Thursday, December 23, 2010

Merry Christmas to All

I know many of you have been wondering... so just to set your mind at ease let me be the first to tell you that I'm still alive!

I will start off with a major announcement. My ex and I are officially back together. We have decided that we are working our problems out and staying together as a family. This makes me very happy and regardless of what some people think, this not the easy pick. I do love him with all my heart and we have both done some serious growing up in the last three year and we are committed to stay together for the long term. There are talks of an impending engagement and a wedding soon to follow. If that can go off without a hitch, more babies to follow shortly thereafter. We have been working thing out for a while now but wanted to make sure everything was on the right track before making the announcement. Our daughter is ecstatic to have us together, which made the decision that much easier to make.

I have also added two furry friends to my family. I have a wonderful little rag doll kitten named Charlotte

and a wonderful beagle named Bella.

Please do not be fooled.  The only reason that they are sleeping in the pictures is that I am unable to snap a shot of them when they are awake as they are always on the go.  We adopted the kitten purposefully and the dog was destine to call my house home (an unplanned blessing one may say).

It has been an adjustment in my home having all the new additions in short order but it is wonderful. I am enjoying life, even when it is hard and it gets me down. I catch myself smiling more times than not just at all the laughter and joy in my home.

My weight has snuck back up on me and my finances are a bit of a mess at the moment but those are projects I have plans to tackle in the New Year. For the rest of 2010 I plan to enjoy and rejoice in what I have – lots of love.

I promise to blog more in 2011 but until then I wish everyone a happy and joyous Christmas season. I sincerely wish that this season is a time of miracles for you and your loved ones, with days filled with love and cheer.

Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world."


~ Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933), American president. Presidential message (December 25, 1927).

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Bad Day - a handful equals a handful

It's a bad day.  All I want to do is grab a handful of something bad and delicious to snap me out of this.  You know what is holding me back?

This handful.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Wowzers

Almost a week since I have ran my half marathon and I have not done any exercise or watched what I eat.  That ends today.  Time to get back on track.

I got my student card yesterday which entitles me to a free gym membership.  I am going to take full advantage of that fact. 

Back on track, back on track.  Get this sh*t done.  Next time I run a half marathon I will be lighter and faster.  Trust me.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

I Did It

Today I did something I never did before.  I ran 13.1 miles.  That's right one and all, I completed a half marathon in San Francisco.  The Nike Women's Marathon where my medal at the end was a beautiful Tiffany's pendant. 

My goal was to do it in under 3 hours and not to die.  Mission completion!

More to come later.  I have tonnes of pics.

Run like a girl!!!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The Physics Diet

The Physics Diet



Want to lose weight? Easy! Just remember the first law of thermodynamics: conservation of energy.

by Richard A. Muller

Technology for Presidents

November 14, 2003


Here's an old joke. The dairy industry hires a physicist to improve milk production. After several weeks, he's ready to lecture about his progress. He draws a circle on the blackboard and says, 'Consider a spherical cow.'

I've told this joke many times, but nobody ever laughs -- except other physicists. For the rest of you, I should explain that it is self-deprecating humor. It makes fun of our penchant for oversimplification.

This month I want to talk about diet and exercise for weight loss, and I'm going to oversimplify on purpose. Consider a spherical physicist.

Most dieters are so concerned about second-order effects, such as daily fluctuations in weight and changes in metabolism, that they lose track of the first law of thermodynamics: conservation of energy.

Want to lose a pound of fat? You can work it off by hiking to the top of a 2,500-story building. Or by running 60 miles. Or by spending 7 hours cleaning animal stalls. (It is amazing what scientists have actually measured. This last example is tabulated in the book Exercise Physiology by G. Brooks and T. Fahey.)

Exercise is a very difficult way to lose weight. Here's a rule of thumb: exercise very hard for one hour (swimming, running, or racquetball)– and you'll lose about one ounce of fat. Light exercise for an hour (gardening, baseball, or golf) will lose you a third of an ounce. That number is small because fat is a very energy-dense substance: it packs about 4,000 food calories per pound, the same as gasoline, and 15 times as much as in TNT.

If you run for an hour, you'll lose that ounce of fat and also a pound or two of water. By the next day, when you've replenished the water, you might think, 'the weight came right back!' But you'd be wrong -- you really did lose an ounce. It is hard to notice, unless you keep running every day for a month or more, and don't reward yourself after each run with a cookie.

There is a much easier way to lose weight, as we can learn from the first law of thermodynamics. Eat less.

A reasonable daily diet for an adult is 2,000 food calories. That's 8.36 megajoules per day, or about 100 joules per second -- in other words, 100 watts. Most of that ends up as heat, so you warm a room as much as a bright light bulb. Cut your consumption by 600 calories per day and you'll lose a pound of fat every week. Most diet experts consider that a reasonable goal. Don't drop below 1,000 calories per day, or you might get lethargic. But at 1,400 calories per day, you can easily maintain an active life.

Of course, there is a catch. You'll be hungry.

It's not real hunger–not like the painful hunger of starving people in impoverished countries. It's more of a mild ache, or an itch that you mustn't scratch. To be popular, a diet must somehow cope with this hunger. Weight Watchers does it with peer support. The food pyramid does it by encouraging you to eat unlimited celery. Some high-fat diets satisfy all your old cravings -- and figure you'll eventually cut back the butter you put on your bacon.

Last April, I had once again grown out of my belt. I wasn't grossly overweight: 205 pounds in a six-foot, one-inch body. That wouldn't be bad for a football player, but I'm 59 years old, and the excess pounds weren't in muscle. I had gained a pound a year for several decades. I felt heavy and old. I decided to try conservation of energy. I gave up lunch and snacks.

How to cope with the hunger? I attempted to enjoy it. I thought of the movie Lawrence of Arabia, in which T.E. Lawrence says, 'The trick is not minding that it hurts.' I told myself that the mild ache was only the sensation of evaporating fat. That interpretation has some basis in physics. When you lose weight, most of your fat is converted to the gases carbon dioxide and water vapor, and so you get rid of fat by breathing it out of your body.

Physics works, and I lost weight. By August, I was down to 175 pounds, a 30-pound drop. My belt went from 42 inches to 36 inches. My Zen-like approach to hunger also worked; I found myself declining offers of chocolate cake because I didn't want to lose the sensation of evaporation. I didn't change my level of activity, and managed to maintain my diet while taking trips to Cuba and Alaska -- and during a week-long backpacking excursion in the Sierra Nevada. A key innovation: I kept up the social aspects of lunch, without eating. I watched others gobbling cheeseburgers, while I sipped diet cola. It really wasn't that hard to do. And the mild afternoon discomfort was compensated by several positive developments. Dinner became truly wonderful. I hadn't had pre-dinner hunger for decades. A sharp appetite turns a meal into a feast. No more cheese 'appetizers' for me.

Moreover -- and this may sound silly coming from a physicist -- I was surprised that I began to feel lighter. I no longer walk down streets -- I float. Distant stores seem closer. And my knees have responded to the lighter load. Their aching, which I had mistakenly attributed to aging, went away.

Food is instant gratification. And fast-food chains and gourmet restaurants serve tasty food at remarkably low cost. It is a situation unprecedented in history and unanticipated by our genes. No wonder we are overweight.

Anybody can lose weight. Energy is conserved. Just stop scratching that itch. Of course, you'll have to sacrifice instant gratification. Is it worth it? You decide. Food is delicious and cheap. You might reasonably choose to take advantage of this unique historical circumstance, and decide to be fat.

It's been seven months since I started my diet, and two months since I left it. I've begun eating a light lunch, and having an occasional small snack. I'm still at 175. But I never want to lose the delicious edge of hunger before dinner, or the floating sensation when I walk. Moving takes less energy now, so I have more energy. I no longer feel like a spherical physicist. And for losing weight, dieting sure beats cleaning animal stalls.

-------------------

Richard A. Muller, a 1982 MacArthur Fellow, is a physics professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where he teaches a course called 'Physics for Future Presidents.' Since 1972, he has been a Jason consultant on U.S. national security

Thursday, October 7, 2010

One Pound of Fat


Hello, do you know me?
 
If you don’t you should.
 
