This is it. These are the final days.
....and I'm sick.... fml.
So, I didn't recap yesterday...and, honestly, I don't remember much of it. I remember I ate eggs for breakfast...I think I skipped second breakfast and eventually had a salad for lunch...then Ken took me to dinner where I had a steak and shrimp, mashed potatoes, ice cream (I KNOW I KNOW!) and a glass or three of red wine. I don't honestly remember much. It was an emotionally and physically exhausting day. I helped my best friend and chiropractor for 6 years, Kara Nania, sell off her equipment and clean her office. There were so many times I wanted to cry...but, I didn't for her sake. I couldn't bear seeing her beautiful face streaked with tears. It's a long story, but suffice it to say she'll be greatly missed.
I skipped the gym today because I feel like crap. I have zippo energy and whatever energy I appear to have is likely from sheer adrenaline. I'm skipping the gym tomorrow because I think it will be about the same.
...but, I'm not skipping today's recap...
RECAP
Breakfast: buffalo chicken salad (this was left overs from a few nights ago...I left it in my boss' fridge from the other day when I only ate half.
Lunch: Southwest chicken salad. Nothing paleo about this, but it was 3pm and I was starving.
Dinner: GF Chicken Noodle Soup to make me feel better.
I also had two bananas and 3 whiskey & sodas because...well... I feel like crap. The whiskey and soda is my form of medicine, seriously. It's making my voice sound less crackly.
I've been knitting tonight. I can't wait to fit into it! It's a backless halter and I hope to make it look amazing. If I finish it before March 10, I'll wear it to the Comedy & Magic Club when we go to see Jay Leno. :D
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Day 27 - The Whole30 Program
Today was pretty painful on the muscles. I loved it! I already posted my gym update for the day, so this is really about the food intake.
Doesn't help that I'm coming down with a cold or pollen-related allergies or both. Regardless, I hate not being able to breathe. Especially when breathing becomes integral to working out. Sleep would have been nice, too. I managed to snag about 15 minutes this afternoon. It helped. I blame the drugs.
So, here's my recap of food for the day!
RECAP
Breakfast: half a tray of Fresh & Easy rotisserie chicken breast;
2nd Breakfast: the other half of said tray;
Lunch: buffalo chicken salad, but only about half of it;
Dinner: Piña colada cicken & confetti f'rice. This was an experiment in allergies. I have a pineapple allergy. The Whole30 has had testimonials of folks who've kicked various allergies--food and otherwise--so, I figured, hey, why not! It was TOTALLY WORTH any hives I may break out with later.
Doesn't help that I'm coming down with a cold or pollen-related allergies or both. Regardless, I hate not being able to breathe. Especially when breathing becomes integral to working out. Sleep would have been nice, too. I managed to snag about 15 minutes this afternoon. It helped. I blame the drugs.
So, here's my recap of food for the day!
RECAP
Breakfast: half a tray of Fresh & Easy rotisserie chicken breast;
2nd Breakfast: the other half of said tray;
Lunch: buffalo chicken salad, but only about half of it;
Dinner: Piña colada cicken & confetti f'rice. This was an experiment in allergies. I have a pineapple allergy. The Whole30 has had testimonials of folks who've kicked various allergies--food and otherwise--so, I figured, hey, why not! It was TOTALLY WORTH any hives I may break out with later.
Tales from the Gym - Personal Training
I have a goal. My goal is to be spandex-ready and worthy by Memorial Day weekend. Specifically, May 24. To that end, I talked to one of the trainers at my gym yesterday about personal training.
I was set up for my free consultation for this morning. I am fairly certain the guy was trying to kill me. I've been doing StrongLifts 5x5 since November and only recently hit plateaus in everything. I did a 20% deload and am going to work back up from there.
The guy who was doing my consult today, thinks I should stop SL because it's "advanced" and I need to work the smaller muscles to build them up to push through stalls, etc. Resistance training.
But. I like SL.
I also like the torture he put me through today. I, personally, think both would work nicely together to get the results I want.
We'll see if the trainer agrees. Her name is Nike and she told me she wanted to train me. She knows what I lift; she knows my goals. We chat because she's awesome. As much as I like the super-cute trainer, Daniel, I think he'd be a little distracting--though, he's pretty awesome as a bench press spotter. Very encouraging.
Anyway. Chris, the training director, really put me through some hardcore stuff and I discovered I have a phobia of balls. He had me doing squats with a yoga ball and I was afraid I'd pop it (hey, I've been told I was *fat* all my life...). Then, he wanted me to do burpees with an 8lb weighted ball. I knew the instant I put it down, my arms would slip and I'd break something...and I just sorta stood there, staring, trying to psych myself into it. I finally turned to him and said, "Can I not do that with this?" He was confused and started talking about strong cores, etc. I said, "Yeah...see...it's not my core I'm worried about...it's the fact my hands will slip off the ball and I will collapse onto it, crushing my sternum." He laughed and handed me a set of 12lbs dumbbells...that were circular on the ends. I put them down on the mat and stared a minute...then stood up and said, "Can I just do regular burpees? I'd rather not roll around and really hurt myself." Apparently, though, this fear of mine is because I don't have a strong core. Couldn't possibly be because I have no depth perception and very little coordination...coupled with a severe lack of confidence in doing anything involving something that requires depth perception and coordination. I digress.
There were a few exercises I just couldn't do. Planking and lifting a 12lb dumbbell was the first...followed by the stupid weighted burpees...and ending with a step thing where you step up onto a raised platform, balance and lift the 12lbs dumbbells over your head, then step off the other side. Remember a lack of depth perception and such? I also have a lack of balance...and a bad knee....which gave out on the step down.
TIME TO WORK THAT KNEE! Dear lord, I thought I was going to die...and I'm a pretty strong girl... But, then again, my left knee *is* pretty jacked up. As is my left shoulder. I'd really like to do things like what I did today as a supplement to my strong lifts. Hopefully, they'll agree.
I was set up for my free consultation for this morning. I am fairly certain the guy was trying to kill me. I've been doing StrongLifts 5x5 since November and only recently hit plateaus in everything. I did a 20% deload and am going to work back up from there.
The guy who was doing my consult today, thinks I should stop SL because it's "advanced" and I need to work the smaller muscles to build them up to push through stalls, etc. Resistance training.
But. I like SL.
I also like the torture he put me through today. I, personally, think both would work nicely together to get the results I want.
We'll see if the trainer agrees. Her name is Nike and she told me she wanted to train me. She knows what I lift; she knows my goals. We chat because she's awesome. As much as I like the super-cute trainer, Daniel, I think he'd be a little distracting--though, he's pretty awesome as a bench press spotter. Very encouraging.
Anyway. Chris, the training director, really put me through some hardcore stuff and I discovered I have a phobia of balls. He had me doing squats with a yoga ball and I was afraid I'd pop it (hey, I've been told I was *fat* all my life...). Then, he wanted me to do burpees with an 8lb weighted ball. I knew the instant I put it down, my arms would slip and I'd break something...and I just sorta stood there, staring, trying to psych myself into it. I finally turned to him and said, "Can I not do that with this?" He was confused and started talking about strong cores, etc. I said, "Yeah...see...it's not my core I'm worried about...it's the fact my hands will slip off the ball and I will collapse onto it, crushing my sternum." He laughed and handed me a set of 12lbs dumbbells...that were circular on the ends. I put them down on the mat and stared a minute...then stood up and said, "Can I just do regular burpees? I'd rather not roll around and really hurt myself." Apparently, though, this fear of mine is because I don't have a strong core. Couldn't possibly be because I have no depth perception and very little coordination...coupled with a severe lack of confidence in doing anything involving something that requires depth perception and coordination. I digress.
There were a few exercises I just couldn't do. Planking and lifting a 12lb dumbbell was the first...followed by the stupid weighted burpees...and ending with a step thing where you step up onto a raised platform, balance and lift the 12lbs dumbbells over your head, then step off the other side. Remember a lack of depth perception and such? I also have a lack of balance...and a bad knee....which gave out on the step down.
TIME TO WORK THAT KNEE! Dear lord, I thought I was going to die...and I'm a pretty strong girl... But, then again, my left knee *is* pretty jacked up. As is my left shoulder. I'd really like to do things like what I did today as a supplement to my strong lifts. Hopefully, they'll agree.
