11/29/2009
Day 48 of 182
Sunday, HELL day. Well, at least it is now over. I retreat to my house to catch on DVRs and what not. As I have mentioned in the past, I FREAKING HATE SUNDAYS! Well, it is over and on to the rest of my week. I apologize for the fact that the last four posts were posted on the same day. I anticipated having an internet connection while out of town and I did not. I took notes on my diet and activities and posted it after the fact.
I received a comment today from my sister in law, who had a speaker that had a tip about diet/nutrition. He said never to eat anything that wasn't mentioned in the book of genesis. I am a Christian, but not all that well versed on the diet of the first chapter of the Old Testament. I do know quite a bit about the Kosher diet, but would like to read the specifics to be sure.
She made a reference to a prior post about the "Skinny Cow" ice cream treats and how they taste great, but who really knows what all goes into them. Very true. Many items we eat today, we have absolutely no connection to. I know the exact genesis (pardon the pun) of every item that I eat. Either it was recently raw (or at least within 1 step) or was raw when I ate it. You receive the most amount of nutritional value when you eat fresh foods. I will look into the book of Genesis reference, but I believe in the intent.
Activity:
None
Meals
2 poached eggs
1 piece of toast
1 protein bar
16 0z Gatorade
6 oz pasta
olive oil
6 grilled shrimp
6 oz salmon
1 bun
1 small salad (dressing on the side)
Sunday
ODBF Day 47
11/28/2009
Day 47 of 182
The weekend is drawing to a close and I am thankful to put it behind me. Traditionally, this past weekend is slower than usual and it makes for a long and tedious three days. I am back to my routine, back in the swing of things and the sense of normalcy is refreshing.
A friend of my mom recently began an exercise program and I was impressed. This guy has never been the picture of clean living. A dear friend of my late father (who passed away due to complications from alcoholism) has smoked most of his life, drinks a great deal and would rather watch television than work up a sweat has discovered the magic of exercise. Needless to say, I was impressed and pleasantly surprised. He began slowly, on a treadmill and has worked his way up to 20 minutes a day. In the beginning he could barely do five minutes. GOOD FOR HIM!!!! He has lost 10 lbs in 12 days (It must be nice being a man) and is doing great. He was surprised about how much more energy he had since he began his exercise routine and I began to think about how differently people experience the effects of exercise.
My mom HATES (did I type that in all Caps, because I am not sure that it fully articulates her disdain for working out) she feels no satisfaction since working out and never feels happy after working out. On the other hand, I always feel excellent, if not, euphorically better. I feel re energized and alert. After talking with this man, I believe that he feels the same way. I wonder what is so different physiologically that the two of us vary so much from my mother.
Anyway, just a thought. I will look into it and get back to you.
Activity
4 miles
Meals
2 poached eggs
1 piece of toast
6 inch tuna sandwich
1 bag baked lays
16 oz Gatorade
1 small salad (dressing on the side)
8 oz soup
Day 47 of 182
The weekend is drawing to a close and I am thankful to put it behind me. Traditionally, this past weekend is slower than usual and it makes for a long and tedious three days. I am back to my routine, back in the swing of things and the sense of normalcy is refreshing.
A friend of my mom recently began an exercise program and I was impressed. This guy has never been the picture of clean living. A dear friend of my late father (who passed away due to complications from alcoholism) has smoked most of his life, drinks a great deal and would rather watch television than work up a sweat has discovered the magic of exercise. Needless to say, I was impressed and pleasantly surprised. He began slowly, on a treadmill and has worked his way up to 20 minutes a day. In the beginning he could barely do five minutes. GOOD FOR HIM!!!! He has lost 10 lbs in 12 days (It must be nice being a man) and is doing great. He was surprised about how much more energy he had since he began his exercise routine and I began to think about how differently people experience the effects of exercise.
My mom HATES (did I type that in all Caps, because I am not sure that it fully articulates her disdain for working out) she feels no satisfaction since working out and never feels happy after working out. On the other hand, I always feel excellent, if not, euphorically better. I feel re energized and alert. After talking with this man, I believe that he feels the same way. I wonder what is so different physiologically that the two of us vary so much from my mother.
Anyway, just a thought. I will look into it and get back to you.
Activity
4 miles
Meals
2 poached eggs
1 piece of toast
6 inch tuna sandwich
1 bag baked lays
16 oz Gatorade
1 small salad (dressing on the side)
8 oz soup
HANGOVER (from turkey day. . .Day 46)
11/27/2009
Dya 46 of 182
Back to the grind. I get to work in our Salem location again today, Yay! Well, I am sure it won't be too bad, at least I hope not. After getting home from the coast, I had to do laundry and get ready for work.
No exercise today, but truth be told, my calves are a little stiff.
I received an email from my friend who is trying to lose some extra lbs, she wrote "I feel like I have butter running through my veins."I am sure that it is most likely a sentiment shared by many as they come to terms with their Thanksgiving hangover. I felt pretty good. I did splurge a bit, to be sure, but I feel as though it was in moderation. I make it a point to eat only fish, but I made an exception with the turkey as I was starving after my hike. The really nice thing about eating dinner the way we did, was that it was pre portioned and there was no option of getting seconds, which I am not so big on, but my husband is definitely a fan of the multiple trips.
Activity
None
Meals
veggie scramble
1 piece of toast
1 cup coffee
salmon sandwich
small salad no dressing
1 cup air popped popcorn
8 oz Gatorade
2 pieces of Tilapia
Dya 46 of 182
Back to the grind. I get to work in our Salem location again today, Yay! Well, I am sure it won't be too bad, at least I hope not. After getting home from the coast, I had to do laundry and get ready for work.
No exercise today, but truth be told, my calves are a little stiff.
I received an email from my friend who is trying to lose some extra lbs, she wrote "I feel like I have butter running through my veins."I am sure that it is most likely a sentiment shared by many as they come to terms with their Thanksgiving hangover. I felt pretty good. I did splurge a bit, to be sure, but I feel as though it was in moderation. I make it a point to eat only fish, but I made an exception with the turkey as I was starving after my hike. The really nice thing about eating dinner the way we did, was that it was pre portioned and there was no option of getting seconds, which I am not so big on, but my husband is definitely a fan of the multiple trips.
Activity
None
Meals
veggie scramble
1 piece of toast
1 cup coffee
salmon sandwich
small salad no dressing
1 cup air popped popcorn
8 oz Gatorade
2 pieces of Tilapia
Thanksgiving (Day 45)
11/26/2009
Day 45 of 182
Thanksgiving day. I am thankful for a lot of things, mainly my health and my family. My husband the dog and I had decided (mostly I decided) before the holiday, that we would go for a hike before Thanksgiving dinner which was being provided by the Hotel. Unfortunately, when we woke up Thursday, it was POURING! We checked out Weather.com and found out that it was only a chance of rain between the hours of 12 and 2. So, at 12:30, it had slowed to a drizzle and headed out. Our hike was 2 miles each way and was amazing. It was a real workout and I found it exhilarating. My husband found it painful and exhausting. We came to the conclusion that we would make it a point to exercise hard each Thanksgiving from this point on. It makes sense, especially since the average American eats around 5000 calories in just that day alone. Yikes!
Activity
4 mile hike (2 hours)
Meals
1 bagel with cream cheese and 3 oz smoked salmon
1 protein bar
8 oz gatorade
2 cups coffee
4 oz turkey
1/4 cup steamed corn
4 bites of mashed potatoes with gravy
1/4 cup stuffing
1/2 piece pumpkin pie
2 glasses white wine
1 cup air popped popcorn
1/2 piece veggie lasagna
A long list day, I should feel more guilty, but I don't
Day 45 of 182
Thanksgiving day. I am thankful for a lot of things, mainly my health and my family. My husband the dog and I had decided (mostly I decided) before the holiday, that we would go for a hike before Thanksgiving dinner which was being provided by the Hotel. Unfortunately, when we woke up Thursday, it was POURING! We checked out Weather.com and found out that it was only a chance of rain between the hours of 12 and 2. So, at 12:30, it had slowed to a drizzle and headed out. Our hike was 2 miles each way and was amazing. It was a real workout and I found it exhilarating. My husband found it painful and exhausting. We came to the conclusion that we would make it a point to exercise hard each Thanksgiving from this point on. It makes sense, especially since the average American eats around 5000 calories in just that day alone. Yikes!
Activity
4 mile hike (2 hours)
Meals
1 bagel with cream cheese and 3 oz smoked salmon
1 protein bar
8 oz gatorade
2 cups coffee
4 oz turkey
1/4 cup steamed corn
4 bites of mashed potatoes with gravy
1/4 cup stuffing
1/2 piece pumpkin pie
2 glasses white wine
1 cup air popped popcorn
1/2 piece veggie lasagna
A long list day, I should feel more guilty, but I don't
Eve of Thanksgiving (Day 44)
11/25/2009
Day 44 of 182
Wednesday November 25 2009 (day 44)
Day 44 of 182
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, WoW, I can't believe that it is so close. My husband and I are going to escape the chaos that is Thanksgiving and go to the coast for a few nights. I have to be back to work on Friday, so we are going to come back Friday morning. I used to LOVE the holidays, but as I have gotten older, the pressure to make it perfect is overwhelming. I am not guaranteed two days off in a row, so often I just have Thanksgiving off and must report for duty the following day. People that don't work in the restaurant industry, find it difficult to identify with the conundrum.
Most of my family does not live in the same city and often times a drive of an hour to 2.5 hours is necessary in order to see the family, and it always seems as though there are multiple Thanksgiving locations and NOBODY is happy with the scenario. Driving for multiple hours in one day in order to eat and be miserable, and heading back to work the following day is not my idea of fun. I have made my husband promise that from this point on, we will take one major holiday for ourselves and just be. So, a few days on the beach, watching movies and hanging out sounds AMAZING!
Activity:
45 minutes walking on the beach
Meals
Protein Bar
16 oz Gatorade
large iced tea
6" tuna subway sandwich
Bag Baked Lays
1 Crab Cake
2 glasses of red wine
3 ravioli filled with crab
Slice cheesecake (YUM! I splurged plan on working it off tomorrow)
Day 44 of 182
Wednesday November 25 2009 (day 44)
Day 44 of 182
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, WoW, I can't believe that it is so close. My husband and I are going to escape the chaos that is Thanksgiving and go to the coast for a few nights. I have to be back to work on Friday, so we are going to come back Friday morning. I used to LOVE the holidays, but as I have gotten older, the pressure to make it perfect is overwhelming. I am not guaranteed two days off in a row, so often I just have Thanksgiving off and must report for duty the following day. People that don't work in the restaurant industry, find it difficult to identify with the conundrum.
Most of my family does not live in the same city and often times a drive of an hour to 2.5 hours is necessary in order to see the family, and it always seems as though there are multiple Thanksgiving locations and NOBODY is happy with the scenario. Driving for multiple hours in one day in order to eat and be miserable, and heading back to work the following day is not my idea of fun. I have made my husband promise that from this point on, we will take one major holiday for ourselves and just be. So, a few days on the beach, watching movies and hanging out sounds AMAZING!
