Nutella Oatmeal Cookies

I came across this recipe today for Nutella Oatmeal Cookies.

Delicious!

http://www.portuguesegirlcooks.com/2011/04/oatmeal-nutella-cookies/


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Weights

Weights are my primary focus lately. For women it is very hard to bulk up, so you should puh yourself when using weights. I have been trying to use them at least 3 times a week along with cardio. Since my body is so used to cardio I need to continue weight training. I have noticed a difference in my body.


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Homemade Cheez Its

My Addiction to Cheez Its may have reached a new level:  













I found the recipe originally on this site:
Homemade Cheez Its

This is a step by step version I did:
adapted from Cooking ala Mel:

1 3/4 cups cheddar (about 6 oz.)

4 Tbsp butter

3/4 cup white whole wheat flour

1/4 tsp salt

sea salt, for sprinkling

Shred the cheddar cheese to make it easier to mix.  Use an immersion blender until a ball is formed.  Put the ball in between 2 pieces of parchment paper and roll out.  It should be around 1/8 inch thick. The thinner you roll it the crispier the crackers. Cut into little squares. Put on a baking sheet 1/2" apart and poke in the middle with a fork. Bake at 350°F for 8-12 minutes.  They should be a golden brown on the edges.

Just a fun fact: Alt 0176 is a degree symbol when typing.  

12.12.12

Sorry for slacking on this... What better day to pick back up than on 12.12.12.

The weather here in Chicago has been crazy!  It has been freezing then warm.  This back and forth is really effecting my body.  I am not feeling so great today, but I am going to the gym for a quick 30 minute workout.    So far my week has been:

Monday - Fun Run on the treadmill.  Different speeds, different inclines.  I ran for over 3 miles and have no idea how many calories I burned.  Sometimes it is nice just to throw the watch off and run for fun!

Tuesday - Picking back up on my side job of cleaning.  I cleaned a house for 2 1/2 hours and burned 421 calories.  I love to wear my heart monitor on cleaning days to monitor how hard I am working.  I ate Subway for lunch and dinner.  Jared inspires me :)

Wednesday - 30 minute elliptical.  Again, leftover Subway for lunch.  I had carrots for a snack with these little 90 calorie ranch packs.  I know I know... Ranch is probably the worst thing for me, but at least I am making baby steps and eating carrots instead of chips!

Mission for Mexico

My brother recently got engaged to an amazing person.  She is absolutely perfect for him!  They both are very adventurous, so they are doing a destination wedding in Mexico.  I am so excited to be able to stand up for them in their wedding!  Now I have a goal to work towards.  I will not and am not going to be the "fat sister" in their wedding.  I know that I am not fat, but I am not in shape either.  I have 10 months to get into the best shape of my life.  I am not doing it for them, but I am doing it for me. 

Yesterday's workout with Courtney:
30 second intervals using a 10 lb weight:
- Biceps 
- Rows 
- Triceps
- Squat Jumps
- Quick feet (Like football players)
- Jumping Jacks with the weight
- Chair Squat
- Plank on Elbows
- Plank on Hands
- Push Ups
- Tons of Ab work (I cannot remember all the Abs we did)

She had me repeat a lot of the exercises.  I asked her to help with my back fat by my bra line. lol!  That is why we did a ton of rows.

T-Day!

Ok... Here is the most dreaded holiday to anyone trying to lose weight.  This holiday is about overindulgence, fatty foods, and lots of wine.  For some reason people think that if they make healthy dishes, no one will like them.  False!!!!  Just because something is healthy doesn't mean that it tastes bad.  I think that people cook in lard and butter because they do not know how to season their food.  

I already shared my veggie casserole recipe, but here are the recipes for some of my desserts.

Mini Pumpkin Pies

Mmmmmm Pumpkin

No Sugar Added Apple Pie

Apple Pie

Ab Workout

Today's Ab Workout at the Gym.  

I ran last night, so today will be 25 minutes of elliptical and 10 minutes of stretching and abs.

I read this article on Self.  The descriptions of the moves are very confusing.  The video is definitely needed.

6 Ab Moves
Video on Ab Workout

I need to detox

With all of my hard work I have definitely fell off the wagon this weekend. I feel like crap too!

Today is the day I need to hydrate and start eating all of my fruits and veggies.

I have a brunch I am going to in an hour. I am cutting up an apple and bringing it with me. This will help me not eat sweets or bad things.

Why are the holidays so hard!


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Charity Miles

There is this amazing app that will donate $.25 per mile you run. I strongly urge everyone to download CharityMiles and start moving!


