Oh man- the chicken-veggie pasta dish I made for dinner last night? Awwwwesome! It was so simple, but so good. I didn't put it into a recipe builder though because it was so simple:
I diced up boneless/skinless chicken breasts into small cubes. Cooked in a skillet with 1 tsp. olive oil and minced garlic (about 1.5 cloves). Also tossed on some McCormick's Rotisserie Chicken seasoning.
After the chicken was pretty much cooked through, I added a bunch of diced zucchini, mexican squash and tomatoes (cherry, roma and yellow). Sprinkled on some garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper and Italian seasoning. Stirred everything together, covered it with a lid and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes or so (wasn't really watching the clock, sorry).
In the meantime, I had cooked and drained penne pasta. After draining it and giving it a cold rinse, I poured another tsp. of olive oil on top and stirred it in to coat the pasta.
Once the veggies were cooked through, I just poured it all over the pasta and sprinkled some grated parmesan on top. Goooood eats! Doug really liked it too. Success! Came out to about 7 points per [HUGE!] serving.
FOOD:
breakfast:
1/4 cup egg whites w/ 3 slices ham- 1
f.f. shredded cheese- 1
light english muffin- 1
chai tea w/ 1/3 c. almond milk- 0
snack:
kashi cereal- 2
lunch:
black beans- 3
corn tortillas- 1
f.f. shredded cheese- 1
salsa- 0
snack:
squash- 0
pumpkin bread- 2
blueberries- 0
dinner:
tuna- 2
light mayo- 1
cheese- 1
sweet potato- 3
light butter- 1
post-dinner:
s.f. jello- 0
kashi bar- 2
total points used: 22/22
activity points: day off
WAPs: 20/35 remaining
I ate all of my activity points last night. Kinda disappointed about that because I only earned three. I feel guilty eating them if I earn less than four. Oh well. I don't think it will kill me. And I'm fighting the urge to bust out a sweaty workout session today to make up for it. I really do need to take a day off. My last day off from working out was Wednesday Sept. 2nd. And my body has been feeling just plain tired the past couple of days.
EXERCISE:
Day off. See above.
Other than that, I'm off from work today, so I've already got some laundry going and am planning on heading to Sears later to look at clothes (I've got a $10 coupon, so I figured I'd take a look).
Not sure what to do for dinner. Since it's quiz night, we'll either wing it with stuff around the house or possibly redeem a coupon I have for Noodles & Company. Or, since I'm not working, I could also make something, but I'm drawing blanks right now. We'll see.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Body Fat Percentage.
Saw the Biggest Loser premier last night. Looks like it's gonna be a good season! That's all I'll say for now. On to Body Fat Percentage!
So I got my Accu-Measure Body Fat Test Clippers in the mail this week and did my first test this morning (I had to practice using them the night before though). They're kinda tricky to use at first, but after a few tries, it got pretty easy.
Unless I totally fucked up the test, my results said I have about 20.9% body fat (or 33 pounds of fat, about 126 pounds of lean body mass). That percentage sounded really high to me at first, but after looking at percentage charts here and here, that actually puts me between the Fitness and Athlete levels. Which is pretty friggin' cool, I think. The number went from being this weird value that, despite my lack of knowledge, still sounded like it meant "You're still fat!" to a perfectly decent value that says, "Hey, you're in pretty good shape!" Now, I know it seems silly to rely on a number to tell me that, but it made me relieved somehow.
Numbers on scales can fluctuate, drive you insane and leave out a lot of information about your body. It's nice to have a more accurate method of determining where I'm at, in terms of being a really healthy individual. And I may be just feeding my own ego here, but I'm actually impressed with where my number fell on the chart. The only level below Fitness and Athlete is Essential Fat, which is reserved (I'm assuming) for those insane body-builder types.
So where do I go from here with these results? Well, I'm not too sure yet. I guess I'll just wait a few more weeks and see if the number changes. My measurement day is going to be Wednesday mornings. I guess it could be any morning really, but I figured since that is my day off from working out, it would help me remember to take the test.
After reading this post, I am anticipating that losing fat versus losing muscle is going to get trickier as I go along. At the same time though, if I find that I'm losing muscle (based on changes in my lean body mass), then I'll know I'll need to make specific changes in my routine (doing more strength/resistance training versus more cardio, for example).
