Ha. Ha. I Win!

Oh yes, I did. I totally scored the treadmill last night. I beat the bane of my C25K existence, "The Walker", by 30 seconds.

I walked into a gloriously empty "gym", set my stuff on the treadmill, climbed aboard, and started my 5 minute brisk warm up walk when he entered. He was bitter, I could tell. But, HA! I beat him fair and square. And as bitter as he makes me turnabout is fair play and all that. (yes I'm aware that I'm probably inviting Karma to come around and give me a swift kick in the ass -- but I'm reveling in my treadmill win last night.)

So I did Week 3 Day 2 last night. The last 3 minute jogging sprint was still pretty hard to complete but I powered through it. Went over 2 miles again last night and was marinated in my own sweat (yes, doesn't that paint a pretty picture?). The room has no a/c, no windows, and it gets super humid hot -- so I'm pretty sure I'd be "glowing" even if I wasn't working out.

I made Microwaved Potato Chips yesterday. OMG, the turned out so well I had to make more for a snack. I love them because you can control how much fat they have, what flavor you make, and they taste so much better than Kettle Chips. So as promised here is the recipe:

Microwaved Potato Chips

Ingredients
1 medium to small potato*
1 tsp olive oil*
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp lemon juice
parchment paper

Directions
1.) wash potato and depending on preference peel or not peel. Cut potato in half (horizontally) and use potato peeler to slice paper thin circle slices of potato. (*Because I don't want to peel my fingers or hands I end up with only about 1/2 to 3/4 of a potato sliced which is what the serving size is for)
2.) in a ziplock bag combine olive oil*, vinegar, and lemon juice -- put in all potato slices, seal bag, and shake em up. (*You can control the fat by not using olive oil at all and using PAM nonstick spray instead -- but I like the flavor of olive oil and into every healthy diet a little healthy fat must fall)
3.) Take a piece of parchment paper, the size of your microwaves turntable or bottom and spread the potatoes out one slice at a time without over lapping. (where they've overlapped won't get crunchy) -- I also suggest parchment paper as opposed to a dish because they'll stick to a plate but slide right off parchment.
4.) Microwave on high for 3 - 5 minutes or until golden brown. For a full parchment sheet it takes 4.5 to 5 minutes or a partial sheet is 3.5 to 4 minutes in my microwave. But as all cook differently keep an eye on them not to overcook but it's essential they be golden brown to be crunchy.
5.) Repeat step 3 and 4 til all your chips are done
6.) sprinkle with whatever seasonings or spices you like. (I did sea salt and pepper yesterday which was super good)

**You'd have thought the chips would've tasted like salt and vinegar chips but they didn't. Basically the vinegar and lemon kept them from turning that heinous purple that potatoes turn. There might have been a hint of the vinegar but it mostly just tasted like a plain kettle chip.

I'm going to try making jalapeno chips today. Adding jalapeno juice to the oil, vinegar, lemon mixture and seeing how those come out. Other seasoning suggestions: taco seasoning, ranch packets, onion dip packet, cheese powder (you know the stuff you can sprinkle on popcorn), really any flavor you can imagine just sprinkle on and give a go.

And they're perfect because you can make as many flavors in one batch as you want because they're plain until you sprinkle seasoning on them before you eat them!



1 serving about 1/2 to 3/4 potato
86 calories
2 grams fat (if you use olive oil -- none if you just spray the potatoes on both sides with PAM)
15 carbs

vs. regular potato chips

1 serving about 11 chips
160 calories
11 grams of fat
14 carbs

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Week 3 Day 2 of the C25K program -- approximately 459 calories burned.

Water - Day 48 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Scrambled Eggs, slice of toast, banana slices
Lunch - Cajun Turkey Sandwich, 2 pickle spears, and homemade potato chips
Mid-Afternoon Snack - more potato chips, 100 calorie pack of cookies, 1/2 peanut butter sandwich
Dinner - Tacos made w/ whole wheat tortillas, ground turkey, fat free sour cream, onions, tomatoes, and salsa

total calories = approx. 1350
total days = 53
total pounds lost = 20.7

Dear Santa.

Is it too much to ask that people part like the Red Sea in front of the treadmill when I want to use it? I mean, really.

I'm going to ask for a year gym membership for Christmas. That way I can get out of the dinky hot humid little closet they call a "gym" here. That way I could get a freaking treadmill any time I wanted. It'd be gym heaven. I imagine there'd be treadmills lined up as far as the eye could see and NO ONE would be on them. There'd be elliptical trainers and stationary bikes that didn't squeak and make horrendous racket. The room would be air conditioned and they'd be piping awesome music through speakers.

I know I'm dreaming. Of course there'd be people on them. But there'd be enough of them, chances are I wouldn't have a problem scoring one. Yes, if you're playing at home, you've guessed correctly. There was another line for the ever popular treadmill so I didn't get to do Day 2 of C25K last night. I jumped on the bike because the elliptical was taken and figured I'd ride until the WALKER got off the treadmill. Well when the walker hopped off, the elliptical rider jumped off and ran to it. So I switched the the elliptical cuz my butt was still sore from riding it the night before.

So we will try again for the elusive treadmill tonight. And hey, I figure busting my butt on the bike or elliptical is at least helping to build up my endurance to make the jogging a little easier. At least that's what I tell myself as I watch yet another person WALK only on the treadmill while I sweat away on the elliptical!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 8 minutes on the exercise bike -- between 14 and 15 mph, 3 miles, approximately 185 calories burned. 33 minutes on the elliptical trainer -- approximately 585 calories burned.

Water - Day 47 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat, slice of toast, and sliced bananas
Lunch - Cajun Turkey Sandwich, apple, and 2 pickle spears
Mid-Afternoon Snack - bowl of Special K Vanilla Almond Cereal, w/ chopped pecans, and milk
Dinner - Barbecue chicken, broccoli, cauliflower, and potatoes au gratin

total calories = approx. 1379
total days = 52
total pounds lost = 19.3

Partial Fail.

I had grandiose plans of doing Wii Fit Strength Training and Yoga yesterday. I didn't get to it in the morning, figured I'd go for afternoon. That didn't happen. Thought, well I could hit it before I go to the "gym". That didn't happen either. So I'm going to have to get it done today sometime.

I did however not fail in making it to the gym. I opted for the exercise bike. I make it sound as if it was by choice. It was the only thing not being used. Luckily for me the good bike didn't have a butt sweating on it, so I was able to ride without the horrendous squeaking that makes me self conscious. So that was a plus. I might have wanted the elliptical but at least I got the good bike and in the light too.

I don't think much about warm ups and cool downs. Not that they're not important -- I just don't give them a lot of thought because I live a 5 minute brisk walk away from the room of torture. So I have an automatic warm up and cool down without even planning it. Which is nice, that way I can just jump on the machine of my choice (or that's available) and just start going for it because my legs already are warmed up. I do the "cool down" time that the machine insists on adding on at the end but I push myself as hard if not harder than I do during the regular workout portion. I already have the five minute walk home to cool down with. Although truth be told, I'm so wired, I usually bop along fairly fast home too.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 33 minutes on the exercise bike -- between 13 and 15 mph, 8 miles, approximately 554 calories burned

Water - Day 46 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cinnamon Vanilla French Toast, peanut butter, and sliced bananas
Lunch - Grilled Pork Chop, Chicken and Garlic Rice a Roni, and sugar free chocolate pudding
Mid-Afternoon Snack - bowl of Special K Vanilla Almond Cereal, w/ chopped pecans, and milk
Dinner - Basil Penne Rigate Pasta w/ sauteed onions, broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, and a little chicken.

total calories = approx. 1409
total days = 51
total pounds lost = 18.4

Victorious!

But...
Oh. My. God.