I’m a pound of fat, and I’m the happiest pound of fat that you would ever want to meet. Want to know why? It’s because no one ever wants to lose me; I’m Only One Pound, just a pound. Everyone wants to lose three pounds, five pounds or fifteen pounds, but never only one, so I just stick around and happily keep you fat. Then I add to myself ever so slyly so that you never seem to notice it, that is until I’ve grown to ten, twenty or even more pounds in weight.
 
Yes, it’s fun being Only One Pound of fat, left to do as I please. So, when you weigh in, keep right on saying “Oh, I only lost one pound.” (as if that were such a terrible thing!) For you see, if you do this you’ll encourage others to keep me around because they will think I’m not worth losing. And I love being around you - your arms, your legs, your chin, your hips and every part of you. Happy Days!!
 
After all, I’m Only One Pound of fat!!!

Monday, October 4, 2010

This is why we are fat: We can't say no

This is why we are fat: We can't say no

Very interesting article.  Its good to know why we love what we love so we can work towards change for the better...

I have been hearing a lot of 'poor me' posts out there.  No judgement - honest.  Go back in my blog, there are a tonne of pity party posts.  I think one of the things that helps me get over it is to realize why I am stuffing crap into my mouth.  The article is a good explanation.  It doesn't tell us how to stop but it shows us the why. 

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Now is Time to Keep it Off

I cannot believe I won this month.  I guess that is what happens when you are training for a half marathon.  A half marathon I do believe I am ready for now.  I ran an never before accomplished 15K today.  It felt good.  I really should have packed some water with me but other than an aching hop for the last couple of kilometers and one pee break I did pretty good. 

I am hoping not to fall back into old crappy eating ways when I taper and the week after.  I would be okay just to maintain this month.  I will be going to San Francisco for 5 days so I will be eating out.  Plus there is Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend and I promised myself I could have pumpkin pie if I did a 10K run that day.

It funny, knowing that I am doing really good and lost the most weight this month you would thing I would 'reward' myself with something delicious.  Nope not this time.  This makes me want to work harder, not just to win more but to be a better me. 

Monday, September 27, 2010

Holy Crap Balls

I have my half marathon in 19 days and just realized I have not ran for a friggen week!!!!  That was stupid.  I felt like crap last week and the weather was awful and rainy most of the week. 

I went out today and totally sucked assballs (okay I do realize I am making up words here). 

This is all okay because I am going to work my butt off to get back into peak (read I won't die) shape.

Oh, also in good news...  My advisor for my master's program called today and if I don't register for a class this semester I have to either take a non-performance class (read do nothing and pay the university $400) or make up the time quick.  I am option to make it up. 

Anyone want to make bets on when I crack?  Soon me things.  lol

Have a wonderful Monday.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

So Tired

I am exhausted.   I could close my eyes and go to sleep at any moment.  I have been doing way too much. Doing two set of renovations (redoing the electrical and totally redoing the bedrooms) is taking its tole.  I really need a good nights sleep.  I sleep for eight hours a night but it doesn't seem to be enough.  Weekend are you here yet?  (Not like that matters, weekends are busy times too.)

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Inspiration

Wow, what a day.  I am fortunate to live in a beautiful city that is host to a wonderful organized marathon.  It was the 10th Anniversary for the QCM.  Runner come for all over to run here as we are one of the flattest Boston qualifiers. 

My bff and her husband came down for the weekend to run it.  It was my bff's first ever half marathon and her husbands fifth.  I have never participated (even as a spectator) in any official marathon event.  I have been in fun runs and 10K runs but this was the first big one.  All I can say is WOW.  I packed up the three little girls (two of theirs and one of mine) to go see them cross the finish line.  It was amazing to see the runners cross the finish line and it felt soooo good even cheering them on, giving them some encouragement to keep going.  It was so inspirational and I think just what I needed to give me that push to keep up my training and not to miss a run when it isn't the perfect conditions. 

Just before my bff's husband crossed a girl actually passed out about 10 feet from crossing.  It was horrible.  I am not sure what was going on but she had medical staff around her so I was sure that I couldn't be of help. He crossed the finish line at just over the 2 hour mark, not his personal best but pretty good. 

As he was kinda worried about his wife, I decided to go find her and cheer her on.  I left his kids with him and took mine (she didn't want me to leave without her).  We walked about 1 kilometer before I saw her.  We cheered her on and ran with her for about 300 meters before my daughter couldn't run any longer.  It was awesome. 

Both of them were hurting cases but I am so proud of them.  It is hard to run 13.1 miles.  I am sufficiently scared - that's going to be me in 5 weeks. 

After both of them were done I ran into a few other friends who ran.  Some stories were heartbreaking, others were inspirational, some were both. 

The winner of the QCM is a local running hero.  He has his own running group, the Jeleta Pacers.  It was Ted Jeleta's first time running the QCM and he came in at 2:49.  Amazing.  (Plus me bff was super pumped cause she came in before he did, something she didn't think would happen.)

If you get  a chance, go out and cheer on a local race even if you don't know anyone in it.  It will give the inspiration to keep moving on your next run.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

I am Scared to Fail

I am scared. Honestly scared to fail at everything I do. I hold myself up to wild expectations and feel disappointed when I can stand up.
One of the reasons I seldom say my goals out loud is because I am petrified not to achieve them. I feel like if I don’t do well in my half marathon I will be a huge disappointment to everyone. In truth, no one will really be that disappointed in me but me. Everyone will give me a high five for the effort and move on with their lives.
I have a couple of mom friends that I aspire to be like (Tyler and Heather) and fell like less of a woman when I see how happy their children are. I aspire to be more fit and active and have a friend that I am jealous of (Rebbecca). I also feel like I would be further along in my career that I am now and really would look up to my boss (Terri).
The funny thing about these three sets of women, there is no overlap. I am not saying that the three sets do not have commonalities but when picking who I aspire to be like, I am very selective. The moms I aspire to be like are stay at home moms, have strong, supportive husbands and the church plays a role in their lives (none of which I have). My fit and active friends I aspire to be like have no children (which I have). My work role model has sacrificed two marriages to get to where she is in life.

Crap.

Looking at the people I respect (and I truly do respect them wholly), I don’t notice their flaws. When comparing them to other people I look up to, I see a void that makes it clear to me that my ‘perfect women’ ideal I am holding myself up to may not be achievable. I would not dream of holding the women I respect up to the same insane ideal I hold myself up to. It’s almost like I am striving to fail. I don’t think I can do it all (although I am sure someone out there can) but what I can do is be the best me I can be. I am not giving up all my goals, prioritizing them, still putting effort towards all my goals but just not 100% effort at everything.

I will not set myself up for failure so I don't have to be so scared going forward. 

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Frustrating

So I have this friend (not really its not me, honest) she is a wonderful and beautiful person who is kind and sweet but she is so frustrating.  She is a cereal fad weighlosser.  In the year I have known her she has joined two gyms, when on the south beach diet, isogenics, P90X, gone organic, became a vegetarian, have went on numerous detoxes, and probably more I just didn't know about all in the name of losing weight. 

The funny thing is she is the one who motivates me to keep running when I want to stop.  She is the voice I hear in my head that keeps me going.  She is my cheerleader and I so want to help her break her dieting cycle.

I want to have a diet intervention with her.  She is interested in clean eating as there are a couple of us doing it at work.  The problem is she wants the quick fix and she wants it fast.

Does anyone have any recommendations on how I can reach out to her.  I have tried humour and joking that she must be a millionaire to afford so many new diets.  She actually jokes about the diet of the week.  I want her to be happy with herself, which she is not. 

Monday, August 23, 2010

Its Going to be a Clean Eating Week

Wholly crap. It is now less than eight weeks till I run my half marathon. I am getting increasingly more certain that I will be able to do this and it is becoming more apparent that I really need to feed and water my body better.


Yesterday was my long run day. I did 11 kilometers in 90 minutes. I was hoping to do 12 kilometers in 110 minutes but didn’t have it in me to run around my block a couple of more times. I ate like crap the day before (missing snacks, eating popcorn for supper, having pizza for lunch) and barely drank any non-carbonated liquids. My body could feel it, I was just worn down.

