So I went to a party last night where there was A LOT OF FOOD. Some of it was quite healthy. For example, vegetables, whole grain crackers, cheese, some kind of cous cous / pesto / chick pea / garlic deliciousness... but once I had some drinks in me, I slowly migrated towards my old favorite: chocolate chip cookies. Oh how I love them. How did I rationalize this obviously bad choice? Cheat night? More like cheat week. Sigh.
I have to say that my dear friend Melissa provided many options that were fine for me to enjoy and trust me I did load up my plate with peppers, cheeses and crackers and that fancy chick pea dip, but I was feeling dangerous, I guess, and allowed myself to feel free and have a cookie... or two... or three...oh well. I weighed myself today and it didn't cause a massive problem, so I am okay with my choices, I am just scared to log my food to see just how many calories I ate.
Oh, did I mention that I also snuck some potato chips, too? Also another old favorite of mine. It is so hard to resist them, so I had probably a handful over the course of the night. They were so good, but I will certainly regret it in a few moments when I log my food. Notice I blog first, log later. Sneaky? Perhaps.. I like to think of it as the calm before the storm.
I suppose my point is to let you all know that I do know how to enjoy myself every now and then, BUT in moderation. That is the key. I find if I allow myself to stand by that table covered in food, then I pick at it. On the other hand, if I make a plate for myself and go sit down, I am less likely to gorge myself and feel sick to my tummy. So I encourage you to do the same tomorrow and the next day and I suppose also on New Years. I feel that if you make yourself a plate and actually SEE what you are eating, you will be less likely to over eat appetizers and have a nice balance of booze and food.
I would like to ask that you keep my hips, thighs and tummy in your thoughts and prayers over the next few days. They are still crying for the gym and are starting to really wonder who I am anymore. I can feel it. So, while you are at church wondering when this lady will finish her damn children's story (oh wait, that's just us in vineland), throw in some kind thoughts for me, I beg of you!
I wish all of you happy and HEALTHY Merry Christmas!!!!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Conquering the Holidays
I have been really bad about blogging for my loyal readers and for that I apologize. Things have gotten SUPER busy lately. Between work and wedding planning, oh and a blizzard, I feel like my head is spinning. I am currently blogging to you from good ol' south jersey. It feels really good to be home and with some of my closest family and friends. The only trick has been attempting (and failing) to burn calories as well as attempting to stick to my food intake goals.
So far I feel like a frigging lump on a log. I haven't seen a treadmill since last Wednesday (12/16). Why you ask? Well, I had to pack my bags for my trip the following Thursday, got to new jersey Friday, went to a wedding Saturday that happened to be during a blizzard and then got trapped in Vineland (happily, I might add with two of my favorite people Brian and Jaime)... so point is, there has been zero time for me to focus on working out at all. No matter how many times people tell me I look great, I can't help but feel disgusting. I believe it is official that I am addicted to the gym. I miss it like a fat kid misses cake at fat camp. But I digress.
I have had some wonderful comments since being home. People tell me how nice I look, but can I be honest? It is still really hard to look at myself and see what they see. I still have this mental thing about who I once was and it causes this blushing moment whenever someone tells me how nice I look. Don't get me wrong, keep the compliments coming because it will only motivate me more, but half the time I just can't wrap my mind around this woman I am becoming... and I think I like her.
The most interesting part about not having seen some of these people in MONTHS is saying out loud how much weight I have lost. Are you ready? Since January I have lost a total of 33 pounds. Un-freakin-believable for me. Some are concerned it's too much, but they are the ones who I feel don't read this blog or understand that I am going about this a completely healthy way. But don't worry, I go into great detail with those folks about my program with body bugg and what I am doing and they quickly change their tunes. So if you are wondering what my end goal is here, I have set a new goal of 120 pounds by February and then I would like to maintain that for the duration of my life unless I get preggars. I met my original goal of 133 pounds last week and almost passed out cold due to shock and disbelief. Some may find me going on and on about this conceited, but for me its a bit of therapy and it helps me realize that what is happening is for real.
I just really have this overhanging fear of gaining tons of weight while I am here due to not being able to work out as much as I'd like. And you can tell me it's nonsense and to give myself a break, but for me relapsing on being over weight is truly a real fear and something that terrifies the crap out of me. So I think tomorrow I am going to steal my mother's work out tapes and see what magic I can make happen in her living room, if any. Try not to stair at the goofy girl through the windows. Hopefully next time I post, you will not hear me sobbing about all the weight I gained back over the holidays because I am truly determined to beat the odds. So Christmas eve and Christmas day gorge meals HERE COMES THE BRIDE. You will not own me, I will own you. So, neener neener neener.
So far I feel like a frigging lump on a log. I haven't seen a treadmill since last Wednesday (12/16). Why you ask? Well, I had to pack my bags for my trip the following Thursday, got to new jersey Friday, went to a wedding Saturday that happened to be during a blizzard and then got trapped in Vineland (happily, I might add with two of my favorite people Brian and Jaime)... so point is, there has been zero time for me to focus on working out at all. No matter how many times people tell me I look great, I can't help but feel disgusting. I believe it is official that I am addicted to the gym. I miss it like a fat kid misses cake at fat camp. But I digress.
I have had some wonderful comments since being home. People tell me how nice I look, but can I be honest? It is still really hard to look at myself and see what they see. I still have this mental thing about who I once was and it causes this blushing moment whenever someone tells me how nice I look. Don't get me wrong, keep the compliments coming because it will only motivate me more, but half the time I just can't wrap my mind around this woman I am becoming... and I think I like her.
The most interesting part about not having seen some of these people in MONTHS is saying out loud how much weight I have lost. Are you ready? Since January I have lost a total of 33 pounds. Un-freakin-believable for me. Some are concerned it's too much, but they are the ones who I feel don't read this blog or understand that I am going about this a completely healthy way. But don't worry, I go into great detail with those folks about my program with body bugg and what I am doing and they quickly change their tunes. So if you are wondering what my end goal is here, I have set a new goal of 120 pounds by February and then I would like to maintain that for the duration of my life unless I get preggars. I met my original goal of 133 pounds last week and almost passed out cold due to shock and disbelief. Some may find me going on and on about this conceited, but for me its a bit of therapy and it helps me realize that what is happening is for real.
I just really have this overhanging fear of gaining tons of weight while I am here due to not being able to work out as much as I'd like. And you can tell me it's nonsense and to give myself a break, but for me relapsing on being over weight is truly a real fear and something that terrifies the crap out of me. So I think tomorrow I am going to steal my mother's work out tapes and see what magic I can make happen in her living room, if any. Try not to stair at the goofy girl through the windows. Hopefully next time I post, you will not hear me sobbing about all the weight I gained back over the holidays because I am truly determined to beat the odds. So Christmas eve and Christmas day gorge meals HERE COMES THE BRIDE. You will not own me, I will own you. So, neener neener neener.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Thanksgiving Trickster
I am willing to openly admit that I am a complete control freak. And since I am now trying to control exactly what I put into my body, I decided the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving would be to host it myself. That way I could make the food, and make sure that it was healthy. The only catch would be not telling any of the people I was inviting that they would be attending a healthy Thanksgiving. Yes, I know, this could blow up in my face, but read on friends.
First things first, we decided to do the turkey in a bag and also my dear friend Ali made another turkey for our 22 something guests by roasting it. So both turkeys were pretty much made in a healthy fashion. What's that you say? You want to know if I stuffed my turkey? Well, no, I did not. Instead I resorted to a recipe provided to me by another healthy eating friend, Kelli and did not put it in the bird at all. The recipe called for 7 slices of white bread an 7 slices of wheat bread, cubed. I decided to go all whole wheat because I didn't feel like buying two loaves of bread. Call me cheap, call me lazy, I call me health conscious. The recipe also called for lean turkey sausage, so I picked up a pound of Jenny-O's sweet Italian sausage which is super yummy and good for you too. And lastly the recipe called for mushrooms, celery and onions diced. I HATE mushrooms, so I replaced them with zucchini per the recipes suggestion. Also there are some additional spices involved. Lastly you throw all that together with some fat free chicken broth and bam, you've got yourself some delicious stuffing after you bake it for 45 minutes or so. And I do believe my guests enjoyed it and had no idea that it was whole wheat bread crumbs they were munching on.
Growing up, you may or may not be shocked to hear this, Thanksgiving was my least favorite holiday of all. Why? Because I hated food. Mostly anything that looked healthy or if it was something normal people liked, I hated it. SO turkey, salad, french beans, and anything else my aunt put on the table, I would poo poo it and not eat it. Instead, I would load my plate with a roll and butter (or two), mac n cheese, and mashed potatoes with OUT gravy. I hated gravy too. I was such a joy as a child. God forbid any of those things touched each other on the plate too. Anyway, if you know me, you know I can't have a big family meal with out mac n cheese. It's just not right. So, I decided to provide my guests with whole wheat shells mixed together with 2% cheeses, yogurt butter and 1% milk. I must say getting the milk to thicken was quite a pain, but once it was all done, we had a very tasty dish that yet again, the guests had no idea was better for them than the usual clog your arteries mac n cheese your grandma used to make. Well, at least my mom-mom anne did. And MAN was it good!
Of course for Thanksgiving you have to have your starches, am I right? Thanks to my biggest loser cook book, I was able to make Garlic and Chive Sweet Mashed Potatoes by taking the recipe in the book and multiplying it by 4. It's so easy and delicious, I want all of you to try it!! You take 2 lbs of sweet potatoes and boil those suckers up. My most favorite store, TJ's, as you know, sells them pre cut and peeled for the lazies like me. No excuses, friends. Whilst the sweet tots are boiling, go ahead and roast yourself some garlic by taking a full head of garlic, slicing off the top and pour a teaspoon of olive oil on that and then rap it in foil, throw it in the oven on 450 for 45 minutes. When the garlic is done, let it cool for a bit, then proceed to squeeze the oiled up cloves out of their shells (it's kind of neat how they almost fall out) and then mash them up into a paste. Next throw your garlic into the softened potatoes (which you have now drained of water), add your warmed fat free sour cream (3 table spoons) and your warmed 1% milk (1 tablespoon)and also your chopped up chives (really as many as you can stand, but recipe calls for about 3 tablespoons) and mix that all up with a hand blender. Wah-lah! You have delicious sweet mashed potatoes that are only 149 calories per serving. And no one you serve them to will be the wiser if you throw some extra salt on there. Trust me.
My most exciting Thanksgiving adventure was the homemade soup that I made with my mom. Did I mention that my mom helped me with all of this? I can't take credit for it all, I really couldn't have survived T-giving with out her. And Jimmy too, he was a really great kitchen assistant and I kept calling my mom my Sue-chef. Get it? Her name is Sue. I know, I'm super clever. Anyway, soup... So, I made some Butternut Squash and Granny Smith Apple Soup. Sounds intimidating, but it's really not that bad. I won't go into all the details like I did with the sweet tots, but if you are interested, let me know and I will shoot the recipe your way. However, I'd like to mention again that it came out really tasty for being my first stab at it and I don't think the guests were lying (I hope)when they said they loved it. This soup is only 135 calories per serving. Love that.
I also made some salad for everyone that consisted of spring mix, baby spinach, arugula, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, walnuts (not candied) and some low cal raspberry vinaigrette. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it which made me very happy. Also I decided to not make the traditional bean casserole and instead made French Beans and Sliced Raw Almonds that were sauteed with garlic, onions and some light soy sauce per a suggest from my future sister in law LouAnn. It was so delicious. I had never thought to throw the soy sauce on there, but it gave it just the right extra kick it needed.
