DAY 106. Happy to report that I maintained my weight loss over the holidays and all those Christmas parties. I definitely did not strictly adhere to the meal plan as of late, but I also did not go balls to the wall like I used to do around Christmas. I could berate myself and feel shitty that I fell off the wagon, but that's not going to help me at all. Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed my holidays and yes, I ate more than I should have, but I was smart about my endulging and did not gain weight. Moving on now. New day, new week, new year!
Killer workout with Sarah at TF+ on Saturday morning, along with Tracy and Cassandra. It had been a week since my last strength training session (I did get one cardio session in last week though), so it was a definite challenge. Did an extra 30 minutes of cardio with the workout and in total burned around 600 calories in 90 minutes. This morning when I woke up, everything was aching. Felt great.
One thing that is motivating me is the thoughts about my Christmas gifts and Boxing Day shopping. Once again, no new clothes. I don't expect my family to buy new clothes for me anymore, probably for fear that they won't fit, or that they can't find them in my size, or that they would be embarassed to ask me what size to get them in. It did bum me out to think about it. Perhaps it's a rather selfish way of thinking, but I want my boyfriend to be able to go out and buy me some sexy 'intimates' for Christmas. I want my family to see a nice sweater in a shop window and be able to find it in my size. I want to go out on Boxing Day and find great deals in my favourite regular-sized stores. Other than the new dress I bought before Christmas, I haven't bought anything new lately, with the optimism that over the next few months I'll be shopping for smaller sizes. It probably sounds vain and shallow, but I like fashion and clothes, and I want to be able to shop in any store, not just plus-size ones. I want to feel like I look beautiful and well-dressed and sexy... and more than that, I want to feel confident about it.
Beginning on Monday (why wait for the new year!?), I'm going to go back to doing the 4-week cleanse to jumpstart myself again. No dairy, no wheat, no alcohol. I got some great new cookbooks for Christmas so I'm sitting at my desk today, browsing through and finding some yummy new veggie ones to test out. Maybe as a mini-challenge, I'll test one out each Saturday and post a picture and my notes.
Happy New Year! I can't wait for 2014, it's going to be a good one.
Katharine's Progress
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
Day 100 and Thoughts on the holidays
DAY 100. Christmas is just 2 sleeps away! Can't believe how fast time flies. This week has been mixed.
I used a little bit of my Christmas bonus to buy a new dress for the holidays, and I was able to buy a smaller size for the first time in awhile. The fit was so much better too, which made me so ridiculously happy. For the first time I took 3 dresses into the change room and didn't have a freak-out or have to struggle to get any one of them over my head or bust or hips. There is always that fear for me that the dress will seem like it's going on alright, but then it gets stuck midway and then I have to start yanking at it and praying that I don't rip it. It was a wonderful feeling of elation to fit into those dresses. This time, I actually had a choice of which one I wanted to buy, not just the first one that fit. I feel quite content just thinking back on it.
On the other hand, I didn't have a great weight loss this week. It didn't surprise me, as I had worked late many nights and had 2 Christmas parties. I'm really proud that I still got 3 workouts done this week despite the busy schedule. If you had told me 4 months ago "Katharine, in a few months, working out 3 times will seem like just a regular week, not even a great one" I would have laughed in your face. I'm really getting to be quite addicted to that wonderful feeling after a workout, that rush of endorphins and feeling of accomplishment and strength. I'm still feeling those thigh and glute exercises from Saturday!
For the next week, I will focus on maintaining my weight loss. It can be a challenge over the holidays, but definitely do-able. Beginning in the new year, I'm all set with my training plan for the Sun Run providing me with 3 sessions of cardio per week, and I bought my bootcamp package with Team Fitness with should keep me set for strength training for the next 10 weeks.
With New Year's resolution coming up soon I'm hoping our little TF+ group will have some new recruits... No time like the present!
I used a little bit of my Christmas bonus to buy a new dress for the holidays, and I was able to buy a smaller size for the first time in awhile. The fit was so much better too, which made me so ridiculously happy. For the first time I took 3 dresses into the change room and didn't have a freak-out or have to struggle to get any one of them over my head or bust or hips. There is always that fear for me that the dress will seem like it's going on alright, but then it gets stuck midway and then I have to start yanking at it and praying that I don't rip it. It was a wonderful feeling of elation to fit into those dresses. This time, I actually had a choice of which one I wanted to buy, not just the first one that fit. I feel quite content just thinking back on it.
On the other hand, I didn't have a great weight loss this week. It didn't surprise me, as I had worked late many nights and had 2 Christmas parties. I'm really proud that I still got 3 workouts done this week despite the busy schedule. If you had told me 4 months ago "Katharine, in a few months, working out 3 times will seem like just a regular week, not even a great one" I would have laughed in your face. I'm really getting to be quite addicted to that wonderful feeling after a workout, that rush of endorphins and feeling of accomplishment and strength. I'm still feeling those thigh and glute exercises from Saturday!
For the next week, I will focus on maintaining my weight loss. It can be a challenge over the holidays, but definitely do-able. Beginning in the new year, I'm all set with my training plan for the Sun Run providing me with 3 sessions of cardio per week, and I bought my bootcamp package with Team Fitness with should keep me set for strength training for the next 10 weeks.
With New Year's resolution coming up soon I'm hoping our little TF+ group will have some new recruits... No time like the present!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Sun Run 2014!
One of my goals when I started the TF+ program was to run the Sun Run 10 km. Well, I've registered now and I'm getting excited. I'll be starting a training program in January to prep for it.
Healthy living and heart health are soooo important! Support me and help fund important research by making a small donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation!
http://www.fitforheart.ca/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1087799&lis=0&kntae1087799=AE0D921A47334E0BAA0DBD8059CC68D7&supid=397856667
Healthy living and heart health are soooo important! Support me and help fund important research by making a small donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation!
http://www.fitforheart.ca/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1087799&lis=0&kntae1087799=AE0D921A47334E0BAA0DBD8059CC68D7&supid=397856667
Day 94 and Thoughts on beginning the real test
DAY 94. My 3 months of the TF+ contest are up. Now begins the real test. It hasn't been easy so far, but it was easier having that commitment 3 times each week and knowing I couldn't stand up my teammates and the trainers. Now that I'll be responsible for myself (not that I wasn't before) getting my workouts in, I know it will be more challenging. Now the challenge will be balancing my finances and making the gym a priority in my spending, and making it a priority in my busy schedule. In the past it's always been an issue with me, saying that I'll go work out, then flaking out on myself. Well, it's crucial that I start kicking my own ass and not accepting any excuses from myself! No standing myself up! I know I'm capable of so much. I've already shown myself that even when I think I don't have anymore, there's always that last push.
I will still be doing the meal plan with Leanne for the next 9 months, and checking in each Saturday morning from home.
My short-term goals for the next 3 months:
I will still be doing the meal plan with Leanne for the next 9 months, and checking in each Saturday morning from home.
My short-term goals for the next 3 months:
- maintain current weight loss over the holidays!
- lose another 30-45 lbs by March 31st
- beginning in January, start a couch-to-10km training plan to prep for the Sun Run
- do 2 TF+ bootcamps per week
- do 2 cardio days per week (which could include my running plan)
- stick to the meal plan and check-in with Leanne each Saturday morning
- do at least 1 blog entry per week to stay accountable!
- lose a total of 136 lbs by September 15th
- do the 10 km Vancouver Sun Run on April 27th (already registered!)
- get myself into a bikini and feel good about it!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Day 87 and Thoughts on re-training myself
DAY 87. I feel like I've been neglecting my poor blog. Oh dear.
Last week was a bit of a disappointment. Because I was trying to do none days, which entail a lot of leafy greens, I found myself getting hungry after lunch and ended up eating off plan, like getting Subway from downstairs after I ate my salad. I wasn't surprised with the scale on Saturday morning, it showed a gain for the week.
I let Leanne know what was going on this week and she's modified the plan so that on a daily basis I have a high meal for breakfast (oatmeal and fruit, omelet and rye toast, etc), a low meal for lunch (stirfry and tofu, salad/veggies and salmon, etc), and a none meal for dinner (salad and fish or tofu), along with my snacks of apples/almonds, protein/almond milk shakes, and/or green smoothies. I think that this will help me stay on track again.
I know I can't beat myself up too much when I've been so good for almost 3 months now. Yes, I've had the occasional slip, but I am amazed with my own willpower. I do realize too that this will be a lifelong struggle... for a long time whatever I felt like eating, I ate. There was no filter. I basically had to teach myself the proper way to eat, like a small child. No Katharine pizza is not an everyday meal, no Katharine you don't need that much cheese, yes Katharine more veggies, yes Katharine drink up your water... To undo decades of bad eating will take a lot of strength and a lot of time. It can be really frustrating some days, just dealing with myself in this respect. I get irritated that I let myself be that way for so long that I've made things so challenging now. But I can't go back in time, all I can do is correct how I do things now. I have to be patient with myself.
Another thing that was resolved last week (finally!) was all the stress regarding my job. I made a decision and spoke to my bosses about it, so that's something off my plate and out of my mind for the time being. I had been offered a lucrative job at another company but after much consideration, I've decided to stay put. My quality of life is more important than money. I don't want to be commuting 2 hours each way and working late, sometimes 7 days a week, that would take away from my workout time! It's crazy how job stress can affect so much. I know I don't live to work or anything, but so much time is spent there, that any issues can seem to unbalance my whole little world.
On another note, my exercising has been great in the past few weeks still. I've been keeping that up. Saturday's workout was super sets with Sarah. Man my chest and arms were killing me after that one. Monday with Eric was intense. My heart rate stayed up near 150 bpm for almost the whole bootcamp and I burned 600 calories in 80 min. This morning I had my personal training session with Sarah. She had me do this one exercise using the TRX. It's a lot like a standing side plank. Anyhow, when she demonstrated it, it just looked like she was sticking out her hip and it seemed really easy. Yeah right. Geez, that one was insanely deceptive. Sarah couldn't stop grinning as I made contorted faces through the whole set and cursed at her. :)
Last week was a bit of a disappointment. Because I was trying to do none days, which entail a lot of leafy greens, I found myself getting hungry after lunch and ended up eating off plan, like getting Subway from downstairs after I ate my salad. I wasn't surprised with the scale on Saturday morning, it showed a gain for the week.
I let Leanne know what was going on this week and she's modified the plan so that on a daily basis I have a high meal for breakfast (oatmeal and fruit, omelet and rye toast, etc), a low meal for lunch (stirfry and tofu, salad/veggies and salmon, etc), and a none meal for dinner (salad and fish or tofu), along with my snacks of apples/almonds, protein/almond milk shakes, and/or green smoothies. I think that this will help me stay on track again.
I know I can't beat myself up too much when I've been so good for almost 3 months now. Yes, I've had the occasional slip, but I am amazed with my own willpower. I do realize too that this will be a lifelong struggle... for a long time whatever I felt like eating, I ate. There was no filter. I basically had to teach myself the proper way to eat, like a small child. No Katharine pizza is not an everyday meal, no Katharine you don't need that much cheese, yes Katharine more veggies, yes Katharine drink up your water... To undo decades of bad eating will take a lot of strength and a lot of time. It can be really frustrating some days, just dealing with myself in this respect. I get irritated that I let myself be that way for so long that I've made things so challenging now. But I can't go back in time, all I can do is correct how I do things now. I have to be patient with myself.
Another thing that was resolved last week (finally!) was all the stress regarding my job. I made a decision and spoke to my bosses about it, so that's something off my plate and out of my mind for the time being. I had been offered a lucrative job at another company but after much consideration, I've decided to stay put. My quality of life is more important than money. I don't want to be commuting 2 hours each way and working late, sometimes 7 days a week, that would take away from my workout time! It's crazy how job stress can affect so much. I know I don't live to work or anything, but so much time is spent there, that any issues can seem to unbalance my whole little world.
