"He who breaks a resolution is a weakling; He who makes one is a fool." ~F.M. Knowles
It was dinner on the go this evening. Luckily, it wasn't dinner from the McDonald's Drive Thru. I was fortunate there were some healthy choices to pick from at our house.
I prepared left over roast beef thinly sliced in between two pieces of wheat bread. Instead of French fries, it was a sandwich bag of carrots and a snack bag of heart healthy nuts.
It's all part of my elaborate plan to actually keep my New Year's resolution. Not that I don't enjoy a trip to McDonalds from time-to-time. It's just not necessary to have it every time I or my family are on the go.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Bringing out the skinny jeans
"The biggest seller is cookbooks and the second is diet books - how not to eat what you've just learned how to cook." ~ Andy Rooney
This morning while Paula thumbed through her collection of cookbooks searching for a healthy recipe to prepare for our Sunday dinner, I was in the bedroom getting ready for the day. While I was in the shower, Paula found a dish she could prepare in the crock pot. As she gathered her ingredients and readied the crock pot, I was in the bedroom closet trying to find jeans to wear.
It was a particularly enjoyable moment. I pulled out jeans from the back of the closet, jeans I haven’t wore in a few years. It was quite exciting to fit into my old jeans. It was even more exhilarating to actually be able to snap and zip the pants.
Once I selected a pair of jeans that fit appropriately, I climbed to the back of the closet and pulled out my dress pants as well. In the fifteen minutes Paula prepped our Sunday dinner, I was able to determine which dress pants to move to the front of the closet and which ones would be banished to a box for good will.
Anyone else boxing up clothes for good will or fitting into their skinny jeans?
This morning while Paula thumbed through her collection of cookbooks searching for a healthy recipe to prepare for our Sunday dinner, I was in the bedroom getting ready for the day. While I was in the shower, Paula found a dish she could prepare in the crock pot. As she gathered her ingredients and readied the crock pot, I was in the bedroom closet trying to find jeans to wear.
It was a particularly enjoyable moment. I pulled out jeans from the back of the closet, jeans I haven’t wore in a few years. It was quite exciting to fit into my old jeans. It was even more exhilarating to actually be able to snap and zip the pants.
Once I selected a pair of jeans that fit appropriately, I climbed to the back of the closet and pulled out my dress pants as well. In the fifteen minutes Paula prepped our Sunday dinner, I was able to determine which dress pants to move to the front of the closet and which ones would be banished to a box for good will.
Anyone else boxing up clothes for good will or fitting into their skinny jeans?
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Major feats accomplished
"Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness." ~ Edward Stanley.
Today, for sixty minutes I kept my feet moving on a treadmill at the gym. I wasn’t all that motivated to exercise this morning, so challenging myself to stay on the treadmill for an hour was a hysterically, exaggerated feat for a 41 year old man.
The first thirty minutes were reasonable. I walked at a good pace. I increased and decreased the speed and the incline of the treadmill. I listened to my tunes, got myself into a groove while I was walking and climbing. However, once I reached forty, maybe forty-five minutes, on the treadmill, I was done.
I did everything to get through those last fifteen minutes. I even accessed Facebook while I was walking. It’s a wonder I didn’t fall off the beast. Everyone knows you shouldn’t Facebook and walk at the same time.
Luckily I was triumphant, walking and running and climbing my way to sixty full minutes of bodily exercise. Of course, the best part was when I got on the scale and discovered that for the first time in three years, I am finally less than 200 pounds! As I told my Facebook friends, I was thrilled and amazed but not enough to cry like they do on the Biggest Loser.
Immense blessings to everyone trying to lose weight and get physically fit this year! I’m right there with you! Keep moving!
Today, for sixty minutes I kept my feet moving on a treadmill at the gym. I wasn’t all that motivated to exercise this morning, so challenging myself to stay on the treadmill for an hour was a hysterically, exaggerated feat for a 41 year old man.
The first thirty minutes were reasonable. I walked at a good pace. I increased and decreased the speed and the incline of the treadmill. I listened to my tunes, got myself into a groove while I was walking and climbing. However, once I reached forty, maybe forty-five minutes, on the treadmill, I was done.
I did everything to get through those last fifteen minutes. I even accessed Facebook while I was walking. It’s a wonder I didn’t fall off the beast. Everyone knows you shouldn’t Facebook and walk at the same time.