Activity:
45 minutes walking on the beach
Meals
Protein Bar
16 oz Gatorade
large iced tea
6" tuna subway sandwich
Bag Baked Lays
1 Crab Cake
2 glasses of red wine
3 ravioli filled with crab
Slice cheesecake (YUM! I splurged plan on working it off tomorrow)
Tuesday
6 Week Mark (Day 43)
11/24/2009
Day 43 of 182
Six full weeks of regimented exercise complete. It is hard to believe that I have been able to do this for six weeks! I am proud of myself for sticking to it, but I know that I have a LONG way to go. This blog has been integral in my ability to stay motivated and really allows me to see my progress. As I read through my posts, I am able to clearly recall the days, the hurdles and the triumphs with clarity and in rich detail. I would advise anybody embarking on a Health Journey to do the same. I was talking with a friend of mine the other day about her weight loss goals and issues and I recommended that she keep a food journal to get started. Apparently she hates food journals. I inquired as to why and she explained that in her opinion it was like a scale in that a short list meant a "good" day while a long list meant a "bad" day. OK, I can identify with that to a degree, but I honestly think that it adds a level of accountability to one's mission. Recently, my husbands doctor had mentioned that he began one and came to the realization that there were days that he consumed close to 5000 calories! Holy Cow!
When I reflect on my meals and when I eat my meals, I don't "Count" raw vegetables as part of my caloric calculation, merely because the thermic caloric burn in digestion outweighs the actual calories. There are days when I eat three salads, (always with dressing on the side) which in size is a lot but in caloric value, minimal. It's all about choosing the right foods that maximize satiation and nutrition, but minimizes calories and fat. Sooner or later, the choice is second nature and you begin to learn, approximately, how many calories are in what.
I have mentioned that I work in a steakhouse. Last night there was a gentleman who ate dinner in my restaurant. He ate a salad with 1.5 ounces of blue cheese dressing, a 6 oz sirloin, 4.5 oz of lobster, a baked potato with cheese, butter, sour cream, bacon bits and chives. He also drank 2 16 oz light beers and ate a piece of chocolate cake with ice cream.
Salad: 550 calories
Steak: 300 calories
Lobster: 150 calories
Potato: 300 calories
Beer(2): 260 calories
Cake: 1500 calories
Ice Cream: 200 calories
Total: 3260 calories in ONE MEAL!!!!
That is nearly two days worth of calories for me. It is really incredible how quickly it adds up. A food journal is really really helpful.
I measured myself today. I am still incommunicado with my scale. (STUPID SCALE!) Going in to it today, I knew that I shouldn't expect to see the dramatic 11.5" lost that I discovered on week three, but I did expect to see results.
I have lost an additional 6.5". An additional 1/2" from my each thigh, 3/4" from each of my biceps, 1/2" from each calve, 1" from my bust, 1.5" from my waist, 1" from my hips and 1/2" from my neck. Like I said, not nearly as impressive as before, but still moving toward my ultimate goal.
Activity:
25 minute (4 mile) bike ride
20 minutes (1.5 mile) walk
Meal:
3/4 cup Cheerios with 1/2 cup milk
8 oz Gatorade
Special K Protein Bar
Yumm Bowl
Salad with Poached Tilapia
8 oz protein drink
Nonfat Yogurt
Iced Tea
17 Pretzels
Day 43 of 182
Six full weeks of regimented exercise complete. It is hard to believe that I have been able to do this for six weeks! I am proud of myself for sticking to it, but I know that I have a LONG way to go. This blog has been integral in my ability to stay motivated and really allows me to see my progress. As I read through my posts, I am able to clearly recall the days, the hurdles and the triumphs with clarity and in rich detail. I would advise anybody embarking on a Health Journey to do the same. I was talking with a friend of mine the other day about her weight loss goals and issues and I recommended that she keep a food journal to get started. Apparently she hates food journals. I inquired as to why and she explained that in her opinion it was like a scale in that a short list meant a "good" day while a long list meant a "bad" day. OK, I can identify with that to a degree, but I honestly think that it adds a level of accountability to one's mission. Recently, my husbands doctor had mentioned that he began one and came to the realization that there were days that he consumed close to 5000 calories! Holy Cow!
When I reflect on my meals and when I eat my meals, I don't "Count" raw vegetables as part of my caloric calculation, merely because the thermic caloric burn in digestion outweighs the actual calories. There are days when I eat three salads, (always with dressing on the side) which in size is a lot but in caloric value, minimal. It's all about choosing the right foods that maximize satiation and nutrition, but minimizes calories and fat. Sooner or later, the choice is second nature and you begin to learn, approximately, how many calories are in what.
I have mentioned that I work in a steakhouse. Last night there was a gentleman who ate dinner in my restaurant. He ate a salad with 1.5 ounces of blue cheese dressing, a 6 oz sirloin, 4.5 oz of lobster, a baked potato with cheese, butter, sour cream, bacon bits and chives. He also drank 2 16 oz light beers and ate a piece of chocolate cake with ice cream.
Salad: 550 calories
Steak: 300 calories
Lobster: 150 calories
Potato: 300 calories
Beer(2): 260 calories
Cake: 1500 calories
Ice Cream: 200 calories
Total: 3260 calories in ONE MEAL!!!!
That is nearly two days worth of calories for me. It is really incredible how quickly it adds up. A food journal is really really helpful.
I measured myself today. I am still incommunicado with my scale. (STUPID SCALE!) Going in to it today, I knew that I shouldn't expect to see the dramatic 11.5" lost that I discovered on week three, but I did expect to see results.
I have lost an additional 6.5". An additional 1/2" from my each thigh, 3/4" from each of my biceps, 1/2" from each calve, 1" from my bust, 1.5" from my waist, 1" from my hips and 1/2" from my neck. Like I said, not nearly as impressive as before, but still moving toward my ultimate goal.
Activity:
25 minute (4 mile) bike ride
20 minutes (1.5 mile) walk
Meal:
3/4 cup Cheerios with 1/2 cup milk
8 oz Gatorade
Special K Protein Bar
Yumm Bowl
Salad with Poached Tilapia
8 oz protein drink
Nonfat Yogurt
Iced Tea
17 Pretzels
Monday
ODBF Day 43
11/23/09
Day 42 of 182
I needed a good workout today and boy, did I get one. When I woke up this morning, the sun was shining, the birds were chirping and I was called outside. I completed my 3.3 mile route in 45 minutes. (I haven't been trying to better my time recently because my knee has been hurting so much and I have been advised that running or jogging is not a good idea.) I then got out my weights and began my strength training routine on my arms, shoulders and back. An hour later, I was done and now my arms shake just drinking a glass of water. They are thoroughly fatigued, but I have a great sense of satisfaction in this. One thing that I did about 7 weeks ago, was go to Goodwill and purchase my free weights. They were super cheap and Goodwill has so much good quality exercise equipment. I guess a lot of people have good intentions with exercise and equipment, but eventually the majority of them discontinue their efforts and end up parting with the equipment, which is good for me.
Tomorrow I will do my measurements again. It has now been six weeks and in an effort to stick to my Tuesday routine, I will measure my progress again and post my results. Hopefully things go well. I have been getting comments lately from my friends and family that I my efforts are evident, which helps boost the momentum. Thank you to all of them. It is great to hear my cheerleaders routing for me.
Gotta hit the shower and get ready for another fun filled day at work!
Activity
3.3 mile cardio
1 hour strength training upper body
Meals
1/2 bagel
2 oz yogurt, strawberry and banana smoothie (home made)
1 iced coffee
2 oz protein drink
6" subway veggie sandwich
1 bag baked Lays
8 oz Gatorade
small salad
Salad
Salmon Sandwich (poached salmon 6 oz, bun, lettuce tomato pickles, remolaude sauce (1 tbsp))
14 Dots
Day 42 of 182
I needed a good workout today and boy, did I get one. When I woke up this morning, the sun was shining, the birds were chirping and I was called outside. I completed my 3.3 mile route in 45 minutes. (I haven't been trying to better my time recently because my knee has been hurting so much and I have been advised that running or jogging is not a good idea.) I then got out my weights and began my strength training routine on my arms, shoulders and back. An hour later, I was done and now my arms shake just drinking a glass of water. They are thoroughly fatigued, but I have a great sense of satisfaction in this. One thing that I did about 7 weeks ago, was go to Goodwill and purchase my free weights. They were super cheap and Goodwill has so much good quality exercise equipment. I guess a lot of people have good intentions with exercise and equipment, but eventually the majority of them discontinue their efforts and end up parting with the equipment, which is good for me.
Tomorrow I will do my measurements again. It has now been six weeks and in an effort to stick to my Tuesday routine, I will measure my progress again and post my results. Hopefully things go well. I have been getting comments lately from my friends and family that I my efforts are evident, which helps boost the momentum. Thank you to all of them. It is great to hear my cheerleaders routing for me.
Gotta hit the shower and get ready for another fun filled day at work!
Activity
3.3 mile cardio
1 hour strength training upper body
Meals
1/2 bagel
2 oz yogurt, strawberry and banana smoothie (home made)
1 iced coffee
2 oz protein drink
6" subway veggie sandwich
1 bag baked Lays
8 oz Gatorade
small salad
Salad
Salmon Sandwich (poached salmon 6 oz, bun, lettuce tomato pickles, remolaude sauce (1 tbsp))
14 Dots
Sunday Bloody Sunday (Day 41)
11/22/09
Day 41 of 182
Sunday. I have grown to detest Sundays. The reason for my disdain is that I don't get home until about 1 a.m. on Sunday morning after a long and treacherous 11 hour shift on Saturday. After relaxing for about an hour and catching up on my DVR, I go to bed around 2 a.m. I must get up at 10 a.m. so that I can be back to work by 11:30. Keep in mind I have an hour drive and I won't be heading home until 11:00 this evening. Needless to say I have no extra time for anything on Sundays. Stupid Sundays.
I invited my family to the restaurant since they were gathering together today and I had to work. My biological father, my step mother, my husband, my niece and nephew, my ex-sister in law, her new husband and their new baby were all in attendance. This December 20th, it will be the second anniversary of my dear brothers death. The anniversary is imminent and it has been weighing on my heart lately. I don't have the opportunity to see my niece and nephew that often, so I was really looking forward to seeing them. They are beautiful children and see my brother in so many of their mannerisms and in their eyes and smiles. They had a wonderfully kind and handsome father.
So, no exercise today. I will need to hit it hard tomorrow.
Activity:
None
Meals
8 0z protein drink
1/2 bagel
1 large salad
1/2 grilled cheese ( no butter)
2 oz pasta
4 Shrimp
1 piece veggie pizza
1 beer
Day 41 of 182
Sunday. I have grown to detest Sundays. The reason for my disdain is that I don't get home until about 1 a.m. on Sunday morning after a long and treacherous 11 hour shift on Saturday. After relaxing for about an hour and catching up on my DVR, I go to bed around 2 a.m. I must get up at 10 a.m. so that I can be back to work by 11:30. Keep in mind I have an hour drive and I won't be heading home until 11:00 this evening. Needless to say I have no extra time for anything on Sundays. Stupid Sundays.
I invited my family to the restaurant since they were gathering together today and I had to work. My biological father, my step mother, my husband, my niece and nephew, my ex-sister in law, her new husband and their new baby were all in attendance. This December 20th, it will be the second anniversary of my dear brothers death. The anniversary is imminent and it has been weighing on my heart lately. I don't have the opportunity to see my niece and nephew that often, so I was really looking forward to seeing them. They are beautiful children and see my brother in so many of their mannerisms and in their eyes and smiles. They had a wonderfully kind and handsome father.
