuff he got and I loved shopping for it without the "Are we done yet?" of having 3ft with me. I was totally proud of myself. During the excursion my mom got a soda and asked me if I wanted to split it with her. I told her, "No thank you," and got myself a water.

After shopping, Mom dropped me off at my brother-in-laws for the birthday barbecue (which was where my boys were: 3ft and Husband) and I threw together the lemon pudding cake. OMG! It turned out so epically delicious. I forgot my camera otherwise I would've taken a picture of it. It wasn't quite a cake and not quite a pudding. It was totally scrumptious. The food was great. I probably ate too much because I was hungry when I got there and they had delicious appetizers out -- Pita chips and hummus, cranberry cream cheese turkey wraps, and crackers and jalapeno artichoke dip. I think I balanced it out alright since I skipped the potato, only had 2 chicken and vegetable skewers and a small salad.

I didn't weigh a ton this morning so I figure I did pretty good. As a matter of fact, I lost TWO pounds again last week. So I'm pretty stoked about it this morning.

Now, I'm off to Trader Joes to buy raw almonds so I can try my hand at making my own Almond Milk!!!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Day Off

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 75

Only Water - Day 70

Total Pounds Lost - 27.3

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of Special K Vanilla Almond and FiberOne Honey Clusters mixed and almond milk
Lunch - Eggs Benedict but instead of ham w/ avocado and tomato and the Hollandaise sauce on the side
Mid-Afternoon Snack - appetizer turkey wrap, hummus, pita chips, and jalapeno artichoke dip
Dinner - Chicken and vegetable skewers, salad w/ raspberry vinaigrette, and lemon pudding cake w/ sorbet

Total Day Calories - can't hazard a guess

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Eureka!

I found something in my house with chocolate in it! We had S'mores Granola Bars buried in the back of the cupboard that I'd forgotten about. I had one last night while 3ft had cookies and milk. It totally satisfied the craving and I didn't feel hungry anymore.

Finally, the chili is gone. After eating it for one meal almost all week, I'm about chili'd out. It's great food -- high in fiber and protein, low in calories. But you can only eat so much of it. I'm sure my husbands glad we finished it last night too. I'm not going to complain too much about it because it was sure nice only heating stuff up instead of cooking every night. Don't get me wrong I love cooking but it's nice to take a break once in awhile.

Short blog today. I'm heading off to Stockton to see my folks and go back to school shopping for 3ft and then we're off to a birthday party barbecue to which I'm supplying the dessert. I'm going to make a Lemon Pudding Cake. I'll be sure to take pictures to torment you all with tomorrow. Wish me luck!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - "Sweatin' to the Oldies 2"

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 74

Only Water - Day 69

Total Pounds Lost - 25.4

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of Special K Vanilla Almond and FiberOne Honey Clusters mixed and almond milk
Lunch - Cajun Chicken Sandwich, carrots, and a pickle spear
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich and a Gogurt Simple
Dinner - Chili and grilled zucchini
Mid-Evening Snack - S'mores Low Fat Granola Bar

Total Day Calories - approx. 1155

Friday, August 20, 2010

Blech!

So I tried Chobani Greek Yogurt vanilla flavored yesterday. It was NOT delicious. I threw it in a blender with some almond milk, berries, and a little honey and while not the best smoothie I've ever had it was at least decent. I'll also say it was very filling and because I'd had it with my sandwich I couldn't quite finish it. So I didn't.

So, I will NOT be getting that flavor again. Perhaps I'll try one of their fruit kinds or a different brand entirely. Anyone who likes it, got a brand and a flavor they'd recommend? I like the idea behind it that it has more protein and better for you but the flavor was blech. And if it doesn't taste good, why eat it? I know it's healthy but I only have so many calories in a day and I want to ENJOY them all!

Come to think of it my friend, Laura, gave me a recipe to make your own yogurt. I might do that while I'm making my own almond milk. I'll have to recheck out the recipe. I'd actually forgotten I'd gotten it until just this second. Getting old is a pain in the butt.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - "Sweatin' to the Oldies 3"

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 73

Only Water - Day 68

Total Pounds Lost - 25.4

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of Special K Vanilla Almond and FiberOne Honey Clusters mixed and almond milk
Lunch - Cajun Chicken Sandwich w/ jalapenos and a pickle spear and a smoothie made with berries and Greek yogurt
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
Dinner - Chili and Cornbread

Total Day Calories - approx. 1243

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Munchies Attack!

Had an attack of the munchies last night. I desperately wanted chocolate and found that sadly lacking in my house right now. The Frosted Mini Wheats and pretzels I settled for did NOT do the trick. I exercised restraint and didn't eat a whole lot of either even though I wanted to start on one end of my pantry and graze to the other end then start on the fridge.

Do you ever feel that way? It happens a few days out of the month, every month for me. It's annoying.

Even though Wednesday is supposed to be a day I can get out to the "gym" (because the husband is home early enough) that wasn't the case last night (he had a meeting that ran late). Lucky for me, I'd decided to do "Sweatin' to the Oldies 2" yesterday morning with the intentions of doing the C25K last night. So I still got my workout in for the day, maybe not as much as I wanted but enough to hit my goals for the day.

I find I really like doing an exercise video in the morning -- it really gives my energy levels a kick in the ass -- and I have more energy for longer. It's great. However, when I crash, I fall instantly asleep. It doesn't matter what I'm doing. I was playing a video game last night and fell asleep while playing.