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Training

Yesterday's Wednesday Workouts with Courtney.

TRX Rows
TRX Triceps
TRX Push Ups
Burpees
Squat Jumps
Push Ups
Crunches holding weights
Plank
Stairs with Presses
Sumo Squats with Kettle Bell
And Repeat!

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Potlucks

I am all about sharing and giving during the holidays, but I have beef with potlucks.  First, shouldn't there be a theme?  I just don't think that enchiladas and mashed potatoes should be on the same plate.  Maybe I am the type that likes to eat food separately.  I think that is just gross.  Second, can we please make it mandatory for ingredients to be listed by each dish?  I don't want to run out to the gas station to get Benadryl because someone poisoned me with pickle relish.  My throat is a little swollen, and I am having a hard time swallowing.  I do think it is a nice gesture, but good gosh.  People are also overly nice during these things....  "Oh my your potatoes were amazing."  They were ok, but they would have been amazing if I just made them for myself.  Stop lying to me.  All in all, I don't think I am ever going to participate in a potluck with people I cannot be honest with.  I just want to tell them.. "Ya know that needed more seasoning" or "That tastes like a bowl of sh*t."  All of the flavors on one plate are just too much. This has to be a chef's nightmare.

Crafty for a Kinky Cause

Pure Romance Party tonight.




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Thanksgiving Guilt

Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I would like to share some guilt free holiday tips.  This website has great tricks if you are cooking or if you are just eating.  My favorite is to only eat food that is a holiday favorite.  Skip the food that you have all year round.  Also, EAT BREAKFAST!!!  That I am definitely going to have to do.

Thinner Thanksgiving

Random

So my friend and I are comparing which is better - Glam Bag or Birchbox.

This month I got of course perfume samples from Birchbox, but I also got a full sized mascara. The other stuff; lip balm, hair powder, and serum, I probably will never use.




From Glam Bag, I got a full sized lip gloss, a full sizes eye liner, a full sized nail polish, a full sized eye shadow, and a full sized eyebrow gel. I already know which subscription I will be keeping. The one with the full sized samples!



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Veggie Casserole

This is my favorite casserole for the holidays.  To make a healthier version - cut down on the Miracle Whip and use "Free," use 2% Cheddar Cheese (only 4 oz), use healthier crackers, and spray butter instead of regular butter.

1 Can Green Beans

3 Cans Mixed Veggies

1 Can Carrots

1 Can Sliced Water Chestnuts

1 Can Corn

1/4 Stalk of Celery (Chopped)

1/2 White Onion (Chopped)

1/2 Cup of Miracle Whip

Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder

8 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 Sleeve Ritz Crackers (Crushed)

1 Stick of Butter (Cut into Tbsp)

Drain all the veggies and mix in a strainer.  Then pour into a 13 x 8 casserole dish.  Mix the veggies with the Miracle Whip.  Salt and Pepper to taste.  Add 1 tsp of Garlic Powder.  Mix 1/2 of the cheese in the veggies.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  Pull dish out of the oven and top the veggies with the remaining cheddar cheese.  Put the crushed crackers on top.  Place the butter evenly on top of the crackers.  Bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Day 63...

I think I am going to have to stop actually counting the days.  It is harder to keep track of the days than to blog!  

Well, yesterday I went to a hot power yoga class.  Holy hardness!  It was great but very challenging for me.  I am signed up for the Thursday class too.
Today I am going to run 4 miles.  Tomorrow I have Courtney!  She is going to kick my ass.  

Well, I made some vegan chili recently.  Here is my recipe.

Bean Chili

Days 55 thru 59

Wow a lot has happened this week.  I will recap because I totally slacked a blogging this week.


Day 55 (11/5/12) - I felt great after the run on Sunday.  I found out that my best friend Audrey had a baby boy (after 14 hours of labor) Monday night.  He is adorable and perfect!!!

Day 56 (11/6/12) - I had a busy day planned, so I went to the gym during the day.  I burned 340 calories on the elliptical during lunch.  I drove to the hospital after work to meet the new little man. I went to Vino Van Gogh and painted which is very relaxing!

Day 57 (11/7/12) - Rough rough day.  Lots of doctor appointments.  And my poor cat is sick.  I don't just have one cat, but I have 3!  First our cat Wolfie got sick - sneezing.  She is resilient  so she got better quick.  Then Pockets started sneezing, but she is still running around like normal.  Then there is Flick.  Poor poor Flick.  Mike took him to the ER that night.  He was on oxygen and now antibiotics.  He is looking a little better, but still not 100%.  We have a doctor appointment on Saturday.  

