Literally. We've been internet-obsessed since finding Stumble, a program that allows you to choose topics of interest, then zips you to various related web pages. Anyway, as part of a lengthy Stumble session last night, I found this. Part of me feels upset by how unhealthy this probably is (50 lbs in three months? too much, right?), but part of me thinks that this makes sense. If you can't eliminate the bad stuff, be smarter about it...which is my philosophy for fitness this year. The No McDonalds resolution came crashing down around me. But it's far less frequent than it used to be. And of the three times we've been budgetarily reduced to fast food, two of my meals were salads. That's somewhat less fatty than a quarter pounder and a shitload of fries. At least, I assume as much.
So check that out. I'm curious as to what you think.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
4:45 a.m., Beverages, Friends(?)
Oh my. Know what I did this morning? I got up at FOUR THIRTY so that I could work out at 4:45. I would like to report that it was GLORIOUS. Yes! I mean, it was sooooo cold. I was very tired (my two year old was up three times last night for some reason). It was great anyway. It made me feel like I have hope to do this. If I can get up and work out before my day even begins AND ENJOY IT, then I can certainly reach my goals. My end of the day exhaustion need no longer hinder me. I can sit back and have that glass on wine and anticipate my much deserved downtime.
Speaking of drinking... anything. The coffee thing did not work for me. Neither did various Splenda (tm) drinks I tried to use as replacements for calories. I started snacking more. My stomach started hurting. I read a study that drinks sweetened with artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame) make people crave more carbohydrates. Hmmm. Anyway- its water and wine for me. I am too much of a wimp for coffee. It has always made me jittery and antsy... not pleasantly perky like our friend Annie here.
Last bit o' business: peer relation discouragement. Yes. So. Sunday I had a hell of a work out. Seriously. I felt great... and exhausted. Later I saw a friend and mentioned how absolutely worn out I was from my work out- she asked me what I did. I told her that I ran a few miles. She stepped back and looked me over and said 'oh, I hadn't noticed anything, I didn't know you worked out." Oh. Well. My spirits, my confidence.... everything!!!! How could she!
I ran it by my nearest and dearest and got the following perspective: It is a fact that I am wearing pants almost three whole sizes smaller than I was at the end of the summer. It is a fact that I have great endurance and strength now. It is a fact that I had to buy new underwear 2 times to keep it from falling off throughout the day. Why should I be so crushed by another person's observation... or lack of observation? What was also pointed out to me was that this person is condescending to a lot of people as of late and has been rather competitive in general.
It made me realize something. People need positive feedback!! It is easier to give up or not even start than it is to work on any sort of self improvement. Chicks should show each other the love, man!!!
Anyway, have a great week fellow fitwits!!!
Speaking of drinking... anything. The coffee thing did not work for me. Neither did various Splenda (tm) drinks I tried to use as replacements for calories. I started snacking more. My stomach started hurting. I read a study that drinks sweetened with artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame) make people crave more carbohydrates. Hmmm. Anyway- its water and wine for me. I am too much of a wimp for coffee. It has always made me jittery and antsy... not pleasantly perky like our friend Annie here.
Last bit o' business: peer relation discouragement. Yes. So. Sunday I had a hell of a work out. Seriously. I felt great... and exhausted. Later I saw a friend and mentioned how absolutely worn out I was from my work out- she asked me what I did. I told her that I ran a few miles. She stepped back and looked me over and said 'oh, I hadn't noticed anything, I didn't know you worked out." Oh. Well. My spirits, my confidence.... everything!!!! How could she!
I ran it by my nearest and dearest and got the following perspective: It is a fact that I am wearing pants almost three whole sizes smaller than I was at the end of the summer. It is a fact that I have great endurance and strength now. It is a fact that I had to buy new underwear 2 times to keep it from falling off throughout the day. Why should I be so crushed by another person's observation... or lack of observation? What was also pointed out to me was that this person is condescending to a lot of people as of late and has been rather competitive in general.
It made me realize something. People need positive feedback!! It is easier to give up or not even start than it is to work on any sort of self improvement. Chicks should show each other the love, man!!!