On another note, my exercising has been great in the past few weeks still. I've been keeping that up. Saturday's workout was super sets with Sarah. Man my chest and arms were killing me after that one. Monday with Eric was intense. My heart rate stayed up near 150 bpm for almost the whole bootcamp and I burned 600 calories in 80 min. This morning I had my personal training session with Sarah. She had me do this one exercise using the TRX. It's a lot like a standing side plank. Anyhow, when she demonstrated it, it just looked like she was sticking out her hip and it seemed really easy. Yeah right. Geez, that one was insanely deceptive. Sarah couldn't stop grinning as I made contorted faces through the whole set and cursed at her. :)
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Day 80 and Thoughts on my quarterly assessment and lessons learned so far
DAY 80. Because it's been 12 weeks yet (though not quite 90 days), we did our quarterly assessments last night at Team Fitness. I am so proud to say that in total so far I have lost 34.4 lbs and 28" (inches off my chest, waist, stomach, legs, arms). The body composition analysis also shows that I have lost over 20 lbs of fat. It made me really happy in particular to see that I've lost 5" off my stomach alone... amazing! Explains why sit-ups are getting to be, not necessarily easier, but I have a better range of motion so they're not quite so impossible. It's been wonderful to fit back into some of the clothes I've kept in the back of my closet too. It broke my heart when I outgrew some of my favourite dresses, so I'm ecstatic that I can wear them now.
Some inevitable truths I've learned over the past 12 weeks:
|
Date
|
% Fat
|
Lbs Fat
|
Lbs LBM
|
|
2013-09-07
|
47.2
|
139
|
155
|
|
2013-12-03
|
44.8
|
117
|
145
|
Some inevitable truths I've learned over the past 12 weeks:
- Yes, sometimes I have bad days on which I want to give up, but I won't because I refuse to fail this time.
- Yes, sometimes being on a meal plan may seem restricting or repetitive, but that just means I can be more creative with finding new options and working with what I have.
- Yes, sometimes I will have mini meltdowns over trivial things (like last night and the dirty dishes), but it doesn't make me run for comfort food anymore.
- Yes, I have fallen prey to little cheats along the way (I am human for goodness sakes!), but I didn't let those derail me or send me into an insane binge or let me fall off the wagon.
- Yes, it is possible to change your mindset so that kale is just as good as potato chips (takes some practice).
- Yes, every muscle in my body seems to ache on different days, but I've learned to love that feeling.
- Yes, straightening my hair seems like a waste now, because I have to wash it after my workouts anyways.
- Yes, I still look silly sometimes when I'm working out, but I know that those around me are supportive of me, and those who aren't... well, they can pretty much suck it.
- Yes, garlic is one of the best seasonings in the world. And so handy for keeping away vampires! who needs that extra salt?!
- Yes, there will be cheese in my future, and it will be a delicious treat instead of a staple.
- Yes, I love myself (and others do too) at any size, but more importantly, I will lead a healthy life so I'm around for many years to come.
- Yes, push-ups are still awful. And so are stairs.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Day 78 and Thoughts on cupcakes
DAY 78. It's been a great week, looking back on my goals after last week's less-than-stellar weigh-in, I hit them all pretty much. I did a good hard workout every day except Friday (wrestling with the tree was enough!). I even did a workout today before work, which I don't usually do on Sundays, as I like to have one day to sleep in. Unfortunately, the scale did not reflect my hard work this week :( only down 0.7 lb. So lame. It's really the first time where I was surprised and disappointed with the number on the scale. I honestly don't feel like it repesents my hard work this week. Last week with all the stress at work and stuff, I sort of expected the lower weight loss, but this week I kicked ass. I know I should be happy with every little bit, but when I literally ate nothing off plan, and up'ed my workouts, it pisses me off to see such a small loss. I'm hoping that next week will be a huge loss in compensation, or at least that I've lost some inches this week instead of pounds. Perhaps my body just needs time to mourn the loss of all those fat cells before letting them go...
I made another awesomely delicious dinner on Friday night... roasted beets and asparagus, green salad and seared Hawaiian opah filet. The opah filet was soooo good. If I didn't know better, I would have thought I was eating chicken. It was amazing. It is a little pricey, so I'll mostly stick with the salmon, tilapia and prawns that I usually buy, but as a special treat.... gah, so good. After dinner, my boyfriend and I decorated our Christmas tree... pretty much a perfect evening.
I made another awesomely delicious dinner on Friday night... roasted beets and asparagus, green salad and seared Hawaiian opah filet. The opah filet was soooo good. If I didn't know better, I would have thought I was eating chicken. It was amazing. It is a little pricey, so I'll mostly stick with the salmon, tilapia and prawns that I usually buy, but as a special treat.... gah, so good. After dinner, my boyfriend and I decorated our Christmas tree... pretty much a perfect evening.
Last night I had a girls night with my friends. I could have just pretended it didn't happen and not write about it on my blog, but I want to stay accountable... I must fess up to eating a couple of mini cupcakes from Cupcakes. I hadn't intended to have any, but in a moment of weakness one ended up in my mouth. I'm not going to lie, after 10 weeks of no desserts, it was divine. I think I died a little bit inside, it was so good. I've never been much of a dessert person, but man, those little buggers are good. We did share some mojitos too, but we made sure to make them a light version, with mostly mint, club soda and some rum. Yes, I have been doing amazingly well this week, so I did feel guilty afterwards. As self-imposed retribution, rather than a 'high carb' day today, I'm making it a 'low carb' day. I also decided that today I had to do a kick ass workout to make up for it too.
Goals for this week:
1. In addition to the 3 TF+ workouts, do at least 4 x 30 min cardio sessions.
2. Continue to get in my water and sleep.
3. Instead of 'low' days this week, switch to 'none' days.
4. Cut back on after-dinner plain popcorn snacks.
5. No wine allowance this week, due to Saturday night cheat. :(
Friday, November 29, 2013
Day 76 and Thoughts on peer pressure
DAY 76. Made myself go to boot camp last night and did my 30 min of extra cardio as well. It's very gratifying to look at my heart rate monitor after a good workout and see that I burned almost 600 calories. I'm glad I invested in it, it's been a great tool. The workout was tough, Lauren and I were joking back and forth and pushing each other to challenge ourselves. I'm glad we were, because as a result, I found I was able to lift much more than I had in previous workouts. It made the workout more fun too, the banter back and forth. Peer pressure it a wonderful thing when it's used for good. I think people should be encouraging and pushing each other to challenge ourselves and lead healthy, full lives. It's funny how when you think you can't do something, but you're able to unblock whatever it is in your mind that's holding you back, you find you are actually capable of an extraordinary amount of strength.
Post-workout dinner last night was soooo good. I stopped at the grocery store on the way home and got some fresh asparagus, lemon, dill, and tilapia. I made a huge green salad with raw peppers, my apple cider/ flax oil vinaigrette, oven baked garlic rosemary asparagus, and baked garlic lemon dill tilapia. Tilapia is a more delicate fish, so I'll have to play around with the cooking time more, I overdid it a bit this time, but either way, I sat myself down with my dinner and a wine glass of sparkling water with lemon to feel a little fancier and voila! Bon appetit!
Managed to get a photo this time before inhaling it all. Mmmm...
Post-workout dinner last night was soooo good. I stopped at the grocery store on the way home and got some fresh asparagus, lemon, dill, and tilapia. I made a huge green salad with raw peppers, my apple cider/ flax oil vinaigrette, oven baked garlic rosemary asparagus, and baked garlic lemon dill tilapia. Tilapia is a more delicate fish, so I'll have to play around with the cooking time more, I overdid it a bit this time, but either way, I sat myself down with my dinner and a wine glass of sparkling water with lemon to feel a little fancier and voila! Bon appetit!
Managed to get a photo this time before inhaling it all. Mmmm...
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Day 75 and Thoughts on following through
DAY 75. Last night after work I had my Girl Guide meeting, we watched a movie and I painted what felt like an endless amount of nails (our recovery for weekend sleepover meeting). By the time the meeting ended at 8 pm, I was wiped and just wanted to go home. However, I told myself I was going to go to the gym and so I did. I did 30 minutes on the treadmill and read my book. The time passed by fairly quickly. I felt really good that I followed through with getting myself there. When I got home, my boyfriend asked why I was late and I replied 'I said I was going to the gym so that's what I did.' He was taken aback and thought I was angry with him. I guess it came out a little bitchy. I laughed and responded that I was saying it more emphatically for my own benefit. Accountability!
This actually seems to be a problem these days, we find it so easy to back out of commitments and meetings, show up late to parties and functions. I know I can be flakey sometimes, when it's been a long day I don't always feel like going out and being social. I talk so much at work (and everywhere else for that matter) that when I get home I just want to sit and be quiet for a bit. I definitely don't want to be standing up my friends and family though. But one place I absolutely cannot be flakey anymore is with my commitments to myself and my health. If I say I'm going to the gym, I'm going. It's so easy to break promises to myself because no one else is going to be affected in that moment, but in the long term, it's going to hurt me and others in my life. One missed gym trip turns into 2, which turns into 10. I'm not going let myself flake out and fall off the wagon. There is nothing more frustrating than having to start at the beginning again and repeat all the hard work I've already done before.
On the road with appointments today, so I have my snacks and my egg salad lettuce wraps with me. Boot camp tonight and an extra 30 minutes of cardio afterwards. Anther good day, looks like that recession from the last couple weeks is over.
This actually seems to be a problem these days, we find it so easy to back out of commitments and meetings, show up late to parties and functions. I know I can be flakey sometimes, when it's been a long day I don't always feel like going out and being social. I talk so much at work (and everywhere else for that matter) that when I get home I just want to sit and be quiet for a bit. I definitely don't want to be standing up my friends and family though. But one place I absolutely cannot be flakey anymore is with my commitments to myself and my health. If I say I'm going to the gym, I'm going. It's so easy to break promises to myself because no one else is going to be affected in that moment, but in the long term, it's going to hurt me and others in my life. One missed gym trip turns into 2, which turns into 10. I'm not going let myself flake out and fall off the wagon. There is nothing more frustrating than having to start at the beginning again and repeat all the hard work I've already done before.
On the road with appointments today, so I have my snacks and my egg salad lettuce wraps with me. Boot camp tonight and an extra 30 minutes of cardio afterwards. Anther good day, looks like that recession from the last couple weeks is over.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Day 74 and Thoughts on finding the humour in things
DAY 74. Woke up feeling good again today. Thank you to Sarah for the sore arms, back and abs today. Good sore though. Been a madly busy day at work, but I think my self-talk has been working, not nearly as stressed or upset as last week. Currently trying a new thing where I listen to complaints or deal with frustrations with a sort of curious amusement. It's a good thing I mostly deal with people over the phone, cause I think the little smirk on my face would probably just piss them off more. Hehe. Maybe that's the key to dealing with stress, look at everything as having some humour to it. Definitely makes it easier to swallow, I think.
Humour is a wonderful thing. I like to think of myself as having a decent sense of humour, although when put on the spot I can never 'be funny'. I find that I'm at my funniest when I'm hanging out with my dad, but that might be parental bias and him just continually telling me I'm funny cause I'm his daughter. Or maybe I can only be funny in a dad sort of way. Oh no. Anyhow.... digression. Humour is key, how else can someone who was almost 300 lbs at her heaviest jump around on a bosa ball, or do 'dead bug' sit-ups, or somewhat pathetically do push-ups?? I've definitely been willing to laugh at myself and look like a fool, because at the end of the day, yeah I might look silly sometimes, but I'm getting it done. I'm working hard and sweating it out and having fun doing it. I've lost over 30 lbs already and I can feel myself getting smaller and stronger.
This morning I had gotten up early enough to pack my meals for the day. Because it's a high carb day, I made an egg white and avocado salad sandwich on dark rye bread. It was surprising not to need the mayonnaise that I would normally have on an egg salad and was sooo good! I have to share this recipe (thank you to Leanne for sharing with me).
Avocado Egg White Salad (2 servings)
- 6 hardboiled egg whites
- 1/2 avocado, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- pinch of salt and pepper
Tomorrow I'll have the other half in lettuce wraps, for my low carb day :)
Well, back to the grind. Insane day of appointments tomorrow, will have to get up early and pack all my meals so I'm not tempted to stop for take-out!
Humour is a wonderful thing. I like to think of myself as having a decent sense of humour, although when put on the spot I can never 'be funny'. I find that I'm at my funniest when I'm hanging out with my dad, but that might be parental bias and him just continually telling me I'm funny cause I'm his daughter. Or maybe I can only be funny in a dad sort of way. Oh no. Anyhow.... digression. Humour is key, how else can someone who was almost 300 lbs at her heaviest jump around on a bosa ball, or do 'dead bug' sit-ups, or somewhat pathetically do push-ups?? I've definitely been willing to laugh at myself and look like a fool, because at the end of the day, yeah I might look silly sometimes, but I'm getting it done. I'm working hard and sweating it out and having fun doing it. I've lost over 30 lbs already and I can feel myself getting smaller and stronger.
