Thursday, November 26, 2009

Are you sabatoging your efforts on the weekends?

Here are some helpful tips I found from Kim Lyons (Biggest Loser trainer) on weekend eating.


I've often receive feedback from my clients who really struggle with staying on track over the weekends. One reason weekends are so difficult is because most of us fall out of our regular daily routines. People go out to eat a lot more often over the weekend, and there are often parties and other social gatherings that often times don't include the healthiest food choices. Sound familiar?

You can still have fun without sabotaging all your hard work. The key is to strike a good balance between effective, so you get good results, and enjoyable so that you'll stick with it in the long-run … and to plan this "effective/enjoyable" balance a head of time. Following are some good tips and strategies for the weekend. Keep it with you - in the car, on your fridge, in your purse - wherever you go.

1.) Keep a water bottle with you. This will serve as a good reminder to continue drinking water and will help you stay hydrated, prevent you from becoming too hungry, as well as help you resist the temptation to reach for a soda or sugar-packed beverage.

2.) Set some "weekend specific" goals that you'd like to accomplish, such as three cardio sessions for at least 30 minutes each.

3.) If you plan on being on the go, put together some healthy snacks in convenient places, such as the glove compartment of your car, your purse, or gym bag. Cut up vegetables and put them in zip lock bags. You might also put some peanut butter, cottage cheese, or humus in small containers as well.

This way you'll always have a healthy, convenient snack ready to eat whenever you start to feel hungry. This also helps to keep energy level up, your metabolism working efficiently, and will help you from getting so hungry that you lose control and make unwise food choices later in the day.

4.) Load up on vegetables first. At almost every social gathering there are vegetable trays and other veggie options. Eat a good size portion of these first before you tackle the potluck or buffet line. Unless they’re fried or drowning in dips or dressings, you simply cannot go wrong with vegetables; and if you eat these first and/or make sure they make up a large section of your plate, you'll do very well.

5.) Find someone to hold you accountable on Mondays. You are more likely to resist temptation and stay focused.

6). Also, plan ahead before going out to eat. Many people plan "cheat meals" on the weekend, and that's fine, but don't allow yourself to get carried away. Often times people use "all-or-none" thinking, meaning that if they are going to go out to eat and get a burger, they decide they might as well get extra cheese, fries, mayo, soda, etc …. when they could still enjoy the burger, but strike a healthier balance without going crazy.

Instead, ask for your burger without cheese or mayo, have soup or salad instead of fries, and have a diet soda or water to drink. And ask the waiter to bring your salad first and to go ahead and box up half of the burger. This way you'll begin getting full with the salad and the first half of the burger will be more than enough.

And whenever you feel you've "cheated," don't worry about it. Enjoy it and then get right back on track. Far too often people say, "I'll just enjoy myself now and then start over on Monday." Instead, have a "modified cheat meal" by ordering what you want, but make simple, small changes to eliminate the unnecessary unhealthy extras, and then get right back on track with your healthy, planned eating.

With the right mindset and a little extra effort and planning, you can turn weekends into an enjoyable experience, and still take steps towards achieve your goals. I know this will be a big change for many of you. You can do it!!!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

I Sometimes Love Facebook

I recently noticed this facebook status and reply.

Jane is seriously questioning my faith, and the faith of those around me! At what point do I throw my hands up and say Fu%k it?

Response: You can say that all you want - vent your frustrations as you like but when your hands come down and the cursing is done you still have to deal with your life. Unfortunately! Keep on Keepin' on! You'll come thru even BETTER than before! Whatever doesn't kill us just makes us stronger - and bitchier.


I understand being frustrated (see previous rants if you don't believe me) but the response was fantastic. Remember that when you feel like you can't go on, like it isn't worth it. I love it.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Things that Aggravate Me

Okay, I will never admit to being a level headed person who lets things roll off of her back. This is why having a blog helps me, I am able to say to no one in particular (sorry my readers, I know you are someone special and I love that you would take time out of your day to read my ramblings, thank you, please don't stop) things I probably shouldn't say to anyone specifically. This rant is not directed at anyone in particularly, and some of the rant is because I read so many blogs and people say things that get under my skin.

1. Listen skinny bitch, do not make the pewy face when I say I run. Don't ask that if I mean I walk. I run. Not really well and not very fast but I do it. Don't diminish what I do cause I am not a size 2. You give me that face again and I will sit on you and do some damage.

2. When someone lends you money, pay up. Currently, no word of a lie, various individuals owe me a combined $200ish. Yes that is right and that is not including the $600 plane fair that I will be reimbursed through work for a trip that I am not even taking. Anytime people need something, I will always help out when I can. If I cover lunch, don't say I will pay you back and then forget. It makes me feel like a douche bag asking for money.