Anyway, have a great week fellow fitwits!!!
Friday, January 26, 2007
2 Things: 1 great, 1 humiliating (but still kind of great)
1- This morning I put on a pair of pants that I have not fit into since 2000. Yes, 2000. I bought them the day before the big ol' y2k ordeal. I remember shopping for them with my then best friend right before we all went out on the town with my now husband (sigh). I also remember that in 2003 I tried them on before going to meet my now husband at a bus station and not being able to fit them over my butt.
2- Last night while in the produce section of the grocery store I frequent I nearly tripped over my skirt (purchased in August 2006) that had fallen around my ankles. I was wearing tights and a long sweater but OMG. People standing around me did indeed see that my skirt was on the floor. Humiliating? YES. Yet... a little thrilling. My clothes is literally falling off of my body.
2- Last night while in the produce section of the grocery store I frequent I nearly tripped over my skirt (purchased in August 2006) that had fallen around my ankles. I was wearing tights and a long sweater but OMG. People standing around me did indeed see that my skirt was on the floor. Humiliating? YES. Yet... a little thrilling. My clothes is literally falling off of my body.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Ugh.
If we were indeed doing the weighing thing I don't think I would be reporting any sort of success this week. I have yet to show up at the gym bright and early as planned. I worked out there three times over the weekend- each time a 400 cal workout with a little weight training. I have been eating healthy food... just maybe not a very regulated amount of it. Oh yeah- yesterday I shoved about a quarter of a 'whoopie pie' in my mouth... don't ask.
I had been quite encouraged... for weeks and weeks. This week marks the first real week of doubt that I have had. I think it has to do with 1) our schedule and 2) the weather. I am a list person. I like to number my lists.
Joe has been very busy with his two jobs and other work related endeavors. This leaves me alone with the tot from 7-7 or 8:30, depending on the day of the week. This is our decided division of labour, not a problem... but it is now very, very cold outside. The baby guy and I like to spend our days outside and would normally racking up many, many, many steps on the ol' pedometer. Instead we are spending a lot of time on 'paint' or actually painting or spelling words with raisins. Ug. When 'Da' is home and frees up the car it is cold and dark and I am pooped. I would be rushing to that gym in the morning but, uhm, at 5am it has been something like 5 degrees and my bed and hubby are so warm and comfy and zzzzzzzzz.
This morning I woke up and did 30 sit ups. I am going to do a little hip-hop dancing (ha ha ha) when the tot is napping. We played a game this morning called "Dance! now Hug!" where the two of us dance like maniacs for a few seconds then pause for a little hug... repeat seemingly endlessly. Fun? I am trying to get the activity in! There is no doubt in my mind that I need to get back to the distance running and do it at 5 am about 5 days a week. When I was on that path I dropped two sizes so rapidly. Now I am sort of hovering in the same place.
Now on to the thing I am talented at:
This is terrifying, isn't it? I know, I know-- I am such a dork. What are they? We like to call them my 'quality control chicken meatballs' (copyrighted to me by the way, if I see 'em up somewhere readers, I will get mad).
Why are they quality control? Well... if you buy ground chicken you can't be sure 1) what part of the chicken it comes from or 2) just how fatty it will really be. I always imagine all sorts of terrible things are mushed up in there. That is why I do my own chicken selection and grinding. I am not a big fan or eater of poultry. It is the only meat I do eat, other than the occasional fish, so I am a nut about making sure it is not 'icky'.
This is a very low-fat/high-protein recipe. It can be tweaked to suit your fancy.
Chop 1.5 lbs of chicken breast into smallest pieces you can. I like to do it when still slightly frozen... easier to get smaller pieces without handling slime. I buy my chicken from a local butcher so I have to freeze it before. I know, whacky me.
Put chicken in moderate to large size food processor and whir the hell out of it until it is a nice slimey. Add one cup whole wheat bread crumbs, 1/2 cup egg whites (liquid), 1 tsp each: basil, marjoram, oregano and one clove garlic.
Roll into ball size of your choice. If they feel like there is too much liquid carefully add a bit more bread crumbs. Bake on cookie sheet at 375 for about half an hour. Check that middle of one ball is cooked through before serving! It is poultry people!
