I brought fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes and lite balsamic vinaigrette for a mid-afternoon snack today.
I just wanted you all to know that it was HEAVENLY!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Oh the fried pickles!
I had a fantastic time at dinner with Andrea last night. We caught up for over three hours and talked about a lot of stuff...thankfully, most of it was not work related!
Regardless, I had about 10 points left when I went in there for dinner. I ordered a Leffe (a wonderful belgian beer). Andrea ordered fried pickles. I wanted to punch her and kiss her at the same time. One became three. My good word. How do I count those?
I stuck to the plan on the sandwich - mostly. They didn't have wheat bread (huh?). So I ordered it as is with slaw instead of fries. It came out and was gigantic. It was cut in half, and I strategically chose the smaller half and took the top piece of foccacia off. It was good, and it filled me completely. I didn't even touch the slaw. When I got home, Chris devoured what was left.
Pilates didn't happen. But a long walk with the dog this morning did. It's a small victory.
Andrea and I are going to get drinks tonight around 8pm with some other friends. I want to get out of the house so Chris can study. I have promised myself only one beer, and that I WILL go to the gym and at least do cardio beforehand.
Regardless, I had about 10 points left when I went in there for dinner. I ordered a Leffe (a wonderful belgian beer). Andrea ordered fried pickles. I wanted to punch her and kiss her at the same time. One became three. My good word. How do I count those?
I stuck to the plan on the sandwich - mostly. They didn't have wheat bread (huh?). So I ordered it as is with slaw instead of fries. It came out and was gigantic. It was cut in half, and I strategically chose the smaller half and took the top piece of foccacia off. It was good, and it filled me completely. I didn't even touch the slaw. When I got home, Chris devoured what was left.
Pilates didn't happen. But a long walk with the dog this morning did. It's a small victory.
Andrea and I are going to get drinks tonight around 8pm with some other friends. I want to get out of the house so Chris can study. I have promised myself only one beer, and that I WILL go to the gym and at least do cardio beforehand.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Back on track...well, mostly!
I did really well yesterday, and I feel back on track. I made good choices. I had lunch out with a vendor and two coworkers yesterday, and I chose the vegetarian special on the menu, which was quite tasty. It had a Korean flare to it. Lots of veggies, pan-fried tofu, cellophane noodles. It was yummy.
For dinner I made turkey burgers and salad. And I had a chocolate chip cookie for dessert. I made them on Saturday and didn't even try one before I gave all but 5 of them away. Chris ate the other four we kept.
This morning, I got up and went to the gym. I totally rocked the elliptical for 30 minutes, and I have plans to do pilates tonight. The gym was really really humid this morning. I don't know what it was. But I skipped out on weights, and figured i'd work my abs tonight instead. On the way home from the gym, I stopped at the store to pick up a few things to pack lunches this week. Chris made some really good coffee this morning, so i've had that. But I did also have a handful of jelly beans. I should have just had a real breakfast. I'm not hungry right now, but I am looking forward to lunch with my cousins Jerry and Joe where I plan to have a hummus, veggie and smoked gouda sandwich with fruit salad. I LOVE this coffee shop that we're meeting at. There are lots of healthy options for eating!
Tonight I'm having dinner out with my friend/former boss, Andrea. At an Irish Pub. I have to choose wisely! Their menu doesn't look to healthy - not even the salads. They have a roasted turkey sandwich that might be a wise choice, if I order it with Wheat bread instead of focaccia, and a side salad instead of fries!
For dinner I made turkey burgers and salad. And I had a chocolate chip cookie for dessert. I made them on Saturday and didn't even try one before I gave all but 5 of them away. Chris ate the other four we kept.
This morning, I got up and went to the gym. I totally rocked the elliptical for 30 minutes, and I have plans to do pilates tonight. The gym was really really humid this morning. I don't know what it was. But I skipped out on weights, and figured i'd work my abs tonight instead. On the way home from the gym, I stopped at the store to pick up a few things to pack lunches this week. Chris made some really good coffee this morning, so i've had that. But I did also have a handful of jelly beans. I should have just had a real breakfast. I'm not hungry right now, but I am looking forward to lunch with my cousins Jerry and Joe where I plan to have a hummus, veggie and smoked gouda sandwich with fruit salad. I LOVE this coffee shop that we're meeting at. There are lots of healthy options for eating!
