April 15, 2012
Lady in Red
So I bought this dress.. It's a little tight.. and shorter than I usually am comfortable wearing.. but I wore it today, to church, and got some really good reviews. Plus, it's an X-large, so I can still wear it for a couple more months. Except that it's going to be summer soon. It was a great DI find, that's for sure! Sorry the picture is so poor, but you get the idea :)
April 11, 2012
Some quotes that are helping me this week
So I may have an addiction to Pinterest.. But it's just to find these :)
What's been going on??
I really want to write something epic, but I can't seem to get the thoughts into words. I'm going to try anyway.
I want to first thank everyone for their kind words and support these last 9 months. If someone would have told me back in September that come April I would be teetering on losing 100 pounds I would have called them crazy and walked away. Stupid teetering. We'll get to that soon enough. Honestly, not a day goes by without a compliment from someone. I have received so much encouragement, it's really one of the biggest things that keeps me going. I really really really appreciate it. I know you must be getting sick of talking about working out and trying to eat well. I get sick of hearing myself talk about it sometimes, but then again, I love it so bad.
A quick gym update.. I ran 2 miles on Monday. When I first started training, Matt asked what some of my goals were. The first was to be able to run a mile. Uh.. I think I got that one. Now we're working on a 5k. Friday we did a sports training session in the basketball court, which included a lot of BOSU push ups, side shuffles, step ups and overs, medicine ball squats/thows, and a little relay/obstacle (?) course.
In one corner we had resistance band bicep curls, side shuffle over to next corner where we find a mat to do leg lifts, sprint length to next corner for medicine ball squat throws, a quick side shuffle to next corner for BOSU pushups and then finish it off with a sprint to the other side of the gym. Sounds like fun, right? The first trip I clocked 4:05. I took a lot of time with the squat/throws. (ps, they are not my friends).
Matt asked if I wanted to do it again or call it my benchmark to work on at a later time. My head said to try it again, my body was done. He told me rest for a couple minutes and then revisit the idea. I caught my breath and headed to the resistance bands. I went through the motions, knowing that I spent lest time on the leg lifts and squat/throws. I thought I had shaved off maybe 15 seconds.. come to find out I clocked in at 3:23.. that's right.. 43 seconds. Now I really have something to work on for next time.
My biggest enemy is myself. I get in my head telling myself I can't do it, I'm too tired, I've worked enough.. unfortunately, none of this is true. I need to stop and just work harder. That's my goal for this week and probably next week. and probably the rest of my life.
I want to first thank everyone for their kind words and support these last 9 months. If someone would have told me back in September that come April I would be teetering on losing 100 pounds I would have called them crazy and walked away. Stupid teetering. We'll get to that soon enough. Honestly, not a day goes by without a compliment from someone. I have received so much encouragement, it's really one of the biggest things that keeps me going. I really really really appreciate it. I know you must be getting sick of talking about working out and trying to eat well. I get sick of hearing myself talk about it sometimes, but then again, I love it so bad.
A quick gym update.. I ran 2 miles on Monday. When I first started training, Matt asked what some of my goals were. The first was to be able to run a mile. Uh.. I think I got that one. Now we're working on a 5k. Friday we did a sports training session in the basketball court, which included a lot of BOSU push ups, side shuffles, step ups and overs, medicine ball squats/thows, and a little relay/obstacle (?) course.
In one corner we had resistance band bicep curls, side shuffle over to next corner where we find a mat to do leg lifts, sprint length to next corner for medicine ball squat throws, a quick side shuffle to next corner for BOSU pushups and then finish it off with a sprint to the other side of the gym. Sounds like fun, right? The first trip I clocked 4:05. I took a lot of time with the squat/throws. (ps, they are not my friends).
Matt asked if I wanted to do it again or call it my benchmark to work on at a later time. My head said to try it again, my body was done. He told me rest for a couple minutes and then revisit the idea. I caught my breath and headed to the resistance bands. I went through the motions, knowing that I spent lest time on the leg lifts and squat/throws. I thought I had shaved off maybe 15 seconds.. come to find out I clocked in at 3:23.. that's right.. 43 seconds. Now I really have something to work on for next time.