Some additional spicing suggestions? Instead of the Italian spices I like to use paprika, garlic, and a pinch of sage. How about dill and low-fat feta with chives?
I had been quite encouraged... for weeks and weeks. This week marks the first real week of doubt that I have had. I think it has to do with 1) our schedule and 2) the weather. I am a list person. I like to number my lists.
Joe has been very busy with his two jobs and other work related endeavors. This leaves me alone with the tot from 7-7 or 8:30, depending on the day of the week. This is our decided division of labour, not a problem... but it is now very, very cold outside. The baby guy and I like to spend our days outside and would normally racking up many, many, many steps on the ol' pedometer. Instead we are spending a lot of time on 'paint' or actually painting or spelling words with raisins. Ug. When 'Da' is home and frees up the car it is cold and dark and I am pooped. I would be rushing to that gym in the morning but, uhm, at 5am it has been something like 5 degrees and my bed and hubby are so warm and comfy and zzzzzzzzz.
This morning I woke up and did 30 sit ups. I am going to do a little hip-hop dancing (ha ha ha) when the tot is napping. We played a game this morning called "Dance! now Hug!" where the two of us dance like maniacs for a few seconds then pause for a little hug... repeat seemingly endlessly. Fun? I am trying to get the activity in! There is no doubt in my mind that I need to get back to the distance running and do it at 5 am about 5 days a week. When I was on that path I dropped two sizes so rapidly. Now I am sort of hovering in the same place.
Now on to the thing I am talented at:
This is terrifying, isn't it? I know, I know-- I am such a dork. What are they? We like to call them my 'quality control chicken meatballs' (copyrighted to me by the way, if I see 'em up somewhere readers, I will get mad).
Why are they quality control? Well... if you buy ground chicken you can't be sure 1) what part of the chicken it comes from or 2) just how fatty it will really be. I always imagine all sorts of terrible things are mushed up in there. That is why I do my own chicken selection and grinding. I am not a big fan or eater of poultry. It is the only meat I do eat, other than the occasional fish, so I am a nut about making sure it is not 'icky'.
This is a very low-fat/high-protein recipe. It can be tweaked to suit your fancy.
Chop 1.5 lbs of chicken breast into smallest pieces you can. I like to do it when still slightly frozen... easier to get smaller pieces without handling slime. I buy my chicken from a local butcher so I have to freeze it before. I know, whacky me.
Put chicken in moderate to large size food processor and whir the hell out of it until it is a nice slimey. Add one cup whole wheat bread crumbs, 1/2 cup egg whites (liquid), 1 tsp each: basil, marjoram, oregano and one clove garlic.
Roll into ball size of your choice. If they feel like there is too much liquid carefully add a bit more bread crumbs. Bake on cookie sheet at 375 for about half an hour. Check that middle of one ball is cooked through before serving! It is poultry people!
Some additional spicing suggestions? Instead of the Italian spices I like to use paprika, garlic, and a pinch of sage. How about dill and low-fat feta with chives?
Monday, January 22, 2007
where i first attempt the balance ball
My current indoor fitness routine is 25 push-ups, 25 crunches, and 25 squats. The only part that's been giving me any real challenge is the push-ups, but that's primarily because I've always lacked upper body strength. As a result of entertaining the child I baby-sit most afternoons, I finally pumped up the balance ball Jeremy gave me for my birthday. It's big and green and fun to dribble. Not until this morning did I actually incorporate it into my "workout".
According to Joan Pagano (as well as just about any other fitness-minded individual you can Google), using the balance ball helps you isolate muscles better. The pictures of ladies doing crunches looked comfortable enough! And as far as squats are concerned, I can get further down without bending my knees beyond a 90 degree angle.
It's funny to think that before today, I worried that perhaps I wasn't challenging myself enough.