My problem is that I do really well during the week and then everything goes into the toilet on the weekends. I need to eat consistently better and increase my water intake. It doesn’t matter if it isn’t fun or as delicious, this is what needs to happen. I need to plan better, my lack of planning leads down the dangerous road of pre-packaged food. They are awful for you and just make me want to eat more bad food.

My goal this week (other than food journaling) is to eat cleaner. Work out a food plan and then stick to it. No ‘treats’ for being good or getting my runs in. Treats lead down the dark road of bad eating. I will eat clean this week and love it!!!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

I Think I May Just Threw Up a Bit

Okay, so in 63 days I will be running the Nike Women's half marathon in San Francisco.  Yes, only 9 weeks.  I am so scared.  I don't want to quit.  I want to do this.  I want to kick ass.  I am so scared to fail.  I am just scared to do this.  I am not on my training schedule.  I am trying to keep to it but have a hard time getting my long runs in.  Eff, eff, eff, eff. 

Please any words of encouragement of helpful advise would be helpful right now. 

Thursday, August 12, 2010

No More Exercise Excuses!

Here is an article I found on Spark People.  As much to motivate everyone as it is to motivate me.  After reading this I found the motivation to go out yesterday and do some hill training after work in 30 degree Celsius sunshine (the humidex made it hotter but I didn't even look at that as it would have been a deterrent).  It was hot and it sucked but I did it and felt much better after I was done.  San Francisco's Nike Women's Marathon is only 67 days away.  I am going to do it.  Run girl run!!!!




Busting 5 Common Workout Excuses

-- By Leanne Beattie, Health and Fitness Writer

We begin a new fitness routine with the best of intentions—telling ourselves that we’ll hit the gym three times a week—but actually accomplishing what we set out to do can be harder than expected. Combining a busy work week with other obligations and a list of errands can be a recipe for fitness failure. Exercise has to be pushed to the bottom of the list since there are only so many hours in the day, right?

Wrong.

Everyone has the same 24 hours to work with every day. It’s how you decide to spend and prioritize your time that’s the real issue. It’s easy to make excuses and kid yourself about why you’re not reaching your fitness goals, but until you take responsibility for your actions (or lack thereof) you will remain in front of the television for one more evening, all the while moaning about how you can’t fit into your favorite clothes any longer.

"But I’m tired," you tell yourself. "I’ve had a long day and I deserve to sit back and relax. I’ll just take it easy tonight and I promise to work out tomorrow." Then tomorrow comes and you’ve got to work late and you’re out of milk so you have to go buy groceries and before you know it, another day has passed and still no exercise. Why is it that you can hold down a job, make it to class, run a household and put everyone else’s needs ahead of your own, while you disappoint yourself every time you miss your own appointment with the treadmill?

Of course there are legitimate reasons to not exercise. But unless you’ve just given birth or had surgery, most of these reasons aren’t reasons at all—they’re excuses. If you’ve been allowing these excuses to keep you from the gym, it’s time to refocus.

Exercise Excuse # 1: I’m too tired.

It takes energy to produce energy, so while you may be tired now, even a short 10-minute walk will get your blood pumping and will boost your energy levels for up to two hours after. And regular exercise helps improve the quality of your sleep, meaning more energy throughout the day. Some research suggests working out can help regulate your sleep cycles, so you’ll fall asleep easier, sleep more soundly and wake up more rested. A morning workout—not a cup of coffee—could be just the ticket you need to feel more awake and energized all day long!

Exercise Excuse # 2: I don’t have time.

Eliminate 30 minutes of television viewing each night and exercise for half an hour instead. Unlike couch time, this method will strengthen muscles, burn fat, lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Record your favorite shows and watch them while lifting weights or running on the treadmill to multitask. Get up an hour earlier in the morning and go for a walk before you start your day or bring along your sneakers and go for a walk during your lunch break. There are many little time stealers in your day, from surfing the Internet to watching reruns to accepting calls from people you don’t really want to talk to. Getting rid of these distractions can add hours of free time each day—time that can be spent improving your health.

Exercise Excuse # 3: I can’t afford a gym membership or equipment.

While going to the gym is a great way to get in shape, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good workout. Either sign up for the bare bones membership package (are you really going to use all the perks the gym offers anyway?) or exercise at home for free with help from SparkPeople’s exercise demos, workouts, videos and other fitness resources. Push-ups, lunges, crunches and aerobics can all be done in the privacy of your own home and cost no money at all. Don’t forget to borrow some fitness DVDs from your local library to ensure you don’t get bored with your routine. Exercising at home also eliminates another avoidance excuse—the weather. Your home treadmill is available rain or shine, 365 days a year.

Exercise Excuse # 4: I’m embarrassed by my appearance.

It’s tough to the gym if you don’t feel good about your appearance. A well-fitting pair of yoga pants and a new T-shirt go a long way towards making you feel better about your body. Baggy, oversized shirts and track pants may be comfortable, but they make you look bigger, so find some fitness clothes shaped to play up your best assets. If you are afraid of being the biggest person in the exercise class, sign up for a class specifically designed for overweight individuals or a beginner’s class where there will be others just starting out, too. And remember: Everyone at the gym has the same goal in mind and everyone had to start somewhere. You may feel self-conscious, but chances are that no one is really paying attention to you and if they are, they’re probably silently cheering you on for working toward your goals!

Exercise Excuse # 5: I’m too depressed.

A Harvard University study found that after 12 weeks of weight training, nearly 90% of seriously depressed seniors no longer met the criteria for clinical depression. And just 20 minutes of aerobic exercise boosts the levels of your brain’s feel-good chemicals, making you happier and more invigorated. So exercising will actually improve your mood, even if you feel like biting someone’s head off before you begin. Many bad moods are the result of stress and exercise is a proven way to relax and lower the amount of cortisol (which is produced in response to stress) in your system. High cortisol levels have been linked to the accumulation of harmful abdominal fat.


We are all busy and have lives outside of the gym, but we all need regular exercise to help us stay healthy, lose weight and cope with the stresses of everyday life. By making excuses to avoid exercise, all we’re really doing is telling ourselves that our physical and mental health is not important and doing the dishes, driving the kids to their activities or watching mindless television is a more worthy endeavor. And nothing could be further from the truth.

Monday, August 9, 2010

I Love Me Some Fair Food

I went to the fair this weekend.  It was hot, sweaty and wonderful.  I asked Kari what should I eat before I went and her suggestion was to eat salad with no dressing and maybe some corn on the cob.  Well, um, I, um, like, sorta, um...

Honestly, I did not see a salad at the fair.  I barely saw any vegetables.  I saw some fried onions (for perogies), some small pieces of veggies in fried rice (that glisten), and not a cob of corn to be seen.  OKAY, I did see one salad, it was coleslaw with enough mayo on it to feed a small Vietnamese village for a year.  

I did not eat the best.  I ate more fried food in one day than I ate in the past six month.  My baby daddy, my daughter and me shared mini doughnuts, corn dogs, fries, slushies, an elephant ear, a snow cone, and a funnel cake.  It was delicious and gluttonous.  We did a lot of walking and considering that and not eating lunch or supper I didn't eat that much over my calorie intake.  I was only about 100 calories over which really is good.  I didn't go full hog but did have a sampling of everything.  Wonderful.  Not really nutritious but that was remedied on Sunday. 

On Sunday, I also had my long run for marathon training.  I could only do about 4 miles as it was smoking hot when I went.  I wanted to double the distance but couldn't push pass the heat.  This week I am definitely going out earlier.  I did eat better that day and doubled up on veggies to make up for the lack of them the day before. 

Setting up a marathon running plan tomorrow.  Going to set some goals to meet and beat!!!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Okay, Not so Proud

I rocked the first half of July.  I really did.  I was careful (although not perfect) in what I ate and workout every second day.  Then I had to go back to work.  Although when I was at work I tracked my food (being close to a computer allows you to do that) but made poor food choices and got little exercise.

For the month I actually gained half a pound.  Now whether that was an actual gain or due to the 8 hours I spent in a car eating road food and limiting my water consumption (no need for extra bathroom breaks) the day before I weighed in.  (Actually, I weighed in late too.  I thought my sister had a digital scale - which she didn't.  It was a crazy go-go-go weekend so I just held off the weigh in as I didn't think I was in the running for a prize anyway.) 