3. When your significant other leaves the house for more than a day that does not make you a single parent. Do not diminish what I do. The other parent will be returning in the near future and you can see an end in sight. I go approximately one to two months in between visits from any family I have including my baby's daddy. I don't get to go out again in a week with my friends. I understand its hard (trust me) to be alone with your child but suck it up.

4. If I send you a email asking something specific fucking reply. Don't be a douche and just ignore it. If you complain that none of your friends are supportive and I try to be supportive don't give me the cold shoulder. I cannot believe how much this happens.

5. Don't tell me that you have no time to exercise and in the same breath tell me you have to catch up on your favorite show. Guess what, if you have time to watch the biggest loser (2 hours) you have time to do a few jumping jacks when you do it.

Phew, that feels better. Feel free to tell me about things that aggravate you, I would love to hear it.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

A New Plan

I have quite weight watchers. I have not really been faithfully following and I was really just donating money to ww every month and did not feel like I was getting any benefit. Instead, I am going to eat small meals and exercise. No gimmick, just hard work and dedication. I LOVE IT. I feel so free not having to plan my whole day of eating at one shot. I took advice from a Karilynn to 200-300 calorie meals every 2 to 3 hours. It is so simple.

Today was a bust for exercise though. I tried to run this morning but just didn't have it in me (I did do a treadmill walk). I planned to leave early from work to get an outdoor run in but alas, a girl went home sick today so I was stuck holding down the fort. There is always tomorrow for running and I will do it!! Heck even if I do an early morning inside and after work outside - I am all in for it.

So far this month has sucked for actual weight loss but I have hope that it will get better. I have more than hope - I have the determination to do it. Let's get this done.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Computer Games are Evil

I downloaded the stupidest computer game and have stayed up way too late the past three days playing it. Which means I have not dragged my ass out of bed to run the past three mornings. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I have deleted the game from my computer and will not be putting it back on. How retarded is it to stay up late making yourself feel bad about yourself instead of waking up early and invigorating your life??? At least it was three day and not three weeks or more though.

I have also had another thought about deleting something. I think I am going to quit weight watchers. There is a tonne of sights that will let me track my calories so I can keep track of my intake that way and I will save like $25 a month. I know it doesn't seem like that much but I really want to start some fitness classes and need to find the money in my budget somewhere. (I am also planning on cancelling some cable channels which will add an additional $20). What does everyone thing? I like ww but realistically I am not using it as much as I should and if I find myself needing it I can always join again later.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Least We Forget




In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army


In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Kick Ass Day

Okay so today rocked!!!

When I walked up to my work building today I was greeted by the most beautiful sunrise. It was one of those pretty pink ones that make you smile. It was a perfect brisk fall morning. I went to work on a Tuesday knowing that I have tomorrow off. It is Remembrance Day in Canada so no work for me!! Knowing you get a free day off in the middle of the week is always great.

Then I got a free pair of glass (okay so I had to pay shipping and taxes so they cost a grand total of $10.39) and they are Gucci. I am super pumped. I also ordered a pair of Hugo Boss sunglasses for $42 (I had to pay for shipping and tinting).


Gucci Glasses Hugo Boss

There was this super great deal that http://www.clearlycontacts.ca/ gave away 500 pairs of glasses where I live so I got a pair shipped to my house and to work. I also bought a pair of my little sis cause that's how I roll (sorry that is me trying to be cool).
After that I had my boss tell me my raise is going through (a minimal raise but a raise none the less). The good thing is that it is retroactive so I get three months worth of increments on one paycheck!!! AND right before Christmas. Can I her a whoop, whoop.
I ended off my day with an outdoor run. I knew it was going to one of the last nice fall days we are going to have so I didn't take a lunch so that I could take off an hour early and run. It was FABULOUS!!!! I took two (yes not three) very small walking breaks and felt wonderful. I kept thinking, I can do more than I think I can and pushed myself. I actually think I psyched myself into the second walking break but that's okay - I have something to work towards.
Then I got home and had a great supper (split pea soup and garlic cheese toast) and my daughter was so much fun. She ate her supper without a fight and we played and played before bath time and then she went to bed like an angle.
I am hoping tomorrow will kick ass too. If not, I know that this day will repeat itself. Well not this exact day but great days can happen. I hope everyone else had a kick ass day too!!!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Life is Better After Running

Thanks to those who listened to my little pity party yesterday. Although I was feeling down on myself I wanted to let you know that life kind of sucks. Its hard, its work and in the end, its worth it. I would not trade my life for any ones. (I just would like to see Lisa's Life 2.0 - you know new and improved after winning multimillion's in the lottery!! :) It is okay to not be happy 100% of the time, its how you handle it that really counts.