Holy Leaping Bat Frogs (what? it's what first came to mind!). Week 3 Day 1 nearly kicked my butt. The first 90 second jog cycle -- no problem I did that last week. Walk 90 seconds -- easy. Jog 3 minutes -- did 2 minutes no problem but dear god I thought the third minute would never end. Walk 3 minutes -- yeah, while I sounded like the big bad wolf huffing and puffing. Then I got to do it all over again. The last 15 seconds of the second 3 minute jog was the longest 15 seconds of my entire life. I never thought it was going to end. I was tempted to set my walk cycle lower to help catch my breath but I didn't.

I powered through and I owned it! I have a huge sense of accomplishment like I could conquer the world. My legs are a little sore today. Not like shin splints or from horrible shoes (I have AWESOME shoes) or anything like that but just from working out the muscles.

It's weird I can do 3 miles in a 1/2 hour on an elliptical trainer no problem. I'd say easily but I'm huffing and puffing and sweating and pushing myself. But by no problem my legs aren't like the Jello and they don't hurt the next day. But 2 miles doing C25K in the same amount of time with three minute jog cycles and my legs are totally whining at me today. I guess it's the difference between impact vs. no impact exercise. My legs can bitch all they want. Bring on Day 2 I say!

As threatened er, I mean as promised, I'm posting a picture of the awesome pasta I've become addicted to and have been eating like every night.

Basil Penne Rigate w/ Sauteed Vegetables



Ingredients
1/4 cup sliced zucchini
1/4 cup broccoli
1/4 cup cauliflower
1/4 cup fresh spinach
1/2 cup mushrooms
2 TBS chopped onion
1 TBS chopped garlic
1 TBS basil
1 TSP rosemerry
1 TSP black pepper
1 TSP celery salt
1/2 cup penne rigate pasta
1 TBS garlic salt

Directions
1.) boil pasta according to directions w/ 1 TBS garlic salt -- set aside when done
2.) in a steamer throw zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower and steam for 2 minutes
3.) spray nonfat cooking spray in a big pan and put rest of veggies and spices except for spinach and saute til nearly done.
4.) add spinach, steamed veggies, and pasta
5.) saute til veggies are done and the dish is well mixed together
6.) pour onto plate and enjoy

(1 serving)
(cooking time will vary if using frozen veggies -- I use all fresh)

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 200 crunches, weights, Week 3 Day 1 of the C25K program -- approximately 520 calories burned

Water - Day 45 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat and 1/2 a banana
Lunch - Cajun Chicken Sandwich w/ spinach, 3/4 peach, and granola bar
Mid-Afternoon Snack - bowl of Special K Vanilla Almond Cereal, w/ chopped pecans, and milk
Dinner - Basil Penne Rigate Pasta w/ sauteed spinach, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchini, and a little chicken.

total calories = approx. 1369
total days = 50
total pounds lost = 18.4

Thwarted!

It's a conspiracy. I was not able to start Week 3 last night as the "gym" was packed. I was lucky enough to get on the Elliptical but I was majorly bummed about the line for the lonely single treadmill. Some shmuck was walking on it -- ONLY! Now I know he was there first and I walk in between jogging sprints but it was super annoying to see him only WALK on it. So I did my best to ignore him and did 3 miles on the Elliptical and called it good.

I also did Strength Training and Yoga yesterday morning with my Wii Fit. And for once the little balance board punk didn't bitch about how long it's been since I've hopped on it He complained how it's been forever since he's seen "Daddy". It was still annoying to have to cycle through that one-sided conversation to get to actual exercising. If I have to read ranting it should be directed at me. I know, can't win right? It complains about me and I whine. It complains about someone else and I whine that it wasn't about me.

I'm not going to lie. I'm a little nervous about starting Week 3 Day 1. Week 3 involves jogging for 3 minutes straight. Yeah, that's a huge jump from 90 second jogging sprints. So I'm a little anxious to see if I'll be able to do it or not. So I was hugely disappointed when I walked into the "gym" and saw the line for the treadmill. Now I get a whole 'nother day of nerves to see if I can do it or not. Yay, me.

So tonight, I shall try again and see if I can tackle and conquer Week 3 Day 1. Wish me luck. I think I'm going to need it.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 33 minutes on the Elliptical Trainer and 20 minutes doing Wii Fit Strength Training and Yoga -- approximately 550 calories burned

Water - Day 44 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - 1/2 an egg sandwich on toast w/ grilled turkey, sauteed garlic spinach, and sliced tomato, and a banana
Lunch - Cajun Chicken Sandwich w/ spinach, 3/4 apple, and granola bar
Mid-Afternoon Snack - bowl of Special K Vanilla Almond Cereal, w/ chopped pecans, and milk
Dinner - Basil Penne Rigate Pasta w/ sauteed spinach, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, and zucchini

total calories = approx. 1369
total days = 49
total pounds lost = 18.4

Delicious Food.

I packed up the boys (all of them, including the Husband) and went to my in-laws yesterday for a barbecue. My sister-in-law is like a master griller (like how I make up my own words?) and she made the best grilled chicken and peppers ever. I meant to ask her what she marinated the chicken in (note to self: e-mail sister-in-law) but totally forgot to.

She's been doing a lot of work remodeling her kitchen so I asked her what dessert she wanted me to bring. She picked the lemon angel food mini-cakes and berry sorbet. She didn't care what kind of berry just so long as it was berry. I made a blueberry-strawberry sorbet that totally kicked butt and complimented the lemon angel food cake so well! She said it was the best dessert she's had in a long time. And the best part is a serving of the sorbet was only 60 calories and the cake was around 87. So delicious and not completely awful for you.

Well, before I left my sis-in-law asked for the sorbet recipe and a bunch of others have too. I live to serve (well when its convenient for me anyway), so here it is:

Standard Sorbet Recipe

Ingredients
2 cups fruit (I used 1 cup strawberry halves and 1 cup blueberries for the berry sorbet and I used a cup each of chopped mango and chopped peaches for the mango-peach)
2 TBS water
2 TBS lemon juice (I like my sorbet tart -- use less lemon juice if you want it more sweet)
2 TBS granulated sugar *
2 TBS splenda *
1 TSP cornstarch

* if you don't have splenda or want to use splenda use 1/4 cup granulated sugar instead.

Directions
1.) place fruit in a blender with lemon juice and water and pulverize it
2.) pour into a sauce pan and while STILL COLD mix in sugars and cornstarch
3.) slowly bring to a bowl -- stirring constantly
4.) boil for 5 minutes -- stirring constantly
5.) pour into a bowl and put it in the fridge to cool (approximately an hour)
6.) pour into a heavy duty ziplock bag and place it in the freezer -- mashing the bag every 1/2 hour to hour until frozen. **
7.) Enjoy. (I put mine in tupperware after it's set to make it easier to scoop and store)

** if you have an ice cream maker just pour the mixture into that after it cools in the fridge and it takes care of this step. I unfortunately don't have one so I have to do it the ghetto old fashioned way.


(pictured: mango-peach sorbet w/ lemon angel food mini-cakes)

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Day off.

Water - Day 43 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat
Lunch - McDonalds Grilled Chicken Sandwich w/out mayo and a Fruit and Yogurt Parfait w/out granola
Mid-Afternoon Snack - pita chips and hummus
Dinner - Grilled Chicken Breast and grilled peppers, mushrooms, and onions

total calories = approx. 1458
total days = 48
total pounds lost = 18.4

My Nemesis!

I took on my nemesis yesterday.

I love Chinese food. My Husband hates Chinese food. I'm sadly bereft of Chinese food as the regularity of Chinese food in my diet is minuscule.

My Husband had to work yesterday and my Mom took pity on me and came and got me and the boys to spend the day together. When asked what I would like for lunch, I listed some choices with healthy entrees on their menus. My mom gave me a quizzical look and said the words of doom! "I thought you'd want Chinese food as your husband isn't here."

I'm sure my eyes lit up like Christmas. Hell yes, I want Chinese Food!

Now I could've chosen a sit down restaurant and gotten a small entree and called it good. But ohhhh noooooo. I like Chinese food appetizers better than I like any rice or noodle dish. I'd rather have egg rolls, pot stickers, dim sum, foil wrapped chicken, sushi, you get the picture. The best place to get appetizers as a meal and not spend an exorbitant amount of money is at a buffet. So that's where we went.