So, no exercise today. I will need to hit it hard tomorrow.
Activity:
None
Meals
8 0z protein drink
1/2 bagel
1 large salad
1/2 grilled cheese ( no butter)
2 oz pasta
4 Shrimp
1 piece veggie pizza
1 beer
40 Days and Counting
11/21/09
Day 40 of 182
Last night was only minimally a disaster. I am glad to be going to work in Gresham. . . if you can imagine that. Gresham is not the Best part of the Portland metro area, but the staff is a lot more positive and I can expect a smoother, more productive shift. That part I like. The thing is that no matter if I am inn Salem or Gresham, I am an hour drive from home regardless. Two hours of commuting each day kind of, well, sucks. It really sucks. It means that I must plan my days out so that I can be as efficient as possible. For instance, I stayed in Salem overnight (my mom lives in Salem.) I have a little over an hour drive from Salem to Gresham and I need to be at work by 2 p.m. I need to get in some activity before work, so I need to leave by 11:30 a.m. so that I can get in an hour long hike and get to work with enough time to freshen up and change. I don't leave a lot of margin for error or unexpected tasks. I am constantly trying to finagle my days to accommodate work, exercise and personal life. Unfortunately, personal life seems to be last on the totem pole.
So, I drove to Tryon Creek State Park for my hike and got sufficiently muddy. The day was free from rain though and I really enjoyed the hike. I think I have managed to cover every inch of those trails several times over, but each time I notice something new. It never quite looks the same way twice. We have had a lot of rain recently. I mean, a lot. The ground is very soggy and slippery and I am so afraid of falling again, so I have been extremely careful. I am very clumsy, so I expect to fall again sometime soon. It is inevitable.
Activity:
3 mile Hike
Meals:
1/2 cup life cereal
1/4 cup milk
1 venti latte with vanilla
6" tuna sub
1 bag Baked Lays
1 large salad
16 oz Gatorade
2 pieces of tillapia
Day 40 of 182
Last night was only minimally a disaster. I am glad to be going to work in Gresham. . . if you can imagine that. Gresham is not the Best part of the Portland metro area, but the staff is a lot more positive and I can expect a smoother, more productive shift. That part I like. The thing is that no matter if I am inn Salem or Gresham, I am an hour drive from home regardless. Two hours of commuting each day kind of, well, sucks. It really sucks. It means that I must plan my days out so that I can be as efficient as possible. For instance, I stayed in Salem overnight (my mom lives in Salem.) I have a little over an hour drive from Salem to Gresham and I need to be at work by 2 p.m. I need to get in some activity before work, so I need to leave by 11:30 a.m. so that I can get in an hour long hike and get to work with enough time to freshen up and change. I don't leave a lot of margin for error or unexpected tasks. I am constantly trying to finagle my days to accommodate work, exercise and personal life. Unfortunately, personal life seems to be last on the totem pole.
So, I drove to Tryon Creek State Park for my hike and got sufficiently muddy. The day was free from rain though and I really enjoyed the hike. I think I have managed to cover every inch of those trails several times over, but each time I notice something new. It never quite looks the same way twice. We have had a lot of rain recently. I mean, a lot. The ground is very soggy and slippery and I am so afraid of falling again, so I have been extremely careful. I am very clumsy, so I expect to fall again sometime soon. It is inevitable.
Activity:
3 mile Hike
Meals:
1/2 cup life cereal
1/4 cup milk
1 venti latte with vanilla
6" tuna sub
1 bag Baked Lays
1 large salad
16 oz Gatorade
2 pieces of tillapia
Friday, Day 39
11/20/2009
Day 39 of 182
Another exciting Friday. I have thee pleasure of driving to Salem to work at that location again. I really enjoy the staff (for the most part) but it is a store that is running terribly and it makes for a long and tedious shift. I am trying to remain positive, but it is difficult to do so when you know the devastation that lies ahead. I will say though that since I began to exercise regularly, I have a much easier time staying positive and my moods are fairly consistent. I am more upbeat and have a brighter outlook at things. I am sure that it has a lot to do with diet as well. My blood sugar doesn't have the peaks and valleys as it did before.
I had the day off yesterday and got my hair colored and trimmed. I am happy to report that my gray hairs are concealed, at least for a little while. I decided that I am going to grow my hair out again so that I can donate it to Locks of Love. I did so about two years ago, when my brother was first diagnosed with cancer. I donated 13 inches at the time and have kept it short since, but I felt the desire to grow it again when I started getting healthy again. I think the task goes along well with my current trajectory.
Activity
3.3 miles
Meals
8 0z protein drink
1/2 cup cheerios
1/4 cup milk
Harvest PowerBar
1 bag Baked Lays
1 large iced tea
6" tuna sandwich (half the tuna)
1/2 cheese quesadilla
Day 39 of 182
Another exciting Friday. I have thee pleasure of driving to Salem to work at that location again. I really enjoy the staff (for the most part) but it is a store that is running terribly and it makes for a long and tedious shift. I am trying to remain positive, but it is difficult to do so when you know the devastation that lies ahead. I will say though that since I began to exercise regularly, I have a much easier time staying positive and my moods are fairly consistent. I am more upbeat and have a brighter outlook at things. I am sure that it has a lot to do with diet as well. My blood sugar doesn't have the peaks and valleys as it did before.
I had the day off yesterday and got my hair colored and trimmed. I am happy to report that my gray hairs are concealed, at least for a little while. I decided that I am going to grow my hair out again so that I can donate it to Locks of Love. I did so about two years ago, when my brother was first diagnosed with cancer. I donated 13 inches at the time and have kept it short since, but I felt the desire to grow it again when I started getting healthy again. I think the task goes along well with my current trajectory.
Activity
3.3 miles
Meals
8 0z protein drink
1/2 cup cheerios
1/4 cup milk
Harvest PowerBar
1 bag Baked Lays
1 large iced tea
6" tuna sandwich (half the tuna)
1/2 cheese quesadilla
Thursday
Day 38!
11/19/2009
Day 38 of 182
Another storm is moving in, you just gotta love Oregon and our eventful seasons. Rain and more rain. Without the rain, we would not have any of the beautiful vegetation. I spent some more time enjoying the beautiful Portland City Parks and worked up quite a sweat! It was awesome! I must say though that getting old is a BITCH! My right knee has been causing me a lot of problems and has become very painful and swollen. Ever since I fell out of a tree while on my honeymoon in Hawaii, landing square on my right knee, (a long and funny story ending in 14 stitches) it just hasn't been the same. I am choosing to believe that as I get smaller and more fit, that it will hurt less. . .
So, I have been working on my weight loss goal and exercise plan for awhile now and the pace began slow and has definitely progressed. My husband caught the fitness bug and he has lost about 15 pounds! Amazing! Annoying, but amazing. I guarantee that I have worked harder and have eaten significantly less, and I would be lucky if I lost 8 pounds let alone 15. His overall health has improved greatly and I am very proud of him. By the way, I am still not on good terms with my scale. I am working solely in terms of inches lost and how my clothes fit. I have been receiving supportive comments from my friends and family, making me feel more confident in my progress.
Activity
3 mile hike
Meals
1/4 cup Life cereal
1 Naked juice
1/2 Harvest Bar
5 oz poached salmon
1/4 cup brown rice
17 pretzels
16 oz Gatorade
Day 38 of 182
Another storm is moving in, you just gotta love Oregon and our eventful seasons. Rain and more rain. Without the rain, we would not have any of the beautiful vegetation. I spent some more time enjoying the beautiful Portland City Parks and worked up quite a sweat! It was awesome! I must say though that getting old is a BITCH! My right knee has been causing me a lot of problems and has become very painful and swollen. Ever since I fell out of a tree while on my honeymoon in Hawaii, landing square on my right knee, (a long and funny story ending in 14 stitches) it just hasn't been the same. I am choosing to believe that as I get smaller and more fit, that it will hurt less. . .
So, I have been working on my weight loss goal and exercise plan for awhile now and the pace began slow and has definitely progressed. My husband caught the fitness bug and he has lost about 15 pounds! Amazing! Annoying, but amazing. I guarantee that I have worked harder and have eaten significantly less, and I would be lucky if I lost 8 pounds let alone 15. His overall health has improved greatly and I am very proud of him. By the way, I am still not on good terms with my scale. I am working solely in terms of inches lost and how my clothes fit. I have been receiving supportive comments from my friends and family, making me feel more confident in my progress.
Activity
3 mile hike
Meals
1/4 cup Life cereal
1 Naked juice
1/2 Harvest Bar
5 oz poached salmon
1/4 cup brown rice
17 pretzels
16 oz Gatorade
37 Days and Counting
11/18/2009
Day 37 of 182
I love having a DVR! One of the shows that I watch religiously is The Dr. Oz show and I watch it practically every day. One of the best things about Dr. Oz is that he places SO much emphasis on healthy living, including diet and exercise. There are so many people out there that are struggling with weight issues and low self esteem. One of the hardest things is mustering up the courage and the strength needed to begin making a much needed change, whether it is diet and exercise related or whatever other challenges that we may be facing.
I have a dear friend and mentor who recently reached out to me for encouragement and providing her with some much needed support was humbling. Now, I will not reveal the name of this particular friend, but I would like to note that she has had a profound effect on my life and was integral in the pursuit and completion of my education and has been there for me through the loss of my father and my brother. She is an amazing and selfless person. She is very wise and gives an incredible amount. One would never imagine that someone so beautiful, both inside and out, could possibly be unhappy with herself and her appearance. She appears to have it all together and epitomizes and strong and independent woman.
My friend is suffering. She feels trapped in her body and is very unhappy with her appearance. I can understand how she feels and have absolutely been there. I would have never thought that an amazing woman like her felt the way that I have. It goes to show you that you never really know what even some of your closest friends may be feeling. It is heartbreaking and I hope that my journey and path can provide her with even a small fraction of what she has provided me. I am working through this. Small steps become bigger steps which lead to huge leaps. Once the ball gets rolling, it is difficult to stop.
To my dear friend, just start with baby steps and you will soon find yourself leaping. I am hear from you, I will be here for your meltdowns and help you celebrate your victories! I love you! You are amazing and have been an inspiration to many.
Activity
2 Miles
Upper body strength training
Meals
Cheerios with a medium banana and 1/4 cup milk
6" Tuna Sandwich (half the tuna)
1 bag Baked Lays
8 oz Gatorade
1 Harvest Bar
1 small salad with 3 oz steamed crab
Day 37 of 182
I love having a DVR! One of the shows that I watch religiously is The Dr. Oz show and I watch it practically every day. One of the best things about Dr. Oz is that he places SO much emphasis on healthy living, including diet and exercise. There are so many people out there that are struggling with weight issues and low self esteem. One of the hardest things is mustering up the courage and the strength needed to begin making a much needed change, whether it is diet and exercise related or whatever other challenges that we may be facing.
I have a dear friend and mentor who recently reached out to me for encouragement and providing her with some much needed support was humbling. Now, I will not reveal the name of this particular friend, but I would like to note that she has had a profound effect on my life and was integral in the pursuit and completion of my education and has been there for me through the loss of my father and my brother. She is an amazing and selfless person. She is very wise and gives an incredible amount. One would never imagine that someone so beautiful, both inside and out, could possibly be unhappy with herself and her appearance. She appears to have it all together and epitomizes and strong and independent woman.