Luckily I was triumphant, walking and running and climbing my way to sixty full minutes of bodily exercise. Of course, the best part was when I got on the scale and discovered that for the first time in three years, I am finally less than 200 pounds! As I told my Facebook friends, I was thrilled and amazed but not enough to cry like they do on the Biggest Loser.
Immense blessings to everyone trying to lose weight and get physically fit this year! I’m right there with you! Keep moving!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Keeping it new and fresh
"Sex is good, but not as good as fresh, sweet corn." ~ Garrison Keillor
Every day since the first of the year, I've been posting an "inspirational" quote about dieting and exercise. I am committed to posting a new quote every single day on my Facebook page and repeating none of the quotes.
Today, I was in a hurry to post a quote and I inadvertently typed in a quote that I had already posted on my page. When members of my Facebook pose started commenting on the post, it sounded a bit too familiar to me. I read the quote again. After carefully reading it, I was certain I had mentioned this particular quote once before. After some further investigation, I discovered I had in fact posted that "life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon" on January 27, 2011.
Upon my discovery, I retracted my statement and replaced it with a new quote, the one that is at the beginning of this particular blog entry. "Sex is good, but not as good as fresh, sweet corn." As I said on my Facebook post, this quote is one to remember this summer when you are gnawing on a big ole juicy ear of sweet corn covered in butter.
Every day since the first of the year, I've been posting an "inspirational" quote about dieting and exercise. I am committed to posting a new quote every single day on my Facebook page and repeating none of the quotes.
Today, I was in a hurry to post a quote and I inadvertently typed in a quote that I had already posted on my page. When members of my Facebook pose started commenting on the post, it sounded a bit too familiar to me. I read the quote again. After carefully reading it, I was certain I had mentioned this particular quote once before. After some further investigation, I discovered I had in fact posted that "life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon" on January 27, 2011.
Upon my discovery, I retracted my statement and replaced it with a new quote, the one that is at the beginning of this particular blog entry. "Sex is good, but not as good as fresh, sweet corn." As I said on my Facebook post, this quote is one to remember this summer when you are gnawing on a big ole juicy ear of sweet corn covered in butter.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Offering it up
"An hour of basketball feels like fifteen minutes. An hour on the treadmill feels like a weekend in traffic school." ~ David Walter
Today I completed a 15 minute walk on the treadmill. It actually felt like 15 minutes. However, about a month ago 15 minutes on the treadmill felt like an hour. For anyone just starting to workout especially on a treadmill I can tell you that it does get better.
I won't lie there are days that being on the treadmill is awful. Getting to five minutes feels like fifty minutes. There are days I don't even want to step foot on the mechanical beast.
What works for me is changing the incline and the speed every minute or even every thirty seconds. Music certainly helps. What also works and can make for a really positive experience on the treadmill is to pray. Being Catholic, I sometimes pray a rosary to get in at least 15 or 20 minutes.
Lately I have been praying for my Dad who is currently battling lung cancer. His battle with cancer doesn't compare to my battle with weight. Without knowing what to do for my Dad or how to help him, I've been praying for his health and his wellness while I work on my own. Basically I have been offering up my daily exercise and healthy living to God. In addition to my own weight loss, I am happy to report that Dad's tumors are shrinking.
Immense blessings indeed.
Today I completed a 15 minute walk on the treadmill. It actually felt like 15 minutes. However, about a month ago 15 minutes on the treadmill felt like an hour. For anyone just starting to workout especially on a treadmill I can tell you that it does get better.
I won't lie there are days that being on the treadmill is awful. Getting to five minutes feels like fifty minutes. There are days I don't even want to step foot on the mechanical beast.
What works for me is changing the incline and the speed every minute or even every thirty seconds. Music certainly helps. What also works and can make for a really positive experience on the treadmill is to pray. Being Catholic, I sometimes pray a rosary to get in at least 15 or 20 minutes.
Lately I have been praying for my Dad who is currently battling lung cancer. His battle with cancer doesn't compare to my battle with weight. Without knowing what to do for my Dad or how to help him, I've been praying for his health and his wellness while I work on my own. Basically I have been offering up my daily exercise and healthy living to God. In addition to my own weight loss, I am happy to report that Dad's tumors are shrinking.