I started playing the game to give me something to do with my hands so they wouldn't reach for food to shove in my mouth and not a half hour later I was passed out on the couch. Should've reached for the game instead of the Frosted Mini Wheats to begin with. Oh. Well.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - "Sweatin' to the Oldies 2"

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 72

Only Water - Day 67

Total Pounds Lost - 25.4

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of Special K Vanilla Almond and FiberOne Honey Clusters mixed and almond milk
Lunch - Homemade Chili and Cornbread
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich and some Pirate Popcorn
Dinner - Mango Chicken, Italian Herb Pasta, broccoli
Evening Snack - handful of Frosted Mini Wheats and some pretzels

Total Day Calories - approx. 1325

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Venting.

I have a complaint -- well several actually but we're only going to cover one of them today otherwise we'll be here forever. I was surfing the net yesterday looking for Almond Milk recipes (I'm still totally excited to make it myself) and I ended up clicking a link by accident that took me to a Ch 7 news story about some reporter trying the Acai and Colon Cleanse pill diet that has been all the rage and "works". As a person that has tried EVERY get slim quick gimmick from Slim Fast, to Dexetrim, to BodyFlex, to Atkins, to South Beach...pretty much everything but speed (and only because I couldn't afford it.. I mean because it's illegal. I'm kidding of course.) and because NONE of them worked, I remain skeptical about the magic pill diet of Acai Berries and Colon Cleanse.

So this reporter tried it and lost like 25lbs in a month and loves what the Acai pills do for her skin and is on it for life blah blah blah. I guess it aired on a bunch of networks and so naturally if a reporter says it works we must run over to the product sites and buy, buy, buy. I was curious as to what magic costs these days and I went to the sites to check it out. And guess what? They're both touting 1 month FREE trials. That is until you read the fine print. You pay $100 bucks plus shipping then go to a different site to print out a rebate coupon and then when you get your product you send some proof of purchase nonsense with the rebate coupon and you get your money back and you can even have more money taken off if you sign up for automatic refills that can automatically charge your credit card 100 bucks a month. And this is A PIECE!

Magic, I guess, costs 200 bucks a month and like any good pusher if you jump through hoops the first month's free. When I tried to closed out the site then I got A LOT of java prompts promising even greater savings if I stayed and was I sure I wanted to navigate away.

So my major complaint is this: In a country where an unhealthy number of it's people are overweight to obese, if this product really works, why the hell is it so expensive so EVERYONE can't use it? Are Acai berries that expensive? I see Acai Berry juice at Costco and it doesn't cost 100 bucks. I have no idea what's in the Colon Cleanser but really 100 bucks for a month supply of pills? It sickens me how people capitalize on other peoples hopes. I guess that's the American Dream but I'll pass thank you very much.

Reporter or not, I still remain skeptical. I think she was on the take. She pimped two specific sites. Didn't talk about any other "magic" vendors. And her name is all over said sites endorsing them. There's no mention of what happens to the people who go bankrupt buying it and have to stop taking it and what kind of weight they gained back. I know, surprise, surprise, right?

I'll stick to the tried, true, and less expensive method of eating healthy and working out. It might take longer but it'll last for life. Besides my credit card doesn't need that kind of workout!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - "Sweatin' to the Oldies 3"

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 71

Only Water - Day 66

Total Pounds Lost - 25.4

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of Special K Vanilla Almond and FiberOne Honey Clusters mixed and almond milk
Lunch - Jalapeno Barbecue Chicken Sandwich with avocado and tomato and a pickle spear
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich and some Pirate Popcorn
Dinner - Homemade Chili and Cornbread

Total Day Calories - approx. 1125

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Got Almonds?

I've read a lot of good things about almond milk. It's packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin E, and magnesium to name a few and contains no lactose. It has no cholesterol, has fewer calories than nonfat milk, and you can make it at home (which I think is a super cool idea and I really want to try doing it).

Well before I took the leap to start making it at home I needed to try and it and see if I'd even like it. I'm not a big cow milk drinker. As a matter of fact I hate the way it tastes and only use it to cook with and occasionally eat it on cereal. On top of that I'm lactose intolerant. You can see the selling points of the almond milk, right?

I bought a 1/2 gallon of Silk Pure Almond Milk last weekend and tried it for the first time yesterday on cereal. I really liked it. I like the way it tastes, I like its consistency, and I like how much healthier it is. With my afternoon snack, I drank a 1/2 cup plain to see if I liked it all by itself. I totally did. Now I just have to try and hook 3ft on it then I can quit buying cows' milk altogether.

Now I'm totally excited to go find a big ginormous bag of raw almonds so I can make my own milk. I can better control what goes into it as well as play with the flavors if I make it homemade. The only drawback I see is that store bought almond milk has added calcium but I already take a multivitamin with calcium in it (because I'm not kidding when I say I don't drink milk if I can help it) plus a lot of veggies (like broccoli) and yogurt have calcium in it. So I'm not too concerned about getting enough calcium if I make my own. I also think in the long run it'd be cheaper to make my own because almond milk in the stores is like twice as expensive as regular milk.

Speaking of yogurt (well I did mention it a bit ago offhandedly), I've also heard a lot of good things about Greek yogurt vs. regular yogurt. So I bought a container of it when I got my almond milk. I haven't tried it yet. Maybe I'll eat it today and I'll let you know what I think about it tomorrow.

Moving on...

I'm rearranging my exercise routine again. I swear I'm ADD when it comes to this stuff but I have a valid reason, I swear. My husband is going to have to start working late to hit a deadline he has coming up so I'm not going to be able to get to the gym on T, Th, or F. On top of that I've been struggling to get out of the house and go at 8:15ish when he gets home on the other nights. So I've decided that I'm going to do my workout videos in the day when I have the gumption for it and on M and W I have the option for the gym but if I'm too tired well then I've still got my exercise in for the day.

