No Rest for the Wicked.

And ain't that the truth.

Even sick I'm still sticking to my healthy lifestyle, still cooking healthy meals, and still exercising (albeit not as hard -- I haven't done C25K because I can't breathe out my nose and have a bit of a cough, but I WILL get back to it). Besides, I walk very fast (it comes from having long legs as I'm 5'7" which isn't super tall but it is by girl standards)and walking is pretty good exercise anyways.

I think when I start feeling better after I drop 3ft off in the mornings I'm going to see what Mr. Grumpybutt thinks about sitting in his stroller with a bunch of his toys while I workout at the "gym". "The Walker" and "The Sweaty Guy on the Bike" shouldn't be there that early (yes, I too shall miss them -- NOT!) and I should be able to get some elliptical done or treadmill or something a little more sweat worthy than walking (even though walking is great exercise).

Speaking of sweat. I've noticed since I've started drinking nothing but water and so much of it, I sweat a lot more than I used to. Not icky sweaty guy sweat, you know, the ones that just have it drip off them while they are sitting watching TV or something, but when I workout I perspire more. All part and parcel of being well hydrated I guess -- but that old adage, "Real ladies don't sweat," echoes in my brain as I workout and actually have to use the workout towel I brought with me. I guess no one would accuse me of being a real lady anyways, "BURP!" So it doesn't really matter.

I pulled myself off my deathbed last night to make Chicken Cacciatore Pasta for dinner. Traditionally, Cacciatore is made with diced tomatoes instead of pasta sauce but I didn't have enough tomatoes, I had some pasta sauce I didn't want going bad, and my boys like a thicker sauce anyways. However I did put the traditional Cacciatore ingredients in the sauce: red bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, some red wine vinegar, garlic, the chicken (of course), and other hidden veggies (shhh don't tell the boys, they'll stop eating it). Slopped it on some penne rigate noodles and there it is.

Chicken Cacciatore Pasta


--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Walking.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 94

Only Water - Day 89

Total Pounds Lost - 35.2

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade Almond Milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Chocolate and Oats Granola Bar
Lunch - Cracked Pepper Turkey Sandwich, with red bell pepper strips, carrots, and a dill pickle spear
Mid-Afternoon Snack -1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich and split some 94% Fat Free Butter Popcorn w/ 3ft
Dinner - Chicken Cacciatore Pasta

Total Day Calories - 1123

More Challenges.

It's harder to follow a healthy lifestyle when you're sick. You don't want to move let alone exercise and you certainly don't want to cook anything. So it's an act of will to not open up the box of Coco Puffs and eat those for dinner instead and to not have your butt glued to the couch all day long. (not that'd I'd have the glued butt luxury with an 8 month old rolling around the living room getting into everything)

I mention this, because I was even more sick yesterday which made the day entirely too much fun.

Mr. Grumpybutt and I still went on our walk after we dropped 3ft off at school and before we picked him up. I really had to struggle to make myself do it because I felt like such total garbage but I persevered. Besides, Mr. Grumpybutt really enjoys the walks, and we have a lot of neighbors with great yards and we walk by one filled with rose bushes on purpose because it smells so wonderful. (not that I'm smelling anything right now)

There are also a lot of gardens in the front yards and as I walk by and see all the ripe tomatoes, peppers, zucchinis, and other wonderful things I really have to resist to the urge to help myself. Mr. Grumpybutt wouldn't tell on me, but really, what kind of example am I setting (I don't care if he's only 8 months old and would have no idea what I was doing). Besides someone else took the time and effort to grow their vegetables and it would just be wrong. That's what I keep repeating to myself as my hands itch to grab and dash. (I guess that'd be one way of putting my C25K to the test.)

I even forced myself to get up and actually cook last night as well. I made Carne Asada Tacos w/ Black Bean Salsa for dinner. 3ft opted to make his own pizza's again which was fine -- he doesn't really care for red meat unless it's hamburger and covered in cheese and ketchup. I marinated the steak in lime juice, cumin, chili powder, red pepper, and chopped garlic for 24 hours before throwing it in the broiler. Add a little black bean salsa and some fat free sour cream and ta da... you have 2 delicious tacos for approximately 259 calories.

To get that calorie count: We get corn extra thin 6 inch tortillas. Corn is way better for you than flour and the extra thin only have 80 calories per two tortillas. I also suggest Naturally Yours fat free sour cream. Some light or free sour creams you can taste the difference -- they aren't as good. I can't with the Naturally Yours to me and the family it tastes just like regular ol' sour cream. Plus it's all about portions.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Walking.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 93

Only Water - Day 88

Total Pounds Lost - 35.2

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade Almond Milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Chocolate and Oats Granola Bar
Lunch - Milanese Chicken, herb pasta, and zucchini
Mid-Afternoon Snack -1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich
Dinner - Carne Asada Tacos w/ Black Bean Salsa and sour cream, and roasted peppers

Total Day Calories - 1105

Decadence.