My biggest enemy is myself. I get in my head telling myself I can't do it, I'm too tired, I've worked enough.. unfortunately, none of this is true. I need to stop and just work harder. That's my goal for this week and probably next week. and probably the rest of my life.
April 3, 2012
Meals
A couple people have been asking me for food ideas. I have one problem with this.. I don't really use recipes. I gather ideas, but then I make what I want to make. I thank my mom and dad for this. My dad is a serious innovator when it comes to cooking. Anyway, I'm trying to make better choices this week in my eating so you, dear readers, are the lucky ones who get to see what I'm eating. I'm not going to bore you with everything, just dinner (because that's usually what I have problems with the most)
Monday -
Protein Pancakes (I love being an adult)
I'm pretty sure I've posted this before but here ya go
In a blender
1/2 cup cottage cheese (2% milk fat)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup egg substitute (or 4 egg whites or 4 whole eggs)
seasoning of your choice (I usually do cinnamon, pumpkin spice, vanilla extract or almond extract)
Blend until smooth
Pour onto heated skillet
I top with with sugar free syrup and you're good to go. This recipe makes 4-5 decent sized pancakes
Add some fresh fruit for extra goodness!
and just because I'm nice..
Nutrition Information without syrup: 310 Calories, 34g Carbs, 6g Fat, 30g Protein, 710mg Sodium, 4g Fiber.
It's a little high in the Sodium department, so just make sure the other food you eat that day has lower sodium and you'll be fine
Tuesday -
Turkey Lettuce Wraps
I made this with the idea that it will be two servings. It's low cal/fat enough to be one if you "accidentally" eat it all
8oz Lean (93/7) Jennie-O Ground Turkey
1/2 cup diced mushrooms
1/2 cup canned (or fresh) corn, (low sodium) drained/rinsed
1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese
1/2 cup canned black beans (low sodium), drained/rinsed
1 Tbsp. garlic (I like garlic)
1 tsp. crushed red pepper (if you want heat)
2 Tbsp. dried onion
1 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard
Alfalfa sprouts
Romaine lettuce
Brown turkey in pan on medium heat. Drain off excess fat. Add cottage cheese, mushrooms, beans and corn. Cook for 2 minutes. Drain extra "juice". Add remaining ingredients/spices (except for sprouts and lettuce). Cook until warmed through. Spoon onto lettuce leaves and top with sprouts.
It's probably still a little high on the sodium (I blame the cottage cheese).
Nutritional facts per serving (2 servings): 326 Calories, 20g Carbs, 11g Fat, 34g Protein, 519mg Sodium, 6g Fiber
Wednesday
Pineapple Slaw with Creamy Ginger Lime Dressing
1/4 cup thick Greek plain yogurt
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil*
2 cups shredded cabbage- green or napa
¼ cup minced scallions
2 cups diced fresh pineapple
½ cup sliced almonds
In a small bowl, whisk yogurt, ginger, salt, pepper, lime, sugar, and oil. Set aside.
In a large bowl, toss cabbage, scallions, pineapple, and almonds. Pour the yogurt mixture over the top and toss to combine, making sure all of the cabbage is coated. Cover and place the dressed slaw in the refrigerator to allow flavors to blend for at least 1 hour before serving.
* I omitted the oil and just used water instead..worked just fine, without the extra fat and calories
** I added 1 1/2 cups diced chicken to the salad to add protein and make it more of a dinner meal.
2 full plate dinner servings
Monday -
Protein Pancakes (I love being an adult)
I'm pretty sure I've posted this before but here ya go
In a blender
1/2 cup cottage cheese (2% milk fat)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup egg substitute (or 4 egg whites or 4 whole eggs)
seasoning of your choice (I usually do cinnamon, pumpkin spice, vanilla extract or almond extract)
Blend until smooth
Pour onto heated skillet
I top with with sugar free syrup and you're good to go. This recipe makes 4-5 decent sized pancakes
Add some fresh fruit for extra goodness!
and just because I'm nice..
Nutrition Information without syrup: 310 Calories, 34g Carbs, 6g Fat, 30g Protein, 710mg Sodium, 4g Fiber.