Yesterday, I worked out with Richard Simmons in the morning and felt great all day. So much so that when my husband got home last night I threw on my workout clothes and bounced off to the gym. I was going to give some love to the treadmill and do my running but instead "The Walker" was there so I jumped on the Elliptical and rode it hard for 15 minutes. I went a mile and a half. Then I bounced home. I felt great with a huge sense of accomplishment.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - "Sweatin' to the Oldies 2" and 15 minutes on the Elliptical

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 70

Only Water - Day 65

Total Pounds Lost - 25.4

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of Special K Vanilla Almond and FiberOne Honey Clusters mixed w/ almond milk and an egg
Lunch - Homemade Jalapeno Potato Chips w/ Mango Salsa, Cajun Chicken Sandwich, and a pickle spear
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich, some Pirate Popcorn, and 1/2 cup of Almond milk
Dinner - barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn

Total Day Calories - approx. 1217

Monday, August 16, 2010

Oy and Vey.

So much so it needs saying again. Oy and Vey.

Super busy weekend. On Sunday, the boys and I went with my folks to see my grandma. We left at 8am in the morning and didn't get home til 7pm last night. Super long day.

I started off all right enough. Had a light breakfast because I didn't know what the day was going to bring eating wise. Well that was my first mistake. Should've eaten more.

We didn't get to my grandma's house until 11:30(ish) (this is when we normally eat lunch -- we were hungry) my uncle didn't get there until 1. (we had to wait for him) Then, because my grandma wasn't feeling that well we were ordering out to bring it back to her house. We did Applebees. We didn't eat lunch until 2pm. No longer were we hungry but ravenous. And we all know this isn't a good sign. I inhaled my food. And ate more of it than I should of and still felt hungry. I pretty much felt hungry the rest of the day. I ate a couple tacos from Taco Bell when we stopped to get 3ft something for dinner on the way home. Then after we got the kids in bed, I got some Frosted Mini Wheats.

I finally had to force myself to back away from the cereal because I still was "feeling" hungry but I knew there was no way I should be. The day was a total fail. I was so exhausted, I didn't exercise and while my caloric goals are between 1400 and 1800 and I didn't go over, I still ate way too much! The only win is that when I stepped on the scale this morning to see what the damage was it'd only gone up 0.4lbs. I ate a lot of sodium yesterday too so I'm hoping its water weight.

I was lucky the damage wasn't worse. All the muscle I've gained, I guess. But I know I shouldn't push it anymore. Back to my normal schedule and normal eating habits. Weekends like last weekend kill me. I have a barbecue on the horizon for next weekend and I have no idea what the menu is so I'm apprehensive. Instead of getting too down on myself, I keep reminding myself that it's a lifestyle change NOT a diet and there is nothing to feel guilty about -- I'm living!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Day Off

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 69

Only Water - Day 64

Total Pounds Lost - 25.4

Meals:
Breakfast - scrambled eggs and a slice of toast
Lunch - Split an Applebees Ultimate Trio w/my mom. Buffalo Wings, Dynamite Shrimp, and Steak Quesadilla Tower and a salad
Mid-Afternoon Snack - still full from lunch
Dinner - 2 Fresco Crunchy Tacos from Taco Bell
Evening Snack - Frosted Mini Wheats (no milk)

Total Day Calories - approx. 1600

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Banzai!

I lost 2.3lbs this week! Even cutting back on my exercise I still lost weight. Cue happy dance here.

The Banzai Burger I had from Red Robin yesterday was super delicious. I enjoyed every decadent bite and didn't feel guilty at all. I felt guilty last night as it sat hard on my tummy and I didn't feel very good. Which between the errands I was swamped with and the icky tummy, I didn't workout yesterday. I'm going to workout tonight though.

Short blog today because Mr. Grumpybutt is saying, "Mamamamamama" in his best pathetic voice and we're going to my Grandma's today for a visit and we have to get ready. I just couldn't resist blogging really quick about losing another TWO pounds!!!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Day Off

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 68

Only Water - Day 63

Total Pounds Lost - 25.4

Meals:
Breakfast - scrambled eggs and a slice of toast
Lunch - Banzai Burger from Red Robin w/ no cheese
Mid-Afternoon Snack - still full from lunch
Dinner - Couscous w/ sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, and broccoli

Total Day Calories - approx. 1442

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Hidden Exercise.

I didn't workout yesterday. Not because I "didn't want" to but because we're going to a celebratory lunch at Red Robin today (We're celebrating my husband's full time job status. After 2 years of contract jobs and unemployment he's now got an awesome FULL TIME job!). So I needed to workout today to make up for how much I'm going to "enjoy" Red Robin. (And, yeah baby, I'm going to ENJOY it!)

Besides my husband gets home late on Fridays because of traffic and late meetings so I don't even plan to workout on Fridays. If he's home early enough I will but if not, it's not a big deal to switch days around.

And it's not as if I didn't get a bunch of hidden exercise in yesterday, anyway. I took 3ft and Mr. Grumpybutt to the pool. I live upstairs. So I made about 10 trips up and down the stairs lugging strollers, baby toys, diaper bags and the kitchen sink (I felt like I packed that much for an hour at the pool). The pool is also over by the "gym" so it's a good 5 minute walk there and then another 5 back. So, while it might not have been a real workout, it wasn't like I was vegging in front of the TV all day or something. Not that I ever get to do that, my kids never allow me that luxury.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Day Off

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 67

Only Water - Day 62

Total Pounds Lost - 25.4

Meals:
Breakfast - Eggs, slice of toast, and sliced bananas
Lunch - Jerk Chicken w/ Mango Salsa, herb rice, and grilled zucchini
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich
Dinner - French Toast (gotta love breakfast for dinner!)

Total Day Calories - approx. 1163

Friday, August 13, 2010

Hamsters and Salsa

No fighting over "gym" equipment for me, yesterday. I did my "Sweatin' to the Oldies 2" DVD in the comfort of my own home to 3ft's dismay. He goes back and forth on wanting to do it with me or just wanting me to get it over with so he can get back to SpongeBob or Fanboy and Chum Chum (which is the current cartoon bane of my existence). Lucky for him (unlucky for me) we have a DVR so I record whatever he was watching while I workout and he doesn't miss anything.