Tonight I'm having dinner out with my friend/former boss, Andrea. At an Irish Pub. I have to choose wisely! Their menu doesn't look to healthy - not even the salads. They have a roasted turkey sandwich that might be a wise choice, if I order it with Wheat bread instead of focaccia, and a side salad instead of fries!
Monday, March 24, 2008
It's going to be a GOOD week!
I have decided that this week is going to be a good one. I stepped on the scale this morning and lost a pound! That's the first pound i've lost in a month, and i'm not quite sure how I did it, but I'll take it.
Last week wasn't as good as I'd hoped, and I just didn't want to blog about it and inflict any more of my own depressed self onto this blog. I'm sure what it came down to is that I didn't have TIME for anything. No time for the gym (I didn't go even once), and no time to eat. But when I did eat, I made fairly wise choices (except for yesterday - my easter dinner was a plate of macaroni and cheese and baked beans - and raspberry cheesecake for dessert - whoops!).
I slept in this morning for a work day. And I AM going home on time. My grandfather pointed something out to me this weekend about my job - mainly that if I keep killing myself working, they may never hire the replacement for my boss, because i'm getting the work of two people done all on my own. And he's right. I spoke up for myself last week to my boss and told him I couldn't get a project done in the timeline needed. I really hope he comes through for me on pushing back on the client because they have dragged their feet on the project for almost a year, and now want me to have the project designed and finished within a month - and have only given me part of the info I need.
*sigh*
Such is my life these days.
I am working hard today and this week. I am going to the gym. Chris and I are working hard at combining our money and paying down debt, and we're doing pretty well so far. It's going to be a GOOD week!
Last week wasn't as good as I'd hoped, and I just didn't want to blog about it and inflict any more of my own depressed self onto this blog. I'm sure what it came down to is that I didn't have TIME for anything. No time for the gym (I didn't go even once), and no time to eat. But when I did eat, I made fairly wise choices (except for yesterday - my easter dinner was a plate of macaroni and cheese and baked beans - and raspberry cheesecake for dessert - whoops!).
I slept in this morning for a work day. And I AM going home on time. My grandfather pointed something out to me this weekend about my job - mainly that if I keep killing myself working, they may never hire the replacement for my boss, because i'm getting the work of two people done all on my own. And he's right. I spoke up for myself last week to my boss and told him I couldn't get a project done in the timeline needed. I really hope he comes through for me on pushing back on the client because they have dragged their feet on the project for almost a year, and now want me to have the project designed and finished within a month - and have only given me part of the info I need.
*sigh*
Such is my life these days.
I am working hard today and this week. I am going to the gym. Chris and I are working hard at combining our money and paying down debt, and we're doing pretty well so far. It's going to be a GOOD week!
Monday, March 17, 2008
You win some, you lose some
I've taken a break from blogging for the last several days because my eating has been awful, my exercising has been limited to walking my dog, and my mood has been less than favorable because of work.
I took some steps last Friday to help myself remedy some of the work issues, and after working Saturday, I feel like i'm back on track to maybe work only about a 45 hour week this week. This is MAJOR.
I set out today to really concentrate on my eating, not really thinking about the chili cookoff that was scheduled at work. I'm embarrassed to say all that I ate today. And it all started with the fact that the lunch did not start until 1pm (I usually am starving by 11:30, and eat then), and I was eating Fritos that were sitting around because I was SO hungry.
Tomorrow's going to be a better day. It has to be. And I promised myself I would get back on track with my eating and with my exercising. And I promise you, my readers (all two of you out there!) that the posts to follow will be positive from an energized and on-track ME!!!!