In short, I'm really glad I invested in these little clippers. Of course, I regret not buying them sooner. I'm curious what my body fat percentage was at 248 pounds. Yeesh.
So I got my Accu-Measure Body Fat Test Clippers in the mail this week and did my first test this morning (I had to practice using them the night before though). They're kinda tricky to use at first, but after a few tries, it got pretty easy.
Unless I totally fucked up the test, my results said I have about 20.9% body fat (or 33 pounds of fat, about 126 pounds of lean body mass). That percentage sounded really high to me at first, but after looking at percentage charts here and here, that actually puts me between the Fitness and Athlete levels. Which is pretty friggin' cool, I think. The number went from being this weird value that, despite my lack of knowledge, still sounded like it meant "You're still fat!" to a perfectly decent value that says, "Hey, you're in pretty good shape!" Now, I know it seems silly to rely on a number to tell me that, but it made me relieved somehow.
Numbers on scales can fluctuate, drive you insane and leave out a lot of information about your body. It's nice to have a more accurate method of determining where I'm at, in terms of being a really healthy individual. And I may be just feeding my own ego here, but I'm actually impressed with where my number fell on the chart. The only level below Fitness and Athlete is Essential Fat, which is reserved (I'm assuming) for those insane body-builder types.
So where do I go from here with these results? Well, I'm not too sure yet. I guess I'll just wait a few more weeks and see if the number changes. My measurement day is going to be Wednesday mornings. I guess it could be any morning really, but I figured since that is my day off from working out, it would help me remember to take the test.
After reading this post, I am anticipating that losing fat versus losing muscle is going to get trickier as I go along. At the same time though, if I find that I'm losing muscle (based on changes in my lean body mass), then I'll know I'll need to make specific changes in my routine (doing more strength/resistance training versus more cardio, for example).
In short, I'm really glad I invested in these little clippers. Of course, I regret not buying them sooner. I'm curious what my body fat percentage was at 248 pounds. Yeesh.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Biggest Loser Tuesday!
Looking forward to the Biggest Loser premiere tonight. And looking forward to taking tomorrow off from work (and working out, heh).
FOOD:
breakfast:
egg beaters- 1
boca sausage- 1
spinach- 0
1/2 c. kashi cereal w/ 1/4 c. almond milk- 1
snack:
orange- 1
carrot sticks- 0
PB2- 1
lunch:
healthy choice portabella spinach pasta- 5
snack:
lightfull smoothie- 1
dinner:
chicken- 2
ronzoni smart taste pasta- 3
olive oil- 1
zucchini/tomatoes/mexican squash- 0
parmesan- 1
post-dinner:
pumpkin bread- 2
s.f. pudding w/ lite syrup- 2
kashi bar- 2
popcorn ball- 1
total points used: 25/22
activity points: Biggest Loser Boot Camp, all levels- 3
net points: 22
WAPs: 20/35 remaining
For dinner tonight, I'm thinking a chicken pasta dish. My grandma came to visit this week and brought more zucchini, summer and mexican squash from her garden. I also have some tomatoes from my boss' garden that I need to use. I'm just craving those fresh veggie flavors and I think tossing it all up with some chicken and pasta would be pretty good.
EXERCISE:
Just did the Biggest Loser Boot Camp DVD. My arms, shoulders and hamstrings are tired. Good morning workout though.
FOOD:
breakfast:
egg beaters- 1
boca sausage- 1
spinach- 0
1/2 c. kashi cereal w/ 1/4 c. almond milk- 1
snack:
orange- 1
carrot sticks- 0
PB2- 1
lunch:
healthy choice portabella spinach pasta- 5
snack:
lightfull smoothie- 1
dinner:
chicken- 2
ronzoni smart taste pasta- 3
olive oil- 1
zucchini/tomatoes/mexican squash- 0
parmesan- 1
post-dinner:
pumpkin bread- 2
s.f. pudding w/ lite syrup- 2
kashi bar- 2
popcorn ball- 1
total points used: 25/22
activity points: Biggest Loser Boot Camp, all levels- 3
net points: 22
WAPs: 20/35 remaining
For dinner tonight, I'm thinking a chicken pasta dish. My grandma came to visit this week and brought more zucchini, summer and mexican squash from her garden. I also have some tomatoes from my boss' garden that I need to use. I'm just craving those fresh veggie flavors and I think tossing it all up with some chicken and pasta would be pretty good.