I keep trying to tell him back in my day we only had tiny black and white televisions that were ran by hamsters and when the hamster got tired you were done watching. He laughs and tells me how silly I am. (I've never had a black and white TV, but I think it's funny anyway).

I made the best dinner last night -- Jamaican Jerk Chicken w/Mango Salsa. I got a lot of requests for the salsa recipe so here it is:

Mango Salsa
Ingredients
1 Mango -- peeled, pitted, and chopped (the more ripe the better)
1 Cup Peaches -- peeled, pitted, and chopped
2 TBS onions -- chopped
*1 TBS jalapeno pepper -- chopped
*1/2 TSP jalapeno juice
1 TSP garlic -- chopped
*1 TSP basil
1 pinch ground ginger
2 TSP lemon juice
1 TSP lime juice
salt to taste

*I don't like cilantro which is why I used basil. Cilantro can be used in place of basil but to taste. And I used only a little jalapeno so 3ft could eat it too, so the salsa isn't very spicy if you like spicier add more jalapeno.

Directions

Combine all ingredients into a bowl, stir, and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Makes 5, 1/4 cup servings

Calories: 44.9
Total Fat: 0.2 g
Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
Sodium: 1.5 mg
Total Carbs: 11.6 g
Dietary Fiber: 1.6 g
Protein: 0.6 g

Dinner looked so fancy and delicious that I took a picture of it:


--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Sweatin' to the Oldies 2 -- burning approximately 550 calories

Only Water - Day 61.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat, 1/2 a bite of banana pecan muffin, and 2 sliced bananas (3ft inhaled them)
Lunch - Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich with sauteed mushrooms and onions served with a pickle
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich
Dinner - Jamaican Jerk Chicken w/ mango salsa, grilled zucchini and herb rice.

total calories = approx. 1162
total days = 66
total pounds lost = 24.2

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Abandoned.

I walked into the "gym" last night and it was packed (okay so that means when you added me, that 5 people were in there but it's a really small room). I thought for sure I wasn't going to get the treadmill with that amount of bodies in there. But there, sitting in the corner, all by it's lonesome -- abandoned even -- was the treadmill. So after having the awkward smile with the "Sweaty Guy on the Exercise Bike" I jumped on and started my routine.

I did Week 3, Day 2 of the C25K program last night. The first half of the program continues to be not a major problem but that last 3 minute jog is still really kicking my butt. It's my pure stubbornness that ensures I complete it. I was really hoping to move on to Week 4 next week but if it doesn't get any easier next time I foresee Week 3 in my future again.

C'est la vie. At least I'm still working toward my goal and if it takes me longer to get there than the original 9 weeks the program plans for then so be it. Someday I will run a 5k and I'll run the whole thing!

I perfected my jalapeno potato chip recipe. With the jalapeno sea salt and jalapeno powder my sister, Crystal, sent me they turned out fabulous. They were spicy and crunchy and tasted just like Jalapeno Kettle Chips. I'm so excited.

I also got this great new spice medley called Chinese Five Spice Blend from my sister that I mixed into some brown rice with sauteed zucchini, spinach, carrots, onion, and garlic. It turned out really great for dinner last night. Definitely a keeper on the list.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - -- Week 3, Day 2 of C25K program and 13 minutes on the Elliptical Trainer: resistance = 4; average pace = 165 -- burning approximately 650 calories

Only Water - Day 60.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat, 1/2 a banana pecan muffin, and sliced bananas
Lunch - cajun chicken sandwich w/ tomatoes, and avocado, homemade jalapeno potato chips, and a pickle
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich and a cup of tea
Dinner - brown rice with grilled veggies and pork tenderloin

total calories = approx. 1335
total days = 65
total pounds lost = 24.2

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Sparkly Awesomeness!

On Tuesdays and Thursdays (well this week anyway), I decided to do one of my workout DVD's. And it worked out pretty well (get it worked out? I crack myself up) doing Sweatin' to the Oldies 2 last night. I like the whole Sweatin' to the Oldies collection (and own them all) but I particularly like that one best. I like that it does toning floor work and incorporates weights as well as the 1/2 hour cardio. It's the only one that does.

3ft even got in on the act. He likes trying the exercises right along next to me. Which you'd think would put him in the way. But that's not the case. Mostly he makes the workout go by quicker because I'm watching how cute he's being out of the corner of my eye. It also cracks me up with 3ft starts mimicking Richard Simmons.

Richard Simmons is totally corny and he wears the brightest sparkliest workout clothes but I love that guy. I always have fun when I put in one of his DVD's. How can you not have a smile on your face between his goofiness and the music? I also love that on the videos there's people of all shapes and sizes doing the routine. It makes it more approachable and gives you the "if they can do it, then so can I" mentality.

I also like watching the end of the DVD when it shows how much people have lost. I'm a sucker for a good weight loss success story. So I find it's very inspirational.

So, I'm still having a love affair with grilled zucchini. Yesterday, I put some on a sandwich with barbecue chicken, tomatoes, and avocado. And served it with a side of pickle. It was super delicious.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Sweatin' to the Oldies 2 -- burning approximately 550 calories

Only Water - Day 59.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat and sliced bananas
Lunch - barbecue chicken sandwich w/ grilled zucchini, tomatoes, and avocado
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Special K Vanilla Almond w/ milk
Dinner - Teriyaki Chicken, brown rice, and broccoli

total calories = approx. 1183
total days = 64
total pounds lost = 24.2

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Feeling Better

I had the "gym" all to myself last night which means I got to spend quality time with my BFF, treadmill.