Day 58 (11/8/12) - Not too much of anything but worrying about Flick.

ToDay 59 (11/9/12) - I want to get home and be with Flick, so I am going to the gym during lunch.  My goal is to burn over 300 on a spinning bike today.  I am ready, set, go!  Also I have been weighing myself this week, and I am down to 177.  That is not a lot, but it is something and staying off!

Day 54 - Hot Chocolate Race

I love running, but the hot chocolate race was definitely not one of those races I loved.  It was disorganized.  We waited for over and hour to start.  People were not considerate (walking in the middle...).  The course was a very overused course in Chicago.  They did have enough water.  When we finished, there were no spectators, no water, no bananas...  We had to walk yet another mile to get our cheap plastic cup with an unripe banana, barely any chocolate, and a mini rice crispy treat.  I paid almost $70 for a really crappy race.  Thankfully, I ran with great company and we had fun doing it (even stopping to take some pics).  

Day 53 Pre Race

So the Hot Chocolate race packet pick up was such a disaster yesterday. We waited forever!

Today was definitely better. I ran/walked 3 miles today. I ate well and drank tons of water.

Tomorrow up at 5:00am and prepping for the 15k.


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Day 52 11/2/12

My department today is actually eating lunch together.  I like Fridays at the gym for lunch, but I guess I could be social today.  We are ordering a large pizza with a whole wheat crust, spinach, and tomato.  I looked up the calorie content as best as I could online.  It comes out to approximately 1800 Calories for the whole pizza.  I divided that by the 5 of us, and we will each have 360 calories.  Not too bad!!!  Thank gold for the wheat crust!

Day 51 - November 1st

In the month of November, I am really going to start working on my tempo runs.  Tempo runs are just fast runs that help you build endurance.  The article below has 4 great tempo runs.  My favorite tempo run is running as fast as I can for about 1/4 of a mile.  I try to get my heart rate up in the 170s for that.  Then run slow for 2 1/2 minutes reducing your heart rate to 120 bpm. I try to just keep repeating the cycle until I get to about 3 or more miles.  Tips that help me are to find a section or path that you know is 1/4 mile.   For example in Chicago, most major streets are 1/4 of a mile away from each other.  I could run from Division Street to North Ave at a very fast pace.  Once I get to North Ave. I will jog passed it for 1 minute and 15 seconds and then turn around to get back to North Ave.  Once I get back to North Ave, I run as fast as I can to Division St. and repeat!  People think I am crazy when they keep seeing me run back and forth, but who cares!

Tempo Runs!

Day 50 - Halloween!

I cannot believe I have been doing this for 50 days so far!!!  In honor of Halloween, the link below has the "healthier" Halloween Candies.

Halloween Candy!

Happy Halloween!  

Here's to Princess Leia as our next Disney Princess!

Worked today and then went to the gym. I ran 7.1 miles! Woo Hoo! I have a 15k run on Sunday. Now I totally want to sleep.


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Location:Day 40 something

Day 47 - Mini Pumpkin Pies

Used a Jiffy Pie Crust (2)
Spray muffin tin
Cut 4" Round circles

Pie filling:
Whisk 3/4 Cup Sugar with 2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice and 1/2 tsp salt in small bowl. Set aside.

Beat 2 eggs in large bowl. Add 1 15oz can of pumpkin slowly. Add the sugar mixture until creamy. Stir 1 12oz can of evaporated milk into the mixture.

Pour mixture carefully in each crust.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Let cool.




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Day 46 Halloween Weekend

I ran 6 miles today pain free! I also woke up at 8:30 feeling great! Subway for lunch and some sort of healthy dinner.


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Day 45 - Finally Friday 10/26/12

My friend Christina told me about this blog.  

She has a lot of great information, but she is slightly annoying.

Annoying but Informative

Also went to the gym today on lunch.  I ran 3.1 miles.  My Super Feet inserts have been hurting me.  I may have to switch back to my regular inserts for my long run this weekend.  

Day 44 - Thursday

Rest day today.  When I rest or relax, I tend to slack.  I went to dinner at my brother's.  He made Ground Turkey Tacos.  It was great because I did not eat the shells.  I had ground turkey, lettuce, tomato, jalapeno, easy shredded cheese, black beans, and salsa.  It was great.  I made up for not using the taco shells by drinking more wine.  Ooops.