My friend is suffering. She feels trapped in her body and is very unhappy with her appearance. I can understand how she feels and have absolutely been there. I would have never thought that an amazing woman like her felt the way that I have. It goes to show you that you never really know what even some of your closest friends may be feeling. It is heartbreaking and I hope that my journey and path can provide her with even a small fraction of what she has provided me. I am working through this. Small steps become bigger steps which lead to huge leaps. Once the ball gets rolling, it is difficult to stop.
To my dear friend, just start with baby steps and you will soon find yourself leaping. I am hear from you, I will be here for your meltdowns and help you celebrate your victories! I love you! You are amazing and have been an inspiration to many.
Activity
2 Miles
Upper body strength training
Meals
Cheerios with a medium banana and 1/4 cup milk
6" Tuna Sandwich (half the tuna)
1 bag Baked Lays
8 oz Gatorade
1 Harvest Bar
1 small salad with 3 oz steamed crab
Wednesday
ODBF Day 36
11/17/2009
Day 36 of 182
Today I decided to take my dog, as well as my in-law's dog on my hike around Forest Park. It was pretty wet outside and the ground was very soggy. I don't think that I have been this muddy since I was a kid, but I really enjoyed myself and the dogs did as well. I think one of the best things about Portland is how many great urban trails we have. It is amazing and the views are incredible. I have found myself drawn to Forest Park as well as Tryon Creek State Park lately, soaking up the beauty of fall. I try to take my dog as much as I can, and being a Beagle, she keeps her nose to the ground the whole time picking up the tiniest scent. Anyone that has any experience with Beagles knows that they love to eat and can use the exercise. She is now the in great shape since she started exercising with me and I had to increase her food consumption to keep her from losing more weight. Now, we just have to get my inlaw's dog moving a bit more.
Activity:
3.2 mile hike
Meals
8 oz protein drink
1 Harvest Power Bar
1 small side salad
Gardenburger (no condiments)
Nonfat yogurt and Grape Nuts
1 cup of air popped popcorn
16 oz Gatorade
Sushi (Spider Roll, Daikon Salad, Alaskan Roll, Spanish Makeral Nigiri)
Day 36 of 182
Today I decided to take my dog, as well as my in-law's dog on my hike around Forest Park. It was pretty wet outside and the ground was very soggy. I don't think that I have been this muddy since I was a kid, but I really enjoyed myself and the dogs did as well. I think one of the best things about Portland is how many great urban trails we have. It is amazing and the views are incredible. I have found myself drawn to Forest Park as well as Tryon Creek State Park lately, soaking up the beauty of fall. I try to take my dog as much as I can, and being a Beagle, she keeps her nose to the ground the whole time picking up the tiniest scent. Anyone that has any experience with Beagles knows that they love to eat and can use the exercise. She is now the in great shape since she started exercising with me and I had to increase her food consumption to keep her from losing more weight. Now, we just have to get my inlaw's dog moving a bit more.
Activity:
3.2 mile hike
Meals
8 oz protein drink
1 Harvest Power Bar
1 small side salad
Gardenburger (no condiments)
Nonfat yogurt and Grape Nuts
1 cup of air popped popcorn
16 oz Gatorade
Sushi (Spider Roll, Daikon Salad, Alaskan Roll, Spanish Makeral Nigiri)
Monday
Body Types? (Day 35)
11/16/2005
Day 35 of 182
Just this last week, I really began seeing a difference in my body composition. I began to feel as though I personally saw and felt a difference. My clothes fit more loosely and I wasn't able to wear a few of my old tops! (WOW!) I had also purchased an Adidas workout top (XL) that was super on sale without trying it on and actually found that it was TOO big, which hasn't happened in, like, forever. . . .Which was AWESOME!
Today, I was online and was searching various weight loss questions that I have had and I came across an article about weight loss, body image and body type. I found a couple of interesting factoids. I had read about body types before and thought that I should share what I had found.
There are three basic body types: Ectomorphs, Mesomorphs and Endomorphs. The least found is Ectomorphs who, by definition are tall and lanky and have a difficult building muscle and fat mass. Mesomorphs are generally shorter and stockier. They have a difficult losing fat, but gain muscle easily and excel in power sports. The third body type is that of an endomorph, which happens to be my body type. These people generally carry more body fat and deal well in times of starvation which may have been beneficial to our ancestors, but not so great for me. They tend to be pear and apple shaped. It is impossible to change what is genetically inherent to you.
The media has set unrealistic expectations for both men AND women. Currently, models weigh 23% less than the average woman. And we have all heard the "Barbie" comparison stating that if a woman had Barbie's proportions she would be 5'9" tall and weigh 11o pounds, which is unhealthy. Many women may not even menstruate due to malnutrition. Barbie's measurements would be 39-18-33; completely unrealistic. In comparison the body composition of a GI Joe toy places the warrior with 55 inch chest and a 27 in bicep, making his bicep almost the same circumference as his waist.
We all have an unrealistic expectation of what we SHOULD look like. The trick is to determine what is best for you. I have a goal in mind that I am working toward. I am trying to focus on my actual size versus weight. I realize now that I am trying to lose FAT not necessarily
weight and need to place focus on the difference between the two. It is a difficult to discern the difference, but there is a difference.
Activity:
3.3 miles
Meals
1/2 cup Cheerios with 1/4 cup milk
8 0z protein drink
6" tuna sandwich (from Subway) with half the normal amount of tuna.
1 bag of Baked Lays
17 pretzels
Iced tea
(dinner, not sure what yet)
Day 35 of 182
Just this last week, I really began seeing a difference in my body composition. I began to feel as though I personally saw and felt a difference. My clothes fit more loosely and I wasn't able to wear a few of my old tops! (WOW!) I had also purchased an Adidas workout top (XL) that was super on sale without trying it on and actually found that it was TOO big, which hasn't happened in, like, forever. . . .Which was AWESOME!
Today, I was online and was searching various weight loss questions that I have had and I came across an article about weight loss, body image and body type. I found a couple of interesting factoids. I had read about body types before and thought that I should share what I had found.
There are three basic body types: Ectomorphs, Mesomorphs and Endomorphs. The least found is Ectomorphs who, by definition are tall and lanky and have a difficult building muscle and fat mass. Mesomorphs are generally shorter and stockier. They have a difficult losing fat, but gain muscle easily and excel in power sports. The third body type is that of an endomorph, which happens to be my body type. These people generally carry more body fat and deal well in times of starvation which may have been beneficial to our ancestors, but not so great for me. They tend to be pear and apple shaped. It is impossible to change what is genetically inherent to you.
The media has set unrealistic expectations for both men AND women. Currently, models weigh 23% less than the average woman. And we have all heard the "Barbie" comparison stating that if a woman had Barbie's proportions she would be 5'9" tall and weigh 11o pounds, which is unhealthy. Many women may not even menstruate due to malnutrition. Barbie's measurements would be 39-18-33; completely unrealistic. In comparison the body composition of a GI Joe toy places the warrior with 55 inch chest and a 27 in bicep, making his bicep almost the same circumference as his waist.
We all have an unrealistic expectation of what we SHOULD look like. The trick is to determine what is best for you. I have a goal in mind that I am working toward. I am trying to focus on my actual size versus weight. I realize now that I am trying to lose FAT not necessarily
weight and need to place focus on the difference between the two. It is a difficult to discern the difference, but there is a difference.
Activity:
3.3 miles
Meals
1/2 cup Cheerios with 1/4 cup milk
8 0z protein drink
6" tuna sandwich (from Subway) with half the normal amount of tuna.
1 bag of Baked Lays
17 pretzels
Iced tea
(dinner, not sure what yet)
Sunday
ODBF Day 34
11/15/09
Day 34 of 182
I am pooped. I slept for about antwo hours last night because I was so anxious about work and the possibility of over sleeping. Then, I was so frustrated by the fact that I couldn't sleep that I kept counting down the hours that I had left. I think I drifted off around 6:30 or so and woke up at 8:30. It totally sucks>
Work has been long and tedious today and I am excited to have the next few days off. I am psyched to work out nice and hard tomorrow and Tuesday. I can't wait! Sundays have traditionally been my "Off Day" diet wise, as you may know, but I decided that I would postpone it for tomorrow since I had to work today.
I was giddy this morning as I attempted to dress for work. Many of my clothes are beginning to be too big, which is very exciting. For some reason, all of a sudden I notice that I am beginning to shrink. Pants that were tight just last week are now too big to wear. I believe it has to do with my hard work (diet and exercise wise) along with going back to work full time. I can't wait to get into some of my other smaller clothes. Soon. Very soon.
Activity:
None
Meals:
Odwalla Protein Bar
Salad (no dressing)
Iced Latte
Fish Sandwich (poached tillapia 4 oz with bun, pickles lettuce, provolone and 1 tbsp. tartar sauce)
1/2 cheese quesadilla (no butter)
Yogurt with Grapenuts
Day 34 of 182
I am pooped. I slept for about antwo hours last night because I was so anxious about work and the possibility of over sleeping. Then, I was so frustrated by the fact that I couldn't sleep that I kept counting down the hours that I had left. I think I drifted off around 6:30 or so and woke up at 8:30. It totally sucks>
Work has been long and tedious today and I am excited to have the next few days off. I am psyched to work out nice and hard tomorrow and Tuesday. I can't wait! Sundays have traditionally been my "Off Day" diet wise, as you may know, but I decided that I would postpone it for tomorrow since I had to work today.
I was giddy this morning as I attempted to dress for work. Many of my clothes are beginning to be too big, which is very exciting. For some reason, all of a sudden I notice that I am beginning to shrink. Pants that were tight just last week are now too big to wear. I believe it has to do with my hard work (diet and exercise wise) along with going back to work full time. I can't wait to get into some of my other smaller clothes. Soon. Very soon.
Activity:
None
Meals:
Odwalla Protein Bar
Salad (no dressing)
Iced Latte
Fish Sandwich (poached tillapia 4 oz with bun, pickles lettuce, provolone and 1 tbsp. tartar sauce)
1/2 cheese quesadilla (no butter)
Yogurt with Grapenuts
Saturday
ODBF Day 33
11/14/09
Day 33 of 182
Today is Saturday and I have been beaten down by work this week. I am at my wits end and just want to fast forward through the tomorrow so that I can enjoy my two days off. I have been working 11-12 hour days this week and tomorrow is my final day of my six day work week. Even in my sleep, I am at work. . . at least mentally. (Isn't anything sacred?) I dream about work and they are not pleasant dreams either, they are just as stressful as actual work and I find myself waking up in a panic. Pathetic.
So, I am tiered and grumpy and will need to be back at work (an hour away from home) tomorrow by 11:30 a.m., which will be about ten hours after I get home tonight so I am doubtful that I will be working out in the morning. I am still reeling from my upper body strength training yesterday. My lats are killing me! I love that!
Activity
2.5 mile hike
Meals
Life Cereal with milk
Granola Bar
8 oz orange juice
Iced latte with vanilla
Small salad with 6 oz salmon (no butter)
1/4 cup clam chowder
Small salad
Yogurt with Grapenuts
1 beer
Day 33 of 182
Today is Saturday and I have been beaten down by work this week. I am at my wits end and just want to fast forward through the tomorrow so that I can enjoy my two days off. I have been working 11-12 hour days this week and tomorrow is my final day of my six day work week. Even in my sleep, I am at work. . . at least mentally. (Isn't anything sacred?) I dream about work and they are not pleasant dreams either, they are just as stressful as actual work and I find myself waking up in a panic. Pathetic.