I did Week 3, Day 1 of the C25k again. It was a little easier. I don't know if it's because I took the weekend off to recoup or if it's because it was just easier. But I owned the first 1/2 of the program. The last 3 minute jogging sprint was still pretty tough but I didn't think I was going to die. So that's a plus. I also upped the speed of the whole workout which could be why the last 3 minute jog was still hard. But I want to built up my speed and endurance anyway and Week 3 seem like a good week to use.

Instead of doing the power walk afterward, I got on the elliptical. I mean, why not? I had the gym to myself. Plus, I'm changing up my workouts again. I figure the elliptical and cycling are pretty much working the same thing as running is. So on Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm going to do one of the videos out of my "Sweatin' to the Oldies" collection as well as do strength training and yoga. And on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I'm going to do the C25K and then finish it up with either elliptical or cycling.

The guilt of my choice aside, I really think taking two days off a week was a good idea. I felt better before and after my workout yesterday and even though my sleep was less than stellar (Mr. Grumpybutt had a rough night) I'm not grumpy and dragging butt this morning like I was last week. So, I'm just going to have to work on the whole guilt thing.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Week 3, Day 1 of C25K program and 13 minutes on the Elliptical Trainer: resistance = 4; average pace = 158 -- burning approximately 604 calories

Only Water - Day 58.

Meals:
Breakfast - Egg Sandwich and sliced bananas
Lunch - McDonalds Classic Grilled Chicken Sandwich w/out mayo and small ice cream cone
Mid-Afternoon Snack - (still full from lunch)
Dinner - Pot Roast w/ carrots, potatoes, and onions

total calories = approx. 1283
total days = 63
total pounds lost = 23.1

Monday, August 9, 2010

Pot Roast and Guilt!

I made Pot Roast for dinner yesterday with baby carrots, red potatoes, and onions. I had it in the crock pot and it made the house smell so yummy. Which was a problem because I felt hungry all day smelling it. I didn't overeat or anything but man I wanted to eat everything in sight while I was smelling it cooking. It turned out super delicious. It was also a major win on my part not to go back for a second helping because I wasn't still hungry. It was because it tasted so good and I wanted to keep eating it.

I totally battled feeling guilty yesterday for taking the whole weekend off from exercising. What a dopey thing, but I couldn't help it. All day I felt like I should've been making up for having Saturday off too. I'm going to have to work on that because I felt better this morning than I have for a few days.

But it's back to the grind tonight. Hopefully the treadmill will be available to do some running!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Day Off

Only Water - Day 57.

Meals:
Breakfast - Banana Pecan Muffin and an apple
Lunch - Barbecue Chicken Sandwich, grilled zucchini, and 2 pickles spears
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Small Ice Cream Cone
Dinner - Pot Roast w/ carrots, potatoes, and onions

total calories = approx. 1281
total days = 62
total pounds lost = 23.1

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Took the Day off...

Well from "actively" working out. I wrestled with my children, climbed up and down my stairs, and seemed to have been constantly cleaning or folding something. So it's not like I was a couch potato but I didn't go to the gym or do a workout video or anything yesterday.

I've been worn down lately. Tired. Blah.

So, I wondered if I was perhaps pushing myself too hard. I got to thinking. I've been on my healthy journey for 60 days, basically 2 months. Now healthy weight loss is 1 to 2lbs a week which means I should at the most have lost 16lbs and at the least 8. I've lost 23. While I'm ecstatic at my loss, I can't help wonder if my tiredness is because I'm losing too fast. And while I can't eat anymore. I eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full (which is a MAJOR accomplishment for me), well mostly. I have to do something else to balance out.

I think I'm going to kick back the exercise to 5 days a week instead of 6 and give myself the weekend to recoup and spend more time with my husband. Not only do I want to lose the weight but I want to feel great while I'm doing it. I haven't been feeling great lately. I've been cranky and tired and generally icky. So, we're going to see how having two days off a week instead of one does for me. Because as I said, it's not like I'm not getting exercise throughout my day anyway. Sort of hard not too, when you have a hyperactive 5-year-old and a 7-month-old baby.

And now the moment you've all been waiting for. My weekly recap:

I've lost 2.4lbs making it a total of 23.1
AND
a pants size! (almost 2 -- if I lay on the bed I can button and zipper the next size down as well -- but it's not very comfortable)

Today was measuring day as well for the month. I've lost *drum roll*...
a total of 6 inches off my body!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Took the Day Off.

Only Water - Day 56.

Meals:
Breakfast - McDonalds Egg McMuffin (no cheese) and Fruit and Yogurt Parfait (no granola)
Lunch - Cajun Chicken Sandwich, grilled zucchini, homemade potato chips, and 2 pickles spears
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Banana Pecan Muffin, grilled zucchini, pack of 100 calorie chocolate chip cookies
Dinner - Garlic Lime Fresco Chicken, Broccoli, and Herb Pasta

total calories = approx. 1243
total days = 61
total pounds lost = 23.1

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Oooo...Shiny!

The title could be taken literally as yesterday I worked out with Richard Simmons and he wears sparkly workout clothes while he cheerfully eggs you on. Fridays are usually bad days to try and workout in the evening. My husband doesn't get home til later what with traffic and late afternoon meetings. Yesterday was no exception as he didn't get home til nearly a quarter til nine. I haven't been doing my workout videos lately but I was having an "aggressive" day yesterday and needed to sweat out some anger. Thus me and my favorite glittery-clad guy sweated to some oldies. It helped manage my anger issues so that was a positive.

Why did I have anger issues, you ask? Well 3ft had one of his little friends come over to play in his room yesterday (said friend shall be forever referred to as "the monster"). In the course of a half an hour "the monster" told 3ft on 3 separate occasions over various issues that if 3ft didn't bend to "the monster's" will and do what he wanted then "the monster" was going home.