Day 26 - The Whole30 Program
I've been remiss in updating like I should be. I have no excuse other than I can't seem to brain lately. :P
Brief entry so I can get to the Day 27 entry...
RECAP
Breakfast: Scotch egg
Lunch: 1 cutie and 1 dill pickle...and coffee
Dinner: steak, mashed sweet potatoes with a little ghee, and roasted carrots. 2 glasses of red wine.
Snack: handful of mixed nuts.
I did the whole couple tablespoons of nutella, as well, because, frankly, I was starving by the time dinner happened.
Brief entry so I can get to the Day 27 entry...
RECAP
Breakfast: Scotch egg
Lunch: 1 cutie and 1 dill pickle...and coffee
Dinner: steak, mashed sweet potatoes with a little ghee, and roasted carrots. 2 glasses of red wine.
Snack: handful of mixed nuts.
I did the whole couple tablespoons of nutella, as well, because, frankly, I was starving by the time dinner happened.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Day 25 - The Whole30
I started prep work for my GMAT. Nothing like staring at math problems you haven't used since 10th grade, going...."Huh?" Ah, well. That's why I have a prep book!
Five more days on my Whole30. I will be doing this again, likely in April...around the 15th. Never doing it over a con again, though. Totally throws my groove.
Anyway, here's the recap!
RECAP
Breakfast: One scotch egg.
Lunch: Venti coffee with a little soy and a lot of coconut milk; a glass of coconut milk.
Dinner: 4 eggs with a bunch of veggies and two strips of bacon.
Also had a whiskey & soda and am about to have a killer magnesium shake. Oh, two bananas in there, too. And an apple at some point earlier today.
Yay!
Five more days on my Whole30. I will be doing this again, likely in April...around the 15th. Never doing it over a con again, though. Totally throws my groove.
Anyway, here's the recap!
RECAP
Breakfast: One scotch egg.
Lunch: Venti coffee with a little soy and a lot of coconut milk; a glass of coconut milk.
Dinner: 4 eggs with a bunch of veggies and two strips of bacon.
Also had a whiskey & soda and am about to have a killer magnesium shake. Oh, two bananas in there, too. And an apple at some point earlier today.
Yay!
Day 24 - The Whole30
Twenty-four days into this challenge and I have found two things: 1) I have a weakness for alcohol; 2) I have a weakness for nutella.
This past week has not been the best of weeks in this challenge, but I had a couple things happen this morning that made me feel recharged and energized and believe that the "sacrifice" is worth every moment.
I have a pair of khakis that I love. I haven't been able to wear these khakis in a long time. Like, nearly 10 years. I kept all my "skinny" clothes because I had this idea that I would someday fit back into a size 8. Whereas I am not a size 8 yet, these pants weren't size 8s to being with. :)
They were, however, impossible for me to wear. I can say with honesty and great joy that I can wear these pants again and I know that, come May, these pants will actually fit better than when I got them!
So, to recap yesterday's poor eating choices...
RECAP
*Running 2.5 miles in 30 minutes...went straight to the Farmer's Market...
Breakfast: 4egg omelet with bacon & onions and a side salad with basalmic vinegerette and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Dinner: Herb crusted salmon with gingered bok choy. It was delicious.
I also had a couple Tablespoons of Nutella and a glass of Canadian whiskey and soda (as in soda water). I need to stop sabotaging myself and just stick with the program. It works...and I know I'll do it again--probably in April.
This past week has not been the best of weeks in this challenge, but I had a couple things happen this morning that made me feel recharged and energized and believe that the "sacrifice" is worth every moment.
I have a pair of khakis that I love. I haven't been able to wear these khakis in a long time. Like, nearly 10 years. I kept all my "skinny" clothes because I had this idea that I would someday fit back into a size 8. Whereas I am not a size 8 yet, these pants weren't size 8s to being with. :)
They were, however, impossible for me to wear. I can say with honesty and great joy that I can wear these pants again and I know that, come May, these pants will actually fit better than when I got them!
So, to recap yesterday's poor eating choices...
RECAP
*Running 2.5 miles in 30 minutes...went straight to the Farmer's Market...
Breakfast: 4egg omelet with bacon & onions and a side salad with basalmic vinegerette and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Dinner: Herb crusted salmon with gingered bok choy. It was delicious.
I also had a couple Tablespoons of Nutella and a glass of Canadian whiskey and soda (as in soda water). I need to stop sabotaging myself and just stick with the program. It works...and I know I'll do it again--probably in April.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Day 23 - The Whole30 Program
Just a few more days...
I've already reincorporated alcohol. Such a weakness I have. Makes me sad, really, but it's my choice. My vice, as it were.
Today was a long day of work...again. Here's the recap, since it's late and I just finished one of my favorite movies, Air America (Robert Downey, Jr. is not allowed to be that hot).
RECAP
Breakfast: uncured back bacon, 2 eggs, 1 orange, copious amounts of coffee,
Dinner: kick-ass hamburgers made by my darling hubby!! I have no idea what all was in them, but he was very proud of the fact they were Paleo (just for me!) I had 3 of them.
...and 3 whiskey & sodas....from about 7pm til now (1am). Oh, and I sneaked a few spoonfuls of Nutella....because...Nutella.
I'm going running tomorrow! I've never been excited for running which is a clear sign I need to return to my beloved barbells.
Seven more days--one week. We'll recheck progress and start reintroducing cheese........
I've already reincorporated alcohol. Such a weakness I have. Makes me sad, really, but it's my choice. My vice, as it were.
Today was a long day of work...again. Here's the recap, since it's late and I just finished one of my favorite movies, Air America (Robert Downey, Jr. is not allowed to be that hot).
RECAP
Breakfast: uncured back bacon, 2 eggs, 1 orange, copious amounts of coffee,
Dinner: kick-ass hamburgers made by my darling hubby!! I have no idea what all was in them, but he was very proud of the fact they were Paleo (just for me!) I had 3 of them.
...and 3 whiskey & sodas....from about 7pm til now (1am). Oh, and I sneaked a few spoonfuls of Nutella....because...Nutella.
I'm going running tomorrow! I've never been excited for running which is a clear sign I need to return to my beloved barbells.
Seven more days--one week. We'll recheck progress and start reintroducing cheese........
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Day 22 - The Whole30 Program
Zoiks! What a wild ride this week! I totally spaced out yesterday, but that's alright. Food was not on my brain, but I managed to eat breakfast (egg and a half with some bacon and 2 clementines), and a snack of an apple and 2T of peanut butter. Dinner was steak, swiss chard, and sweet potatoes. So yum! I had a gin and tonic that lasted me from about 8pm til about midnight, just because I needed some sort of flavor.
I'm not drinking enough water. I know this.
My ankle's doing much better from last week. Given that the hotel still has a hold on my account (I paid for incidentals in cash) and that hold has now caused my account to have an overdraft fee...and I have a ton of work to do for work plus knitting projects to finish and list, I have yet to make it to the gym this week. My plan is to go running on Saturday.
Still, all in all, I'm pretty happy with my progress thus far. I'm also excited because I now have a new cosplay goal! I'm supposed to be Zatanna, Mystique (as Emma Frost), and Sister Psyche over Memorial Day weekend (who knows, maybe I'll throw in a female Captain America, just for kicks!) and I'm totally stoked! I know I can pull off the looks and not have to worry that someone's thinking I'm too fat (even if that someone's me).
So, to recap food today...
RECAP
Breakfast: 1 mollet egg & copious amounts of coffee
Lunch: I was bad and skipped it...
Dinner: Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad. It's very tasty....very tasty.
Back to knitting my epic pet sweater!!
I'm not drinking enough water. I know this.
My ankle's doing much better from last week. Given that the hotel still has a hold on my account (I paid for incidentals in cash) and that hold has now caused my account to have an overdraft fee...and I have a ton of work to do for work plus knitting projects to finish and list, I have yet to make it to the gym this week. My plan is to go running on Saturday.
Still, all in all, I'm pretty happy with my progress thus far. I'm also excited because I now have a new cosplay goal! I'm supposed to be Zatanna, Mystique (as Emma Frost), and Sister Psyche over Memorial Day weekend (who knows, maybe I'll throw in a female Captain America, just for kicks!) and I'm totally stoked! I know I can pull off the looks and not have to worry that someone's thinking I'm too fat (even if that someone's me).