Thus, I found myself facing my nemesis. Now I wouldn't say I walked away a victor but I wouldn't call myself a loser either. I perhaps ate a little too much as I wasn't hungry for the rest of the day but I could and have put away WAY more food than I did yesterday at lunch. So I feel vindicated. Besides, into everyone's life a little (or a lot of) buffet must fall (*snicker* I'm so philosophical!) and I'm living healthy not DIEting. So I enjoyed my egg rolls, pot stickers, dim sum, and sushi. And with that craving soothed, it'll be some time before I find myself in a conga line at a buffet again.

**drum roll**

And as for this week's weight loss, I can't say as if it would've been more if I hadn't "enjoyed" my bountiful appetizers yesterday or not, but I lost nearly 4lbs last week. 3.8lbs to be exact! So I'm totally stoked! So that's a grand total of 18.4lbs!

I've had a great week! New fabulous shoes, completed Week 2 of the C25K, all-you-can-eat Chinese food, and a 3.8lb loss! Hooray for me!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 33 minutes on the elliptical trainer and Strength Training and Yoga -- burning approximately 650 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 42 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat, slice of toast w/ peanut butter
Lunch - Chinese Food Buffet
Mid-Afternoon Snack - still full
Dinner - still full

total calories = approx. I can't even hazard a guess!
total days = 47
total pounds lost = 18.4

It's Amazing!

It's amazing how much difference a shoe makes!! I got my new Asics Gel-Soled Runners yesterday from my beautiful and awesome sister, Crystal, and when I jogged last night I didn't have any of the discomfort previously experienced with my crappy Wal-mart shoes. I guess you really do get what you pay for.

Normally my feet hurt, my shins are uncomfortable, and I get a new blister every time I jog in my old shoes. Last night none of these things happen. And even better my new AWESOME shoes didn't even hurt the existing blisters let alone make new ones. I'm in love (my husband should be wary) with my new shoes! They're the best thing since lost weight!!

So, I'm sure you've realized I completed Week 2 of the Couch to 5K program last night. I went even further, pushed myself even harder and went 2.17 miles. So I'm totally stoked about that.

I don't really have any other revelations or life changing epiphanies right now. I'm still lost in the shiny glow of new fabulous shoes that were like heaven on my feet while I ran last night.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Week 2 Day 3 of C25K -- burning approximately 455 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 41 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cinnamon Vanilla French Toast, blended blueberries (for syrup), and sliced bananas
Lunch - pork chop, potatoes au gratin, and broccoli (leftovers)
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich, pirate booty, granola bar
Dinner - Basil Penne Rigate pasta w/ sauteed spinach, broccoli, and garlic, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

total calories = approx. 1461
total days = 46
total pounds lost = 18.4

A Total Win

I've rearranged my calories for the day. It seems like I mentioned eating more calories during the day and eating a smaller dinner. Well I never really actually got around to doing it. But the last couple of days (brought on by the stress eating) I've been eating more calories during the day. I figure it makes sense. I'm more active. I'm chasing kids and am more likely to burn up what I'm eating while I'm eating it.

The lighter dinners have actually been working better for me with working out too. I'm not so loaded down when I hit the "gym". Last night I made a vegetarian pasta (a first of not having a meat with a meal) and it turned out so good. I was going to take a picture to torture you all with but I was hungry so I just ate it. It's a definite keeper so I'll take a picture next time. It was penne rigate mixed in with sauteed spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, onions, garlic, and basil sprinkled with some parmesan cheese.

Last night I had a date with an elliptical trainer (I love going out on dates) It's all mind games so if you associate exercise with something good then you'll like it better (unless you're thinking horrible blind date then don't associate exercise with that). I did over 1500 steps(?) in 30 minutes going over 2 1/2 miles it said. It didn't even slow me down that much when it went up to 8 resistance. So I was feeling pretty good about myself. Plus, I had the gym all to myself and no one scared the crap out of me. So, you know, a win all around.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 33 minutes on an elliptical trainer and strength training and yoga -- burning approximately 652 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 40 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - 1/2 an egg sandwich on toasted bread w/ sauteed garlic spinach and tomatoes, mangoes, peaches, pineapple, and bananas
Lunch - Chicken Sandwich, Pirate Booty, and package of 100 calorie striped shortbread cookies
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Lemon Angel Food Mini-Cake, Mango Peach Sorbet, and a granola bar
Dinner - Basil Penne Rigate pasta w/ sauteed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, garlic, and onions sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

total calories = approx. 1382
total days = 45
total pounds lost = 17.1

Have Done Worse.

I stress ate yesterday.

There I said it.

Between my monthly visitor (which always seems to make me hungrier than normal) and some stressful phone calls yesterday, I ate just for the comfort of eating. Funny how it's only soothing til you stop and then you feel even worse. Well it could've been worse, I guess -- I was only stress eating healthy foods. So instead of going over by a thousand calories I only went over my snack time calorie intake by 200 calories. I didn't even surpass my calorie ranges for the day. So all in all it wasn't that bad. But I really did overeat and to add insult to injury I was uncomfortably full.

However, I didn't stay down on myself too long. I'm living a healthy lifestyle and into everyone's life a little stress eating must fall. With emphasis on "little". I don't want to do that again for a very long time.

Last night I did Week 2 Day 2 of C25K. And again like last week this one was a little easier than Day 1. I was able to speed up my jogging a little and went 2.15 miles. Last Friday it was 1.79 and on Monday it was 2.0. So I'm getting faster and better. Yay. I really enjoy this program and love to see how it's working. I definitely suggest it to anyone. Even if you hate running (I did too) because it's a lot of fun and you have such a sense of accomplishment when you finish for the day. Not once, did I think last night, I could skip a jog cycle. I just owned them all!

I'm also giddy like a school girl today (I was yesterday too) because three people told me how inspirational I was. One of my friends started C25K yesterday and blamed me for it. One of my friends is doing Wii Fit in the mornings and is blaming me for it too -- she also told me I was motivational. (Not that I'm letting ANY of this go to my head!!). Another friend, she's been on board awhile, and I get to harass her about drinking MORE WATER! (which is an endless source of amusement to me).

It's super exciting to know people are reading my healthy journey ramblings and connecting with it in some way. That it's inspiring them to do something proactive in their lives or it's just a source of amusement. Lord knows, I have my moments. For example, my sister got particular enjoyment out of yesterday's blog. *scowl*

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Week 2 Day 2 of C25k -- burning approximately 455 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 39 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat, 1/2 cup mangoes, 1/2 cup peaches, 1/2 cup pineapple, and 1/2 a banana
Lunch - Chicken Parmesan Sandwich w/ spinach and tomatoes
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Lemon Angel Food Mini-Cake, Mango Peach Sorbet, Special K w/ milk, pack of 100 calorie right bite fudge grahams, and a handful of Pirate Booty
Dinner - Pork loin and spinach salad

total calories = approx. 1437
total days = 44
total pounds lost = 16

Never A Dull Moment

For starters. I burnt the crap out of my beautiful Gourmet Veggie Pizza yesterday. I, of course, blame Mr. Grumpybutt for said burning but it was pretty much my own fault. I forgot to turn the burner of the stove off after I sauteed the vegetables. So when I took the pizza out of the oven and put it on top of the stove (so as not to burn my counters) I put it on a hot burner and didn't even know it. I started feeding the baby his bottle and started smelling something burning. I thought smack in my head about my neighbor burning his food (he concocts some of the worse smelling aromas ever to permeate the air). I finished feeding the baby, went into the kitchen, and my pizza was sending out smoke distress signals. Not only did I totally ruin the most delicious looking pizza ever but I could've burnt down my apartment if I'd put anything really flammable on the stove. So instead of vegetable deliciousness for lunch I had a turkey sandwich. Oh. Joy.

And Then...