It's a little high in the Sodium department, so just make sure the other food you eat that day has lower sodium and you'll be fine
Tuesday -
Turkey Lettuce Wraps
I made this with the idea that it will be two servings. It's low cal/fat enough to be one if you "accidentally" eat it all
8oz Lean (93/7) Jennie-O Ground Turkey
1/2 cup diced mushrooms
1/2 cup canned (or fresh) corn, (low sodium) drained/rinsed
1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese
1/2 cup canned black beans (low sodium), drained/rinsed
1 Tbsp. garlic (I like garlic)
1 tsp. crushed red pepper (if you want heat)
2 Tbsp. dried onion
1 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard
Alfalfa sprouts
Romaine lettuce
Brown turkey in pan on medium heat. Drain off excess fat. Add cottage cheese, mushrooms, beans and corn. Cook for 2 minutes. Drain extra "juice". Add remaining ingredients/spices (except for sprouts and lettuce). Cook until warmed through. Spoon onto lettuce leaves and top with sprouts.
It's probably still a little high on the sodium (I blame the cottage cheese).
Nutritional facts per serving (2 servings): 326 Calories, 20g Carbs, 11g Fat, 34g Protein, 519mg Sodium, 6g Fiber
Wednesday
Pineapple Slaw with Creamy Ginger Lime Dressing
1/4 cup thick Greek plain yogurt
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil*
2 cups shredded cabbage- green or napa
¼ cup minced scallions
2 cups diced fresh pineapple
½ cup sliced almonds
In a small bowl, whisk yogurt, ginger, salt, pepper, lime, sugar, and oil. Set aside.
In a large bowl, toss cabbage, scallions, pineapple, and almonds. Pour the yogurt mixture over the top and toss to combine, making sure all of the cabbage is coated. Cover and place the dressed slaw in the refrigerator to allow flavors to blend for at least 1 hour before serving.
* I omitted the oil and just used water instead..worked just fine, without the extra fat and calories
** I added 1 1/2 cups diced chicken to the salad to add protein and make it more of a dinner meal.
2 full plate dinner servings
April 2, 2012
Weekend Update..
Now if only we can get Seth Meyers.
So apparently weight doesn't matter. Nor does the time of day. Last night I put on my size 20 Gap denim trousers and they fit wonderfully. This morning they were actually a bit tighter. Also, I don't think I've lost any weight since I bought them (MAYBE 2 pounds, if that). They were unwearable when I purchased them and I washed them (dark denim not good for white legs, and by white I'm talking actual color, not race).
I took my "rest day" on Saturday. It had been a full 48 hours since I had stepped into the gym. Bonus, I didn't die! I am so afraid if I take a day off here or there that all of my weight will come back. I know this is crazy. I also believe that eating better/healthier will warrant greater results than going to the gym every day. Plus, you're body does actually need a break. Seeing how I kind of went with the "anything goes" mantra this weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to see myself at the starting weight from last week. I'm still planning on this week being stellar and hopefully we'll have a party next week :)
So apparently weight doesn't matter. Nor does the time of day. Last night I put on my size 20 Gap denim trousers and they fit wonderfully. This morning they were actually a bit tighter. Also, I don't think I've lost any weight since I bought them (MAYBE 2 pounds, if that). They were unwearable when I purchased them and I washed them (dark denim not good for white legs, and by white I'm talking actual color, not race).
I took my "rest day" on Saturday. It had been a full 48 hours since I had stepped into the gym. Bonus, I didn't die! I am so afraid if I take a day off here or there that all of my weight will come back. I know this is crazy. I also believe that eating better/healthier will warrant greater results than going to the gym every day. Plus, you're body does actually need a break. Seeing how I kind of went with the "anything goes" mantra this weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to see myself at the starting weight from last week. I'm still planning on this week being stellar and hopefully we'll have a party next week :)
April 1, 2012
Gymming (?) it
I decided to break up my gym update with my diet update so it doesn't get too long.
The last two weeks have been really good for me at the gym. I've started doing full cardio sessions on the elliptical, without hands, usually on a level 10 or 11. It's a good workout. Being able to do it without the hands engages your core and helps build your stability, at least that's what I've read. I've also been able to start doing some minor jogging. I did my best this week, jogging a full 6 minutes at 4.5 mph. It's almost 1/2 a mile. I'm pretty sure that's more than I've run straight since elementary school. I remember doing the presidential runs in Junior High and High School. I would just walk the mile "fun runs" because I really didn't care (couldn't). I'm excited to progress and look forward to running 5Ks in the upcoming summer/fall. I've signed up to volunteer for the Spartan Race and the Tough Mudder, both this year, and then I'm thinking about running both next year. I may be a little crazy.
