Poster:	groovyrooster
Date:	2007-12-21 14:15
Subject:	incline is the answer!
Security:	Public

Yes it has been a long time! But I thought I'd pop in and share some news and maybe also some motivation.

I'm back to the top of the 10 pounds I've been losing and gaining consistently for the past 4 years. And, frankly, I'm tired of it. Time to break through. I feel like I always say that, but I guess this is the first time it actually feels attainable. I know where my weaknesses lie - in food and beer - so I just have to temper those.

Anyways, I was mostly writing to share my workout this morning. I've only recently gotten back on the treadmill to run. And I was so surprised to find how easy it was to get back to running, even after a few months of dormancy. It was nothing like the effort it took to get started running after having never ran at all. So that was very good news - all those months running consistently had really changed my body, even if the pounds never came off.

This morning I set my heart rate cut off higher 161 - because that seems to be where I can run and not wear myself out. I think the recommendation is 155 for me, but ~160 suits me better I find. So I set the heart rate higher and I started out at 3.5 mph - pretty slow. The treadmill I use in the gym downstairs actually increases the incline until you reach your target heart rate. So after my warm up, the incline increases and increases until I hit target and I realized that the amount of calories I was burning was incredible (according to the machine of course). And I didn't really feel any different, so I ran the whole time on the incline and it really helped keep my heart rate stable. Usually I pump up the speed and my heart rate goes through the roof and then it has to keep dropping speed until the rate slows.

While I know you can't really go by stats on those machines, usually after my 30 minute run it says I only burn 150 calories (pretty crappy for 30 minutes of serious running), but using the incline this time, it said I burned 400 calories. So technically the two sets of calorie burn can't be different, because my heart rate stayed constant during both. BUT it does let me know that I've certainly been burning more than 150 calories for a 30 minute run at 80% max heart rate.

But the incline was good - I could handle the changes in incline better than I could handle the changes in speed. SO I'm going to stick with keeping my speed lower to start and let the incline build up.

Also my next big purchase will be a heart rate monitor that calculates calories burned. I find that so motivating. I mean if I'm gonna roll out of bed at 6am every morning, I want to be burning mega calories for my effort. And I think I always have been, but just never got the validation or reminder of it.

Hope you guys are doing well and suiting up for the holidays! My approach is to enjoy everything in moderation, and come January, I'm gonna kick it into high gear and take the running outside (sounds scary!).

Poster:	lilac78trh
Date:	2007-09-25 13:49
Subject:	Using time wisely
Security:	Public

Few things have been going on lately.

1- Lost the Peace Corps--- I was turned down by the medical clearance- a form of arthritis that cannot be treated effectively in a 3rd world country.
2- I also lost a job that I was really perfect for doing culinary demonstrations- ces't la vie.
3- I went to the Dr yesterday-- I have 2 more weeks off from work-- it was supposed to be 4 weeks out of work, but now it is going to end up at 6 weeks. oye vey

So I am going to use my time wisely.
1- Walking 5 miles a day
2- I am still on a budget, so I am not going out to eat everyday.
3- I am in the process of cleaning out my cupboards, now that I have some free time.

Chat soon.
t

Poster:	groovyrooster
Date:	2007-09-24 18:02
Subject:	1 roast chicken = many fun meals!
Security:	Public

So a few months ago, Self had an article about roasting one whole chicken and using the leftovers to make multiple meals. I did the roast chicken, but with chopped fresh garlic, salt, and pepper under the skin (no rosemary - recipe is Rosemary Garlic chicken).

It came out fantastic and I have made two other recipes with the leftovers, probably a third tonight.

First I used the roast chicken to make a curry chicken salad. I just did a typical chicken salad and added some curry powder for a kick. Yummy! Lots of protein - perfect on two pieces of toasted lo cal wheat bread. Or in pitas.

Second, I used the roast chicken to make thai chicken noodles (recipe on self.com). The recipe quickly grew out of control in size when I added all the noodles I bought with an entire bag of slaw mix (cabbage and carrots) and also some bok choy I had leftover from last week. But it was soooo delicious! Going to try to put it back and eat it cold this week. I could probably heat it up without problems.

The third recipe I'm going to try to tonight hopefully (if I can get less full from the thai noodles). It is for chicken artichoke pizza (recipe also on self.com). Looks really awesome and I thought it would be a great dish to share with my mans when he gets off work.

I think my cooking has been in a rut lately, so this whole chicken thing has re-energized it a lot. You could do so many different things with the leftovers and not get bored. Originally I was going to mix the chicken with salsa and serve with refried beans and rice for a mexican kick. Also I thought about making a crock pot soup and adding chicken as the meat.