This morning I had gotten up early enough to pack my meals for the day. Because it's a high carb day, I made an egg white and avocado salad sandwich on dark rye bread. It was surprising not to need the mayonnaise that I would normally have on an egg salad and was sooo good! I have to share this recipe (thank you to Leanne for sharing with me).
Avocado Egg White Salad (2 servings)
- 6 hardboiled egg whites
- 1/2 avocado, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- pinch of salt and pepper
Tomorrow I'll have the other half in lettuce wraps, for my low carb day :)
Well, back to the grind. Insane day of appointments tomorrow, will have to get up early and pack all my meals so I'm not tempted to stop for take-out!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Day 73 and Thoughts on resting and recharging
DAY 73. Rested and recharged. Lovely bubble bath after the TF+ workout last night and some reading before bed. I'm going to make sure that this week makes up for last week. Lots of challenging workouts, raw recipes, water, good sleep and bubble baths. It's funny how much power there is in suggestion. Just telling yourself how something is going to be, that's how it will become. This morning I got up and ready for my TF workout with Sarah and I told myself it was going to be an awesome day. I repeated it while I had my almond milk and protein powder shake for breakfast and repeated it again as I drove to Team Fitness.
I had a great workout. There was a bit of pain around my left elbow last night when I tried to do push-ups, so Sarah sort of worked around it and it was fine. Seems to be just a bit of a strained muscle. When she gave me a choice of cardio machines, I picked the treadmill and she laughed and said she'd make me sorry I picked it. True. I was. Thanks Sarah... But sorry in a good way, a panting and sweating and pushing myself way. It feels good to sweat it out first thing in the morning, prepares me mentally for the day ahead. I feel like no one can mess with me today. And even if they try, my mind is clear and ready. I shall whip them into a verbal frenzy! M wah ha ha!
I know I've probably said it before, but it's amazing to see these changes in myself. Sure I've had a bad last week or so, but I certainly hadn't reverted to my old ways by any stretch. The old Katharine would have taken a week like last week and used it an excuse to quit. The old Katharine basically did nothing but work, sleep, eat and watch TV. Now, while movies are still a keen interest for me (especially the old classics), I feel like they're not an all-consuming hobby anymore. I want to do other things and get out and be active and I now realize that I'm capable of it. Currently I'm working 2 jobs, 6 days per week, volunteering as a Girl Guide leader, working out 3-5 days per week and still finding time for myself, my boyfriend and friends/family. All those other things used to be the excuses why I couldn't workout or eat right, now they're my drive. I mean, I don't think that any friend or family member would rightfully want me to use them as an excuse to be unhealthy. And besides, it wouldn't be true. It was just me projecting my own excuses onto others to avoid dealing with my own issues. Whoa, way deep there, lol.
Yes, the TF+ 12 week contest will be ending soon, but I've still committed to this particular meal plan and exercise regime for 1 year. And I've committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle forever, so while I may have bad days or even weeks, there are no excuses to quit.
I think I might walk over to the market and get a fancy raw veggie salad for lunch, treat myself a little :)
I had a great workout. There was a bit of pain around my left elbow last night when I tried to do push-ups, so Sarah sort of worked around it and it was fine. Seems to be just a bit of a strained muscle. When she gave me a choice of cardio machines, I picked the treadmill and she laughed and said she'd make me sorry I picked it. True. I was. Thanks Sarah... But sorry in a good way, a panting and sweating and pushing myself way. It feels good to sweat it out first thing in the morning, prepares me mentally for the day ahead. I feel like no one can mess with me today. And even if they try, my mind is clear and ready. I shall whip them into a verbal frenzy! M wah ha ha!
I know I've probably said it before, but it's amazing to see these changes in myself. Sure I've had a bad last week or so, but I certainly hadn't reverted to my old ways by any stretch. The old Katharine would have taken a week like last week and used it an excuse to quit. The old Katharine basically did nothing but work, sleep, eat and watch TV. Now, while movies are still a keen interest for me (especially the old classics), I feel like they're not an all-consuming hobby anymore. I want to do other things and get out and be active and I now realize that I'm capable of it. Currently I'm working 2 jobs, 6 days per week, volunteering as a Girl Guide leader, working out 3-5 days per week and still finding time for myself, my boyfriend and friends/family. All those other things used to be the excuses why I couldn't workout or eat right, now they're my drive. I mean, I don't think that any friend or family member would rightfully want me to use them as an excuse to be unhealthy. And besides, it wouldn't be true. It was just me projecting my own excuses onto others to avoid dealing with my own issues. Whoa, way deep there, lol.
Yes, the TF+ 12 week contest will be ending soon, but I've still committed to this particular meal plan and exercise regime for 1 year. And I've committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle forever, so while I may have bad days or even weeks, there are no excuses to quit.
I think I might walk over to the market and get a fancy raw veggie salad for lunch, treat myself a little :)
Monday, November 25, 2013
Day 72 and Thoughts on some recent struggles
DAY 72. This past week or two has really taken it out of me. I've been stressed about a major career decision and letting the stress get to me too much. There's no right answer for what I should do, so I keep flip-flopping and I think the indecision is creating more upset for myself. My job hasn't been exactly a piece of cake lately either, it has seemed like every day I've had some unpleasant interaction. My job does entail this sort of thing on a semi-regular basis, but it's not usually everyday. I also noticed that my sleeping patterns were off this week, having trouble sleeping through the night regularly and waking at weird hours, then causing me to be tired earlier in the evenings. My Girl Guides had a sleepover this weekend, which was not exactly conducive to getting extra sleep. I know it's taking a toll on my boyfriend too, as with me being so busy taking extra meetings, he's been left to deal with all the household stuff and when I'm at home, I'm just exhausted and haven't been the most wonderful company to be around.
I was disappointed with my weigh-in this week, only down 0.6 lbs. I'm not entirely surprised given what's been going on, but I'm annoyed with myself for letting this other stuff affect my weight loss. However, I'm still plugging away and each day is a new day. I think that if this had been last year, this would be about the time that I give up and stop working out and start making bad food decisions. In the past, any time that life has gotten a little bit hard, I've run right for the veggie burgers and fries, the spaghetti and the grilled cheese. It's like I was trying to make a security blanket for myself, in the form of an weight on my body. There are so many other more healthy ways to comfort myself. I'm not quitting this time. I'm not going to let what will probably just seem like a hic up later on, ruin all the good changes I've been making. I'm really glad that I've been blogging and sharing my journey with my friends and family, cause in times like this, times that get tough, I really need the encouragement. Last week I went to my dad's for dinner and he had made extra veggies for me specially, and bought some tofu for me. I don't think that my dad's fridge has seen tofu since I moved out, lol. It made me so happy to have him support me, even just in that little way.
So, in essence, I'm not going to let myself down or let any of my friends or family down. No quitting.
Goals for this week to refresh my mindset:
I was disappointed with my weigh-in this week, only down 0.6 lbs. I'm not entirely surprised given what's been going on, but I'm annoyed with myself for letting this other stuff affect my weight loss. However, I'm still plugging away and each day is a new day. I think that if this had been last year, this would be about the time that I give up and stop working out and start making bad food decisions. In the past, any time that life has gotten a little bit hard, I've run right for the veggie burgers and fries, the spaghetti and the grilled cheese. It's like I was trying to make a security blanket for myself, in the form of an weight on my body. There are so many other more healthy ways to comfort myself. I'm not quitting this time. I'm not going to let what will probably just seem like a hic up later on, ruin all the good changes I've been making. I'm really glad that I've been blogging and sharing my journey with my friends and family, cause in times like this, times that get tough, I really need the encouragement. Last week I went to my dad's for dinner and he had made extra veggies for me specially, and bought some tofu for me. I don't think that my dad's fridge has seen tofu since I moved out, lol. It made me so happy to have him support me, even just in that little way.
So, in essence, I'm not going to let myself down or let any of my friends or family down. No quitting.
Goals for this week to refresh my mindset:
- get 8 hours of sleep each night. priority this week.
- keep getting that water in!
- do extra cardio this week. 30 min after both Monday/Saturday sessions and extra 30-45 min on Wednesday/Thursday/Friday. also maybe go for a nice walk on Sunday morning as well.
- cut back the coffee. too much caffeine last 2 weeks, might be causing sleep problems.
- no wine allowance this week.
- keep dairy intake down. eczema on wrist has been clearing up with less dairy intake.
- do something relaxing each day, maybe 20-30 min yoga/meditation or bubble bath.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Day 67 and Thoughts on using anger for good!
DAY 67. Yet another kick ass workout with the TF+ group on Monday. Wes had us alternate 5 flights of stairs with strength training. We conquered the Empire State Building again! It did seem a lot easier than the first time I started doing sets of stairs. I remember feeling like 2 sets of stairs would literally kill me, and now here I am doing 25 flights :)
It's been a busy and stressful last few weeks at work, so the workouts have really been feeling therapeutic. Monday was hellish, it seemed like every person that called had a litany of complaints. Nothing went right. Seriously, at some point I just gave up trying to be productive and tried to work on my Broker's course assignments instead. However, there's nothing like successfully-directed anger to really charge you up for lifting weights. It's like every grunt and groan and bead of sweat is cleansing me inside. All the bullshit falls away and you just be present in that moment and focus on working as hard as you can, and feel every ounce of your own strength. It's such a good feeling. I love it. I mentioned to Leanne last week that it's getting to the point that if I don't get some sort of workout done in a day, even a 30 min walk or something, I feel a little guilty and incomplete. Gotta love those endorphins!
I wanted to take a minute to say thank you to all those friends, family members, acquaintances, and co-workers who had been so supportive along the way so far. I've received so many wonderfully surprising messages of support from friends that I haven't spoken to in awhile, and had no idea were even reading about my journey. It's so amazing to hear kind words, especially when things feel tough. I have saved each of the messages I've received and when I feel like I need a boost, I go back and look through them. Yes, you definitely need to cultivate healthier tastes to lose weight, but it's certainly not my love of lettuce that has been keeping me going. It's all of you <3
It's been a busy and stressful last few weeks at work, so the workouts have really been feeling therapeutic. Monday was hellish, it seemed like every person that called had a litany of complaints. Nothing went right. Seriously, at some point I just gave up trying to be productive and tried to work on my Broker's course assignments instead. However, there's nothing like successfully-directed anger to really charge you up for lifting weights. It's like every grunt and groan and bead of sweat is cleansing me inside. All the bullshit falls away and you just be present in that moment and focus on working as hard as you can, and feel every ounce of your own strength. It's such a good feeling. I love it. I mentioned to Leanne last week that it's getting to the point that if I don't get some sort of workout done in a day, even a 30 min walk or something, I feel a little guilty and incomplete. Gotta love those endorphins!
I wanted to take a minute to say thank you to all those friends, family members, acquaintances, and co-workers who had been so supportive along the way so far. I've received so many wonderfully surprising messages of support from friends that I haven't spoken to in awhile, and had no idea were even reading about my journey. It's so amazing to hear kind words, especially when things feel tough. I have saved each of the messages I've received and when I feel like I need a boost, I go back and look through them. Yes, you definitely need to cultivate healthier tastes to lose weight, but it's certainly not my love of lettuce that has been keeping me going. It's all of you <3
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Day 64 and Thoughts on dependency
DAY 64. Tough week, with the extra restrictions because of my 1 lb loss last week. Worth it though! Lost 2.5 this week, take that last week me!
Great workout on Saturday morning with Tracy and Tristan. Wes had us alternate strength and cardio. I forgot my heart rate monitor, so every time I thought I was working hard, because I couldn't gauge my HR level, I just pushed myself harder. I was red as a tomato by the end, but I felt great. I really love working out with our little trio group. We've really bonded over the past 2 months, and I like that we all truly understand what each is going through. I love that I can talk to Tracy not only about how our week of diet/exercise went, but also about other struggles and triumphs going on in our lives. After this month I won't have any contest sessions left, but I will definitely be continuing with the TF+ group. Leanne will be working on the meal plan with me for another 10 months, but the exercise portion is a huge contributor to my effective weight loss and healthy lifestyle. I know it sounds sappy, but it's been such a special experience so far and I don't want it to ever end.