I took some steps last Friday to help myself remedy some of the work issues, and after working Saturday, I feel like i'm back on track to maybe work only about a 45 hour week this week. This is MAJOR.
I set out today to really concentrate on my eating, not really thinking about the chili cookoff that was scheduled at work. I'm embarrassed to say all that I ate today. And it all started with the fact that the lunch did not start until 1pm (I usually am starving by 11:30, and eat then), and I was eating Fritos that were sitting around because I was SO hungry.
Tomorrow's going to be a better day. It has to be. And I promised myself I would get back on track with my eating and with my exercising. And I promise you, my readers (all two of you out there!) that the posts to follow will be positive from an energized and on-track ME!!!!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
A Breakdown
I had a breakdown at work already this morning (yes, it's 8:30 and i've been here since 7am for the third time this week!).
I got an email from my Aunt asking me how I've been. She said she had breakfast with my grandparents yesterday and they were all really worried about me because I haven't really been around since Christmas.
It immediately made me burst into tears at my desk. My job is literally sucking the life out of me. I feel so trapped.
I am a person who ADORES her family. Especially my grandparents. Their view on many things differ so much from my own but they are two people I love and respect very much, and being around them makes me feel safe and loved. They are two of the most loving and giving people i've ever known. I feel so badly that i've neglected them.
I got an email from my Aunt asking me how I've been. She said she had breakfast with my grandparents yesterday and they were all really worried about me because I haven't really been around since Christmas.
It immediately made me burst into tears at my desk. My job is literally sucking the life out of me. I feel so trapped.
I am a person who ADORES her family. Especially my grandparents. Their view on many things differ so much from my own but they are two people I love and respect very much, and being around them makes me feel safe and loved. They are two of the most loving and giving people i've ever known. I feel so badly that i've neglected them.
Monday, March 10, 2008
More of the Same
This morning at weigh in, I stayed the same. AGAIN.
And i'm really really okay with that. I am ashamed of the way I ate this weekend.
Today's a new day though. And i'm working really hard to give myself more work/life balance this week even though i'm busier than ever. I truly think that's the source of my eating desires and pitfalls.
Wish me luck!
And i'm really really okay with that. I am ashamed of the way I ate this weekend.
Today's a new day though. And i'm working really hard to give myself more work/life balance this week even though i'm busier than ever. I truly think that's the source of my eating desires and pitfalls.
Wish me luck!
Friday, March 7, 2008
UPDATE
Blizzard warning issued
Update: The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning until 4 p.m. Saturday in anticipation tonight of heavy snow and wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour. Snow totals may reach 15 inches.
Must Be Late Winter Blahs?
I don't know what's happening with me! All the momentum from the last couple of weeks has just gone down the toilet.
It all started yesterday. I went to Target. I hate a huge chocolate craving. I bought a bag of Hershey's Eggs (the ones with the pastel candy shell - i heart them!). I brought them back to the office to share for a "decadent treat," as my coworker calls it. I promised myself the 8-piece 180 calorie serving would be it.
Two handfuls later...I thought "what the hell am I doing?
On the way home in the snow I stopped for lunch. Traffic was bumper to bumper and I was starving. I got some Tofu Thai Spicy at a thai place I usually don't go to. It was the greasiest thing I've eaten in months! Then I went across the street to the grocery store where I bought some kind of "Kajun Crab Dip." You know it's going to be fattening when they can't even spell the words right! I bought frozen pizza. I bought Cocoa pebbles. Oh yeah. And I bought a Heath bar.
What is wrong with me!?
I ate the Heath bar. I had two bowls of Cocoa Pebbles for dinner. And some of that "Kajun" delight on wheat thins. Sounds like a gourmet meal right?
And now I'm supposed to go to the neighbor's for girls night where I just found out my neighbor has prepared three kinds of desserts and bought wine.
I really don't know how I got here today. And all I can say is that I need to get to the gym tomorrow and stick to good habits. I just hope we don't get 8 more inches of snow on top of the 4-5 we already have like is forecasted for tonight.
That's the only excuse I've got. Winter Blahs!