My body has been a little tired this week. I haven't been getting to bed a decent hours and I think this may have something to do with it.
I was going to take Friday off, but a few things happened at work and I had some pent up anger that needed to be let out. I love angry workouts. I took yesterday off so I could make it up to my sister's house for General Conference. I'm hoping to get home at a decent hour so that I can go tonight. I don't think two days straight would be best for me, especially when I'm trying to meet a weight goal and two full days of sitting and watching TV (well, 8 hours).
I did a few planks this week for the first time. My first plank was a full 60 seconds. The next two were a little harder and I wasn't able to stay in position for the full time. I did a full 60 second plank last night, just to prove that I can still do it. Matt had me do leg lifts on Thursday. I was able to do 20 straight with pretty good form. Matt was impressed with how strong my core has gotten since the first time when I was only able to do 2 or 3 before stopping. I pinched something in my back so the next set didn't go as well. Everything feels better now, so we'll see what's in store for Tuesday.
We're working on switching up my workouts because my body is really getting use to the workouts that we're doing right now. Friday we're doing a sports training workout. We've been working on a lot of cardio, stability and core work the last few times to get ready for the session. I'm a little worried, but it is definitely going to be a lot of fun. Matt says it's going to be like one of my first sessions all over again. I'll definitely keep you posted.
But really, I love the gym. I love the endorphins from working out. It clears my mind, I feel like I've accomplished something. I'm excited for the summer to do more outdoorsy stuff and able to keep up on hikes, feel better in swimsuits, and fit comfortably in my sleeping bag :)
The last two weeks have been really good for me at the gym. I've started doing full cardio sessions on the elliptical, without hands, usually on a level 10 or 11. It's a good workout. Being able to do it without the hands engages your core and helps build your stability, at least that's what I've read. I've also been able to start doing some minor jogging. I did my best this week, jogging a full 6 minutes at 4.5 mph. It's almost 1/2 a mile. I'm pretty sure that's more than I've run straight since elementary school. I remember doing the presidential runs in Junior High and High School. I would just walk the mile "fun runs" because I really didn't care (couldn't). I'm excited to progress and look forward to running 5Ks in the upcoming summer/fall. I've signed up to volunteer for the Spartan Race and the Tough Mudder, both this year, and then I'm thinking about running both next year. I may be a little crazy.
My body has been a little tired this week. I haven't been getting to bed a decent hours and I think this may have something to do with it.
I was going to take Friday off, but a few things happened at work and I had some pent up anger that needed to be let out. I love angry workouts. I took yesterday off so I could make it up to my sister's house for General Conference. I'm hoping to get home at a decent hour so that I can go tonight. I don't think two days straight would be best for me, especially when I'm trying to meet a weight goal and two full days of sitting and watching TV (well, 8 hours).
I did a few planks this week for the first time. My first plank was a full 60 seconds. The next two were a little harder and I wasn't able to stay in position for the full time. I did a full 60 second plank last night, just to prove that I can still do it. Matt had me do leg lifts on Thursday. I was able to do 20 straight with pretty good form. Matt was impressed with how strong my core has gotten since the first time when I was only able to do 2 or 3 before stopping. I pinched something in my back so the next set didn't go as well. Everything feels better now, so we'll see what's in store for Tuesday.
We're working on switching up my workouts because my body is really getting use to the workouts that we're doing right now. Friday we're doing a sports training workout. We've been working on a lot of cardio, stability and core work the last few times to get ready for the session. I'm a little worried, but it is definitely going to be a lot of fun. Matt says it's going to be like one of my first sessions all over again. I'll definitely keep you posted.
But really, I love the gym. I love the endorphins from working out. It clears my mind, I feel like I've accomplished something. I'm excited for the summer to do more outdoorsy stuff and able to keep up on hikes, feel better in swimsuits, and fit comfortably in my sleeping bag :)
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