Overall I think the day was a huge success. I had many people bring other side dishes, but was glad to know that they things I had provided I could eat and not worry about what it would do to my waste line later. There would be no buttons flying across the table and taking any ones eyes out this year. Not that this has ever occurred before, but it's just a nightmare I picture in my head from over eating. I am a nut! I hope that if you weren't able to do a healthy thanksgiving this year, that next year you can use this blog to make a healthy one for yourself! It is not that difficult, I promise you that and you will feel so proud of yourself once its all said and done. Also, if you are trying to maintain a slim figure for the rest of the holiday season, you might try doing any of these recipes for your holiday dinners! I know I am going to try too! Just don't tell anyone before they eat it!! That's the secret!!
First things first, we decided to do the turkey in a bag and also my dear friend Ali made another turkey for our 22 something guests by roasting it. So both turkeys were pretty much made in a healthy fashion. What's that you say? You want to know if I stuffed my turkey? Well, no, I did not. Instead I resorted to a recipe provided to me by another healthy eating friend, Kelli and did not put it in the bird at all. The recipe called for 7 slices of white bread an 7 slices of wheat bread, cubed. I decided to go all whole wheat because I didn't feel like buying two loaves of bread. Call me cheap, call me lazy, I call me health conscious. The recipe also called for lean turkey sausage, so I picked up a pound of Jenny-O's sweet Italian sausage which is super yummy and good for you too. And lastly the recipe called for mushrooms, celery and onions diced. I HATE mushrooms, so I replaced them with zucchini per the recipes suggestion. Also there are some additional spices involved. Lastly you throw all that together with some fat free chicken broth and bam, you've got yourself some delicious stuffing after you bake it for 45 minutes or so. And I do believe my guests enjoyed it and had no idea that it was whole wheat bread crumbs they were munching on.
Growing up, you may or may not be shocked to hear this, Thanksgiving was my least favorite holiday of all. Why? Because I hated food. Mostly anything that looked healthy or if it was something normal people liked, I hated it. SO turkey, salad, french beans, and anything else my aunt put on the table, I would poo poo it and not eat it. Instead, I would load my plate with a roll and butter (or two), mac n cheese, and mashed potatoes with OUT gravy. I hated gravy too. I was such a joy as a child. God forbid any of those things touched each other on the plate too. Anyway, if you know me, you know I can't have a big family meal with out mac n cheese. It's just not right. So, I decided to provide my guests with whole wheat shells mixed together with 2% cheeses, yogurt butter and 1% milk. I must say getting the milk to thicken was quite a pain, but once it was all done, we had a very tasty dish that yet again, the guests had no idea was better for them than the usual clog your arteries mac n cheese your grandma used to make. Well, at least my mom-mom anne did. And MAN was it good!
Of course for Thanksgiving you have to have your starches, am I right? Thanks to my biggest loser cook book, I was able to make Garlic and Chive Sweet Mashed Potatoes by taking the recipe in the book and multiplying it by 4. It's so easy and delicious, I want all of you to try it!! You take 2 lbs of sweet potatoes and boil those suckers up. My most favorite store, TJ's, as you know, sells them pre cut and peeled for the lazies like me. No excuses, friends. Whilst the sweet tots are boiling, go ahead and roast yourself some garlic by taking a full head of garlic, slicing off the top and pour a teaspoon of olive oil on that and then rap it in foil, throw it in the oven on 450 for 45 minutes. When the garlic is done, let it cool for a bit, then proceed to squeeze the oiled up cloves out of their shells (it's kind of neat how they almost fall out) and then mash them up into a paste. Next throw your garlic into the softened potatoes (which you have now drained of water), add your warmed fat free sour cream (3 table spoons) and your warmed 1% milk (1 tablespoon)and also your chopped up chives (really as many as you can stand, but recipe calls for about 3 tablespoons) and mix that all up with a hand blender. Wah-lah! You have delicious sweet mashed potatoes that are only 149 calories per serving. And no one you serve them to will be the wiser if you throw some extra salt on there. Trust me.
My most exciting Thanksgiving adventure was the homemade soup that I made with my mom. Did I mention that my mom helped me with all of this? I can't take credit for it all, I really couldn't have survived T-giving with out her. And Jimmy too, he was a really great kitchen assistant and I kept calling my mom my Sue-chef. Get it? Her name is Sue. I know, I'm super clever. Anyway, soup... So, I made some Butternut Squash and Granny Smith Apple Soup. Sounds intimidating, but it's really not that bad. I won't go into all the details like I did with the sweet tots, but if you are interested, let me know and I will shoot the recipe your way. However, I'd like to mention again that it came out really tasty for being my first stab at it and I don't think the guests were lying (I hope)when they said they loved it. This soup is only 135 calories per serving. Love that.
I also made some salad for everyone that consisted of spring mix, baby spinach, arugula, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, walnuts (not candied) and some low cal raspberry vinaigrette. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it which made me very happy. Also I decided to not make the traditional bean casserole and instead made French Beans and Sliced Raw Almonds that were sauteed with garlic, onions and some light soy sauce per a suggest from my future sister in law LouAnn. It was so delicious. I had never thought to throw the soy sauce on there, but it gave it just the right extra kick it needed.
Overall I think the day was a huge success. I had many people bring other side dishes, but was glad to know that they things I had provided I could eat and not worry about what it would do to my waste line later. There would be no buttons flying across the table and taking any ones eyes out this year. Not that this has ever occurred before, but it's just a nightmare I picture in my head from over eating. I am a nut! I hope that if you weren't able to do a healthy thanksgiving this year, that next year you can use this blog to make a healthy one for yourself! It is not that difficult, I promise you that and you will feel so proud of yourself once its all said and done. Also, if you are trying to maintain a slim figure for the rest of the holiday season, you might try doing any of these recipes for your holiday dinners! I know I am going to try too! Just don't tell anyone before they eat it!! That's the secret!!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
What are YOU munching on?
Dearest people who read my blog, I feel so sad that it has taken me so long to write another blog. Work has been so busy and getting ready for the wedding has also started to pick up pace. Only 5 months to go til the big day!! Yikes!! I couldn't be more excited!
Since I've started blogging about my weight loss, many people, even those who don't read this, have asked me what I am eating to lose weight and also what I do at the gym to work out. There really isn't much of a science to what I do, and I truly believe anyone can do it if I can, so I am going to share with you a few of the main meals and snacks I munch on and if you'd like to steal my ideas, please, by all means, do so!
So what does Dani eat for breakfast? It depends on if it is a weekday or a weekend really. I am super lazy so asking me to make something like eggs on a weekday is simply out of the question. Monday through Friday I generally stick to eating 55 grams of Trader Joe's Maple and Brown Sugar Shredded Wheat. That is what their serving size is and it is enough to fill me up until snack time. Also, it is very tasty for those of us with a slight sweet tooth in the morning. A more recent habit I have developed is drinking coffee in the morning. It is only 7 calories for about 8-10 ounces with 1% milk, and I know its a not so great habit to develop, but what do you want from me? I don't smoke cigarettes any more, so this helps me get going in the morning sometimes like the cigarettes used to. Now on the weekends, I have some more time, so I will sometimes toast up either whole wheat bread from traders or one of their whole wheat English muffins and slather the serving size of fat free cream cheese on it along with some jelly for flavor. That will run you about 200 calories or more depending on how much you put on of the toppings. If I am feeling really adventurous in the morning I have been known to make a delicious breakfast that consists of eggs scrambled with peppers, onions, cheddar cheese and topped off with ketchup. Yes, ketchup. You may not like it on your eggs, but this kid does. It's the Jersey in me I guess.
For some pre-lunch snacks, I usually munch on things like bananas or apples on work days. Also I have tried the Trader Joe's Organic Yogurts, which are very tasty and all are under 200 calories a pop. Another yogurt that I have tried and liked for snack time is Danon's 60 Calorie yogurts and they also have tons of yummy flavors. If you like carbs like I do, some other snacks that I like are Trader Joe's Light Kettle Corn. They sell it personal size bags, which i LOVE, and its only 100 calories.
I have a pretty generic lunch that I have been eating for most of my "get heathly" slash "life change" phase. It consists of about 2-3 ounces of baby spinach and then some kind of other vegetable mixed with it. Usually carrots or cucumber and I try to have about 1 ounce of those in the salad. I also measure out my salad dressing to the serving size and put it in a little zip loc baggie which makes it easy to poke a hole in it later and put it on the salad. Two of my favorite salad dressings are Trader Joe's Goddess Dressing and also Trader Joe's Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette. They are both SOO tasty. In addition to the salad, which can be 100-200 calories, depending on which dressing I use, I try to have a little sweet thing with it like a Quaker 90 calorie chewy bar. Those are so yum.
For my pre-gym slash before dinner snack, I usually again will have an apple or a banana. If it is a weekend, I am very likely to go for the whole wheat pita and hummus. Trader Joe's has these great mini whole wheat pitas that are about 60 calories for two of them and they are perfect for a little snack. Also I love Trader's Spicy Hummus as well as their Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus. It's all so delicious. Have I mentioned how obsessed I am with Trader Joe's? Another snack that I will make is a whole wheat English muffin topped with Trader Joe's pizza sauce, 2% cheese, garlic powder, and some Parmesan cheese. The snack all together is 350 calories if you follow all serving sizes and it is DELISH!
Dinner usually varies depending on who is cooking... but some of my favorites have been making grilled chicken (about 4 ounces) with broccoli sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, also lean steak of any kind with mashed cauliflower (tasted JUST like potatoes). Jim and I both love pasta, so we do make whole wheat pasta with some lean ground turkey mixed in every now and again and I just love that as long as its loaded with garlic. I am a garlicholic.
Lots of people don't eat late night snacks, but I feel late night snacking is where I really shine. I can get really creative late at night and usually its when I am most hungry of all. One time I made 1% milk mixed up with some Midnight Moo (Trader Joe's version of chocolate syrup -- its fat free!) and I topped that off with some whipped cream and that will keep you at about 200 calories for a delicious treat. I have also made some tasty late night quesadillas which consist of Trader Joe's whole wheat tortilla, 2% cheeses, serving size of bbq sauce, and 2 ounces of chicken. You just throw that together and put it on the skillet and it is sooo yummy. Also, the most recent late night treat Jim and I have found are Jell-O's mousse treats. We have tried the Caramel Creme and it is to die for if you like caramel flavor.
Well, I hope that gives you a pretty good idea of what I have been eating lately. If you have any questions for me feel free to ask me. If you are wondering if I've had any alcohol lately, the answer is yes, but only on the weekends and only have had vodka tonics with lime and light beer so far. I think I may have my first mid week drink this week for Thanksgiving, but it's a holiday, so we'll allow it, right? Also I would like to update you all on my weight loss, not to brag, but to inspire you. So far this year I have lost 27 pounds. I started this year a depressed 163 pounds and this morning weighed in at 136 and couldn't be happier. I hope to reach my goal weight of 125 by the wedding so keep thinking good thoughts for me and I'll keep sending good vibes your way too!! But seriously guys, it is truly amazing what I have done for myself. All it took was a little push from some friends and family along with some self dedication and I was able to do this. Which means, and yes I will say it over and over again, if I can do it YOU CAN TOO.
Hope all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving 2009!!!
Since I've started blogging about my weight loss, many people, even those who don't read this, have asked me what I am eating to lose weight and also what I do at the gym to work out. There really isn't much of a science to what I do, and I truly believe anyone can do it if I can, so I am going to share with you a few of the main meals and snacks I munch on and if you'd like to steal my ideas, please, by all means, do so!