It all started yesterday. I went to Target. I hate a huge chocolate craving. I bought a bag of Hershey's Eggs (the ones with the pastel candy shell - i heart them!). I brought them back to the office to share for a "decadent treat," as my coworker calls it. I promised myself the 8-piece 180 calorie serving would be it.
Two handfuls later...I thought "what the hell am I doing?
On the way home in the snow I stopped for lunch. Traffic was bumper to bumper and I was starving. I got some Tofu Thai Spicy at a thai place I usually don't go to. It was the greasiest thing I've eaten in months! Then I went across the street to the grocery store where I bought some kind of "Kajun Crab Dip." You know it's going to be fattening when they can't even spell the words right! I bought frozen pizza. I bought Cocoa pebbles. Oh yeah. And I bought a Heath bar.
What is wrong with me!?
I ate the Heath bar. I had two bowls of Cocoa Pebbles for dinner. And some of that "Kajun" delight on wheat thins. Sounds like a gourmet meal right?
And now I'm supposed to go to the neighbor's for girls night where I just found out my neighbor has prepared three kinds of desserts and bought wine.
I really don't know how I got here today. And all I can say is that I need to get to the gym tomorrow and stick to good habits. I just hope we don't get 8 more inches of snow on top of the 4-5 we already have like is forecasted for tonight.
That's the only excuse I've got. Winter Blahs!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
9pm, Wednesday
Well tonight was definitely slated on my calendar as a "GYM" night. I just got home from work 45 minutes ago. Ugh...i know! I made a quick (and delicious) dinner - broccoli, tofu and noodle stir-fry. It was fabulous and low fat! But now it's after 9pm. I have a sink full of dishes, several loads of laundry to do, and almost zero energy.
AND I have to be in early tomorrow and have a speaking event to work/host tomorrow night for AIGA (my professional organization).
I am going to try really really hard to do my 20-minute Pilates workout before I go to bed. But I can't make any promises.
HELP! How do I help myself dig out of this hole at work? Why do I work like this instead of asking for more resources or prioritization?
AND I have to be in early tomorrow and have a speaking event to work/host tomorrow night for AIGA (my professional organization).
I am going to try really really hard to do my 20-minute Pilates workout before I go to bed. But I can't make any promises.
HELP! How do I help myself dig out of this hole at work? Why do I work like this instead of asking for more resources or prioritization?
Monday, March 3, 2008
Turning a bad day into a GOOD day!
The day started out really bad, but it ended really good!
I stayed on track today (except for that thin mint I snuck before the gym - darn those girl scout cookies in my freezer!). I took the dog for a 30 minute walk this morning. I drank my water and planned my meals and my snacks for today. I even got up and made myself eggbeaters and toast for breakfast. I brought my yummy veggie lasagna a banana and a few pretzel sticks for lunch - and I ate outside with my friends Christine and Kate, even though it was only 20 minutes, that fresh air did me worlds of good!! I brought yogurt, fiber one cereal and fresh blueberries for a snack. It's my new favorite!
For dinner, Chris and I had MahiMahi, roasted potatoes (i only ate a couple of pieces), and salads. I went to the gym and did another 40 minutes on the arc trainer. I skipped weights tonight because it's my day to do upper body, and my neck/shoulder is STILL bothering me a bit (I pulled something from coughing when I was sick - but it's WAY better than it has been).
I got to talk with my friend Kelly, whom I just adore, for about 40 minutes after I went to the gym. We have been friends since the second grade. We backpacked through Europe together for a month after college. We've been in each other's weddings. We've been through bad relationships together. We've had lots of crazy adventures together over the years, and managed to stay pretty close through it all. And Chris and I are going to see her and her husband Frank this weekend in Cleveland. I'm VERY excited (although, I have to admit, we're going up there because I have to art direct a photo shoot on Sunday - work is really killing me. Truly).
My Mom and Dad are home from a vacation to Belize. I have missed talking to them!
Chris just found out he got a 96% on his midterm for school (hello making that tuition i'm paying worth it!).