I started doing strength training again yesterday. I pretty much took the previous week off getting my C25K program down. Now that I've got a routine about the jogging I'm incorporating the strength training again. I've got to try and keep tone while I lose weight so I don't flap in the breeze (that paints a picture doesn't it?). Well, my Wii balance board gave me a ton of crap for not being on it for a week. Yes, it keeps track and then it "gently reminds you" that you can't attain your goals if you don't use it and even if you don't have enough time for a workout you should still do the body test. I think, in hopes, that when you see how fat you still are, you'll find the time to workout.

Well it can shut up. I'm using it again, aren't I? And it's not like I haven't been doing anything the past week, right? (yes I have issues with that little balance board punk.)

And Then...

I go to the gym to workout last night and had the living bejeezus scared out of me. Some guy was in there before me with the lights off riding a stationary bike in the DARK. I didn't hear him when I walked in because I had my headphones on and they were blasting. I walked around the corner to get the bike and screamed -- scaring the crap out of him too, to which I say good riddance.

So not only was he riding the bike I wanted but he scared ten years off the end of my life. I ended up having to ride the crappy stationary bike. I don't know what I did yesterday to piss off my karma but I'm really sorry and I swear I'll never do it again.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Stationary Bike for 33 minutes, Strength Training and Yoga on the Wii for 26 minutes -- burning approximately 641 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 38 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - egg, toast, 1/2 cup mangoes, 1/2 cup peaches, 1/2 cup pineapple, and 1/2 a banana
Lunch - a turkey sandwich w/ sauteed garlic spinach and tomatoes
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Frosted Mini Wheats
Dinner - Pseudo Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn

total calories = approx. 1384
total days = 43
total pounds lost = 14.6

J E L L - O

I'm made of sterner stuff than jiggling jello (let's face it all girls jiggle when they run). I did Week 2 Day 1 of the C25K yesterday. I was able to totally do it. It kicked my ass and again I thought hey if I don't jog one no one will know except me. I jogged them all. So, it doesn't look like I'm going to have to double up the weeks after all. Go me! This program really does work for anyone.

I've decided to cut my last snack of the day (not sure if I've mentioned this). By the time I get home in the evening from the gym it's almost 9pm. I am totally NOT hungry and it doesn't seem smart to eat that late anyway. So I'm going to up my calories per meal so I don't lose any but am not eating so late.

I read an article that said if you do your workout in the evening you're apt to burn more calories while you sleep. I'm going to keep doing my workouts at night and see how true this might or might not be. We'll see how my weight loss is at the end of the week although this might not be the best week to test it. Yep, I've got a visitor (girls, should know exactly what I'm talking about) and with the accompanying water retention and bloating I might not "lose" any weight this week. So we'll give it a couple weeks to see how it goes.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise -Did Week 2 Day 1 of C25K w/ 10 minute walk -- burning approximately 455 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 37 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - 1/2 an egg, 1/2 a piece of toast (shared with 3ft), 1/2 cup mangoes, 1/2 cup peaches, 1/2 cup pineapple, and 1/2 a banana
Lunch - a Chipotle Chicken Sandwich and salad w/ balsamic vinaigrette
Mid-Afternoon Snack - (still full from lunch)
Dinner - Chicken Teriyaki Bowl and Egg Roll from Jack in a Box
Evening Snack - (cutting this snack)

total calories = approx. 1308
total days = 42
total pounds lost = 14.6

Late Today.

I'm running late today. Really late. I had to take Mr. Grumpybutt to the doctor's this morning for his shots and then 3ft to his doctor for his shots. I have cranky children and today they're requiring a lot of mommy's time. My poor babies.

Yesterday was my day off so naturally I swam a bunch of laps at the swimming pool when I took 3ft swimming (well when I wasn't trying to drown him -- darn buoyant kid). I really like swimming to tone my arms so I swam all my laps with arms only (Holy flabby arms -- I don't want to have wings when I hit my goal weight).

I also spent a lot of time yesterday peeling and chopping fruit -- pineapple, peaches, and mangoes. I had them with breakfast this morning. So good. I was getting tired of strawberries and blueberries. I have a bunch of those frozen and added the peaches, mangoes, and pineapple to my collection for sorbets. Yay.

I'm excited to start week 2 of C25K tonight.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - swam a bunch of laps. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 36 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - scrambled eggs, left over Mimi's potatoes, and the other half of my honey oat bran muffin.
Lunch - A 6" Subway Club from Subway.
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 4 Reduced Fat Ritz Crackers w/ cheese and turkey, a Gogurt Simple, and 100 calorie right bites fudge grahams
Dinner - Spaghetti
Evening Snack - Had enough calories for the day (didn't need this)

total calories = approx. 1358
total days = 41
total pounds lost = 14.6

Week One Complete!

Hooray! I completed Week One of the C25K program. It feels good and I can't wait to start on next week. I also lost 2 lbs last week so that's a plus too. (like how I just slipped that in there all nonchalantly like I'm not totally squealing about it in real life?)

Yesterday, my mom and dad came a visitin' and took us out to Mimi's for brunch (it was around 11 which is when we usually eat lunch anyway). I got the Breakfast Chiabatta, which was really good, but holy crap is it HIGH in calories. The sandwich as is, is 944. I got it without cheese and the sauce they put on it -- I figure it made it at least 100 calories less but still. I only ate half of it. (I didn't know how bad it was until I got home and looked it up.) Mimi's Cafe serves you a TON of food. I used to be able to hork an entire breakfast. I pretty much only ate half -- half the sandwich, half the potatoes, half the muffin, and I gave my juice to 3ft.

I did a lot of walking yesterday as a visit from the 'rents always involves a lot of shopping which 3ft LOVES because he always gets new clothes, a toy, and other things that a boy of five couldn't possibly live without. So I didn't have quite a slothful day but I still worked out last night. After I got Mr. Grumpybutt in bed, I left my husband and 3ft to fend for themselves and headed over to the gym. I worked out on the elliptical for 33 minutes rocking out to music then wandered home.

That was pretty much my day yesterday. I'm still nursing a blistered toe. Band aids help but I still say my magic shoes leave a lot to be desired since they caused the blister initially. It's not too bad *sob* I suffer through it -- that's how dedicated I am.

I also got peaches, mangoes, and a pineapple yesterday. I'm going to chop, dice, and cut them up and freeze some to make different combination sorbets. I'm totally stoked. I love tropical fruit -- although I don't think peaches count for tropical, come to think of it. OH!!! I also found a mini fluted muffin pan yesterday to make individual angel food cakes. I'm totally stoked and instead of berries I'm going to try it with my new fruit as toppings.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - did an elliptical trainer for 33 minutes -- burning approximately 410 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 35 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - scrambled eggs, slice of toast, and sliced strawberries, blueberries, and bananas.
Lunch - 1/2 Mimi's Breakfast Chiabatta (with no cheese or sauce), 1/2 serving of red potatoes, 1/2 of a honey oat bran muffin.
Mid-Afternoon Snack - (skipped this -- still full from lunch)
Dinner - McDonalds Classic Grilled Chicken Sandwich (no mayo) and a Fruit and Yogurt Parfait (no granola)
Evening Snack - Had enough calories for the day (didn't need this)

total calories = approx. 1482
total days = 40
total pounds lost = 14.6

Holy Shin Splints Batman!

Nah, not really. My legs actually feel pretty good. And by jove I think it's working. Yesterday when I did Day 3 of the c25k program, I actually wasn't dying and wishing it was over already. I was actually disappointed that I was done with the jogging sprints. I could've probably done more but the program warns you not to even if you think you can.

I'd originally thought that I'd double up the weeks (you know do week 1 twice and so on and so forth) but now I'm actually thinking I might not have too. Next week it's jog for 90 seconds and walk for 2 minutes for 20 minutes. And since I wasn't totally dying, I think I'm going to tackle that on Monday and see how it goes. Although I reserve the right to double up the weeks because I don't want to kill myself. This program is supposed to help build endurance not kill a girl.