So, to recap food today...
RECAP
Breakfast: 1 mollet egg & copious amounts of coffee
Lunch: I was bad and skipped it...
Dinner: Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad. It's very tasty....very tasty.
Back to knitting my epic pet sweater!!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Orccon2013 Wrap Up - The Whole 30
WHAT a WEEKEND!
Holy crap! Okay, so we remember back to Thursday when I was up til 2am, cooking. It was so worth it. The scotch eggs were perfect; the chili, miraculous; the chicken salad, awesome; the bacon bowls totally non-functional (but delicious!) and the pork roast amazing!
So, here was my weekend... in a recappy kinda fashion...
Friday
We got to the con right around 11:30...which was good because minor crises were going on and Ken and I were the deflectors of disasters (or, at least, I like to say we were). I was trying to knit for the afternoon, but that didn't work because I have too many friends I only see three times a year and I like to socialize. I honestly don't remember what we grabbed for food on Friday. I think I had a scotch egg for lunch and I remember Ken brought me some fruit and a grilled chicken breast for dinner. I was going to play a game at 8pm that night, but was talked into running a Pathfinder game, instead. It was interesting...that's a good word for it. There was a player that made me question the state and future of humanity, but I didn't think much of it...how wrong I was to not do so...
Saturday
This was Daphne day. And Daphne was a smashing hit. I had a ton of people tell me I was spot-on for her, too (which made me feel awesome). I had another scotch egg, tons of fruit, some chicken salad, bacon...and this was chili night. I ran a session of Pathfinder as Daphne and it was awesome because I had two kids at my table. They were twitterpated to be playing with Daphne Blake! This is part of why I cosplay.
Sunday
This was Velma day. I, apparently, was an amazing Velma. I also was unrecognizable as myself to even the staff who knew I was going to be dressing up as Velma. Many of them questioned who I was. I, again, had a scotch egg, bacon, chicken salad, fruit, etc throughout the day. This was the slow-cooker pork day and it was mouth-gasmly awesome; especially with the salad. We forgot garlic and it was still delicious. I picked up a stalker this day, however; that's never awesome.
Monday
I had a scotch egg for breakfast and some bacon for lunch. Since it was load-out day, we just went to dinner. I had a burger with grilled onions and hot peppers (no bun, no cheese) and rather vapid steamed veggies. And a glass of wine. Because I played in a session today with that guy from Friday. The one that made me question humanity. I wanted to stab him with my pencil, so I rolled vs. Willpower and just said I needed to step away from the table for a few minutes. Fortunately, we were nearly done with the scenario, so his death wasn't as imminent as it probably should have been.
I admit it. We went straight to BevMo and got two bottles of the Cabernet I had with dinner. I'll be on my second glass here after I finish this blog. I now remember why I drink at conventions....
Holy crap! Okay, so we remember back to Thursday when I was up til 2am, cooking. It was so worth it. The scotch eggs were perfect; the chili, miraculous; the chicken salad, awesome; the bacon bowls totally non-functional (but delicious!) and the pork roast amazing!
So, here was my weekend... in a recappy kinda fashion...
Friday
We got to the con right around 11:30...which was good because minor crises were going on and Ken and I were the deflectors of disasters (or, at least, I like to say we were). I was trying to knit for the afternoon, but that didn't work because I have too many friends I only see three times a year and I like to socialize. I honestly don't remember what we grabbed for food on Friday. I think I had a scotch egg for lunch and I remember Ken brought me some fruit and a grilled chicken breast for dinner. I was going to play a game at 8pm that night, but was talked into running a Pathfinder game, instead. It was interesting...that's a good word for it. There was a player that made me question the state and future of humanity, but I didn't think much of it...how wrong I was to not do so...
Saturday
This was Daphne day. And Daphne was a smashing hit. I had a ton of people tell me I was spot-on for her, too (which made me feel awesome). I had another scotch egg, tons of fruit, some chicken salad, bacon...and this was chili night. I ran a session of Pathfinder as Daphne and it was awesome because I had two kids at my table. They were twitterpated to be playing with Daphne Blake! This is part of why I cosplay.
Sunday
This was Velma day. I, apparently, was an amazing Velma. I also was unrecognizable as myself to even the staff who knew I was going to be dressing up as Velma. Many of them questioned who I was. I, again, had a scotch egg, bacon, chicken salad, fruit, etc throughout the day. This was the slow-cooker pork day and it was mouth-gasmly awesome; especially with the salad. We forgot garlic and it was still delicious. I picked up a stalker this day, however; that's never awesome.
Monday
I had a scotch egg for breakfast and some bacon for lunch. Since it was load-out day, we just went to dinner. I had a burger with grilled onions and hot peppers (no bun, no cheese) and rather vapid steamed veggies. And a glass of wine. Because I played in a session today with that guy from Friday. The one that made me question humanity. I wanted to stab him with my pencil, so I rolled vs. Willpower and just said I needed to step away from the table for a few minutes. Fortunately, we were nearly done with the scenario, so his death wasn't as imminent as it probably should have been.
I admit it. We went straight to BevMo and got two bottles of the Cabernet I had with dinner. I'll be on my second glass here after I finish this blog. I now remember why I drink at conventions....
Friday, February 15, 2013
Day 16 - The Whole30
Today started out beautifully. I slept in, I felt refreshed, and I had a list of things and a schedule and I knew everything was going to be great!
Went to the bank and deposited my check, taking out some cash; went to the post office to pick up the Valentine's gifts for Ken and Dave...and this is sorta where the day fell apart.
You see, I have no depth perception. Well, I have about 17% depth perception, but that really doesn't help me. Most of the time, I function very well and know one would know...then there are the days I fall off the sidewalk because I don't realize I'm at the curb.
Like today.
What felt like eternity, I sat on the ground uncertain if I'd actually managed to break my ankle this time. I'm sure it was only about 5 minutes, but I had several people offering to call an ambulance for me. Why? It's just a sprain--and even if it's broke, the car is right there. Save the ambulance for real emergencies.
Finally decided nothing was broken, so I got up and limped over to the car and climbed in. We went home, got some ice packs, then went on to the rest of our errands--which seemed to double in time. What was supposed to take 20 to 30 minutes took us 120 minutes. And my ankle was throbbing.
Needless to say, today has not been a good eating day.
RECAP
Breakfast/Lunch: 3oz steak, 2 strips bacon, 2 eggs
Dinner: Kung Pao Chicken
It's after midnight and I'm still cooking epic food for the weekend. This weekend is Orccon2013, the first of three cons for Strategicon. Ken is on staff (Quartermaster) and I am on staff (Assistant-soon-to-be-Marketing Director). We stay at the hotel for the convention to, basically, make sure everything runs smoothly. Our hotel room has no microwave or fridge, and the restaurant is too expensive to eat at for all meals. SO! I'm making food.
So far, we have the base of chili, bacon cups for salads (or whatever will stay in them)...and on tap, tarragon chicken salad, and scotch eggs. We have plans to pick up more salad stuff near the hotel, as well as a pork roast for a great slow-cooker recipe (which, we're taking both of ours). I figure, if Dave ends up making it down for the weekend, we will have plenty of healthy food to nom on and make the rest of the con jealous of our epic nutrition! I don't know how much recapping I'll be able to do there, but I'll do my best to let you know! May have a "Tales from the Con" section...we'll see. :)
Went to the bank and deposited my check, taking out some cash; went to the post office to pick up the Valentine's gifts for Ken and Dave...and this is sorta where the day fell apart.
You see, I have no depth perception. Well, I have about 17% depth perception, but that really doesn't help me. Most of the time, I function very well and know one would know...then there are the days I fall off the sidewalk because I don't realize I'm at the curb.
Like today.
What felt like eternity, I sat on the ground uncertain if I'd actually managed to break my ankle this time. I'm sure it was only about 5 minutes, but I had several people offering to call an ambulance for me. Why? It's just a sprain--and even if it's broke, the car is right there. Save the ambulance for real emergencies.
Finally decided nothing was broken, so I got up and limped over to the car and climbed in. We went home, got some ice packs, then went on to the rest of our errands--which seemed to double in time. What was supposed to take 20 to 30 minutes took us 120 minutes. And my ankle was throbbing.