So what does Dani eat for breakfast? It depends on if it is a weekday or a weekend really. I am super lazy so asking me to make something like eggs on a weekday is simply out of the question. Monday through Friday I generally stick to eating 55 grams of Trader Joe's Maple and Brown Sugar Shredded Wheat. That is what their serving size is and it is enough to fill me up until snack time. Also, it is very tasty for those of us with a slight sweet tooth in the morning. A more recent habit I have developed is drinking coffee in the morning. It is only 7 calories for about 8-10 ounces with 1% milk, and I know its a not so great habit to develop, but what do you want from me? I don't smoke cigarettes any more, so this helps me get going in the morning sometimes like the cigarettes used to. Now on the weekends, I have some more time, so I will sometimes toast up either whole wheat bread from traders or one of their whole wheat English muffins and slather the serving size of fat free cream cheese on it along with some jelly for flavor. That will run you about 200 calories or more depending on how much you put on of the toppings. If I am feeling really adventurous in the morning I have been known to make a delicious breakfast that consists of eggs scrambled with peppers, onions, cheddar cheese and topped off with ketchup. Yes, ketchup. You may not like it on your eggs, but this kid does. It's the Jersey in me I guess.
For some pre-lunch snacks, I usually munch on things like bananas or apples on work days. Also I have tried the Trader Joe's Organic Yogurts, which are very tasty and all are under 200 calories a pop. Another yogurt that I have tried and liked for snack time is Danon's 60 Calorie yogurts and they also have tons of yummy flavors. If you like carbs like I do, some other snacks that I like are Trader Joe's Light Kettle Corn. They sell it personal size bags, which i LOVE, and its only 100 calories.
I have a pretty generic lunch that I have been eating for most of my "get heathly" slash "life change" phase. It consists of about 2-3 ounces of baby spinach and then some kind of other vegetable mixed with it. Usually carrots or cucumber and I try to have about 1 ounce of those in the salad. I also measure out my salad dressing to the serving size and put it in a little zip loc baggie which makes it easy to poke a hole in it later and put it on the salad. Two of my favorite salad dressings are Trader Joe's Goddess Dressing and also Trader Joe's Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette. They are both SOO tasty. In addition to the salad, which can be 100-200 calories, depending on which dressing I use, I try to have a little sweet thing with it like a Quaker 90 calorie chewy bar. Those are so yum.
For my pre-gym slash before dinner snack, I usually again will have an apple or a banana. If it is a weekend, I am very likely to go for the whole wheat pita and hummus. Trader Joe's has these great mini whole wheat pitas that are about 60 calories for two of them and they are perfect for a little snack. Also I love Trader's Spicy Hummus as well as their Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus. It's all so delicious. Have I mentioned how obsessed I am with Trader Joe's? Another snack that I will make is a whole wheat English muffin topped with Trader Joe's pizza sauce, 2% cheese, garlic powder, and some Parmesan cheese. The snack all together is 350 calories if you follow all serving sizes and it is DELISH!
Dinner usually varies depending on who is cooking... but some of my favorites have been making grilled chicken (about 4 ounces) with broccoli sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, also lean steak of any kind with mashed cauliflower (tasted JUST like potatoes). Jim and I both love pasta, so we do make whole wheat pasta with some lean ground turkey mixed in every now and again and I just love that as long as its loaded with garlic. I am a garlicholic.
Lots of people don't eat late night snacks, but I feel late night snacking is where I really shine. I can get really creative late at night and usually its when I am most hungry of all. One time I made 1% milk mixed up with some Midnight Moo (Trader Joe's version of chocolate syrup -- its fat free!) and I topped that off with some whipped cream and that will keep you at about 200 calories for a delicious treat. I have also made some tasty late night quesadillas which consist of Trader Joe's whole wheat tortilla, 2% cheeses, serving size of bbq sauce, and 2 ounces of chicken. You just throw that together and put it on the skillet and it is sooo yummy. Also, the most recent late night treat Jim and I have found are Jell-O's mousse treats. We have tried the Caramel Creme and it is to die for if you like caramel flavor.
Well, I hope that gives you a pretty good idea of what I have been eating lately. If you have any questions for me feel free to ask me. If you are wondering if I've had any alcohol lately, the answer is yes, but only on the weekends and only have had vodka tonics with lime and light beer so far. I think I may have my first mid week drink this week for Thanksgiving, but it's a holiday, so we'll allow it, right? Also I would like to update you all on my weight loss, not to brag, but to inspire you. So far this year I have lost 27 pounds. I started this year a depressed 163 pounds and this morning weighed in at 136 and couldn't be happier. I hope to reach my goal weight of 125 by the wedding so keep thinking good thoughts for me and I'll keep sending good vibes your way too!! But seriously guys, it is truly amazing what I have done for myself. All it took was a little push from some friends and family along with some self dedication and I was able to do this. Which means, and yes I will say it over and over again, if I can do it YOU CAN TOO.
Hope all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving 2009!!!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater
As many of you know I am doing everything I can to eat healthy all the time. Well for Halloween instead gorging myself on the candy I bought for trick or treaters, I decided to handle things differently this year. We didn't buy any candy for the small children that never showed up to start. The evening went something like this:
Jimmy and I were hanging out on the couch per usual and he could tell something was wrong with me so he asked "what's wrong with you babe". I replied that it was so depressing to not have any treats on Halloween. That I felt very much like a big uncelebratory non candy eating loser. He asked me over the next few hours "well what can we do to fix it". I, of course, mulled over my decision, contemplating all the terrible things I wanted. My inner fat girl immediately went into full swing. She came up with some amazing ideas like cookies and cake and brownies. Mmmm. However new Dani kept interjecting and ruining things so I just couldn't decide.
So, we decided that we would just go food shopping and see what we found to fulfill my inner fat chicks desires. We went to Trader Joe's first. We got all our normal stuff but nothing there screamed out to me to have it as my treat. We left TJs and moved on to Ralph's.
We went immediately to the Ben and Jerry's section of Ralph's. Very dangerous terrain for my inner fat girl. I stared at the glorious labels on the small cartons of creamy goodness. Guilt set in, so I reached for the chocolate chip cookie dough light. I felt sad that it wasn't really a treat if it was light. I don't know which of us thought it first, but almost as if drawn by scent, we found ourselves in the candy aisle next.
What to pick? What will look best on my thighs after I devour it?? We settled on two boxes of Reese's pieces. One for me and one for him. Jim turned the corner but something else had caught his eye. He had found a bar that we had never seen or eaten before. It was much like a Hershey bar except in each square was Reese's peanut butter. I stared up at my tall fiance and said "we must have it" and without a 2nd thought grabbed it and ran for the register.
We went home and I measured out a serving size of the Reese's pieces. Pretty disappointing to see how little it was but in fairness one serving was 200 calories and I had ice cream and a candy bar to taste too. After that I went for the ice cream. I ate what my eye thought was 1/4 cup, the serving size. I have to admit I was beginning to feel pretty gross about eating all this crap, but just did not care. And of course we saved what we thought would be the best for last. We opened up the Reese's bar and I have to say it was quite anti-climatic. Not enough sugary peanut butter in a square. I had two squares, which was half the serving size for another whopping 100 calories. So in total I think I ate 500 calories, including the ice cream, of deliciousness. Mission accomplished. I was no longer a loser who did not celebrate Halloween and I felt like I had a really successful cheat day.
About an hour after feeling super satisfied with what I was able to consume, I felt sick to my stomach. Cheat day is not all that its cracked up to be after all. I do highly recommend them, because you really can't starve yourself of the good stuff all the time. That's just not fair. But I will admit that it may make your tummy feel upset if you eat lots of candy and ice cream like Jim and I did. Also it may cause you to force your fiance to throw your ice cream away the following day because you are not sure if you can control your urge to eat it again. I may or may not have done that. And my fiance may or may not have poured liquid dish soap on the ice cream before putting it in the trash should I decide to rescue it. We are still reviewing the tapes, so I'll have to get back to you about that. Ahh yes, these are the stories we will some day tell our children.
Jimmy and I were hanging out on the couch per usual and he could tell something was wrong with me so he asked "what's wrong with you babe". I replied that it was so depressing to not have any treats on Halloween. That I felt very much like a big uncelebratory non candy eating loser. He asked me over the next few hours "well what can we do to fix it". I, of course, mulled over my decision, contemplating all the terrible things I wanted. My inner fat girl immediately went into full swing. She came up with some amazing ideas like cookies and cake and brownies. Mmmm. However new Dani kept interjecting and ruining things so I just couldn't decide.
So, we decided that we would just go food shopping and see what we found to fulfill my inner fat chicks desires. We went to Trader Joe's first. We got all our normal stuff but nothing there screamed out to me to have it as my treat. We left TJs and moved on to Ralph's.
We went immediately to the Ben and Jerry's section of Ralph's. Very dangerous terrain for my inner fat girl. I stared at the glorious labels on the small cartons of creamy goodness. Guilt set in, so I reached for the chocolate chip cookie dough light. I felt sad that it wasn't really a treat if it was light. I don't know which of us thought it first, but almost as if drawn by scent, we found ourselves in the candy aisle next.
What to pick? What will look best on my thighs after I devour it?? We settled on two boxes of Reese's pieces. One for me and one for him. Jim turned the corner but something else had caught his eye. He had found a bar that we had never seen or eaten before. It was much like a Hershey bar except in each square was Reese's peanut butter. I stared up at my tall fiance and said "we must have it" and without a 2nd thought grabbed it and ran for the register.
We went home and I measured out a serving size of the Reese's pieces. Pretty disappointing to see how little it was but in fairness one serving was 200 calories and I had ice cream and a candy bar to taste too. After that I went for the ice cream. I ate what my eye thought was 1/4 cup, the serving size. I have to admit I was beginning to feel pretty gross about eating all this crap, but just did not care. And of course we saved what we thought would be the best for last. We opened up the Reese's bar and I have to say it was quite anti-climatic. Not enough sugary peanut butter in a square. I had two squares, which was half the serving size for another whopping 100 calories. So in total I think I ate 500 calories, including the ice cream, of deliciousness. Mission accomplished. I was no longer a loser who did not celebrate Halloween and I felt like I had a really successful cheat day.
About an hour after feeling super satisfied with what I was able to consume, I felt sick to my stomach. Cheat day is not all that its cracked up to be after all. I do highly recommend them, because you really can't starve yourself of the good stuff all the time. That's just not fair. But I will admit that it may make your tummy feel upset if you eat lots of candy and ice cream like Jim and I did. Also it may cause you to force your fiance to throw your ice cream away the following day because you are not sure if you can control your urge to eat it again. I may or may not have done that. And my fiance may or may not have poured liquid dish soap on the ice cream before putting it in the trash should I decide to rescue it. We are still reviewing the tapes, so I'll have to get back to you about that. Ahh yes, these are the stories we will some day tell our children.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Standing Up or Sitting Down?
Today I started a new experiment with my body. I came into work and decided that this week I will stand up rather than sitting at my desk. I am doing this so that I can see what the difference is in my calorie burn for the hours I am at work from when I was sitting before. Thanks to my trusty body bugg, which counts my calorie burn, it makes this experiment much easier.
I am already starting to see a difference as I sit here blogging from the gym on my blackberry. So far today I have burned 100 more calories than last Monday when I was seated. I have also noticed that I feel less tired while I stand. One unpleasant element would be my soar feet and back, but if I remember right from my waiting tables days, this should eventually subside. Its so weird what a difference simply standing can make.
I managed to also raise an eyebrow or two with my standing up at my cube. I was asked by one person why I was standing today and if I had back problems. After explaining my little science experiment to them, they expressed that they thought what I was doing was neat. Its always nice when people find what I'm doing interesting. Then on the other hand I have the nay sayers. For example, I was pulled aside and asked again about my standing. But before I could really explain myself, I soon realized I had already been slightly judged by them saying "you know who used to stand all the time"... And I knew who they were referring to and am fully aware of how this person was not looked upon favorably by all at the office. The point is my judger thought it might deter me from standing. They were wrong. They also went on to suggest that maybe I should just go for jog during lunch if I am calorie counting. I laughed and made it very clear that I already do that.