I'm going to have to rearrange my calories. I'd been saving 200 for an evening snack but by the time I get done jogging it's 9pm and it's way too late to be eating. I usually crash around 10 if not before and sleeping with a full tummy is just begging to add weight to your waistline. So last night when I got home I skipped my snack. Probably not the wisest thing to do as I don't want my body to think I'm starving it. But I really wasn't hungry. So thus the calorie readjustment.

My new favorite thing ever is making homemade sorbet. I've frozen strawberries, blueberries, and super overripe bananas. (if your bananas are super ripe you don't need to add any sugar because the banana is super sweet) and I throw it all in a blender w/ a little water and voila, sorbet! It's a great treat for when it's hot. Tastes like it should be bad for you but totally ISN'T!



I'm going to pick up some peaches and mangoes.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - c25k, day 3 w/ 10 minute walk -- burning approximately 450 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 34 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - scrambled eggs, slice of toast, and sliced strawberries, blueberries, and bananas.
Lunch - Pseudo Beef Wellington and broccoli
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 turkey sandwich, pretzels and fruit sorbet
Dinner - Tuna Salad w/ lettuce and tomatoes
Evening Snack - skipped it like a bad egg

total calories = approx. 1099
total days = 39
total pounds lost = 14.6

Changing Up.

Last night, I tried something a little different. I didn't feel like doing my Wii Fit and it was like 2000 degrees in my house (my a/c leaves A LOT to be desired). So, I got on my workout clothes and went to my complex's gym. Well first I had to get the map of the complex out and find the gym on it (we've lived here for almost a year and I couldn't remember where it was from our original tour) and then I went.

Of course it's on the completely other side of the complex from where my apartment is located. But, you know, that works because then I have an extra warm up and cool down for the walk to and from.

It was actually busy last night, but I was able to grab a stationary bike and ride like the wind (well minus the wind as I was indoors). It was actually fun. I pushed myself harder because there were other people working out. I'd forgotten how much I like working out around others. So I think I might incorporate more trips the the gym room in with the Wii Fit and the C25K training (which I'm doing again tonight).

My legs don't really hurt today but dear lord is my butt sore. Do they purposefully make bike seats that uncomfortable or what?

Last night I tried out a new recipe for Pseudo Beef Wellington (which really just pretty much turned out to be like mini meatloaves inside of a crust which is why 3ft insisted on calling them meat pies. Which made me snicker because it made me feel like Mrs. Lovette). Some people have shown an interest in them so as promised here's the recipe.

Pseudo Beef Wellington

Ingredients
(meat filling)
1 lb 93% lean ground beef
1 tbs chopped garlic
1 tsp fennel
3 tbs chopped onion
1 tbs chopped garlic
1 egg (beaten)
1 tbs worcester sauce
1 tbs dried parsley
1 tbs garlic salt
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

(dough)
1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg (beaten)
1/3 Cup non fat milk (warm)
2 tsp butter
1/8 tsp vinegar
2 tbs butter

Directions
(meat)
1.) in a large bowl combine all meat ingredients together and mix thoroughly. Set aside.

(dough)
1. Sift 1 1/2 cups flour with salt onto a clean surface and make a well in the center. Add beaten egg mixed with 1/3 cup warm milk, 2 teaspoon melted butter and vinegar into center of the well.

2. Combine the ingredients quickly with your fingers, working from the outside of the well, and when it is mixed, knead the dough until the dough is pliable and silky and no longer sticks to the counter. Brush the surface of the ball with melted butter and cover the dough with a warm bowl and let it rest 30 minutes to 1 hour.

3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

4. Roll it out on the counter as thin as possible. Begin to stretch the dough gently from the center out, trying not to tear it. It should stretch to about 1 yard square. A heavier edge of dough or a border will develop as you work, and whatever remains of this must be cut off with a knife before the filling is spread or the pastry rolled up.

5. Cut dough into 8 equal sections and fill pastry with 8 equal servings of meat mixture and fold over -- pinching up all the sides

6. Brush the surface with melted butter and bake 20 minutes, then lower temperature to 350 and brush again with melted butter. Bake for about 10 minutes longer or until browned.



8 servings

Calories: 235.7
Fat: 6.2g
Carbs: 19.8g
Protein: 19.5g

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Exercise bike at an average of 13.5 mph for 33 minutes -- burning approximately 650 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 33 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat and sliced strawberries, blueberries, and bananas.
Lunch - my version of a Maui Zaui Pizza
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Ritz Reduced Fat Crackers w/ turkey and cheese
Dinner - Pseudo Beef Wellington and green beans
Evening Snack - some Frosted Mini-Wheats no milk

total calories = approx. 1413
total days = 38
total pounds lost = 14.4

Question.

Are magic shoes supposed to give you blisters on your baby toe?

I'd say I was ripped off but apparently you get what you paid for so I paid $15 for the torture of my baby toe. Lucky me. It's alright, though, my awesome sister Crystal (the Running-Shoe-Fairy) is sending me awesome Asics magic shoes and then NOTHING will stop me.

So I did Day Two of C25K yesterday.

It was rough starting out because my legs were screaming in agony (drama queen, much?) and pleading with me to stop moving. As I hit my first jog cycle, I told them to shut up. By the time I was getting ready to hit my third jog cycle, I thought I could walk this and no one would know. Then I'd start jogging because I WOULD KNOW!

I'm proud to report I gave every jogging cycle my fullest and did every single one of them again. I also got farther (I went the same way) before I had to walk the rest of the way home which I consider a win. I have no idea the distance I travel which is driving me insane (a short drive, I know) but the next time I get into the car I'm going to drive the route for an estimate.

I posted on Facebook yesterday about my Cinnamon Vanilla French Toast and had a lot of requests for the recipe. So here it is:

Ingredients
2 eggs (beaten)
1/4 cup milk (non fat)
2 TBS sugar-free vanilla creamer
2 TSP vanilla extract
2 TBS cinnamon
*8 slices of bread

Directions
1.) mix all the ingredients but the bread together (I know, duh, right?)
2.) dip the bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides
3.) brown on each side in a skillet
4.) serve.

* the egg mixture can coat 6 to 8 slices of bread depending on how saturated you make the bread. I do a quick dip and am able to coat 8 slices.

4 Servings

Calories: 223.4
Fat: 6.2g
Carbs: 29.4g
Protein: 10.1g

--Serving suggestions: make it a lower calorie breakfast by using fresh fruit slices and light whipped cream or blend fruit into a syrup consistency instead of using syrup to top the toast.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Day Two of the Couch to 5k running program -- burning approximately 474 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 32 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cinnamon Vanilla French Toast w/ sliced strawberries and blueberries.
Lunch - my version of a Maui Zaui Pizza
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich
Dinner - Teriyaki Chicken, brown rice, and broccoli
Evening Snack - Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich (before my run) and some Frosted Mini-Wheats no milk (after my run)

total calories = approx. 1393
total days = 37
total pounds lost = 14.4

Anyone Have a Walker I Can Borrow?

My legs are so sore. Yesterday they weren't too bad until I worked out again and now they're screaming in agony -- crying to be euthanized. They just blubber harder when I remind them that we're doing Day Two of the C25K tonight. Aside from the fact that I'm walking like I'm 78 years old, I'm totally loving the aching feeling. It really lets me know it's working.

I'm also proud of myself for two things.

One. Because of my hectic schedule yesterday I wasn't able to workout in the morning like normal. However, my husband didn't have to force me to workout. I did it all on my own after I got the kids in bed. I did think about just doing a short workout since it was 8pm but when I got started I just went for it and did almost an hour.

Two. My husband was enjoying the cheesy nirvana that is Spicier Nacho Doritos and breathing his cheese breath in my direction. I had already had my evening snack, was done eating for the day, and it was after 9pm. I stayed firmed and while I wanted, no craved, the Doritos goodness, I didn't partake in any.

Go me.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 51 minutes on the Wii Fit -- burning 350 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 31 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat and sliced strawberries, bananas, and blueberries
Lunch - my version of a Maui Zaui Pizza
Mid-Afternoon Snack - peanut butter, crackers, and a banana
Dinner - Teriyaki Chicken, brown rice, and broccoli
Evening Snack - a few bites of 3ft's Skinny Cow Ice Cream Cone (he loves to share) and some Frosted Mini-Wheats (no milk)

total calories = approx. 1378
total days = 36
total pounds lost = 14.4

Day One.