I started with the twenty-five push-ups. I can get to 17 or 18 before I get off rhythm. The last five are always the most pathetic ones, so pathetic that I feel that despite the burning, I'm somehow cheating. I'm not, I assure you. Last year I could barely squeeze out ten, so I'll accept that progress has been made. Then came crunch time. Positioning myself onto the ball was easy enough. I segued into my first crunch. "Wow! I can lean all the way back, and my neck isn't doing the brunt of the work!" I thought to myself. Unfortunately, then came crunches two, three, and four. By crunch five, I had the burn of having already completed 25 floor crunches. There was also the surprise of "productive" pain in my lower back, which before today I could've sworn housed muscles. Unhappy and freaking out at my lack of tone and fitness, I threw the ball out of my way and tried to finish the crunches on the floor. They were even harder than the ones on the balance ball! Defeated, I brought the ball back, and in the worst form speed would allow, finished my crunches. Clearly I was doing something wrong until now, because it's like my abdominals were in a coma, and a machine has been guiding me through the motions of sitting up and lying back down. The squats didn't traumatize me the way the crunches did, but then, I've always had strong legs. I found the ball beneficial in that instance.
It's like a shitty new beginning. Hooray, I'm going to work my abdominals.
According to Joan Pagano (as well as just about any other fitness-minded individual you can Google), using the balance ball helps you isolate muscles better. The pictures of ladies doing crunches looked comfortable enough! And as far as squats are concerned, I can get further down without bending my knees beyond a 90 degree angle.
It's funny to think that before today, I worried that perhaps I wasn't challenging myself enough.
I started with the twenty-five push-ups. I can get to 17 or 18 before I get off rhythm. The last five are always the most pathetic ones, so pathetic that I feel that despite the burning, I'm somehow cheating. I'm not, I assure you. Last year I could barely squeeze out ten, so I'll accept that progress has been made. Then came crunch time. Positioning myself onto the ball was easy enough. I segued into my first crunch. "Wow! I can lean all the way back, and my neck isn't doing the brunt of the work!" I thought to myself. Unfortunately, then came crunches two, three, and four. By crunch five, I had the burn of having already completed 25 floor crunches. There was also the surprise of "productive" pain in my lower back, which before today I could've sworn housed muscles. Unhappy and freaking out at my lack of tone and fitness, I threw the ball out of my way and tried to finish the crunches on the floor. They were even harder than the ones on the balance ball! Defeated, I brought the ball back, and in the worst form speed would allow, finished my crunches. Clearly I was doing something wrong until now, because it's like my abdominals were in a coma, and a machine has been guiding me through the motions of sitting up and lying back down. The squats didn't traumatize me the way the crunches did, but then, I've always had strong legs. I found the ball beneficial in that instance.
It's like a shitty new beginning. Hooray, I'm going to work my abdominals.
Friday, January 19, 2007
idol inspiration
Not long ago I caught a few minutes of Extra, the craptastic entertainment program I try not to watch. In the moments I saw, they were talking about Jennifer Hudson's descent from a size 16 to a 12 in three months' time. Every day she did 25 sit-ups (or crunches - I forget now), 25 push-ups, and 25 squats, combined with running suicides (not sure the regularity of that one, but I imagine it was close to, if not actually, also a daily ritual.) So my thought is maybe while I'm stranded in the house (we got another four inches of snow last night, to top the six inches we got the other day), maybe I could make Ms. Hudson's workout my own. I don't really have room to run suicides, but I could walk up and down the stairs a bit.
I haven't done a whole lot of movement this week. Time to explode out of my rut full-force!
I haven't done a whole lot of movement this week. Time to explode out of my rut full-force!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
#$@*&^$%@#@ COLD
yeah. I have not been to the gym since Sunday. It is DAMN cold and I don't feel like leaving the house. I have been restricting calories carefully, but I am sure my non-working out metabolism is frightfully slow.
COLD. It is 5 degrees right now.
Sighs
COLD. It is 5 degrees right now.
Sighs
Monday, January 15, 2007
yummy- yucky
I have been doing so good- and so, uhm, not good!
I am reflecting on the last few days:
good:
-worked out a total of 2.5 hours in 3 days
-according to my pedometer I average 18,000 steps a day outside of my workouts
-I have added the arc trainer and the rowing machine to my cardio workout
BAD-
-i have had a small addiction to a bag of dark chocolate hearts we have in the freezer
-i think that I shove stuff in my mouth when I cook for my guys
-one word: ALCOHOL
hmph.