Thought this might give some ideas!

Poster:	lilac78trh
Date:	2007-09-15 08:43
Subject:	Happy dance!!
Security:	Public

I hit my 30# loss today!!!
So exciting.
I have been walking 5 miles a day right now since I am not working, but I will have a challenge once I have to go back to work. My wrist is doing better... I feel like I can actually start to do stuff again... slowly.
Heading to a health and fitness expo today... should be fun!

Poster:	crimsann
Date:	2007-09-14 08:09
Subject:	Sweet Potatoes
Security:	Public

Seems like we talked about sweet potatoes once before...so when I ran across this recipe, I thought I would pass it along.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Macademia Nuts

               (Click on the photo for a link to the recipe)

Poster:	groovyrooster
Date:	2007-09-13 10:02
Subject:	whats new?
Security:	Public

Hey yall !

Just wanted to update on the latest and greatest.

I'm doing better. My 2.5 mile walk to work and back is still wearing me out every day, though not as badly as before, so I haven't gotten back to running and strength training in the morning yet. I'm focusing on sleeping enough to not get sick again at the moment - seems to be working.

Stepped on the scale expecting the worst - and I saw 175.5 looking back at me. I really thought with all my missteps I would be higher. BUT in my defense, I do usually practice the 90/10 rule even when I'm not trying. So 90% of the time I will eat healthy and the remaining 10% - usually on the weekends - I'll trip myself up usually with beer.

I've been trying a few new products that were on sale or I tried out of curiosity:
-prepackaged egg whites - the ones I bought came in three little cups - and really a cup was a serving. I actually really liked these because they were so low cal, but they can get pricey. I like this much better than eggbeaters. Eggbeaters are okay, but usually have a strange non-real-food taste.
-FULL FAT shredded sharp cheddar cheese - yes FULL FAT. Those have been dirty words on my shopping trips since I started losing weight. BUT when it comes to satiety - 2% or full fat cheese is much more effective. AND since it is shredded, I generally never want to go overboard with it - just a sprinkle and I'm on my way.
-corn tortillas - I think I talked about this before, but what little lifesavers! I can come home and make cheese quesadillas with salsa in a snap with little calorie. If I need something crunchy and don't want go to for chips - I brown wedges inthe oven and have with salsa or homemade guac. Love it! Also I use them to make omelet wraps in the morning.
-turkey bacon - it ain't bad! Especially when you want something like bacon with a breakfast. One slice is less than 50 calories I believe.
-coconut water - not diet in any way - but I find a cold can of this really thirst quenching and a nice little something sweet - I think a can has 130 calories?

Okay yall! More in a bit - hope all is going well!

Poster:	lilac78trh
Date:	2007-09-07 21:28
Subject:	so....
Security:	Public

I have been home for 10 days now --- wrist surgery.. and the stitches came out today...OUCH!! my hand is freakin killing me tonight.

So, ladies I need some advice.

Long story short--- my boss found out about my application to the Peace corp. And since then he has actaully been kind of a dick. Asking me for a timeline to when I would be leaving to "end on a positive note" He is even starting to call me while I am out on medical leave.

My mother has suggested that I call him on Monday and put it out there that he has no business asking me for a resignation. I really don't need this additional stress while I am trying to heal. And the other problem is that for some reason I get intimidated by him and get emotional when talking to him.

What do you guys suggest? Have you ever had these kind of issues?
Good news is that I lost another 2# this week taking me to 27.4 total =)

Poster:	crimsann
Date:	2007-09-05 06:59
Subject:	Not Me!
Security:	Public

 


Not that the above actually represents me over the weekend or anything...I was actually pretty good, but it made me laugh this morning.

Work is still a complete nightmare and I'm scared to even step on a scales these days.  sigh.  

I had hoped to be able to get back to my regular schedule next week, but I'm not sure how that's going to work out either.


The only good news is I finally got the notebook that I ordered so I should at last be able to upload music to my MP3 player.  Sadly I've had it almost a year without being able to really use it since it wasn't mentioned in the ads that the software for it wasn't compatible with Mac.  Go figure.  Should have just bought an ipod and been done with it, but was drawn to the tiny clip on size of the one I got.

Anyway, I can't take much time to write since I still have so freaking much paperwork to get through from the long weekend..but I will catch up better maybe next week.  I'm really counting on it slowing down a bit, but I'm also not holding me breath.  