I did go on a run I felt 1000% better after my run. Actually a friend of mine popped over and asked to take my daughter to the park for a bit so I asked if I could use her kindness to get in an outdoor run and off I went. I did my best time that I can remember and only had three baby breaks! I am not taking lunch tomorrow and doing another outdoor run before the snow hits. Its going to be great and I will try to cut out the breaks altogether!!

Have a great Monday.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Did You Ever Just Get Tired of It

I would just like to say that I am on track for this week. I have been eating good, with the exception of a few minor slips, but hey I am human. I have been good with exercise, considering how crappy I was for the weeks when my daughter and I were sick how badly I sucked. I am continually trying to push myself to keep going when I am running - run for another 15, 20, 30 seconds without taking a break. (Hint: when you stop bend over and see how far your stomach hangs over, true motivation to keep you legs going.)

So I got up on Friday to do my Jillian DVD, and guess what? My DVD player would not work. Nada nothing. It kept reading loading. FUCK. This is the DVD receiver for my surround sound that I bought last September. I tried to figure out what was wrong with my machine. After some googling I found it was probably my laser in the player. I could try to clean it. If that didn't work, I would be looking at replacing the laser. When I went to go pick up the little laser disk cleaner I spoke to one of the tech guys who let me know that to replace my laser would be about $1,100 - a little less than the cost of my system three times over. Guess what didn't work, you bet the simple $10 fix. Crap!!!

I bought a new DVD player used for $35 today but I am so tired of the little things going wrong. I now have a totally useless surround sound sitting on my entertainment stand. I am by no way am throwing in the towel and giving up - fuck that shit. But come on. I sometimes feel like I am contently fighting upstream to make it and kind of wish I could catch a break. What I really would like is for the things in life that are suppose to happen, actually happen. I wish I could have gotten my yearly raise, I wish that I could count on child support (I have not received a penny since August and am seriously considering legal action), or alternative, I wish I could win big in the lottery. I wish I could buy a $35 DVD player 6 weeks before Christmas without having to worry about my Christmas present budget and how I am going to cut from that now.

What I really wish this second is my two year old would just go to sleep so I can go run out my frustrations on my treadmill. If she is not asleep in 10 minutes I am taking the portable DVD player with me to the basement and she can watch her movie there with me. I may be poor but I refuse to be fat anymore!!!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Home Again Home Again

Due to the fact that my daughter has 'flu like symptoms' (read snotty nose and a cough) she is not allowed to back to daycare until she is symptom free for 48 hours. Eff, that means I can't go back to work till June. Really no runny nose, who has ever met a toddler without snot running out of their nose?

Oh well. Not much I can do about it so I am trying to make the best of it. I am now on day two and have to admit that I am liking this stay at home mom thing. The first morning was hard but now I like it. I will probably go back to work tomorrow (depending on my daughters health) but am not looking forward to it (well I am looking forward to work but not looking forward to not being at home if that makes sense).

I am taking full advantage of my time at home. I went for a run on the treadmill yesterday afternoon (yes that means not getting up at 5 am) and it was awesome. Yesterday and hopefully today, I get some work done during nap time and then use the rest of the time for my workout. Unfortunately, tomorrow will start at 5 am but that is okay, I said it before and I will say it again, I am going to kick November's ass and I can't do it laying in bed.

I love that I am able to actually cook when I am home, tonight we are having split pea and ham soup with cheddar biscuits. Total points you ask? 5!!! For the soup and biscuit (so the biscuits are tiny but who cares that kicks ass). Okay so I normally cook but I cook four meals on the weekend and spend the rest of the week microwaving my supper and lunch. Food tastes way better cooked fresh.

Off now, need to get some work done so I can get my ass on the treadmill before my monster wakes up.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Good Bye October, Get Ready November I am Going to Kick Your Ass

Okay so I started out good in October, all was well and I looked like I was going to dip into the 160 again when real life hit. With all of the fit that hit the shan, I still snuck in a 2 pound weight loss which is really pathetic.


I think I actually scrubbed the sick out of my house yesterday (no trick or treating as my daughter was too sick). I may have gone a tad over board, when I say tad I mean I totally crossed the line. I have bleached every surface in my house, shampooed my living room carpet and threw out old sponges, and even replaced my shower curtain liner.



My house is ridiculously clean, I am feeling 95% and my daughter is on the mend. I hope that our health stays up and I get my exercise on. I know I don't lose weight unless I exercise. November will be my month, I can feel it.