I chose the "New Mediterranean Diet' plan because I am at heart a 'foodie' and have a real, deep, heavy love of wine- pinot noirs, cabernets, riojas... well- a huge array of 'em. We consume something like 4 bottles a week! I had been limiting myself to one or two 3-4 ounce glasses every other night. I noticed that lately the hubby and I have been, more often than not, opting to swig off of the bottle these days. Par example: Thursday night: took showers, got in jammies, turned on television, sit on bed and pass a bottle of pinot back and forth (while sucking on dark chocolate hearts), make a million jokes- you know... marital bliss!!
What should I do??? Give up the beloved sauce of my life?
I will not defend the dark chocolate. You know, they are saying it is good for you, what with the anti-oxidants and all. I think 'they' are referring to having a little piece here and there.
Now to address the good-cookery. I love to cook. I love to cook healthy food, but somehow I wonder if I eat more than would if I was not cooking so often? I mean, we eat much better than most people we know in terms of getting our RDA and fiber...
The weekend's entrees included the following:
smoked salmon and tomato fritata
indianish potato patty things with garlic ginger dahl
spicey turkey burgers with sweet potato fries-
we eat these meals with a co-ordinating salad. We eat 'big-salads' with lite balsamic dressing for lunch, we eat 'kashi-heart to heart' for breakfast (religiously)
I am reflecting on the last few days:
good:
-worked out a total of 2.5 hours in 3 days
-according to my pedometer I average 18,000 steps a day outside of my workouts
-I have added the arc trainer and the rowing machine to my cardio workout
BAD-
-i have had a small addiction to a bag of dark chocolate hearts we have in the freezer
-i think that I shove stuff in my mouth when I cook for my guys
-one word: ALCOHOL
hmph.
I chose the "New Mediterranean Diet' plan because I am at heart a 'foodie' and have a real, deep, heavy love of wine- pinot noirs, cabernets, riojas... well- a huge array of 'em. We consume something like 4 bottles a week! I had been limiting myself to one or two 3-4 ounce glasses every other night. I noticed that lately the hubby and I have been, more often than not, opting to swig off of the bottle these days. Par example: Thursday night: took showers, got in jammies, turned on television, sit on bed and pass a bottle of pinot back and forth (while sucking on dark chocolate hearts), make a million jokes- you know... marital bliss!!
What should I do??? Give up the beloved sauce of my life?
I will not defend the dark chocolate. You know, they are saying it is good for you, what with the anti-oxidants and all. I think 'they' are referring to having a little piece here and there.
Now to address the good-cookery. I love to cook. I love to cook healthy food, but somehow I wonder if I eat more than would if I was not cooking so often? I mean, we eat much better than most people we know in terms of getting our RDA and fiber...
The weekend's entrees included the following:
smoked salmon and tomato fritata
indianish potato patty things with garlic ginger dahl
spicey turkey burgers with sweet potato fries-
we eat these meals with a co-ordinating salad. We eat 'big-salads' with lite balsamic dressing for lunch, we eat 'kashi-heart to heart' for breakfast (religiously)
So why and how do I end up eating too much? I think I have a bad habit of stuffing things in my mouth. I have a nutrition tracker through ediets.com but I noticed that at the end of the day things go 'off record'. Last night I noticed that when my tot was done eating I was shoveling little chunks of his dinner into my mouth instead of the trash....
like those dark chocolate hearts.
I think I would have an easier time identifying my diet failures if I was eating straight up bad food. Its a lot easier to say 'cut out the chips' than it is to say: 'a little lighter on the garlic-ginger dahl'
There- I have blogged my little bit about the eating thing.
GAH!!
_______________________________________________________________
Back to the positive:
I have worked out a new work-out solution (get it? worked out the work-out...) My husband works Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings so I have been working out Thursday through Sunday (at the gym) I do interesting sorts of work outs at home but they are not really providing real cardio so much as they are just about more general sorts of fitness (like belly dancing and yoga, as I have mentioned. I have decided to do something drastic.