Day 43 Workout Wednesday

Day 43….  I feel like I am getting stronger.  I have been consistently working on it.  Today, I had training with Courtney and also cleaned my brother’s house.  I wore my heart monitor during training today and burned 350 calories.  Then I wore it during cleaning and burned another 350 calories.  This is also the first time I cleaned and didn’t snack during.  During training I did the following:

¼ mile warm up around a track

Squats with presses on the Bosu Ball (25 each 2x)

Triceps raises on the Bosu Ball (25 each 2x)

Plank on Bosu Ball (1 Minute 2x)

Sprint for ¼ mile

Up and Over on the Bosu Ball with 10 lb Weight (30 2x)

Dead Bug on the Bosu Ball (tried for 30 seconds, but made it 10 seconds)

Side Abs on the Bosu Ball (15 each side 2x)

Squats on the Bosu Ball (30)

Pulsing Squats on the Bosu Ball (15)

Day 42 - Tuesday 10/23/12

Today I weigh 178 lbs.  It still seems like a lot to me, but I am heading in the right direction.  My clothes are fitting better and I am gaining more confidence.  I will be sooo excited when I get to 168!  

Today, I ate well, exercised, and blogged.  I feel productive in my life.  I am a little hungry right now.   I did workout on lunch and burned 218 calories.  I look like hell but I feel great.  I found this article today about losing the pooch and no I don't mean fido.  

Lose that Pooch!

Day 41

After a long weekend of drinking and eating sh*t, I am done. I feel horrible the next day and even the day after! I need to limit myself. I know that I eat worse and don't workout the day after I drink. To be 100% serious with this, I need to eliminate alcohol. I know that I will slip occasionally, but I will make better choices when I do indulge. Red wine only!




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Day 37 Thursday

My friend just gave me this great article about making the most of the gym for only 60 minutes.

Here is the article:

60 Minute Workout

Day 36 - 10/17/12

I went to my doctor today.  We talked about a lot of things that were bothering me. Mainly the fact that I eat decently healthy and workout 5 days a week.  A little advice she gave me was to have one really long run on Saturday to keep my metabolism at a higher rate for a couple of days.  When my metabolism starts to decrease, do another long cardio activity.  I am going to try this and see if I see some results!  

Monday was a longer run.  Now Thursday will be a longer run.  

Day 35 - 10/16/12

My knee has been pain-free since my run which is the best sign ever!  Now since I do not have physical therapy every week, I am going to have to step it up and start doing the exercises at least once a week.   I have an appointment to get my hair done tonight, so they gym is kind of out of the question.  I am going to do my PT exercises when I get home tonight.

I found this great website with a ton of leg exercises:

Workout Box - Leg Exercises

Days 32 thru 34

Here's to a weekend of no working out and eating really crappy.  Now I know that blogging every day keeps me accountable for my choices.  At least I ran 5 miles on Monday!

Day 31 - Total Down

Total down is 3.2 lbs.  I don't feel like I am down, but I am!  Consistently too!!!!  I do feel better in my clothes and things are fitting better.  I just need to keep working at it.  I have been counting weight watchers points (old school system).  Telling myself I only get 20 helps because I always go over by like 1 or 2 points.  Now because I am aiming for 20, I am meeting my goal of 22.  Mind trick for me.  I am really really working on everything. 

I have even started making my own bread.  It is inevitable that I will be eating bread.... why not be able to control what actually is going into it.  Below is my Cinnamon Raisin Bread.  I figured out the overall calories and points for the whole loaf.  It is 1300 calories or 26 points total.  If I cut it in 12 slices (which are huge slices) then it is only 2 points per piece!  The fresh approach is amazing.  

Day 30 - Last day of PT

Today was my last day of physical therapy was today.  I will upload all of my exercises from Lou.  I will definitely miss going there, but I guess that means that I am on my way to full recovery!

Yay!

Day 29 - Workout Wednesday!

Rough training session today.  Mike and I worked out together this time.  It was fun, but hard as hell.  

I wish I could remember exactly what we did, but below is what I could remember.  

- Jump Rope (150)
- Plank (1 minute)
- Biceps TRX Band (25)
- Triceps with Medium Resistance Band (30)
- Side Planks (20 Seconds) into regular Plank (20 Seconds) 5xs
- Flys with Medium Resistance Band
- Walking Push Ups (To Right and Left)
- Stand, Walk Hands Forward, then Push Up.
- 3 Flights of Stairs (5xs)
- Abs (legs straight cross over)
- Jump Rope (150)

This was a very hard workout.  I burned 400 calories in 45 minutes.

