eat what you want.

run with the wind?!

2009-04-14T09:22:00.002-05:00

more like running against the wind... gotta love the Windy City CHICAGO!

Yesderday wa sa super duper day (not so much for my late night eating, but lets not talk about that). There is one thing I'm trying to stay away from and that is compulsively talk about my foods I eat, how I didn't work out, and my obsession on how I am stilll single, so I am hoping I can break this cycle, and help my heart calm down. I have had a lto of stress, trying to juggle everything t once, and my day off yesterday was very well needed. It helped come in tune with my body, and helped me relax. It was very nice and very much deserved. I think when times get as bad as they did the other night, I will just take a vacation day from work, and let go of all. I wish I could have gone to Yoga, but I didn't so maybe sometime this week/weekend. Anywho I have tons of work to do today, but going to try and take it easy today, I don't want my heart to explode out of my chest.

This mornig I woke up at around 5:05 (naturally) and decided, hey if I'm up might as well do soemthing productive and get my day off to a good start so I went running. I only ran 4 miles and walked 0.5 (my goal was 5), I probably could have gone longer, but did not want to rush myself leaving the house for work, nor have I ran in over a week and half, so I didn't want to hurt my shins either.
I should have grabbed something small to munch on, but I didn't so my stomch has been funny. I ate 2.5 hours after my run (I know very bad for me, and I'm not too happy about it myself), but atleast I ate.

I had Oatbran this morning for breakfast. I know seriously, what is going on here?!?!? It's becoming a ritual and I'm super happy to be back in tune with it.
Here is what my oatbran consisted of:

1/2 cup Quaker Oatbran with about 1-1.2 cup water
1 dried fig (chopped)
1/2 scoop Vanilla Isopure
1 tsp. ground flax
1 medium peach (diced)

It was a little dry by the time I got upstairs to eat it, so I took some of my morning cup of coffee (which includes 1/2 cup nonfat milk) and poured it over. It made it ever so delicious, I swear by this recipe.

Well I'm off to try and get as much done as I can today, because I may have to take tomorrow off. I hope you all have a great morning and I will be back to update at lunchtime!!

Hump day...

2009-04-08T08:22:00.004-05:00

Yes it's that time again, it's Hump Day.... let's hope I can get through it, as well as all of you. Please don't mind all the grammatical mistakes I could be making (and I warned all my co-workers not to mind if I pass out at my desk) but I only got 1 hour of sleep last night, and sitting in front of the computer is not going to be a good way to keep me up, so thankfully I have a ton of reports to print, which I have to walk back and forth to pick up and organize, this shall do the trick for the morning part of my day, we'll see how I am feeling mid-day.
Quick recap of my eats last night and this morning and off to pick up my reports I go.

For lunch I had the standard ( and by this I'm serious I have pretty much been eating salads for lunch every day during the week!!!) so I had 1/2 apple and clementine to start and then dug right into a regular veggie loaded salad with some grilled chicken breast. The salad consisted of lettuce, onion, cucumber, carrots, green+orange bell peppers and about 5-8 croutons (which is a big no no for me, but whatever.) I have been addicted to having hummus with my salad, as a dressing, so I used about 1 T. of original hummus, and maybe a tsp of Greek vinaigrette.
Salads are very yummy and I could probably be more creative with them, but I'm not after a long day of work, class, and working out; but I felt super nauseous and bloated after my salad (and it's happened before too) so I proceeded to have some hot cranberry apple tea and enjoy 1 square of dove milk chocolate with it. This brought out my sweet tooth, and I remembered I had a Chocolate Mint Luna bar in my ginormous lunch bag, so I ate about 1/2 of that too.

I felt a little better after all of that. By the way I forgot to mention, I ended up running to Target to get a couple things, and stumbled upon a choco-holics section and bought some mini snickers, dove chocolate (on sale), and twix. Yes I'm the girl at work with the chocolates, and I don't mind people coming to have apiece of two here and there, but don't complain to me after you just ate a piece about how fat you are and blah blah blah.

Anywho, after work I had my Historical Geology Class so of course I made my dinner the night before and it consisted of Maple Glazed Tofu and Channa Masala. It was divine, I wish I had packed up more, I couldn't get enough of it. For dessert I had one more piece of Dove Milk Chocolate square, and a small coffee with 2% milk.

I had an appointment last night with my trainer which went well, I think. I had to give him my food journal...which was pretty good except he commented that I was missing some days (which I know why) and he also said my snacks are way too big (uhmmm I didn't know 1/2 banana, 3 oz. of Chobani-Greek yogurt, and 1-2 T. of protein granola is too much) but so I took that into consideration for my meals today.
Before my work out I snacked on 1/2 of a Super Protein Odwalla bar (which are by far my favorite... and keep me satisfied for a while.) and after my session, while on the cardio machines I had 1 scoop of Mint Choc. Isopure and 12 oz water. I ran to the store quickly to pick up a few items for today's eats, and snacked on a clementine.

I'll updated on my workout at lunch time today, but quickly....

My breakfast this morning consisted of my favorite; OAT BRAN!!!Due to the comments that my trainer had given to me, I'm going to get self conscious on all the foods I eat now (but is it my fault that I list out every ingredient I use?!?!) So, my oat bran consisted of the norm:
1/2 cup Quaker Oat bran with 1.5 cups water
1/2 scoop Mint Choc. Isopure Protein
1-2 T. craisins
4 small strawberries diced and
1/2 peach (diced)

Of course I have my BIG cup of coffee with 1/3 cup skim milk and splenda, as well as a giant cup of Green tea.

Off to work I go, I hope you guys have a splendiforous morning! :o)

4461619844980469840....

2009-04-07T13:24:00.003-05:00

yeah all these numbers floating in my head...my calculater tape rolling away...

ehhh this balancing is killing me.. but im slowly getting closer and the number is getting smaller :o)

anywho so I got hungry about an hour after I ate my grapefruit (so around 9:30), I decided to go make my bowl of oatbran. Although it wasn't what I wanted exactly...it's really the only healthy meal in the building (except for my snackies and lunch). My bowl of oatbran consisted of:
1/2 cup Quaker Oat Bran
1/2 scoop Mint Chocolate ISOPURE
~1.5-2 T. craisins
3 small strawberries (sliced)
~1 T. Bear Naked Protein Granola (original)

just give me the granola, strawberries and craisins and I'de be a happy camper, but it wasn't enough to satisfy me completely, so oh well.

After a couple hours of crunching numbers and figuring out this account, I was getting a little hungry. For a snack I had the rest of my coffee from this morning (can you believe it lasted me about 4.5 hours?!?!?!), 1/2 Aunt Millie's whole grain English Muffin with a loaded tsp. of PB and 1/2 medium banana (sliced). And who can forget a 2 egg white omelette.

Hoping this covers some hours of hunger, I'm debating if I should run home really quick and get my cell phone , and perhaps make some more coffee, or just go pick up some coffee and attempt to work on my take home exam that's due!

I hope all of you are having a marvelous day, and I will be back later to update. Maybe not until after the gym.

another try...

2009-04-07T08:49:00.002-05:00

Seriosuly.... sorry i know im slacking, but it's been a couple of busy days with homework, working out, and oother personal things. I'm gonna make this a quick post and hoefully get in the haboit of updating this blog, as well as setting up my new blog.(I think I have ADD). Anywho, this mornig I woke up super not hungry and super tired, and I think it's because of my binging the last 2 days without working out. Today is a new day, and it seems that Tuesdays are like everyone else's Mondays' to startsomething new. I am hopign this keeps me on track for a while, because I am emotionaly and physically worn out with all this binging after doing soo good all week.
One thing I must say is I have a fear of food, and trouble enjoying it. I know I can get over it once I get on track eating healthy... but it doesn't help to have some people tell you that you have to eat every 3 hours and certain food items shouldn't be eaten at certain times, and just a bunch of mumbo jumbo. So while I do stick to eating accoring to my trainer's advice, I will try and just eat what I want without worrying and see what happens.

So like I mentioned I wasn't hungry when I woke up and it's 9 now, and still am not much hungry so I ate 1/2 of a grapefruit (my favorite when feeling soo blah ---me attwempting to stay away from using words like fat) and im sipping on some coffee with 1/3 cup nonfat milk and splenda. I hope alll of you are having a wonderful morning, and I'll be back to update throughout the day. I PROMISE!

baby steps :o)

2009-03-31T08:52:00.003-05:00

Goodmorning ya'll

long time no chit chat on here, I know. Things have been crazy busy for me, trying to manage to work full-tim, go to school full-time as well as keep working out (which has been wishy washy...good one week, not the greatest the next). But I really am struggling on my eating and am falling off the band wagon, so I want to be back and share with you guys the yummy eats I consume, and hopefully this will get me out of routine... and back to enjoying foods like I should be.As it say's on the post title, Baby Steps, by this I mean I am slowly trying to ween myself back into the blogging world, so please do forgive me for no picks, but I will get there... and before oyou know it... you'll be drooling while reading and looking at my yumm yumm consumptions.For now I will try to make my meals sound as appetizing as possible. Anywho, I am at work so I will try and make this a quick post, and depending on the weather I will either go for a walk, or stay in and work on the blog as well as some other important business that I haven't been able to get done this past weekend.