The point is that no matter what you do that is different from the norm, people will always judge you, whether they realize that's what they've done or not. I will not sit down because someone is concerned that I might be compared to someone else who used to work here that wasn't well liked. That is just silly. So, I encourage all of you to do as you please and not to give a crap about others and their opinions. Because you know what they say, opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one and they all STINK.
Disclaimer: I do realize this person who tried to get me to stop standing up did it out of the kindness of their heart and do not discount them for that all.
I am already starting to see a difference as I sit here blogging from the gym on my blackberry. So far today I have burned 100 more calories than last Monday when I was seated. I have also noticed that I feel less tired while I stand. One unpleasant element would be my soar feet and back, but if I remember right from my waiting tables days, this should eventually subside. Its so weird what a difference simply standing can make.
I managed to also raise an eyebrow or two with my standing up at my cube. I was asked by one person why I was standing today and if I had back problems. After explaining my little science experiment to them, they expressed that they thought what I was doing was neat. Its always nice when people find what I'm doing interesting. Then on the other hand I have the nay sayers. For example, I was pulled aside and asked again about my standing. But before I could really explain myself, I soon realized I had already been slightly judged by them saying "you know who used to stand all the time"... And I knew who they were referring to and am fully aware of how this person was not looked upon favorably by all at the office. The point is my judger thought it might deter me from standing. They were wrong. They also went on to suggest that maybe I should just go for jog during lunch if I am calorie counting. I laughed and made it very clear that I already do that.
The point is that no matter what you do that is different from the norm, people will always judge you, whether they realize that's what they've done or not. I will not sit down because someone is concerned that I might be compared to someone else who used to work here that wasn't well liked. That is just silly. So, I encourage all of you to do as you please and not to give a crap about others and their opinions. Because you know what they say, opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one and they all STINK.
Disclaimer: I do realize this person who tried to get me to stop standing up did it out of the kindness of their heart and do not discount them for that all.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Dani B, The Great Boobdini
Let's face it, some of us are more blessed than others in the between the shoulders area. I was given a figure that is not very blessed in that area at all. From a very young age, I noticed this, and always wished for more. More boobs, that is. Most people have always told me that I am beautiful just the way I am. Most people being my mother and aunts, so I think they have to say that, therefor I never counted it as truth. I have always thought that I would be much more balanced physically if I just had boobs that were bigger.
Well, in my pre-teens it just wasn't happening. All the other girls were growing chests and mine was staying pretty concave, I must say. Some people would call them mosquito bites and laugh, other friends gave them nicknames. My personal favorite nickname that my boobs were ever given was Mary Kate and Ashley. This was before the Olsen twins became famous for being anorexic and we just fondly remembered them as the twin babies from Full House. My friends thought of my boobs as baby boobs, which was really awesome for my self esteem.
Once I hit college, I maintained being skinny for a little while. I never gained what people call the "freshman 15". I gained what I call the "my boyfriend moved to California junior year 20". It's sort of the same thing, but a tad more depressing. I may be exaggerating with the 20 pounds, but I think I'm pretty on target, that throughout the last two years in college I put on about 20. Anyhow, because of these 20 pounds, something started to grow, my boobs!! It was just about the only prize I won for getting fat.
When I moved to California, I joined a gym pretty soon after because I wanted to start to lose my college weight. My left foot had other plans. I was on crutches for most of my first year in the sunny state, and put on a lot more weight because of that and all my excuses. "I can't work out because of my foot". Pretty sure I could have lifted some weights, but I digress. Point is, the boobs kept growing. I was almost able to fill a B cup. B cup!!! That was amazing to me! (I still used padded B's, so ladies with real B cup boobies would probably call me a liar had they seen me with nothing on.)
Since starting my new working out journey, my boobs have sadly begun to disappear. A wise woman once told me "first to come on, last to come off". Unfortunately for me, the boobs are one of the last things to grow for me, and the first thing to come off. It's just not fair. I know what you are thinking, that I should be happy that the fat around my chest and heart is going away, but the fact is I want bigger boobs still. I admit to being superficial and I just wish that other things would go away first like my inner thighs, upper arm fat or double chin. Can't a girl dream?
I am just hoping and praying that my boobs don't completely go back to being concave. If they do, I will deal and someday figure out a way to get the all too expensive implants. Yep, you read right, I really think I want to get them. But for now I just want to see how much weight I can lose and if it has to come off of my boobs, so be it. My most recent weight loss venture started in August, but I just wanted to point out that since January I have lost almost 20 pounds. If that's not encouraging to people who know how lazy I can be, I don't know what is. Hopefully by the end of the year, that number will be 30 and I will still have some boobs to speak of. Fingers crossed.
Well, in my pre-teens it just wasn't happening. All the other girls were growing chests and mine was staying pretty concave, I must say. Some people would call them mosquito bites and laugh, other friends gave them nicknames. My personal favorite nickname that my boobs were ever given was Mary Kate and Ashley. This was before the Olsen twins became famous for being anorexic and we just fondly remembered them as the twin babies from Full House. My friends thought of my boobs as baby boobs, which was really awesome for my self esteem.
Once I hit college, I maintained being skinny for a little while. I never gained what people call the "freshman 15". I gained what I call the "my boyfriend moved to California junior year 20". It's sort of the same thing, but a tad more depressing. I may be exaggerating with the 20 pounds, but I think I'm pretty on target, that throughout the last two years in college I put on about 20. Anyhow, because of these 20 pounds, something started to grow, my boobs!! It was just about the only prize I won for getting fat.
When I moved to California, I joined a gym pretty soon after because I wanted to start to lose my college weight. My left foot had other plans. I was on crutches for most of my first year in the sunny state, and put on a lot more weight because of that and all my excuses. "I can't work out because of my foot". Pretty sure I could have lifted some weights, but I digress. Point is, the boobs kept growing. I was almost able to fill a B cup. B cup!!! That was amazing to me! (I still used padded B's, so ladies with real B cup boobies would probably call me a liar had they seen me with nothing on.)
Since starting my new working out journey, my boobs have sadly begun to disappear. A wise woman once told me "first to come on, last to come off". Unfortunately for me, the boobs are one of the last things to grow for me, and the first thing to come off. It's just not fair. I know what you are thinking, that I should be happy that the fat around my chest and heart is going away, but the fact is I want bigger boobs still. I admit to being superficial and I just wish that other things would go away first like my inner thighs, upper arm fat or double chin. Can't a girl dream?
I am just hoping and praying that my boobs don't completely go back to being concave. If they do, I will deal and someday figure out a way to get the all too expensive implants. Yep, you read right, I really think I want to get them. But for now I just want to see how much weight I can lose and if it has to come off of my boobs, so be it. My most recent weight loss venture started in August, but I just wanted to point out that since January I have lost almost 20 pounds. If that's not encouraging to people who know how lazy I can be, I don't know what is. Hopefully by the end of the year, that number will be 30 and I will still have some boobs to speak of. Fingers crossed.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Bugging Around
A few months ago I started hearing about this thing called a Body Bugg. The first time I think I heard about it was by watching the Biggest Loser, as I believe they make all their contestants wear one. I also saw that you could win a body bugg if you spelled enough letters by playing Scrabble through Subway, which by the way, I now believe is a total hoax. And then I met up with my cousin, Meredith, at her new apartment in San Diego to find out that she has one too.
I, of course, had a bizillion questions for Meredith. What was it? What did it do? What was it like? Did she find it annoying (because you wear it on your arm)? She answered all my questions as follows. She explained that the body bugg was a device that tracked her calorie burn and at the end of each day, she had to plug it into her computer and also manually enter her calories consumed, and then see if she had a calorie deficit or surplus. She explained that it didn't bother her at all, even after I said "really"? Because it just seemed hard to believe that this thing that is on your arm at all times except for when you shower would just be intolerable. She insisted otherwise.
Of course after hearing about it from Mere, I grew much more curious about this device. I got disheartened at first, finding out that they only sold them at 24 hour fitness... or so I thought. Turns out they also sell them online at apex's website. I guess they would be considered the makers of the body bugg. First thing to note about the body bugg is the price. It is not cheap. I had to find a way to rationalize this purchase while also saving for a wedding. The way I see it, even though it costs about three hundred dollars for the whole shebang, it is a life time investment, so after about two weeks of wrestling with the decision, I went for it.
Now it has been one week that I have been wearing the Body Bugg on my arm. Mere was right. It is not annoying, it does not bother me at all. I think the trickiest part was just getting it started. I had the worlds most difficult time trying to figure out how to take the device out of the arm band it comes in. You see, in order to charge it, you have to remove it from the arm band to find the usb port. Jimmy and I must have looked like fools staring at this trying to figure it out that first night. Once we found it, it was glorious and we felt like we had conquered something much greater than what we actually had. Nonetheless once set up of the actual arm band and device was complete, I had to synch it with my calorie counter watch.
The calorie counter watch is an optional part of the body bugg. You don't have to get it, but I find it very helpful. Instead of having to plug in the arm device to see what your caloric burn is, you can just glance at your wrist and there are the numbers. Easy breezy. The watch also shows me how many steps I've taken, what time it is and length of each activity I do that it monitors. In a nut shell, I think its awesome.
When I started on the body bugg I weighed in at 148 with my clothes on last Tuesday. Last night, one week later, I weighed in at 146.6. I truly believe that the food journaling along with tracking my caloric burn is really working for me. I mean I am seeing the results, this morning I weighed in at 145. I have not seen that number in a very very long time. I almost cried, but that wouldn't anything unusual, now would it?
If any of you who read this are considering purchasing the Body Bugg, I highly recommend it. Once you get in the habit of writing down everything you eat and entering it later, its not that bad. Also it's really neat to see what you are actually burning versus what the machines at the gym tell you that you burn. I am going to update everyone on my status with the body bugg as I go just because I find this whole thing fascinating.
I, of course, had a bizillion questions for Meredith. What was it? What did it do? What was it like? Did she find it annoying (because you wear it on your arm)? She answered all my questions as follows. She explained that the body bugg was a device that tracked her calorie burn and at the end of each day, she had to plug it into her computer and also manually enter her calories consumed, and then see if she had a calorie deficit or surplus. She explained that it didn't bother her at all, even after I said "really"? Because it just seemed hard to believe that this thing that is on your arm at all times except for when you shower would just be intolerable. She insisted otherwise.
Of course after hearing about it from Mere, I grew much more curious about this device. I got disheartened at first, finding out that they only sold them at 24 hour fitness... or so I thought. Turns out they also sell them online at apex's website. I guess they would be considered the makers of the body bugg. First thing to note about the body bugg is the price. It is not cheap. I had to find a way to rationalize this purchase while also saving for a wedding. The way I see it, even though it costs about three hundred dollars for the whole shebang, it is a life time investment, so after about two weeks of wrestling with the decision, I went for it.
Now it has been one week that I have been wearing the Body Bugg on my arm. Mere was right. It is not annoying, it does not bother me at all. I think the trickiest part was just getting it started. I had the worlds most difficult time trying to figure out how to take the device out of the arm band it comes in. You see, in order to charge it, you have to remove it from the arm band to find the usb port. Jimmy and I must have looked like fools staring at this trying to figure it out that first night. Once we found it, it was glorious and we felt like we had conquered something much greater than what we actually had. Nonetheless once set up of the actual arm band and device was complete, I had to synch it with my calorie counter watch.