I am bummed that I didn't do better but not surprised.  I let myself go the last couple of weeks.  It is so easy to become a sloth.  Plus, I only have 72 more days till my half marathon and need to step up the trainign majorly.  I was on track at the beginign of July but have missed the past four long runs and need to get my endurance back up. 

I was so ashamed regarding the weigh in I almost didn't blog about it.  But really I would only be lying to myself.  I am going to win the good fight, I will kick ass.  I will, I will, I will.  This is the last weight loss compittion that I join that I don't see results.  I am tired of losing and being in the middle of the pack.  I will do great. 

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Great Time

It was fricken awesome.   I love Bon Jovi.  It was an amazing time.  I drank (way too much), danced (so hard I broke my bra strap), sang (my throat is sore today), and had a great time.  It was amazing.  Here are some pictures.  They aren't mine, my seats were good but not this good. 




Now I didn't go for a run yesterday as planned.  I couldn't get away from work early enough.  That was okay cause we ended up walking to the concert cause it was ridiculous to wait for the bus.  So to and from the concert we had a 5 k walk.  Plus about 90 minutes of dancing.  I am guessing I at least burned 800 calories,  (too bad my liquor consumption was so high).  And due to the fact that we had a late lunch (super yummy sushi) I didn't eat supper. 

This morning I dragged my butt out of bed for a run.  Once I started I realized that that was a bit foolish.  It was more of a jog/walk.  Plus, I got a running skirt and my legs kept rubbing together making running actually painful.  Next time I am going to stick with pants or but on some runners glide.  The main thing is I did it. I went out there.  It wasn't pretty but I got it done.

Have a wonderful weekend.  I am off to pack and shower then I am on the road. 

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Sometimes the Little Things Ruin Your Day, But they Shouldn't

All in all I have had a great day.  It was a light but busy day at work, I bought a super cute top to wear tomorrow for the Bon Jovi concert (yes that is right, Bon fricken Jovi), had some great playtime with my daughter and then... 

I recently applied for another job.  I love my job but this one was for WAY more money and more time off (every second Friday).  It was a bit of a weird interview but all in all I think it went great.  I was hopeful but didn't have my hopes up (if that makes sense).  Unfortunately I found out tonight I did not get the job.  I know its silly but it is the way I feel.

Its not that I don't like my job, I love it but its hard to be rejected.  I am fighting the urge to go drown my sorrows in food.  Good thing I have no really bad stuff in my house.  So far I have indulged in a spoonful of Chocolate Dream but am doing pretty good.  It helps that the rest of my week is going to rock.

Like I said, I am going to Bon Jovi tomorrow!!!  So super excited for that.  Plus I leave on Thursday to go see my sister.  Yes that will be another holiday.  I fricken love summer holidays.  I may not take hot holidays in the winter but laying on a beach in the summer makes up for it.  Plus it is way cheaper. 

Have been trying to get back into working out but it is hard.  I spent the Friday and Saturday doing renovations.  I am loving making my house a home finally and decorating and making it mine.  On Sunday I actually slept in until almost noon.  It was amazing.  I can't remember the last time I slept that long.  It was wonderful.  I thought I would go for a run Sunday morning but there was no morning for me.  Opps.

My holidays actually start tomorrow at noon so I am going to get a good run in before my bff comes for the concert.  Maybe even a yoga class depending on when she gets here.  What a great way to start off my next round of holidays. 

Hope everyone is having a beautiful summer.  Try not and let the small things get you down for too long.  Having a spoonful of chocolate dream pity is okay but an economy sized bag of potato chips with dip pity is ridiculous.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Real Life Put a Cramp in my Me Time

Back at work for five days now and I have not exercised once I am ashamed to admit.  Its been a rough week with getting back to normal timing and my little one is sick.  I had her to the emergency ward as she was have really bad stomach pains but as it turns out the doctors think its a virus (read, sorry mama, nothing we can do).  Her dad is here this weekend to help out and I am going to take advantage of his generosity by getting active.

It funny, the more active you are, the more you want to do.  The less you do, the more you feel like a sloth. I hope I can turn around my energy levels.  I need a kick in the ass (by myself) to get motivated. 

Monday, July 19, 2010

I am Officially Back

Much to the chagrin of myself and my daughter, we did not win the lottery and thus are back to our regular lives today.  It is so funny that my three year old begged me to stay on holidays so we could just go the beach one more time.  Too cute.  We need to find out where the good lake spots are where we are and start partaking in some local laking too.  Back, tanned (yes I love to roast in the sun) and ready to go. 

I came to the realization that my vacation did not include nearly enough water.  I can tell because I am so dehydrated.  I have been drinking water like a madwomen today and can't seem to get enough.  I would sense periodically during vacation that I should increase the hydration levels but, to be honest, that didn't always happen.

I am happy to report that there has not been any gain on  my holidays.  I weighed myself once yesterday and there was no gain.  That was not a first thing in the morning weigh in so I am not sure if there has been any progress on the loss but a non-gain on holidays is a wonderful thing.  I totally credit that to my working out.  I had a few people comment how I look thinner today too.  I guess five boot camp workouts and numerous runs will do that for you.  The key now is to keep up the good fitness levels and increase the food diarizing.  I am not where I want to be in my training for my half marathon in October but then again, I am not that far off either. 

Friday, July 9, 2010

Loving Holidays

I love being on holidays.  I don't care if I sit on the beach in the rain.  I love it.  (Please don't get me wrong, I really enjoy working and love my job and coworkers but this vacation was a long time coming and is pure bliss.)

I have gotten my snacking somewhat under control and have worked out like mad.  The big oops for this week?  I left my runner out at the lake.  Oh well, borrowed a pair for tonight's workout and I guess I will have to go back up to the lake this weekend to get them and maybe put in my long run in the beautiful setting up there.  My life is so hard. (That is sarcastic to the nth degree.)

I am loving being here so much I might be considereing looking for work back in my old home town.  Meh, I will keep my eyes open and see what comes up.  If it is meant to be it will happen, if it doesn't, I love where I am and am happy.

Have a great weekend folks.  Get out and enjoy the beautiful weather.  You can bet your ass I am going to do just that.

Monday, July 5, 2010

No Willpower

Okay so apparently my willpower is on a bit of a vacation too.  Opps, sorry, I meant to say it was on a vacation - on that ended today.  The amount of junk food and crap that has been around me is obscene. But I am not sliding down that slippery slope again.  Vacation does not equal gluttony.  

Right now I can count 6 bags of chips in the same room as me.  With the exception of one bag of chips and a thing of dip I did not buy them. (I bought the chips and dip for a day trip out to the lake and there was 8 of us who shared them so that actually wasn't that bad of a splurge.) I am at my parents house and my parents love to stock up on junk food.  I went grocery shopping with my mom yesterday to stock up on healthy snacks so hopefully that will work.  I am such a mindless eater.  But that stops today.  Plus, every time I am in my parents house I feel like I should be eating.  Stupid.

To combat my couple days of excess, I am working my ass off this week.  I have signed up for three days of boot camp and the days I don't do boot camp, I am going to be running.  I may take one day out to just stretch and do some yoga but I will see.  Next week its only two days of  boot camp and some runs.  Plus if the rain stays around I may try out some of the Wii games. 

It was a great first weekend weather wise to my vacation.  We are suppose to have a few days of rain but another beautiful weekend coming up.  Yippie.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Oh Happy Day

I am officially on holidays!!!!  It is a wonderful day. 

Tomorrow is the start of a new weight loss competition and packing for my holidays with that in mind is a little different.  Instead of taking the 'summer off' or 'taking a much deserved break' I am going to take my time off of work to work on me.  No worries about looking for or paying a babysitter - I am going to work out without worries. 

This is the plan.  Hopefully it turns into reality.  I have a bag of workout clothes packed too. 

Wish me luck.  I will check in from time to time but am hoping to spend most of my time outside and nowhere near a computer. 

Good luck to all the other competitors.  I am a great support, just not on vacation but I am coming back soon. 