Needless to say, today has not been a good eating day.
RECAP
Breakfast/Lunch: 3oz steak, 2 strips bacon, 2 eggs
Dinner: Kung Pao Chicken
It's after midnight and I'm still cooking epic food for the weekend. This weekend is Orccon2013, the first of three cons for Strategicon. Ken is on staff (Quartermaster) and I am on staff (Assistant-soon-to-be-Marketing Director). We stay at the hotel for the convention to, basically, make sure everything runs smoothly. Our hotel room has no microwave or fridge, and the restaurant is too expensive to eat at for all meals. SO! I'm making food.
So far, we have the base of chili, bacon cups for salads (or whatever will stay in them)...and on tap, tarragon chicken salad, and scotch eggs. We have plans to pick up more salad stuff near the hotel, as well as a pork roast for a great slow-cooker recipe (which, we're taking both of ours). I figure, if Dave ends up making it down for the weekend, we will have plenty of healthy food to nom on and make the rest of the con jealous of our epic nutrition! I don't know how much recapping I'll be able to do there, but I'll do my best to let you know! May have a "Tales from the Con" section...we'll see. :)
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Day 15 - The Whole30
"I feel fantastic! And I never felt as good as how I do right now--Except for maybe when I think of how I felt that day When I felt the way that I do right now, right now, right now!"
That pretty much sums up how I'm feeling after 15 days of clean eating. I feel fantastic! I'm still very groggy in the mornings, but I'm sleeping at night and, mostly, restfully. The only time I'm hungry during the day is when I realize I've missed a meal (like today), and, in general, I like to think that my outlook on life has improved somewhat. It's much more difficult to gauge and, given that I'm a girl, subject to change with the lunar cycles. Or something. SCIENCE!
*ahem* Anyway...
As you may have read earlier, I hit a personal milestone today. When I started my lifting program, I decided that I wanted to squat 200#. In a "When I ... Then I..." statement, I asserted I would get myself a "Miss Fit" t-shirt. I'm happy to say...I have to wait til after the weekend's gaming convention in order to design it, but it's in the works!
...and this fills me with glee...
So, lemme recap my day of semi-awesome eating...
RECAP
Breakfast: 1 egg, 3oz of steak
Second Breakfast: 2 eggs, 1 sorta blood orange, coffee
Lunch: ...water... I worked through it by accident.
Dinner: My husband so very sweetly opted to make the dinner I had suggested for the evening so I could KNIT LIKE A MAD WOMAN. I'd wanted "comfort food," and this was the perfect night for it. So, off to The Clothes Make the Girl for recipes. We went with the Cottage-Flower Pie, but used turnips instead. Probably will make it again tomorrow night with sweet potatoes. I dunno yet. Tomorrow is a very busy day... food prep for 4 days away from home.... for 4 people....
If I learned nothing else from this evening, I learned this: Ken very much loves the immersion blender. My shake tonight was strawberry, apple, coconut milk, and the lemon-flavored magnesium powder.
PS: Last night's concoction decided to erupt after about 45 minutes under my bed lamp. It was awesomely fun...but, y'know. SCIENCE! (It really does work!)
That pretty much sums up how I'm feeling after 15 days of clean eating. I feel fantastic! I'm still very groggy in the mornings, but I'm sleeping at night and, mostly, restfully. The only time I'm hungry during the day is when I realize I've missed a meal (like today), and, in general, I like to think that my outlook on life has improved somewhat. It's much more difficult to gauge and, given that I'm a girl, subject to change with the lunar cycles. Or something. SCIENCE!
*ahem* Anyway...
As you may have read earlier, I hit a personal milestone today. When I started my lifting program, I decided that I wanted to squat 200#. In a "When I ... Then I..." statement, I asserted I would get myself a "Miss Fit" t-shirt. I'm happy to say...I have to wait til after the weekend's gaming convention in order to design it, but it's in the works!
...and this fills me with glee...
So, lemme recap my day of semi-awesome eating...
RECAP
Breakfast: 1 egg, 3oz of steak
Second Breakfast: 2 eggs, 1 sorta blood orange, coffee
Lunch: ...water... I worked through it by accident.
Dinner: My husband so very sweetly opted to make the dinner I had suggested for the evening so I could KNIT LIKE A MAD WOMAN. I'd wanted "comfort food," and this was the perfect night for it. So, off to The Clothes Make the Girl for recipes. We went with the Cottage-Flower Pie, but used turnips instead. Probably will make it again tomorrow night with sweet potatoes. I dunno yet. Tomorrow is a very busy day... food prep for 4 days away from home.... for 4 people....
If I learned nothing else from this evening, I learned this: Ken very much loves the immersion blender. My shake tonight was strawberry, apple, coconut milk, and the lemon-flavored magnesium powder.
PS: Last night's concoction decided to erupt after about 45 minutes under my bed lamp. It was awesomely fun...but, y'know. SCIENCE! (It really does work!)
Tales from the Gym - I Am Fe-Male
Today was a big day for me. It was the day I got to attempt my squat goal: 200lbs. I said "When I am able to squat 200#, then I will get myself a 'Miss Fit' tank top."
...and so I am designing my tank top.
Whilst I was setting up for my last set, a gentleman came over to me and stared with great intensity into my eyes. Quietly, he said, "You are a very strong woman..." And I just smiled and said, "Aww, anyone could lift this--it's only 200#!" (trying to be jocular). He continued his serious gaze and said, "I could never lift that...my back wouldn't handle it!"
I didn't have the heart to tell him he couldn't do it because he didn't believe he could. I did, however, say, "I'm sure you could with a little effort and training."
Because, seriously, if I can do it, anyone can do it. I have back problems, knee problems, ankle problems...heck, my hips aren't even level let alone straight. I probably shouldn't be able to squat 200lbs, but, like the bumble bee, I don't know that I can't.
So I did.
Someone asked once why I'd want to lift so much weight. Presumably, the person thought I was doing it for attention (because, really, how many women do you see benching 115#, squatting 200#, and deadlifting 185#). But, honestly, I enjoy it. There's just something about the feeling of pushing yourself just that much harder to become harder, better, faster, stronger.
I'm not trying to "beat the boys." I'm trying to beat Me. I'm trying to beat that little voice in my head that says, "You can't..." Because you know what? I'm a female. And that means I CAN....because... y'know, I'm Iron Man*.
*That's Fe-Male. Get it? Fe = Iron? Iron Man...? IT'S SCIENCE!!!!
...and so I am designing my tank top.
Whilst I was setting up for my last set, a gentleman came over to me and stared with great intensity into my eyes. Quietly, he said, "You are a very strong woman..." And I just smiled and said, "Aww, anyone could lift this--it's only 200#!" (trying to be jocular). He continued his serious gaze and said, "I could never lift that...my back wouldn't handle it!"
I didn't have the heart to tell him he couldn't do it because he didn't believe he could. I did, however, say, "I'm sure you could with a little effort and training."
Because, seriously, if I can do it, anyone can do it. I have back problems, knee problems, ankle problems...heck, my hips aren't even level let alone straight. I probably shouldn't be able to squat 200lbs, but, like the bumble bee, I don't know that I can't.
So I did.
Someone asked once why I'd want to lift so much weight. Presumably, the person thought I was doing it for attention (because, really, how many women do you see benching 115#, squatting 200#, and deadlifting 185#). But, honestly, I enjoy it. There's just something about the feeling of pushing yourself just that much harder to become harder, better, faster, stronger.
I'm not trying to "beat the boys." I'm trying to beat Me. I'm trying to beat that little voice in my head that says, "You can't..." Because you know what? I'm a female. And that means I CAN....because... y'know, I'm Iron Man*.
*That's Fe-Male. Get it? Fe = Iron? Iron Man...? IT'S SCIENCE!!!!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Halfway on The Whole30 Program
I suppose, mathematically speaking, tomorrow would be the actual half way point of the Whole30 Challenge, but, y'know what? It's been two weeks since I started and that is just awesome. So, how's the last two weeks been? Here's a bit of a recap of things.
Things I'm not supposed to know...