Looking back on it all - it really has been a GOOD day!
I stayed on track today (except for that thin mint I snuck before the gym - darn those girl scout cookies in my freezer!). I took the dog for a 30 minute walk this morning. I drank my water and planned my meals and my snacks for today. I even got up and made myself eggbeaters and toast for breakfast. I brought my yummy veggie lasagna a banana and a few pretzel sticks for lunch - and I ate outside with my friends Christine and Kate, even though it was only 20 minutes, that fresh air did me worlds of good!! I brought yogurt, fiber one cereal and fresh blueberries for a snack. It's my new favorite!
For dinner, Chris and I had MahiMahi, roasted potatoes (i only ate a couple of pieces), and salads. I went to the gym and did another 40 minutes on the arc trainer. I skipped weights tonight because it's my day to do upper body, and my neck/shoulder is STILL bothering me a bit (I pulled something from coughing when I was sick - but it's WAY better than it has been).
I got to talk with my friend Kelly, whom I just adore, for about 40 minutes after I went to the gym. We have been friends since the second grade. We backpacked through Europe together for a month after college. We've been in each other's weddings. We've been through bad relationships together. We've had lots of crazy adventures together over the years, and managed to stay pretty close through it all. And Chris and I are going to see her and her husband Frank this weekend in Cleveland. I'm VERY excited (although, I have to admit, we're going up there because I have to art direct a photo shoot on Sunday - work is really killing me. Truly).
My Mom and Dad are home from a vacation to Belize. I have missed talking to them!
Chris just found out he got a 96% on his midterm for school (hello making that tuition i'm paying worth it!).
Looking back on it all - it really has been a GOOD day!
Ugh. Week 8?
Okay, i'm having a bad day already. Negative post alert!
1. I stayed the same AGAIN this week. I hate plateaus
2. Chris' friend really annoyed me last night talking politics and i'm still in a foul mood from it today (a.k.a. i don't understand a gay man who votes republican!)
3. A lady at work who is in a management position is REALLY annoying me with "DROP EVERYTHING YOU'RE DOING" requests for something PERSONAL when she just had a half hour long conversation with me on Friday, keeping me here after 6pm, about how busy I am, and why i'm working weekends! URGGGGGGGGGGGGH!
4. It's GORGEOUS outside, and I will be chained to my desk all day with more work than I can possibly get done.
1. I stayed the same AGAIN this week. I hate plateaus
2. Chris' friend really annoyed me last night talking politics and i'm still in a foul mood from it today (a.k.a. i don't understand a gay man who votes republican!)
3. A lady at work who is in a management position is REALLY annoying me with "DROP EVERYTHING YOU'RE DOING" requests for something PERSONAL when she just had a half hour long conversation with me on Friday, keeping me here after 6pm, about how busy I am, and why i'm working weekends! URGGGGGGGGGGGGH!
4. It's GORGEOUS outside, and I will be chained to my desk all day with more work than I can possibly get done.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
A Nice Leisurely Saturday
I've had a pretty decent weekend foodwise. Friday night I did splurge on three glasses of white wine. I was so worked up about everything going on at work, and it' helped me relax. I know it's not really a healthy way of dealing with stress - but it sure felt good!
Yesterday I made it to the gym and did 35 minutes on the arc trainer. I'm really beginning to love that thing. I did upper body strength training, and Chris and I took the dog for a long walk in the sun! It was refreshing. After church, we went to dinner with our pastor, Ed, and two ladies from our church. It was nice. We went to the same Mexican place I visited last weekend with girlfriends. I convinced Chris to split the fajitas with me. He was very concerned that he'd leave hungry - but it was enough food for three people easily. And it was SOOO good. I ate more chips than I needed to, but I wasn't too worried. I'd made good choices all day long. We had every intention of going to see a movie after we stopped home to feed and let out the dog. But as we flipped channels for a few minutes, we found some good movies were on, and we settled in to watch Wedding Crashers. It was so relaxing. We eventually moved upstairs and curled up in bed with the dog betweeen us to watch the movie. I fell asleep by 11pm. But I needed the sleep!