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Calling All Competitors

There is a new weight loss competition starting on July 1, 2010 for all those interested.  Do you need that little extra kick in the a%s to get motivated?  Looking for support?  Just tired of doing it alone?  Come on and join. 

There are some reasonable rules to follow.  Make sure you are in agreement before you sign up.  If you have any questions, just email Karilynn at kariscomp@yahoo.com

Come and check it out, would love to have you...



The top four weight loss competitors last competition lost over 150 pounds total.  That was divided up between four people. 

What's your excuse for not joining?


My Goals??

What do I want to accomplish.   A sustainable weight loss.  I would love to go in and totally blow everyone out of the water but realistically I want to feel better about myself for the long term.  That is why I am setting a realistic goal.  It is a eighteen week competition and a healthy weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds a week.  I am hoping to average out at a 1.5 pound a week loss.  That would be 27 pounds. 

Not my absolute total goal weight but an achievable one. 

I wouldn't have won the last competition with that loss but I should would feel better about being in my bathing suit this summer.  It is way easier to focus on small gains instead of a large amount. 

Come on everyone, keep me accountable.  Keep looking at my tracker at the bottom of my blog.

Oh, and one sad note, my Nike mini-me is going to a semi-retirement.  I am finding I am not using it enough on my actual runs to keep track.  So instead I am thinking of switching to my Garmin 305 for tracking purposes.  Probably a better bet anyway. 

Monday, June 28, 2010

Sh*t My Dad Says...

"Don’t focus on the one guy who hates you. You don’t go to the park and set your picnic down next to the only pile of dog shit." 

Friday, June 25, 2010

Friday

It's Friday, it's Friday. I am so glad its Friday. The weather is suppose to be nice and I don't have tonnes of things to do. Yahooo!!!

As long as I actually get in my long run on Sunday, I will be super duper happy.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Blech

Okay so how is buying someone crappy cake with waxy icing being nice to them?  I really hate office birthday cake.  It is kinda gross.  Guess what I got today? 

Thank you ever so much to the sweet and beautiful women I work with.  You are fabulous.  Please, next year, a fruit tray would be lovely.

Why do we think it is okay to celebrate with fatty foods?  Why can't we just let a day pass without having crap?  Anyone?

I ate half a piece.  I shouldn't have cause it really wasn't even that good.  I should have taken it back to my desk and threw it all away.  I felt bad cause people put the effort forward.  Me getting fatter isn't really a thanks.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Guess What Monday Is?

It's my birthday!!!  Tomorrow, I turn 32.  Wow.  Amazing.  I remember when 32 seemed old (like right now) and now it is the eve of my birthday.  A little older, not much wiser. 

This is a weird year for me.  I want to spill my guts to the blogging world but am feeling a need to keep somethings private right now (I know, so unlike me). 

My birthday plans include a nice long run, some Starbucks, a massage, a hair cut and sharing some cupcakes with my daughter.  Oh, and I have no plan to answer the phone all day or even look at my blackberry.

I love my birthday - happy birthday to me!!!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Fuke Yah

So one more day of work and I get a four day weekend!!!  After that, seven days of work (broken up conveniently with a weekend) and then 17 days off!!!!!

I am soooo excited. I am really trying to hide it so all my coworkers don't hate me for being so giddy. 

Bad thing about the day off, tonnes to do.  I have a friend coming over for dinner tonight and my parents coming for the weekend and my fridge is bare.  The only fresh fruit or veggies I have in my house is a watermelon, one pear that has seen better days and a quarter cup of snap peas.  Honestly, my house could be filthy and my parents wouldn't care.  Have no food in the fridge and I am accused of child abuse. 

I have a great remedy for this.  I have a list of groceries on the fridge.  If they think I need groceries...  What a great money saving idea.  lol.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. 

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Twas an Angry Weekend

So, one of the questions my masseuse asked me if I am angry at being a single parent.  I am angry at this.  She then asked if I let myself be angry.  I said no.  She said that maybe if I allowed myself to be angry sometimes it would help release some stress.  Wow, I don't think my masseuse had any idea what she was asking me to do.

Coincidentally, my baby daddy came to visit this weekend and lets just say the visit went less than stellar.  There was a lot of yelling, screaming and screaming.  A lot.  I kind of ripped into him for everything that has been bothering me for the last year or so.  It is more than a few issues. 

Not dealing in any of the faults of the baby daddy (I don't thing that is fair as he can't defend himself) I have been struggling with being a single mom.  A huge struggle.  Before my grandmother passed away, my parents used to help me out by taking my child for a week at a time.  This has not happened for six months.  Its been a long six months.  I have asked said baby daddy for some help and he did not step up in the way I thought he should and for that I let him have it.

It was not pretty.  Following me kicking him out of my house we continued with a text war.  Although I am not sure how were are going to find common ground to meet on this time (remember lots of issues).  That being said, I feel a tonne better for letting go of some of my anger.  I said a couple of things this weekend that I have been holding onto for a long time.  The release of it all is wonderful.  The knot in my shoulder has gone away and I feel calmer.  It is wonderful.  How can causing conflict make me feel better?  Weird.

What does everyone do to control their anger.  I am thinking this is something that I need to work on. 

Today

Thanks Heidi for posting this on your facebook.  It gives me inspiration for the day.  I hope my beautiful friend's works can inspire everyone too.

Today I will courageously speak from my heart.
I will say no when I mean no.
I will say yes when I am delighted to do so, therefore never resenting my choice.
I will express my opinions choosing my words wisely, yet holding back nothing.
I am responsible for how I say things and not how others receive what I say, as at times it is human nature to read into what is being said rather than listening and taking what is said at face value and I have no control over another’s interpretations.
By speaking honestly I will be true to myself, which is being true to all others as we are all One.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Starting to Listen to the Universe

Do you ever get the feeling that the universe is trying to tell you something but you are just to stupid to shut up and listen?  In the past two days I have been sucker punched in the face by the message, the universe has not been subtle.

I have had monstrous knots in my neck and shoulder the past couple of weeks.  Pain that makes you cringe and wakes you up at night.  Well since I have health coverage through work and my doctor was nice enough to write a prescription for a massage on my last visit I though it would be stupid not to take advantage of a health care benefit I pay for.  I booked into a masseuse recommended by a friend and got in the same week (apparently not something that happens often because this masseur is so popular). 

So I got to my appointment and was looking at the price increase sign and saw that my masseur was also a life coach.  I had mixed feeling about this but felt, screw it, I am in the appointment now and its not like my neck could get that much worse with a massage.  (I am not sure if I believe in the whole life coach thing but have not looked into it that much to make an educated decision.)  We started the appointment with a q&a session about what was bothering me and my circumstances (diet, stress, etc).  She asked if I was okay with some reiki and pressure point massage, I said I didn't care (and honestly didn't as long as I felt better).  So I stripped down and got on the massage table. 

The massage was amazing.  She talked to me during the massage (not chatty, how is your day talk but asked life questions).  I am still contemplating some of what she said and am not willing to share all right now but I can say it worked.  She was awesome, I cried on the table.  She made the lump of muscle in my shoulder relax and I felt a zillion times better when I left.

She mentioned that I should try a liver cleanse.  I though meh, maybe, maybe not.  Later that same day I went to a fundraiser for my daughters daycare entered a draw for health food store gift certificate thinking that if I won, I would go purchase a liver cleanse.  Guess what?  I won!!!  (And I won like 6 prizes, totally cool.)

Today for lunch, I thought I would splurge and order Vietnamese food with everyone else in my office even though I packed a healthy salad.  Guess what?  They restaurant screwed up the order and while I was at Pilates, my office mates ate my delicious Pad Woon Sen noodles and deep fried spring roles (my plan was to eat it for lunch and supper.)   Instead I ate my super yummy salad which chicken breast and tonnes of vegetables. 

I have a need to make some changes in my life.  Changes for the better.  Changes to make me better.  Time to listen to the universe.  I need to learn that sometimes its better to breath and enjoy than hold your breath and wait for the other shoe to drop.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Hello my name is Moi and I'm a Procrastinator

The past five days have been so off for me.  I totally forgot to weigh in for the final of the competition (congrats to all who made it through and our wonderful winners).  I didn't go to hot yoga (the regular instructor wasn't going to be there and her replacement is a little to new age hippy for me).  I have also been over eating by like 200 calories a day (but I have been diarizing everything I eat without cheating so I guess that counts for something). 