EXERCISE:
Just did the Biggest Loser Boot Camp DVD. My arms, shoulders and hamstrings are tired. Good morning workout though.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Yawn.
FOOD:
breakfast:
f.f. cottage cheese w/ peaches- 2
light english muffin- 1
coffee w/ .25 cup almond milk- 0
snack:
apple- 1
9 almonds- 1
carrot sticks- 0
PB2- 1
lunch:
healthy choice chicken alfredo florentine- 4
snack:
popcorn ball- 1
dinner:
pork chop w/ teriyaki- 4
zucchini w/ olive oil- 1
couscous- 3
post-dinner:
kashi sunshine cereal- 1.5
pumpkin bread- 2
total points used: 22.5/22
activity points: 30 Day Shred levels two & three- 3.5
net points: 22
WAPs: 20/35 remaining
Planning on a simple, tasty favorite for dinner. We love the simplicity of grilled meat & veggies with a light, quick starch like couscous. And of course, the teriyaki sauce brings everything together. Can't wait!
EXERCISE:
Did levels 2 & 3 of 30 Day Shred this morning. Ugh. I'm always reminded on level 3 of how much work my arms need. And that I hate lunges, especially jumping ones.
Nothing too exciting for today. It's Monday. New Biggest Loser starts tomorrow!
breakfast:
f.f. cottage cheese w/ peaches- 2
light english muffin- 1
coffee w/ .25 cup almond milk- 0
snack:
apple- 1
9 almonds- 1
carrot sticks- 0
PB2- 1
lunch:
healthy choice chicken alfredo florentine- 4
snack:
popcorn ball- 1
dinner:
pork chop w/ teriyaki- 4
zucchini w/ olive oil- 1
couscous- 3
post-dinner:
kashi sunshine cereal- 1.5
pumpkin bread- 2
total points used: 22.5/22
activity points: 30 Day Shred levels two & three- 3.5
net points: 22
WAPs: 20/35 remaining
Planning on a simple, tasty favorite for dinner. We love the simplicity of grilled meat & veggies with a light, quick starch like couscous. And of course, the teriyaki sauce brings everything together. Can't wait!
EXERCISE:
Did levels 2 & 3 of 30 Day Shred this morning. Ugh. I'm always reminded on level 3 of how much work my arms need. And that I hate lunges, especially jumping ones.
Nothing too exciting for today. It's Monday. New Biggest Loser starts tomorrow!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Brrr.
Well, somehow, I was motivated yet again to head to the gym on a cold, cloudy weekend morning. I was out of bed by 7 and made it to the gym a little after 8. I was going to do some sort of DVD at home, but also had an itch to do another big sweat session with machines, so off I went. I figured to sooner I went, the sooner I could come home and shove breakfast food into my mouth, haha.
FOOD:
breakfast:
f.f. greek yogurt w/ pumpkin (yeah, even after adding lots of Splenda, still wouldn't recommend this. stick with berries and other fruits.)- 2
pumpkin bread- 2
lunch:
leftover green chile w/ beef, beans, tomatoes- 6
f.f. shredded cheese- 1
corn tortillas- 1
snack:
PB2 sandwich- 2
s.f pudding w/ pumpkin- 2
dinner:
sandwich thin- 1
boca vegan burger- 1
cheese- 1
sweet potato- 3
post-dinner:
apple- 1
total points used: 23/22
activity points: 50 min. running/incline training- 6
net points: 22
WAPs: 20/35 remaining
EXERCISE:
I kept things a bit more simple today and stayed on one machine to do some running and incline training.
Today:
- 20 min. run (2 miles)
- 20 min. incline training
- 10 min. run/cool-down walk
After I did that, I swung by the weight room for a bit. I used one of those arm machines that's like an exercise bike, but the "pedals" are raised up so you pedal with your hands/arms. Never tried it before, but it was pretty cool. Definitely could feel it working my biceps, triceps and abs. Then I did a few reps on another arm machine and finished off with 50 reps on the leg press. I wasn't there very long; probably less than 5 minutes, but I figured it was better than no weights at all.