Oh!  Quick note though, really in a rough spot with my sister.  She is going on one of those liquid diets through a local hospital program, supposed to be "safe" because they monitor your health all along, but I just worry.  I still don't believe that is the most healthy way to lose weight, 6 months of nothing but nutrition shakes?!?!  And if she does stick with it...she thinks she will just switch to WW to maintain, but I just have a feeling that the minute you go back to eating real food again it would be really hard and maybe would just go nuts in your system.  I mean that really is the next thing to starving yourself, and there is a REASON they want you to stay on their $60.00 a week shakes even after you lose the weight.

In a way it's kind of getting me in gear to, partly because selfish as it sounds I don't want her to be half my size all of a sudden...and partly because if it doesn't work out I want to show her that when you stick with it WW does work!  I know she has done so well with it in the past, but when she stopped smoking at the same time it was just too hard and she has given up on it.  I just hate to see her pouring so much money into this...it's like $600.00 all told just to get started and then you are buying the shakes every week too.  Crazy.  

And I just want to shake her because she doesn't have any real health problems, I know she isn't happy at her weight, and I understand wanting to lose it....but these seems extreme to me.

Thoughts?!?!

Poster:	groovyrooster
Date:	2007-08-31 15:24
Subject:	still climbing up the hill
Security:	Public

I've been out all week from work too - with another nasty cold/cough/whatever. I promised myself that this time I would actually rest and get better. It seems like I haven't been good at resting and I keep ending up getting sick. It seems like a snowball effect - you get sick, you miss work and other things, then as soon as you feel sort of better you jump up and start doing stuff again, only to get sick again and go through the same cycle. Time to break out of it.

My weekend will consist of resting and enjoying what looks like very awesome less warm weather.

Kashi is awesome. I do agree. Those little peanut butter chewy granola bars were sent from heaven, and I keep one in my bag at all times for emergencies.

The lack of running and weight lifting the past two months is really showing. I'm dying to get back to the old routine - do my strength training at least three times a week. I think that is key to keeping things in working order. And Self's exercises are nice and I like having the tear out cards to follow from - esp early in the morning when I'm only half awake.

I've been making my own pico de gallo - just cutting up tomatoes, onions, cilantro and squeezing out fresh lime juice over it. Makes a nice addition to taco salad, a good dip for homemade tortilla chips, and great over beans and rice. I'll see how long it lasts in the fridge - I have hopes I can use for up to two weeks.

The past few days I've been relying a lot on Lean Pockets (oh I love thee!) and Progresso Soups. And while yes they are processed and yes they are more expensive than probably making a dish myself. They are very convenient and filling and not so high on calories. I really love those soups. Most of them are 100 calories a serving and I'll do two servings. 200 calories and super filling. Loving it. Especially when sick.

I have high hopes that once I get well and my immune system gets back up (I always thought I used to have the best immune system...), I can lose the extra few pounds that have crept back on pretty easily and get back to the eternal fight to lose more.

Poster:	lilac78trh
Date:	2007-08-31 12:03
Subject:	I heart kashi too!!
Security:	Public

Have you been to their website? Awesome... great recipes.
So I have been home from work for 3 days now...and my wrist still hurts, but not as bad a I thought it would be. I still only have one hand to do things with.

I have already walked 5 miles today and 2.5 miles yesterday. I am working on the job front... I have an interview on Tuesday with a marketing agency. Still haven't heard from the Peace Corp yet....back up plans.

Poster:	crimsann
Date:	2007-08-22 09:31
Subject:	Kashi
Security:	Public

I know I've said it before...but I love all things Kashi!

If you are looking to try something new, might I suggest their frozen dinner?  I've tried the Cilantro Lime Shrimp, the Sweet and Sour Chicken, the Southwestern Chicken...all surprisingly good for frozen dinners.

I have the Chicken Pomodore for lunch today...and I expect good things.

I don't have much time to post....work is still really bad, but I am hoping this weekend will be the last of it for awhile.  I even bought a new workout tee-shirt to kick off next week with, something new to get me "excited" about going back.

I think I will pick up that magazine too...I need all the inspiration I can get right now because the scale is downright scary and I was even looking for "fat" pants last night.  

I will also look for some kind of granola bar for my purse, something for the afternoons would really help like that when I haven't had time for a full lunch.  

As you can see...I'm ready to try everything!  

Keep the idea's comin'

Poster:	groovyrooster
Date:	2007-08-22 09:14
Subject:	back again
Security:	Public

So here's my update. Since returning from Sweden I have been in a fog and made negative progress.