So I was also suppose to start my training for my half marathon this week.  The team I am going to San Francisco with provides us with a training schedule.  Since I don't know anyone in my area yet, I am training on my own.  I have been doing badly. 

Today, I stopped the crap and am heading in the correct direction. 

I went for a run at lunch today.  I was going to just go for a walk but then my ipod was all screwy and wouldn't play any music so I decided to run to make the trip faster.  It was weird running without music or a running mate.  Running without distraction was a different experience but one I think I will try again.  I kind of liked being able to hear the outside noise and other people. I thought I would lose motivation without something to keep me going but quite the opposite was true, I actually think I did better without it.  (although I am not sure as I didn't have my garmin watch with me and no Nike plus either).

Here is hoping my motivation lasts the week. 

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Too Good Not to Share

Fantastic Red Coconut Chicken Curry

1 can coconut milk

2 tbsp brown sugar

½ cup chicken broth

1 tsp red curry paste ( I use a tablespoon) but start with a teaspoon and adjust according to taste

2 tbsp fish sauce

2 cups grape tomatoes ( halved)


1 cup mushrooms

1 zucchini, chopped

1 orange pepper, diced or sliced

3 chicken breasts ( chopped up to bite sized pieces)


2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 4 tbsp water


In saucepan or deep frying pan simmer first 6 ingredients for 8 minutes


Add chicken, peppers, mushrooms and zucchini. Cook for approx 12 minutes or until chicken is cooked


Add cornstarch mixture to pot until sauce thickens


Serve or jasmine rice, basmati rice, or brown rice spaghetti



Nutrition Facts

Serves 6

Serving Size: 1 1/4 cup

Amount per Serving

Calories 274

Total Fat 15.33g

Cholesterol 34.42mg

Sodium 598.7mg

Total Carbohydrate 19.02g

Protein 17.38g







Friday, May 28, 2010

21 Universal Rewards of Exercise

The number one reason that most people are out-of-shape is that they don't exercise enough.

Do yourself a favor and print this list and post it where you'll see it every day. When you need motivation or encouragement simply read over this list and feel your motivation soar.

  1. You'll reset your body: Exercise has been described as a giant reset button. A good workout will block appetite swings, improve your mood and even help you sleep.
  2. Your clothes will fit better: Consistent exercise will tone and tighten your body, causing your clothes to not only fit better but to also look nicer. Also exercise ensures that soon you'll be trading your clothes in for smaller sizes.
  3. You'll be less stressed: You have enough stress in your life - it's time for a break. A good workout invigorates your muscles, leaving you relaxed and less stressed.
  4. You'll have more energy: WebMD tallied research studies and concluded that 90% of them prove exercise increases energy levels in sedentary patients. Next time you feel fatigued, fight it will the most powerful tool available: exercise.
  5. You'll be stronger: Exercise improves muscle strength and endurance, two things that you use throughout each day. When you exercise consistently you'll be pleasantly surprised when difficult tasks begin to seem easy.
  6. You'll be less likely to binge: Exercise has a powerful anti-binge effect on the body. This is due in part by an increase in sensitivity to leptin, a protein hormone, which has an appetite-taming effect.
  7. You'll burn calories: You know that excess body fat is made up of stored and unused calories. Fight back by burning loads of calories with fat-blasting workouts.
  8. You'll be more confident: Who doesn't wish they walked and talked with more confidence? A consistent exercise program will do just that. As your body becomes more fit, watch as your confidence sky-rockets.
  9. You'll have fun: Believe it or not, exercise can be extremely enjoyable. Remember how fun it was to run around as a child? Tap into your inner child as you find a mode of exercise that gets you excited.
  10. You'll reduce your blood pressure: Exercise has been proven more effective than medication in reducing blood pressure to normal levels. A single workout has been shown to reduce blood pressure for the day and regular exercise reduces overall blood pressure in the long run.
  11. You'll lose the jiggles: Regular exercise tightens flabby arms, legs and waistlines. So wave goodbye to the jiggles with a solid exercise program.
  12. You'll increase insulin sensitivity: Researchers at Laval University in Quebec discovered that exercise improved insulin sensitivity dramatically. Peak after-meal insulin levels dropped by more than 20 percent after as little as 3 weeks of consistent exercise.
  13. You'll sleep better: Do you toss and turn for hours before falling asleep? Exercise is a powerful sleep aid. Your tired muscles encourage your body to quickly fall asleep so they can get their overnight repair work done.
  14. You'll lower your risk of heart disease: Regular exercise strengthens your heart and makes it more resilient against disease. A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for heart disease, so rest assured that consistent exercise is your ally against disease.
  15. You'll feel great: Vigorous exercise releases natural endorphins (happy hormones) into your blood stream that dissolve pain and anxiety. You've probably heard of ‘runner's high', this can be achieved by any great workout.
  16. You'll lower your risk of diabetes: Studies show that exercising as little as half an hour each day can dramatically reduce your risk of diabetes. If you are at risk of diabetes, or already have diabetes, regular exercise is the most effective treatment for reversing the disease.
  17. You'll meet cool people: You could benefit from a group of new, energetic friends, right? Gyms, bootcamps, workout centers and even the jogging trail are all great places to connect with fun new friends.
  18. You'll improve your BMI: You know that maintaining a healthy BMI is key in disease prevention. Exercise is the best way to keep your BMI under control.
  19. You'll increase your endurance: Do you ever get out of breath when walking up stairs or through the mall? Regular exercise builds your endurance for everyday activities.
  20. Your doctor will be impressed: How many times has your doctor given you the lecture about losing weight and exercising more? Exercise regularly and get your MD off your back!
  21. You'll look amazing: Are you happy with the shape and size of your body? Regular exercise works wonders on your physique. Within a few weeks you'll see shape and tone in all the right places.What are you waiting for? Lace up your shoes and get moving!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Protein Pancakes

I made these pancakes last weekend. I looked at a bunch of recipes before altering some and finding a great concoction. They were great.
Plus you can doctor them up anyway you like. Next time I think I may add some flax seed. Alternatively you can add banana, pumpkin, etc. I know some will poo-poo my addition of butter but it only adds like 10 calories and makes them taste so good. Almost like regular white flour pancakes.


Protein Pancakes

1 cup oatmeal (not instant or quick cooking)
1 cup cottage cheese (I used 1%)
1 cup egg whites
2 tsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp baking powder

Put all in a blender. Blend until smooth. Cook like regular pancakes.

Makes about 16 - 20 medium pancakes.

Serves 4

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 5 pancakes

Calories 167
Total Fat 3.88g
Sodium 301.57mg
Total Carbohydrate 18.6g
Dietary Fiber 2.93g
Sugars 2.28g
Protein 15.49g

Friday, May 21, 2010

I Run Like a Girl

So this week I have stepped it up a notch and have been running. Three times already this week and I did pilates today. Since my life has been a bit crazy I have been running over my lunch hour and it has been hot (about 86 degrees) so I have come back to work a hot, sweaty mess. Oh well, when you run like a girl, sometimes you have to pack some extra deodorant.

I tried to eat as clean as possible this week, there was a hiccup yesterday but it was a planned hiccup so I took it in stride. I find that if I eat even the smallest thing that is 'not clean' I get these horrible cravings to continue. I find that eating some protein really helps with leveling me out. Having a mix of carbs and protein every time I eat is wonderful for making those sugar and salt craving go away.

Lets hope my winning streak continues into the long weekend!!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

What a Beautiful Day

What a fricken great day!!!

I woke up all by myself (read, not woken up by my child), had time to read a chapter of my book, took a shower and even was able to spend some alone time outside with my morning tea (it was beautiful outside). I had to return a book so I took the opportunity to get a Starbucks americano with two pumps of white mocha (super yummy).

After some grocery shopping I took my wee one home for lunch before shuttling her off to a friends house so I can go to hot yoga. Guess what, as it was one of the first nice Saturdays in a long time, I was the only one at yoga. Yup, I got a private yoga lesson. It was wonderful. I worked by ass off (hard not to be noticed when its only you) and the sweat was pouring off me.