Awesome Music. Check.
Magic Shoes. Check.
Running Clothes. Check.

I was ready. I loaded my phone's mp3 player with an eclectic mix of music that I love, with upbeat tunes and catchy lyrics. Anything from 80's Madonna, Godsmack, New Order, Stone Temple Pilots, Linkin Park, Offspring, to MxPx. A little bit of everything. And I'm totally bummed I didn't make it through my whole play list. But the list is over 2 hours long so tomorrow I'll just have to skip to the last song I heard yesterday so I can hear more of the list.

So, Day One of the Couch to 5k running program is a brisk 5 minute walk and then jogging and walking in intervals of 60 seconds (jogging) and 90 seconds (walking) for 20 minutes. I started the stopwatch on my phone and started walking, then jogging, then walking and so on. However I didn't plan ahead on where I'd be when the time was up, nor did I turn around halfway so I could end up back at home when I was done.

It wasn't that I didn't think about it -- Believe me I did.

But, I like walking and I had great music. I figured a walk to get back home wouldn't kill me. Besides the street I went down sort of loops around anyway. I ended up being a 10 minute walk from home. But that was totally fine. I put my phone in my pocket (I'd been holding it to keep track of the timing) and then stretched my arms, played air drums, and boogied all the way home.

I was totally energized when I came home (lucky husband -- not like that, perverts). He was playing a video game and I made him stop and visit with me as I bounced off the walls. He was tired, I think I made him more tired.

How'd I do on the jogging portions? Let's just say on the last one I had to keep telling myself it WAS THE LAST ONE! The program really kicked my ass. You never really appreciate how LONG a minute is when you're wishing it was OVER already. But I did every single jogging portion and I jogged every single second of it. I didn't stop the entire time and I kept my walking portions at a fast clip and not a snail crawl.

But even so -- I loved it. I'm definitely going to do it all again tomorrow!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Day One of the Couch to 5k running program -- burning approximately 474 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 30 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - cinnamon vanilla french toast -- topped with sliced strawberries and blueberries
Lunch - my version of a Maui Zaui Pizza
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich
Dinner - London Broil, Parmesan Pasta Boodle, and broccoli
Evening Snack - a few bites of 3ft's Skinny Cow Ice Cream Cone (he loves to share) and some Frosted Mini-Wheats (no milk)

total calories = approx. 1388
total days = 35
total pounds lost = 14.4

I Got Magic Shoes.

Okay not really. I was just channeling my inner Forest. "Life is like a box of chocolates..." okay, okay, I'll stop now.

I got new running shoes yesterday in preparation for starting the Couch to 5k running program today. I'm super excited. However, in my fabulous new shoes euphoria I totally forgot to get a stopwatch but my cell phone has a stopwatch feature so I'll see how that goes. Maybe I'll save myself some money -- I already pay for the cell phone after all.

The shoes are new shiny white and in my twisted fashion I can't wait to make them filthy! I can't wait until they're tattered and worn like my old dingy gray workout shoes (they were once shiny white too). I could buy black so they wouldn't look so gross but where's the fun in that? It's like watching the pounds melt away -- you know what you're doing is working. Same concept with the shoes. The dirtier and beat up they look the more you know you're USING them!!!

So I say "bring it" running program. Me and my shiny new magic shoes are going to own you!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - None -- it was my day off. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 29 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - eggs, toast, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and sliced frozen bananas
Lunch - Grilled Chicken Salad w/ no cheese or garlic bread (from Denny's)
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Pita Chips and Hummus
Dinner - Crunchy Chicken Taco, refried beans, and spanish rice
Evening Snack - some Frosted Mini-Wheats (no milk)

total calories = approx. 1304
total days = 34
total pounds lost = 12.6

And Another One Gone...

Another one gone, another pound bites the dust! (Gotta love Queen!)

So I only lost 1.3lbs this week but my clothes are getting loose so I figure I must be gaining muscle. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Tomorrow I start training for the 5k so I imagine the pounds will come off a little quicker. But who knows.

Short post today -- Mr. Grumpybutt is needy today and seeing Mommy on the computer trying to blog is making him super grumpy!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 47 minutes on the Wii Fit -- burning 317 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 28 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - eggs, toast, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and sliced frozen bananas
Lunch - Tuna Salad
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 turkey sandwich, 1 pickle spear, and some pretzels
Dinner - Honey Garlic Chicken Salad
Evening Snack - split a Skinny Cow Caramel Ice Cream Cone w/ 3ft and some Frosted Mini-Wheats (no milk)

total calories = 1284
total days = 33
total pounds lost = 12.6

Silver!

I don't know if I ever mentioned it but a couple weeks ago I turned my Wii Fit Bank (it keeps time of how many minutes and hours you've logged on to Wii Fit) bronze. I think it was at 10 hours... Well yesterday I turned it Silver!!!

I've logged over 20 hours on my Wii Fit. I think it's pretty awesome. It's all shiny and sparkly and another reminder of how well I'm doing. It's funny, the little balance board character that talks to you (either giving you grief for not going on for a couple of days or complimenting you for your dedication) tells me that I now have major bragging rights to my friends.

So I' bragging. It's silver! It's silver! It's silver! What color is yours (for those of you that have one)? Mine's silver!! Okay I'm done bragging. I just thought it was so funny that the little guy thought it was beyond awesome and anyone but me would care. LOL

Staying within my goals, drinking only water, and exercising 6 days a week, I feel better than I have in months. Just how I feel alone is enough to keep me motivated but the fact that my clothes are getting looser and I don't get winded running up my stairs when 3ft has forgotten something is definitely a BONUS!

I'm going to start the C25K program on Monday. 2 more days til I'm this much closer to running in a race.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 49 minutes on the Wii Fit -- burning 340 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 27 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - eggs, toast, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and sliced frozen bananas
Lunch - my version of a Maui Zaui Pizza
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 tuna sandwich and 1 pickle spear
Dinner - Herb Chicken, Garlic Rice, and broccoli
Evening Snack - split a Skinny Cow Mint Ice Cream Cone w/ 3ft and some Frosted Mini-Wheats (no milk)

total calories = 1257
total days = 32
total pounds lost = 11.3

Giving Some Thought.

I've secretly always wanted to run in a marathon. Bet you didn't know that did you? But before I even think about doing so, I want to be sure I can actually finish one and not embarrass myself. I'd started taking up running before I got pregnant with Mr. Grumpybutt and found that I enjoyed it for what little bit I could do before I was winded and slowed to a really fast walk. I'd like to start doing it again but actually be able to.

So I've been giving some thought to trying out the Couch to 5k running program. It sounds like something I could do (even though I'm not quite couch potato status anymore). I've read a lot about people it's worked for on SparkPeople.com (which is where I plug in the food I eat and find out the calories, fat, protein, and carbs) and I don't think they're affiliated with the program but actual users.

The problem is finding the 20 - 30 minutes I can be outside without 3ft and Mr. Grumpybutt. If I start this program I know I'm going to have to go back to working out in the evening after my husband gets home from work (as early mornings aren't doable -- I'm already up at 5am with the kids and I'm so NOT getting up any earlier). And I remember how much I didn't like it before but that was also when I was struggling to just exercise anyway. I think a plus is I'll be outside, can have my tunes going, and can get away from it all for a bit.

Before I can start, I'll need to get a stopwatch. I need to be able to keep track of the time I'm doing it as it's 30 seconds of this and 90 seconds of that til you've done 20 minutes (at least in the beginning, anyway). And I need to make a running songs playlist so I can have some adrenaline pumping music to run too.

