4 a.m. Wows.

The issues in my last post have been resolved. I tried to things. I am not sure which one did the trick so I decided to institute both changes instead of taking my chances with the terrible faintiness again. I have given up most (well, not chocolate) forms of caffeine and have upped my carbs (not refined... I still eat little to none of those). I pair my lunch salad with whole wheat toast, etc.

This resolution of the consta-spins has me back at the gym in full force. I have been getting up at 4 and heading over at 4:15 four out of five week days. On weekends I go around 7 or 8 or in the afternoon.

I feel AWESOME. Seriously. Anyone who is a mom knows how those little alone moments at strange times of the day can be oddly meaningful. Delivery trucks and a few commuters, all of the downtown lights still blinking reds...

Anyway- I get myself on that elliptical around 4:15 and gradually increase the resistance. I get about 20 minutes (roughly 200 cals) in. I then hop on the treadmill and walk a few minutes until taking off into a two mile run. This takes about 25 minutes all together (about 250- 300 calories). I then sit and drink some water, enjoy my mp3 player and then head over to the arc trainer or the rowing machine and put in about 10-15 at a VERY LEISURELY RATE (about another 100 cals).

Oops. I forgot to mention that between elliptical and run I stretch and do sit-ups on the damn ball. Yup, that too.

So I get home and take a shower and fall back into bed for about an hour (I have yet to fall asleep during this time) and listen to the radio until my hubby and son wake up.

This is hard work, but I am getting immediate results (esp. in the last two weeks). My ultimate goal is to just stretch then run straight 3-5 miles 5 or 6 days a week. It seems like a great way to start a day?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
This morning we had my healthier version of eggs Benedict. Pretty quick to make, by the way, since I don't even attempt to bother with anything like Hollindaise Sauce.

1 toasted piece of wheat toast

1 poached egg (the fresher the better it will hold together)- crack egg into simmering water, leave for three minutes then remove with slotted spoon- easy

cheese- I cut three little strips of low-fat swiss with a vegetable peeler- a good way to manage the size and thickness of the slices.

1.5 slices lowfat smoked turkey (of the sandwich meat variety, thin sliced)

Dijon (or yellow, your choice) mustard

2 thin slices of tomato

spice/herb of your choice

Bring water to boil and toast bread at the same time. Add egg when water is barely boiling and time three minutes. While egg is poaching spread mustard on bread. place turkey slice(s) tomatoes on bread. When egg is finished remove with slotted spoon, drop on top of tomatoes and add cheese to top of egg immediately (so it will melt). Sprinkle whatever seasoning you want on top (I use a garlick-y salt free shake and some paprika).

It is pretty satisfying and gives you a good shot of protein first thing in the morning. I recommend strawberries or melon on the side.
____________________________________________________________________________________