I then went to pick up some lights my dad ordered and got a super deal on a light I had my eye on (like 70% off).

Came back home to make a delicious supper of bbq salmon, baked sweet potato and grilled asparagus.

I watches a friend's child tonight which I was dreading as our children usually fight like crazy but guess what? They played like angels (well not exactly angles but really good).

With the exception of microwave popcorn, four potato chips and a coke zero I did great in my eating tonight. It was easy today. I didn't struggle with not eating bad food. I even spit out food that I mindlessly put in my mouth. I do way too much mindless eating and need to stop.

What a great day. I hope tomorrow is just as good. Love the sunshine and all the blessing that I had today. Very grateful.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

A Wise Man Once Said

Albert Einstein once said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

You would actually laugh at how many times that I hear this at work and the true meaning didn't really hit me till today. I have been home with a sick kid for three days and was creeping on facebook when I came across an old friends recent family photos. She looks awesome. She lost like 75 pounds a year ago and then put some of the weight back on. She has been working hard for about four months now to take it off. I was on the treadmill when it hit me, I could look like that too if I changed how I live my life.

No more little treats, no more missing workouts, no more excuses. This is it, I am determined not to keep doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result. The new thing I am going to do over and over is eat right and exercise and see what the results are. I am guessing I may see different results.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Confession

I did horrible at this months weigh in. I mean horrible. I am exaggerating you are thinking (okay I admit I am a tad dramatic sometimes) but it was bad. So bad in fact that I currently weigh more now than I did in January. Yes that is right, five months and no weight loss. Well that is a bit of a lie, I did lose some weight and put it all back on and more. Eff.

This honestly just makes me want to eat. Umm, I think that is what got me into this situation. It is now time for some self control. Time to put the fork down and pick up the weights. Time to put myself in control of my own destiny, or at least the size of my ass.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

It's Groundhogs Day

Okay, it really isn't Groundhogs Day but my life sometimes feels like the same day over and over again. I do realize that there are some tasks that need to be repeated everyday, i.e. brushing of the teeth, doing dishes etc, but sometimes the daily grind wears on me. (Side thought, maybe using the term 'the daily grind' should be outlawed from my vocabulary.)

One part that is pissing me off about my repetitive life, I keep losing the same 10 pounds over and over again. Seriously! This is getting to the point of ridiculous. I clean up my eating habits, start moving, the weight comes off and then I slip back into old habits. And like Bill Murray, I will continue to repeat my mistakes until I get it right.

Someone please tell me how to stop this cycle of destruction. Okay, I know, I know, just don't slip. Keep on the healthy path. Don't let minor slips turn into full blow outs. Don't think a bit of success means you can 'indulge'. Success means what you are doing is working, keep it up.

Urg!!

I am back on the healthy track after a bad week. I have back my Eat Clean book and am in the process of a re-read. I went to hot yoga today and am going for a long run tomorrow (I don't care if it fricken snowing, I am in my shoes and running tomorrow). I have been pounding back the water and even broke out my vitamins. Tonight, I am going to do my May workout plan (yes for the whole month) and my menu plan for the week. The menu is going to be hard cause I am determined to cut the junk out of my diet so I can lose the junk in my trunk.

I am thinking though of posting more of my recipes and would like to hear from my readers if that is something they want. I have been creating and/or finding some great healthy recipes lately and am willing to share if that is what people want. Let me know.

Off to plan how to kick my own ass this next month. Wow that almost sound like fun. :)

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Funny But True


Monday, April 26, 2010

Just Annoyed

Oh my, I am so annoyed today. Not at anything in particular just at everything. It is really ridiculous. I think its cause of the crappy things I put in my body today. My body is to the point where it reacts negatively to too much sugar and salt. This is good but weird.

Some of the things that annoyed me today:

  1. Yes, my desk is in a common area without walls. This does not give you the right to stand over me while I eat my lunch asking what I am eating. I don't care what you have for lunch, keep walking when you see me eating mine.
  2. When I pay for lunch, please pay me back. At least after the second time I remind you. My $8 lunch last week is costing my $30. This is hardly fair.
  3. Do not stand in front of my desk and have a conversation at ear splitting volumes. I do not walk into your office taking about my last gynecological exam. Please save me the details.
  4. Don't lie on your taxes and then brag about how much you get back. You are stealing and its illegal. I hope you get audited.
  5. When I lend you a book, two months is too long to keep it for. Read it and return it. Or don't read it. Just give me back my damn book.
  6. My child feels the need to stay up till 9:30 pm and then is a snarly bear in the morning.

Whew, that was a bit of a rant. I think its a great night for a good night's sleep and an early morning run. That always makes the day better. Plus I just got a new pair of runners. Not sure about them so it will be a couple of treadmill runs before the final decision is made.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Run Like a Girl

I am done with running... I am now in training mode. What is this crazy lady talking about?

I GOT INTO THE NIKE WOMEN'S MARATHON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On October 17, 2010 I will be running a half marathon in San Francisco. I am kind of scared to run that far but so pumped for the opportunity. WoooHooo

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Becoming Addicted to Yoga

I must confess, I love yoga. I could go to a class every day. I love the time to focus on me without all of the random thoughts that go through my head during a regular workout. I also love the way all the stretching makes me feel. I am not so soar and achy. Bad part, I can't go to class everyday. I am going to three this week!!

Honestly, its almost funny. I would look for a support group but I would rather just go to another class. I should really look at getting some dvd's for home. Anyone know of any good ones?

Sunday, April 11, 2010

I Did It - Well Almost - Now its Time for a Plan

Okay so I signed up for my first half marathon. Now is the wait. There is a random drawing for entry won't be finalized until April 20th. So I guess it will be another 10 days to know for certain. I have decided if I don't make it into the Nike Women's marathon I am going to look for another one. I don't know if I can find one that offers me a Tiffany's necklace at the end but I am looking forward to the reward of completing the run.

I have realized something this week. I lack motivation. I went for a run with a friend and it was funny how much farther I ran with her cause she wouldn't let me stop. She kept pushing me to run a bit farther and a bit harder. I am so glad for my running buddy but unfortunately am going to be unable run with her for most of my workouts. To counteract my laziness, I am going to set up a workout schedule. I have much better motivation when it is planned. Randomness is not a strong point. The general plan is yoga on Tuesdays and Saturdays, pilate's on Friday and run workouts the rest of the days. I am going to work out the details of the run workout tomorrow but I am excited to have a goal to work towards.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Lent is Over

Lent is over, praise the Lord!!! I am now allowed to eat chocolate. I took total advantage of this today, okay, I went a little overboard. To be completely honest, after forty days, it didn't taste as good as I remembered. (Okay the Lindt chocolate did but the regular chocolate wasn't worth it.)

I am seriously contemplating signing up for a half marathon. Not just any marathon, the Nike Women's 2010 marathon in San Fransisco. The one where you get a Tiffany's necklace for finishing. I have some friends who are going into it. Since there are about 20,000 racer and many more than that who want to do the event, there is a random draw to get into the event. Although I have no idea who can watch my child (any volunteers?) I think I am going to do it. Heck, worse comes to worse, I can strap her to my back and make it a real challenge.

Easter was a really weird weekend for me. I went back to my home town to see my baby sister getting married (wonderful) but I had some other emotional stress that didn't make it the happiest weekend. I learnt some things that I necessarily didn't want to know (although I had a sinking suspicion). There was some heated words (really what would be a family get together without some drama right) and some hurt feelings (both mine and someone very close to me). I am not sure what to do about it and have been using my ability to eat chocolate as a coping mechanism. Tomorrow, no more chocolate, instead I am going to be using exercise as a way to work my way through my problems.

I hope everyone accomplished what they wanted to at the weight in and didn't overindulge too much at Easter. If you did, I hope you take advantage of the beautiful weather and get your butt into gear.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Spring Run

Today I went on my first outside run/walk of spring. I would love to say it was totally awesome and I kicked it but I would be a big fat lier if I said that. It was a beautiful day but my run was not my best. I did try hard but I lost some endurance lately. The good thing is that I am not going to give up. I am going to keep going until I get better and kick ass!!! (One side note, every time I thought about blogging about my run, it would give me the motivation to keep running/make me start running again. I may not have ran the whole way but I did my best and that was good enough for me on the first day out.)