This morning I got up, had some cereal and headed out to the gym. Today I did 40 minutes on the arc trainer and lower body strength training. I was so proud of 40 minutes on that machine. I really really like it. I haven't gotten bored on it yet. And i've worked myself up to a reasonable time after a long hiatus from the flu.
I had a grilled cheese and roasted turkey sandwich for lunch which was just amazing. Then I dropped Chris and his friend Jim off at UC for the basketball game and came into work. I'm still here. I did fall off the wagon a bit and splurged on some Graeter's we had in the freezer at work. It was worth every calorie, because I've really had some major chocolate cravings that I just want to satisfy so I can move on and not nibble on it here and there like I have been (hello thin mints in the freezer at home!).
Tonight, I am making Linda McCartney's Winter Lasagne recipe. It has lots of fresh spinach and mushrooms and not much cheese - it's sounds really healthy and really yummy. I'm also going to make a tofu-noodle stir fry for lunches this week, and prepare our meal for tomorrow night - Mahi Mahi, asparagus and fingerling potatoes. Sunday is my day to cook!
Back to work to get some stuff done so perhaps my week will be a bit less stressful!
I am still a little worried about stepping on the scale tomorrow morning, but we'll see what happens. I feel like i've eaten okay, but i'm not sure if it all will add up to a loss. If nothing else, I've gotten in three really good workouts this week, and two nights of Pilates at home. And i'm really starting to see the workout time as MY time to relax and unwind. This is a HUGE leap for me! Workouts have always always been a chore.
Yesterday I made it to the gym and did 35 minutes on the arc trainer. I'm really beginning to love that thing. I did upper body strength training, and Chris and I took the dog for a long walk in the sun! It was refreshing. After church, we went to dinner with our pastor, Ed, and two ladies from our church. It was nice. We went to the same Mexican place I visited last weekend with girlfriends. I convinced Chris to split the fajitas with me. He was very concerned that he'd leave hungry - but it was enough food for three people easily. And it was SOOO good. I ate more chips than I needed to, but I wasn't too worried. I'd made good choices all day long. We had every intention of going to see a movie after we stopped home to feed and let out the dog. But as we flipped channels for a few minutes, we found some good movies were on, and we settled in to watch Wedding Crashers. It was so relaxing. We eventually moved upstairs and curled up in bed with the dog betweeen us to watch the movie. I fell asleep by 11pm. But I needed the sleep!
This morning I got up, had some cereal and headed out to the gym. Today I did 40 minutes on the arc trainer and lower body strength training. I was so proud of 40 minutes on that machine. I really really like it. I haven't gotten bored on it yet. And i've worked myself up to a reasonable time after a long hiatus from the flu.
I had a grilled cheese and roasted turkey sandwich for lunch which was just amazing. Then I dropped Chris and his friend Jim off at UC for the basketball game and came into work. I'm still here. I did fall off the wagon a bit and splurged on some Graeter's we had in the freezer at work. It was worth every calorie, because I've really had some major chocolate cravings that I just want to satisfy so I can move on and not nibble on it here and there like I have been (hello thin mints in the freezer at home!).
Tonight, I am making Linda McCartney's Winter Lasagne recipe. It has lots of fresh spinach and mushrooms and not much cheese - it's sounds really healthy and really yummy. I'm also going to make a tofu-noodle stir fry for lunches this week, and prepare our meal for tomorrow night - Mahi Mahi, asparagus and fingerling potatoes. Sunday is my day to cook!
Back to work to get some stuff done so perhaps my week will be a bit less stressful!
I am still a little worried about stepping on the scale tomorrow morning, but we'll see what happens. I feel like i've eaten okay, but i'm not sure if it all will add up to a loss. If nothing else, I've gotten in three really good workouts this week, and two nights of Pilates at home. And i'm really starting to see the workout time as MY time to relax and unwind. This is a HUGE leap for me! Workouts have always always been a chore.
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