I've lost 10 pounds. I started with 172 (I listed it as 170, because that's what I'd say to people) and I'm at 162. I've also lost inches. I always pull the tape tightly because I *hate* those numbers, but lets be realistic--I'm only hurting myself when I do that. My numbers to start were 38-33-40 and the abdomen (2" from navel) was at 38, as well. Today, my measurements were 38-31.5-38 and 36 at the abdomen. I admit it. I squeed.
Things I have learned...
When they say no alcohol for 30 days, they mean it. I had a total of 4 vodka tonics in the last 14 days. The first two didn't do much other than taste icky; the second two plastered me and made me sick to my stomach. Enough for me to say I'm not doing that again in the next 2 weeks. Don't care. Not worth that pain.
I've also learned I need to eat before my workouts. If I don't, I just can't push the weight (HA! punny!). I also really need to pay attention to time and eat. Three times a day is not that difficult. Protein! Protein! Protein!
Things that have improved...
MY SLEEP! Mostly. I still have off nights, but for the most part, I'm falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up semi-refreshed.
So, what did I nom on today during one of the most emotionally stressful days of my last few weeks?
RECAP
Breakfast: Chicken livers and coffee.
Lunch: The salad from last night....yum!
Dinner: Spaghetti squash spaghetti with meatballs from last night, chicken, and black olives. I finished off the meatballs....SO YUM!
Now, I'm getting my magnesium (the powder, coconut milk, a banana and a little bit of unsweetened cocoa powder), knitting this sweater for the weekend (you can read about that kinda stuff here), and watching a movie before passing out so I can go to the gym tomorrow and be SHE-RA!
Things I'm not supposed to know...
I've lost 10 pounds. I started with 172 (I listed it as 170, because that's what I'd say to people) and I'm at 162. I've also lost inches. I always pull the tape tightly because I *hate* those numbers, but lets be realistic--I'm only hurting myself when I do that. My numbers to start were 38-33-40 and the abdomen (2" from navel) was at 38, as well. Today, my measurements were 38-31.5-38 and 36 at the abdomen. I admit it. I squeed.
Things I have learned...
When they say no alcohol for 30 days, they mean it. I had a total of 4 vodka tonics in the last 14 days. The first two didn't do much other than taste icky; the second two plastered me and made me sick to my stomach. Enough for me to say I'm not doing that again in the next 2 weeks. Don't care. Not worth that pain.
I've also learned I need to eat before my workouts. If I don't, I just can't push the weight (HA! punny!). I also really need to pay attention to time and eat. Three times a day is not that difficult. Protein! Protein! Protein!
Things that have improved...
MY SLEEP! Mostly. I still have off nights, but for the most part, I'm falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up semi-refreshed.
So, what did I nom on today during one of the most emotionally stressful days of my last few weeks?
RECAP
Breakfast: Chicken livers and coffee.
Lunch: The salad from last night....yum!
Dinner: Spaghetti squash spaghetti with meatballs from last night, chicken, and black olives. I finished off the meatballs....SO YUM!
Now, I'm getting my magnesium (the powder, coconut milk, a banana and a little bit of unsweetened cocoa powder), knitting this sweater for the weekend (you can read about that kinda stuff here), and watching a movie before passing out so I can go to the gym tomorrow and be SHE-RA!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Days 12 & 13 - The Whole30
I didn't log yesterday. Obviously. So here's a recap from yesterday.
RECAP
Breakfast - Mollet egg, bacon (2 slices), and sautéd Nappa cabbage.
Lunch - I think I skipped it. I was having a very bad emotional day.
Dinner - Chili. It was awesome. The recipe is here.
I had 2 vodka tonics last night and pretty much instantly regretted them. I was kinda nauseated and in pain. I think the coconut milk that went with my banana and magnesium powder curdled or something. Who knows.
Today... I at least ate 3 times. I'm proud of me! But, it was also a training day...so, I should have eaten 4 times. Oh, well.
I don't have any epic stories from the training room today, so you get this one post.
RECAP
Breakfast - Chicken breast tenderloin & half a sweet potato
Second Breakfast - 2 eggs, and 4 strips of really bad bacon and about 2 cups of coffee
Dinner - SO MUCH FOOD! We made this great salad, these awesome roasted carrots, and these amazing meatballs. This was a masterpiece of taste sensations! And we have a ton of leftover salad (YAY LUNCH TOMORROW).
Drinking water today.
Overall, I'm feeling pretty amazing and I'm starting to see how some foods negatively impact my system. This makes me happy, too. Not thrilled that I need to rid myself of Vodka (unless I can drink the more expensive gluten free vodka), but maybe I'll be able to drink my wine. I do like a dry white.
RECAP
Breakfast - Mollet egg, bacon (2 slices), and sautéd Nappa cabbage.
Lunch - I think I skipped it. I was having a very bad emotional day.
Dinner - Chili. It was awesome. The recipe is here.
I had 2 vodka tonics last night and pretty much instantly regretted them. I was kinda nauseated and in pain. I think the coconut milk that went with my banana and magnesium powder curdled or something. Who knows.
Today... I at least ate 3 times. I'm proud of me! But, it was also a training day...so, I should have eaten 4 times. Oh, well.
I don't have any epic stories from the training room today, so you get this one post.
RECAP
Breakfast - Chicken breast tenderloin & half a sweet potato
Second Breakfast - 2 eggs, and 4 strips of really bad bacon and about 2 cups of coffee
Dinner - SO MUCH FOOD! We made this great salad, these awesome roasted carrots, and these amazing meatballs. This was a masterpiece of taste sensations! And we have a ton of leftover salad (YAY LUNCH TOMORROW).
Drinking water today.
Overall, I'm feeling pretty amazing and I'm starting to see how some foods negatively impact my system. This makes me happy, too. Not thrilled that I need to rid myself of Vodka (unless I can drink the more expensive gluten free vodka), but maybe I'll be able to drink my wine. I do like a dry white.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Day 11 - The Whole30 Program
I totally forgot to do my recap from yesterday, so I shall do that below. I will chalk the forgetfulness up to the pinched finger and the bruises on my rib cage. It is always easier to blame injuries than to just admit to failure.
Results, not excuses!
...and I'm getting results. Seriously. I know I said I wasn't going to weigh in, but I have no willpower, like, at all, when it comes to the scale. So, I weighed in yesterday.
164.2lbs.
That's almost 10lbs in less than 2 weeks. This is inspiring to me, so I'm glad I did it. I'd like to lose another 10lbs by the end of this challenge. That would put me right around 150-155lbs which, I think, would be a very good weight for me. Realistic goal. Now, that doesn't mean that I won't try to lose more fat and see if I can drop that number to 140, but the more I work out and get stronger, the more I realize my once-set-in-stone goal of 130lbs is unrealistic for me. I'd love to LOOK 130lbs, but, really... no. Too thin, given what I lift.
So...
RECAP
Breakfast: Sweet potato, 2 scrambled eggs
Lunch: 4 egg omelette with peppers, diced ham, salsa, and avocados, and hashbrowns (we went to a restaurant...and I'm sure there was butter in the hashbrowns because...intestinal distress. All I'm gonna say)
Dinner: Crispy Spiced Chicken Livers and squash with bacon. This is what it looked like:
Results, not excuses!
...and I'm getting results. Seriously. I know I said I wasn't going to weigh in, but I have no willpower, like, at all, when it comes to the scale. So, I weighed in yesterday.
164.2lbs.
That's almost 10lbs in less than 2 weeks. This is inspiring to me, so I'm glad I did it. I'd like to lose another 10lbs by the end of this challenge. That would put me right around 150-155lbs which, I think, would be a very good weight for me. Realistic goal. Now, that doesn't mean that I won't try to lose more fat and see if I can drop that number to 140, but the more I work out and get stronger, the more I realize my once-set-in-stone goal of 130lbs is unrealistic for me. I'd love to LOOK 130lbs, but, really... no. Too thin, given what I lift.
So...