So, I am tiered and grumpy and will need to be back at work (an hour away from home) tomorrow by 11:30 a.m., which will be about ten hours after I get home tonight so I am doubtful that I will be working out in the morning. I am still reeling from my upper body strength training yesterday. My lats are killing me! I love that!
Activity
2.5 mile hike
Meals
Life Cereal with milk
Granola Bar
8 oz orange juice
Iced latte with vanilla
Small salad with 6 oz salmon (no butter)
1/4 cup clam chowder
Small salad
Yogurt with Grapenuts
1 beer
Friday
Old Habits Die Hard (Day 32)
11/23/2009
Day 32 of 182
I am about 1/6th of my way toward my goal date, which is in early April around the same time as my wedding anniversary as well as the wedding of two dear friends of ours and I was damned if I was going to go to one more friends wedding and have their eternal photographic memories depicting a fat and unhealthy me. It wasn't really the wedding that encouraged me but the thought of one more set of photographs that I couldn't stand to look at was unbearable. I want to feel proud of how I look, instead of cringing while looking at my image in a photograph or a mirror.
I started thinking about habits the other day and how hard it is to change them, especially the bad ones. In hindsight, I realize now how unhealthy a lot of my old habits were, especially when it came to working late nights and getting up late in the morning. Now this is not something that I am proud of, but the old me used to drive through the 24 hour McDonald's drive through on my way home four out of five nights that I worked. You know it is bad when the drive through attendant knows what you are going to order before you say it. (In a rut much?) I would always get a 10 piece chicken nugget and occasionally a double cheese burger. Talk about terrible! I was always so hungry when I got home because I had worked a long shift without eating properly. So, I decided to list a few habits that I have had to change.
Soda: The old me drank soda (usually caffeinated) all night long. I thought the sugar kept my energy up along with the caffeine. The new me does not drink soda. I allow myself on serving of Gatorade a day then drink water for the rest of the day.
Fast food: The old me ate it regularly, as you have read above. I rationalized it by thinking about how hard I had worked that day and a myriad of other reasons. The new me has had fast food once since I began this journey, with the exception of Subway. I have basically eliminated fried food from my diet and rarely have the desire to eat it.
Caffeine: I like a good cup of of coffee or espresso as much as the next person, and I still have it occasionally. The old me needed it in the morning and throughout the day just to get through. Hell, I wouldn't have made it through college without it. Now, I have maybe a cup a day, but more like one every other day. I don't use sweetener and I rarely use milk. I certainly don't drink it in the afternoon or evening.
Giving up these things was hard, absolutely. The first few weeks were tough and I craved sugar. I had to resist the impulse to go to the convenience store and buy candy or ice cream. I hardly think about it now and I am surrounded by temptations every moment of my working day from desserts and sodas to fried and cheese smothered food. I think about the caloric value in everything that I consume in terms of how hard I will have to work to burn it off.
Old habits die hard, but they do die.
Activity:
1.5 miles
1 hour strength training
Biceps
Triceps
Shoulders
Pectorals
Back
Forearms
Meals
Cheerios with milk (1/2 cup with 1/4 cup)
8 oz Gatorade
8 oz Odwalla protein drink
Subway veggie sandwich (6 in)
Baked Lays
Odwalla protein bar
Salad with 4 oz poached salmon (dressing on side)
Hard Boiled Egg
Nonfat yogurt with Grapenuts
Day 32 of 182
I am about 1/6th of my way toward my goal date, which is in early April around the same time as my wedding anniversary as well as the wedding of two dear friends of ours and I was damned if I was going to go to one more friends wedding and have their eternal photographic memories depicting a fat and unhealthy me. It wasn't really the wedding that encouraged me but the thought of one more set of photographs that I couldn't stand to look at was unbearable. I want to feel proud of how I look, instead of cringing while looking at my image in a photograph or a mirror.
I started thinking about habits the other day and how hard it is to change them, especially the bad ones. In hindsight, I realize now how unhealthy a lot of my old habits were, especially when it came to working late nights and getting up late in the morning. Now this is not something that I am proud of, but the old me used to drive through the 24 hour McDonald's drive through on my way home four out of five nights that I worked. You know it is bad when the drive through attendant knows what you are going to order before you say it. (In a rut much?) I would always get a 10 piece chicken nugget and occasionally a double cheese burger. Talk about terrible! I was always so hungry when I got home because I had worked a long shift without eating properly. So, I decided to list a few habits that I have had to change.
Soda: The old me drank soda (usually caffeinated) all night long. I thought the sugar kept my energy up along with the caffeine. The new me does not drink soda. I allow myself on serving of Gatorade a day then drink water for the rest of the day.
Fast food: The old me ate it regularly, as you have read above. I rationalized it by thinking about how hard I had worked that day and a myriad of other reasons. The new me has had fast food once since I began this journey, with the exception of Subway. I have basically eliminated fried food from my diet and rarely have the desire to eat it.
Caffeine: I like a good cup of of coffee or espresso as much as the next person, and I still have it occasionally. The old me needed it in the morning and throughout the day just to get through. Hell, I wouldn't have made it through college without it. Now, I have maybe a cup a day, but more like one every other day. I don't use sweetener and I rarely use milk. I certainly don't drink it in the afternoon or evening.
Giving up these things was hard, absolutely. The first few weeks were tough and I craved sugar. I had to resist the impulse to go to the convenience store and buy candy or ice cream. I hardly think about it now and I am surrounded by temptations every moment of my working day from desserts and sodas to fried and cheese smothered food. I think about the caloric value in everything that I consume in terms of how hard I will have to work to burn it off.
Old habits die hard, but they do die.
Activity:
1.5 miles
1 hour strength training
Biceps
Triceps
Shoulders
Pectorals
Back
Forearms
Meals
Cheerios with milk (1/2 cup with 1/4 cup)
8 oz Gatorade
8 oz Odwalla protein drink
Subway veggie sandwich (6 in)
Baked Lays
Odwalla protein bar
Salad with 4 oz poached salmon (dressing on side)
Hard Boiled Egg
Nonfat yogurt with Grapenuts
Thursday
ODBF Day 31
11/12/09
Day 31 of 182
Last night was excruciating! I ran my butt off for 7 hours straight! I have had few very tough shifts physically speaking and last night was one of them. I am exhausted! I did some research into the degree of caloric expenditure people within the restaurant industry experience and if I use even a low calculation, I burned an additional 900 calories ( I have seen calculations upwards of 1800.) So, I guess that is helpful.
I did 2 miles of hiking today and had to use my inhaler, I think it was because the air was so cold today, it really hurt and I coughed for a few hours afterward, but it was beautiful today outside and the crisp air was refreshing. I just set my i-pod to shuffle Foo Fighters and I zoned out. I love the ability to check out of the thoughts of normal day and just be.
I get to drive out to Gresham today to work there, so I don't have a lot of extra time.
Activity:
2 mile hike
Meals:
Chex Cereal with milk
8 oz Gatorade
1/2 protein bar, it was stale
6 peices of brown rice california roll
Large salad with 6 grilled shrimp ( no butter)
Peice of Bread
Bag of almonds
Day 31 of 182
Last night was excruciating! I ran my butt off for 7 hours straight! I have had few very tough shifts physically speaking and last night was one of them. I am exhausted! I did some research into the degree of caloric expenditure people within the restaurant industry experience and if I use even a low calculation, I burned an additional 900 calories ( I have seen calculations upwards of 1800.) So, I guess that is helpful.
I did 2 miles of hiking today and had to use my inhaler, I think it was because the air was so cold today, it really hurt and I coughed for a few hours afterward, but it was beautiful today outside and the crisp air was refreshing. I just set my i-pod to shuffle Foo Fighters and I zoned out. I love the ability to check out of the thoughts of normal day and just be.
I get to drive out to Gresham today to work there, so I don't have a lot of extra time.
Activity:
2 mile hike
Meals:
Chex Cereal with milk
8 oz Gatorade
1/2 protein bar, it was stale
6 peices of brown rice california roll
Large salad with 6 grilled shrimp ( no butter)
Peice of Bread
Bag of almonds
ODBF Day 30
11/10/09
Day 30 of 182
Well, I am having to update my blog from work because I have been staying at my mom's house for the past two nights because I have had to travel to Salem to work some shifts there. As a "roaming" manager I travel around the state and to Vancouver, WA to work, observe and assist. My mom has a computer, but does not have internet, so I am working a day behind currently.
Today is Veteren's Day (thank you all current or previous military personnel) and we are running a promotion so I anticipate that I am going to be busy. I need to be at work by noon and I won't be finished until after midnight, so today my exercise routine will take a hit, but hopefully after 13 hours of work hell, I will have burned off a little extra to compensate.
I am really beginning to see the effects of the exercise though. My coat sleeves are fitting more loosely, I am gaining definition in my arms and beginning to look toned. My pecs have hurt for three days now since to my last upper body work out, but I kind of like the pain. It reminds me of my progress. I have heard that six weeks into working out you will see a significant difference. I am 3/4 there and already see definite results. This pleases me.
Acitivity:
None
Meals:
Chex cereal with milk
Odwalla Protein Bar
8 oz Gatorade
Fish sandwich (made with poached Tillapia, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and a bun)
1/4 cup fresh blueberries
Salad with 4 oz poached fish
Organic noodle soup
Day 30 of 182
Well, I am having to update my blog from work because I have been staying at my mom's house for the past two nights because I have had to travel to Salem to work some shifts there. As a "roaming" manager I travel around the state and to Vancouver, WA to work, observe and assist. My mom has a computer, but does not have internet, so I am working a day behind currently.
Today is Veteren's Day (thank you all current or previous military personnel) and we are running a promotion so I anticipate that I am going to be busy. I need to be at work by noon and I won't be finished until after midnight, so today my exercise routine will take a hit, but hopefully after 13 hours of work hell, I will have burned off a little extra to compensate.
I am really beginning to see the effects of the exercise though. My coat sleeves are fitting more loosely, I am gaining definition in my arms and beginning to look toned. My pecs have hurt for three days now since to my last upper body work out, but I kind of like the pain. It reminds me of my progress. I have heard that six weeks into working out you will see a significant difference. I am 3/4 there and already see definite results. This pleases me.
Acitivity:
None
Meals:
Chex cereal with milk
Odwalla Protein Bar
8 oz Gatorade
Fish sandwich (made with poached Tillapia, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and a bun)
1/4 cup fresh blueberries
Salad with 4 oz poached fish
Organic noodle soup
Wednesday
OBDF Day 29
11/10/09
Day 29 of 182
Tuesday. IT is supposed to be my weigh in day, but since my scale and I were on a "break" I wasn't going to check it. . . . . . I couldn't help myself and I checked. Thankfully, the scale wasn't mean to me to day. I my mystery 5lbs that had been building for the past two weeks was gone, with another half pound! 237.5. This is my lowest weigh in yet!!!
Now, I know that I have a few readers, a few of which are guys and I have really been trying to keep "Female Issues" out of my blog, but I must say a few things and keep it at that. I did some research about my mystery weight and learned that it is not uncommon for women to gain weight beginning the two weeks before her monthly visit, which coincidentally is when my weight began to increase. A few weeks ago I had a blog post that indicated that I had gained three pounds in two days, which just isn't possible, given that I have been and remain to be vigilant in my diet and exercise. I also contribute my melt down last week to hormones and would advise any man that reads this to keep this in mind and keep any comments that you may have about your female significant other to yourself. We already feel self conscious and any attention brought to the fact will only piss us off.