I think I'll start next week.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 47 minutes on the Wii Fit -- burning 314 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 26 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - eggs, toast, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and sliced frozen bananas
Lunch - my version of a Maui Zaui Pizza
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 tuna sandwich, 1 pickle spears, some pretzels, and a Gogurt Simple
Dinner - London Broil, corn, and garlic mashed potatoes
Evening Snack - split a Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich w/ 3ft and some Frosted Mini-Wheats (no milk)

total calories = 1399
total days = 31
total pounds lost = 11.3

Day 30. Getting Easier.

Finally, some of the strength training I'm doing is getting easier and I'm not wanting to kill the inventor of them. Tortures like the plank, and the one where you sit down and lift yourself off the floor with your arms and one leg while the other leg is lifted (in a bridge sort of move. Know what I'm talking about? I never can remember it's name), are more doable. Still tough but I can do the complete set and then wish I was dead instead of wanting to maim someone after the first one. It's nice to know it's working.

My balance is also getting better. So I'm able to hold yoga poses more steadily. I'm still a little wobbly but I'm not falling over or having to break pose to avoid falling over. I almost took out a lamp the first time I did my yoga routine. Now I just sort of sway and quiver as I try to remain balanced.

I'm also able to jog in place (at a pretty fast clip) for 10 minutes. The Wii says I've ran a mile and a half -- I don't know how true that is but the fact I can jog for 10 minutes when it was a struggle for 1 is pretty freaking awesome if you ask me (and even if you don't, so there!).

I'm glad my body is bouncing back quickly to things I used to be able to do before I got pregnant with Mr. Grumpybutt. I used to be able to do all of it and I was really disheartened to find I couldn't anymore when I busted out the Wii Fit and struggled with a lot of the exercises. It's amazing how fast you can lose your muscles when you quit working out diligently.

No more. Now, I'm back to liking to workout and liking to be all sweaty -- that is until I'm done, then I desperately want a shower. My husband hasn't had to "force" me to workout once in a couple of weeks now. Go me!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 48 minutes on the Wii Fit -- burning 312 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 25 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and sliced frozen bananas
Lunch - my version of a Maui Zaui Pizza
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 turkey sandwich, 1 pickle spears, some pretzels, and a pack of 100 Calorie Right Bites - striped shortbread.
Dinner - Pseudo Fried Chicken Salad w/ chopped tomato, broccoli, green beans, and chives
Evening Snack - split a Skinny Cow Mint Ice Cream Cone w/ 3ft and some Frosted Mini-Wheats (no milk)

total calories = 1466
total days = 30
total pounds lost = 11.3

Who said...

...that eating healthy meant you couldn't have pizza everyday for lunch? Wouldn't be me but then I've started making healthier pizza. And I've add another win to my pizza making endeavors.

My version of Round Table's Maui Zaui Pizza.

267 calories and only 5 grams of fat per serving.
4 servings

The best part is that I bake it ahead of time and it's a quick and easy meal for when I'm hungry and don't want to take a lot of time to throw something together. It's filling and delicious AND not too bad for you.

Ingredients
1/4 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup of 2% Milk Mozzarella Cheese
3 slices of 98% fat free turkey ham (quartered)
4 slices of turkey bacon (chopped)
1 cup mushroom
1 TBS garlic (chopped)
1/4 cup chopped tomato
2 TBS fresh chives
1 cup fresh pineapple (chopped)
sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top

Directions
1.) use the flat bread pizza recipe as the base
2.) saute garlic, mushrooms, and turkey bacon together.
3.) spread sauce, sprinkle cheese, layer of turkey ham
4.) sprinkle on cooked mushrooms, bacon, and garlic
5.) add tomato, chives, and pineapple
6.) bake at 400 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes til done.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 48 minutes on the Wii Fit -- burning 300 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 24 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - scrambled eggs, slice of toast, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and sliced frozen bananas
Lunch - my version of a Maui Zaui Pizza
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 turkey sandwich, 2 pickle spears, and a pack of 100 Calorie Right Bites - striped shortbread.
Dinner - Campbells Healthy Harvest Chicken and Rice Soup and reduced fat Ritz Crackers
Evening Snack - Skinny Cow Mint Ice Cream Cone

total calories = 1325
total days = 29
total pounds lost = 11.3

No Harm No Foul!

As splurges go, on the fourth, I really didn't do any noticeable damage. Now, I know I can't splurge like that often but when I got on the scale yesterday there was no change in my weight. So, the swimming must have done the trick, or I didn't eat nearly as much as I thought I did, or it wasn't as unhealthy as I thought it was. It's hard to say as I didn't prepare any of the food nor did I have my measuring cups and spoons with me. C'est la vie. It all worked out.

Honestly though, if my scale had shifted and I gained an ounce or two I wouldn't have thought the world was going to end. I am responsible for my own choices of what I put in my mouth. And if I'm going to eat it then by god I'm going to OWN it! (and I owned every delicious bite).

Yesterday I was back on track -- ate my normal goal ranges and worked out (even though I didn't get a chance to until 7:30 last night). I'm still trying to eat the bigger bulk of my calories during the first part of the day but it's hit or miss depending on what I feel like eating. The part I have been nailing is to not have more than 200 calories for my evening snack. Skinny Cow ice cream cones only have 150 calories or a cup of Frosted Mini-Wheats only have 200. Lately it's been the ice cream cones as it's been so terribly hot.

I've also been mixing aerobics, strength training, and yoga everyday so that I keep my workout well rounded and hopefully tone up the flab as I'm losing the fat. My husband did tell me if I got to my goal weight and had a lot of excess skin that he'd get me the cosmetic surgery to get rid of it. (This from the same guy that didn't want to buy me the Wii Fit for Christmas because he didn't want me to think he thought I was fat or unattractive)

*dreamy smile* Could I be any luckier?

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 48 minutes on the Wii Fit -- burning 390 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water -- day 23 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - scrambled eggs, slice of toast, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and sliced frozen bananas
Lunch - Costco Chicken Caesar Salad w/ my own dressing, no cheese or croutons.
Mid-Afternoon Snack - turkey sandwich, 2 pickle spears, and a Gogurt Simple.
Dinner - 1/2 cup of spaghetti and meat sauce
Evening Snack - banana and Skinny Cow Mint Ice Cream Cone

total calories = 1389
total days = 28
total pounds lost = 11.3

Said NO To Carrot Cake!

And that's about all I said, "No," to.

I hadn't had any plans to be a part of a barbecue yesterday. My plans were to take 3ft and Mr. Grumpybutt to the pool and try to drown 3ft (he's a slippery little fish -- so no drowning). Then come home, make spaghetti for dinner, get the kids in bed, and watch a movie or something. That's not what happened.

The barbecue came to us.

I have really great neighbors. Their children are the same ages as mine. They have two girls I have two boys. We're thinking of betrothing them. I digress. Anyway...they came to the pool yesterday with a huge feast and a lot of their family. They swooped on me like a pack of wild hyenas (except more awesome because I totally love these guys) and all the sudden I was a part of a huge barbecue party with lots of food, music, and laughs. It was a total blast.

There was a lot of cultural food. Homemade salsa, tamales, beans, carne asada, and tortillas.

They also barbecued oysters. I've never had oysters before and assumed they'd be the size of clams. Oh no.. they're HUGE and he bbq'd them in their shells, popped them open, then basted them in butter, garlic, jalepenos, and then put shredded cheese on them.. when the cheese was melted he put tabasco on them. Since I'd never had oysters I tried one. OH EM GEE it was so good -- I had to have two of them. (I didn't want to be rude.) And even better, I didn't get sick later from the spicy food. Hooray... I think my body is finally adjusting to missing it's gall bladder.

Then later after the rest of the food was done cooking, my neighbor made me a plate because I was swimming with the kids in the pool. And she put a little bit of everything on it for me. It was so good. I was hungry from swimming. I ate it ALL! I have no idea how many calories I consumed yesterday from about noon til 7. I did a lot of swimming so I'm hoping it balanced out.

Then they invited us to go watch fireworks with them. 3ft was so tired from swimming for 7 hours that I almost had to carry him home from the pool. He totally crashed out on the couch talking about going to see the fireworks. So I put him to bed, grabbed my water bottle, and headed over for more partying.