Immense blessings indeed.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
One chocolate chip cookie is not enough
"Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie." ~ Jim Davis
Is chocolate a vegetable? It grows on a tree right? I think it comes from a bean and beans are vegetables. I have convinced myself that it is a vegetable. So obviously chocolate chip cookies are a must on a diet.
I actually had my first chocolate chip cookie today since going on this diet. It was delicious. I enjoyed it so much I not only had one but two of the cookies.
Today, I ate plenty and I exercised plenty. Great day to have a cookie!
Is chocolate a vegetable? It grows on a tree right? I think it comes from a bean and beans are vegetables. I have convinced myself that it is a vegetable. So obviously chocolate chip cookies are a must on a diet.
I actually had my first chocolate chip cookie today since going on this diet. It was delicious. I enjoyed it so much I not only had one but two of the cookies.
Today, I ate plenty and I exercised plenty. Great day to have a cookie!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
No time for exercise
The word aerobics came about when the gym instructors got together and said, "If we're going to charge $10 an hour, we can't call it jumping up and down." ~Rita Rudner
This was one of those days where there just wasn't enough time in the day, not even for exercise.
I slept in this morning instead of going to the gym. It wasn't the wisest decision because finding an opening in my schedule for exercise was impossible.
Luckily, I watched what I ate today and didn't over indulge. Of course the pie that my wife made late this evening smells really good! Do you think my oldest son would mind if I had just a tiny piece of the pie that he's suppose to take to school?
This was one of those days where there just wasn't enough time in the day, not even for exercise.
I slept in this morning instead of going to the gym. It wasn't the wisest decision because finding an opening in my schedule for exercise was impossible.
Luckily, I watched what I ate today and didn't over indulge. Of course the pie that my wife made late this evening smells really good! Do you think my oldest son would mind if I had just a tiny piece of the pie that he's suppose to take to school?
Monday, February 21, 2011
Walking by the cream pies
"To avoid sickness eat less; to prolong life worry less." ~ Chu Hui Weng
Eating less can be a bit of a challenge when you are presented with a free meal of German pot roast and fried chicken, not to mention the mashed potatoes and gravy. And did I mention there was chocolate cream pie for dessert.
At a work function tonight I avoided eating two meats, having only one piece of fried chicken. I ate only salad and green beans and walked pass the bread, the potatoes and the gravy. I even avoided the cream pies.
It was all very delicious. I left the dinner satisfied and didn't over indulge. I ate less and I feel better for it.
Eating less can be a bit of a challenge when you are presented with a free meal of German pot roast and fried chicken, not to mention the mashed potatoes and gravy. And did I mention there was chocolate cream pie for dessert.
At a work function tonight I avoided eating two meats, having only one piece of fried chicken. I ate only salad and green beans and walked pass the bread, the potatoes and the gravy. I even avoided the cream pies.
It was all very delicious. I left the dinner satisfied and didn't over indulge. I ate less and I feel better for it.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Day of rest
"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it." ~ Plato
Great advice from Plato, however today I'm taking a day of rest. I'll go back to moving and methodically exercising tomorrow.
Great advice from Plato, however today I'm taking a day of rest. I'll go back to moving and methodically exercising tomorrow.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Running barefoot
"My own prescription for health is less paperwork and more running barefoot through the grass." ~Terri Guillemets
At my age, I really don't think I should be running barefoot through the grass. It's very likely I could break a toe. Instead of running, I think I'll walk.
At my age, I really don't think I should be running barefoot through the grass. It's very likely I could break a toe. Instead of running, I think I'll walk.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Snickers
“In a famous 1939 speech to the Physics Department at Princeton, Albert Einstein said that you have to exercise for a week to work off the thigh fat from a single Snickers.” ~Dave Berry.
After reading something like that don't you just want to run out and buy a big king size Snickers?
If a king size bar doesn't tempt you, I am sure by now the shelves of Walmart, Target, Kmart and all their other discount friends have already loaded their shelves with the miniature versions of the Snickers wrapped in pastel pinks, greens and blues.
Oh well enough fantasizing about Snickers. I haven't the time to spend a week working off additional thigh fat.
After reading something like that don't you just want to run out and buy a big king size Snickers?
If a king size bar doesn't tempt you, I am sure by now the shelves of Walmart, Target, Kmart and all their other discount friends have already loaded their shelves with the miniature versions of the Snickers wrapped in pastel pinks, greens and blues.