I think I might try to go to the gym more on the weekends versus during the week. Well, this week anyway. Tomorrow, I'm planning on doing levels 2 & 3 of 30 Day Shred. Tuesday will be all 3 levels of Biggest Loser Boot Camp. Wednesday will be my day off, and Thursday I'll go to the gym for HIIT. I think that will make my weekday mornings seem slightly less hectic since I can just workout at home and not drive back and forth to the gym so much. I don't know. I just like to change things up once in a while.
I am loving the gym more these days though, since I've changed up my routine. It's made such a huge difference. By doing HIIT, each interval seems so much easier and goes by so much faster, thus I stay a lot more motivated and energized the whole time. And I've noticed that I'm feeling happier/invigorated/relaxed post-workout, instead of tired and blah. I don't know. I've just been feeling good. My attitude has changed for the better this past week. I'm less concerned about the numbers on the scale and hitting goal and just enjoying how great my body has been feeling lately.
FOOD:
breakfast:
f.f. greek yogurt w/ pumpkin (yeah, even after adding lots of Splenda, still wouldn't recommend this. stick with berries and other fruits.)- 2
pumpkin bread- 2
lunch:
leftover green chile w/ beef, beans, tomatoes- 6
f.f. shredded cheese- 1
corn tortillas- 1
snack:
PB2 sandwich- 2
s.f pudding w/ pumpkin- 2
dinner:
sandwich thin- 1
boca vegan burger- 1
cheese- 1
sweet potato- 3
post-dinner:
apple- 1
total points used: 23/22
activity points: 50 min. running/incline training- 6
net points: 22
WAPs: 20/35 remaining
EXERCISE:
I kept things a bit more simple today and stayed on one machine to do some running and incline training.
Today:
- 20 min. run (2 miles)
- 20 min. incline training
- 10 min. run/cool-down walk
After I did that, I swung by the weight room for a bit. I used one of those arm machines that's like an exercise bike, but the "pedals" are raised up so you pedal with your hands/arms. Never tried it before, but it was pretty cool. Definitely could feel it working my biceps, triceps and abs. Then I did a few reps on another arm machine and finished off with 50 reps on the leg press. I wasn't there very long; probably less than 5 minutes, but I figured it was better than no weights at all.
I think I might try to go to the gym more on the weekends versus during the week. Well, this week anyway. Tomorrow, I'm planning on doing levels 2 & 3 of 30 Day Shred. Tuesday will be all 3 levels of Biggest Loser Boot Camp. Wednesday will be my day off, and Thursday I'll go to the gym for HIIT. I think that will make my weekday mornings seem slightly less hectic since I can just workout at home and not drive back and forth to the gym so much. I don't know. I just like to change things up once in a while.
I am loving the gym more these days though, since I've changed up my routine. It's made such a huge difference. By doing HIIT, each interval seems so much easier and goes by so much faster, thus I stay a lot more motivated and energized the whole time. And I've noticed that I'm feeling happier/invigorated/relaxed post-workout, instead of tired and blah. I don't know. I've just been feeling good. My attitude has changed for the better this past week. I'm less concerned about the numbers on the scale and hitting goal and just enjoying how great my body has been feeling lately.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Yeesh.
Last night I ate all of my activity points and a good chunk of my allowance points. I don't know what my deal was, but I was just hungry and couldn't seem to feel satisfied. It's a good thing I froze half of that pumpkin bread I made, otherwise it would probably be gone this morning! Oh well. Back with a vengeance this morning. I was at the gym by around 8 am and busted out an 800 calorie workout. I was feeling somewhat energetic (for a cloudy, cold Saturday morning anyway) and figured I might as well take advantage of my motivation while it's strong and just kept going until I got tired. And really, I wasn't that tired by the time I finished, but I figured 800 cals in 65 minutes was a good stopping point. And yes, I admit, I was trying to make up for some of the food damage done last night. I try to avoid getting in that frame of mind (overexercising to make up for overeating), but what can I say? I'm in the 150s and would like to stay there for at least another week, haha. I'll definitely aim to keep things more balanced the rest of the week though.
Dinner at Pei Wei was good. Nothing like a big bowl of spicy noodles, beef and veggies. The guy taking our order tried to talk me out of having the beef prepared with vegetable stock instead of oil because he thought it tasted awful. After exchanging some mild pushiness, I finally said that while I appreciated the warning, I really wanted it prepared in the vegetable stock, not the oil. And hey, guess what? It tasted just fine! He made it sound like the beef would be bland and rubbery, but I thought it was tender, juicy and still full of flavor, thanks to the sauce and other spices mixed with the noodles. He later came to our table to see how I liked it and I told him it was awesome. Granted, I'm already used to eating things prepared with much less fat than most people, but I still don't think it was even close to being as bad as he described it. Anywho.