For breakfast I had some oatmeal. Yup that's right, OATMEAL!!!! Some of you know me well enough to be shocked by this eat, but I am slowly beginning to enjoy oatmeal again, and actually get cravings here and there. I am attempting to eat it 3 times a week if possible, with alternating days of my regular pancakes, eggs, omelettes, and whatever non-oatmealish meals there are, ofcourse always healthy!
My oatmeal consisted of :

1/2 cup oats
1/2 scoop mint chocolate ISOPURE (when mixed with cold water after a super hard workout, reminds me of thin mints!!!! yummo, and if you know me well enough you should know that I have an obsession with mint chocolate, so I can whip this up in a blender any day for a protein filled smoothie/milkshake :o) )
~2/3 cup water
3-4 tbsp mixed homemade trailmix (chopped walnuts, craisins, raisins, and sliced almonds)
2 sliced strawberries
1/4 diced peach

it was yummy!!! I was actually scared that it might have not been too good because of the mint chocolate protein powder, but It wasn't all that strong with all the other toppers in the oatmeal, so I will definitely use it again, when I'm completely out of my creamy Vanilla ISOPURE (I left my big jug at my moms--I think). Any who I am also chugging water like a fish for some odd reason (probably making up for the monster that I had yesterday, and not enough water).

And yes I do have my usual cup of coffee standing right next to the computer screen that I will be enjoying for the next 4 hours probably, because I just noticed that I have a pretty dairy filled morning. I'll get in detail with this later.

I do have a small annuouncement I will make later, but probably not until later tonight, and no it's not a give away sorry. Hope you all had a great Monday, and are so far enjoying this Tuesday morning.
See ya'll laters!

Whew..

2009-02-25T09:11:00.005-06:00

What a day and a half it has been. Sorry I haven't posted since my lunch on Monday, but this whole full-time working and fullt ime student schedule is crazy busy for me, so once I get home thats it...sometimes I try and prepare my foods for the next day, other times I just dont have energy and pass out... then either try and drive home (since I live about 15 min. away) during lunch, or just go pick something up somewhere else. I am trying to avoid the going out to eat idea, but there's the occassional (like yesterday) where I'll just go.

Anywho, I have my food journal at home with my foods from yesterday. I am having a hard time with taking pictures of it all, and it makes it easier to jot down foods so I'm not scrambling my brain for what I ate that particular day. I'll try to post my foods rom yesterday, tonight after I get home from the gym. My dinner on Monday consisted of 2 bowls of milk and cereal and cookies with coffee.... yeah I was in a rush, it was the first thing I could get my hands on...no excuses, but it held me over through my 6 hours of studying for my exam...which by the way was cancelled last night!!!! I don't even weant to get started on how aggravated I was. Not only has my teacher pushed back the exam 1.5 weeks already (which is fine by me), but not to email us or call us to tell us the class and exam have been cancelled is going too far. I have a lot on my plate...especially with yesterday.

Anywho I need to post up my food really quick and get my work done, have to be out of the office at 5:15 at the latest to make it to my 6:30 class tonight.

Breakfast was a a 2 egg white omellette with 2 turkey breast slices, brocolli, onions and some tomato slices on the side. I also had 2 super duper healthilicious cinnamon vanilla buckwheat pancakes (I'll post the recipes after my lunch). One was with 1/4 tbsp of natural PB and some banana slices, the other one was with some sugar-free maple syrup. They were indeed, very yummy and cakey like. Ofcourse no morning would be complete without my morning cup of joe, so I am on my second one... (I make a thermos full of it... usually holds about 2 cups with 1/3 cup skim milk and some splenda).

We have food day at work today, so I brought in some mini cinnamon rolls which I've never made, so I pray they're good) and some oatmeal raisin cookies. I will not be having any of those, I need to do good with my weight and food consumption... however, I pretty much begged my friend Liz to make some of her famous cheesecake yesterday, and she surprised me and brought me a piece, which I will only have a sliver at some point today, perhaps before my walk. I am super duper thrilled to have it.

Today is Ash Wednesday, what are you giving up for the next 40 days (ofcourse if you celebrate the catholic easter.) I know technically when you give something up you start it on Ash Wednesday, however, since this holiday has changed soo much, I decided that I won't give it up until I make it to church to get my Ash (which I will try to do on my way to class). It's a little secret as to what I give up for the next 40 days, but I hope to acheive it. I'll let you know by the weekend what it is exactly, once I have a few days to deal with the withdrawals.

You all have a good Hump Day!!!

p.s. have some good news from the trainer yesterday... very nice. I'll see you gusy after lunch!

crisp and refreshing...

2009-02-23T14:52:00.005-06:00

I need to make it a quick one and get back to work, since I lost track of time earlier and chit chatted with a co-worker about Girl Scout Cookies, and then got trumped with a balance in an account since last week... but we all know, I'm always right (okay about 99% of the time) and it was not my fault...or well it was but not entirely because I did my job in the first place...

Anywho like i said earlier, i set out on my walk during lunch (call me crazy) but it was quite nice and refreshing to get out there... even though I'm sick and it's about 25*, with snow on the ground... but I did aout 3 miles in 50 minutes... and enjoyed every step of the way (even the steps where the snow went up to my knees).

As a snack, about an hour before my walk, I had a medium banana with 1/2 TBSP. of Natural PB.

After my walk, I was getting a little hungry ( which was good news, not only was I able to last the 3 hours, but I started to feel hunger again... which while I was sick, I just stuffed my face... whether I was hungry or not... I ate with my eyes).
So for lunch I packed up a Granny Smith apple and a salad with some Full Circle Organic Balsamic Vinaigrette.

The salad consisted of:
1 TBSP. corn, 1 TBSP. Red Kidney Beans, 1.5 TBSP garbanzo beans, cucumbers, red onion, 2 TBSP tuna in water, 1 slice turkey bacon, and some lettuce (about 1.5 cups), topped off with 1.5 TBSP of dressing, and yummay!!!

It was good, very delicious, I actually wished my bowl was bigger, but oh well to that.

I am off to go get some wild raspberry tea with 1 splenda, and back to work I go. I am really trying hard to stay away from my chocolate box so I dont feel guilty and I can enjoy my snack laetr :-)

See ya'll later after my study session.

xxox

Hello there my lovelies!

2009-02-23T09:31:00.006-06:00

Hi lovelies!

I know I disappeared yet again. This whole full time job and full time school, along with working out and trying to see friends and family thing is stressful. I have been a crazy busy bee with studying and trying to do everything at once, that I haven't even had time to get my 6-8 hours of sleep a night, so I do apologize that I haven't been keeping up with this, but I have missed it so very much... and have been having a difficult time eating healthy on weekends... so alas I am back... and promising to change and update this regularly.. and maybe perhaps change my blog around to feel refreshed, renewed, and ready to start again!

Let me start off by saying that I did a 30 day challenge of being Vegetarian, and although I struggled the first 3 weeks, I really do miss it. I learned so much out of it, that I have actually decided to perhaps eat more vegetarian and only eat meat if I really really have a craving for it. Of course, eat what you want... so I'll try to go along with my taste buds.

Another interesting fact is I am slowly getting into oatmeal and enjoying it. I am so excited about this, but have to come up with a couple different recipes so I don't get too sick of mine too fast.

Third I want to announce that.....

I will be running the Chicago Marathon On October 11, 2009!!!
I am very super duper excited about this, but nervous at the same time. I have to get serious about losing these last couple pounds and preparing myself for this journey of training. I am hoping to get one of my friends at work involved in running the 1/2 marathon with me in Sept. but we shall see.

What a couple of weeks it has been. I have to say that as much as I didn't have an appetite this weekend, I noshed at food that wasn't healthy at all, and have not been very hungry when I should be. Probably doesn't help that I am sick and that I didn't work out since Friday, but after all of that, I am jumping back on the saddle (maybe a little too late... since I get my weigh in tomorrow with my trainer, wonder if I bring him enough paczki he'll let me wait till Friday!) Whatever the case will be I will see, not too worried because I will hit the gym for a couple hours tonight after my study session with a couple girls from class. And then of course I will be baking into the wee hours of the morning... god I love this, but I don't.

Anyways enough with that, I need to get some work done so let me post up my breakfast and then hopefully (and I know it is about 20* right now, but I am still keeping fingers crossed) that I can go for my walk during my lunch hour,even though I am sick and there is some snow on the ground, I can do it... or so I hope... I'm a trooper... so my trainer said when I walked in sick on Friday to the gym for our appt.