They had cake. Lots and lots of different cakes. But they had my weakness -- CARROT CAKE!! I love carrot cake (come to think of it, I need to research the recipe and see if there is a way to healthy it up some so it's not so bad for me...). They offered and I actually heard, "No thank you," come out of my mouth. I was shocked. I thought for sure I was going to say yes and think "eff it. It's a holiday" but no. I said no. They asked are you sure. I heard myself say, "Yes I'm sure. I'm still so full from all the excellent food I horked down."

So I might have not had any willpower to say no to any of the delicious homemade cultural food, but I did have the willpower to turn away cake when I was full. Which is awesome because back in the day even if I was stuffed I would've still shoved the cake in on top of it.

Happy Fourth of July!!!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Swam at the pool all day. Drank 12 glasses of water. Day 22 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - scrambled eggs, slice of toast, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and sliced frozen bananas
Lunch - Tuna Salad Sandwich, 2 pickle spears, and a few pretzels
Mid-Afternoon Snack - tamale, chips and salsa, Aged White Cheddar Pirate Popcorn
Dinner - barbecued oysters, barbecued carne asada, corn on the cob, homemade spanish beans, homemade corn tortillas, and macaroni salad.
Evening Snack - Angel Food Cake w/ blueberries and strawberries

total calories = have no idea
total days = 27
total pounds lost = 11.3

Was Prepared.

I was prepared to confess all today about how badly I did yesterday -- Family Barbecue! (that should say it all) But when I wrote down what I'd eaten and how much of it I had -- it actually wasn't that bad. I mean it wasn't "good" as I ate over 500 calories in a single meal. But with all the food and as hungry as I was, it could've been much worse. (trust me, much worse. the food was good!!)

The problem I find with going to other people's barbecues is you eat on their schedule. Which is a major bummer for me. We didn't eat until around 6:30 last night. I usually have dinner at 5. So by the time dinner was served, I was starving. Which equals eating too much. And while I kept the potato salad down to about a quarter of a cup and 3ft picked the eggs out of it (he loves hard boiled eggs) and I kept it to one burger and didn't eat all the bun (the bun was huge) I still could've done better.

They're were snacks. But it was only chips and dip which is also not that healthy to consume mass amounts of and I ended up eating some to keep from being ravenous but I tried not to overdo. I think for the next barbecue I'm going to take some healthy snacks to munch on so I don't have this problem again.

I know this is a healthy lifestyle and I need to live and give myself some splurges but I'm so super motivated right now I don't want to. There will come a time when I'll need the splurge but right now I'd rather not. I'd also rather the splurge be on my terms and not driven by hunger because I've gone too long without eating anything.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Didn't do any. Drank 12 glasses of water. Day 21 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Egg McMuffin w/out cheese and a Fruit N Yogurt Parfait w/out granola
Lunch - Tuna Salad Sandwich and 2 pickle spears
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 a frozen banana and chips and salsa
Dinner - barbecue hamburger (only partial bun), corn on the cob, and potato salad
Evening Snack - Angel Food Cake w/ blueberries and strawberries

total calories = 1534
total days = 26
total pounds lost = 11.3

An Epic Moment.

I was putting laundry away yesterday (because laundry IS my life -- or so it seems) and at the top of my pants drawer was a pair of pre pregnancy pants -- not my skinny jeans (for me at my smallest size) -- but still skinnier pants that anything I'm wearing now (which are my pregnancy clothes -- still). Well I figured what the heck and I tried them on.

THEY FIT!!!!

Okay, they were a little tight and I had to suck it in to zip them up. But they zipped, I could breathe, and I could sit and walk in them. As it's summer and wicked hot in my apartment I took them off in favor of the shorts I was wearing already. But it was a shining glory of a moment. Before I got "back on the wagon" I couldn't get them over my hips and now after three weeks of focusing on a healthier lifestyle THEY FIT. I've dropped a pants size along with TEN POUNDS! 10.7lbs to be exact!

I already had a fire lit under me and that moment was like gasoline! Skinny jeans here I come.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 51 minutes on the Wii Fit -- burning 344 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water. Day 20 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat and sliced strawberries
Lunch - Barbecue Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Mid-Afternoon Snack - slice of toast w/ peanut butter and sliced bananas and 1/2 cup Frosted Mini-Wheats
Dinner - Tuna Salad w/ hard boiled egg, chives, tomatoes, and green beans
Evening Snack - Skinny Cow Vanilla w/ Carmel ice cream cone

total calories = 1421
total days = 25
total pounds lost = 10.7

Water, water, and more water.

I think water consumption is a definite key to having successful weight loss while doing a healthier lifestyle. Sometimes when you feel hungry you aren't really. You're thirsty. Hydration is a good thing. It keeps your system flushed out and your body running in top form.

I drink a lot of water and pretty much nothing else. An occasional cup of green tea but mostly water. Which works because I like water. I get funny looks from people when I say that. Most people don't like to drink just straight water. Well guess what? I didn't used to either and now it's what I prefer to drink. And even better I like it at any temperature.

Here's how I did it:

• begin with super ice cold water (lots of ice and water) and use a straw. That way you can chug a glass with barely tasting it and if you like to crunch on ice (which I do) you can crunch away and get your water that way too.

(if you want to be able to drink it at any temperature and like it -- keep reading)

• once you're used to drinking the water with a straw -- lose the straw and start drinking the super cold water without it.
• once you've mastered it that way -- lose the ice -- go for fridge cold water and bring back the straw.
• lose the straw again (see a trend?) and start chugging it without it.
• hit straight tap water (I filter mine) and bring back the straw
• once it doesn't bother you -- lose the straw and voila! You can drink water at any temperature.

It doesn't hurt to try water at a bunch of different temps. Some people only like water a certain temperature. Could be you haven't found yours yet. I like to be able to drink it at any temperature because then it doesn't matter where I go I can enjoy my water. (I know, I'm sick, right?)

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 50 minutes on the Wii Fit -- burning 347 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water. Day 19 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - slice of toast w/ peanut butter and sliced bananas
Lunch - Barbecue Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 turkey sandwich, a pickle spear, strawberries, and a Gogurt Simple
Dinner - Pseudo Fried Chicken Salad w/ tomatoes, green onion, broccoli, and mozzarella cheese
(doesn't it look yummy? And less than 300 calories!)
Evening Snack - Skinny Cow Vanilla w/ Carmel ice cream cone

total calories = 1320
total days = 25
total pounds lost = 10.2

Mixing it Up.

Yesterday I tried something new with my exercise routine. And I'm definitely feeling it today which makes me think it's going to be more effective.

I mixed in a little yoga and strength training with my cardio yesterday. There are preset programs on Wii Fit that you can choose target areas you want to work on and it sets up a workout utilizing all of it's exercises. I did it yesterday for 50 minutes and my body is feeling it more today than it has in awhile. So I'm going to try that for awhile.

Besides it's been a month. Time to switch it up so my body doesn't get too comfortable.

I'm also trying something a little new with my food intake. I've read from several sources that say you should consume the bulk of your calories for breakfast and lunch because you're more apt to work those off than the evening ones. I don't know how much this applies to me as I eat about the same amount of calories every time I eat. But I plan to eat the "heavier meals" for lunch and "lighter fare" for dinners. I usually have salad for lunch and then a regular dinner (albeit smaller portions). So I'm going to switch it and have dinner for lunch and have my salads for dinner and see what that does for my waistline.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 50 minutes on the Wii Fit -- burning 367 calories. Drank 12 glasses of water. Day 18 of no soda.

Meals:
Breakfast - Cream of Wheat and sliced strawberries
Lunch - Barbecue Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Mid-Afternoon Snack - slice of toast w/ peanut butter and sliced bananas
Dinner - 1/2 cup of Spaghetti Sauce with 1/2 cup of penne rigate pasta
Evening Snack - Skinny Cow Vanilla w/ Carmel ice cream cone

total calories = 1350
total days = 24
total pounds lost = 9.7