FOOD:
breakfast:
f.f. greek yogurt w/ blueberries- 2
special K cereal- 2
coffee w/ .25 cup almond milk- 0
lunch:
alternative bagel- 1
f.f. shredded cheese- 1
1 oz. avocado- 1
pear- 1
cucumber slices- 0
snack:
carrot sticks- 0
PB2- 1
8 oz. crystal light slurpee- 1
popcorn- 1
dinner:
green chile w/ beef, beans & tomatoes- 6
corn tortillas- 1
f.f. shredded cheese- 1
post-dinner:
chips- 2
salsa- 0
pumpkin bread- 2
pudding w/ pumpkin- 2
popcorn ball- 1
total points used: 26/22
activity points: 65 min HIIT routine- 8
net points: 23
WAPs: 20/35 remaining
EXERCISE:
Basically did another HIIT routine, but just extended the time on some of the intervals. I almost didn't get any time on the incline training or stair master. I felt like kind of a bitch snagging an incline trainer before the guy using it had cleaned the handles down. And I basically ran to the remaining stair master as another guy was walking toward it. But you know what? I don't really care. I'll try not to make a habit of doing that in the future, but I was on a mission today and wasn't in the mood to dick around, waiting for the machines I really wanted to use. Yes, this is me, once again, talking/acting like a self-righteous gym queen. It happens.
Today's routine:
- 14 min. run
- 21 min. incline training
- 15 min. elliptical
- 10 min. stair master
- 5 min. run/cool down walk
Dinner at Pei Wei was good. Nothing like a big bowl of spicy noodles, beef and veggies. The guy taking our order tried to talk me out of having the beef prepared with vegetable stock instead of oil because he thought it tasted awful. After exchanging some mild pushiness, I finally said that while I appreciated the warning, I really wanted it prepared in the vegetable stock, not the oil. And hey, guess what? It tasted just fine! He made it sound like the beef would be bland and rubbery, but I thought it was tender, juicy and still full of flavor, thanks to the sauce and other spices mixed with the noodles. He later came to our table to see how I liked it and I told him it was awesome. Granted, I'm already used to eating things prepared with much less fat than most people, but I still don't think it was even close to being as bad as he described it. Anywho.
FOOD:
breakfast:
f.f. greek yogurt w/ blueberries- 2
special K cereal- 2
coffee w/ .25 cup almond milk- 0
lunch:
alternative bagel- 1
f.f. shredded cheese- 1
1 oz. avocado- 1
pear- 1
cucumber slices- 0
snack:
carrot sticks- 0
PB2- 1
8 oz. crystal light slurpee- 1
popcorn- 1
dinner:
green chile w/ beef, beans & tomatoes- 6
corn tortillas- 1
f.f. shredded cheese- 1
post-dinner:
chips- 2
salsa- 0
pumpkin bread- 2
pudding w/ pumpkin- 2
popcorn ball- 1
total points used: 26/22
activity points: 65 min HIIT routine- 8
net points: 23
WAPs: 20/35 remaining
EXERCISE:
Basically did another HIIT routine, but just extended the time on some of the intervals. I almost didn't get any time on the incline training or stair master. I felt like kind of a bitch snagging an incline trainer before the guy using it had cleaned the handles down. And I basically ran to the remaining stair master as another guy was walking toward it. But you know what? I don't really care. I'll try not to make a habit of doing that in the future, but I was on a mission today and wasn't in the mood to dick around, waiting for the machines I really wanted to use. Yes, this is me, once again, talking/acting like a self-righteous gym queen. It happens.
Today's routine:
- 14 min. run
- 21 min. incline training
- 15 min. elliptical
- 10 min. stair master
- 5 min. run/cool down walk
Friday, September 11, 2009
Oh, yeah!
Duh- after typing out all of the different nonsense in the last post, I almost forgot to mention some exciting news: I have a normal BMI!
Even though I haven't technically hit the 90 pound mark, both the Daily Plate and Diets in Review confirmed that My current BMI is about 24.9, taking me out of the overweight range and into the normal one.