So breakfast consisted of my Tropical Oatmeal. I wish I had a picture, but maybe by Wednesday I'll get the hang of taking pictures. The tropical oatmeal consisted of:

1/2 cup oats
1/2 scoop of ISOPURE creamy vanilla protein powder ( I use this as an alternative to milk, and give it a protein kick!)
1 chopped dried fig
a sprinkle of raisins (i think about 6-8)
1/4 c of a chopped peach (canned-sweetened with splenda)
1/4-1/3 cup of diced pineapple
3/4-1 cup cup hot water
1/4 cup room temp. water

What I do is mix the dry oats with the protein powder, dump the fig and raisins in. I usually just eyeball the hot water and pour over the oats until I like the consistency. I pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds (it tends to get cold when I pour the hot water on the oats). Stir around, pour some room temp. water over an stir while doing this (again, pour until you like the consistency...don't pour too much because it might get cold again.) I dump the fruit on top, and ENJOY!!!

I don't like my oatmeal too sweet and hot, so this is just right, the cold fresh fruit just hits the spot giving it some citrus, while the dried fruit gives off the sugars. It's not too milk so I can still enjoy a cupa Joe in the morning, although I tend to hold off on it until I'm ready for a snack, and I'll enjoy it then. Of course, you can always change the fruit used, this was what I had on hand at home today, but as soon as I find some berries I'll probably change it around, because I love my pineapple with cottage cheese... so we'll see.

I hope all of you have a good start to your week this morning, and I will update you after my walk.

p.s. I enjoyed a Jasmine Green tea and 2 cups of water with this meal (I'm trying to tally up how much green tea I can drink in a day, along with how many cups of water).

Rush rush rush....

2009-02-01T11:31:00.004-06:00

Some would think I'm talking about football, but that's not the case for me today. I woke up later than I wanted to, so no gym this morning, which then means no oatmeal either, and I was so eager to try it too. I'll explain my case later. Anyways, so I made a quick breakfast, looked up direction to the church and restaurant and am now trying to fold my laundry while my hair dries then I have to iron, run to the bank, come back and off to he baptism for Victoria Francesca Infantino we go. My best friend of 13 years had a baby last May, and is having a baptism for her now. I'm excited, but I wish today wasn't Super bowl Sunday, even though the teams aren't my favorite picks for this year, I'm still planning on watching it.

Hopefully we get out of the dinner party around 4 so I can hit up the gym really fast and make it over to my sisters to bake and cook up something vegetarian for me. I promised a couple people some cookies, so I have to bake some stuff for the night and then for tomorrow.

My story about why I have to work out before I eat oatmeal is because lately I am not super duper hungry for something filling for breakfast, like oatmeal, so when I do eat oatmeal it has to be on a super duper empty stomach and by working out first that will make my tummy feel more empty...blah blah blah... I'm not a big fan of oatmeal period, since I did a high protein diet a few years back (actually what body builders do)... and that has somewhat sacred me, but Mel, I promise you tomorrow is my day of oats, because I met a girl at the gym yesterday (who was with another trainer, I talk to) and she told me how in the last month and half she has lost about 4 lbs... so Jenn suck it up, and be creative with your oatmeal.

Mel I will give you a review of your oats tomorrow after I try them, and if anyone else has any recipes for oats that they love, please do share them with me, I'm very interested in trying new flavors.

I'll post my breakfast really quick and off I go to get things done.

I had 1/2 grapefruit, Eggs ( 1 whole egg, and one egg white), Omelet style with a slice of tomato (once the top of the egg was done, and I was ready to flip in half) and I topped that off with my fat free medi. blend feta cheese. I also had 1 slice of whole wheat toast (Meijer Organics brand), I cut it in half, and made 1/2 of it with 1 tbsp whipped cream cheese, 1 slice tomato, some green onion and some cucumbers...oh and of course salt and pepper. The other half was with 1/2 tbsp of 3 berry Light preserves (Meijer brand) , and 1 tbsp of low fat cottage cheese.
You all know me, I had my daily cup of joe with 1 tbsp of fat free hazelnut creamer, which I love...but me and one of the trainers argued yesterday that I shouldn't be drinking coffee because it will suppress my appetite and slow down my metabolism, is this true?! see I love coffee, and I'm trying hard to stick to one cup with my breakfast, and if not at breakfast, than at some point in the day. I don't drink it to suppress my appetite, just because it's part of my daily ritual. I drink green tea like a maniac too, which I know I never post in my meals or anything, but trust me I drink about 5 giant mugs of it, and that's usually what will suppress my appetite, or ruin my appetite.

Anyways, I'd love to hear your input on that topic. I still keep my snacks around all the time so I don't know. Any who I hope you all have a good Super bowl Sunday and I will see y'all later today, I promise!!

falling off...slowly...

2009-01-30T13:51:00.004-06:00

Hey guys!

Sorry I know I didn't come back yesterday so that almost 2 days worth of stuff I owe you, not to mention the recipes. Anyways this has to be a quick post because I need to go brush my teeth get dressed and head to the gym for my last appt. with my trainer. I'm kind of happy, but sad at the same time. If they make me a great deal who knows, maybe today wont be the last day, but I will just have to be more determined about working out..no excuses, and perhaps getting a normal sleeping schedule too! Anyways it's been a long day and I will re-cap after my workout, as well as post some pictures too.

For breakfast I had my cup of joe with 1/8 hot skim milk and 1 tsp of fat free hazelnut (don't ask why I did this), to pair up with that I had an Aunt Millie's Whole Grain EM with 1/2 tbsp of PB and 1/2 tbsp of Light 3 berry preserves. I also sliced a small banana on top of the. It was divine and kept me full for only 2 hours!!!!! :-(

Thankfully, I brought some grapes (about a cup) and had my protein shake (1scoop Isopure Vanilla, with 12 oz. of water) as a snack.

That didn't hold me down either, and it's starting to bother me that I keep getting hungry every 2.5-3 hours, even though I know you should eat every 3 hours, I'm starting to get a little irritated with it all. Anyways I got home and finished off the Baked Sour Cream and Cheddar Lay's (there was only about 1 serving in there) and I made a salad with gazrbanzo beans, red kidnery beans, fat free Medi. feta, lettuce, carrots, red onion, and 1 hard boiled egg. topped it off with some croutons and my all time fav. dressing, Light Olive Oil Vinaigrette.

Ofcourse I needed something sweet after wards so I filled about 1/2 cup of Kashi Crunch+Fiber One Frosted Mini Wheats, and had about 1/2 cup of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk. I am stuffed like a turtle right now...and probably shouldn't have eaten so much, but I'm going to try and get to the gym a little early today and do some sprints as a warm-up before seeing my trainer! erghh... I know I won't walk out of there very happy, nor will he be very happy to see me, so it's going to be quite the workout hour...

Hope you all are having a splendid Friday Morning/ Afternoon, and I will see ya'll later tongiht!

P.S. Melissa, I'm sorry I have not tried your oatmeal yet, I am hoping to try it tomorrow for breakfast and hopefully it holds me over through my Economics class, but I will definitely let you know how it goes... I've been super duper excited to try it. As for the Unsweetened Almond milk, I got it at Whole Foods (it was on sale 2 for 4), but it's not in the refrigerated section. I have seen it at Meijer's (which I don't know if you guys have that out in Penn.) or any local grocery store. Let me know if you find it, Goodluck!!!

later is better than never...

2009-01-29T10:48:00.005-06:00

Good morning my loves!

I know this is a late post, but I'm taking a half day at work today (I'm going in for the later part since I have class right after), so I slept in a little. I did have a stomach ache throughout the night that kind of kept me up, but it's gone now. I woke up with a pounding headache and some congestion in my head, which sadly might mean that I may be getting sick :-( but let's hope not.

I know I didn't post anything about y eats yesterday, and since I did wake up a little later than I wanted too (I wanted to try and squeeze in a morning workout) I will quickly post my breakfast and then hopefully at some point be able to post in what I had all day yesterday and about my rough day that led me to go to my friend Nina's house and have some wine with her and my other friend Liz.

I also have to prepare something to eat (because I know I will be getting hungry at work) for work, as well as something for my dinner during class...and I think I might go with a pb+jelly sandwich or maybe some tofu and spinach pierogi's and steamed veggies... we'll see how much time I have left. I will definitely hit up the gym after class for a nice and challenging workout, because sadly tomorrow is my last session with my trainer (unless I buy more, which Ria will be mad about...and tell him off) and he will be putting me on the scale, and I know it ain't going to be pretty...but oh well I did it to myself.

So my breakfast today consisted of a small bowl of Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal and some Fiber One frosted mini wheats. I did a little mixing because well I love mixing different cereals and getting different zing's at once...YUMMY! I ad some Unsweetened Vanilla Almond milk with that and a splash of Original Soy milk, don't ask why I mixed my milks, but I love the taste of soy milk with Kashi crunch cereal, so I had to. I am sipping on my cup of coffee with 1 tbsp fat free hazelnut creamer, which you guys know I wouldn't go a day without.

This is a lot of dairy for me at once, but I'm trying to just sip on the coffee, that way I can bring it to work to and make it last, and so I'm not overdoing my dairy again...and dying with a super tummy ache.

I need to get showered and ready for the day, stop by the store to pick up some Charleston Chews for a friend, whom I told I would bring them on Tuesday (oops... sorry) and to work I go for 4 hours. I will try to post my snack/meal at work, and maybe work in what I had yesterday, but I will be back after my workout tonight, for sure!!!