The calorie counter watch is an optional part of the body bugg. You don't have to get it, but I find it very helpful. Instead of having to plug in the arm device to see what your caloric burn is, you can just glance at your wrist and there are the numbers. Easy breezy. The watch also shows me how many steps I've taken, what time it is and length of each activity I do that it monitors. In a nut shell, I think its awesome.
When I started on the body bugg I weighed in at 148 with my clothes on last Tuesday. Last night, one week later, I weighed in at 146.6. I truly believe that the food journaling along with tracking my caloric burn is really working for me. I mean I am seeing the results, this morning I weighed in at 145. I have not seen that number in a very very long time. I almost cried, but that wouldn't anything unusual, now would it?
If any of you who read this are considering purchasing the Body Bugg, I highly recommend it. Once you get in the habit of writing down everything you eat and entering it later, its not that bad. Also it's really neat to see what you are actually burning versus what the machines at the gym tell you that you burn. I am going to update everyone on my status with the body bugg as I go just because I find this whole thing fascinating.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Oopsie Whoopsies
Like my mother always said, "Danielle, if your head was not attached, you'd forget that too". Well, today I had one of those forgetful Dani moments that I have come to hate oh so much.
At around 12:45pm I saw it was getting close to lunch time, so I ran to go get my banana for my pre-gym snack. I practically swallowed that whole and before I knew it, it was ten minutes after 1. How did that happen? I rushed down to the parking garage, exit the building and sit frustrated at multiple lights on my way to the gym. At about 1:25 I made it to the gym. This took way too long, it should really only take me five minutes to get to the gym from work, but I digress.
So I bolt out of the parking garage of the gym and run into the bathroom/locker room area. I pull out my gym pants, sports bra, socks and tank top. Hmmm, something seems to be missing. Ah, sneakers!! I go in and I pull out a sneaker, but can't seem to find the other one. I push the sweatshirt I have in my bag around as if a sneaker might magically appear underneath it. No dice. I had only brought one sneaker with me. Who does that? After all that rushing, I forgot my damn sneaker! Ugh.
I contemplate what to do, hands on hips, tapping my toes, feeling embarrassed to have forgotten such a key part of my work out clothing. Then I could hear another woman walking around in the locker room. I sought her out and asked her how dumb I would look if I worked out in my suede brown flats and explained to her my situation. After looking at me and assessing that I was not a crazy person, she politely told me not to worry about it and to just be careful. I thanked her and decided to give it a go with my brown flats.
I walked out to the treadmill, hoping that no one would notice what was on my feet. At first it was not so bad speed walking with out sneakers, but then it suddenly became obvious that this was not going to be easy. My left food, otherwise known as my bad foot, did not like what was happening. It started to feel achy, so I decided to hold on instead of pumping my arms in case it gave out. I made it about ten minutes on the treadmill before my feet couldn't really take it any more. It really is amazing how cushioned sneakers are so that you don't feel all that pain I was feeling.
Next I decided to try the bike, which in my head seemed like it would be super easy to do, but this was also not so great. Why? Because my stupid flats kept hanging off the back of my foot while I was peddling. Not cool. I probably looked so silly to whoever was in the gym behind me. I decided that I would tough this one out for another ten minutes too and then move on to weights.
Thank goodness for the weight machines, because they, I am now convinced, are the only non-sneaker friendly things to do at the gym. I was able to do anything I wanted on these machines with out worrying about my feet. And I think I still burned enough calories to meet my goals for the day. The main thing I learned during lunch is to NEVER, ever forget my sneakers. It is a huge let down and it really puts a damper on the whole working out thing. However with my track record, I am sure I will forget something even better soon enough. After all, it is not a coincidence that Jimmy comes up with songs titled "Forgetful Dani".
At around 12:45pm I saw it was getting close to lunch time, so I ran to go get my banana for my pre-gym snack. I practically swallowed that whole and before I knew it, it was ten minutes after 1. How did that happen? I rushed down to the parking garage, exit the building and sit frustrated at multiple lights on my way to the gym. At about 1:25 I made it to the gym. This took way too long, it should really only take me five minutes to get to the gym from work, but I digress.
So I bolt out of the parking garage of the gym and run into the bathroom/locker room area. I pull out my gym pants, sports bra, socks and tank top. Hmmm, something seems to be missing. Ah, sneakers!! I go in and I pull out a sneaker, but can't seem to find the other one. I push the sweatshirt I have in my bag around as if a sneaker might magically appear underneath it. No dice. I had only brought one sneaker with me. Who does that? After all that rushing, I forgot my damn sneaker! Ugh.
I contemplate what to do, hands on hips, tapping my toes, feeling embarrassed to have forgotten such a key part of my work out clothing. Then I could hear another woman walking around in the locker room. I sought her out and asked her how dumb I would look if I worked out in my suede brown flats and explained to her my situation. After looking at me and assessing that I was not a crazy person, she politely told me not to worry about it and to just be careful. I thanked her and decided to give it a go with my brown flats.
I walked out to the treadmill, hoping that no one would notice what was on my feet. At first it was not so bad speed walking with out sneakers, but then it suddenly became obvious that this was not going to be easy. My left food, otherwise known as my bad foot, did not like what was happening. It started to feel achy, so I decided to hold on instead of pumping my arms in case it gave out. I made it about ten minutes on the treadmill before my feet couldn't really take it any more. It really is amazing how cushioned sneakers are so that you don't feel all that pain I was feeling.
Next I decided to try the bike, which in my head seemed like it would be super easy to do, but this was also not so great. Why? Because my stupid flats kept hanging off the back of my foot while I was peddling. Not cool. I probably looked so silly to whoever was in the gym behind me. I decided that I would tough this one out for another ten minutes too and then move on to weights.
Thank goodness for the weight machines, because they, I am now convinced, are the only non-sneaker friendly things to do at the gym. I was able to do anything I wanted on these machines with out worrying about my feet. And I think I still burned enough calories to meet my goals for the day. The main thing I learned during lunch is to NEVER, ever forget my sneakers. It is a huge let down and it really puts a damper on the whole working out thing. However with my track record, I am sure I will forget something even better soon enough. After all, it is not a coincidence that Jimmy comes up with songs titled "Forgetful Dani".
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Another Football Sunday
You know what they say... another Sunday another game.. or um wait.. I must be mixing that up with something else. Anyway, I was woken up by Jim at around 9AM and asked if I wanted to go to the game with him. Since we had some friends from college that were in town, I decided I would go and grace the others with my presence. However I did not have a lot of time to prepare, as Jimmy told me we had to be to the bar by 9:45ish.
First things first, I did all my usual morning cleansing routines, straightened the hair and put on some make up. Although I am okay with forgoing the makeup for work, I try to look nice for my friends. The best part about getting ready for football Sunday is not having to think about what to wear. God bless the Lehman family for getting me an Eagles jersey, because last year was hell trying to come up with outfits that early in the morning (and did I mention last year I was probably hung over each Sunday, so that made it harder?). The other nice thing I noticed is that my jersey is beginning to fit me better. Ah yes, it's the little things.
I found out that we would not have time to make breakfast, so I started to scramble around the kitchen like a bull in a china shop. What in God's name could I take with me? It had to be something that I could discreetly eat, as to not get looked at strangely by others for bringing my own food to a bar. I found an apple, sliced that up and put it into a plastic baggie. My stomach growled. This indicated to me that I would need more than the apple to make it to 1pm for the end of the game. I searched around some more and saw we still had some Trader Joe's shredded wheat with maple left. YUM. I threw some on the food scale to make sure I was only going to eat the serving size and then put them into a zip loc as well.
Oh, did I mention my new toy yet? I purchased the biggest loser food scale and it is AWESOME. I try to measure everything I eat so that way I know how many calories I am consuming with each meal. I also purchased the biggest loser cook book as well as the biggest loser calorie counter book. Put all three together and I hope to be unstoppable with my calorie counting.
Back to the story kids. We get in the car and I show Jimmy the treats that I have prepared for myself. I don't know why, but I feel as though if I show them to him, then I must eat them. We arrive at the strip of stores where the bar is and there is no time to stop at the coffee shop. Ugh. So we go into the bar and I order a coffee and it is just not the same. Not only that, but they do not have 2% milk to offer me to put into my watered down beverage. In fact, the waitress said to me "i am pretty sure that all they have is whole milk because of all the cooking they do". I told her its fine and to just please bring me some creamer. This is the problem with eating out, even if it is something as small as coffee, you can never get it just right so that it is healthy. You have to make do and hope that you won't go over your calories at the end of the day.
After the whole coffee thing and I was more awake, some more friends started to arrive. I had my biggest loser calorie counter book obnoxiously placed on the table, not because I wanted to force it upon others, but just to remind myself not to give in to temptation. One of the guys noticed my book and sarcastically said "oh are you going to write about this in your blog" and i said "yes, i am going to blog about this and tell my readers all about the asshole who asked me if i would blog about today". I hope you are happy, Dan.
Soon, the bar food arrived on the table. I was sitting in between two dudes, who both ordered what appeared to be the most delicious buffalo wings I had ever seen. I had to really put the lasso around my inner fat girls neck so that she would not take over. I mean inner fat girl was really out of control drooling when the food started coming out. They smelled so good, even the ranch, in plastic little cups, seemed enchanting. What the hell is wrong with me? Good thing I had my trusty apples and cereal on stand by. I began to just stuff my face with my snacks that I had in my purse and silently stare at the wings. To make myself feel better, I even looked in the calorie counter book to see how many calories was in the buffalo wings. 261 calories for every 3 ounces is what I found. Good lord. Thank goodness I had self control and did not ask to eat one.
Once everyone was done eating their food, all I could do was stare at the drinks they were having. I think it has been almost two months since I've had alcohol of any kind. I don't really remember what my start date was for stopping consumption of alcohol, but I can tell you this, the longer I go with out beer wine or mixed drinks, the easier it gets to be around it. If only I could have the same change in thoughts about food. The good news is I still left the bar feeling proud that I had not eaten or drank anything out of the ordinary. Fingers crossed that next football sunday is that much easier.
First things first, I did all my usual morning cleansing routines, straightened the hair and put on some make up. Although I am okay with forgoing the makeup for work, I try to look nice for my friends. The best part about getting ready for football Sunday is not having to think about what to wear. God bless the Lehman family for getting me an Eagles jersey, because last year was hell trying to come up with outfits that early in the morning (and did I mention last year I was probably hung over each Sunday, so that made it harder?). The other nice thing I noticed is that my jersey is beginning to fit me better. Ah yes, it's the little things.
I found out that we would not have time to make breakfast, so I started to scramble around the kitchen like a bull in a china shop. What in God's name could I take with me? It had to be something that I could discreetly eat, as to not get looked at strangely by others for bringing my own food to a bar. I found an apple, sliced that up and put it into a plastic baggie. My stomach growled. This indicated to me that I would need more than the apple to make it to 1pm for the end of the game. I searched around some more and saw we still had some Trader Joe's shredded wheat with maple left. YUM. I threw some on the food scale to make sure I was only going to eat the serving size and then put them into a zip loc as well.
Oh, did I mention my new toy yet? I purchased the biggest loser food scale and it is AWESOME. I try to measure everything I eat so that way I know how many calories I am consuming with each meal. I also purchased the biggest loser cook book as well as the biggest loser calorie counter book. Put all three together and I hope to be unstoppable with my calorie counting.
Back to the story kids. We get in the car and I show Jimmy the treats that I have prepared for myself. I don't know why, but I feel as though if I show them to him, then I must eat them. We arrive at the strip of stores where the bar is and there is no time to stop at the coffee shop. Ugh. So we go into the bar and I order a coffee and it is just not the same. Not only that, but they do not have 2% milk to offer me to put into my watered down beverage. In fact, the waitress said to me "i am pretty sure that all they have is whole milk because of all the cooking they do". I told her its fine and to just please bring me some creamer. This is the problem with eating out, even if it is something as small as coffee, you can never get it just right so that it is healthy. You have to make do and hope that you won't go over your calories at the end of the day.