RECAP
Breakfast: Sweet potato, 2 scrambled eggs
Lunch: 4 egg omelette with peppers, diced ham, salsa, and avocados, and hashbrowns (we went to a restaurant...and I'm sure there was butter in the hashbrowns because...intestinal distress. All I'm gonna say)
Dinner: Crispy Spiced Chicken Livers and squash with bacon. This is what it looked like:
Hungry yet? GO EAT!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Tales from the Gym - Silence is Golden
Today's episode found me at my gym, stretching. I did a bridge type thing to stretch my low back. Hands in reverse, I hoisted my body on to my head and just held the stretch in my back. Upon standing, a gentleman began waving at me frantically and whispering something about pushing to lift my head off the mat. After a few seconds, he finally signed the phrase, "I'm deaf." To his surprise and relief, I responded with, "Oh! OK!" and we began an awesome Zen moment of conversation (Note to self: Brush up on ASL).
I did my squat set (190#) and then went to do a new exercise: The Push Press. I'd been struggling for weeks at 60# Overhead Presses (OHPs), and one of my fellow Lady Lifters suggested the push press to help work the muscles for regular OHPs. I was very glad she did because I felt like a powerful princess!
...then I pinched my pinky finger whilst putting a 45# plate on my deadlift bar. Needless to say, my deadlifts were not happening after that. Nice purple coloring with a bit of blue and the dark red in the center... verreh lovely, indeed.
I'd eaten before I went to the gym and I really think it made a difference. I wasn't focused on the fact my stomach hurt because it was hungry or that my muscles felt weaker because they didn't have fuel. Instead, I was a powerful woman--a WONDER WOMAN!
I did my squat set (190#) and then went to do a new exercise: The Push Press. I'd been struggling for weeks at 60# Overhead Presses (OHPs), and one of my fellow Lady Lifters suggested the push press to help work the muscles for regular OHPs. I was very glad she did because I felt like a powerful princess!
I'd eaten before I went to the gym and I really think it made a difference. I wasn't focused on the fact my stomach hurt because it was hungry or that my muscles felt weaker because they didn't have fuel. Instead, I was a powerful woman--a WONDER WOMAN!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Day 10 - The Whole30 Program
Today was craptacular. Actually, the past two days have been craptacular. I found out that I need my undergrad transcripts, as well, for the doctorate program I'm trying to apply to; I screwed up my bench pressing; my back's killing me; and, I found out, today, my Valentine's Day plans are pretty much null and void.
AWESOME!
So, I made a conscious choice: I chose to drink 2 vodka tonics tonight. The good news: I had two and it took me 6 hours to finish them. Also...I didn't like the taste.
Why did I choose this? Honestly? Because I had about a pot and a half of coffee so I could make it through the day without the panic/anxiety attacks becoming overwhelming. But, the news about my Valentine's plans pushed me over my ability to cope.
Here's a recap of my (not so great) eating today:
RECAP:
Breakfast: 3 eggs, scrambled with homemade pico de gallo
Lunch: ...what is lunch? 1 orange, 3oz of chicken, 1 handful of peanuts (it's what my boss had)
Dinner: Two chicken breast fillets, roasted beets, and sauted beet greens. And a banana.
...and a pot and a half of coffee throughout the day, plus 2 vodka tonics.
Too frustrated/hurt/upset/whatever to go make my magnesium shake, so skipping it. The alcohol will probably help me enough. Tomorrow's another day...and it will be so much better. Gym day! Squats, deads, and push presses!
AWESOME!
So, I made a conscious choice: I chose to drink 2 vodka tonics tonight. The good news: I had two and it took me 6 hours to finish them. Also...I didn't like the taste.
Why did I choose this? Honestly? Because I had about a pot and a half of coffee so I could make it through the day without the panic/anxiety attacks becoming overwhelming. But, the news about my Valentine's plans pushed me over my ability to cope.
Here's a recap of my (not so great) eating today:
RECAP:
Breakfast: 3 eggs, scrambled with homemade pico de gallo
Lunch: ...what is lunch? 1 orange, 3oz of chicken, 1 handful of peanuts (it's what my boss had)
Dinner: Two chicken breast fillets, roasted beets, and sauted beet greens. And a banana.
...and a pot and a half of coffee throughout the day, plus 2 vodka tonics.
Too frustrated/hurt/upset/whatever to go make my magnesium shake, so skipping it. The alcohol will probably help me enough. Tomorrow's another day...and it will be so much better. Gym day! Squats, deads, and push presses!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Day 9 - The Whole30 Program
If you read my earlier post today, then you already know about my gym experience today. My first thought as I lay there, pinned under my barbell was, "I have got to start eating before my workout..."
Which means...I have to get up earlier...which...has been the problem, in the first place. I'm still waking up tired, though my sleep quality seems to be improving. I'm hoping it continues to improve.
Anyway! Recap of today's fooding...
RECAP
Breakfast: 2 chicken breast tenderloins, 2 eggs, and 1 sweet potato with mint chutney
Lunch: 3oz chicken, 1 banana
Dinner: Moroccan salmon with curried frice and an apple.
Epic food was epic for dinner; but I think I just need to eat more during the day.
Magnesium shake with coconut milk and strawberries rounds out my day. My husband is making dinner tomorrow night. I am excited for what he comes up with! He's been hugely supportive in my Whole30 program and I'm very thankful.
Which means...I have to get up earlier...which...has been the problem, in the first place. I'm still waking up tired, though my sleep quality seems to be improving. I'm hoping it continues to improve.
Anyway! Recap of today's fooding...
RECAP
Breakfast: 2 chicken breast tenderloins, 2 eggs, and 1 sweet potato with mint chutney
Lunch: 3oz chicken, 1 banana
Dinner: Moroccan salmon with curried frice and an apple.
Epic food was epic for dinner; but I think I just need to eat more during the day.
Magnesium shake with coconut milk and strawberries rounds out my day. My husband is making dinner tomorrow night. I am excited for what he comes up with! He's been hugely supportive in my Whole30 program and I'm very thankful.
Tales from the Gym - Graduation
I have graduated. Kind of.
I have graduated from the StrongLifts program into....I have no idea what, but I'm working on it! Today consisted of squats, bench press, and a new exercise called a power clean.
I have learned I have no idea what I'm doing with power anythings.
But, it was fun! I will feel that in the morning, I'm sure. I started with my bench press today because all the squat racks were taken. Every. Single. One. There are six of them. And everyone decided to hit them at the same time. I'd finished my warm up sets for my bench press, looked to where the squat racks were and...they were all effing empty. FRUSTRATION!
That's okay. 115# bench press! Set one...power! Set two...POWRAWR! Set three.....roll of shame. I should have re-racked at 4, but I had to try for the 5th and my arms gave out. Just in case you were curious, 115# is really heavy--especially when you're pinned under it and everyone else is in the middle of their own sets. I'll have some lovely bruises. The guy on the bench next to me finished his set and looked over. I gave him a whimper and the puppy eyes of "HELP!" and he came over and moved the weight for me. Then offered to spot me.
We reduced my weight to 105# and he worked with me on that, then gave me some tips and we reduced again to 95# for form check. I actually felt much better about my bench presses after working with him and he wasn't thinking I couldn't do the heavier weight because I was a girl. Probably will stick at 95-100# and watch my form for the next few cycles.
Finally did squats. They were awesome and I felt (mostly) powerful. Then I realized I should have been at 190# today. Ah, well. Next time. My low back was really acting up...I'm seriously hoping the F/D treatments at the chiros don't mess me up. Those suckers HURT.
Final exercise...the power clean (mine looked nothing like this). I have NO IDEA WHAT I'M DOING. I saw a muscle-head who was doing some pretty amazing stuff and seemed like a person who would *answer* my questions rather than tell me I couldn't do them because I was a girl. I asked him if he was familiar with a power cleanse and how to do them.
I was not prepared for the voice. Well. Not so much the voice as the accent. For the next few minutes as he explained that he wasn't sure how to answer the question because the exercise can be very dangerous for your low back (and not knowing me and my weight lifting history), all I could hear...was... THIS. I felt badly. Nice man...named Sergi.
I finally worked up the courage to do something similar to a power clean and was complimented at the end of my set by a guy who was just impressed that I, a girl, knew her way around the free weights. "You don't see many girls doing those kinds of exercises. That was just awesome." I was at bar weight. Where I will remain for form checks...then start gently upping the weight. I'll keep Squats and DLs, steadily increasing til I hit 200# on each. I may hold there, or I may drop back squats and switch to front squats or power thrusters or something. Dunno.
Saturday will be...interesting. Squats, DLs, and power presses.