At my highest weight, my BMI was about 39 and I was considered clinically obese.
It all still seems so surreal, I must admit.
Even though I haven't technically hit the 90 pound mark, both the Daily Plate and Diets in Review confirmed that My current BMI is about 24.9, taking me out of the overweight range and into the normal one.
At my highest weight, my BMI was about 39 and I was considered clinically obese.
It all still seems so surreal, I must admit.
Weigh-in Day.
Today's weight: 158.8. A loss of 4.2 pounds! Happy to see this, obviously. Though, it's hard to say how much of that was lost period bloat from the week before and how much was lost by eating more healthy fats (or, eating more in general, thanks to Saturday's party) AND starting my HIIT workout routine. Lots of different factors to consider, so I can't say for sure what, specifically, led to such a big loss. Ah well. I don't want to over-think it too much because it takes from the thrill of being in the 150s!
Yesterday, I decided against getting my free 11-point noodle bowl from Pei Wei and opted for cooking dinner at home (I e-mailed them last night for nutritional info since it's a new item and wasn't on their website; got a response this morning and it turns out I can get it prepared with vegetable stock instead of oil and save a couple of points). I just figured the bowl would probably have loads of sodium (and it does), which isn't the best choice the night before a weigh-in. However, I really don't feel like cooking tonight, so I think a big, free bowl of noodles will be appropriate for a Friday night.
I also made some Hungry Girl Pumpkin Bread. God, I love that stuff. I froze half of the loaf in hopes that I won't eat it all in one weekend, but we'll see how long I last, haha. It's such a great recipe because the slices are a generous size and make me feel like I truly am indulging. Plus, being damn tasty and only 2 points per slice doesn't hurt either. I had to go to 3 different stores to find the canned pumpkin though. Wal-mart and Safeway were out, so I finally went to King Soopers as a last resort and luckily they had some cans of the store-brand stuff. I remember reading in Hungry Girl that Libby (the main canned pumpkin company) had some crop issues this year, so they've been out of stock for a while.
On a different note, I also went shopping at Plato's Closet and picked up four tops and a pair of jeans for $23. I'm a total broke-ass these days, so it was exciting to snag a few new things on the cheap. I've been wearing the same 4 or 5 shirts for a few months now (all of my old clothes are too big, obviously) and it was driving me nuts. It's so weird (and awesome) to be able to shop off of a clearance rack for smaller sizes. Most tops I can just hold up to me and tell that they'll fit. All the tops I got were size medium. The jeans were size 8, but also kinda stretchy, so I consider them a generous size 8. Being a size 8 was my goal, but I don't consider myself a size 8 right now because most brands I've tried don't quite fit yet. I more of a 9, I guess. Anywho, definitely going back there to shop after I get paid again at the end of the month.
FOOD:
breakfast:
f.f. greek yogurt w/ blueberries- 2
pumpkin bread- 2
snack:
pear- 1
carrot sticks- 0
PB2- 1
lunch:
sandwich thin- 1
ham slices- 1
r.f. colby jack -1
2 cups progresso WW soup- 2
snack:
special K protein water- 0
popcorn ball- 1
pumpkin bread- 3
dinner:
pei wei japanese chile beef ramen- 11
fortune cookie- 1
post-dinner:
popcorn- 3
s.f. pudding- 1
pumpkin bread- 3
ice cream- 5
kashi bar- 2
total points used: 41/22
activity points: Jillian Michaels' Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism DVD- 4
net points: 37
WAPs: 20/35 remaining
EXERCISE:
Did a Jillian Michaels DVD this morning. God, I still hate those jumping scissor kicks she makes you do. I hadn't done that DVD in a while, so I forgot how rough some of those moves were. Oh well. They got my heart pumping, so I won't complain.
As for tomorrow, I'm not sure what I'm doing for exercise. I think the weather's gonna be crappy, so I may have to opt for the gym if I want to run. We'll see. I wouldn't mind going to the gym; weekends are always a nice time to go. And if I do go, I'll probably spend some extra time on the weight machines too.
Ok, I think I've rambled enough. Hope everyone has a nice weekend!