Oh well enough fantasizing about Snickers. I haven't the time to spend a week working off additional thigh fat.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wearing out the shoes
"When you have worn out your shoes, the strength of the shoe leather has passed into the fiber of your body. I measure your health by the number of shoes and hats and clothes you have worn out." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson.
I love Ralph Waldo Emerson and I love this quote about the strength of the shoe leather passing through the fiber of your body. However, I might have to agree with a friend - I thought if the shoe didn't wear out it was a really good shoe.
So anyhow, I gave it my best. I slipped on my tennis shoes after work and for thirty minutes I strutted across the backside of a treadmill. I'm not sure I passed any strength from the sole of my shoes into my body but I certainly did plenty of sweating!
I love Ralph Waldo Emerson and I love this quote about the strength of the shoe leather passing through the fiber of your body. However, I might have to agree with a friend - I thought if the shoe didn't wear out it was a really good shoe.
So anyhow, I gave it my best. I slipped on my tennis shoes after work and for thirty minutes I strutted across the backside of a treadmill. I'm not sure I passed any strength from the sole of my shoes into my body but I certainly did plenty of sweating!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Aches, pains and all
"Aerobics: a series of strenuous exercises which help convert fats, sugars and starches into aches, pains and cramps." ~ Author Unknown.
I haven't been doing any aerobics lately but I've been doing plenty of cardio and I am experiencing my fair share of aches, pains and cramps. I'm hoping the aches and pains in my leg and the cramps in my feet are burning the fats, sugars and starches.
Since the beginning of the year, I've been making every effort to park further away from the door of my office building. With all the aches and pains and cramps and this blasted bitter cold weather, it's been a little unpleasant parking so far away, until this week. After weeks of snow and frigid temperatures, the warm weather has been an immense blessing. Parking farther away from the door right now, not a problem.
I haven't been doing any aerobics lately but I've been doing plenty of cardio and I am experiencing my fair share of aches, pains and cramps. I'm hoping the aches and pains in my leg and the cramps in my feet are burning the fats, sugars and starches.
Since the beginning of the year, I've been making every effort to park further away from the door of my office building. With all the aches and pains and cramps and this blasted bitter cold weather, it's been a little unpleasant parking so far away, until this week. After weeks of snow and frigid temperatures, the warm weather has been an immense blessing. Parking farther away from the door right now, not a problem.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Lots of pain, little gain
"I have to workout in the morning before my brain wakes up and figures out what I'm doing." ~ Marsha Doble
Unfortunately for me, my brain figures out what I'm thinking about doing the minute the alarm goes off at 4:45 a.m. in the morning. Most days, such as today, I have to talk myself into getting from under the covers and out of bed. And if I can keep my eyelids open long enough to be convinced of the benefits of exercise I do eventually get out of bed to exercise.
Lately it's been a challenge to exercise morning, noon or night. I have been experiencing some severe signs of aging. Aches and pains I've never experienced before are really setting me back. I've not worked out with this much intensity for at least five or six years and the older version of myself is certainly feeling the pain!
No pain, no gain . . . Right?!?!
Unfortunately for me, my brain figures out what I'm thinking about doing the minute the alarm goes off at 4:45 a.m. in the morning. Most days, such as today, I have to talk myself into getting from under the covers and out of bed. And if I can keep my eyelids open long enough to be convinced of the benefits of exercise I do eventually get out of bed to exercise.
Lately it's been a challenge to exercise morning, noon or night. I have been experiencing some severe signs of aging. Aches and pains I've never experienced before are really setting me back. I've not worked out with this much intensity for at least five or six years and the older version of myself is certainly feeling the pain!
No pain, no gain . . . Right?!?!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Dinner
"Forget love - I'd rather fall in chocolate." ~ Sandra J. Dykes
I didn't exactly fall into chocolate today, but I did "dip my toe" in chocolate. In addition to my regular dark chocolate candy kisses, I also ate half of a delicious extra chocolate brownie. It was worth every bite.
As for love, I made Paula and the boys a scrumptious low calorie dinner. My version of Chicken Parmesan with angel hair pasta and a salad. It too was worth every single bite!