Starting Wednesday (when the storms have subsided) I will bet getting up at 5a.m. and dragging my ass to the gym to run SIX DAYS A WEEK. Seriously. I don't know how I will convince myself to do this? I will try!
_________________________________________________________________
a recipe for the world- an Emily exclusive!
this recipe is high in calcium, protein, potassium- has turmeric which is being proven to prevent aging in the brain!- it is filling but remember, POTATOES ARE HIGH IN CARBs so.. you know, follow the suggested serving of 2 patties and you have yourself a low-fat not too high in calories super food!
Indian-ish potato patties!
2 large-ish potatoes
2 tbsp skim milk
1/2 cup chickpea flour
1/3 cup liquid egg whites
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
1/4 tsp ground coriander seed
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 cup cilantro
Peel potatoes and cut into four pieces each. Bring to boil in saucepan in about 3 inches of water until tender (about 20 minutes) Drain and rinse.
Lightly coat skillet with olive oil (or cooking spray) saute garlic, onions, and spices on medium heat until onions are soft and translucent.
Mash cooked potatoes in a large bowl with milk. Add liquid egg white and chickpea flour. Stir in cooked onion and spice mixture. Add cilantro.
Form into small (two inch) patties. Dust lightly with additional chickpea flour.
Brown both sides in skillet (with olive oil or cooking spray).
Garlic Ginger Dahl-
1 cup cooked lentils (just boil some lentils, any type, drain, measure out a cup)
1 large onion, diced
2 TBSP fresh ginger- diced finely
3 cloves garlic- diced finely
salt and pepper (to taste)
1 tbsp water
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1 cup non-fat plain yogurt
Saute onions (again, with small amount of olive oil or a cooking spray) and garlic and ginger in skillet. Add turmeric and salt and pepper. Add water and lentils. Continue cooking for a few minutes. Add yogurt, mix until smooth... voila!
Use to top potato patties.
Friday, January 12, 2007
brain fitness and road blocks.
Not only am I trying to get physically fit, but I'm attempting to dust away a few mental cobwebs. The single awesomest podcast I've found this year is the BrainReady BrainCast. I want everyone to experience the awesomeness.
I'm finding that without reason to leave the house, I tend not to. When I don't leave the house, my steps don't exceed 1,500. The cold weather is a total buzz kill. And Dance Party, my "cardio", is not fun every day. I walk up and down the stairs a few times, but my heart rate doesn't feel that much higher for the effort (and my thighs are constantly on the verge of giving out). That's my current challenge.
Today is going to be arms and abs, maybe a few trips up and down the stairs too.
I'm finding that without reason to leave the house, I tend not to. When I don't leave the house, my steps don't exceed 1,500. The cold weather is a total buzz kill. And Dance Party, my "cardio", is not fun every day. I walk up and down the stairs a few times, but my heart rate doesn't feel that much higher for the effort (and my thighs are constantly on the verge of giving out). That's my current challenge.
Today is going to be arms and abs, maybe a few trips up and down the stairs too.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
go, go, go, go, go
hmmm.... I was never a coffee person before...
not only was I not tempted to eat more than I had planned for
I did a giant mountain of housework.
Thanks coffee!! Thanks fitness blog.
If only I could stop moving around!
not only was I not tempted to eat more than I had planned for
I did a giant mountain of housework.
Thanks coffee!! Thanks fitness blog.
If only I could stop moving around!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Health, Health, Health!!!
Thank you so much for inviting me to this little fitness team! I guess my first entry should be a sort of introduction to what I am doing. I don't get to share this very often since I assume most people are not really interested in hearing about this sort of thing. I talk my husband's ear off about it... maybe this will give him a much deserved break?
I am breaking my entry down into three parts- 1) my goal 2)my plan 3) my obstacles.
1) MY GOAL- I let my 20s get the better of me physically. At the age of 20 I was a buxom size 10 who could out-run/out-lift/out-last all of my male friends. At 30 I was... well.. beyond 'buxom' tired out housewife. After a blood pressure scare and hearing the news that three of my old classmates had already died of heart attacks I decided that I would finally get to the place I always meant to go and do the work I always hated doing.