Day 28 - Tuesday 10/9/12

I am going to a halloween pumpkin carving party on Saturday.  I want to make a dessert that is "quasi-healthy."

Here is what I am thinking - Mini Pumpkin Pies.  Muffin Tin Pumpkin Pies

Day 27 - Monday :(

Just got to work this morning.  Well, I actually got here at 7:51.  I have to clock in before 8am everyday.  I am still not used to clocking in even though I have been here for 6 months.  I think I would actually work more if I didn't have to clock in.  I got a laptop bag and all when I started.  Why would I bring my laptop home when I get warnings if I show up at 8:01.  I think that is ridiculous and not motivating.  

Tonight I brought my stuff to go to the gym.  Since this is my last week of physical therapy, I feel like I will be able to focus at the gym more.  Goal of the day is to get 30 minutes of cardio in after I do a weight routine.  I have been in a rut at the gym.  30 minutes of cardio and then some (barely any) weights.  I would like to focus on doing both and switching up when I do my cardio so my body doesn't get bored.  

Day 26 - Sunday 10/7/12

Rode my bike to the marathon this morning to cheer on my team.  They did amazing.  I passed out bananas and save some for my friends.  I was at mile 14.  I was sooooo jealous that everyone was running and I couldn't.  

My body is super sore from training yesterday.  It even hurts to stand, but at least I did a 7 mile bike ride today.  

Day 25 - Saturday Oct 6

I had training with Courtney today.  She kicked by butt.  Here is a taste of what we did:

- TRX rows
- TRX Triceips
- Bosu Abs (a ton)
- Squat Jumps
- Push Ups with the Bosu Ball
- Side Planks
- Planks
- Stationary Running on the Bosu Ball
- Sit Ups with 6 lbs. Medicine Ball

Day 24

Today was our 4 year anniversary. We stayed in and watched movies all last night. I did order nachos but other than that I ate really well!


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Day 23

Cardio and Abs at the gym today!

Side Reach
Stand with feet together, holding ends of one dumbbell with both hands, arms extended overhead. Slowly lean to left (as shown) and hold for one count. Return to start. Repeat on right side to complete one rep. Do 10 reps.

Reverse Wood Chop
Stand with feet wider than hip-width apart, one dumbbell in both hands. Lower weight toward left foot and crouch, lifting right heel (as shown). Stand, rotate torso right and bring weight across body on a diagonal overhead. Reverse motion to return to crouching on left. Do 10 reps; switch sides; repeat.

Standing Bicycle
Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, hands clasped behind head and elbows pointed out to sides. Straighten left leg as you lift right leg, knee bent, thigh parallel to floor. Keeping knee lifted and steady, twist torso toward right (as shown). Return to start. Repeat on other side for one rep. Do 10 reps.

Side Winder
Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, hands clasped behind head and elbows pointed out to sides. Lift right leg to side, knee bent, thigh parallel to floor. Keeping knee lifted, bend torso to right side, bringing elbow and knee toward each other (as shown). Do 10 reps; switch sides; repeat.

Seesaw
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, hands on hips. Lift right leg, knee bent, thigh parallel to floor with foot flexed. Straighten right leg, pressing heel toward floor, as you lean torso backward (as shown). Return to knee lift position and repeat five times. Switch sides and repeat.

Forward Bend
Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, arms overhead with palms facing in. Lift right leg, knee bent, thigh parallel to floor. Keeping knee lifted and arms raised, bring torso and knee toward each other as close as you can (as shown). Return to start; switch sides and repeat for one rep. Do 10 reps.

Self Workout - Stand Up to a Belly Bulge

Day 22

Uggggh such a long day! Massive migraine.


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Day 21 The Vending Machine Trap

Working in an office all day is detrimental to my waistline.  I am not active that much during the day.  People are always bring in treats and candies.  The worst ever.... the vending machines.  I found this great article about the 10 Unhealthiest Vending Machine Foods and the 10 Healthier Choices.  This list made me break out my Low Sugar Oatmeal for breakfast instead of getting anything in there!!!  