Went to the Vancouver Giants game with some friends last night. It was so different than the last time I went. Last time there were about 5 beers consumed, a large bucket of buttered popcorn and a salted pretzel. This time, just my water bottle and a small popcorn. It was still just as fun though. While the guys talked stats, my girl friend and I spent the game laughing at the players as they hit the boards (maybe that was just me laughing, weird compulsion I guess) and judging the terrible movember mustaches present on and off the ice. And, omg, when we got up at intermission and climbed the stairs, all those squats from earlier that morning came flooding back! Gah, definitely felt them!
The memories of things like parties, movies and sports events are not about the food or drinks. I don't go to see a hockey game to get drunk and overindulge in crap food, I go to be with my friends and watch the spectacle. That is something I have learned over the past couple months, to re-prioritize how I enjoy social interactions without depending on food. I didn't realize at the time how much I depended on it.
Dependency: the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else.
I think that if you asked my friends to describe me, they would say that I'm funny, sweet, kind, loud, animated, and stubborn. I don't think any of them would describe me as reliant or subordinate to anyone or anything. Looking at how much I submitted to food over the past years disappoints me. Not any more. I own me and my life, and I am the only one who controls me. If I don't take crap from anyone, why was I taking that crap from myself? It feels so good to own and be in control of myself again.
Great workout on Saturday morning with Tracy and Tristan. Wes had us alternate strength and cardio. I forgot my heart rate monitor, so every time I thought I was working hard, because I couldn't gauge my HR level, I just pushed myself harder. I was red as a tomato by the end, but I felt great. I really love working out with our little trio group. We've really bonded over the past 2 months, and I like that we all truly understand what each is going through. I love that I can talk to Tracy not only about how our week of diet/exercise went, but also about other struggles and triumphs going on in our lives. After this month I won't have any contest sessions left, but I will definitely be continuing with the TF+ group. Leanne will be working on the meal plan with me for another 10 months, but the exercise portion is a huge contributor to my effective weight loss and healthy lifestyle. I know it sounds sappy, but it's been such a special experience so far and I don't want it to ever end.
Went to the Vancouver Giants game with some friends last night. It was so different than the last time I went. Last time there were about 5 beers consumed, a large bucket of buttered popcorn and a salted pretzel. This time, just my water bottle and a small popcorn. It was still just as fun though. While the guys talked stats, my girl friend and I spent the game laughing at the players as they hit the boards (maybe that was just me laughing, weird compulsion I guess) and judging the terrible movember mustaches present on and off the ice. And, omg, when we got up at intermission and climbed the stairs, all those squats from earlier that morning came flooding back! Gah, definitely felt them!
The memories of things like parties, movies and sports events are not about the food or drinks. I don't go to see a hockey game to get drunk and overindulge in crap food, I go to be with my friends and watch the spectacle. That is something I have learned over the past couple months, to re-prioritize how I enjoy social interactions without depending on food. I didn't realize at the time how much I depended on it.
Dependency: the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else.
I think that if you asked my friends to describe me, they would say that I'm funny, sweet, kind, loud, animated, and stubborn. I don't think any of them would describe me as reliant or subordinate to anyone or anything. Looking at how much I submitted to food over the past years disappoints me. Not any more. I own me and my life, and I am the only one who controls me. If I don't take crap from anyone, why was I taking that crap from myself? It feels so good to own and be in control of myself again.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Day 62 and Thoughts on evil temptations
DAY 62. Last couple days have been good, stuck to my meal plan, didn't feel too hungry, drank all 8 glasses of water.
Went to the gym yesterday and did 45 minutes on the treadmill, 6 incline, 3.2 speed like Leanne said. I actually didn't notice the first 30 minutes go by, the gym near me has TVs on each machine, so 30 Rock eased me through my boredom. That's the thing about elliptical or treadmill or whatever other cardio machine, I find them to be exceedingly dull. Weight training is interesting cause you're varying it as you go along, but with the treadmill you're just a hamster on a wheel, going nowhere. It's a tad bit depressing actually to compare myself to a hamster. Although hamsters are super cute. We used to have them growing up. I guess I can't say they never got anywhere, because they always managed to escape. Perhaps they did their master planning on the wheel... interesting... anyhow, I digress.
On Wednesday evening, my boyfriend asked me to pick him up some takeout on the way home. I don't know what else to say about that experience other than, it was like my own personal version of hell to be trapped in a confined space with a hot pizza and not be engulfing it. Seriously. Gah. I made it home though, and had my meal plan dinner while he ate his pizza on the other end of the couch. I didn't cheat on my plan, but all I can say is, we need a longer couch...
Went to the gym yesterday and did 45 minutes on the treadmill, 6 incline, 3.2 speed like Leanne said. I actually didn't notice the first 30 minutes go by, the gym near me has TVs on each machine, so 30 Rock eased me through my boredom. That's the thing about elliptical or treadmill or whatever other cardio machine, I find them to be exceedingly dull. Weight training is interesting cause you're varying it as you go along, but with the treadmill you're just a hamster on a wheel, going nowhere. It's a tad bit depressing actually to compare myself to a hamster. Although hamsters are super cute. We used to have them growing up. I guess I can't say they never got anywhere, because they always managed to escape. Perhaps they did their master planning on the wheel... interesting... anyhow, I digress.
On Wednesday evening, my boyfriend asked me to pick him up some takeout on the way home. I don't know what else to say about that experience other than, it was like my own personal version of hell to be trapped in a confined space with a hot pizza and not be engulfing it. Seriously. Gah. I made it home though, and had my meal plan dinner while he ate his pizza on the other end of the couch. I didn't cheat on my plan, but all I can say is, we need a longer couch...
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Day 60 and Thoughts on movie popcorn
DAY 60. Hard to believe it's been 2 months already.
I met with some girlfriends for a coffee and movie last night. Now I remember why I avoid Starbucks these days. When I worked for Starbucks back in university and for a few years after, I probably gained 20-30 lbs from the pastries and drinks alone. With free drinks on shift and employee samples and discounts, geez... you get the idea. The one time of year when everything culminated to create the best drinks and pastries was around Christmas. Pumpkin scones, cranberry bliss bars, eggnog lattes... omg. I used to get a grande eggnog latte (light, of course, a little less guilt, but not much.. sort of like ordering a huge fattening meal with a diet coke, which I used to do too) and one of those decadent pastries, and sometimes a pastry to go too. Not these days... one healthy option that I like around Christmas is their Joy tea, so that's what I had.
At the movie I caved and got a popcorn. That tantalizing smell just did me in. It's my favourite thing in the world. I seriously think that if I could survive on just one food and one drink it would be movie popcorn and chocolate milk. Yup, that's the truth. I know it was not the best decision, but I had stuck to my meal plan all day (which is mostly salad this week) and I opted for a kids size. I could tell the guy at the counter wanted to laugh at me as he asked if I wanted the snowman or the princess toy with that. I self-righteously answered that I wanted a princess. Obviously.
With about 300 calories for a kids size unbuttered versus the large with layered butter that I used to get at around 1700 calories... I felt a little tinge of guilt, but don't truly regret that little treat as I was good all day, had a morning workout, and will be doing a yoga session with my Girl Guides tonight as well. I will also definitely have to do my full 60 minutes of cardio on Thursday.
Just to ruin everyone's enjoyment of their movie popcorn, here's a chart to give you an idea of what this treat can be guilty of...
I met with some girlfriends for a coffee and movie last night. Now I remember why I avoid Starbucks these days. When I worked for Starbucks back in university and for a few years after, I probably gained 20-30 lbs from the pastries and drinks alone. With free drinks on shift and employee samples and discounts, geez... you get the idea. The one time of year when everything culminated to create the best drinks and pastries was around Christmas. Pumpkin scones, cranberry bliss bars, eggnog lattes... omg. I used to get a grande eggnog latte (light, of course, a little less guilt, but not much.. sort of like ordering a huge fattening meal with a diet coke, which I used to do too) and one of those decadent pastries, and sometimes a pastry to go too. Not these days... one healthy option that I like around Christmas is their Joy tea, so that's what I had.
At the movie I caved and got a popcorn. That tantalizing smell just did me in. It's my favourite thing in the world. I seriously think that if I could survive on just one food and one drink it would be movie popcorn and chocolate milk. Yup, that's the truth. I know it was not the best decision, but I had stuck to my meal plan all day (which is mostly salad this week) and I opted for a kids size. I could tell the guy at the counter wanted to laugh at me as he asked if I wanted the snowman or the princess toy with that. I self-righteously answered that I wanted a princess. Obviously.
With about 300 calories for a kids size unbuttered versus the large with layered butter that I used to get at around 1700 calories... I felt a little tinge of guilt, but don't truly regret that little treat as I was good all day, had a morning workout, and will be doing a yoga session with my Girl Guides tonight as well. I will also definitely have to do my full 60 minutes of cardio on Thursday.
Just to ruin everyone's enjoyment of their movie popcorn, here's a chart to give you an idea of what this treat can be guilty of...
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Day 59 and Thoughts on carb sensitivity
DAY 59. Haven't been online for the past couple days, just enjoying the long weekend. It was a glorious little vacation actually, especially given that work has been more stressful over the past little bit. Saturday morning I got up and did my weigh-in, only down 1 lb this week. I know that every pound lost is a celebration, but I am disappointed with myself. On Thursday I had told myself I would do 60 minutes of cardio on my own, but I only did 30 mins. I was also pretty hungry and had sweet cravings last week, which Leanne thinks might be because I'm carb-sensitive and the pasta meal last Sunday may have set off those cravings. I had popcorn as a snack almost every night. I also didn't get my full 8 cup water intake every day. I find that to be one of the most challenging things to get enough of. Carb sensitivity just means that when I eat higher levels of carbs, my blood sugar may spike more than others, causing me to have responses like cravings and such. This is certainly not ideal for someone who likes pasta so much, but at the end of the day, my health is worth more than pasta (better not let my Italian grandmother hear me saying that!). Because of the lower weight loss this week, and to control any carb cravings/triggers, my meal plan is a little more restrictive this week... meaning more raw leafy greens.
My workout on Saturday with Tristan and Tracy was intense! Wes had us do a cycle of 5 flights of stairs followed by strength exercises. We did the cycle 5 times, making the total stairs climbed equivalent to the Empire State Building! Woo! When I got home I had a hot bath. I find that after an intense workout, the hot water relaxes me and my muscles don't ache so much the next day. Well, so much for that theory this time. I was definitely walking funny the next day thanks to those stairs, lol. Saturday was blissfully relaxing after that, my boyfriend and I made brunch (egg white omelet with veggies and salsa) and watched movies that afternoon.
Sunday was my cousin's baby shower. Any one trying to lose weight should probably just steer clear of any baby or bridal showers. So much delicious looking food... cupcakes, squares, cheese and crackers, mini sandwiches... drool. I was chatting with one of our family friends and kept glancing longingly at the cupcakes. She laughed and just said, 'nah, they weren't any good, don't worry.' It was a sweet attempt to divert me and I appreciated it. I ate some carrots instead.
I woke up Monday with a headache. We had a TF+ workout at noon and I debated back and forth skipping it if my head didn't stop pounding. It didn't but I went anyways. It wasn't the greatest workout I've ever done, but I'm really glad I went. Any workout is better than no workout.
Fresh new day today. Woke up feeling good. Had an early workout with Sarah this morning. It was a particularly challenging one, not because I was doing particularly insane cardio or anything, but the compound exercises were tough today. I didn't think I could make it through the side planks but I did! Before work I made some roasted tilapia with curry powder to go with my salad for lunch. I've never tried it before, so that should be interesting.
As I want to aim for a higher weight loss this week to counter last week's lower number, I thought I'd make some goals for myself:
My workout on Saturday with Tristan and Tracy was intense! Wes had us do a cycle of 5 flights of stairs followed by strength exercises. We did the cycle 5 times, making the total stairs climbed equivalent to the Empire State Building! Woo! When I got home I had a hot bath. I find that after an intense workout, the hot water relaxes me and my muscles don't ache so much the next day. Well, so much for that theory this time. I was definitely walking funny the next day thanks to those stairs, lol. Saturday was blissfully relaxing after that, my boyfriend and I made brunch (egg white omelet with veggies and salsa) and watched movies that afternoon.