I have already fixed my vitals and got back in the swing of healthy living. Now I am working on the thing I never dared do: look as good as I want to look! My goal? One size below the one I was happiest at. I want to be a size 8. Can it happen? I don't know, but I should try! Baby steps. I am already partway there!
My more immediate goal is to be comfortable in a bathing suit this summer. My husband and I spend a lot of time at the beach with our toddler and I REALLY WANT to stop feeling like a freak in layers as I chase my little tot around!
2.) I am currently on the New Mediterranean Diet. I eat 1200-1500 calories a day and workout four or five days a week. I was on a running program but an old skating/soccer knee injury is keeping me from the long distance training I have been working on. To date I have lost between 30 and 40 lbs and am at 10 lbs less than I was before I got pregnant.
3.) My obstacles? Hahahahahaha. My husband loves food. He loves my healthy cooking but every night at 8pm he starts searching the house for cookies. Another obstacle is that bad knee. Running has really been all I know in terms of a fitness plan. I am also trying to get in more workout time at home.
So. That is me and my little fitness story. Today I planning on doing some belly dancing. Seriously. I try to keep my non-gym days interesting with things I actually feel like doing. I take a 60 minute walk in the morning (with the added challenge of a 30lb tot affixed to my back) and then try something like yoga or dance or pilates
Pilates has not gone well.
Anyway- that's it for me.
I want to end with a question for the other two of you. I have not been a coffee drinker but lately I have had a cup or two and it has (unintentionally) been quite an appetite suppressor. Is this perk temporary or does coffee indeed keep one's hunger down?
I am breaking my entry down into three parts- 1) my goal 2)my plan 3) my obstacles.
1) MY GOAL- I let my 20s get the better of me physically. At the age of 20 I was a buxom size 10 who could out-run/out-lift/out-last all of my male friends. At 30 I was... well.. beyond 'buxom' tired out housewife. After a blood pressure scare and hearing the news that three of my old classmates had already died of heart attacks I decided that I would finally get to the place I always meant to go and do the work I always hated doing.
I have already fixed my vitals and got back in the swing of healthy living. Now I am working on the thing I never dared do: look as good as I want to look! My goal? One size below the one I was happiest at. I want to be a size 8. Can it happen? I don't know, but I should try! Baby steps. I am already partway there!
My more immediate goal is to be comfortable in a bathing suit this summer. My husband and I spend a lot of time at the beach with our toddler and I REALLY WANT to stop feeling like a freak in layers as I chase my little tot around!
2.) I am currently on the New Mediterranean Diet. I eat 1200-1500 calories a day and workout four or five days a week. I was on a running program but an old skating/soccer knee injury is keeping me from the long distance training I have been working on. To date I have lost between 30 and 40 lbs and am at 10 lbs less than I was before I got pregnant.
3.) My obstacles? Hahahahahaha. My husband loves food. He loves my healthy cooking but every night at 8pm he starts searching the house for cookies. Another obstacle is that bad knee. Running has really been all I know in terms of a fitness plan. I am also trying to get in more workout time at home.
So. That is me and my little fitness story. Today I planning on doing some belly dancing. Seriously. I try to keep my non-gym days interesting with things I actually feel like doing. I take a 60 minute walk in the morning (with the added challenge of a 30lb tot affixed to my back) and then try something like yoga or dance or pilates
Pilates has not gone well.
Anyway- that's it for me.
I want to end with a question for the other two of you. I have not been a coffee drinker but lately I have had a cup or two and it has (unintentionally) been quite an appetite suppressor. Is this perk temporary or does coffee indeed keep one's hunger down?
today, the day.
Today we're adding a new Fitwit, Emily. Because she's as ridiculously enthused about fitness this year as we are. If there's anything I like more than enthusiasm, it's ridiculous enthusiasm.
Today I find myself with a day off, and the plan is "cardio", quotation marks because I can't be sure what I plan to do will technically count as cardio. I call it Dance Party, where I spend a large chunk of time dancing crazily to upbeat music. I spent a fair portion of yesterday and will today finish putting together the music. Maybe I'll clean while I'm at it...but only if the movement encourages it. My dancing becomes 46% less aerobic when I wash dishes, or start a load of laundry.