So, I am happily encouraged and continue with my efforts. BTW I apologize if there are significant spelling errors, I am using a computer that doesn't have spell check so I may have missed a few things.
Activity
2 Miles
Lunges
Squats
Calf Raises
Meals
8 oz Protein drink
Odwalla Protein Bar
8 oz Gatorade
Large Iced Tea
6" Tuna sandwich (Subway)
1 Bag Baked Lays
Small Salad
4 Shrimp
Nonfat Yogurt
Low Fat Granola (1/4 Cup)
Day 29 of 182
Tuesday. IT is supposed to be my weigh in day, but since my scale and I were on a "break" I wasn't going to check it. . . . . . I couldn't help myself and I checked. Thankfully, the scale wasn't mean to me to day. I my mystery 5lbs that had been building for the past two weeks was gone, with another half pound! 237.5. This is my lowest weigh in yet!!!
Now, I know that I have a few readers, a few of which are guys and I have really been trying to keep "Female Issues" out of my blog, but I must say a few things and keep it at that. I did some research about my mystery weight and learned that it is not uncommon for women to gain weight beginning the two weeks before her monthly visit, which coincidentally is when my weight began to increase. A few weeks ago I had a blog post that indicated that I had gained three pounds in two days, which just isn't possible, given that I have been and remain to be vigilant in my diet and exercise. I also contribute my melt down last week to hormones and would advise any man that reads this to keep this in mind and keep any comments that you may have about your female significant other to yourself. We already feel self conscious and any attention brought to the fact will only piss us off.
So, I am happily encouraged and continue with my efforts. BTW I apologize if there are significant spelling errors, I am using a computer that doesn't have spell check so I may have missed a few things.
Activity
2 Miles
Lunges
Squats
Calf Raises
Meals
8 oz Protein drink
Odwalla Protein Bar
8 oz Gatorade
Large Iced Tea
6" Tuna sandwich (Subway)
1 Bag Baked Lays
Small Salad
4 Shrimp
Nonfat Yogurt
Low Fat Granola (1/4 Cup)
Monday
ODBF Day 28
11/9/09
Day 28 of 182
What a day today! I woke up this morning around 5 a.m. with only about 3.5 hours of sleep. I had a personal issue that I had to deal with that woke me up and stressed me out. After returning home, I just had to take a nap which is something that I never do. I am just not a napper. Usually it has to be pitch dark in order for me to sleep, but not today and I napped for about an hour and a half.
I was wondering if I could muster up the strength to go workout as I could barely keep my eyes open but after I took my nap I convinced myself (not wholeheartedly I would like to add) to go. It has been raining for three days straight and getting drenched did not exactly sound like fun, but luckily I chose the right time and it only sprinkled on me for the first quarter of my 3.3 mile power walk.
I am certainly feeling the effects of my job as my legs burned the entire time, which is something that had previously gone away as my exercise has progressed. "They" say that (who exactly can pinpoint who "they" are) that muscle fatigue is a good thing, but it sometimes makes me feel as though my body is falling apart. Getting older is a bitch.
I get to go back to work tomorrow and continue my challenge! Wish me luck!
Activity:
3.3 miles
Bicep curls
Push ups
Shoulder presses
Tricep extensions
Chest presses
Meals:
Protein drink 8 oz
2 eggs
2 slices sour dough toast
1/2 blueberry pancake
8 oz OJ
Day 28 of 182
What a day today! I woke up this morning around 5 a.m. with only about 3.5 hours of sleep. I had a personal issue that I had to deal with that woke me up and stressed me out. After returning home, I just had to take a nap which is something that I never do. I am just not a napper. Usually it has to be pitch dark in order for me to sleep, but not today and I napped for about an hour and a half.
I was wondering if I could muster up the strength to go workout as I could barely keep my eyes open but after I took my nap I convinced myself (not wholeheartedly I would like to add) to go. It has been raining for three days straight and getting drenched did not exactly sound like fun, but luckily I chose the right time and it only sprinkled on me for the first quarter of my 3.3 mile power walk.
I am certainly feeling the effects of my job as my legs burned the entire time, which is something that had previously gone away as my exercise has progressed. "They" say that (who exactly can pinpoint who "they" are) that muscle fatigue is a good thing, but it sometimes makes me feel as though my body is falling apart. Getting older is a bitch.
I get to go back to work tomorrow and continue my challenge! Wish me luck!
Activity:
3.3 miles
Bicep curls
Push ups
Shoulder presses
Tricep extensions
Chest presses
Meals:
Protein drink 8 oz
2 eggs
2 slices sour dough toast
1/2 blueberry pancake
8 oz OJ
Sunday
OBDF Day 27
11/08/09
Day 27 of 182
Today was my first official "day off" work wise, and I have to say that it has been a long, torturous work week! My first week back (60 hour week) was long, stressful and both physically and mentally exhausting. There were times when I found myself starving and tempted by the worst of foods, barely finding the resolve and will power to stick to my new lifestyle diet-wise and finding just enough time to exercise (most days that is.) There just isn't enough time in a day.
Friday was by far the most frustrating of my work days and I was hanging on by a thread. After taking the day before off from exercise, I experienced one of the worst restaurant shifts in restaurant history. . . . . literally food service hell! A lot of angry customers, a ton of late and wrong food and a lot, and I mean 7 straight hours of constant running! My feet hurt and my legs have ached for days!
So, today was my "off day" both work-wise as well as exercise wise. Sundays I allow myself to eat whatever I want. . . but not that it matters too much because my current goal is ALWAYS on my mind, but it does provide me with wiggle room. I had decided to spend the day driving to Seattle so that I could finally go visit my late brother's grave sight since his headstone had been installed and it was a day full of emotion and recollection. It's nearly been two years and I miss him very much. His headstone was beautiful and depicted him nicely.
Needless to say, just a day of leisure and time well spent. Return to the grindstone tomorrow!
Activity:
Hardly any, roaming the Seattle streets.
Meals:
Egg, cheese biscuit
protein drink
apple
protein bar
latte with vanilla
Salad (dressing on side)
Steamed veggies (no butter)
8 0z. Alaskan King Crab
Steamed milk with vanilla
Day 27 of 182
Today was my first official "day off" work wise, and I have to say that it has been a long, torturous work week! My first week back (60 hour week) was long, stressful and both physically and mentally exhausting. There were times when I found myself starving and tempted by the worst of foods, barely finding the resolve and will power to stick to my new lifestyle diet-wise and finding just enough time to exercise (most days that is.) There just isn't enough time in a day.
Friday was by far the most frustrating of my work days and I was hanging on by a thread. After taking the day before off from exercise, I experienced one of the worst restaurant shifts in restaurant history. . . . . literally food service hell! A lot of angry customers, a ton of late and wrong food and a lot, and I mean 7 straight hours of constant running! My feet hurt and my legs have ached for days!
So, today was my "off day" both work-wise as well as exercise wise. Sundays I allow myself to eat whatever I want. . . but not that it matters too much because my current goal is ALWAYS on my mind, but it does provide me with wiggle room. I had decided to spend the day driving to Seattle so that I could finally go visit my late brother's grave sight since his headstone had been installed and it was a day full of emotion and recollection. It's nearly been two years and I miss him very much. His headstone was beautiful and depicted him nicely.
Needless to say, just a day of leisure and time well spent. Return to the grindstone tomorrow!
Activity:
Hardly any, roaming the Seattle streets.
Meals:
Egg, cheese biscuit
protein drink
apple
protein bar
latte with vanilla
Salad (dressing on side)
Steamed veggies (no butter)
8 0z. Alaskan King Crab
Steamed milk with vanilla
Saturday
OBDF Day 26
11/07/09
Day 26 of 182
When I had finally made the decision to get my sorry ass in shape, I started with small steps. One of the very first thing that I began doing was writing everything that I ate and drank (besides water.) If you bite it, write it. . . I didn't come up with that mantra on my own. I heard it on the Tyra show the other day, but it is the truth, because when you really start to realize what you are eating and how much you are eating when you write it all down. It really helps you allow to analyze your diet and adjust where needed.
Then, about a month after adjusting my diet and changing my eating habits I slowly integrated exercise. After a few weeks that slowly progressed as well. In an effort to hold myself accountable, I started keeping a journal detailing my exercise and eating. I also integrated notes about my blood pressure, mood and I even went so far as to note how regular I was. I know, that seems a bit strange, but I noticed a significant change due to the amount of raw vegetables and fiber that I was eating and found it note worthy. This whole process, including the dietary change took about 6 weeks before I set my ultimate goal.
At first, it was just trying to eat healthier and then I became motivated to really get in shape. I thought about the last time that I was truly happy with how I looked and felt and realized that it was six years ago, just before I was married. I weighed 180 ( my current goal weight) and was sporting a size 10-12, which is still considered "plus sized model" sized, but I was toned and I felt amazing. I had a resting heart rate of 48. (At my unhealthiest, my resting heart rate was around 80!) So that's how I came to my current goal/target weight. I grabbed a notebook and created a day by day account and began. Then, came the blog and I transferred all of my previous weeks notes into my blog, which has obviously graduated to a day by day blog.
This blog holds me very accountable. It began with having only a few readers and now I am receiving comments, accolades and encouragement from people that I don't know. I can not tell you what a profound effect that this has had on me and I would like to acknowledge the support that I have received and thank everyone. I know that each day I have to come here and confess my sins or good deeds and it really does keep me motivated and on track.
Activity
Strength Training
Triceps
Shoulders
Push ups
Crunches
Meals
Two eggs
Two soy sausage patties
1 slice of whole wheat toast
6 oz superfood juice
Latte (2% with vanilla)
Gradenburger
Salad
Odwalla Bar
Gatorade
Cashews
Yogurt (non-fat) with granola (low fat)
Note: I make my diet plans in the morning, usually after breakfast, but before the majority of my day. Usually I have to go back and adjust it, especially now that I have started working, because sometimes, like yesterday, I ran my butt off in a crazy frantic for about 7 hours, beginning the moment I stepped in the door at work, and did not have the opportunity to eat, at all until 9:30 at night. It really sucked, but now I have a prepacked lunch box full of snacks for today.
Day 26 of 182
When I had finally made the decision to get my sorry ass in shape, I started with small steps. One of the very first thing that I began doing was writing everything that I ate and drank (besides water.) If you bite it, write it. . . I didn't come up with that mantra on my own. I heard it on the Tyra show the other day, but it is the truth, because when you really start to realize what you are eating and how much you are eating when you write it all down. It really helps you allow to analyze your diet and adjust where needed.
Then, about a month after adjusting my diet and changing my eating habits I slowly integrated exercise. After a few weeks that slowly progressed as well. In an effort to hold myself accountable, I started keeping a journal detailing my exercise and eating. I also integrated notes about my blood pressure, mood and I even went so far as to note how regular I was. I know, that seems a bit strange, but I noticed a significant change due to the amount of raw vegetables and fiber that I was eating and found it note worthy. This whole process, including the dietary change took about 6 weeks before I set my ultimate goal.