Sunday was my cousin's baby shower. Any one trying to lose weight should probably just steer clear of any baby or bridal showers. So much delicious looking food... cupcakes, squares, cheese and crackers, mini sandwiches... drool. I was chatting with one of our family friends and kept glancing longingly at the cupcakes. She laughed and just said, 'nah, they weren't any good, don't worry.' It was a sweet attempt to divert me and I appreciated it. I ate some carrots instead.
I woke up Monday with a headache. We had a TF+ workout at noon and I debated back and forth skipping it if my head didn't stop pounding. It didn't but I went anyways. It wasn't the greatest workout I've ever done, but I'm really glad I went. Any workout is better than no workout.
Fresh new day today. Woke up feeling good. Had an early workout with Sarah this morning. It was a particularly challenging one, not because I was doing particularly insane cardio or anything, but the compound exercises were tough today. I didn't think I could make it through the side planks but I did! Before work I made some roasted tilapia with curry powder to go with my salad for lunch. I've never tried it before, so that should be interesting.
As I want to aim for a higher weight loss this week to counter last week's lower number, I thought I'd make some goals for myself:
- Get at least 8 cups of water in every day (always a challenge for me, but I can do it)
- Do 60 minutes of cardio on Thursday and 30 mins after my Saturday workout
- Try 2 new raw salads (I'll hunt some down on therawterian.com)
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Day 54 and Thoughts on sweets
DAY 54 and my obliques are killing me! A lot of the time, it's the seemingly easy and simple exercises that hurt later. Geez! My boyfriend is working late tonight, so while I want to lay on my new couch and watch Netflix, I'm going to get to the gym and do my 30 mins of cardio that I promised myself I would do. Dinner will be so much more delicious after a good workout.
Tried my pad thai recipe again for lunch, few modifications... was feeling lazy so I used a bag of Dole broccoli slaw instead of julienning all the veggies. Dumped in all the ingredients from my original recipe and added 1 tbsp. of almond butter as well. The almond butter really added a nice flavour. I think I'm going to stick with this modification from now on, yum!
It's weird that sometimes things that I didn't care for much in the past are now sort of tempting to me. I've never had much of a sweet tooth, but now every time I walk past someplace with really delicious pastries, my mouth waters. Today I was at Park Royal and I walked by Purdy's and I seriously considered getting just one strawberry or raspberry crème (my favs). I stood frozen outside the shop for at least 30 seconds before I kept walking. I'm sure I looked ridiculous, as I kept stepping towards and away from the store like a crazy person.
The thing is about my new lifestyle and diet changes, I'm only cheating myself if I cheat. I'm only hurting myself if I cheat. I'm only disappointing myself if I cheat. It can be a real challenge to come to terms with the fact that I can only depend on myself with this. No one is going to follow me around whispering in my ear when I want to eat a pint of ice cream or a bucket of movie theatre popcorn. No one is going to rouse me out of bed to get to the gym. I think that's one of the hardest parts of making diet and lifestyle changes, you can only help yourself. Now, that's not to say that friends and family can't be encouraging and supportive, they are definitely the thing that supports and motivates me to do better and get healthy. They keep me accountable. But they don't stand next to me all day, telling me what's right and wrong. I have to do that for myself. Writing things down every day helps too. Having my blog and my daily food journal gives me an outlet. I've also found that I really love sharing my journey with others. Given the statistics about overweight and obese North Americans, I know that my journey is one that many have been on before.
Another thing that all this has made me realize... I need to find some good raw dessert recipes to curb any sweetness cravings.
Tried my pad thai recipe again for lunch, few modifications... was feeling lazy so I used a bag of Dole broccoli slaw instead of julienning all the veggies. Dumped in all the ingredients from my original recipe and added 1 tbsp. of almond butter as well. The almond butter really added a nice flavour. I think I'm going to stick with this modification from now on, yum!
It's weird that sometimes things that I didn't care for much in the past are now sort of tempting to me. I've never had much of a sweet tooth, but now every time I walk past someplace with really delicious pastries, my mouth waters. Today I was at Park Royal and I walked by Purdy's and I seriously considered getting just one strawberry or raspberry crème (my favs). I stood frozen outside the shop for at least 30 seconds before I kept walking. I'm sure I looked ridiculous, as I kept stepping towards and away from the store like a crazy person.
The thing is about my new lifestyle and diet changes, I'm only cheating myself if I cheat. I'm only hurting myself if I cheat. I'm only disappointing myself if I cheat. It can be a real challenge to come to terms with the fact that I can only depend on myself with this. No one is going to follow me around whispering in my ear when I want to eat a pint of ice cream or a bucket of movie theatre popcorn. No one is going to rouse me out of bed to get to the gym. I think that's one of the hardest parts of making diet and lifestyle changes, you can only help yourself. Now, that's not to say that friends and family can't be encouraging and supportive, they are definitely the thing that supports and motivates me to do better and get healthy. They keep me accountable. But they don't stand next to me all day, telling me what's right and wrong. I have to do that for myself. Writing things down every day helps too. Having my blog and my daily food journal gives me an outlet. I've also found that I really love sharing my journey with others. Given the statistics about overweight and obese North Americans, I know that my journey is one that many have been on before.
Another thing that all this has made me realize... I need to find some good raw dessert recipes to curb any sweetness cravings.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Day 52 and Thoughts on being my own lead actress
DAY 52. Kick ass workout last night. Super intense. Wes set up a rotation of weights and high-intensity cardio. That annoying little blue ball was out again last night, the one that we slam to the ground, bounces only an inch or two and we have to catch on the first bounce. I'm proud to say I wasn't totally winded after 1 minute of that, and on the second circuit I did it without dropping the ball at all! It's the little victories that count. When it came to the stairs, I managed 3.25 flights in 1 minute. At the end of the workout I was totally and completely wiped out. I went home, showered and shoveled some dinner in, then attempted to watch a movie with my boyfriend but actually just passed out. I felt a little bad, cause he always makes fun of me for falling asleep during movies, but this time I couldn't help it. It was probably the most intense workout I've had so far.
This morning I had a workout with Sarah. She timed me at the TF stair challenge, there are different numbers of flights to challenge, representing different North American buildings (i.e Empire State building). I tried the first one and did 4.5 flights in 1.36 minutes. Geez. It was tough. No matter how much more fit I feel, there is always something new to challenge me.
Some days I feel restless and impatient. Today is one of those days. I'm hungry and a bit cranky today. I feel like I'm working so hard but I'm not getting there very fast. Like those nightmares I've had in the past where there's a bad guy chasing you and suddenly your legs won't work properly and you're running in slow-motion as the bad guy catches up. There are still those days when I'm working out and I feel like I'm a total bodybuilder, but then I look in the mirrors and still see an overweight girl. There are days when it doesn't matter how many outfits I try on before work, I'm going to feel like they all look stupid. Days like that totally and completely suck. And I know it's pointless to give into feelings like that. In the past, whenever I starting feeling sorry for myself, I'd reach for the chips, buttered popcorn and/or mac and cheese, pop in a sappy favourite DVD and imagine living in their world instead. I guess I'm tired of living in an imaginary world, I want to live in my own world, I want to be the lead actress, not a supporting role or some bit part. I have to take restless, impatient days like this and kick their asses to the curb. I got up at 6:15 am today to get my butt to my workout. I worked hard. I planned my meals and didn't cheat. I need to keep reminding myself of the little achievements and be proud of those. The weight didn't come on overnight, it's not going to come off overnight either. I'll keep working hard and kicking ass. Chin up Katharine, everyone has bad days, not everyone gives into them.
Weird how therapeutic blogging is. I feel better already.
This morning I had a workout with Sarah. She timed me at the TF stair challenge, there are different numbers of flights to challenge, representing different North American buildings (i.e Empire State building). I tried the first one and did 4.5 flights in 1.36 minutes. Geez. It was tough. No matter how much more fit I feel, there is always something new to challenge me.
Some days I feel restless and impatient. Today is one of those days. I'm hungry and a bit cranky today. I feel like I'm working so hard but I'm not getting there very fast. Like those nightmares I've had in the past where there's a bad guy chasing you and suddenly your legs won't work properly and you're running in slow-motion as the bad guy catches up. There are still those days when I'm working out and I feel like I'm a total bodybuilder, but then I look in the mirrors and still see an overweight girl. There are days when it doesn't matter how many outfits I try on before work, I'm going to feel like they all look stupid. Days like that totally and completely suck. And I know it's pointless to give into feelings like that. In the past, whenever I starting feeling sorry for myself, I'd reach for the chips, buttered popcorn and/or mac and cheese, pop in a sappy favourite DVD and imagine living in their world instead. I guess I'm tired of living in an imaginary world, I want to live in my own world, I want to be the lead actress, not a supporting role or some bit part. I have to take restless, impatient days like this and kick their asses to the curb. I got up at 6:15 am today to get my butt to my workout. I worked hard. I planned my meals and didn't cheat. I need to keep reminding myself of the little achievements and be proud of those. The weight didn't come on overnight, it's not going to come off overnight either. I'll keep working hard and kicking ass. Chin up Katharine, everyone has bad days, not everyone gives into them.
Weird how therapeutic blogging is. I feel better already.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Day 50 and Thoughts on the first 10% gone!
DAY 50. My Saturday weigh-in this week was a good one again, down another 2.4 lbs. I started at 296.6 and have lost 29.6 lbs so far which puts me at 9.98% of my body weight lost so far. Close enough to 10% I think, lol. I've been doing some online research and that first 10% is definitely a very important first step.
As an overweight person, the health benefits of losing just 10% of your weight are amazingly positive. That first 10% significantly lowers your risks of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, certain cancers, sleep apnea symptoms, and can increase vitality and energy. That first 10% also gives you a reality check and a better sense of the next part of your weight loss journey, especially if you still have a ways to go, as I do.
I'm so excited to reach this milestone, which coincides pretty closely with my first 30 lbs lost. I found a Groupon for a haircut and highlights, which I've decided is my reward for this first milestone. Tracy, Tristan and I were talking about how it's important to have those rewards for each smaller goal reached along the way, non-food rewards that is. Another great benefit to keeping up a steady weight loss is that now once a week, I can add a pasta meal to my day. Preferably gluten free, and definitely whole wheat. No cream sauce, but a small triangle of Laughing Cow cheese will make a plain marinara more creamy and decadent without adding many calories. I'm so excited for dinner tonight! Tonight will be the first taste of pasta in 2 months!!!
I've started to fit back into some of the clothes that I've outgrown and kept hidden at the back of my closet. Yesterday I dragged out a cute maroon-coloured shirt dress that I haven't worn in about 2 years and it fit! I felt great going out with my boyfriend yesterday, I felt more sexy and confident than I have in awhile. Just seeing that validation through the fit of my clothes is huge! One other benefit that my boyfriend has noticed is that he says I don't snore much anymore, sometimes not at all. I'm really happy about this, cause it caused me a lot of shame and embarrassment thinking that he was losing sleep because of me.
I know that sometimes my blog can seem disproportionately optimistic, but that's not to say that this process has been easy. It has been really hard. Every day something challenges me, it's just that it feels really good to rise to the occasion. I am a generally optimistic person, but for those who are sitting at home and reading my blog, thinking about beginning their own weight loss journey... just do it! The actual decision to begin was the hardest one I made. After hearing from Team Fitness that I made it the next phase of interviews, I had to take a day or two to decide whether I was really ready to do this. I agonized over it. I was so afraid of both making a change and failing at it. I know too, that not everyone has the amazing opportunity I've been given by Team Fitness. However, there are tons of options for those who can't afford meal planning services and personal training. Team Fitness offers group bootcamps and partner training. Personally I'll be sticking with the TF+ bootcamps even after my contest sessions end. I love working with the trainers and having the support of my TF+ friends. My health is worth the cost of taking a couple bootcamps each week and being with that support group at TF. Not eating out and making my own food has been saving me money so I'll be putting that towards bootcamps/training. Also, lots of community centres have free classes a couple times a week. And no one will charge you a dime to put on your runners and go for a jog! Check out the library for some clean eating diet books, the Wheat Belly ones are really good. There will always be excuses, but deciding to rise above those excuses and take control of your life and health is the most important decision you can make. Some days can be really f*ing hard, but every single day I am so grateful and proud that I turned myself around and starting taking my health seriously.
My visual inspiration of reaching my goal!