Have a good Thursday, the weekend is just hours away now!!

p.s. I just happened to turn to look out my window, and here we go...it's snowing yet again!!

for all the time you bake, you should be spending that time in the gym

2009-01-28T07:56:00.004-06:00

Yup that's what my trainer said to me yesterday. Of course, teasing in a way, but he's right.
I have been baking a lot... and my mom thinks that there's a crush for someone (one of those old ideas). I don't know who it could possibly be, but I've had a lot on my mind and cooking/baking helps me relax and have fun, which in turn helps clear my head of any worries going on. It's my personal time to be creative and go outside the box, get out of the 8-5 desk job thinking and just have fun, kind of like a little kid at a park, after a long day of school.
Back to what the trainer said, If he thinks I should be in the gym more and less baking...I'll take a week or so off and see how much he misses the cookies and baked goodies that I bring him...mwahahahaha.... Yes I'm trying to get my trainer FAT!!! but he wants to gain weight, atleast I'm keeping most of the goodies/cookies healthy.

It shows though that I have been to the gym yet again, which I'm so proud of myself, because it was hard going there when it was so freezing out and I had just gotten out of my History of Geology class; we did get out early though, so I had no excuse but to go to the gym.

Quick recap of the rest of my eats after lunch and my work out, and then I should be posting up my breakfast after I eat it.
For lunch I had a salad with 2 tbsp garbanzo beans, 1.5 tbsp red kidney beans, 1 tbsp sweet corn, some onions, a little bit of rotini, carrots, lettuce, and topped off with a tbsp of fat free medi. blend feta cheese (YUMM!) I had some light olive oil vinaigrette with that, and a red orange.

Later I snacked on some ginger snaps (about 15-20), with some red zinger raspberry tea (with 1 splenda). I also had the piece of 60% cocoa espresso chocolate(Ghiardelli) that my co-worker Karen gave me on Monday.

I got out of work and headed straight to class (which is literally a 5 min. drive w/o traffic). When I got there I had my Lara Bar (Cinnamon roll) which was delicioso...but it definitely didnt satisfy me so I went and got a veggie burger and ate that during our 10 min. break..I ate only the bottom half of the bun with pickles, tomatoes, onions, mustard, and ketchup. It was alright.

About 30 minutes later we got out of class and I headed to the gym, again without a plan of what I was going to work on. I did 15 minute stair master set on intervals. then I did some abs (if you want to know what kind just let me know and I'll be glad to share), I also did 3 sets of 16 lunges (with a medicine ball), side abs with a medicine ball. and3 sets of 15 squats on the bosu ball with 8 lb. weights in each hand.
Hopefully during the work day I can look up a plan of what to do when I get to the gym... I already have a couple things in mind.

After my work out I had 1 scoop of vanilla Isopure with 12 oz. of water, and about a cup of grapes. Once I got home and showered I was still feeling a little hungry so I had half of the mini blueberry-oatmeal-applesauce muffin. (I know I need to post the recipes)...

I hope you al had a good Tuesday, mine was decent until right befor eI headed to bed I heard some bad news for one of my friends, so I'll be praying and keeping my fingers crossed for him, and that everything works out for his family.

Knock over...

2009-01-27T09:19:00.003-06:00

Ahh what a morning!

Ofcourse, my friend Nina is a champ and calls me every mornign to wake me up for work ( I love her for that... because otherwise I'd be showing up to work, atleast an hour late!) But this morning I guess half of my covers were down on the floor, and after I got off the phone with her I was getting ready to ge tout of bed, swung my covers and down goes everything on my nightstand (may I mind you it's 5:45 a.m.). My 2 alarm clocks (yes I have 2 alarm clock and 3 on my phone and I still need people to call me to make sure I'm up) mypicture frame, my lamp and oohhh....my glass of water!!! yupp all down, I was waiting for my dad to run in to se what happened, but I think everyone was knocked out; or I hope. Anywho I got out of bed got ready and tried to get to work on time, but I ended up being 15 minutes late, but that's what I get when my closet is a mess and I don't know what to wear and for not preparing my lunch last night.
Today's going to be a long day, not only with the time kind of moving slow this morning, but I have class tonight after work, from 6-8:45, but I am also heading to the gym for a quick and good workout! see I'm determined, oh and because I forgot to give my trainer the muffins and pumpkin bread I had left over from yesterday. Yes I am trying to fatten him up, but he is also trying to gain weight, kind of sucks sometimes, but it's nice because instead of me going for a cookie, I grab one if I want it and pack it up on the side and just give it to him... haha that's the trick I came up with, however, that trick didn't work so much last week!!!

Let's get down to business because I have some stuff piling on my desk to do today. So for breakfast I had an Aunt Millie's Whole Grain EM with 1/2 tbsp of Krema Natural PB on one side and 1/2 tbsp of Meijer brand 3 berry Light preserves on the other half. I sliced up my small banana and piled as much as I can on my PB side. I also had 1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese (to pair with my preserves) and I had 2 cups of coffee with 1.5 tbsp of hazelnut fat free creamer. That's all the coffee I have to last me until after work (or maybe I'll run out during lunch to Dunkin Donuts), we will see. I finished about 1/3 of my small banana with my coffee, since I couldn't fit it all on my EM. It should be a productive Tuesday, I hope you all have a fantabulous morning, and afternoon, and I will catch up with you guys later.

p.s. I know I promised recipes, hopefully tonight or maybe tomorr w(since I don't have class) I can post the articles and the pictures and recipes up for you guys) sorry for the delay, but thanks for being such great champs.

xxox

the extra push...

2009-01-27T08:50:00.003-06:00

Sorry for the late post of Dinner, but I got wrapped up in things and before you know it I had to head to bed.
Last night I went straight to the gym after work, even though all I really wanted to do was go home cry and sleep... don't ask why, because I couldn't tell you myself, I was just sooo down all of a sudden the last hour at work and honestly had no strength to go to the gym and deal with more people, but something kept my car driving towards the gym. When I got to the gym I was a little excited because it wasn't as packed as it normally is on a Monday night. IT's funny how everyone goes to the gym right after work, especially on a Monday, to workoff the weekend bites. Anyways I changed quickly and headed to do a speed interval warm up; it consists of:
1 min. speed walking (at 4.0 mph)
2 min. jogging at 6.5
2 min. running at 7.0
1 min. jogging at 6.5
2 min. running at 7.0
1 min. jogging at 6.5
1 min. running at 7.0
2 min. running at 7.5
1 min. speed walking (at 4.3 mph)
1.5 min. at 7.5 mph
0.5 min. at 8 mph

it was a great feeling to feel that burn again and the sweat! :-)
I did a couple varieties (about 3) of abs. 3 sets of 25, and 3 sets of 50 sit ups. In between the sit ups I did 3 sets of 15 reg. push-ups
I proceeded upstairs where I did shoulders, 3 sets of 16 at 30 lbs., back 3 sets of 25 at 30 lbs., leg extensions 3 sets of 20 on 30 lbs; leg curls 3 sets of 20 on 45 lbs. I am trying to keep light on my legs because I am trying to get them smaller, instead of putting on more muscle than I already have. I also did 3 sets of 20 squats with 60 lbs., 3 sets of 16 step ups (4 steps...pretty high and hard), and in between each set of step ups I did a set of 15 dips. A total of 1 hour and 15 minutes at the gym... and I was definitely happy to leave. I honestly didn't know what I was going to do....no plan going in, so I just did a littl ebit of everything.

On my way home I had a protein shake, which consists of 1 scoop of vanilla Isopure and 12 oz. of water. As soon as I got home I had a clementine, and a salad that I had originally made for lunch. I just added some feta, garbanzo beans, red kidney beans and some noodles (maybe about 7 ). I had 1.5 tbsp of Olive Oil Vinaigrette Light with it. For dessert I had Hibiscus Tea with 1 splenda and the other half of my Luna tea Cakes ..YUMM-O! :-)

I hope you all had a wonderful Monday, and hopefully it's a good start for a good week to come!

Breathe in...Breathe out...and relax

2009-01-26T14:48:00.003-06:00

Maybe Yoga sounds like a good idea for me tonight. It's been quite the stressful and long morning, and feel like today should just be over already.

Sorry for such a short post, but I still have a few things to finish up and about 2 hours to do them so I don't have to stay later, and I can go work out all this stress and anger out!!

I definitely could not wait for lunch, I was thinking of taking an early one, but stuck it out until 1 to go with a couple friends; I did, however, snack on a cup of fresh diced pineapple with 2 cups of coffee with 1 tbsp fat free hazelnut creamer.
Last night I made some 'Beef' Stew, and I was actually kind of nervous that I might not like it since I wasn't sure how faux beef tastes, and well it's just been an interesting 10 days with trying everything completely new, but I am actually enjoying everything I am making. I am loving this 30 day challenge, it has definitely opened up my eyes to new recipes and cultures, and varieties of healthier cooking/baking. It has taught me one lesson so far, plan ahead with all meals otherwise...whether you're dieting or just trying to maintain a healthy weight, you will splurge if you barge into the house starving and nothing planned ahead. (I know this is all probably not making sense, but I'm trying to type what comes to mind, and will edit it later tonight).
So for lunch I had one clementine with 1/2 whole wheat Naan, and 1.5 cups of 'Beef' Stew (I'll post the recipe once I get home). It filled me up just right which I'm so happy about, but I did have half of my Peanut Butter Chocolate Luna cookie and 2 more cups of coffee with 1tbsp of fat free hazelnut creamer.