Yesterday, I decided against getting my free 11-point noodle bowl from Pei Wei and opted for cooking dinner at home (I e-mailed them last night for nutritional info since it's a new item and wasn't on their website; got a response this morning and it turns out I can get it prepared with vegetable stock instead of oil and save a couple of points). I just figured the bowl would probably have loads of sodium (and it does), which isn't the best choice the night before a weigh-in. However, I really don't feel like cooking tonight, so I think a big, free bowl of noodles will be appropriate for a Friday night.
I also made some Hungry Girl Pumpkin Bread. God, I love that stuff. I froze half of the loaf in hopes that I won't eat it all in one weekend, but we'll see how long I last, haha. It's such a great recipe because the slices are a generous size and make me feel like I truly am indulging. Plus, being damn tasty and only 2 points per slice doesn't hurt either. I had to go to 3 different stores to find the canned pumpkin though. Wal-mart and Safeway were out, so I finally went to King Soopers as a last resort and luckily they had some cans of the store-brand stuff. I remember reading in Hungry Girl that Libby (the main canned pumpkin company) had some crop issues this year, so they've been out of stock for a while.
On a different note, I also went shopping at Plato's Closet and picked up four tops and a pair of jeans for $23. I'm a total broke-ass these days, so it was exciting to snag a few new things on the cheap. I've been wearing the same 4 or 5 shirts for a few months now (all of my old clothes are too big, obviously) and it was driving me nuts. It's so weird (and awesome) to be able to shop off of a clearance rack for smaller sizes. Most tops I can just hold up to me and tell that they'll fit. All the tops I got were size medium. The jeans were size 8, but also kinda stretchy, so I consider them a generous size 8. Being a size 8 was my goal, but I don't consider myself a size 8 right now because most brands I've tried don't quite fit yet. I more of a 9, I guess. Anywho, definitely going back there to shop after I get paid again at the end of the month.
FOOD:
breakfast:
f.f. greek yogurt w/ blueberries- 2
pumpkin bread- 2
snack:
pear- 1
carrot sticks- 0
PB2- 1
lunch:
sandwich thin- 1
ham slices- 1
r.f. colby jack -1
2 cups progresso WW soup- 2
snack:
special K protein water- 0
popcorn ball- 1
pumpkin bread- 3
dinner:
pei wei japanese chile beef ramen- 11
fortune cookie- 1
post-dinner:
popcorn- 3
s.f. pudding- 1
pumpkin bread- 3
ice cream- 5
kashi bar- 2
total points used: 41/22
activity points: Jillian Michaels' Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism DVD- 4
net points: 37
WAPs: 20/35 remaining
EXERCISE:
Did a Jillian Michaels DVD this morning. God, I still hate those jumping scissor kicks she makes you do. I hadn't done that DVD in a while, so I forgot how rough some of those moves were. Oh well. They got my heart pumping, so I won't complain.
As for tomorrow, I'm not sure what I'm doing for exercise. I think the weather's gonna be crappy, so I may have to opt for the gym if I want to run. We'll see. I wouldn't mind going to the gym; weekends are always a nice time to go. And if I do go, I'll probably spend some extra time on the weight machines too.
Ok, I think I've rambled enough. Hope everyone has a nice weekend!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Quote for the day/week/month/year.
"Just because you don't achieve something doesn't mean it won't happen. It only means it won't happen now."
— American hurdler Lolo Jones in Self Magazine
— American hurdler Lolo Jones in Self Magazine
FOOD:
breakfast:
egg beaters- 1
diced onion/tomato/mushroom/jalapeno- 0
light swiss- 1
light english muffin- 1
chai tea w/ .25 cup almond milk- 0
snack:
9 almonds- 1
carrot sticks/bell pepper strips- 0
PB2- 1
pear- 1
lunch:
smart ones cranberry turkey medallions- 4
orange- 1
snack:
soy nut mix- 2
dinner:
salmon- 3
spinach w/ light laughing cow wedge- 1
potato- 2
Hungry Girl Pumpkin Bread- 2
wine- 2
post-dinner:
s.f. pudding- 1
total points used: 24/23
activity points: 47 min. HIIT routine- 6
net points: 23
WAPs: -42/35 remaining
had another tasty breakfast this morning. i friggin' love omelets with onions, mushrooms and tomatoes. love, love, love. i'm also in love with unsweetened almond milk these days. so low in calories, it's ridiculous. perfect for low-point (or even zero-point) lattes. mmm. i've never been a big milk drinker to begin with, so i switched to soy milk for a while when i first started WW. then i finally gave almond milk a try a few months ago and will probably never go back. more expensive, yes, but it lasts me forever since i don't use much to begin with and it doesn't seem to spoil, ever. i'm sure it spoils eventually, but it probably takes several weeks.