Dance Party is not about dancing beautifully. It's about shaking limbs in any and every direction, as dictated by the music. It's exhausting, but more fun than anything else in the world. Literally!
I'm also thinking about my pedometer, and putting it to use. I read somewhere (if I can remember where, I'll credit it here later) that for optimum health one should walk 10,000 steps per day, though for the average American, even getting up to 6,000 would be something. I don't know how many steps I take each day currently, but I'd be lucky if I crack 1,000. Pathetic, yes. But that will change!
Foodwise, things are healthier already. My New Year's resolution to eliminate fast food from my diet (McDonalds in particular, as it's right across the street) has held. Ten days might sound weak, but it's a bit of a record. I've also been faithfully taking a multi-vitamin, to make up for the stuff I'm not yet getting from the food I eat. I do have one other thing to cut back on: beer. It's not that I currently ingest beer in large quantities. It's more a matter of frequency. We generally have a six-pack on hand, and it's usually the best option for dinnertime beverage. Last night I had two, and was fully aware that one was probably enough. Something to work on. Not that I plan to fully eliminate it - that's unrealistic. It's about balance.
Already I've spent too much time writing. Time to dance!!!!!!!
Today I find myself with a day off, and the plan is "cardio", quotation marks because I can't be sure what I plan to do will technically count as cardio. I call it Dance Party, where I spend a large chunk of time dancing crazily to upbeat music. I spent a fair portion of yesterday and will today finish putting together the music. Maybe I'll clean while I'm at it...but only if the movement encourages it. My dancing becomes 46% less aerobic when I wash dishes, or start a load of laundry.
Dance Party is not about dancing beautifully. It's about shaking limbs in any and every direction, as dictated by the music. It's exhausting, but more fun than anything else in the world. Literally!
I'm also thinking about my pedometer, and putting it to use. I read somewhere (if I can remember where, I'll credit it here later) that for optimum health one should walk 10,000 steps per day, though for the average American, even getting up to 6,000 would be something. I don't know how many steps I take each day currently, but I'd be lucky if I crack 1,000. Pathetic, yes. But that will change!
Foodwise, things are healthier already. My New Year's resolution to eliminate fast food from my diet (McDonalds in particular, as it's right across the street) has held. Ten days might sound weak, but it's a bit of a record. I've also been faithfully taking a multi-vitamin, to make up for the stuff I'm not yet getting from the food I eat. I do have one other thing to cut back on: beer. It's not that I currently ingest beer in large quantities. It's more a matter of frequency. We generally have a six-pack on hand, and it's usually the best option for dinnertime beverage. Last night I had two, and was fully aware that one was probably enough. Something to work on. Not that I plan to fully eliminate it - that's unrealistic. It's about balance.
Already I've spent too much time writing. Time to dance!!!!!!!
Monday, January 08, 2007
the fitwits begin!
What makes this year so special? Why is this the year physical fitness will be rocked to it's core? It's the awesome vibe 2007 gives me, coupled with having more reasons to get fit than ever before (also, suddenly having more fat than any other year on record could be a prime motivator.) We have no experience with fitness or healthy diet. What we DO have is motivation. Starting a blog will not only help chart progress; it'll keep us motivated. If anyone else gets any good from it, then all the better. Lorrie and I will post regularly about anything that seems relevant.
I started yesterday by weighing myself and taking my measurements. I will not go near the scale or tape measure for another two months. That way, mild fluctuations won't affect my drive. With the help of Joan Pagano's Strength Training for Women (which I took out of the library almost a month ago), I attempted some "core" moves. Good stuff.
More tomorrow!
-Annie
I started yesterday by weighing myself and taking my measurements. I will not go near the scale or tape measure for another two months. That way, mild fluctuations won't affect my drive. With the help of Joan Pagano's Strength Training for Women (which I took out of the library almost a month ago), I attempted some "core" moves. Good stuff.
More tomorrow!
-Annie
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)