As an overweight person, the health benefits of losing just 10% of your weight are amazingly positive. That first 10% significantly lowers your risks of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, certain cancers, sleep apnea symptoms, and can increase vitality and energy. That first 10% also gives you a reality check and a better sense of the next part of your weight loss journey, especially if you still have a ways to go, as I do.
I'm so excited to reach this milestone, which coincides pretty closely with my first 30 lbs lost. I found a Groupon for a haircut and highlights, which I've decided is my reward for this first milestone. Tracy, Tristan and I were talking about how it's important to have those rewards for each smaller goal reached along the way, non-food rewards that is. Another great benefit to keeping up a steady weight loss is that now once a week, I can add a pasta meal to my day. Preferably gluten free, and definitely whole wheat. No cream sauce, but a small triangle of Laughing Cow cheese will make a plain marinara more creamy and decadent without adding many calories. I'm so excited for dinner tonight! Tonight will be the first taste of pasta in 2 months!!!
I've started to fit back into some of the clothes that I've outgrown and kept hidden at the back of my closet. Yesterday I dragged out a cute maroon-coloured shirt dress that I haven't worn in about 2 years and it fit! I felt great going out with my boyfriend yesterday, I felt more sexy and confident than I have in awhile. Just seeing that validation through the fit of my clothes is huge! One other benefit that my boyfriend has noticed is that he says I don't snore much anymore, sometimes not at all. I'm really happy about this, cause it caused me a lot of shame and embarrassment thinking that he was losing sleep because of me.
I know that sometimes my blog can seem disproportionately optimistic, but that's not to say that this process has been easy. It has been really hard. Every day something challenges me, it's just that it feels really good to rise to the occasion. I am a generally optimistic person, but for those who are sitting at home and reading my blog, thinking about beginning their own weight loss journey... just do it! The actual decision to begin was the hardest one I made. After hearing from Team Fitness that I made it the next phase of interviews, I had to take a day or two to decide whether I was really ready to do this. I agonized over it. I was so afraid of both making a change and failing at it. I know too, that not everyone has the amazing opportunity I've been given by Team Fitness. However, there are tons of options for those who can't afford meal planning services and personal training. Team Fitness offers group bootcamps and partner training. Personally I'll be sticking with the TF+ bootcamps even after my contest sessions end. I love working with the trainers and having the support of my TF+ friends. My health is worth the cost of taking a couple bootcamps each week and being with that support group at TF. Not eating out and making my own food has been saving me money so I'll be putting that towards bootcamps/training. Also, lots of community centres have free classes a couple times a week. And no one will charge you a dime to put on your runners and go for a jog! Check out the library for some clean eating diet books, the Wheat Belly ones are really good. There will always be excuses, but deciding to rise above those excuses and take control of your life and health is the most important decision you can make. Some days can be really f*ing hard, but every single day I am so grateful and proud that I turned myself around and starting taking my health seriously.
My visual inspiration of reaching my goal!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Day 48 and Thoughts on working harder
DAY 48. Tough workout with Sarah last night. Really tough. At some point during the workout Sarah asked me my heart rate which was at about 135 bpm. I thought I was working hard, as I was fairly out of breath. She just looked at me with a no-nonsense look and said "You're holding back on me." I thought about it for a second, yeah I guess I was. In the first couple weeks, when I got upto 135 bpm, that was pretty hard, one time in the first couple weeks I got up to 155 bpm and I thought I would pass out. I felt dizzy and light-headed. I came to the realization that my body is getting into better shape so I can't look at the monitor and think that 135 is working hard anymore. I need to work harder. For the rest of the workout, whenever I thought I couldn't go any harder or faster, or control my muscles in weight exercise, I proved myself wrong. I kept my heart rate up to around 145-158 bpm and at the end I really felt like I worked hard and was totally spent. No point in doing anything half-assed, I want to do this right. Don't get me wrong, I always work hard during my sessions. I take my time to do the strength training correctly, slow and steady and controlled. I still find the weight training to be very challenging and still feel sore after every workout. I just realized that especially in my cardio, I can push myself harder. I don't want to feel at the end of a workout that I still have anything left, I want to give it all I've got. And so I shall.
On a lighter note, my boyfriend and I carved our pumpkin last night and I roasted the seeds with some cayenne, cumin, garlic and pepper. In the oven at 250 degrees for an hour, turning occasionally. Soooo good. Going to try them on my salad for lunch today.
On a lighter note, my boyfriend and I carved our pumpkin last night and I roasted the seeds with some cayenne, cumin, garlic and pepper. In the oven at 250 degrees for an hour, turning occasionally. Soooo good. Going to try them on my salad for lunch today.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Day 47 and Thoughts on Halloween
DAY 47. Along with the rest of the world, I have been inundated with advertising for Halloween candy for several weeks now. It's driving me crazy. I don't even like candy that much, never been a huge sweet tooth, yet these days all I want is pile of fun-size candy bars. It's ridiculous. There was a blatant ad on the radio basically saying "Buy extra candy for the kids, but really, you'll want to eat it too!" Seriously? Yeah. Some days I wish I lived in a bubble. Without advertising, I wouldn't feel half the cravings I feel for random junk like Burger King or pasta or steak (this coming from a vegetarian). I guess the nice thing is, eventually my willpower will be so strong from resisting all those cravings, that I will be able to do anything! M wah ha ha! In a way, I feel more superior to those people on the Biggest Loser, who actually do live in a bubble, cause I'm losing this weight in my regular life, with all its ups and downs and stresses and frustrations.
Instead of my early morning workout this morning, I'm doing a Hallo-workout tonight at TF with Sarah. At least it'll take me away from the apartment, in which my boyfriend is trying to coerce me into watching scary movies. There are those who can handle horror movie and those who cannot. I fall into the latter category, though he never ceases to try to change that. Sigh.
Good lunch for today, some leftovers from dinner, vegetarian chili and salad. I try to play around with my lettuces, and try new ones. I really like butter lettuce, so soft and delicate. I also started adding some Dijon mustard to my dressing and it's really tasty. The Dijon makes it taste more like a Caesar dressing.
My go-to salad dressing:
- 2 tbsp. flax seed oil
- 1 tbsp. balsamic or other vinegar
- 1-2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- pinch of oregano, thyme, basil and black pepper
My other new thing is on the days where I have my 1 cup of plain yogurt with protein powder, I add 1 tbsp. of raw unsweetened cocoa powder and a sprinkle of stevia. Has a nice flavour to is, almost like creamy chocolate pudding, but less sweet. Mmm.
Instead of my early morning workout this morning, I'm doing a Hallo-workout tonight at TF with Sarah. At least it'll take me away from the apartment, in which my boyfriend is trying to coerce me into watching scary movies. There are those who can handle horror movie and those who cannot. I fall into the latter category, though he never ceases to try to change that. Sigh.
Good lunch for today, some leftovers from dinner, vegetarian chili and salad. I try to play around with my lettuces, and try new ones. I really like butter lettuce, so soft and delicate. I also started adding some Dijon mustard to my dressing and it's really tasty. The Dijon makes it taste more like a Caesar dressing.
My go-to salad dressing:
- 2 tbsp. flax seed oil
- 1 tbsp. balsamic or other vinegar
- 1-2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- pinch of oregano, thyme, basil and black pepper
My other new thing is on the days where I have my 1 cup of plain yogurt with protein powder, I add 1 tbsp. of raw unsweetened cocoa powder and a sprinkle of stevia. Has a nice flavour to is, almost like creamy chocolate pudding, but less sweet. Mmm.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Day 45 and Thoughts on Pad Thai
DAY 45. Tough workout last night. I'm not sure why, but I got a bit of a headache just after work which intensely magnified as the workout progressed. I ate all my meals that day and drank tons of water, so I can only guess it was just a bit of work stress. I was proud of myself for finishing, it was a particularly challenging heavy weights session, though I did have to slow my pace.
Had another workout this morning at 7 am with Eric. I wasn't sore from yesterday yet (probably the hot bath helped), but now I'll be double sore, lol. Seriously, I'm definitely feeling it now, I don't want to get up from my desk to go to my meeting.
After the workout last night, I jello'ed myself home (my new term for how I feel after an intense workout). The whole car ride home I debated whether I would just go to bed or make a nice dinner. Both overruled... I got right into a hot bubble bath and relaxed. After that I felt sooo much better so I attempted the healthy pad thai recipe I had researched earlier and had bought all the ingredients on my lunch hour for. So worth it! I used to have Thai for lunch at least once a week and I missed it. The place near my work makes the most fatteningly delicious pad thai and spring rolls. Mmm... I've been determined to find a recipe that would work for me and will continue to test them out til I find the perfect one. This one was actually super good, I made enough for dinner and lunch today, so I can enjoy it again later :)
I took a photo of the ingredients including egg whites, but didn't end up using them. You could put 1/3 cup scrambled egg whites as well though. Also, in terms of the exact measurements of veggies, I didn't really strictly follow that. I like tons of veggies to bulk recipes up and keep me full. You could switch with whatever other types you like.
My pad thai recipe (made 2 servings):
- 1 package Shirataki noodles
- 1 cup zucchini, julienned
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/4 head of red cabbage, julienned
- 1/2 cup asparagus, cut into 1" pieces
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup green onions, cut into 1" pieces
- 2 tsp chili powder, or more to taste
- teeny pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1" piece ginger, grated
- 1/4 block tofu
- 6 large shrimp
- olive oil spray
- 3 tbsp low sodium fish sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 lime
- optional: 2 tbsp crushed peanuts
I cooked my tofu and shrimp first then set aside. The noodles must be drained and rinsed, boiled for 2-3 minutes then drained and rinsed again. All the veggies along with vinegar, fish sauce, spices, garlic and ginger were thrown into a lightly olive oil sprayed wok pan. After about 5 minutes of cooking (they should still be a bit crisp), add in the noodles, shrimp and tofu. Let cook for a few more minutes. Serve with a fresh squeeze of lime and an optional sprinkling of crushed peanuts (I passed, enough flavours without them).
Had another workout this morning at 7 am with Eric. I wasn't sore from yesterday yet (probably the hot bath helped), but now I'll be double sore, lol. Seriously, I'm definitely feeling it now, I don't want to get up from my desk to go to my meeting.
After the workout last night, I jello'ed myself home (my new term for how I feel after an intense workout). The whole car ride home I debated whether I would just go to bed or make a nice dinner. Both overruled... I got right into a hot bubble bath and relaxed. After that I felt sooo much better so I attempted the healthy pad thai recipe I had researched earlier and had bought all the ingredients on my lunch hour for. So worth it! I used to have Thai for lunch at least once a week and I missed it. The place near my work makes the most fatteningly delicious pad thai and spring rolls. Mmm... I've been determined to find a recipe that would work for me and will continue to test them out til I find the perfect one. This one was actually super good, I made enough for dinner and lunch today, so I can enjoy it again later :)
I took a photo of the ingredients including egg whites, but didn't end up using them. You could put 1/3 cup scrambled egg whites as well though. Also, in terms of the exact measurements of veggies, I didn't really strictly follow that. I like tons of veggies to bulk recipes up and keep me full. You could switch with whatever other types you like.
My pad thai recipe (made 2 servings):
- 1 package Shirataki noodles
- 1 cup zucchini, julienned
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/4 head of red cabbage, julienned
- 1/2 cup asparagus, cut into 1" pieces
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup green onions, cut into 1" pieces
- 2 tsp chili powder, or more to taste
- teeny pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1" piece ginger, grated
- 1/4 block tofu
- 6 large shrimp
- olive oil spray
- 3 tbsp low sodium fish sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 lime
- optional: 2 tbsp crushed peanuts
I cooked my tofu and shrimp first then set aside. The noodles must be drained and rinsed, boiled for 2-3 minutes then drained and rinsed again. All the veggies along with vinegar, fish sauce, spices, garlic and ginger were thrown into a lightly olive oil sprayed wok pan. After about 5 minutes of cooking (they should still be a bit crisp), add in the noodles, shrimp and tofu. Let cook for a few more minutes. Serve with a fresh squeeze of lime and an optional sprinkling of crushed peanuts (I passed, enough flavours without them).