I did step on the scale today for the first time since getting back and realized that I have gained a few pounds - not surprising though. But seeing the number helped jolt me a bit and realize it is time to renovate.

I also did some cooking this weekend - trying to make my meals for the week. I'm not having surgery or anything major, I just know I'll be in late all week and need serious brain food to keep me from buying food that is not healthy. This is the first time since returning from Sweden that I have made up a lot of meals at once - that is progress.

So did want to recommend the latest issue of SELF - I so love that magazine! In this issue they have their 4 week challenges again - but different. You can also do personalized stats online on their website. Also in this issue is a nice eating plan for people with great meal and snack ideas. There is a list of staples for the pantry and stuff - I really appreciate the diversity in each month's issue. I think with Weight Watchers I get bored because there is not enough variety and not a lot of focus on exercise routines.

I'm definitely considering doing the lose 8 pounds in 4 weeks challenge again - it is a great way to jumpstart. But I need to really look at my calendar and see what sort of obstacles are in my way for the next few weeks. I know I'll be out of town a few days here and there and I need to come up with a backup plan for those.

Sometimes I think I do eat too much fat free stuff and therefore although I eat less calories, I also feel less full and I wonder if more satiety would help me? So I bought 2% shredded cheese rather than fat free and I need to rethink my FF milk and FF yogurt - maybe try out the lowfat versions instead.

I've also picked up some granola bars with 140 calories but 5+ grams of fat. And I do have to say - having those on my person help a lot in situations when I would normally go for something naughty. I have one in my bag at all times now. They actually do satisfy me - much more than a bag of chips or whatever.

Anyways - good luck you guys with everything!

Poster:	lilac78trh
Date:	2007-08-18 13:38
Subject:	Today-- Feeling Fab!
Security:	Public

I have had a great day so far....Last night I went out with some friends and had 2 beers, but a lot of good conversation.
This morning I woke up naturally at 8 am, went to a WW meeting, spent $150 at the grocery store(holy crap I know!), came home, put away the groceries, started some chicken in the crock pot, and went for a 2.5 mile walk in 36 minutes. I just read the fall WW magazine and I am going to start cooking.
I am having surgery on my right wrist a week from Tuesday (yes I am right handed), so that is why I bought all that food.... I have to prepare it, cook it, and freeze it for the next 3 weeks...since I will have limited use of my right wrist.

I am a little nervous about it, because it is my right hand, but everyone that I talk to say that my specialist is the very best in RI.... so I have to be confident about that choice.

I am feeling good.... hoping to go country line dancing tonight =)

Poster:	lilac78trh
Date:	2007-08-12 19:58
Subject:	Feeling Gross
Security:	Public
Mood:	exhausted

SO I haven't really journeled in about 2 weeks, and I haven't gained weight, but I feel kinda gross from some of the junk I have been consuming.
I am not over eating really, but not the heathiest options at every meal.
I have been traveling for over 2 weeks now and I have driven about 2000 miles in those two weeks... it is exhausting.
I have to get to the gym this week to feel better, burn some fat, get some energy, and just feel better.... although this is a tough week for scheduling too... I have somehting to do EVERY night after work...oye vey.
Anyway... I am off to bed, yes it is 8 pm..... I hope to sleep off the weekend tonight.
T

Poster:	crimsann
Date:	2007-08-10 13:55
Subject:	That's Nice
Security:	Public
Mood:	fat, apparently

Just got a "nice" little reality check.

I was standing at the check out counter at the library when this woman and her kids came in.  The next thing I know one of them is breathing down my neck, so his mother says "Don't stand so close, you'll trip the lady".

Well, for one thing I know where he got his sense of personal space because she wasn't exactly standing back much herself...but whatever.

Then the next thing I know the kid mutters under his breath, "She's a fat lady."


Now I can hope he was gazing in a different direction instead of straight at my ass...but that's a bit of a pipe dream really.

The thing is, I can't remember anyone ever calling me fat just like that, and even though it was a dumb kid....still!


Nice, huh?!?!



Well, maybe it was just a diet angel in disguise giving me a much needed nudge....you know some creepy little diet angel who carries a pitch fork o' motivation to prod us "fat ladies" with.



All right guys, have a great weekend...while I try to get by on bread and water!  (Just kidding...)

Poster:	crimsann
Date:	2007-08-08 09:45
Subject:
Security:	Public

Hey there...I'm here too, kind of!

The last two weeks have been, as I have described it lately "a cesspool of stress", for me.  Some of my work has been called into question, and at first it looked like there was no way to prove it wasn't my fault.  A week ago we ran across a report that could be run that at least documents the data entry I've done and can be compared to the paperwork I get to prove that I'm not missing line after line after line.