At first, it was just trying to eat healthier and then I became motivated to really get in shape. I thought about the last time that I was truly happy with how I looked and felt and realized that it was six years ago, just before I was married. I weighed 180 ( my current goal weight) and was sporting a size 10-12, which is still considered "plus sized model" sized, but I was toned and I felt amazing. I had a resting heart rate of 48. (At my unhealthiest, my resting heart rate was around 80!) So that's how I came to my current goal/target weight. I grabbed a notebook and created a day by day account and began. Then, came the blog and I transferred all of my previous weeks notes into my blog, which has obviously graduated to a day by day blog.
This blog holds me very accountable. It began with having only a few readers and now I am receiving comments, accolades and encouragement from people that I don't know. I can not tell you what a profound effect that this has had on me and I would like to acknowledge the support that I have received and thank everyone. I know that each day I have to come here and confess my sins or good deeds and it really does keep me motivated and on track.
Activity
Strength Training
Triceps
Shoulders
Push ups
Crunches
Meals
Two eggs
Two soy sausage patties
1 slice of whole wheat toast
6 oz superfood juice
Latte (2% with vanilla)
Gradenburger
Salad
Odwalla Bar
Gatorade
Cashews
Yogurt (non-fat) with granola (low fat)
Note: I make my diet plans in the morning, usually after breakfast, but before the majority of my day. Usually I have to go back and adjust it, especially now that I have started working, because sometimes, like yesterday, I ran my butt off in a crazy frantic for about 7 hours, beginning the moment I stepped in the door at work, and did not have the opportunity to eat, at all until 9:30 at night. It really sucked, but now I have a prepacked lunch box full of snacks for today.
Friday
Life. Upgraded. (Day 25)
11/06/09
Day 25 of 182
As I have mentioned before, I go outside to do my cardio workouts. It's fall and the air is crisp, the leaves are turning and you can't help but notice the epitome of change. I enjoy autumn. Autumn and spring are my favorite seasons. The season is changing and slowly, so am I.
One of the most enjoyable components of my outdoor workouts, particularly my power walks, jogs and hikes is turning on my i-pod and just zoning out. It allows me to let my mind wander and ponder various things that are going on, or have gone on in my life. have a particular workout mix that I composed of various artists, anywhere from The Cars, to Madonna to (and my personal favorite of all time) The Foo Fighters. When I first began my walking, it was tough. My asthma made me wheeze and cough and I couldn't go very fast. One thing that I began doing was timing my steps to the beat of each individual song, thereby varying my intensity and since I had various artists the beats varied greatly. Now, I am on auto pilot and don't need the beats to time my steps, at least, I am not consciously doing timing my steps. The point is I zone out and just enjoy the contemplative time.
I have unfortunately have lost a few family members. My father passed away six years ago and my youngest brother passed away two years ago this December. I have been faced with the aspect of mortality and as I see various people when I am on my walk such as the elderly, disabled or the skinny person sitting at the bus stop puffing on a cigarette, I r ealize more and more that I am too young to be feeling old. I have (a generally) healthy body and it really is a shame to waste any of youth being uncomfortable with how you look or feeling lousy. I truly believe that this is true for anyone at any age who has the opportunity to enjoy their life more. I met a seventy something man the other day who was doing just that. Losing weight and getting healthier. He told me that he was an young man trapped in an old body. He was inspiring. I was and am inspired.
And so I continue my journey toward my goal and realizing what a gift life is and how we should do everything we can do to live our life in an upgraded fashion.
Activity
3.2 miles (I saved a dog that almost got hit by a car, so I had to cut my cardio a bit short so that I could return it to its owner)
Bicep curls
Leg Lifts
Squats
Abdominal lifts
Calf Raises
Meals
Cheerios!
6 oz milk (2%)
6 oz protein drink
6 oz salmon
Salad
Cashews (unsalted)
8 oz Gatorade
Day 25 of 182
As I have mentioned before, I go outside to do my cardio workouts. It's fall and the air is crisp, the leaves are turning and you can't help but notice the epitome of change. I enjoy autumn. Autumn and spring are my favorite seasons. The season is changing and slowly, so am I.
One of the most enjoyable components of my outdoor workouts, particularly my power walks, jogs and hikes is turning on my i-pod and just zoning out. It allows me to let my mind wander and ponder various things that are going on, or have gone on in my life. have a particular workout mix that I composed of various artists, anywhere from The Cars, to Madonna to (and my personal favorite of all time) The Foo Fighters. When I first began my walking, it was tough. My asthma made me wheeze and cough and I couldn't go very fast. One thing that I began doing was timing my steps to the beat of each individual song, thereby varying my intensity and since I had various artists the beats varied greatly. Now, I am on auto pilot and don't need the beats to time my steps, at least, I am not consciously doing timing my steps. The point is I zone out and just enjoy the contemplative time.
I have unfortunately have lost a few family members. My father passed away six years ago and my youngest brother passed away two years ago this December. I have been faced with the aspect of mortality and as I see various people when I am on my walk such as the elderly, disabled or the skinny person sitting at the bus stop puffing on a cigarette, I r ealize more and more that I am too young to be feeling old. I have (a generally) healthy body and it really is a shame to waste any of youth being uncomfortable with how you look or feeling lousy. I truly believe that this is true for anyone at any age who has the opportunity to enjoy their life more. I met a seventy something man the other day who was doing just that. Losing weight and getting healthier. He told me that he was an young man trapped in an old body. He was inspiring. I was and am inspired.
And so I continue my journey toward my goal and realizing what a gift life is and how we should do everything we can do to live our life in an upgraded fashion.
Activity
3.2 miles (I saved a dog that almost got hit by a car, so I had to cut my cardio a bit short so that I could return it to its owner)
Bicep curls
Leg Lifts
Squats
Abdominal lifts
Calf Raises
Meals
Cheerios!
6 oz milk (2%)
6 oz protein drink
6 oz salmon
Salad
Cashews (unsalted)
8 oz Gatorade
Thursday
OPDF Day 24
11/5/09
Day 24 of 182
Hypocrite. One word that defines me today. I feel terrible right now because I just couldn't find it in me to get out and work out this morning. It may be the weather, perhaps I am exhausted. . . I am not sure. I do know that I will have to make it up tomorrow. My feet and back are killing me and my "comfortable" Danskos that I wear to work weigh like two pounds each and I my feet are tiered and killing me today. I know, whaa whaa whaa.
So, I am done bitching and will move on. My husband was kind enough to DVR an episode of Tyra last night and it was all about "getting in shape for your shape." The focus of the program was nutrition and diet. She showcased her nutritionist who stated that getting fit was 80% diet and 20% exercise. I am not sure how I feel about that analysis. Everything that I have read has indicated that calorie restriction without exercise will result in a large loss in muscle mass in addition to fat tissue. Perhaps I have a different opinion of the word "fit."
Most of the dietary suggestions made on the show are things that I am already practicing EXCEPT that I didn't quite agree with the amount and the ratios. . . but that's just me and maybe that is why I am just maintaining. All I can say is that before my exercise regimen, I had to wake up and use my inhaler (for my asthma) or else my workouts would be unbearable, but now I haven't had to use my inhaler for nearly a week. I believe that this clearly indicates that my cardiovascular system is improving and my body is much more agile and strong. I know that nutrition is key to good health, but I believe that the exercise component and nutrition go hand in hand.
Activity
None :( This is the second day off in nearly four weeks) :
Meals:
8 oz. protein drink
Odwallla Bar
8 oz Gatorade
2 eggs
2 pieces whole wheat toast
Yumm Bowl
Salad
Almonds
Day 24 of 182
Hypocrite. One word that defines me today. I feel terrible right now because I just couldn't find it in me to get out and work out this morning. It may be the weather, perhaps I am exhausted. . . I am not sure. I do know that I will have to make it up tomorrow. My feet and back are killing me and my "comfortable" Danskos that I wear to work weigh like two pounds each and I my feet are tiered and killing me today. I know, whaa whaa whaa.
So, I am done bitching and will move on. My husband was kind enough to DVR an episode of Tyra last night and it was all about "getting in shape for your shape." The focus of the program was nutrition and diet. She showcased her nutritionist who stated that getting fit was 80% diet and 20% exercise. I am not sure how I feel about that analysis. Everything that I have read has indicated that calorie restriction without exercise will result in a large loss in muscle mass in addition to fat tissue. Perhaps I have a different opinion of the word "fit."
Most of the dietary suggestions made on the show are things that I am already practicing EXCEPT that I didn't quite agree with the amount and the ratios. . . but that's just me and maybe that is why I am just maintaining. All I can say is that before my exercise regimen, I had to wake up and use my inhaler (for my asthma) or else my workouts would be unbearable, but now I haven't had to use my inhaler for nearly a week. I believe that this clearly indicates that my cardiovascular system is improving and my body is much more agile and strong. I know that nutrition is key to good health, but I believe that the exercise component and nutrition go hand in hand.
Activity
None :( This is the second day off in nearly four weeks) :
Meals:
8 oz. protein drink
Odwallla Bar
8 oz Gatorade
2 eggs
2 pieces whole wheat toast
Yumm Bowl
Salad
Almonds
Wednesday
Back On The Saddle Again (Day 23)
11/4/09
Day 23 of 182
I have recovered (mostly) from my meltdown yesterday. . . I was right, logic beat out emotions, at least for the time being. I suppose that it is a choice and I chose that the end result, as well as the process is an important and valuable component to this experience. I tell myself that ANYTHING worth having does not come easily and that goes for every aspect of ones life.
So, today I have decided to expand on the complexities of my work schedule and my adaptation both activity and meals.
I wake up right now around 9 a.m. I know that for many people that is late.
I usually lounge in bed for about a half hour and wake up.
Around 10 a.m. I eat breakfast, whatever that is which gets me out the door to exercise after letting my food settle for about a half hour.
At 11 a.m. I head outside for my 1 hour cardio, then I come in and do my strength training.
Around 12:30 I head to my home office to write this blog, then hit the shower to get ready for work.
I need to leave by 1:30 for my hour commute.
I get to work at 2:30 where I stay until a little after 11:00 (on the weekdays), then get back in the car for another hour commute.
I get home around midnight and watch t.v. for an hour or so (my DVR programs)
In bed around 1:30 -2 a.m.
Now, anyone who has ever worked in the restaurant industry knows that it is a very physical environment. I don't sit down for more than a half hour(total) on any given day and I am constantly walking, lifting, carrying, stooping, etc. etc. I don't have a lot of time to sit down and eat at the time that most people do and I am having a hard time adjusting my eating schedule to my work schedule. It is a balance and I have to be very deliberate. I bring my snacks, my meals and I have to stick to it, regardless of how many heaping piles of cheese fries, crispy shrimp or yummy snacks that pass my way. I keep telling myself to stay focused, it is on my mind constantly. I expect that eventually it won't be such a conscious endeavor, but for the time being it is effort with a capital "E."
My whole thing with this blog is to show (or try to show) that you don't need a gym membership or fancy shmancy equipment to get fit. You just have to have a thought out plan, stay organized and make time. Believe me, at 11:00 a.m. I would really love to watch The Young and the Restless for an hour and lounge, but that isn't an option right now.
So, Back on the Saddle again. That is me. My scale and I are not on speaking terms at the moment. Our love/hate relationship has shifted to mostly hate right now, and I am unsure of how long our "break" is going to be.
Stupid scale. Stupid, Stupid scale, I hate you. Really, I do.