Monday, October 28, 2013
DAY 44 and Thoughts on being hungry
DAY 44. Feeling hungry today. Chugging back on water like there's no tomorrow, which is helping. When I think about how I would have acted a mere 6 weeks ago, it's crazy. At the first sign of any hunger pangs I would be running for the junk food. Heck, even before I had hunger pangs, I'd be rooting around for them. It's nice to feel this new-found sense of control. Food doesn't control me. I control the food that I'm eating and I'm making good healthy decisions.
I tried on a little dress I haven't worn in a few years (actually I've worn it but can only wear it as a long shirt at my current weight). It's really pretty and I never got rid of it in the hope that I'd be able to fit into it again. It was nice to see that it's starting to fit better, though I know I still have a ways to go til it looks really good. I have a few others buried in the back that are about the same, some with tags on them still. I think all women do that, keep clothes that they don't fit into, in the vain hope that it will magically fit again. Well, at least now I'm not waiting for magic to make it happen, cause that certainly didn't work for me in the past, lol.
I tried on a little dress I haven't worn in a few years (actually I've worn it but can only wear it as a long shirt at my current weight). It's really pretty and I never got rid of it in the hope that I'd be able to fit into it again. It was nice to see that it's starting to fit better, though I know I still have a ways to go til it looks really good. I have a few others buried in the back that are about the same, some with tags on them still. I think all women do that, keep clothes that they don't fit into, in the vain hope that it will magically fit again. Well, at least now I'm not waiting for magic to make it happen, cause that certainly didn't work for me in the past, lol.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Day 43 and Thoughts on food substitutions
DAY 43. Yesterday was an amazing day. Woke up refreshed, did my weigh-in... down another 2 lbs this week! My home scale currently reads 269.4 lb. The TF+ scale does run a bit higher than my home scale, so I'll see how the weigh-in is tomorrow.
Tristan, Tracy and I had an awesome TF+ workout with trainer Sarah yesterday morning. We alternated 4 min weight circuits and 2 min cardio. We did a bunch of core stuff at the end which I could feel when I got myself out of bed this morning. Now that I'm adding dairy back in to the mix, I tried a Muscle Milk light for breakfast before the workout, as I didn't have any almond milk to make my protein shake. It was really tasty, not quite like honest-to-goodness chocolate milk, but really good. The other time I didn't have any almond milk to make the protein shake, I just used water... yup, just water, flax oil and protein powder. Omg. That was the most disgusting thing EVER. Not doing that again, lol. Muscle Milk is a waaayyyy better alternative on the run.
It was great to get back to the gym after a couple days of sleeping, watching bad daytime TV and eating nothing but tea, soup and dry toast. The old me probably would have revelled in the laying around and watching TV all day, even if I was sick, but now I don't like sitting still as much when I'm home. I want to be out doing things. I did a little grocery shop, went home and had a nice egg white omelet brunch, tidied the house, and got outside to enjoy the beautiful crisp fall weather. For dinner I attempted to use Shirataki noodles to make spaghetti and marinara sauce. I just used a nice jar of store-bought marinara, but bulked it up with spinach, onions and mushrooms. With a side of baked halibut, a big green salad, and a nice glass of red... it was an awesome dinner. The noodles take some getting used to for sure. They definitely do not have the texture of real pasta, nor would I say it's a close second, but I still thought as a whole it was good. It's sort of how it took some getting used to when I stopped eating meat a few years ago and started adding in tofu. It's not the same, but after awhile, you sort of forget what the real thing is like and start enjoying the substitutions.
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Tristan, Tracy and I had an awesome TF+ workout with trainer Sarah yesterday morning. We alternated 4 min weight circuits and 2 min cardio. We did a bunch of core stuff at the end which I could feel when I got myself out of bed this morning. Now that I'm adding dairy back in to the mix, I tried a Muscle Milk light for breakfast before the workout, as I didn't have any almond milk to make my protein shake. It was really tasty, not quite like honest-to-goodness chocolate milk, but really good. The other time I didn't have any almond milk to make the protein shake, I just used water... yup, just water, flax oil and protein powder. Omg. That was the most disgusting thing EVER. Not doing that again, lol. Muscle Milk is a waaayyyy better alternative on the run.
It was great to get back to the gym after a couple days of sleeping, watching bad daytime TV and eating nothing but tea, soup and dry toast. The old me probably would have revelled in the laying around and watching TV all day, even if I was sick, but now I don't like sitting still as much when I'm home. I want to be out doing things. I did a little grocery shop, went home and had a nice egg white omelet brunch, tidied the house, and got outside to enjoy the beautiful crisp fall weather. For dinner I attempted to use Shirataki noodles to make spaghetti and marinara sauce. I just used a nice jar of store-bought marinara, but bulked it up with spinach, onions and mushrooms. With a side of baked halibut, a big green salad, and a nice glass of red... it was an awesome dinner. The noodles take some getting used to for sure. They definitely do not have the texture of real pasta, nor would I say it's a close second, but I still thought as a whole it was good. It's sort of how it took some getting used to when I stopped eating meat a few years ago and started adding in tofu. It's not the same, but after awhile, you sort of forget what the real thing is like and start enjoying the substitutions.
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Friday, October 25, 2013
Day 41 and Thoughts on being sick :(
DAY 41. I've been sick with something flu-like for the past 2-3 days. Total bummer. The meal plan was not followed while sick, mostly because I wasn't able to eat much except vegetable soup, water and a little bit of dry rye toast. I missed 2 days of work and spent it on the couch, dozing off between episodes of CSI. I tried to study my textbook (a work course I'm taking) but reading the same page over and over is not exactly productive. I also had to cancel my Thursday morning workout, but I'll make it up next week. That's the thing about this new way of life, miss one session, make it up the next day! This morning I had some real food for the first time, my bowl of yogurt for breakfast, it was amazing after the same soup for several days. I actually can't wait to get to the gym tomorrow morning for my TF+ workout. I know I'll have to take it a bit easy so as not to push myself too hard while I'm getting better, but I really missed my workout. I love how I feel during and after. It's definitely the endorphins or something, but I'm always really stoked after we finish. It's totally addictive.
Anyhow, should get back to my work now, the emails and phone messages really piled up while I was away!
Anyhow, should get back to my work now, the emails and phone messages really piled up while I was away!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Day 38 and Thoughts on Shirataki noodles
DAY 38. Good TF+ group workout last night. There's something about sweating it out with others, you just naturally start to bond. It could be a shared love of hating the trainers, lol, just kidding (please don't hurt me next time Trainers!). It was definitely a challenging workout, plus the fact that I was still sore from Saturday morning's heavy weights session.
After the workout, I was pretty tired and sore, so I went home, made some really yummy southwest stirfry and baked halibut with salsa on the side, then took a deliciously relaxing bubble bath. I can't remember the last time I had one, and it was heaven. Lots of lavender bubbles, scented candles, some Enya playing in the background, and hot hot water.... who needs wine and cheesecake? this was bliss!
Every Saturday morning we do a weigh-in from home and email Leanne. She records the results for the week and adjusts our meal plans accordingly. On Monday, with the TF+ group, we do another weigh-in. There's always a bit of a discrepancy, as one is first thing in the morning and the other is at the end of the day, plus the Monday weigh-in comes after our Sunday 'high carb' day. I was a bit disappointed with my official weigh-in this week, I only lost a negligible amount by the TF scale. Although I was very happy that my home scale weigh-in on Saturday morning showed another 2.4 lbs loss this week (for a loss of 24.6 lbs so far).
This morning I made my usual green smoothie. I play around with the combinations some mornings, but usually its the same: 1 small banana, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1 scoop protein powder, 2 cups of spinach or kale, or both mixed. I know it looks kind of gross, but I find them to be pretty good. Of course, this is coming from the woman who thinks that tofu tastes as good as chicken.
For lunch today I tried out Shirataki noodles in a stirfry with veggies, tofu, Chinese 5-spice, Bragg's seasoning and some sesame seeds. I first heard about them from a friend of mine who swore by them. Super low in calories, yet a great pasta alternative. According to Wikipedia... "Shirataki noodles are very low carbohydrate, low calorie, thin, translucent Japanese noodles made from devil's tongue yam. Largely composed of water and glucomannan, a water-soluble dietary fiber, they have little flavor of their own." They're packed in water and do have a peculiar smell when you open it, but if you rinse them, boil for 2-3 minutes, then rinse again, they can be used like normal cooked noodles and will absorb whatever flavours they're cooked in. This particular brand is a blend of Shirataki and tofu, as apparently the addition of tofu improves the texture. I haven't had lunch yet, so we shall see...
After the workout, I was pretty tired and sore, so I went home, made some really yummy southwest stirfry and baked halibut with salsa on the side, then took a deliciously relaxing bubble bath. I can't remember the last time I had one, and it was heaven. Lots of lavender bubbles, scented candles, some Enya playing in the background, and hot hot water.... who needs wine and cheesecake? this was bliss!
Every Saturday morning we do a weigh-in from home and email Leanne. She records the results for the week and adjusts our meal plans accordingly. On Monday, with the TF+ group, we do another weigh-in. There's always a bit of a discrepancy, as one is first thing in the morning and the other is at the end of the day, plus the Monday weigh-in comes after our Sunday 'high carb' day. I was a bit disappointed with my official weigh-in this week, I only lost a negligible amount by the TF scale. Although I was very happy that my home scale weigh-in on Saturday morning showed another 2.4 lbs loss this week (for a loss of 24.6 lbs so far).
This morning I made my usual green smoothie. I play around with the combinations some mornings, but usually its the same: 1 small banana, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1 scoop protein powder, 2 cups of spinach or kale, or both mixed. I know it looks kind of gross, but I find them to be pretty good. Of course, this is coming from the woman who thinks that tofu tastes as good as chicken.
For lunch today I tried out Shirataki noodles in a stirfry with veggies, tofu, Chinese 5-spice, Bragg's seasoning and some sesame seeds. I first heard about them from a friend of mine who swore by them. Super low in calories, yet a great pasta alternative. According to Wikipedia... "Shirataki noodles are very low carbohydrate, low calorie, thin, translucent Japanese noodles made from devil's tongue yam. Largely composed of water and glucomannan, a water-soluble dietary fiber, they have little flavor of their own." They're packed in water and do have a peculiar smell when you open it, but if you rinse them, boil for 2-3 minutes, then rinse again, they can be used like normal cooked noodles and will absorb whatever flavours they're cooked in. This particular brand is a blend of Shirataki and tofu, as apparently the addition of tofu improves the texture. I haven't had lunch yet, so we shall see...
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Day 37 and Thoughts on Wine
DAY 37. Brutal workout yesterday with Tristan and Tracy. Our trainer Wes really kicked our butts. I felt like jello afterwards. I was showing Tracy something on the computer right after the workout and my arms could barely stay up to type on the keyboard, it was that tough! Today I can definitely feel every exercise, especially my arms. Felt good though, especially after what seemed like a restless sort of week. After I got home I felt really productive, so when my boyfriend went to meet up with a buddy for a few hours, I decided to clean the apartment. Seriously, I cleaned for just over 4 hours. It's amazing how much junk accumulates. Everything looks fantastic now, the prettiest bathtub and closets you have ever seen. :) Plus, you can burn up to 200 calories an hour cleaning moderately, so it was like I had two workouts that day! I had a refreshing shower afterwards and settled on the couch with a bowl of soup for lunch and felt accomplished.
When my boyfriend got home, we both had dinner and got gussied up to go to a wine tasting event that I had free tickets for. I made sure to make it a light meal, as I wanted to see if there would be a few vegetarian appetizers to go with the wine tasting. I did really well, I had a few tastings, and as each one is just a little sip of wine, the evening's tastings just added up to my allotted wine allowance. After not having any wine for so long, it was lovely to taste a few nice (expensive!) reds. I've never been much a red-drinker before, but Leanne suggests on the plan, that if you're having a glass or two of alcohol a week, it should be red wine. I made sure to have several big glasses of water as Leanne suggests too. And let me tell you, there were so many yummy-looking appetizers... drool. Most of them I passed on, the quiches and cheese plates and such, and just had my boyfriend taste them and tell me how good they were. I know that might sound odd and a little torturous in a way, but I don't mind. They all looked so good, and a little smell and some running commentary from him are all I need, lol. There was a delicious mini trio of coloured beets that I sampled. I think I may have to make that appie for my dinner party with Tracy and Tristan. I had no idea I liked beets so much, they have a really nice earthy flavour. I also tried a bite of what I thought the waiter said was portobello and kimchi. Kimchi is a fermented spiced cabbage. That seemed like a safe option as well, but when I tasted it, something was off. Turns out that what I heard as 'portobello' was actually 'pork belly'. Omg. I haven't eaten meat in over 3 years, and here I am tricked into eating pork. Gross, lol. I stuck to watching my boyfriend try the appies after that. Overall the night was really great... a perfect date night, lovely venue, good music, new people to chat with, a few nice tastings... I didn't even feel deprived not being able to eat all the food. It's all about the mind set, I choose not to look at it as missing out on the food, and enjoy all the other senses instead. Also, while it was nice to have some wine as a special occasion, I don't feel like I need it every week, so while I can have a glass or two a week, I think I'll leave it as a treat.