Unfortunately the report shows I'm entering things correctly but has yet to explain why they are still not showing up.

I shouldn't stress too much about all this now that I have some proof...but it's still been excruciatingly tense, and depending on the eventual findings may still result in cutting back some of my job if the data entry isn't getting the job done for whatever reason.  Even if it isn't something I'm doing, they may look at a new way to handle it and then who knows.

So hence the quietness on my part!

The good news is I have not turned to Ben and Jerry for consolation....but running this extra report and poring over it to match up things means I am working longer hours than ever....yes that is still marginally possible but not by much!  I've certainly not had time for the gym, barely have had time to make a cold sandwich so cooking is out of the question....and as ya'll know that makes dieting tricky!

I haven't really gained anything lately, but since I am already at the high end of my normal weight range that isn't anything that pleases me much. 

I have been working all week on a grocery list emphasising natural foods and I plan to stick strictly to it in the hopes that not having anything "fake" to snack on will at least keep that in check.  Last night was the first time I was in snack mode but there wasn't really anything except fresh peaches to snack on so I didn't go overboard!  That was both frustrating, amusing, and it felt good.

Some new things for me....

Applesauce, I've been mixing a really good chunky cinnamon flavored applesauce into a larger container or plain unsweetened stuff to make it less points overall and still get some of that great taste.  On the upside this stuff stays really cold in the fridge so as temps hit the 100's around here it makes a great snack.

Hummus with strips of crisp red pepper, I've been struggling most with getting in veggies since I've had to do more cafeteria eating lately, and their "healthy" foods are almost always served in a butter sauce.  

International Coffees Cappuccino coolers....NOT LOW POINTS really, but a great way to get in two milk servings in the afternoon and a great cool treat.  I've been snagging a bottle of skim milk about 12 oz and making it with that.  It makes it a bit less strong as they are made for a 8 oz serving...but I like it that way.  I sure wish they would come out with a SF version of those stir ins because they are so convenient and the Hazelnut tastes great but I hate using so many points for it.  If you find anything similar in lower points I would love to hear about it.

Other than that, I don't have much to report!

What are you guys eating healthy and to stay cool? 

Poster:	groovyrooster
Date:	2007-08-06 19:52
Subject:	long time...
Security:	Public

Thanks for the prompting - I was totally thinking about how I should post this week with an update.

Things here have been hard and not conducive to doing well on fitness and weight loss. Got back from Sweden, went out a lot to see all my friends, then went on vacation and ate crap and did not exercise, came back from vacation and got really sick with mystery illness and am just now recovering from it.

Even though all this has been hanging over me and I have not felt up to running in the past month, I'm not completely freaking out like I probably would be doing this time last year. Because I've been running for almost a year, and I know I will get back to running.

I miss running. I can feel my body going to mush. Which is funny because when I was running I always thought there was no change. Guess this is showing me!

When I went to doctor I was 176 right before period - so I know I'm not *too* far off my mark. I would seriously love love love to get down to the 160s by Christmas. We will see.

It has been really really hot and humid and nasty here in DC. By the time I walk to work and walk back home at night, I've sweated so much that I have no energy to get up early and run on top of that. So I'm just sort of playing it by ear - plus getting over being sick. I want to be up and running at least twice a week starting next week. We will see.

Good luck with everything yall!

Poster:	lilac78trh
Date:	2007-08-06 17:09
Subject:	hey....
Security:	Public

where are you girls?
echo echo echo....lol

Poster:	lilac78trh
Date:	2007-07-20 20:16
Subject:	Post Vacation Woes
Security:	Public

So I weighed in today...my first WI after vacation.
I was up 5.4#.... but I think at least 2# was from before vacation. Ces't La Vie.

Well the plan is to start fresh tomorrow. I have to work (YUCK!) but I plan to go to the grocery store tomorrow or Sunday to stock up on some fresh foods. I want to eat whole foods for the next week...with a few processed foods as possible. I am so run down, so I am going to plan my workouts for the week too... I need to get back to Spinning.

This is a tough month for workouts as I am working full time, taking a Spanish class M/W, teach cake decorating on Thursdays, and I have to work the next two weekends.

oh well... enough complaining GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND DO IT! =)

Poster:	lilac78trh
Date:	2007-07-19 13:58
Subject:	Medical clearance
Security:	Public

Sending in my medical screening papers today!!!
Send me good luck vibes for a speedy acceptance!
So nervous and excited!!!