Here are the lists:



The UNHEALTHIEST Vending Machine Options

The Worst Pick
1. Drake's Apple Fruit Pie
440 calories, 27g fat, 7g sat fat, 8g trans fat
The Bottom Line: Nutritional nightmare

Second Worst
2. Austin Cheese Crackers with Cheddar Cheese
210 calories, 10g fat, 2g sat fat, 4g trans fat
The Bottom Line: A trans fat fest

Other Guilty Pleasures
3. Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry
420 calories, 10g fat, 2.5g sat fat, 40g sugar
The Bottom Line: For sharing only

4. Doritos
250 calories, 13g fat, 2.5g sat fat, 2g fiber
The Bottom Line: "Nacho" best option

5. Skittles
250 calories, 2.5g fat, 2.5g sat fat
The Bottom Line: More calories and fat than Twizzlers

6. Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers (27)
160 calories, 8g fat, 2g sat fat
The Bottom Line: No fiber, no protein

7. Ruffles Original
160 calories, 10g fat, 3g sat fat
The Bottom Line: Nothing but empty calories

8. Cheetos Crunchy
160 calories, 10g fat, 1.5g sat fat
The Bottom Line: Not great, but could be worse

9. Twix
280 calories, 14g fat, 11g sat fat
The Bottom Line: More "bad" fat than a Snickers

10. 3 Musketeers
260 calories, 8g fat, 5g sat fat, 40g sugar
The Bottom Line: Lower fat, but still candy

Nutritional information is for contents of entire package, unless otherwise noted.

Healthier Vending Machine Options

Top Pick
1. Planters Sunflower Kernels (1/4 cup)
160 calories, 14g fat, 1.5g sat fat, 4g fiber
The Bottom Line: Full of healthy fats

Second Best
2. Baked! Lays Original
210 calories, 3g fat, 0g sat fat, 4g fiber
The Bottom Line: Surprisingly fiber-full

Other Smart Snacks
3. Sun Chips Original
140 calories, 6g fat, 1g sat fat, 2g fiber
The Bottom Line: Made of whole grains

4. Snyder's of Hanover Mini Pretzels (20)
110 calories, 0g fat, 0g sat fat
The Bottom Line: Naturally fat-free

5. Smartfood Reduced-Fat Popcorn
120 calories, 5g fat, 1g sat fat, 2g fiber
The Bottom Line: Low fat, and has fiber!

6. Peanut M&M's
250 calories, 13g fat, 5g sat fat, 2g fiber
The Bottom Line: Just don't go nuts

7. Fig Newtons
190 calories, 0g fat, 0g sat fat, 2g fiber
The Bottom Line: It's fruit!

8. Nature Valley Granola Bar, Oats & Honey
180 calories, 6g fat, 0.5g sat fat, 2g fiber
The Bottom Line: Beats hunger

9. Planters Honey Roasted Peanuts (39)
160 calories, 13g fat, 1.5g sat fat, 6g protein
The Bottom Line: High in protein

10. Quaker Chewy Low-Fat Granola Bar, Chocolate Chunk
110 calories, 2g fat, 0.5g sat fat, 1g fiber
The Bottom Line: Guilt-free chocolate


Nutritional information is for contents of entire package, unless otherwise noted.
Originally published in Fitness magazine, June 2006.   

Day 20 - The 1st Day of October.

Scary stuff.  1st day of October already.  Holy cow!!!  Today I have happy hour tonight downtown.  It is hard to get to the loop right after work.  There is no way that I can get a workout in after work today either.  I am going to the gym on lunch.  I have to plan it out because I do not have a lot of time there.  

My plan of attack:
3-5 Minute Warm Up - Elliptical
Head upstairs for body weight training
Jumping Jacks
Weights (free and machine)
Bosu Ball
Squats

Day 19

Hungover is an understatement today.  I feel sleep deprived, dehydrated, and bloated.  I drank (5 Miller Lites) and ate cheesey bread from Sarpinos.  Ahhhhhh  Why do I make bad decisions when I drink.  

Doing absolutely nothing today except laundry and trying to stay alive.

Day 18

Saturday, September 29th.  I went to bed at 5 am this morning and woke up at 11 am.  I need to get a better night's sleep.  I was able to get up and go running this morning (or afternoon).  

I ran 2.5 miles.
Jumped Rope for 10 minutes.
5 Minutes of Abs.
Stretching.  

Day 17 Friday!!!

Technically it's Saturday but I am still on Day 17.  I had a great day!  I drove to the bar tonight and was the DD.  I had couple of Bud Select 55's.  It feels good to be sober at 2:18 am.  Tomorrow I am going to run!

Day 16.... Thursday

This week is dragging! Is it because this is the first full week of work for a while or I need to be challenged mentally. Last night's workout was great! I was reading an article in health and fitness (a great magazine from the UK) and a woman's recovery time is only 4 hours after a workout whereas a man's recovery time is 48 hours. That seems crazy to me. Today I am going to run for an hour. Fingers crossed. I still want to do abs tonight. Abs are a muscle you could work everyday (almost:). Tomorrow is Friday... thankfully. I am going to do a lunchtime workout!