After the whole coffee thing and I was more awake, some more friends started to arrive. I had my biggest loser calorie counter book obnoxiously placed on the table, not because I wanted to force it upon others, but just to remind myself not to give in to temptation. One of the guys noticed my book and sarcastically said "oh are you going to write about this in your blog" and i said "yes, i am going to blog about this and tell my readers all about the asshole who asked me if i would blog about today". I hope you are happy, Dan.
Soon, the bar food arrived on the table. I was sitting in between two dudes, who both ordered what appeared to be the most delicious buffalo wings I had ever seen. I had to really put the lasso around my inner fat girls neck so that she would not take over. I mean inner fat girl was really out of control drooling when the food started coming out. They smelled so good, even the ranch, in plastic little cups, seemed enchanting. What the hell is wrong with me? Good thing I had my trusty apples and cereal on stand by. I began to just stuff my face with my snacks that I had in my purse and silently stare at the wings. To make myself feel better, I even looked in the calorie counter book to see how many calories was in the buffalo wings. 261 calories for every 3 ounces is what I found. Good lord. Thank goodness I had self control and did not ask to eat one.
Once everyone was done eating their food, all I could do was stare at the drinks they were having. I think it has been almost two months since I've had alcohol of any kind. I don't really remember what my start date was for stopping consumption of alcohol, but I can tell you this, the longer I go with out beer wine or mixed drinks, the easier it gets to be around it. If only I could have the same change in thoughts about food. The good news is I still left the bar feeling proud that I had not eaten or drank anything out of the ordinary. Fingers crossed that next football sunday is that much easier.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Dani VS the Treadmill
This week I have been sans work out buddy for lunch, so instead of going to the park, I have been driving to my gym. Lucky for me, my gym is close by to where I work. Coincidence? I think not. (much thanks goes to miss Kelli for pointing me in the direction of said gym back in January)
Anyhow I got to the gym today and my favorite machine was already taken. It is a smaller gym, so they have about one of each specialty cardio machine and then six or seven treadmills. So as you may have guessed, I opted for the treadmill today. Now, I do not claim to be a runner by any stretch of the imagination. I believe I have stated that before, but just in case you forgot. Dani = not a runner.
Now that we have that cleared up, I get on the old treadmillrooski and decide that for this lunch break I will put in a solid 30 minutes. I get warmed up for about 3 minutes on 3.9 mph speed walking. Then I notice the man next to me glancing at what I'm doing. My first instinct was to tell nosy where he could look next, but instead I convinced myself that he was probably just jealous of how insanely good I was at speed walking and continued on.
Once my first 3 minutes of speed walking were up, I decided to see how long I could last jogging. I upped the speed to 5.3mph and felt pretty good. I was surprised at how easy it felt at first. It's weird to describe because sometimes it feels really good to jog and other times it feels plain awful. The plain awful could be described as knees aching, lungs burning(thanks years of smoking) and shins feeling a little sensitive. But the plain awful feelings come and go with this feeling of euphoria, like I can just do anything.
Through the ups and downs of the 5.3 mph jogging I tried to tell myself to not look at the time. That maybe if I didn't see it, that I would last longer. So I glanced down at the start of it all at 27 minutes left to go, then again at 23 minutes to go, and then lastly at 17 minutes left to go where I felt my arm raising to lower the speed. I swear my mind thought I could go longer, but my knees were telling a sadly different story and somehow overpowered my will to keep at that speed.
In total I lasted ten minutes at 5.3 mph and then for the duration of my time I continued to speed walk at 3.9 again. I had this feeling of satisfaction for lasting for ten minutes jogging with out stopping, followed by a feeling of disappointment that I couldn't keep going. I have decided since returning to my desk that there is really no reason to be disappointed. Although it is completely natural for me to be hard on myself, I have come a long way from only being able to jog for like 2 minutes and will continue to try to stay positive, despite my ability to find the negative in just about everything.
Anyhow I got to the gym today and my favorite machine was already taken. It is a smaller gym, so they have about one of each specialty cardio machine and then six or seven treadmills. So as you may have guessed, I opted for the treadmill today. Now, I do not claim to be a runner by any stretch of the imagination. I believe I have stated that before, but just in case you forgot. Dani = not a runner.
Now that we have that cleared up, I get on the old treadmillrooski and decide that for this lunch break I will put in a solid 30 minutes. I get warmed up for about 3 minutes on 3.9 mph speed walking. Then I notice the man next to me glancing at what I'm doing. My first instinct was to tell nosy where he could look next, but instead I convinced myself that he was probably just jealous of how insanely good I was at speed walking and continued on.
Once my first 3 minutes of speed walking were up, I decided to see how long I could last jogging. I upped the speed to 5.3mph and felt pretty good. I was surprised at how easy it felt at first. It's weird to describe because sometimes it feels really good to jog and other times it feels plain awful. The plain awful could be described as knees aching, lungs burning(thanks years of smoking) and shins feeling a little sensitive. But the plain awful feelings come and go with this feeling of euphoria, like I can just do anything.
Through the ups and downs of the 5.3 mph jogging I tried to tell myself to not look at the time. That maybe if I didn't see it, that I would last longer. So I glanced down at the start of it all at 27 minutes left to go, then again at 23 minutes to go, and then lastly at 17 minutes left to go where I felt my arm raising to lower the speed. I swear my mind thought I could go longer, but my knees were telling a sadly different story and somehow overpowered my will to keep at that speed.
In total I lasted ten minutes at 5.3 mph and then for the duration of my time I continued to speed walk at 3.9 again. I had this feeling of satisfaction for lasting for ten minutes jogging with out stopping, followed by a feeling of disappointment that I couldn't keep going. I have decided since returning to my desk that there is really no reason to be disappointed. Although it is completely natural for me to be hard on myself, I have come a long way from only being able to jog for like 2 minutes and will continue to try to stay positive, despite my ability to find the negative in just about everything.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
No More Pants Dance
There is something that some of us go through every morning. You go to your closet. You grab your favorite pair of jeans. And then it hits you. They were JUST in the dryer. And they were tight last time you put them on, so this time it can only be worse. You manage to get your calves in and get those jeans snugly up to your thighs and then it begins: The Pants Dance.
You jump. You shake. You jiggle all around. Maybe you even lie on the bed to get that damn zipper up. I know, friends, because I know all too well about the pants dance. It's especially no fun if someone walks in on your pants dance. Then you have to play it off like you were just convulsing by choice, like its normal.
Well this week has been a little different for me. Thanks to a few weeks of lunch time work outs and my evening gym routine, the pants dance is no more. Well, at least for the jeans I currently own. It was so exciting. I pulled out my favorite (and only) pair of Lucky blue jeans. I got one leg in, then the other and then pulled them up. No shimmy or shake needed. I looked in the mirror to make sure I had the right pair on. Sure enough it was them. They are the same pants that were squeezing the life out of me a month or so ago!
I have to say it felt amazing! But then my next thought was, "oh no! i may have to actually buy new clothes soon". So I ask you, friends, when does one decide that it's time for new clothes? I have a theory that I should wait until they don't stay on my ass on their own, but this may not be appropriate in public in case they fall down. But the dilemma is this: I am saving for a wedding. How do I justify buying any new clothes at all? I don't really have a definite answer to that question quite yet, however I'm thinking that maybe once I've met a certain amount of weight loss (say maybe ten pounds), then maybe I'll buy some new clothes and THROW AWAY the old. Because let's be serious, I hope to never have to buy these larger sizes ever again!
You jump. You shake. You jiggle all around. Maybe you even lie on the bed to get that damn zipper up. I know, friends, because I know all too well about the pants dance. It's especially no fun if someone walks in on your pants dance. Then you have to play it off like you were just convulsing by choice, like its normal.
Well this week has been a little different for me. Thanks to a few weeks of lunch time work outs and my evening gym routine, the pants dance is no more. Well, at least for the jeans I currently own. It was so exciting. I pulled out my favorite (and only) pair of Lucky blue jeans. I got one leg in, then the other and then pulled them up. No shimmy or shake needed. I looked in the mirror to make sure I had the right pair on. Sure enough it was them. They are the same pants that were squeezing the life out of me a month or so ago!
I have to say it felt amazing! But then my next thought was, "oh no! i may have to actually buy new clothes soon". So I ask you, friends, when does one decide that it's time for new clothes? I have a theory that I should wait until they don't stay on my ass on their own, but this may not be appropriate in public in case they fall down. But the dilemma is this: I am saving for a wedding. How do I justify buying any new clothes at all? I don't really have a definite answer to that question quite yet, however I'm thinking that maybe once I've met a certain amount of weight loss (say maybe ten pounds), then maybe I'll buy some new clothes and THROW AWAY the old. Because let's be serious, I hope to never have to buy these larger sizes ever again!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Reflection
Sometimes I think this blog should be called "Bride VS Food and Herself and Others and also some bitching when I feel like it."... mostly because I have decidedly opted to talk about much more than food. Today, I would like to talk about something in my past, that I had have held onto for years. Here goes.
As a theatre major in college, after an audition, one generally goes to the director to get feedback after the audition. I have no recollection of what this audition was for or what part I wanted, but I do remember this. The professor I sat down with explained to me that he was not thrilled with the idea of casting me because I was beginning to get what he called "Puffy". At the time, I was completely appalled at what he was saying. "Puffy, he called me PUFFY". I remember telling people that, incredibly pissed off.
But why was I so mad? I mean, thinking back, he was right. I was on a slippery slope to fatness and he was just trying to warn me. I was too immature to realize that at the time. It was much easier to be angry, call him a pig and loathe him for the rest of my days in college.
The funny thing is, I think I was only getting to be about 135-140 pounds at the time. This is a weight I would kill for today. The reason he thought I was "puffy" was that I had started out at that school as a very, very tiny Dani. I think when I entered college I was probably 115-120 easy. How did I put on all that weight over time? Well you know how college is, drinking and partying all the time. Especially us theatre majors. I know we may seem like major dorks, but come to a party and you will be shocked at how many beers we can get down during a game of flip cup.
Now as I sit here, 149 pounds (I lost one more since my last complaining blog!), I think to myself, why didn't I do this life change then? I have no answers, but I can say that I am 100% grateful that I have made so many changes as of late. And I suppose I am now less angry at my professor for calling me puffy. I am more thankful that he tried and only wish I had listened then.
Today, Rosa and I jogged about 4 laps around the park we go to. That is HUGE for me. I am not a runner by any stretch of the imagination, but I really put my all into it today and couldn't be prouder. We did at least 100 sit ups each and some push ups to boot. And you know what's amazing? It feels GOOD to work out now. Before I would have hated to do any of the things I listed above, but now it's fun! We have a good time and I couldn't be happier that I am making these changes, even it if it takes months to get all the weight off. If anyone is reading this and thinking they hate the gym or working out in general, trust me, if I can do it, you can do it! I am the president of the lazy ass club, after all, I should know.
As a theatre major in college, after an audition, one generally goes to the director to get feedback after the audition. I have no recollection of what this audition was for or what part I wanted, but I do remember this. The professor I sat down with explained to me that he was not thrilled with the idea of casting me because I was beginning to get what he called "Puffy". At the time, I was completely appalled at what he was saying. "Puffy, he called me PUFFY". I remember telling people that, incredibly pissed off.
But why was I so mad? I mean, thinking back, he was right. I was on a slippery slope to fatness and he was just trying to warn me. I was too immature to realize that at the time. It was much easier to be angry, call him a pig and loathe him for the rest of my days in college.