I am definitely on a caffein kick, but if you know me well, it takes a whole lot more than just coffee to wake me up...thats what 9 years of coffee drinking does to you. I've had a headache since Saturday and it's been on and off, and the coffee is kind of putting it away, but I'm hoping the workout tonight will get rid of it, since I'll be able to sweat out the toxins out of my body...or some of them, and get the feel good high! haha

I hope you all have a great rest of the afternoon, with whatever your plans are, and I will see ya'll later tonight after dinner. :o)

3rd time's the charm?!

2009-01-26T08:52:00.007-06:00

Good morning!!!

It's quite the cold and dreary day this morning, but I hope all of you are doing well after the weekend, and are looking forward to this week being a good one!! Can you believe it's already the last week of January.. (YIKES!!!)

Anywho, I'm back and I'm hoping 3rd time is the charm here!! It's been a rough couple of weeks here, with the cold, with work, with school starting up again and me trying something new out. I promise though I think I have everything figured out and set up and I think I will be more participant with this blog!!!! I hope. I have been baking tons, and I wish I took pictures, but I'll post up some recipes that I found from various bloggers and from various websites, and made them according to this 30 day challlenge I'm doing.

It looks like a busy bee monday for me this morning, so I will quickly post up my breakfast and try to sneak in some articles throughout the day that I have been looking over and been meaning to post up.

Breakfast was a yummy Egg (sunny side down) with tomatoes and green onion. I also had an Aunt Millie's Whole Graiin english muffin with 1/2 tbsp of Krema PB (yes I know about the salmonella outbreak, however my favorite all natural PB was re-called...see there is a reason why we should all eat organic natural foods, and not all organic foods are expensive, this PB only costs me $1.99!!!) with a small banana; and on the other half of the EM I had 1 tsp Light Butter with Canola Oil and 1/2 tbsp of 3 berry Light preserves (Meijer brand).
Ofcourse my day wouldn't start without my classic cup of joe, except this time I put in 1 tbsp of fat free hazelnut creamer (for 2 cups of coffee), and my friend is so generous she brought me in coffee as well (from home) so I will be loaded up on caffeine today, and maybe that will help curb my appetite for a little bit today. I have been binging on way too musch food in the last week that I need to shrink my appetite and decrease the amount of food I consume so I can get back on track and lose the weight I want and more, and fit back into the pants I just bought 3 months ago...size 6!!!! Besides I don't feel very healthy lately so I'm pumped about going to the gym tonight after work!

Oh right plus my friend Karen celebrates the Chinese New Year so she dropped off a Ghiradelli Espresso Escape 60% Cacao square on my desk (YUMM-O) and some cute little crackers, I'm sure I'll munch on the crackers throughout the day, I've been craving salty foods lately and I think it's from all the baking I've been doing and all the taste testing of the baked goods, that has my stomach rebelling against me know and not really allowing me to have an appetite :o(

Anyways, I hope you all have a good morning/afternoon on this last Monday of the month, and I will check back in later will more updates and interesting facts!

PB=my love!

2009-01-13T08:44:00.003-06:00

Good morning Sunshine's!

It's a chilly January Tuesday morning, and I think I woke up on the right side of the bed this morning. Of course, I still don't want to be at work, but I'm doing GREAT! It's going to an easy and quiet day at work, so I'm a little happy.
I'm thrilled to say that my friend Ria will be joining me at the gym today, finally a partner to workout with!!

For breakfast this morning I had Egg White Omelet, which consisted of 6 Tbsp. liquid egg whites, tomatoes layered inside (once the egg is almost done I layer the tomatoes and set the heat on low and fold in half.) I topped the omelet off with about a Tbsp of fat free Medi. feta. I had a couple slices of tomatoes on the side with some green onion. If you notice I tend to only eat tomatoes when I eat eggs. I'm not a big fan of tomatoes unless it's on pizza, on a sandwich or with my eggs; don't ask why, but it is how it is. I do, however, eat cherry tomatoes with my salad... again I don't know why, it's weird. Oh and no I'm not a big tomato soup person unless it had bits of chicken in it and noodles!!
Back to my breakfast, I also had a slice of Healthy Life Whole Wheat toast with 1/2 Tbsp. organic PB ( I use Krema, it's cheap andnatural!! all it contains is Peanuts) :o)http://http://www.krema.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PBCRE1
I also had 1/2 tbsp of the light 3 berry preserves and a medium banana on top. Of course a cup of Joe makes the day 10 times better for me, so I had 2 cups with 1/3 cup of fat free milk and 1 splenda! My friend Nina brought in some coffee for me as well so I will try and drink that Black, but we will see.

I know I really don't have much variety day to day with my breakfast, however, I can't eat oatmeal after spending about 3 months eating it. I will try to find or make up a new recipe to make it bare-able. I also have a tendency to eat a little salty and sweet foods for the morning, I'm not to big of a fan of sweet foods first thing in the morning!! I know shocker. PB always completes me, it's the right balance and it's just oh so YUMM-O with a banana. Hopefully tonight I'll be creative and make some pancakes or think up of something new for breakfast.

Alright time to get back to work. I hope you all have a wonderful morning, and I will be on later to post up some snacks and lunch along with some articles I have saved up and have been wanting to post.

Talking but not walkin'

2009-01-12T22:20:00.003-06:00

So as you know from my previous post I said I'm back and planning to stay. Okay I have to get serious this time. I'm gonna make this a quick post because I'm super tired today, it was quite the busy day at work (well atleast in the morning) and I was there at 7:30. That is a shocker to everyone because well I'm usually the one walking in 30 minutes late, not early. Anyways so I'm going to do a quick recap on what I ate (sorry no pictures yet) and my workout and call it a night. I'll be back in the morning hopefully make it in early for work and post up my breakfast and what's going on.

Breakfast consisted of an egg sunny side down with some tomatoes and green onion, along with that I had a medium banana, one slice of Healthy Life Whole Wheat bread with 1/2 tbsp. of organic PB and 1/2 tbsp of Light 3-Berry preserves. I also had my ritual 2 cups of joe with 1/3 cup of skim milk, and one splenda.
Since I always bring in some kidn of treats (that I bake myself) to work, a co-worker (Karen) brought me a cookie (store bought) and wanted me to try it. It was okay, but totally tasted like it was just a regular cookie of the shelf.( it was chocolate chip). So I had that throughout my day when I had a sweet tooth.

3 hours later I snacked on a cup of diced pineapple and 1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese.

Around lunch time, which was about 2 hours later (I usually go and run some errands) I had half of my pink orange (they are YUMMO!!!!), and once I got back (which was about 3 hours after my snack)I finished the orange and I also had 8 medium shrimp (sauteed-night before- with some lemon juice and garlic salt) and a salad filled with corn, carrots, cherry tomatoes, green leaf lettuce, 1 tbsp of fat free medi. feta, and 1 tbsp of light olive oil vinaigrette (I believe I may have a picture in an ealrier post).

I waited for that to digest but had a horrible sweet tooth that wouldnt go away so about an hour later I had 2 small squeres of dark chocolate with some hot peach tea (with one splenda) and that did it just right. Actually who am I kidding I couldv'e scarfed the entire dark chocolate bar, but knew I would regret it later in the day so I controlled myself.

After work I went over to the gym (and yes I actually wasn't too tired or lazy not to go) and I had a decent work out. I must say I don't like the start of the New Year at the gym because everyone and their mother join the gym and it's just so crowded I feel like I can't get a good workout there. Anyways I did the stair climber for about 15 minutes. That made me sweat like a maniac, but I loved it. I did 2 sets of 50 sit ups, 2 sets of side abs(similar to a bicycle crunch/sit up), and 2 sets of 30 leg raises/lifts. (I should take photos once I get my caera, or seach for pictures on the internet of what I'm talking abotu exactly. After that I went to peek into the lifting area part of the gym and it was packed, so instead I did a 30 minute run (speed set at 9 minutes a mile). It was intense and a nice burn and sweat. I could have done a better workout but I'm proud that I went to the gym and won't worry too much about it.

After my workout I had a medium green apple with a protein shake that consisted of 4 oz. skim milk and 8 oz. water mixed with 1 scoop dutch chocolate Isopure mix. It was delish and actually satisfied me well enough, that is until I got to my moms where she had food everywhere. So after my 1.5 hour drive over ther (stupid snow) I had about 1/3 cup of couscous (with mushrooms) and 2 drumsticks (boiled, out of the chicken soup). I had my sweet tooth yet again so I had a cup of coffee with about 1/8-1/4 cup of whole milk (couldn't really tell ) and one splenda. I also found some walnut/preserves cake (I don't know what it is really but it is deliciousness in your mouth, and tastes a million times better when it's warmed up with vanilla ice cream. My aunt's boyfriend makes it, so maybe I can ask him for the recipe and I'll be sure to take a picture soon). It wasn't the healthiest thing around but I did take a sliver of it and it did hit the spot a little, but I knew if I had more I'd only REGRET REGRET REGRET!