I add back in dairy today after 5 weeks of not eating it, so that will be a nice change. Like with adding back in the flour, it's not a lot, only a couple times a week. I can't go around eating cheese like I used to or anything, but I will be able to have some yogurt for breakfast and a slice of low-fat cheese in my dark rye veggie sandwich. I didn't have any problems adding back in flour, so I hope there are no problems adding back in dairy. Would totally suck to find out I'm lactose intolerant or something.
My brother's birthday is today, we'll be going to Red Robin like we do every year since we were kids. I'm going to do some menu research so I'll be prepared. It's a 'high' day, so I can have some brown rice with my fish and a big side salad. That's what this new lifestyle change is all about, smart choices and pre-planning. I feel bad that I'll have to pass on the cake, but my family is really supportive of this decision to be healthy, so they'll understand. My health is worth more than cake.
When my boyfriend got home, we both had dinner and got gussied up to go to a wine tasting event that I had free tickets for. I made sure to make it a light meal, as I wanted to see if there would be a few vegetarian appetizers to go with the wine tasting. I did really well, I had a few tastings, and as each one is just a little sip of wine, the evening's tastings just added up to my allotted wine allowance. After not having any wine for so long, it was lovely to taste a few nice (expensive!) reds. I've never been much a red-drinker before, but Leanne suggests on the plan, that if you're having a glass or two of alcohol a week, it should be red wine. I made sure to have several big glasses of water as Leanne suggests too. And let me tell you, there were so many yummy-looking appetizers... drool. Most of them I passed on, the quiches and cheese plates and such, and just had my boyfriend taste them and tell me how good they were. I know that might sound odd and a little torturous in a way, but I don't mind. They all looked so good, and a little smell and some running commentary from him are all I need, lol. There was a delicious mini trio of coloured beets that I sampled. I think I may have to make that appie for my dinner party with Tracy and Tristan. I had no idea I liked beets so much, they have a really nice earthy flavour. I also tried a bite of what I thought the waiter said was portobello and kimchi. Kimchi is a fermented spiced cabbage. That seemed like a safe option as well, but when I tasted it, something was off. Turns out that what I heard as 'portobello' was actually 'pork belly'. Omg. I haven't eaten meat in over 3 years, and here I am tricked into eating pork. Gross, lol. I stuck to watching my boyfriend try the appies after that. Overall the night was really great... a perfect date night, lovely venue, good music, new people to chat with, a few nice tastings... I didn't even feel deprived not being able to eat all the food. It's all about the mind set, I choose not to look at it as missing out on the food, and enjoy all the other senses instead. Also, while it was nice to have some wine as a special occasion, I don't feel like I need it every week, so while I can have a glass or two a week, I think I'll leave it as a treat.
I add back in dairy today after 5 weeks of not eating it, so that will be a nice change. Like with adding back in the flour, it's not a lot, only a couple times a week. I can't go around eating cheese like I used to or anything, but I will be able to have some yogurt for breakfast and a slice of low-fat cheese in my dark rye veggie sandwich. I didn't have any problems adding back in flour, so I hope there are no problems adding back in dairy. Would totally suck to find out I'm lactose intolerant or something.
My brother's birthday is today, we'll be going to Red Robin like we do every year since we were kids. I'm going to do some menu research so I'll be prepared. It's a 'high' day, so I can have some brown rice with my fish and a big side salad. That's what this new lifestyle change is all about, smart choices and pre-planning. I feel bad that I'll have to pass on the cake, but my family is really supportive of this decision to be healthy, so they'll understand. My health is worth more than cake.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Day 34 and Thoughts on hard days
DAY 34. Some days are harder than others. While some days just fly by, in which I eat my allotted meals and feel good and be productive at work. Yesterday wasn't one of those days. It didn't matter that I had my planned meals and snacks, I felt hungry (and a bit cranky as a result) all day. I tried sucking back on lots of water, which didn't work, just made me have to use the washroom more, lol. I spent a lot of time procrastinating. About 10 times I thought about going across the street and getting a bag of chips or going to my favourite Thai place for lunch. I tried to keep myself occupied. Over lunch I ran some errands and went for lunch with my boyfriend... steamed veggies and tofu with no sauce from Edo. I'm not really sure what it was, maybe a bit of boredom or something, but after lunch I was just as hungry and cranky. When I got home I thought I'd heat up some leftover veggie/tofu stew and have a glass of red. Even though this next phase of the plan allows for a glass or two of wine a week, I felt guilty and ended up pouring it back with drinking any. In the end I had my veggie stew for dinner, watched some trashy TV, made some plain popcorn as a snack, read my book and just went to bed early. I know that not every day will be a walk in the park, this is a radically different way of life for me, and I'd have to be some sort of saint not to ever have a tough day. I was just a little disappointed with my attitude yesterday, and though I didn't follow through on any of my inclinations to cheat, I was mad that I had tempted my own willpower that way. I've already shown myself that I can do this, and I piss myself off when I get all weak and want to eat crap food like chips.
It's a fresh new day today though, got up early and made another slow cooker veggie tofu stew for tonight... my new favourite meal, so much flavour and heartiness without the salt and fat and excess of calories. Today will be different because I want it to be.
It's a fresh new day today though, got up early and made another slow cooker veggie tofu stew for tonight... my new favourite meal, so much flavour and heartiness without the salt and fat and excess of calories. Today will be different because I want it to be.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Day 33 and Thoughts on the 'dead bug'
DAY 33. Workout at Team Fitness this morning with Sarah. She knows my core needs strengthening so she focused on that, much to my dismay.... lol, just kidding. But not really. Just when I think I'm starting to get stronger at my planks, she makes me do it on the exercise ball. I could barely make it 30 seconds til I collapsed. Then she demonstrated the 'dead bug' in which you recline on a bosu ball in a sit-up position and with the legs held bent in the air... for me it was more a 'wobbly dead bug' or a 'flattened bug'... lol, that was a tough one.
Tracy, Tristan and I have decided to do a rotation dinner party, where we can try out some yummy healthy recipes on each other. It's great, cause while my boyfriend is always supportive, it's good to have some new guinea pigs to test recipes on sometimes :) I tend to use the same recipes week after week, with just some different spices and stuff, so I'm going to have to start trawling Pinterest for new recipes. I want to show them that tofu can actually taste good. I think we may start next week, cause I add back in dairy next week.
Tracy, Tristan and I have decided to do a rotation dinner party, where we can try out some yummy healthy recipes on each other. It's great, cause while my boyfriend is always supportive, it's good to have some new guinea pigs to test recipes on sometimes :) I tend to use the same recipes week after week, with just some different spices and stuff, so I'm going to have to start trawling Pinterest for new recipes. I want to show them that tofu can actually taste good. I think we may start next week, cause I add back in dairy next week.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Day 32 and Thoughts on little cheats
DAY 32. Around noon yesterday I started craving that yummy vegetable stew I made in the slow cooker last week, so I called home and asked my boyfriend to put a bunch of veggies and tofu in the slow cooker, top with some spices and the rest of the low-sodium veggie broth. When I came home the apartment smelled so good. It was such a lovely night. While I enjoyed my veggie stew for dinner, my boyfriend and I watched the new Biggest Loser episode and relaxed. I decided at some point that I wanted to bake bread so we went for a drive and ended up at Walmart . I decided that baking bread would not be a good idea that night so I bought a new mandolin slicer instead. When I got home I did try to make some zucchini chips for a snack, but they utterly failed. Probably cause after I sliced, sprayed with a light mist of olive oil spray and garlic/rosemary, I went to bed and left them in the oven for like 3 hours. Luckily my boyfriend did take them out, but they were not good. Really not good. I'm not sure why, but I seem to forget between uses, that our oven runs hotter, so cooking them over the time listed on the recipe is probably a really bad idea. Oops. Will try again tomorrow. They looked cute though, they got to about 1/3 of the size and really crispy.
I was thinking about little cheats the other day, as I read Tracy's blog. She's amazing, defying DQ ice cream cake at her hubby's birthday! It made me laugh cause while we were on the cruise, my boyfriend and I did what I will call 'little cheats'. I'd goad him into eating a piece of cheesecake or chocolate cake and then I'd kiss him, to get teeny bit of the dessert essence. Sorry Leanne, I didn't write those ones down in the food journal! I know it isn't really a cheat per se, it just makes me smile thinking about it. I've also taken to walking by my favourite restaurants and bakeries instead of avoiding them, and just enjoying the delicious smells and still confidently walking away. I don't need to use as much willpower and self-restraint as I did a few weeks ago, because while I have those little thoughts about cheese and pasta once in awhile, I don't want the crap food anymore and the smells don't tempt me as they used to. I can just enjoy the lovely aromas, like scented candles, and keep walking.
I was thinking about little cheats the other day, as I read Tracy's blog. She's amazing, defying DQ ice cream cake at her hubby's birthday! It made me laugh cause while we were on the cruise, my boyfriend and I did what I will call 'little cheats'. I'd goad him into eating a piece of cheesecake or chocolate cake and then I'd kiss him, to get teeny bit of the dessert essence. Sorry Leanne, I didn't write those ones down in the food journal! I know it isn't really a cheat per se, it just makes me smile thinking about it. I've also taken to walking by my favourite restaurants and bakeries instead of avoiding them, and just enjoying the delicious smells and still confidently walking away. I don't need to use as much willpower and self-restraint as I did a few weeks ago, because while I have those little thoughts about cheese and pasta once in awhile, I don't want the crap food anymore and the smells don't tempt me as they used to. I can just enjoy the lovely aromas, like scented candles, and keep walking.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Day 31 and Progress so far
DAY 31. Yesterday was a great workout with the TF+ group. I feel a little sore today which always makes me happy, I know I worked hard yesterday. One thing I've learned from the trainers is that if an exercise seems a little less challenging I can make it more so by really focusing on the muscles being worked and tightening them more. One of the other TF+ers brought her husband to check out the class (we all got a bring-a-friend-for-free card as contest applicants) and I think that's a great idea. I may have to bring my boyfriend to one of the classes to show him what I do there and meet my wonderful TF+ teammates :)
Yesterday was great day, my boyfriend and I got up and had our green smoothies for breakfast and then went for a walk along the seawall before I headed to my TF+ class. I love that we're getting out and being active together. It was such a beautiful day outside too, soaked in lots of vitamin D.
Me and my sweetie enjoying our green smoothies....
My progress so far has been great. For this first month and during the cleanse, my body responded happily to all the changes. I could almost feel my cells waking up and saying 'Finally! We've been begging you to get us some good food and exercise for awhile!' :)
My current weight... 274 lbs, (I round up because my home scale and the TF+ scale always differ by about 1-2 lbs). This makes a 22 lb loss so far since my initial TF+ assessment and my heaviest weight! This also means I've lost 7.4% of my body weight so far and completed 16% of my goal weight loss amount. No slowing down though, long way to go still but a great start.
Yesterday was great day, my boyfriend and I got up and had our green smoothies for breakfast and then went for a walk along the seawall before I headed to my TF+ class. I love that we're getting out and being active together. It was such a beautiful day outside too, soaked in lots of vitamin D.
Me and my sweetie enjoying our green smoothies....
My progress so far has been great. For this first month and during the cleanse, my body responded happily to all the changes. I could almost feel my cells waking up and saying 'Finally! We've been begging you to get us some good food and exercise for awhile!' :)
My current weight... 274 lbs, (I round up because my home scale and the TF+ scale always differ by about 1-2 lbs). This makes a 22 lb loss so far since my initial TF+ assessment and my heaviest weight! This also means I've lost 7.4% of my body weight so far and completed 16% of my goal weight loss amount. No slowing down though, long way to go still but a great start.
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