Incidentally. I must be doing something right. Sergi said I had the figure most women work hard to get. Either that, or he needs glasses.
Day 8 - The Whole30
Forgot yesterday's update... so, brief recap....
RECAP
Breakfast 2 eggs and 3oz of steak
Lunch: sautéd lettuce and cabbage with a 12oz can of tuna
Dinner: pork ribs and sweet potatotes (with mint chutney)
It was not an eventful day, but I got good food in there!
Oh, also had a container of applesauce and my coconut milk-fruit-magnesium concoction.
RECAP
Breakfast 2 eggs and 3oz of steak
Lunch: sautéd lettuce and cabbage with a 12oz can of tuna
Dinner: pork ribs and sweet potatotes (with mint chutney)
It was not an eventful day, but I got good food in there!
Oh, also had a container of applesauce and my coconut milk-fruit-magnesium concoction.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Day 7 - The Whole 30
It's been a week. The last couple days have been eating challenges, but, I've done okay. Just really craving a soda or a vodka tonic or even margarita right now.
It was an emotional day...as was yesterday. In short, eating wasn't high on my priority list. If you read my "Tales from the Gym" from today, you probably have an idea of how my day was going. It didn't get better.
Plus, new chiro today. Unexpected paperwork and exam with X-Rays accompanied by a new diagnosis and treatment that I don't like. He said I had a compressed disc in my low back... I'll believe him, but I still don't like the treatment.
Anyway. I only ate twice today...I know, bad. I wasn't expecting dinner to be at 9:45pm, either, but that came with the unexpected exam and paperwork.
RECAP
Breakfast: Sautéd Napa cabbage, a chicken hot sausage, and 3 mollet eggs
Dinner: Sautéd yellow and green squash with peppered bacon and chicken breast. I had an extra serving of this to double as a lunch/dinner thing. I gave it five minutes in between, so it was totally two meals, right?
I will definitely take that coconut milk+Magnesium+fruit concoction tonight before bed. I desperately need the stress relief.
It was an emotional day...as was yesterday. In short, eating wasn't high on my priority list. If you read my "Tales from the Gym" from today, you probably have an idea of how my day was going. It didn't get better.
Plus, new chiro today. Unexpected paperwork and exam with X-Rays accompanied by a new diagnosis and treatment that I don't like. He said I had a compressed disc in my low back... I'll believe him, but I still don't like the treatment.
Anyway. I only ate twice today...I know, bad. I wasn't expecting dinner to be at 9:45pm, either, but that came with the unexpected exam and paperwork.
RECAP
Breakfast: Sautéd Napa cabbage, a chicken hot sausage, and 3 mollet eggs
Dinner: Sautéd yellow and green squash with peppered bacon and chicken breast. I had an extra serving of this to double as a lunch/dinner thing. I gave it five minutes in between, so it was totally two meals, right?
I will definitely take that coconut milk+Magnesium+fruit concoction tonight before bed. I desperately need the stress relief.
Tales from the Gym - The Realizations...
My day started as it should--I woke up, kinda, rolled out of bed into my workout gear, rooted around for a pair (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) of socks, and the flattest sneakers I own. Grabbed my phone and my tablet, my towel, water bottle... I was ready to crush my workout today.
Set it all up in my tablet app (LiftBook, for those interested): StrongLifts 5x5, Workout B, 180# squats, 60# OHPs, and 180# Deadlifts. I was feeling powerful (except for those OHPs...they are my nemesis). My squats sets went well. I was feeling confident and on top of the world. My OHPs were surprisingly good today...until the 4th set. That's when I realized there were a lot of guys staring at me...and they weren't staring at my weight. I looked down and thought, "Oh, geeze...if there is ever an exercise to make feel even *more* chesty... it's this one. DOUBLE Ds COMIN' AT YA..." Threw me off, because now I was focused on the fact I have boobs and my workouts are just making them bigger and everyone in the gym is noticing. Set 4 gave me 3 reps, set 5 gave me 4.
I happily moved to my Deadlifts. My warm up sets were great, but I only did 2 at 160# instead of my normal 3. I think I should have done 3 because I only managed to get 3 reps at 180#. This made me very sad. I like PRs every time I lift. It makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something. I don't know how to handle it when I don't hit those PRs. Then it makes me worry that I'm losing strength while doing the Whole30 program and I start to freak out.
Of course, apparently, I base my sense of self/self-worth on my lifts. Oh, THAT is a bad idea (Yes, I know this already)! When I couldn't do my 5 reps at 180# on the deads, my tapes started blaring in my head. I tried to drown them out by saying, "Oh, yeah? I got 3 reps at 180#...and competitive dead lifters only do ONE rep at their weights! So...shut up!" But, it just got louder. Apparently, it is better at intimidation than I am. :(
"So? You have to get to those weights, first! You can't even get to 200lbs, let alone 315lbs! Everything everyone has ever said about you, ever, is true--you worthless excuse for a waste of air!"
Thanks, brain. So, I went home and consoled myself with an epic Paleo breakfast (which you'll get to read about tonight). All I can say is, I'm glad I'm not cooking tonight. I'd burn the kitchen down in all likelihood.
Set it all up in my tablet app (LiftBook, for those interested): StrongLifts 5x5, Workout B, 180# squats, 60# OHPs, and 180# Deadlifts. I was feeling powerful (except for those OHPs...they are my nemesis). My squats sets went well. I was feeling confident and on top of the world. My OHPs were surprisingly good today...until the 4th set. That's when I realized there were a lot of guys staring at me...and they weren't staring at my weight. I looked down and thought, "Oh, geeze...if there is ever an exercise to make feel even *more* chesty... it's this one. DOUBLE Ds COMIN' AT YA..." Threw me off, because now I was focused on the fact I have boobs and my workouts are just making them bigger and everyone in the gym is noticing. Set 4 gave me 3 reps, set 5 gave me 4.
I happily moved to my Deadlifts. My warm up sets were great, but I only did 2 at 160# instead of my normal 3. I think I should have done 3 because I only managed to get 3 reps at 180#. This made me very sad. I like PRs every time I lift. It makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something. I don't know how to handle it when I don't hit those PRs. Then it makes me worry that I'm losing strength while doing the Whole30 program and I start to freak out.
Of course, apparently, I base my sense of self/self-worth on my lifts. Oh, THAT is a bad idea (Yes, I know this already)! When I couldn't do my 5 reps at 180# on the deads, my tapes started blaring in my head. I tried to drown them out by saying, "Oh, yeah? I got 3 reps at 180#...and competitive dead lifters only do ONE rep at their weights! So...shut up!" But, it just got louder. Apparently, it is better at intimidation than I am. :(
"So? You have to get to those weights, first! You can't even get to 200lbs, let alone 315lbs! Everything everyone has ever said about you, ever, is true--you worthless excuse for a waste of air!"
Thanks, brain. So, I went home and consoled myself with an epic Paleo breakfast (which you'll get to read about tonight). All I can say is, I'm glad I'm not cooking tonight. I'd burn the kitchen down in all likelihood.
Day 6 - The Whole30
Woke up tired, again, today. Also had a bit of a headache on and off today. But, I enjoyed walking about 2 miles in the warm, California sun. Why, yes...I do believe I'm rubbing that in.
Not a good eating day, however. I woke up about 9:15--well, I got out of bed at 9:15, I'd been waking up for several hours--and left to go to my now former (D:) chiropractor's office to help her with some things. Some things I didn't think would take a long time. So, around 2pm, I finally started for home. I hadn't eaten breakfast and I was pretty much starving, so, breakfast and lunch came within 20 minutes of each other.
Here's the recap...
RECAP:
Breakfast - Brussels sprouts, cabbage, bacon, and about 3oz of chicken
Lunch - half an avocado with some bacon stuffed in the center
Dinner - Lime-ginger baked tilapia with coconut-almond green beans.
Late night snack during gaming - 6-ish oz of steak and a baby cucumber.
Skipping the shake tonight because it's late and I'm comfy in my bed (and I'm not sending my poor husband back to the kitchen, though, trust me, the irony of that sentence is not lost on me).
Not a good eating day, however. I woke up about 9:15--well, I got out of bed at 9:15, I'd been waking up for several hours--and left to go to my now former (D:) chiropractor's office to help her with some things. Some things I didn't think would take a long time. So, around 2pm, I finally started for home. I hadn't eaten breakfast and I was pretty much starving, so, breakfast and lunch came within 20 minutes of each other.