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Day 15 - Workout Wednesday!

Wednesday is my personal training day. Every other week my boyfriend joins me.  I love those weeks.  I get excited when he actually does the activities that I love to do.  I definitely know that he doesn't love it, but it is nice to know that he does it for me.   We did a lot of 50s Wednesday night.  Here is just a taste of it:

- 50 Shuffle Touches
- 50 Hamstring Exercises
- 50 Triciep Lift
- 50 Upper Cuts
- 50 Jabs
- 50 Hooks
- 50 Squats
- 50 Squat Jumps
- 50 Russian Twists
- 50 Bicep Curls with Resistance Band

Day 14 - Only Tuesday!!!

Days go by slow when you are not challenged.  Since my projects at work are dwindling down, I am going to challenge myself in the gym.  Today, I am going to the gym on lunch.  I am going to try the lunchtime workout.  I even wore my hair up today.  I could sweat and no one will know. I have physical therapy tonight, so I am going to run at least 3 miles at lunch.  

I have been addicted to the site Rock My Run for a couple weeks.  Great songs, great beats, and great mixes. 

http://www.rockmyrun.com/

Day 13

Cheez-Its are the devil!  I really think that if I cut out all cheese type crackers from my diet, I would lose at least 5 lbs.  If I do cut that out of my diet, will I binge when I "allow" myself from eating them again?  

I was debating whether or not to go to the gym after work because I am just feeling OK - not great.  After my Cheez-It excursion, I am going. 

Today, I will try to muster up the energy to do 30 minutes cardio (running:) along with ab work and weights.  That is a lofty goal for me right now, but I will work towards it.  

Day 12 - Sunday

Great article for lunchtime workouts!  I only have a 1 hour lunch.  This work week, my goal will be to go to the gym on lunch 3 times during the week.  

Work Out During Lunch

Day 11

Last night I went to the doctor for a sinus infection. When I got home, I got the full fledged flu!

No working out for me yesterday or today:( I feel better but am still a little weak.

I hope my 3 lbs. loss was due to my unbelievable hard workouts and not the flu.

Another day and another obstacle.


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Day 10

Happy Friday!  Day 10 and I weigh 179!  Woo hoo!  I am not going to celebrate too quickly tho.  I would like to see that number drop a little more by next week.  

Here is a bridal boot-camp 10 minute work out that I am going to try at the gym in between cardio machines.  

Day 9

Today was an ok day.

I hurt my knee about 6 months ago training for a marathon. My goal was to run a marathon before my 30th. Well, since my injury I haven't been able to run that much. I have been in physical therapy for over a month now. Tonight was a good session! My PT told me my legs are getting stronger and now I have to start running.

PT was great today. I did high knees, side planks on the bosu ball, planks on the bosu ball, and hip exercises.

My next goal is to start going to yoga again.


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Day 8

All caught up with my blog.  I am now realizing that if I would have blogged on Tuesday, I would not have ordered Pizza.  Blurg!

Today is already a productive day.  I brought workout clothes to work. Even tho I am a "gym regular" doesn't mean that I am being 100% productive the time I am there.  I went to the gym during lunch and spent 35 solid minutes working out.  This is what I did:

5 minutes - Elliptical
1 minute - Just Arms on the Elliptical.  
15 Side Crunches (each side)
15 Lower Ab Crunches
15 Long Arm Crunches
1 minute x 3 Plank Crunches on the Bosu Ball
Triceps/Bicep Exercises with free weights on the Bosu Ball
Jumping Jacks
Walking Lunges
Push Ups using the Bosu Ball
Bicep Curls on a machine

Burned: 258 Calories - 50% Fat

Tonight is a get together with college friends.  Dinner and drinks.  I am going to Bike there since the dinner is in the city.  Instead of taking a train, I would rather show up to dinner sweaty to see people who won't judge me and never judge me.  That is really great about my college friends.  We really don't have drama.  Well, I guess we do have drama, but it is not with each other.  I cannot wait to be able to see them all.  I miss them a ton.  

Welp, here's to Day 8.  

Day 7

The weather is getting cooler and my sinuses are getting irritated.   I had an all day class for Excel downtown on Tuesday.  The class was really good.  I had less opportunity to snack and made healthier food choices.  

Lunch was Panera (since the line was long everywhere else)
I had the Low Fat Black Bean Soup with 1/2 of the Chicken Avacado Sandwich (hold the mayo please!)