I know this blog isn't that great without photos so I'll try to steal my sisters or order one online ASAP, when Im not maxed out on my credit cards anymore.

I hope you all had a great first day back at work, school or whatever your plans were for the day. Goodnight and I will see you all tomorrow!!

I'm back, and planning to stay!

2009-01-08T09:10:00.003-06:00

Sorry for not posting for a while. It really is a little time consuming to do this blog, but one of my new years resolutions is to keep up with it, and make it simple. I have a whole list of of resolutions, but that is saved on my computer at home, so I'll post it later this evening!
Anyways, I apologize for not posting for a while, and I promise to post as much as I can, when I can. I will be getting a camera soon so I will be putting up pictures of my foods then, for now I'm sorry for the boring blog, but hopefully I can make my meals sound appetizing and insprie you to maybe try them.

For breakfast this morning I had an tomato egg white omellete, which consisted of 1/2 cup of egg beaters Egg Whites, 6 cherry tomatoes (cut in half), sprinkle of shredded 2% monterey jack cheese, and some green onions. I made the egg whites first then put the tomato halves when the top looked a little firm and just about done, after putting the tomatoes on I folded the omelette in half (added some table mix seasoning, and fressh grind pepper) sprinkled some cheese and put the heat on low for about 1 minute.
I also had a medium Banana and 1 Aunt Millie's whole grain english muffin. One side was with 1/2 tbsp. organic no salt added PB and the other half with 1/2 tbsp. three-berry light preserves.
Ofcourse I had my cup of coffee with 1/3 cup nonfat milk and 1 splenda. My friend, Liz, made some chocolate chip cookies (from scratch) so I took one and had half of it because she really wanted me to try it and judge it; I'm saving the other half for later. Maybe I can get the recipe from her and I'll post it up!! :o)

It was a pretty filling breakfast, and a lot of food to eat, so hopefully it holds me overfor a couple hours (more than 3 please.)

Hopefully I will be able to fill you in on bits and pieces of what has been going on since my last post, but we will see how my load of work will be today. Hopefully you have a nice and relaxing day planned, or your work isn't too overwhelming.

Enjoy! :o)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2008-12-19T13:41:00.002-06:00

It's FRIDAY!!! and another snowy day in the Chicagoland area. It's nice to have snow around for Christmas this year, but we are still 4/5 days away from Christmas (depending on when you celebrate), so who knows what will happen. They're predicting more snow tomorrow, maybe Sunday and then Tuesday and perhaps Wednesday too :-)
This morning wasn't too fun, walking out with so much snow out there, and my poor dad was still sleeping, not knowing that i had actually snowed so much (sorry I'm not exactly sure how much, but they are saying at least a foot by the end of today!!!) So I attempted to shovel before breaking a sweat, which I wouldn't mind if I wasn't going to work, but I ended up waking him up to do the snow plowing, because I did try to start it, but no luck chuck, so it was nice and I am soooo thankful he was here to do it. I got to work 15 minutes late because it was soo slippery I was scared to drive over 20 mph, but there as definitely not many people out on the road with companies and schools closing for the day; unfortunately not my company.

When I got to work I sat down and relaxed a little, but also tried to get things done since we are only open for 4 hours on Fridays and well I had to be a back up for another co-worker since she requested the day off. I actually don't mind it because it makes my day fly by so much faster.

For breakfast I had an Aunt Millie's whole grain English Muffin, a medium banana, coffee with 2 tsp creamer and 1 splenda, and some Raspberry Zinger tea. 1/2 of the EM was with 1/2 tbsp peanut butter and slices of my medium banana, while the other half was with abotu 2 tsp of light canola butter and 2 tsp light three berry preserves.

I got hungry again around 11:15/11:30 so I snacked on the 2 Clementines I brought along with me.

I got to leave work around 12:30ish and got home by 1:00 so I heated up about 3/4 cup, left over, Annie's real Cheddar Mac N' Cheese. I grilled about 3 oz of chicken to eat along with it. I had about a tbsp of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce with the chicken.

And to keep me nice and toasty, and to satisfy my sweet tooth, I had about 3 peanut M&M's and a white chocolate craisin cookie (yes the ones from Saturday), I am slowly sipping on some Ovaltine, made with about 2/3 cup skim milk and 2 tbsp Ovaltine, topped off with some cool whip whipped cream. Yumm yumm in my tummy!

There's so much to do and so little time to get it all done, so I must go and I'll post pictures soon.

Enjoy your Friday, for those who are home...keep toasty and go have some snowball fights out there... and those of you at work...it's almost done and then you are free!!

Gone with the wind...

2008-12-18T08:52:00.002-06:00

Sorry for leaving you guys for 2 days, it's been a crazy and lazy 2 days for me, so I'de rather not blog about what I ate and how much of it I ate, but I tried to keep it healthy, so it's really just how much of it all I ate.

I've also been very bad with bringing my camera and remembering to take pictures of what I eat, so one goal for me is to whip out the camera before I dig in and show off the amazing food you guys are missing out on. I promise I'm going to get better with all of this, it's a bit hard, although I know there shouldn't be an excuse, it's really hard to be motivated to workout and to not stuff your face when it's like 8*degrees out and slippery.

Anyways, I'm back and hoping to be motivated and get things going right.

Now for breakfast this morning (and sorry I forgot to take a picture) I had the same thing as monday, but instead I had only 1/3 of my large banana (it's very ripe, so maybe i'll leave the rest and the other one I have at home I'll use them up too make some of Jenna's amazing banana nut bread, or perhaps I'll try out the cookies this time.) I also bought a new preserves and it is just addicting. It's Meijer brand Organics three berry, and it's low sugar, which is nice. So let's recap,

1 egg and 1 egg white omelette with some tomatoes and onions (no cheese this time). I also had (to satisfy my sweet tooth) 1 Aunt Millie's Whole Grain English muffin with PB and 1/3 of my large banana, and the other half ws with a little light canola butter and low sugar three berry preserves. I'm drinking some coffee (from Mickey D's right now- I ordered it black, and brought my own creamer (1 tsp.) and 1 splenda)-- I went to pick up my dear friend Nina some breakfast before work because she's always calling me to wake me up early for work, she's on top of things... what a pal!!

Anywho, I must go and do some work, I'll check back later, and hopefully capture some pictures of other foods I eat today.

Enjoy your Thursday, we're almost there! :-)

One day down... 3.5 more to go

2008-12-15T18:22:00.006-06:00

It's nice to be home on this super chilly night, however, I must say I didn't want to leave work (shocker, I know), but that's only because I didn't want to go out into the cold weather (it went up to about 12*degrees). Work felt like forever, but it was nice and kind of quiet since a lot of people didn't show up today, I think the cold scared them off, so I feel like a trooper making it in...even though I was 15 minutes late!
Ahh.. one day down 3.5 more to go (the office is only open 8-12 on Fridays! I know..lucky me and most people who work there!)
I have a pretty low key week, except for Thursday night, there is an unofficial company Christmas Party going on at a local bar, that I will be attending after I workout, for a little bit. Hope everyone had a good Monday, and is nice and toasty for the evening!

After breakfast, around 11:30, I snacked on a medium banana and a couple Annie's Chocolate bunny grahams (about 15). This held me over until about 1:00 (lunch time), my friend had a meeting around 2:00 so we did a late lunch from 1:00 till 2. For lunch I had about 1.5 cups of my mom's homemade Minestrone (sorry no recipe), a garden salad with about 1 tbsp of garlic hummus and 2 tbsp. light Greek Vinaigrette. I also had about 3 oz. of grilled chicken with that.
Of course, I needed something sweet afterwards so I had the rest of what I packed of the chocolate graham bunnies (about 20 more) and half of a butter cookie that my friend Liz baked, sorry I ate the top half before taking a picture (it was shaped like a snowman;thanks Liz!) and I sipped on hot green tea all day, because it was absolutely freezing at work!

Around 3:30 I got hungry (AGAIN!) and had a cup of diced pineapple and a cup of On the Go: Cafe Mocha (ehh.. I'm not too crazy about it, but it was better than me diving into my box of chocolates at work, and trust me I would not have stopped at just 1, today!) :-)
I also could ave picked at my carrots or yogurt or small McIntosh apple, but I know it wouldn't hit the spot... :-) so why go around the craving, instead of just having a little bit of what you want exactly!

5:30 hit and I was going to go to the gym, however I was getting a little hungry, and honestly did not feel like working out when it's crowded, so instead I drove home! Of course I was sliding, because the roads are still icy from this morning, I heard that it dropped to about -30*degrees last night with the wind chill, and I think that's why I didn't sleep so comfortable and I was so cold last night.