Activity
5 mile bike ride (My thighs feel like jello and my ass hurts like hell, just so you know.)
1.5 mile jog with dog
Lunges
Squats (with resistance bands)
Meals
2 slices of whole wheat toast
two scrambled eggs with a little cheese
8 oz protein drink
1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
Garden Burger
Apple
Salad
Odwalla Bar
17 pretzels
8 oz Gatorade
Day 23 of 182
I have recovered (mostly) from my meltdown yesterday. . . I was right, logic beat out emotions, at least for the time being. I suppose that it is a choice and I chose that the end result, as well as the process is an important and valuable component to this experience. I tell myself that ANYTHING worth having does not come easily and that goes for every aspect of ones life.
So, today I have decided to expand on the complexities of my work schedule and my adaptation both activity and meals.
I wake up right now around 9 a.m. I know that for many people that is late.
I usually lounge in bed for about a half hour and wake up.
Around 10 a.m. I eat breakfast, whatever that is which gets me out the door to exercise after letting my food settle for about a half hour.
At 11 a.m. I head outside for my 1 hour cardio, then I come in and do my strength training.
Around 12:30 I head to my home office to write this blog, then hit the shower to get ready for work.
I need to leave by 1:30 for my hour commute.
I get to work at 2:30 where I stay until a little after 11:00 (on the weekdays), then get back in the car for another hour commute.
I get home around midnight and watch t.v. for an hour or so (my DVR programs)
In bed around 1:30 -2 a.m.
Now, anyone who has ever worked in the restaurant industry knows that it is a very physical environment. I don't sit down for more than a half hour(total) on any given day and I am constantly walking, lifting, carrying, stooping, etc. etc. I don't have a lot of time to sit down and eat at the time that most people do and I am having a hard time adjusting my eating schedule to my work schedule. It is a balance and I have to be very deliberate. I bring my snacks, my meals and I have to stick to it, regardless of how many heaping piles of cheese fries, crispy shrimp or yummy snacks that pass my way. I keep telling myself to stay focused, it is on my mind constantly. I expect that eventually it won't be such a conscious endeavor, but for the time being it is effort with a capital "E."
My whole thing with this blog is to show (or try to show) that you don't need a gym membership or fancy shmancy equipment to get fit. You just have to have a thought out plan, stay organized and make time. Believe me, at 11:00 a.m. I would really love to watch The Young and the Restless for an hour and lounge, but that isn't an option right now.
So, Back on the Saddle again. That is me. My scale and I are not on speaking terms at the moment. Our love/hate relationship has shifted to mostly hate right now, and I am unsure of how long our "break" is going to be.
Stupid scale. Stupid, Stupid scale, I hate you. Really, I do.
Activity
5 mile bike ride (My thighs feel like jello and my ass hurts like hell, just so you know.)
1.5 mile jog with dog
Lunges
Squats (with resistance bands)
Meals
2 slices of whole wheat toast
two scrambled eggs with a little cheese
8 oz protein drink
1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
Garden Burger
Apple
Salad
Odwalla Bar
17 pretzels
8 oz Gatorade
Tuesday
Week 3 Weigh In (Day 22)
11/03/09
Day 22 of 182
Well. my worst fear has been realized this morning. I knew that this was a possibility and I tried my hardest to prepare myself, but I guess that I didn't honestly believe that it would happen: I gained .5 lbs. My first feeling was pure shock. I got off of the scale and back on, just in case I wasn't standing just right or I don't know, maybe I did something wrong. I got back on.
243 lbs!!!!
WTF?!?!?!?
Prior to my weigh in, thanks to the suggestion of my husband and my mother-in-law, I took my measurements. I had lost the following
1" (each bicep)
1.5" (each thigh)
1" (each calve)
2"(bust)
1" (hips)
1" (waist)
Total inches lost in 3 weeks: 11"
After I picked up my clothes and a shred of my dignity from the floor, I immediately called Mommy and started bawling. I can't even begin to describe the feelings of agony, frustration and heart ache that I felt and still feel as I write this; Defeat, Failure, Angry, and a good degree of self loathing, I believe that begins to somewhat define it.
I guess that I am having a definite heart vs. head dilemma here. I KNOW that 11 inches is a lot to lose in three weeks, I KNOW this, but this scale thing has got me frazzled. I can't really understand why the number concerns me to this extent! It has got me second guessing myself, my goals and my progress; each time pealing back some of my confidence and leaving me raw.
I realize that the exercise component has been in gear for three weeks now, which is a relatively small amount of time, it's just that I have read over and over lower calories with higher output equals weight loss. Not exactly a hard scientific fact in my opinion.
So here I am, beginning of week four, a little more than 1/10th of the way through and working through a battle of logic vs. emotion. In the moment, it feels as though emotion has the upper hand, but logic is already beginning to come from behind and become victorious.
Second day back to work, last night was hard. When you are surrounded by terrible, high fat, high sodium delicious food and you are starving, it is very hard to turn a blind eye toward temptation. Here is to another up hill evening.
Activity
2.2 mile walk
8 hours of restaurant work ( I count it because it is damn hard work and very physical)
Meals
1 slice whole wheat toast with 1 tbsp peanut butter
2 cups coffee
8 oz protein drink
1 foot long subway tuna sandwich (split up into two meals no mayo)
cup apple sauce
Odwalla granola bar
bag baked lays
8 oz Gatorade
small salad
large iced tea
Day 22 of 182
Well. my worst fear has been realized this morning. I knew that this was a possibility and I tried my hardest to prepare myself, but I guess that I didn't honestly believe that it would happen: I gained .5 lbs. My first feeling was pure shock. I got off of the scale and back on, just in case I wasn't standing just right or I don't know, maybe I did something wrong. I got back on.
243 lbs!!!!
WTF?!?!?!?
Prior to my weigh in, thanks to the suggestion of my husband and my mother-in-law, I took my measurements. I had lost the following
1" (each bicep)
1.5" (each thigh)
1" (each calve)
2"(bust)
1" (hips)
1" (waist)
Total inches lost in 3 weeks: 11"
After I picked up my clothes and a shred of my dignity from the floor, I immediately called Mommy and started bawling. I can't even begin to describe the feelings of agony, frustration and heart ache that I felt and still feel as I write this; Defeat, Failure, Angry, and a good degree of self loathing, I believe that begins to somewhat define it.
I guess that I am having a definite heart vs. head dilemma here. I KNOW that 11 inches is a lot to lose in three weeks, I KNOW this, but this scale thing has got me frazzled. I can't really understand why the number concerns me to this extent! It has got me second guessing myself, my goals and my progress; each time pealing back some of my confidence and leaving me raw.
I realize that the exercise component has been in gear for three weeks now, which is a relatively small amount of time, it's just that I have read over and over lower calories with higher output equals weight loss. Not exactly a hard scientific fact in my opinion.
So here I am, beginning of week four, a little more than 1/10th of the way through and working through a battle of logic vs. emotion. In the moment, it feels as though emotion has the upper hand, but logic is already beginning to come from behind and become victorious.
Second day back to work, last night was hard. When you are surrounded by terrible, high fat, high sodium delicious food and you are starving, it is very hard to turn a blind eye toward temptation. Here is to another up hill evening.
Activity
2.2 mile walk
8 hours of restaurant work ( I count it because it is damn hard work and very physical)
Meals
1 slice whole wheat toast with 1 tbsp peanut butter
2 cups coffee
8 oz protein drink
1 foot long subway tuna sandwich (split up into two meals no mayo)
cup apple sauce
Odwalla granola bar
bag baked lays
8 oz Gatorade
small salad
large iced tea
Monday
Operation Don't be Fat Day 21
11/02/019
Have I mentioned that I am a manager for a major Steakhouse chain and that two months ago I gave up red meat as well as chicken and pork? Eating at appropriate times will be most difficult because those who work in the Restaurant industry know that the time to eat is when no customers are eating which is typically really late. There would be days in the past when I wouldn't eat a single meal all day until like 10:00pm, then eat a ton! That is TERRIBLE for your metabolism!
Day 21 of 182
Well, today is the first day that I go back to work. For those who don't know, I have been on disability for nearly five moths because of hand surgery. I am stressing out a little bit about fitting in my workouts and my eating habits into my new schedule. I have had it easy for awhile with a lot of time on my hands.
Have I mentioned that I am a manager for a major Steakhouse chain and that two months ago I gave up red meat as well as chicken and pork? Eating at appropriate times will be most difficult because those who work in the Restaurant industry know that the time to eat is when no customers are eating which is typically really late. There would be days in the past when I wouldn't eat a single meal all day until like 10:00pm, then eat a ton! That is TERRIBLE for your metabolism!
So, I began the day with breakfast: Cheerios, milk, banana and protein drink and am about to go work out. Getting home at sometimes 2 am is going to put a damper on my schedule, I guess just one more obstacle on my road to success.
(BTW I have no idea which clothes will fit me, I haven't donned work attire in five months. Should be interesting)
Tomorrow is Tuesday weigh in Day! YIKES!
Meals
Cheerios
milk
protein drink
banana
apple
protein bar
granola bar
salad
non fat yogurt (plus grape nuts)
gardenburger patty with 1 slice bread and pickles
1 beer
salad
non fat yogurt (plus grape nuts)
gardenburger patty with 1 slice bread and pickles
1 beer
Activity
3.3 mile
biceps
triceps
push-ups
Stairs
shoulders
shoulders
Sunday
Operation Don't Be Fat Day 20
11/01/09
It is Sunday, which has typically been my "Off" day, my "anything goes" day but today is not going to be like many of my other Sundays. Why? One may ask. Simply said; Never make appetite decisions after three cocktails.
Day 20 of 182
It is Sunday, which has typically been my "Off" day, my "anything goes" day but today is not going to be like many of my other Sundays. Why? One may ask. Simply said; Never make appetite decisions after three cocktails.
My husband and I went out last night after a victorious Duck win of 47-20 over USC and met up with a few friends at a local pub. We played shuffleboard, which I would like to add is a highly underrated game, and had a few drinks and many laughs. We left around 11:00 p.m. and it had been about 4 hours since I had eaten and was a little hungry.
Mistake number 1: Carl's Junior
Mistake number 2: Fish Sandwich ( fried with tartar sauce on the side without cheese)
Mistake number 3: Crosscut French Fries
Mistake Number 4: I ate mostly all of it
I woke up this morning with the worst gut bomb and awful feeling in my stomach. It felt as though none of the food (if you can call it that) had digested and just felt generally yucky. I don't even want to THINK about the calories. I haven't had fast food in months and it was not worth it. AT ALL!!
Our plan this morning was to walk (about 5 miles back and forth) to breakfast, which ended up being one of the worst meals of my life. I am pretty sure my poached eggs were actually eggs, but as far as everything else goes, I have no idea. I ate the eggs, two pieces of my toast and some iced tea.
When we arrived home, I hopped on my bicycle and went for a quick 3.5 mile ride, just to burn off a few more calories and make me feel a little less ashamed about my previous nights indiscretion.
Meals
2 eggs (poaches)
2 pieces sourdough toast (Some kind of butter blend nasty crap)
Iced Tea
16 oz Gatorade
8 oz Protein Drink
Granola BAr
medium apple
6 oz tuna
wild rice
Caesar salad
2 glasses red wine
2 beers
Activity
5 mile walk (15 minute miles)
3.5 mile bike ride
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