Decadence = French Toast for dinner.

3ft's favorite food is breakfast foods. That kid would eat eggs, toast, hash browns, sausage, biscuits, french toast, pancakes, muffins, english muffins, and any combination thereof 24/7 if I'd let him. Vegetables? Who needs them.

Well on occasion, he'll specifically ask for breakfast for dinner, and when it's triple digits hot outside I eagerly acquiesce because it's too flipping hot to cook. And yes, breakfast involves cooking but it doesn't take near as long standing in front of a hot stove to do so.

This is what happened yesterday. And much to 3ft's excitement I made french toast. Now he's a traditionalist and likes syrup and lots of it on his french toast. Syrup is a lot of empty calories and while I like it, I can and do live without it. So I get creative with my french toast toppings.

I made a caramel banana almond topping to plop on my vanilla french toast. Now, caramel is a lot of empty calories as well but if you only use a 1/2 teaspoon of it mixed into mashed banana and almonds, it gives it a little caramel taste for not a lot of calories. It turned out super delicious and another thing I can throw the almond meal from making almond milk into.

I also felt decadent like what I was eating was soooo bad for me because it tasted that way. It tasted like dessert. But the whole dish: including the egg mixture that I dipped the bread in, the 2 slices of bread, and the caramel, banana, almond topping was only 247 calories and only 4 grams of fat. With the majority of the calories coming from the bread.

It was an awesome treat to the end of a long and busy week.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - walking and c25k.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 88

Only Water - Day 83

Total Pounds Lost - 31.1

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of FiberOne Raisin Bran w/ homemade Almond Milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Oats and Chocolate Granola Bar
Lunch - Spiced Honey Glazed Chicken Breasts, Garlic Rice, and broccoli (thankfully NOT Rotisserie horribleness)
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 peanut butter banana sandwich and chocolate covered almonds
Dinner - Caramel Banana Almond French Toast

Total Day Calories - 1176

Too Hot.

Ugh. The stupid hot weather ruined my dinner plans last night. I was going to try out a new recipe of Spiced Honey Glazed Chicken. I don't have a barbecue (I desperately want one) so I have to use my broiler if ever I want pseudo barbecue. It was too hot to turn my oven on AT ALL. So I ended up making breakfast for dinner -- eggs and hash browns. It makes a quick last minute meal when it's hotter than hell and you can't even imagine making it hotter by turning on the oven. 3ft couldn't have been happier -- breakfast foods are his favorite foods.

I'm still on Week 3 of the C25K. I want to be able to do it without puffing like a train and wishing I was dead. It's harder pushing Mr. Grumpybutt. Hopefully when my husband's work schedule gets situated and he's not working so much overtime I can get back to the treadmill to do it. But until then I adapt and do what I can with what I have.

I've also got to brag about my willpower for a second. I love Sour Cream and Cheddar Ruffles. They are ambrosia of the gods and I could easily sit and eat a bag until they're gone. My husband also loves Sour Cream and Cheddar Ruffles so we always have a bag in the house. Almost every night when my husband gets home from work he gets the bag and eats on them.

Now, my husband weighs 130lbs, if that, and that's when he's soaking wet and just eaten a huge meal (yeah I hate him too). Thank goodness 3ft gets his metabolism from his daddy and I'm hoping Mr. Grumpybutt does too. So, while he eats total crap food that is so delicious but so not good for you, he knows when to stop and his metabolism burns right through it. (Is it wrong that I can't wait til he hits 40 and that fabulous metabolisms craps out on him?)

I also have an insanely acute sense of smell and as soon as he cracks the bag I can smell the cheddar chip goodness. So it's a double torture -- watching him eat them and smelling them. I'm not going to lie, my mouth waters a little. But it's usually after 9pm, technically I'm not hungry til I smell them, and right before bed shoving greasy cheesy goodness down my throat isn't the smartest thing I could do. So, to make a short story even longer, I have stood (well sat) strong and not eaten them. Every night I battle with the temptation of "Give me just one!" and abstain from having any -- because really there is no eating just one Ruffle. I mean, really.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - c25k.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 86

Only Water - Day 81

Total Pounds Lost - 31.1

Meals:
Breakfast - bowl of FiberOne Raisin Bran w/ homemade Almond Milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Oats and Chocolate Granola Bar
Lunch - Rotisserie Chicken (STILL not as good as Cajun) Sandwich using avocado instead of mayo and carrot sticks
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 peanut butter banana sandwich and chocolate covered almonds
Dinner - Eggs, Hash browns, and a slice of toast

Total Day Calories - 1162

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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