Here's the recap...
RECAP:
Breakfast - Brussels sprouts, cabbage, bacon, and about 3oz of chicken
Lunch - half an avocado with some bacon stuffed in the center
Dinner - Lime-ginger baked tilapia with coconut-almond green beans.
Late night snack during gaming - 6-ish oz of steak and a baby cucumber.
Skipping the shake tonight because it's late and I'm comfy in my bed (and I'm not sending my poor husband back to the kitchen, though, trust me, the irony of that sentence is not lost on me).
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Tales from the Gym
I've decided I want to start adding more than just "Here's what I ate today!" posts to this thing. So, here's a snippet of frustration from my gym time today, as referenced here:
Day 5 - The Whole30
Superbowl Sunday. Probably if I did the research, I could substantiate my claim that it's one of the biggest junk-food days during the year. And, naturally, I'm on the Whole30 Program. I picked a challenging month.
No, seriously! I did! Look:
February:
2 - Groundhog Day
3 - Superbowl Sunday
14 - Valentine's Day
15-18 - Gaming Convention
I'm sure there are other holidays in there, too, that I could celebrate, but those are the biggies--especially the gaming convention. Four days of non-stop gaming and not many Paleo-friendly options. Fortunately, I have some ideas for breakfasts and lunches. Not so sure on dinners.
But, today, I slept in a bit and woke up feeling rested and refreshed and, *gasp* HAPPY! I donned my workout gear and proceeded to have a craptacular workout because of the idiot men at the gym, but came home to a mostly-made breakfast. This made me really happy. I was a bit bad, though, so here's the recap.
RECAP:
Breakfast: 2 eggs with home-made pico de gallo and a baked sweet potato
Lunch: ....what's this? I did not haz...mostly because I was preparing for....
Dinner: 'Tandoori' Chicken with curried frice and mint pesto (totally stollen from Miss Melicious). It was amazingly good...in fact, here's a picture!
I, also, have drunk 3L of water at this point in my day and it's only 8:30pm. I anticipate more water to come! I will also have another epic shake like last night's...
Speaking of last night...I was bad, again! I hadn't eaten much yesterday; wasn't feeling it and wasn't hungry...until about midnight, at which point I devoured an orange bell pepper and about 5oz of chicken. It was the best midnight snack EVER!
No, seriously! I did! Look:
February:
2 - Groundhog Day
3 - Superbowl Sunday
14 - Valentine's Day
15-18 - Gaming Convention
I'm sure there are other holidays in there, too, that I could celebrate, but those are the biggies--especially the gaming convention. Four days of non-stop gaming and not many Paleo-friendly options. Fortunately, I have some ideas for breakfasts and lunches. Not so sure on dinners.
But, today, I slept in a bit and woke up feeling rested and refreshed and, *gasp* HAPPY! I donned my workout gear and proceeded to have a craptacular workout because of the idiot men at the gym, but came home to a mostly-made breakfast. This made me really happy. I was a bit bad, though, so here's the recap.
RECAP:
Breakfast: 2 eggs with home-made pico de gallo and a baked sweet potato
Lunch: ....what's this? I did not haz...mostly because I was preparing for....
Dinner: 'Tandoori' Chicken with curried frice and mint pesto (totally stollen from Miss Melicious). It was amazingly good...in fact, here's a picture!
Speaking of last night...I was bad, again! I hadn't eaten much yesterday; wasn't feeling it and wasn't hungry...until about midnight, at which point I devoured an orange bell pepper and about 5oz of chicken. It was the best midnight snack EVER!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Day 4 - The Whole30 Program
I can't shake this fatigue. It's like I'm getting my cycle symptoms two weeks in advance. I should have just finished ovulation yesterday (not that I ever have any clue when that happens), but... my gosh, I'm exhausted. Slept in til about 9am and didn't go to the gym. I couldn't even bring myself to put on clothes until around noon (that was after I went back to bed).
I'm so tired of being tired. I can't figure out what's wrong; really hoping the Whole30 can help with this problem. I started taking my magnesium powder, again, but I don't like taking it with plain water--I don't like the flavor and it makes me feel like it's eating my tooth enamel as I drink it (fun stuff, there).
Tried laying down for a nap, but I spent 15 of my 25 minutes awake--not helpful. The other 10 were a restless sleep which, also, is not helpful.
Anyway. Recap will be in a few hours. I'll even set it up for you now...
RECAP
Breakfast: Shrimp scramble (that's shrimp with scrambled eggs; very tasty!)
Lunch: ...when I eventually ate, it was an avocado with chicken breast.
Dinner: Left overs from last night! Beef roast and the cucumber salad. Delish!
I also had a glass of coconut milk whilst preparing the Tandoori chicken for tomorrow and two cups of tea with coconut creamer. I'll probably blend up some berries and coconut milk with my magnesium as I learned today that my protein powder is off my diet list for the next 26 days.
Confession...I stepped on the scales when I got out of the relaxing bath I took. >_< Good news: Down about 2lbs... Bad news: I have no willpower when it comes to the scales...
I'm so tired of being tired. I can't figure out what's wrong; really hoping the Whole30 can help with this problem. I started taking my magnesium powder, again, but I don't like taking it with plain water--I don't like the flavor and it makes me feel like it's eating my tooth enamel as I drink it (fun stuff, there).
Tried laying down for a nap, but I spent 15 of my 25 minutes awake--not helpful. The other 10 were a restless sleep which, also, is not helpful.
Anyway. Recap will be in a few hours. I'll even set it up for you now...
RECAP
Breakfast: Shrimp scramble (that's shrimp with scrambled eggs; very tasty!)
Lunch: ...when I eventually ate, it was an avocado with chicken breast.
Dinner: Left overs from last night! Beef roast and the cucumber salad. Delish!
I also had a glass of coconut milk whilst preparing the Tandoori chicken for tomorrow and two cups of tea with coconut creamer. I'll probably blend up some berries and coconut milk with my magnesium as I learned today that my protein powder is off my diet list for the next 26 days.
Confession...I stepped on the scales when I got out of the relaxing bath I took. >_< Good news: Down about 2lbs... Bad news: I have no willpower when it comes to the scales...
Friday, February 1, 2013
Day 3 - The Whole30
Today seemed much better on the eating front. Though, waking up is still *extremely* difficult. In fact, I took a protein shake last night with my magnesium powder and fell asleep fine....but, woke up frequently....and did not dream peacefully.
I woke up just as tired as when I went to bed and barely remember the first part of the morning. I remember certain things, but not in any sort of sequence or duration. At least I can sleep in a bit tomorrow before my workout.
In general, though, I'm feeling pretty good, though I'm definitely craving a vodka drink. Nothing sweet, really, just a vodka tonic. Or a caesar. Anyway....
RECAP!
Breakfast: 2 jumbo brown eggs and 3oz of steak (+2 cups black coffee)
Lunch: Brussels sprouts/cabbage and bacon sauté with 3oz of chicken
Dinner: That fabulous cucumber salad, again, and about 6oz of beef roast from the crock pot.
Naturally, water to drink.
I am considering whip---oh, wait, I forgot to get more bananas. Won't be making the banana "ice cream" tonight! But, I will take my protein shake later, likely with my last banana, again. It's very good and my feet didn't cramp at all in the night!
I woke up just as tired as when I went to bed and barely remember the first part of the morning. I remember certain things, but not in any sort of sequence or duration. At least I can sleep in a bit tomorrow before my workout.
In general, though, I'm feeling pretty good, though I'm definitely craving a vodka drink. Nothing sweet, really, just a vodka tonic. Or a caesar. Anyway....
RECAP!
Breakfast: 2 jumbo brown eggs and 3oz of steak (+2 cups black coffee)
Lunch: Brussels sprouts/cabbage and bacon sauté with 3oz of chicken
Dinner: That fabulous cucumber salad, again, and about 6oz of beef roast from the crock pot.
Naturally, water to drink.
I am considering whip---oh, wait, I forgot to get more bananas. Won't be making the banana "ice cream" tonight! But, I will take my protein shake later, likely with my last banana, again. It's very good and my feet didn't cramp at all in the night!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)