The funny thing is, I think I was only getting to be about 135-140 pounds at the time. This is a weight I would kill for today. The reason he thought I was "puffy" was that I had started out at that school as a very, very tiny Dani. I think when I entered college I was probably 115-120 easy. How did I put on all that weight over time? Well you know how college is, drinking and partying all the time. Especially us theatre majors. I know we may seem like major dorks, but come to a party and you will be shocked at how many beers we can get down during a game of flip cup.
Now as I sit here, 149 pounds (I lost one more since my last complaining blog!), I think to myself, why didn't I do this life change then? I have no answers, but I can say that I am 100% grateful that I have made so many changes as of late. And I suppose I am now less angry at my professor for calling me puffy. I am more thankful that he tried and only wish I had listened then.
Today, Rosa and I jogged about 4 laps around the park we go to. That is HUGE for me. I am not a runner by any stretch of the imagination, but I really put my all into it today and couldn't be prouder. We did at least 100 sit ups each and some push ups to boot. And you know what's amazing? It feels GOOD to work out now. Before I would have hated to do any of the things I listed above, but now it's fun! We have a good time and I couldn't be happier that I am making these changes, even it if it takes months to get all the weight off. If anyone is reading this and thinking they hate the gym or working out in general, trust me, if I can do it, you can do it! I am the president of the lazy ass club, after all, I should know.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
3 LBs... really?
I did something that many friends encourage me not to do. I have been looking at my weight on the scale every day for last, I don't even know how many days. I mean, I know I shouldn't "live by the scale", as Jimmy puts it, but I can't help myself! I am working out so much and eating right, that I am excited to see what drops off. However, it is not exciting at all. So far, for about a month now, all I've lost is like a measly 3 pounds.
I know, I know! Some of you will say, "that's OK Dani"... "your doing fine Dani"... however I can't help to feel a bit of disappointment. It just seems like I should have lost more weight than I have so far. I suppose one should have more patience than I do, after all, I've only been at it for about 5 weeks.
Why does this disappointment scare me? Well, I have a nasty history of getting impatient and then giving up. I am really trying to not do that this time. I really want to be able to walk down the aisle in April and be proud that I stuck to my goals, but it gets really hard when all you see is 3 pounds difference.
Have I mentioned that I am an expert whiner? I could complain about my body til I am blue in the face.
I suppose I have noticed some changes besides the lack of change in the scale. So far my face seems to be clearing up pretty nicely. I mean I've never had nasty acne or anything, but I do get the occasional U zone stuff. I don't know if U zone is something that dermatologists are aware of, but I have decided that's what it is. If you draw a line from one cheek to the other and include your chin, it forms a U, just saying. But this problem area on my face, seems to be lessening. Thank God for that!
Besides the face, I think my stomach may be flattening out a little. However, I am not fully convinced nor will I show anyone until I am fully satisfied. Also, I can tell that my quads and calves are starting to look like they have definition, which is nice I guess. But why can't it all just change faster??? Why can't my thighs magically stop touching each other when I walk? Why can't my love handles go away first? Why, GOD, WHY? I just don't get it. UGH.
The moral of the story today, kids, is: don't be impatient like me. If you are working out like I am and eating right, the changes will come and you will be so happy when they do. I wish I could say I totally practice what I preach, but I don't. I instead choose to bitch and moan until the changes come, and make you all read about it. So there. Fingers crossed that by Christmas I can add at least 9 more pounds to the tally! And trust that you will hear all about it if I don't!
I know, I know! Some of you will say, "that's OK Dani"... "your doing fine Dani"... however I can't help to feel a bit of disappointment. It just seems like I should have lost more weight than I have so far. I suppose one should have more patience than I do, after all, I've only been at it for about 5 weeks.
Why does this disappointment scare me? Well, I have a nasty history of getting impatient and then giving up. I am really trying to not do that this time. I really want to be able to walk down the aisle in April and be proud that I stuck to my goals, but it gets really hard when all you see is 3 pounds difference.
Have I mentioned that I am an expert whiner? I could complain about my body til I am blue in the face.
I suppose I have noticed some changes besides the lack of change in the scale. So far my face seems to be clearing up pretty nicely. I mean I've never had nasty acne or anything, but I do get the occasional U zone stuff. I don't know if U zone is something that dermatologists are aware of, but I have decided that's what it is. If you draw a line from one cheek to the other and include your chin, it forms a U, just saying. But this problem area on my face, seems to be lessening. Thank God for that!
Besides the face, I think my stomach may be flattening out a little. However, I am not fully convinced nor will I show anyone until I am fully satisfied. Also, I can tell that my quads and calves are starting to look like they have definition, which is nice I guess. But why can't it all just change faster??? Why can't my thighs magically stop touching each other when I walk? Why can't my love handles go away first? Why, GOD, WHY? I just don't get it. UGH.
The moral of the story today, kids, is: don't be impatient like me. If you are working out like I am and eating right, the changes will come and you will be so happy when they do. I wish I could say I totally practice what I preach, but I don't. I instead choose to bitch and moan until the changes come, and make you all read about it. So there. Fingers crossed that by Christmas I can add at least 9 more pounds to the tally! And trust that you will hear all about it if I don't!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Subway: Eat Fresh or Eat Angry?
Going to Subway is always an adventure for me. First of all I am the worlds pickiest person. I also happen to take my food VERY seriously. So a lot of times, I tend to get very ticked if things with my food do not go my way.
Yesterday, Rosa and I were not feeling up to par, so instead of walking we decided to go get lunch at Subway. Besides their delicious subs, the people of Subway have a little scrabble game going where you can win all kinds of fun prizes. We arrived at our local Subway, and there is a line out the door. Is there a sale at Subway and we did not get the memo? I mean, I know they have 5 dollar foot longs and all, but this is a bit much. I considered telling Rosa we should leave, but keep my mouth shut. Patience is not my number one virtue when it comes to food.
As we approach the line, I notice the gentlemen behind the counter is staring at us. I hate people who stare. Not only is it rude, but it makes me wonder what the heck is on me that he is staring at. I know it can't be my stunning good looks, because I do not get dressed up for work, so there must be something on me that he is mystified by that he is staring at. I look at myself and there is nothing wrong with my clothing, so I come to the conclusion that he is just a rude son of a bitch who likes to stare at hungry white girls.
The same rude person asks me what kind of bread I want. I tell him that I will take the 9 grain honey oat. Then he says did you say you wanted turkey? At first I was confused, because I knew I hadn't said turkey yet, but that is in fact what I wanted. Since I didn't feel like arguing yet, I said yes. He passes my bread to the chick next to him. She proceeds to fold the meat in a way that irritates me. Now, it takes every fiber of my being to not lunge across the counter and show her the right way to do her job. I've been to enough Subways, I know how they are supposed to lay out the meat, and she was NOT doing it right. I can feel my toes curly with anxiety because the meat is hanging off of the bread and for some reason this is the most frustrating thing that could have happened (or so I thought).
Next they ask me what kind of cheese I want. I say American and I always ask for extra. Some may say "that's not good for you Dani", but what I say to you is, you don't know my obsession with cheese, so shut your pie hole. Their cheese slices are more like cheese half slices so I think its A-OK to put extra on it. Next question they ask me is if I want it toasted. I explain to them that I would like it toasted and ask if they could toast it a little longer than usual. Remember the rude dip shit from before with the staring problem? He decides to chime in and ask me if I'd like it burnt with a smirk on his face. Not funny dude. What is this, comedic hour at Subway? Go back to staring at other hungry people in line, isn't that what you do best?
My sub comes out of the toaster and it is toasted just how I like it. I find the part of the Subway experience that is least thrilling for me is when they add all the veggies and dressings. I ask for spinach, she puts on a few leaves, I have to ask for more. I ask for onions, she puts a bunch in the middle, I have to ask for her to evenly spread them out and same goes for the green peppers. Like how hard is this? This is your JOB to make a freaking sub and you can't do it? I know I am being harsh, but this drives me NUTS. The last thing I need them to do for me is put yellow mustard on my sandwich. She squirts some down the crack of the roll. Really? Is that where you think mustard goes? Wouldn't it be better if you evenly squeezed some over the whole sandwich. So I ask for more and she squirts it in the same spot. At this point I am beyond frustrated and I ask her to spread it out on the sandwich. Just remembering this whole incident makes my body cringe. I really try to not let this stuff get to me, but if I am going to eat it, I take it very seriously and I make no apologies for that.
Long story short, although eating healthy is great, it can really be a hassle for me. I am far too particular for the mediocre folks they hire to work at Subway. It's like if you can't figure out how to make a sub, something is wrong with you. Part of me wants to open my own subway and have a rigorous training process so that my sandwich comes out perfect every time. But I don't worry Subway, I will keep coming back for more, because I am a glutton for punishment!
Yesterday, Rosa and I were not feeling up to par, so instead of walking we decided to go get lunch at Subway. Besides their delicious subs, the people of Subway have a little scrabble game going where you can win all kinds of fun prizes. We arrived at our local Subway, and there is a line out the door. Is there a sale at Subway and we did not get the memo? I mean, I know they have 5 dollar foot longs and all, but this is a bit much. I considered telling Rosa we should leave, but keep my mouth shut. Patience is not my number one virtue when it comes to food.
As we approach the line, I notice the gentlemen behind the counter is staring at us. I hate people who stare. Not only is it rude, but it makes me wonder what the heck is on me that he is staring at. I know it can't be my stunning good looks, because I do not get dressed up for work, so there must be something on me that he is mystified by that he is staring at. I look at myself and there is nothing wrong with my clothing, so I come to the conclusion that he is just a rude son of a bitch who likes to stare at hungry white girls.
The same rude person asks me what kind of bread I want. I tell him that I will take the 9 grain honey oat. Then he says did you say you wanted turkey? At first I was confused, because I knew I hadn't said turkey yet, but that is in fact what I wanted. Since I didn't feel like arguing yet, I said yes. He passes my bread to the chick next to him. She proceeds to fold the meat in a way that irritates me. Now, it takes every fiber of my being to not lunge across the counter and show her the right way to do her job. I've been to enough Subways, I know how they are supposed to lay out the meat, and she was NOT doing it right. I can feel my toes curly with anxiety because the meat is hanging off of the bread and for some reason this is the most frustrating thing that could have happened (or so I thought).
Next they ask me what kind of cheese I want. I say American and I always ask for extra. Some may say "that's not good for you Dani", but what I say to you is, you don't know my obsession with cheese, so shut your pie hole. Their cheese slices are more like cheese half slices so I think its A-OK to put extra on it. Next question they ask me is if I want it toasted. I explain to them that I would like it toasted and ask if they could toast it a little longer than usual. Remember the rude dip shit from before with the staring problem? He decides to chime in and ask me if I'd like it burnt with a smirk on his face. Not funny dude. What is this, comedic hour at Subway? Go back to staring at other hungry people in line, isn't that what you do best?
My sub comes out of the toaster and it is toasted just how I like it. I find the part of the Subway experience that is least thrilling for me is when they add all the veggies and dressings. I ask for spinach, she puts on a few leaves, I have to ask for more. I ask for onions, she puts a bunch in the middle, I have to ask for her to evenly spread them out and same goes for the green peppers. Like how hard is this? This is your JOB to make a freaking sub and you can't do it? I know I am being harsh, but this drives me NUTS. The last thing I need them to do for me is put yellow mustard on my sandwich. She squirts some down the crack of the roll. Really? Is that where you think mustard goes? Wouldn't it be better if you evenly squeezed some over the whole sandwich. So I ask for more and she squirts it in the same spot. At this point I am beyond frustrated and I ask her to spread it out on the sandwich. Just remembering this whole incident makes my body cringe. I really try to not let this stuff get to me, but if I am going to eat it, I take it very seriously and I make no apologies for that.