still debating dinner. i have a Pei Wei coupon for a free beef noodle bowl which, after a little research, will cost me 12 points. i also have salmon thawing in the fridge. i'm torn between being lazy and spending more points on the bowl or being sensible and taking time to cook a balanced meal at home. I know what the right option is, but I'm also a fan of asian noodle bowls, especially those of the free variety. we'll see.
EXERCISE:
Did another HIIT routine at the gym this morning. It went really well. This morning was the first time in a long time that I finished a workout, went to my car to go home and thought, "Wow, that felt really good!" I'm tellin' ya, breaking things up into intervals makes things so much easier (in terms of time and boredom issues), yet still very challenging. why it took me so long to discover this is baffling.
Today:
- 11 min. run (1 mile)
- 16 min. incline training
- 10 min. elliptical
- 10 min. stair master
If I keep this up, I'm pretty sure my ass will be damn hot in a month or so. Seriously. Running and incline training are cool and all, but the elliptical and the stair master have really been working my glutes.
and every interval still kept my heart rate way up. i had a few moments where i had to catch my breath, but instead of feeling like i was struggling, i just felt invigorated. i think that's a rare feeling to achieve at 5:30 in the morning, haha.
I keep thinking today is Friday. Buh. One more day. But I am ditching work at 2 this afternoon, so I suppose I can't complain too much.
breakfast:
egg beaters- 1
diced onion/tomato/mushroom/jalapeno- 0
light swiss- 1
light english muffin- 1
chai tea w/ .25 cup almond milk- 0
snack:
9 almonds- 1
carrot sticks/bell pepper strips- 0
PB2- 1
pear- 1
lunch:
smart ones cranberry turkey medallions- 4
orange- 1
snack:
soy nut mix- 2
dinner:
salmon- 3
spinach w/ light laughing cow wedge- 1
potato- 2
Hungry Girl Pumpkin Bread- 2
wine- 2
post-dinner:
s.f. pudding- 1
total points used: 24/23
activity points: 47 min. HIIT routine- 6
net points: 23
WAPs: -42/35 remaining
had another tasty breakfast this morning. i friggin' love omelets with onions, mushrooms and tomatoes. love, love, love. i'm also in love with unsweetened almond milk these days. so low in calories, it's ridiculous. perfect for low-point (or even zero-point) lattes. mmm. i've never been a big milk drinker to begin with, so i switched to soy milk for a while when i first started WW. then i finally gave almond milk a try a few months ago and will probably never go back. more expensive, yes, but it lasts me forever since i don't use much to begin with and it doesn't seem to spoil, ever. i'm sure it spoils eventually, but it probably takes several weeks.
still debating dinner. i have a Pei Wei coupon for a free beef noodle bowl which, after a little research, will cost me 12 points. i also have salmon thawing in the fridge. i'm torn between being lazy and spending more points on the bowl or being sensible and taking time to cook a balanced meal at home. I know what the right option is, but I'm also a fan of asian noodle bowls, especially those of the free variety. we'll see.
EXERCISE:
Did another HIIT routine at the gym this morning. It went really well. This morning was the first time in a long time that I finished a workout, went to my car to go home and thought, "Wow, that felt really good!" I'm tellin' ya, breaking things up into intervals makes things so much easier (in terms of time and boredom issues), yet still very challenging. why it took me so long to discover this is baffling.
Today:
- 11 min. run (1 mile)
- 16 min. incline training
- 10 min. elliptical
- 10 min. stair master
If I keep this up, I'm pretty sure my ass will be damn hot in a month or so. Seriously. Running and incline training are cool and all, but the elliptical and the stair master have really been working my glutes.
and every interval still kept my heart rate way up. i had a few moments where i had to catch my breath, but instead of feeling like i was struggling, i just felt invigorated. i think that's a rare feeling to achieve at 5:30 in the morning, haha.
I keep thinking today is Friday. Buh. One more day. But I am ditching work at 2 this afternoon, so I suppose I can't complain too much.
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