The conversations went something like this:
the monster: Do you want me to go home?
3ft: No.
the monster: then let me put your kung zhu in this clamp and beat him against the floor.
3ft: No. I'm playing with him. You brought your kung zhu, do it to yours.
the monster: No. I want yours.
(they somehow resolved this without Rocco the Kung Zhu being harmed in any way)

the monster: Do you want me to go home?
3ft: No.
the monster: Then give me that block.
3ft: I had it first. You have the car block and there are a bunch of others. You have to share.
the monster: If you don't give me that block, I'm going to go home. Do you want me to?
3ft: No.
(they somehow resolved this without any hurt feelings but at this point I'm really starting to get annoyed with "the monster")

the monster: Do you want me to go home?
3ft: No.
the monster: Then give me your Tie Fighter.
3ft: (starting to get upset) No. I don't want you to break it.
the monster: Fine, I'm going home. (standing in the middle of 3ft's room and staring 3ft down)
3ft: starts to cry.
the monster: I'm going home.
3ft: crying harder
the monster: I mean it, 3ft, I'm leaving.
Me: What is going on. (I know what's going on. I've been listening and watching the monster ENJOY making 3ft cry)
3ft: with more tears he tells me the monster is leaving and he doesn't want him to go.
Me: You're leaving because you didn't get your way? (to the monster)
the monster: (looking guilty) No. I just want to go home.
Me: Then leave.
the monster: (looking at 3ft) I'm leaving.
Me: Leave. Now. Go home.
the monster: (still looking at 3ft) I'm going home.
Me: Yes. We've established that. Go home, now!

The little beast was enjoying making 3ft cry. It was like he was reveling in it. Talk about a sociopath in the making! I could've killed the child. It was all I could do not to physically remove the child from my house. I spent the next 10 minutes calming 3ft down and explaining what "the monster" did was wrong and how proud I was of 3ft sticking up for himself.

So then I had to workout the aggression before I went and picked a fight with "the monster's" parents which the less said about them the better, trust me.

Yesterday was also awesome because the title of this blog could also be taken metaphorically. I got the jalapeno spices my awesome sister, Crystal, shipped to me last night. I'm ever so excited and can't wait to make Homemade Potato Chips again today with the jalapeno flavoring. She also sent a bunch of other flavors that I can't wait to cook with. So all my spice packets are shining like gold at me and just begging to be used.



--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Low impact aerobics with Richard Simmons -- burning approximately 594 calories

Only Water - Day 55.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat
Lunch - Barbecue Chicken Sandwich, grilled zucchini, and a banana pecan muffin
Mid-Afternoon Snack - pretzels and peanut butter
Dinner - Eggs, potatoes, and a slice of toast

total calories = approx. 1218
total days = 60
total pounds lost = 23.1

Friday, August 6, 2010

Dinner Fail.

It's not very often but it sometimes happens when dinner doesn't turn out to be all that I had hoped for and is on the gross side as well. Last night was a shining example of such a moment.

I tried a recipe for Garlic Chicken that I found. Granted I didn't have all the ingredients but I'm a pro and adjusting a recipe to fit my needs. Now the chicken wasn't bad. Wasn't anything to write home to Mom and brag about either. So the chicken was really the high point of dinner.

I tried a new Rice-a-Roni flavor: Whole Grain Blends Chicken and Herb Classico. I won't buy it again. The rice was crunchy, it barely had any flavor, and it was greasy. 3ft and I forced ourselves to eat most of our portions but it was out of sheer stubborness. I normally really like Rice-a-Roni so I'm not sure what happened with this one. I do NOT recommend it at all.

I also made steamed broccoli (one of the only vegetables 3ft will eat without making faces as he's doing so). OMG it was nasty. It was inedible. The broccoli still looked good, it didn't smell bad (when it was raw that is) but after I cooked it with just salt and pepper (just like I normally do) it smelled disgusting and tasted even worse. Neither one of us could even eat it.

Total dinner fail. I mean dinner was so bad that 3ft asked if he could have his Kid's Cuisine Pizza Frozen Dinner tomorrow night (which is tonight). I said yes.

And because I felt so awful about dinner being so sub par I let 3ft have milk and cookies after he finished his chicken and most of his rice. I had a Lemon Angel Food Mini-Cake and some berry sorbet to soften the horrible dinner blow. So in the end we were both happy (3ft and I) but it was a major disappointment nonetheless.

And to top it off, my rump is majorly sore. I rode the exercise bike last night. I really need to remember to take an extra towel or small pillow or something. That seat has like NO padding on it whatsoever and then to be sitting on it for a little over a half an hour is pure torture. I think if my butt hadn't hurt so bad near the end I could've hit 8 miles on the bike instead of a pithy 7.86. Just saying.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Bicycling: 33 minutes; resistance = 6; speed = 14.3mph; distance = 7.86 miles -- burning approximately 674 calories

Only Water - Day 54.

Meals:
Breakfast - Egg Sandwich and sliced bananas
Lunch - Barbecue Pork Sandwich, grilled zucchini, and handful of Pirate Popcorn
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Special K Vanilla Almond Cereal w milk and Lemon Angel Food Mini-Cake
Dinner - Garlic Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice and a Lemon Angel Food Mini-Cake w/ sorbet.

total calories = approx. 1441
total days = 59
total pounds lost = 23.1

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Almost Wasn't.

And probably shouldn't have been.

I walked into the gym last night and the bane of my existence was there. That's right, "The Walker". So I gave him the stink eye and meandered over to the elliptical and got started. Well, usually "The Walker" is walking even after I've done my allotted time so I figured the elliptical was going to be my workout of choice. So I hit it hard. I don't mess around with the elliptical, I had the pace up to between 155 and 160 in no time flat and was owning it.