Dinner was not a good choice.  I had cheese bread from Sarpinos!  What was I thinking.  It isn't even that good!!!!  

Exercise: Biking - Burned Over 300 Calories per my Polar Watch.  Unfortunately not enough to burn off all that cheese bread!

Day 6

Monday was my Day 6.  My body was so sore from Sunday's workout.  

Here is a list of exercises I can remember we did:

30 x 2 Sets TRX Training Rows
30 x 2 Sets TRX Training Triceps
Sprints/Jogging
Core on the Bosu Ball
Plank on the Bosu Ball
Side Squats on th Bosu Ball
Chair Squats on the Bosu Ball
Push Ups with the Bosu Ball
Shuffle and Touches

Monday was definitely a day of rest for my body.  

Day 5

Starting off my morning right!

Egg white omelet with wheat toast with spray butter.




At 12:30 I have training in a park with Courtney. I cannot wait to get my ass kicked!

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Day 4

Position of the day! My goal is 5 sets of 1 minute holds.

Day 3...

Ran for 40 minutes and rolled my legs out. I need more ideas of fun, high calorie burning workouts. Tomorrow I am going to add on to my running route and try some new weight exercises.
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Day 3

Last night was disappointing with the Bears game, but I made better decisions than before.  I haven't had cable since I lived in my parents house.  I bought an HD antenna, lean cuisine pizza bread, and Edy's Fruit bars.  Instead of going to the bar, we had a healthier (disappointing) game at home.  

Feeling uplifted by my choices from yesterday, I am ready to face my Friday.  I have been plateaued for the last 2 years with my weight.  I watch what I eat and work out, but now I just have to work harder.  Today, here is my action plan:

Breakfast:
Oatmeal (low-sugar)

Snack:
Green Peppers (NO RANCH)

Lunch: 
Homemade Bean Chili without cheese and onions

Pre-Workout Snack:
Banana

Dinner:
Grilled Chicken Salad (NO RANCH)
Fruit Bar

I am sure that I will stray a little from my plan, but at least I put it down in writing.  This has helped me in the past to be aware of what I was putting into my body.  Tonight, I might have to go to a happy hour with my boyfriend.  It is a going away party for his co-worker.  I used to love going to bars.  Now I just hate it.  All of these cute outfits that people wear out, that I can't right now.  No. I have to stop looking at the negatives.  Positives: It is only day 3, and I will have had a great workout by then.  Ok, let's start Day 3.

Day 2

Tonight I am going to watch the Thursday night Bears vs. Packers game at a bar.  I think it is always hard to be out and to resist drinking with everyone.  Is one or two beers worth drinking there?  Refocusing my mindset is the hardest thing about getting healthy.  Tonight I am going to ride my bike to the bar.  Tonight I am going to eat dinner before I go to the bar.  Tonight I am going to make good decisions for me.  

I have been reading all of these amazing fitness and heath blogs lately.  One suggested that I put down in writing exactly what my goals are.  Well, here they are:

1.  To be comfortable with myself.

2. To fit into my skinny jeans again.

3.  To gain my self confidence back.

4.  So I don't have to obsess about everything I eat.

5.  To fit in my black silk dress again.

6.  To be toned.

7.  To be able to wear a bikini in the summer.

8.  To be healthy.

When I am having a bad day, I have to look back on these to know why I am doing what I am doing.  

The hard thing about being "selfish" is that the people that have known you your whole life don't understand why you aren't being yourself.  I guess in time I will tell them to read my blog, but for now I just don't want to worry about what other people think. 

Day 1

What female twenty-something year old hasn't struggled with their weight?  I think most of us have been struggling our whole lives.  This is my last year in my twenties.  A scary thought when I put it down in writing.  I have a good job, a wonderful boyfriend, and an amazing family.  Why is it so hard for me to get to my "goal weight"?  

For the next 6 months I am going to post my journey.  I think that if I put this down in writing, maybe I will be liable for my actions.  I work out all the time.  I count calories.  I am obsessed with what I eat.  This needs to change.  In order for me to be happy, I have to be happy with myself.  I am not looking at a goal weight of 130 lbs.  I just want to be comfortable in my own skin.  

My boyfriend and I argue about the stupidest things, but it always comes down to me being insecure with myself.  He has told me time again how I am the most selfless person he knows.  Maybe that is why I let myself go.  The other day when he was describing me to his co-worker, he used that term....  selfless.  I guess it got me thinking.  I need to be selfish for once in my life.  I need to do something for me.  So for the next 6 months, I am working on me.