While making dinner I had an Anjou pear and then dinner was 1 medium sweet baked potato and topped off with about 1/4 c. of non-fat cottage cheese and a pinch of brown sugar. I also had Tilapia (made on a dry pan and seasoned with table blend spice and some lemon juice) I sprinkled a little grated Parmesan cheese, and dinner was served.

I know my dinner was a little random but it was what I was craving. I must say I didn't get too crazy with the Tilapia, and I will hopefully spend a little more time making it and add different things, but today's one of those bummy days 9i think it may be the fact that I was only able to sleep about 5 hours last night).

For dessert (yes I know I should watch this, but hey I'm not going to try and avoid eating something and not satisfying my sweet tooth, because I can get really mean and crabby!) I had about 2 peanut M&M's and another one (this time I picked out the smallest cookie I could find in the bag) of the white chocolate chip craisin cookies, and some Hot Cocoa (about 3/4 c. skim milk and 1/3 c. water mixed with 2 tbsp of Ovaltine). I also am sipping on some Hibiscus flower tea with 1 1.5 tsp of Agave Nectar).

Well that's all I have for now, I have to meet my older sister up at my mom's to trade phone batteries, because her phone won't charge and her new one is on the way, and then I'll be hitting up the gym, hopefully there won't be so many people there.

Have a good evening, and I'll post my workout when I get back!!

Brr.. it's how any Degrees out there?!?

2008-12-15T10:00:00.005-06:00

Goodmorning!

Well there is no escaping winter now. It officially 8* degrees out and FREEZING! Let's just say I had one heck of an adventurous morning, with scraping the ice off my windows to somehow attemtping to open my frozen car doors and locks, yeah I'm not really liking this whole idea of Winter anymore. Anywho I did make it to work (15 minutes late), which I'll have to make up during lunch or after work. Here's what I had for breakfast on this Sunny/Freezing Monday morning(pictures will follow shortly)

1/2 Grapefruit, Egg omelette made with 1 Egg and 1/4 cup of egg whites topped off with 1/2 tbsp of shredded 2% monterey jack/colby cheese. I had some tomatoes and onion to go with it. I also had 1 Aunt Millies Whole Grain English Muffin, one half of it was topped with 1 tsp Krema PB and 1 tsp Smucker's LS Apricot Jam, the other half was with 1/2 tsp of Light Canola Oil Margarine Spread and 1 tsp of Smucker's LS Apricot Jam.
To keep me warm I had 2 cups of coffee with 1 tbsp creamer and 1 splenda, and a glass of Earl Grey tea, mmm yummy!

I hope all of you are staying warm on this Monday morning/afternoon, and hope you all have a GREAT day!

Ohhh...the weather outside seems frightful

2008-12-14T23:49:00.007-06:00

I made it! Sorry to post so late, but I had a long day of trying to find parking and shopping. (So yes Melissa I did go shopping and wait till you see what I got!) In my last post I mentioned that someone would join me, but surprise surprise (sarcasm) he didn't go with me. That's okay though because I got to get some shopping done for myself too. I think I have a problem (and most women do, and addiction to shopping!). I went to Ann Taylor last week (my twin works there and they had a HUGE sale so she called to get me in there!) and I spent a little over $100 on myself, however, I did save $100, so it was like a buy one get one free type of deal, if you want to look at it that way. Anywho, I drove to Old Orchard (Skokie, IL) and went to Express only, because I didn't feel like walking out side in the drizzling rain, not too mention didn't feel like shopping much because it took me forever to find a parking space. I did manage to find something cute my grab bag person (since the economy is a bit tight, my family has decided to do grab bag again this year...I'm lucky, I know.) Of course walking to the back section (sale section) I found myself a cute little dress too!! :-) and everything in the sore was 20% off, so honestly I did some great shopping there. I then hustled to my car and drove to Northbrook (thanks for the directions Aaron :-) ), my sister works at the Ann Taylor there, and tried to finish off my Christmas shopping. I came across a couple of cute things that were on sale again so I decided to try them on, and only got to buy 3 out of 6 things for myself.
It was a successful evening for Christmas shopping, I just need 2 more things that I would like to get for my grab bag person and a couple things for my niece and nephew... and I'm good to go. I told my twin she'll be getting her gift after Christmas since I'm strapped for cash and there are bills to be paid. (Yes we get gifts for each other, secretly!)...I'm actually jealous of what she's getting from me.

Anyways, it was a nice night, not only did I get to do some Christmas shopping, but I also got to let one thing off my chest that has been bugging me for a couple weeks now, thanks for listening. :-)

So lets get done with mumbling and post some pictures. Here's what I ate after lunch...
Right before walking out the door I had 3 M&M's (they were calling my name) and 5 grapes. When I got to Northbrook (around 5:15) I had a small McIntosh apple and a tall sugar-free hazelnut Misto with 1 splenda. After words, I drove to my mom's and there I had a cup of homemade Minestrone (sorry no picture I left the camera in the car and didn't feel like running through rain, but I packed some up for tomorrow's lunch so you will see). Then I had about 1/3 cup of wild rice and about 3 oz. of grilled chicken breast. For dessert (of course) I had a coffee with about 1/4 c. of 2% milk and a white chocolate craisin cookie. One of the lady's that worked with my sister made some for her, and let's just say it was yummy yummy in my tummy. I want the recipe...and I'll see if I can talk her into giving it to me. I also had about 6 chocolate graham bunnies.

Enjoy the pictures, any questions feel free to ask.. Let's say I'm a GREAT bargain shopper!!! :-)
Goodnight!

rumble rumble in the tummy

2008-12-14T13:19:00.005-06:00

So much for trying to clean the bathroom, I'm being a bum all morning long. I figured I'll just shower now and go hit up some stores, since it is Sunday and they close early today. Afterwards I might go by my moms and make some homemade pizza, and just take that for lunch tomorrow...but we shall see.
I got super hungry so I opted for lunch instead of a snack.I don't think I took a single break or breath while eating though. I was so hungry, I think because I had a small breakfast. Anyways here it goes... I had an orange to start, 2 slices of Meijer brand whole wheat bread (toasted) with 2 tbsp. garlic hummus, 1/2 tbsp whipped cream cheese, 2 0z. sliced turkey breast, some tomato/cucumber/onion slices and lettuce. It was a yummy yummy sammich! I had a handful (about 25) baked Cheetos, my favorite!!
Now I'm sipping on some yummy warm Raspberry Zinger tea with one splenda.
I think I'm going to get ready and just go shopping, and then do everything else. Just have to wait and find out if a certain someone wants to come with me...keep your fingers crossed for a YES!... and then I'll let you know later when I get done with it all.

enjoy your Sunday..and let's hope the Viking's lose tonight!! im kidding, enjoy Sunday football!

I can see the floor!!!

2008-12-14T11:02:00.009-06:00

I forgot to mention my sister yelled that when she saw my before and after pictures of my room. Everyone always teases me about how I only get in the cleaning mood once in like 3 months (and actually I think it has been about 3 months since I last cleaned my room ...yup way before I left for LA and I have no idea how I found clothes to pack for that trip.

Anyways this morning I woke up pretty early for a weekend...I've been catching up on sleep lately for the weekends and have been sleeping in till about 11ish (so unusual for me...right Sara and Jennay and Kristi...and everyone else who sleeps in and knows me as the early bird) but today I was super duper happy to wake up at 9 and not be too tired!!! I think it was the fact that my body is still getting used to me not eating too late and not stuffing my face.
Yes I have gained about 10 lbs in the last 3 weeks...so that would start about Thanksgiving time, and now I have to lose that, plus more. No I'm not starving myself, or depriving myself of anything...just eating in moderation, not eating too late, and enjoying every bite I take.I still keep within a good calorie range, even though I avoid that as much as possible (calorie-counting I mean).

So anyways I have started my to-do tasks and ate breakfast, took pictures of my late night grocery shopping, started some laundry and heading over to my bathroom to disinfect the entire thing. I make it sound so much dirtier than it actually is, but it's a bathroom...they gross me out!

For breakfast I had my Grammy style oats! I tried to copy the same recipe my grandma uses for her oatmeal.I can't seem to stomach oatmeal anymore, after my three month high protein diet... so I avoid it as much as possible but I had a craving for her style oatmeal.

I made my oatmeal using:
1/4 c. skim milk (she uses Whole milk)
1/2 c. water (she uses Whole milk, haha again)
1/3 c. Quick Oats
1.5 Tbsp Raisins
1/3 c. sliced Peaches (canned...I know not the best)
1/3 large Banana (sliced)
pinch of Brown Sugar (to top off and sweeten)

I had some Lemon Green Tea and Coffee with 2 tsp. creamer and one splenda. I had to make the coffee today since my dad hasn't woken up yet, and I made it a little strong, but not too bad. I've kind of been drinking it for about an hour already, since I had oatmeal this morning, I can't over do the milk, but as my description says, coffee and chocolate lover.... drink tons of it and eat tons of it...and yes I love Chocolate covered Espresso beans, totally amazing and smart mix!!! Actually I saw some yesterday while on my trip to Starbucks and have been thinking about buying some, especially since they are having their 20% off items until December 17...yummy stocking stuffer for myself.. haha.