Long story short, although eating healthy is great, it can really be a hassle for me. I am far too particular for the mediocre folks they hire to work at Subway. It's like if you can't figure out how to make a sub, something is wrong with you. Part of me wants to open my own subway and have a rigorous training process so that my sandwich comes out perfect every time. But I don't worry Subway, I will keep coming back for more, because I am a glutton for punishment!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
On My Own
In my efforts to get on track with my eating and into shape with my body, I have picked up what most of us refer to as "work out buddies". They are great to have around if you need someone to relate too, and also if you need someone to help motivate you on a daily basis. Since I am a super genius, I have a more than one work out buddy. Why? Because when you are as lazy as I can be, you need more than one person telling you to get your sorry ass moving.
Last week I started working out with my newest work out buddy, Rosa. We work together and we decided that instead of sitting around during lunch, we'd go out and walk around near our offices. Now, if you know me at all, you know that I am not really someone who really enjoys the great outdoors, but when I have someone else with me to distract me, it really helps keep my attention away from all the bees that could murder me. Did I mention I am full of irrational thoughts?
Well, yesterday Rosa called out sick. Well, to normal people this would be no big deal. But to insane in the membrane people such as myself, I start thinking all kinds of ridiculous things. Like... what if I fall and no one is there to help me? What if I am attacked and no one cares when I don't come back to my cubicle? What if, What if, What if... the list goes on and on. So, I start to calculate my plan while I eat my delicious fiber cereal for breakfast.
First, I start telling myself I can do this. I tell myself to stop being such a friggin baby and to just bite the bullet and go out on my own. I start chit chatting about it with some friends online. They encourage me and tell me I can do it as well. I am still not convinced. I decide to ask another co-worker if they'd be interested in walking with me. They turn me down because they are not wearing the appropriate attire to go walking. DAMNIT. DAMN YOU ALL. I start to feel like every one is out to get me and this is a test.
So one o clock is fastly approaching and I start shoving my pre-workout banana in my mouth. I go and get changed and begin the mental preparation for going to the park by work by myself. Then another thought occurs, I can call my mom while I'm walking, she won't mind. So I begin on my journey and I pull out my blackberry to call dear old mom. She is busy at work and wants nothing to do with me. Well, its not that she wants nothing to do with me, but, who really wants to talk to someone who is panting during conversation?
Almost to the park, so I start to jog and as I round the turn to the park, what do I see but a giant obnoxious truck in my way. This moron had parked a truck right on the path where you are supposed to be able to walk/run. Now I suppose this person is fulfilling some kind of job duty for the park, but I do not give a shit after all the mental prep that went into this solo journey. I am now irritated. How dare they make me jog AROUND the truck.
I get to the next corner of the track, and I see what appears to be a large group of highschoolers heading my way. Of course this would happen today, I think to myself. Now I have to run my jiggly ass past a bunch of tight stomached, no cellulite filled thighs bitches. Awesome. Plus, these little brats can't even walk in a straight line? No, they just walk in a giant group stretched out across my path. Yes, now its MY path.
After I weave my way past the young ho's, I am beginning to feel defeated. I don't know why, I just had hoped to be alone at the park and not to have all this crap happen. So on the next loop around I stopped to do sit ups to break up the monotony. This helped me feel more empowered, so I got back up and started up with my walk/jog again.
When it was all said and done and I got back to my cubicle, I thought about what a weirdo I am. Who gets that nervous about doing things on their own? This kid does. But today, this kid was very proud of herself for venturing out in her big girl pants.
Last week I started working out with my newest work out buddy, Rosa. We work together and we decided that instead of sitting around during lunch, we'd go out and walk around near our offices. Now, if you know me at all, you know that I am not really someone who really enjoys the great outdoors, but when I have someone else with me to distract me, it really helps keep my attention away from all the bees that could murder me. Did I mention I am full of irrational thoughts?
Well, yesterday Rosa called out sick. Well, to normal people this would be no big deal. But to insane in the membrane people such as myself, I start thinking all kinds of ridiculous things. Like... what if I fall and no one is there to help me? What if I am attacked and no one cares when I don't come back to my cubicle? What if, What if, What if... the list goes on and on. So, I start to calculate my plan while I eat my delicious fiber cereal for breakfast.
First, I start telling myself I can do this. I tell myself to stop being such a friggin baby and to just bite the bullet and go out on my own. I start chit chatting about it with some friends online. They encourage me and tell me I can do it as well. I am still not convinced. I decide to ask another co-worker if they'd be interested in walking with me. They turn me down because they are not wearing the appropriate attire to go walking. DAMNIT. DAMN YOU ALL. I start to feel like every one is out to get me and this is a test.
So one o clock is fastly approaching and I start shoving my pre-workout banana in my mouth. I go and get changed and begin the mental preparation for going to the park by work by myself. Then another thought occurs, I can call my mom while I'm walking, she won't mind. So I begin on my journey and I pull out my blackberry to call dear old mom. She is busy at work and wants nothing to do with me. Well, its not that she wants nothing to do with me, but, who really wants to talk to someone who is panting during conversation?
Almost to the park, so I start to jog and as I round the turn to the park, what do I see but a giant obnoxious truck in my way. This moron had parked a truck right on the path where you are supposed to be able to walk/run. Now I suppose this person is fulfilling some kind of job duty for the park, but I do not give a shit after all the mental prep that went into this solo journey. I am now irritated. How dare they make me jog AROUND the truck.
I get to the next corner of the track, and I see what appears to be a large group of highschoolers heading my way. Of course this would happen today, I think to myself. Now I have to run my jiggly ass past a bunch of tight stomached, no cellulite filled thighs bitches. Awesome. Plus, these little brats can't even walk in a straight line? No, they just walk in a giant group stretched out across my path. Yes, now its MY path.
After I weave my way past the young ho's, I am beginning to feel defeated. I don't know why, I just had hoped to be alone at the park and not to have all this crap happen. So on the next loop around I stopped to do sit ups to break up the monotony. This helped me feel more empowered, so I got back up and started up with my walk/jog again.
When it was all said and done and I got back to my cubicle, I thought about what a weirdo I am. Who gets that nervous about doing things on their own? This kid does. But today, this kid was very proud of herself for venturing out in her big girl pants.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Bride To Be Dani B says NO to Football Sunday Traditions
The alarm went off and it was already 7:30AM. Normally, I would hit snooze and sleep for another ten or twenty minutes, but today is a very exciting day. It’s the first day of football for the NFL. A big deal to my fiancé and I. Football rings memories of beer, brats, and me stumbling to bed before 7pm because of all the yummy beer and brats. However, today was going to be different. I would not be eating any brats this football season, nor would I be drinking ANY beer.
I had prepped my fiancé, Jimmy, days in advance. “On Sunday, if we go to the bar, we are not allowed to eat there”. To my surprise, he agreed. (He knows I am trying to change my lifestyle and is being a great supporter.) Earlier in the week, I had also prepped myself for something else that was a crucial part of my bride to be plan during football season. No beer. Now, I know this may seem simple to some of you. Have a little self control, you say. But the thought of blue moon hitting my tongue, followed by the sweet flavor of the orange slice that the bartender may or may not have put in there for me is HEAVEN on earth during football season. I don’t know why, but Blue Moon always tastes better when the Eagles are on.
Jimmy and I had agreed to smoothies and egg sandwiches on wheat toast to start us off before we left for the Eagles first game. By the time I was done getting ready, breakfast was on the table for me. Jimmy made me a delicious Wheat Toast, 2% American Cheese, Scrambled Egg, Turkey Bacon and Ketchup sandwich. I already start calculating calories in my head. This meal will probably run me about 400 calories. But don’t forget the smoothie he made me too!! That had banana, protein mix, orange juice, mixed berries, yogurt and flax seed in it. I calculate about another 200 calories for this meal. Not too bad since I probably won’t eat again until 3PM or so.
We finish breakfast and we are off to the game. While in the car, I try to give Jim a little food for thought. I tell him about an article a friend sent me which talked about weight loss and alcohol. I tell him that I think besides not eating, I also think he should avoid drinking beer today because it will immediately hinder any goals he has for fitness. He tries to compromise by saying he will only drink on Sundays, and will not drink beer the rest of the week. This may seem like I accomplished something, but really I did not. He doesn’t drink during the week anyway and I’m too tired to really continue the conversation. Jimmy 1, Dani 0.
We arrive at the parking structure for the bar at 8:50 sharp and due to my exhaustion I demand that we stop off at the nearby coffee shop instead of going directly to the bar. We walk in and I am immediately hit with the smell of pastries. And oh man do they smell delicious. I start to dream about rolling around in a giant pile of pastries followed by a bath in their icing. What is wrong with me? Good thing my belly is full of smoothie and egg sandwich otherwise the 800 pound gorilla that lives in my belly may have devoured the entire coffee shop. I manage to leave the shop with a sugar free vanilla café au lait. I feel a certain level of relief when I leave the coffee shop. I had successfully gone in and gotten what I wanted without getting anything else that would ruin my daily plan. Dani 1, CoffeeShop 0.
Our friends slowly arrive and fill up our table. The men order a bucket of bud light bottles. So far so good, I am not feeling very tempted as I am still enjoying my sugar free delight. Then it happens. The waitress drops off a bowl of the most devilishly good creations on earth: Tater Tots. Deep Fried, none the less. My eyes start to move around, I am looking for the person who ordered them. Why? BECAUSE SHE PUT THE TOTS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. Oh god, they smell so good. They look so crispy. One wouldn’t hurt, would it? Yes, yes it would. I tell myself if I can quit smoking cigarettes, I can avoid eating these tiny little pieces of heaven. But then I start staring at them. I can’t help myself, they are RIGHT there. My only move is to put my purse in between the tots and myself. Then finally, someone says “Oh Sorry, do you not want any”. Really? I think to myself. Really? Fuck you. Of course I don’t want any. Have you seen my ass? Get those things away from me. But instead of saying that, I politely say “no thank you, I am trying to watch what I eat.” Dani 1, Tots 0.
I think the men got to about their 5th bucket of bud lights, when the quesadilla was brought to the table. I knew it was coming, I heard her order it, but still I don’t think I was quite prepared. You see, I LOVE cheese. Especially melty stringy cheese, so to see someone pulling apart their quesadilla, and the cheese just dangling from their mouth and not mine… well, it was heart breaking. The worst part about the quesadilla, I think, was that the bitch didn’t finish eating it. Whoa, I’m sorry, she’s really not a bitch, that’s just my inner fat kid getting pissed that someone wouldn’t finish a delicious meal such as a cheese quesadilla. So she leaves the bar at half time and here is this quesadilla just sitting there. Calling to me. “Eat me Dani, I know you want to, I have seen you staring at me the whole game. Sure I may be a little cold now, but I’m still just as tasty as before.” I lean over to Jimmy and I say “Are you hungry?” And he says “No, not at all”. So now I feel like a complete lard ass. I tell myself if he is twice your size, ate the same things you did for breakfast and is not hungry yet, you shouldn’t be hungry either. And then, almost like a sign from the do not eat this gods, another person starts picking at the left overs of the quesadilla. Dani 1, Quesadilla 0.
Since I had not done anything but drink coffee or water since being at the bar, I was now super hungry once the game was over. I was presented with the option to stay and watch the next game OR go home and relax by myself. I opted to go home, make myself a nice healthy soup, and sit down in front of the T.V. Even though I decided to go home to my comfortable couch instead of staying and being social, I felt a certain amount of pride about my day so far. Things were looking up and it could only get easier from here. Unless tater tots and quesadillas somehow figured out where I lived, I was safe for now.
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