I was 4:45 minutes into my workout when "The Walker" suddenly stopped walking, wiped down the treadmill and left the "gym". So I figured, "Score!" and at 5:00 minutes exactly, I hopped off the elliptical faster than you can hopping hot tamales and jumped on the treadmill before "Sweaty Guy on the Bike" (yeah, same sweaty guy that likes to scare the crap out of me) decided he wanted the treadmill for himself.

Well I walked for a minute to catch my breath from the elliptical and then started the first 90 second jogging sprint. I noticed I was a little tired but was able to do it no problem. Then it was time for the 3 minute jogging sprint. I was barely able to finish it. I was never so happy for a 3 minute walk to catch my breath and my legs were screaming at me. The second 90 second sprint was a chore and I swear it took all my willpower and all my stubborn muleness to finish the second 3 minute sprint.

All. My. Willpower.

I thought I was going to have a coronary. I wasn't sure how I was going to make myself do my power walk finish that I normally do. However after the three minute walk that follows the jogging sprint I felt a little better and was able to bump up the pace and walk for the allotted time. Words do not describe how GREAT I felt that I was able to force myself to finish that last 3 minute jogging sprint but I'll tell you what -- I will never do the elliptical as a warm up again. Ever.

Last weekend I ended up the proud owner of a ginormous zucchini. My brother and sister-in-law accidentally left it at my house and I "accidentally" didn't remind them to grab it when they left. Well, I sliced up half of that bad boy last night, brushed it with some olive oil, sprinkled it with garlic salt and pepper and grilled them (well fake grilled them -- I don't have a barbecue so I broiled them) and they were soooooo delicious. I ended up eating mostly zucchini last night for dinner.

I also just have to mention how excited I am. My amazing sister, Crystal, got me a subscription to Clean Eating Magazine and it looks awesome. I cannot wait to get my hot little sweaty mitts on it and make something from it. They have a pizza dough recipe online that looks amazing. I'm definitely going to try it.

So a quick recap. "The Walker" continues to be the bane of my existence, I run into "Sweaty Guy on the Bike" more often than I would like these days, grilled zucchini is awesome, my sister Crystal is totally wonderful, and I lost a pant size.

Huh? I didn't mention that earlier? Well I totally did lose the pant size! Yay me!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Elliptical Trainer: resistance = 4; average pace = 155; time = 5 minutes and Week 3, Day 1 of C25K program w/ 21 minute power walk -- burning approximately 484 calories

Only Water - Day 53.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat and sliced bananas
Lunch - Barbecue Chicken and Mozzarella Sandwich, pickle spear, and 1/2 bag of 100 Calorie Right Bites Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Special K Vanilla Almond Cereal w milk and granola bar
Dinner - Teriyaki Pork, Grilled Zucchini, and Garlic Noodles

total calories = approx. 1367
total days = 58
total pounds lost = 21.1

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Spreading the Love.

I got a much later start than I wanted to get yesterday. I didn't get to the "gym" until 8:30pm. I thought about cutting my workout short just to be able to get home and showered before 9:30 but I'm a stubborn mule and did all 35 minutes. It was worth it. I might've only had an hour or so to do "Lisa-things" and spend time with the husband but the satisfaction of knowing I conquered another day made it all totally worth it.

I love it when I have the gym all to myself (which I did last night). It took all my resolve to not get on the treadmill because it was there all lonely and stuff. But last night was cross training night not jogging sprints night. Which is why I gave my love and affection (basically dripped sweat all over) the elliptical trainer last night instead.

For my loyal followers (*hears crickets chirp* you can't fool me, I know you're out there!) you might remember not too long ago that I had the bejeezus scared out of me at the "gym". Well I wrote a humorous (at least I think it's humorous) essay about it and submitted it to An Army Of Ermas. It went live today. If you'd like to have a hearty chuckle at my expense, check it out: Adventures in Exercising.

Here's hoping the treadmill isn't a bitter jealous old exercise machine and lets me love (sweat) on it tonight!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Elliptical Trainer: resistance = 4; average pace = 155; time = 35 minutes -- burning approximately 630 calories

Only Water - Day 52.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat, slice of toast w/peanut butter and sliced bananas
Lunch - Cajun Chicken Sandwich, 2 pickle spears, 1/2 an apple, and 100 Calorie Right Bites Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Special K Vanilla Almond Cereal w milk, handful of pretzels, and a Gogurt Simple
Dinner - Herb Chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn

total calories = approx. 1401
total days = 57
total pounds lost = 21.1

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

A Silver Lining

It was mine. All MINE!!! *insert evil cackle here*

I had the gym to myself last night which meant the treadmill was lonely. Don't feel bad for it. I kept it company. I ended up having to switch my C25K to T, Th, S because I couldn't get on the treadmill. Well now I'm back to M,W,F. I figured why waste a perfectly empty treadmill just because it wasn't on a preplanned day especially when I didn't do it the day before.

So let me just say it still kicked my butt. I haven't noticed any "getting easier" at all with Week 3. I can do the first 3 minute jogging sprint no problem but the second one nearly kills me every time. Week 4 jumps up to 5 minute jogging sprints. I'm thinking I might repeat Week 3. I want to build up endurance and speed. I'm only going about 2.20 miles in 35 minutes. A 5K is 3 miles. I know this plan was designed for "couch potatoes" but I don't think it was exactly meant for Jabba the Hut potatoes such as myself (score! 2 days in a row I have a Star Wars reference -- yeah, I know. I'm a dork).