Anyways kids, enjoy your day and I'll be back later to post pictures (I've been a little lazy to upload them right now) and to fill you in on how the day is going.

xxox

Shrimp and chocolate!!!

2008-12-14T10:06:00.005-06:00

Good morning!

Sorry for the late post, I didn't get home until super late (about 12:45 a.m.!!) I was so tired I put away the groceries and got ready for bed, and passed out finally around 2:00 (soo soo late, since I'm trying to get to bed early now a days). I've been having trouble sleeping during the week, usually falling asleep around 1/2a.m. and then having to be up around 5:30/6 for work. I've been late for the last 2 weeks for work (usually about 30 minutes or so) and no they haven't said much to me yet, but thank god it Snowed because I just blame it on the cold and slow moving traffic.
Anyways, last night my sister and I did not make it to the movie, she got off of work super late and I was tired, and at my moms. She came by, but by the time both of us got moving it was about 11:30 p.m. and I still had to run to get some groceries (we were running low on a couple things) You could make a pb and j without the bread. or have left over brown rice from what i didn't finish with baby carrots... I mean you can only half of something....because you didn't have the rest to complete the meal. So I bought:

I forgot to photograph 2 things and that's 36-40 count of cooked cocktail shrimp (which cost me 6.99....damn cravings!!!) and 3 sweet potatoes, but you'll see those later during the week when I'm preparing my lunches and dinners.

While getting ready to go to my mom's I had a small apple to snack on around 7:15 and 2 crackers (sorry no picture).

When I got to my mom's, I made dinner for myself (since we didn't have anything for dinner) and had veggie shrimp stir fry. I would've made some for others, however, everyone was running around because my mom had a reservation for a big going away party, so they were busy.
The stir fry consisted of
1/4 c. onions(sliced)
1/2 c. zucchini and squash mix
1/3 c eggplant
1 c. broccoli
12 medium shrimp
1 tsp of soy sauce
2 tsp of teriyaki glaze
1/8 c. chicken broth (homemade)

I sauteed the vegetables first with some chicken broth and soy sauce. I let them cook for a little bit (about 3 minutes) and then added the shrimp and finally the teriyaki glaze. I let that sit on low heat for about 5-8 minutes and finally served on the plate with some red cabbage. It was delish, and very filling!!!

Those of you know me though, after I eat something salty I need a little something to satisfy my sweet tooth, so I found a tiny ittle piece of chocolate (wrapped in a little gift wrapper, totally cute, totally surprise chocolate.) It was a small Reese's PB gift chocolate (sorry no picture, I devoured it too fast) and with it I had a cup of coffee with 1/4 c. 2% milk and 1 splenda.

About an hour later I got hungry something sweet again, and by this time I was upstairs (at my mom's) watching House and Law and Order:SVU, I went to take a peek in her fridge for some kind of fruit, or something to steer me away from the chocolate, however I opened one drawer and there it was calling my name!!! I had a tiny little piece (I'll take a picture next time I get to my moms of exactly what I had) of nut/raisins chocolate (it's from Aldi! always the best chocolate there).
I got hungry around the time I was heading over to Meijer for groceries, but it was late and I did hold myself back from eating.... because I knew I would regret it later, even though my mom offered me a giant frosting filled cake, that looked oh so yummy... but too late for it. If they left some over from the party, maybe I'll have a little piece of it today, and I'll take a picture.

Alrighty, I'm going to upload photo's and then post my breakfast, and the photo's from yesterday's dinner. :-)

Achooooo....too dusty!!!

2008-12-13T17:04:00.004-06:00

So the cleaning has started and my sneezing has not stopped. I knew my room was dusty but not that bad.... I've been camping in my sisters room for the last couple weeks because I have just been so lazy to clean my room, but I started feeling bad that I have this room to myself and i think my dad was getting agrivated at the fact that im not sleeping there, and it looks like a hurricane came through or somehting, so now's my chance to make it up and clean the entire room, from ceiling to floor.
I open my closet, which was kind of empty and then i look at my bed and I understood why it was soo empty (picture number one). But also when i started walking into my closet I look over and I see a glass of water ?:-/ a bit confused i had to take a picture, and then couldn't stop laughing. Maybe about 30 minutes into my cleaning I started to get hungry(it was about 1:30 and I had breakfast around 9:30, so it made sense). I went and made myself a snack to see if I could hold over a little bit until my chicken defrosted for grilling.
I had 1/2 cup of fage 0% yogurt with 1/2 cup of blueberries and 2 tbsp. of Kashi Crunch cereal. Along with it I had some yummy warm Raspberry Zinger tea.
That held me over for about 2 hours, in the mean time I got a lot of cleaning and clothes folding done!!!! Around 3:30 my tummy started rumbling again so I figured I'd check the defrosting chicken and make some super duper late lunch. For my super duper late lunch I had a small McIntosh apple, about 2 oz. of grilled chicken (Dear George Foreman, You're Amazing!), 2.5 tbsp. brown rice, and a salad with Light Greek Vinaigrette. It was yummy and filled me up!! :-)

I decided to finally go outside into the cold and rainy weather (I really had to go pick up my sisters and my dry cleaning) so I decided to run into the starbucks next door and get something to satisfy my sweet tooth. I am a huge chocolate fanatic and in this house we have XXXL bag of M&M's and trust me it took some will power to not just dig into the bag, but I survived it today. At starbucks I got a short (way too small for me, but sometimes you have to sacrifice bigger cups for a smaller waist) non-fat, no whip Mocha!....it's good, and I'm trying to savor every bit of it. Just to show you how samll the short is (8 oz.) I put it next to my sister's Venti Starbucks cup.

Okay now I have to go finish cleaning my room and move on to the bathroom (blahhh...:-/ )and then maybe make it to the grocery store. I won't be Christmas shopping today, but that's okay tomorrow will be fine, especially because the Bears game was on on Thursday|which we WONN!!!!! 27-24, booo-ya Saints....Go Robbie Gould :-) |

I'll be back later, after dinner and my movie date night with my twin sister :-) Enjoy your evening!

Too much to tackle..

2008-12-13T11:52:00.005-06:00

Finally the weekend.. :o)
I've been working on my blog all morning, and have lost track of time.I really need to move on to the next item on my to-do list :o( but there's just too much to do in one day, with so little time, so let me hurry and post up my breakfast and what I have to get done, and hopefully when I get a majority of things done I can sit down relax and keep working on this blog, and check out the others later tonight.

What a morning. Went to bed pretty late and finally got to sleep more than 5 hours (my usual during th week). Woke up around 9, after my 10 alarm clocks went off at 7:30/8. When I made it down stairs, my dad was generous enough to start the coffee.. :o) he always brews the perfect pot. So searching for breakfast items. I have to go get some groceries today because we are all out of Aunt Millie's EM and barely have any fruit, so I made do with what I was able to find. I'll post my grocery shopping experience later after I go.
Breakfast was 1/2 grapefruit, 1/2 Aunt Millie's cinnamon-raisin EM with 1/2 teaspoon organic no salt PB and 1 teaspoon LS Apricot Jam, 1Egg+1/4 c. egg whites omelette with some tomatoes and onions on the side, and 1/2 cup of Low Fat Cottage cheese with 1 tsp LS apricot Jam. With that I had a cup of coffee with 2 tsp. creamer and 1 splenda (I know know, Stevia is better) and a glass of hot green tea (it tastes better in a glass than a mug, try it if you don't believe me).

Have a good afternoon and I will be on later, posting my tasks and photos of trips for x-mas shopping and groceries!

Welcome!

2008-12-13T10:42:00.004-06:00

Welcome to my blog, I am very excited to start this. I have followed Jenna's (www.eatliverun.com) blog and Cristin's (Eat like me) blog for a couple months now. Ofcourse I have checked out a couple other people's blogs, such as Kath eats real food, For the love of Peanut Butter (which is just an inspiration, I hope your doing well hun!), and a couple others. All of your food bloggies re just an inspiration not to me, but others who need food ideas, and who are trying to grasp the idea of a healthy lifestyle.
If you have read a little bit about me, you'll know that I do have a bit if a challenge, since I do have a twin sister who can devour anything she wants and still be thin (she's really about 1/3-1/2 of my size), but I have learned that it shouldn't matter what size you are... it's about how your body feels and if your feeling good. Size doesn't matter ladies.... it's your health... and you can be a size 12 and feel phonomenal or you can be a size 2/4/6 and feel great... it's about how you feel and not what size you are... it's wethere your happy with yourself, and not how others portray you.
Since there's a limit as to how much I can write about myself in the About me section, to learn more about me, I will post some information as the days/weeks/ months progress, hopefully getting people familiar with different challenges I've been through, but not only weight and health wise, but just my life. I will be posting my thoughts, articles I find interesting and helpful to some people, and struglles for the day. I hope that you enjoy and support my blog, nd feel free to throw in questions, comments, concerns or anything in my comments area and I will reply back as soon as I can!!!

Thank You! :o)