To help keep me motivated, I am going to pick up my bran new spanking Ipod tomorrow. I am still undecided on the color (either pink or purple) but tomorrow I am going to the store to buy one. I am super pumped.

Monday, March 29, 2010

So I read this in the newpaper this morning and it goes along with the whole 'addicted to food' theme. It is actaully a bit disturbing but scared me enought not to pour more cream into my coffee today.


Study probes 'addictive' foods


By Sharon Kirkey, Canwest News ServiceMarch 29, 2010

Bacon and cheesecake can alter the brain in ways similar to heroin and cocaine, according to scientists who say they have found the most compelling proof yet that high-fat foods rewire the brain and drive the development of compulsive eating.

When rats raised on regular chow were suddenly given unrestricted access to a high-fat diet, they lost complete control over their eating. Not even mild foot shocks kept them from compulsively feasting on chocolate bars, cream-stuffed cakes, sausage, frosting and other highly palatable human foods. Within 40 days, their body weight had increased 25 per cent.

The rats not only got fat, they also showed addiction-like changes in brain reward circuits -- the same changes that have been reported in humans addicted to drugs. Specifically, the obese rats showed lower levels of a receptor in the brain called the dopamine D2 receptor. The D2 receptor responds to dopamine, the chemical associated with feelings of reward. The brain releases bursts of dopamine when we eat food that tastes good.

The more junk food the rats ate, the more they overloaded the brain's reward circuitries until they essentially crashed. As the pleasure centres in the brain became more and more blase, and less responsive, the rats quickly turned into compulsive overeaters. They were motivated to keep eating to get their fix.

"They're in a state of reward deficit, so that they're now even more motivated to obtain rewarding food, perpetuating this vicious cycle even further," said study co-author Paul Kenny, an associate professor at Scripps Research Institute in Florida.

The lowered D2 receptor levels -- a side effect of overeating high-fat food -- also seemed to drive the animals to develop "habitual" feeding behaviours that made them "less able to shift their dietary preferences," Kenny says.

When the researchers took the high-fat foods away, leaving only the healthy, but boring chow -- what the scientists dubbed the "salad bar option" -- the rodents essentially voluntarily starved themselves. "They liked the junk food so much they would rather starve than shift onto the regular chow," Kenny said.

Even after two weeks of having no junk food, "they still hadn't returned to the level of intake that you see in the control animals for the standard chow. That goes to show just how powerful this food was." When they artificially knocked down the dopamine receptor using a special virus, nothing happened when rats were given regular chow. They didn't become compulsive in any way, Kenny said. "Their brain reward systems looked fine.

"But the second you gave it palatable food, it showed very rapidly these addiction-like changes." Some people may be born with a predisposition to have lower D2 levels. "That may be why they're more likely to gain weight. They're already halfway down that road, if you will," Kenny said.

The findings, published Sunday in an advance online edition of the journal Nature Neuroscience, could have profound implications for the millions of Canadians struggling to control their eating. "What this is telling you is that, if you persist in eating food that you know is bad for you, there is a chance that you will develop a habit, and you will keep on going back to that food unless you make a really strong, conscious effort to stop it," Kenny said.

"It's incumbent upon people to make sure that they're more respectful and aware of what they're eating. Just be aware that there are dangers and risks associated. Enjoy (high-fat) food but make sure it's occasionally and very-well controlled. Don't overindulge repeatedly, because there could be repercussions."

Dr. Valerie Taylor, an assistant professor in psychiatry and behavioural neuroscience at McMaster University in Hamilton, said the study is a validation"that some people are simply more vulnerable to the whole concept of being addicted to food."

"The fact that we're now in this high-temptation environment further serves to exacerbate that."

Taylor said the study provides "very strong evidence supporting what a lot of us who work in the field have seen clinically -- that, for some people, it's more than just simply willpower. There's something else going on."

According to the latest estimates from Statistics Canada, 37 per cent of the adult population age 20 to 69 -- 7.9 million people -- are overweight. Another 24 per cent -- 5.3 million -- are obese.

The new study is part of a growing body of research into the "hedonic mechanisms" contributing to obesity. The preliminary findings captured headlines in October when an abstract presented at a neuroscience meeting in Chicago reported that junk food binge eating is hard to stop. The final report goes further, and explains just what's happening in the brain.


"Many drug addicts know that what they're doing is bad -- they're damaging their health, their finances, their family. But they find it very difficult to stop -- the behaviour is almost beyond their control," Kenny said.


"The same thing happened here: The animals kept on eating, even when there was something in the environment that said something bad was going to happen. They simply ignored it, and they just kept on eating."


Kenny said treatments known to work for drug addictions may be effective for people who overeat junk food.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Mixed Bag - Random thoughts from 6 am

Great News - in approximately 3 weeks I am going to be debt free!!! (with the exception of my mortgage) All of the crap (good and bad) I have bought when I couldn't afford it will actually belong to me 100%. I hate debt. Loath it. I hate paying for things long after they have been brought home and in some cases consumed. I put myself on a budget diet (well more of a lifestyle change) and it hurts and sucks but I am starting to see some money accumulate in my savings account and am about to open a TFSA (tax free savings account) as my emergency fund. Yay me!! (If anyone has any great money saving tips throw them my way, I can always use them.)

Good news - I got my ass out of bed this morning and worked out. It is only good news as after about 20 minutes my energy level died. I limped on to finish my workout. The great thing though, if I keep doing this, it will get easier.

Great news - someone actually commented yesterday on how I was looking slimmer.

Bad news - the scale hasn't moved in what seems like forever. It fluctuates throughout the day but no movement.

Good news - no upward movement on the scale.

Oh well, time to get my day started. Hope yours is a beautiful and productive day too!!!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

What the Hell

This has been a baaaad weekend. Because I am stupid (can't really justify it any other way but plain stupidly) I ate thing I shouldn't in quantities no one should. There is no justification for it. I was just bad.

Monday is tomorrow and I will have my menu plan and exercise schedule set for the week by the end of tonight. I am going to try my hardest to keep to my meticulous plan. I can't keep doing this to myself. I can't.

Off to menu plan. I only have Monday and Tuesday's menu done. And for the record, I am currently trying three new recipes so I am following my promise of doing last week's challenge this week!!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

When will this stop

Honestly, if I don't stop being sick soon I am going to throw myself off a bridge. I have now been sick for 10 days and it sucks. I have not been exercising cause I would much rather be sleeping. I am so congested I have a hard time falling asleep and so when it is time to get up in the morning I am dragging my ass big time. Plus I am almost scared to do anything cardio as it just aggravates my cough, a cough that rattles in my chest and hurts my head.

On the plus side, I have been totally sticking to my meal plan (with the exception of one delectable marshmallow butterscotch square). It has been extremely hard. Temptation is everywhere and life is tough. It does get easier as time goes on. I still crave chocolate every single solitary day and am really hoping that by the time April 4th gets here I don't have this constant need to stuff my face with creamy and delicious chocolate.

Here is hoping that tomorrow is better and I don't feel like a lump of poo that has been run over by a semi-truck. It has to let up soon right?

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Time to Step it up a Notch

I do not believe how out of shape I am. I thought I wasn't doing that bad - and then I went to my Bikini Boot Camp on Friday night. It was worse than I thought. There was probably about 45 ladies who showed up for the fantastic workout and I was in no way the most out of shape but compared to where I was when I actually took BBC, I have slid very far down the scale. I thought I was pushing myself at home doing workout and now I don't think I am.

That is going to change. I am no longer settle with my weak ass workouts. I am going to work it till I hurt. Its so easy when you workout in the privacy of your home so go easy on yourself and after working out with other, I totally realize how easy I went.

Today (yes two whole days later) I am still sore. It is wonderful. Tomorrow is going to be a great day to start start my hard ass workout routine (which really isn't going to be that different than my current routine just a lot harder). I am excited to rock it out! Who else is with me?