I had a rough day yesterday. My internet crashed because of a power flicker (wasn't even enough to make the computer turn off but it sure jacked up the router) and it took me forever to figure out how to fix it. And what finally did was me calling my husband and saying this is what happened, this is what it's doing, how do I fix it. On top of that, Mr. Grumpybutt was earning his name something fierce. He had to have cried, fussed, complained, hollered, screamed, yelled, bitched for 3 hours yesterday. And then after spending some time in his crib (it was either that or child abuse) he would stop screaming if I was holding him or sitting right next to him. So no more unstressful trips to the bathroom or into the kitchen for anything.

I was sorely tempted to shove my face full of food. I'm an emotional stress eater and my stress level was off the charts yesterday. I snacked a little harder than usual -- but it was healthy snacks. And I balanced it out with having a loaded baked potato for dinner instead of a full course meal. I wasn't really that hungry, the potato filled me up, and I wasn't snacky at all before bed last night so it did it's job. Now used to be, I'd stress eat and then I'd still eat a full dinner. So while I haven't quite kicked the emotional eating habit -- I at least kept it healthy-ish and didn't wreck my goal count for the day.

The treadmill wasn't my only highlight in an otherwise crummy day, yesterday. I also have awesome friends and family. After having read my whining on yesterday's blog about my jalapeno chips fiasco, my friends and family really pulled out the stops for me. I got several awesome links to places that sell jalapeno powder and other various spices and to top off the awesomeness my awesome sister, Crystal, has sent me a package filled with all sorts of nifty flavors including jalapeno powder and jalapeno pepper spice to experiment with! I can't wait to get it.

I'm truly a lucky girl!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Week 3, Day 3 of the C25K -- burning approximately 450 calories
Water - Day 51 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat and sliced bananas
Lunch - Cajun Chicken Sandwich, 2 pickle spears, 100 Calorie Right Bites Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Granola bar, Lemon Angel's Food Cake and Berry Sorbet
Dinner - Baked Potato and a Chocolate Pudding Cup

total calories = approx. 1437
total days = 56
total pounds lost = 21.1

Monday, August 2, 2010

Busy Busy.

I seriously need a weekend from my weekend. It was action packed.

I had to:

on Saturday--
sweep and mop the kitchen
get all my shopping done (involves: Safeway, Target, and Costco)
do laundry
torture my husband
do some web design and graphics work
use a potato peeler to make paper thin potato slices of 4 large potatoes and marinate them in jalapenos for dinner on Sunday

On Sunday--
do more laundry
do some web design and graphics work
make Lemon Angel's Food Mini-Cakes
make Berry Sorbet
mix in the spices and sauces into the hamburger for dinner (my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and niece came a' visitin')
go swimming
prepare delicious dinner for fabulous guests and then consume it
throw together the yummy dessert for mentioned guests and then of course we had to eat that too.

So, like I said, hugely busy. The only low point was that I marinated potato slices in jalapenos for 24 hours hoping to make jalapeno flavored chips. Yeah, that didn't work out so well. They tasted like plain chips (which were still delicious but I had my heart set on jalapeno you know?) with a little (we're talking minuscule) kick to them. So that was kind of a bummer. Oh, we still ate them all... but it just wasn't what I was hoping for. Back to the drawing board on making them jalapeno flavored. I looked all around for jalapeno seasoning, some sort of powder or something, that I could sprinkle on to the potatoes after they cooked but to no avail. I shall continue my search of said miracle product.

Yesterday was my day off from exercising. But instead of lounging on the couch and making my husband be my slave boy (if only that were even remotely possible. I have visions of him dressed as Slave Princess Leia -- don't ask, I'm weird.) I took 3ft swimming with my family in tow. We tried to drown 3ft and my 9-year-old niece, we played water volleyball with a beach ball, we threw water ball bombs (you know the squishy balls that suck up water and splash when you hit something with them) as hard as we could at each other (well the adults anyways -- we were a little kinder to the kids. There was no crying at the pool) and generally caused mayhem and madness for a couple hours at the poolside. I probably burned a ka-ton of calories. So, so much for my day off.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Day Off but spent 2 1/2 hours swimming and goofing around at the pool.

Water - Day 50 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Scrambled Eggs, piece of toast, and sliced bananas
Lunch - Cajun Chicken and Roast Beef Sandwich and 2 pickle spears
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Nature Valley Oat and Honey Crunchy Granola Bars
Dinner - Hamburger, Microwave Kettle Chips, Mixed Veggies, Lemon Angel's Food Cake, and Berry Sorbet

total calories = approx. 1387
total days = 55
total pounds lost = 20.7

Sunday, August 1, 2010

It Figures!

Wouldn't you know it? I got to the "gym" last night and it was completely empty. Unfortunately it wasn't my night to do C25K but I thought about it as the treadmill was gloriously unwalked upon. However, I didn't want to overdo it and the program says you're supposed to skip a day in between so that's what I did.

I rode the elliptical and went almost 3 miles. I was able to keep the rate higher and push myself further so I really think between it and the jogging, I'm really building up my endurance. So that's a total positive.

I also sliced potatoes yesterday and tossed some jalapenos and juice into the bag and have been marinating them since. I'm hoping they really take on the jalapeno flavor and end up being as delicious as they are plain. I'll have to let you know tomorrow.

I climbed on the scale this morning. I'm totally stoked. I lost another 2.6 pounds last week. Which is pretty awesome considering I had a Chinese Buffet last weekend. So I'm totally stoked. In a few days it's going to be time to take my measurements again and then I'll post how many inches I have or haven't lost. (we're hoping for lost of course).

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 33 minutes on the elliptical trainer -- approximately 512 calories burned.

Water - Day 49 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Scrambled Eggs and a slice of toast
Lunch - McDonalds Grilled Classic Chicken Sandwich w/out mayo and a Fruit and Yogurt Parfait w/out granola
Mid-Afternoon Snack - apple slices and chocolate pudding
Dinner - Pork Chop, Rice a Roni, and broccoli florets

total calories = approx. 1319
total days = 54
total pounds lost = 20.7