My boys doubted I could have the meal ready before Paula came home. They have such little faith. It is really not that big of a deal. I heat up a pot of diced tomatoes adding a pinch of Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, black pepper and sugar. Then I defrost the boneless chicken breasts, heat the olive oil in a large skillet, coat the chicken in Italian bread crumbs and cook the chicken for a few minutes on each side. And finally I place the chicken breast in a baking dish, cover with the tomatoes and Parmesan cheese and into the oven it goes for 25 minutes.
Of course my youngest son, Logan, was a little worried about the mozzarella cheese I selected to top the chicken with a few minutes before it was done. "This isn't that plastic cheese, is it?" Logan said. "That cheese is nasty!". Of course, he was referring to the last time I made the chicken dish with fat free mozzarella cheese. I have to agree with Logan, it was nasty! For Valentine's Day I redeemed myself.
I didn't exactly fall into chocolate today, but I did "dip my toe" in chocolate. In addition to my regular dark chocolate candy kisses, I also ate half of a delicious extra chocolate brownie. It was worth every bite.
As for love, I made Paula and the boys a scrumptious low calorie dinner. My version of Chicken Parmesan with angel hair pasta and a salad. It too was worth every single bite!
My boys doubted I could have the meal ready before Paula came home. They have such little faith. It is really not that big of a deal. I heat up a pot of diced tomatoes adding a pinch of Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, black pepper and sugar. Then I defrost the boneless chicken breasts, heat the olive oil in a large skillet, coat the chicken in Italian bread crumbs and cook the chicken for a few minutes on each side. And finally I place the chicken breast in a baking dish, cover with the tomatoes and Parmesan cheese and into the oven it goes for 25 minutes.
Of course my youngest son, Logan, was a little worried about the mozzarella cheese I selected to top the chicken with a few minutes before it was done. "This isn't that plastic cheese, is it?" Logan said. "That cheese is nasty!". Of course, he was referring to the last time I made the chicken dish with fat free mozzarella cheese. I have to agree with Logan, it was nasty! For Valentine's Day I redeemed myself.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
One dessert and a fork for everyone
"Stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I think not." ~ Author Unknown
A month ago I spoke of a trip to Kansas City where I ate dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. While there I purchased a thick slice of chocolate cheesecake. I placed it in my hotel room refrigerator and didn't speak of it again.
I am pleased to report that the sinful dessert did make it home with me. When my co-worker and I checked out of the hotel, she asked me if I ate my cheesecake. "Oh crap," I replied. "It's still in the room!"
I was going to leave it there, however my co-worker insisted I go back to the room for it. At her prompting I went back to the room for the plastic container holding my 900 calorie piece of cheesecake.
When I got home, it went back in the refrigerator. Later that night after dinner, I shared the piece of cheesecake with my family. Five forks, one piece of cheesecake. My one bite was delicious and well worth the wait!
I highly recommend taking a friend or family member out for dessert this Valentine's Day and share a dessert. Imagine all your stress disappear with every bite of your favorite dessert!
A month ago I spoke of a trip to Kansas City where I ate dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. While there I purchased a thick slice of chocolate cheesecake. I placed it in my hotel room refrigerator and didn't speak of it again.
I am pleased to report that the sinful dessert did make it home with me. When my co-worker and I checked out of the hotel, she asked me if I ate my cheesecake. "Oh crap," I replied. "It's still in the room!"
I was going to leave it there, however my co-worker insisted I go back to the room for it. At her prompting I went back to the room for the plastic container holding my 900 calorie piece of cheesecake.
When I got home, it went back in the refrigerator. Later that night after dinner, I shared the piece of cheesecake with my family. Five forks, one piece of cheesecake. My one bite was delicious and well worth the wait!
I highly recommend taking a friend or family member out for dessert this Valentine's Day and share a dessert. Imagine all your stress disappear with every bite of your favorite dessert!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Refusing to let go
"I think I just ate my willpower." ~ Author Unknown
I've had extraordinary willpower for weeks. I've been eating healthy and staying within my allowed amount of calories. I've been exercising daily. I've been walking, jogging and sprinting along with some serious weight lifting.
I have been experiencing some significant weight loss until the last week or two. Now I've hit a plateau and the scale refuses to budge. According to what I've read this is when the body gets a mind of it's own refusing to let go of any more weight. Scientists and medical experts explain that the body is holding on to the fat fearing there could be a famine.
Seriously, my body is scared of a little change. I'm dragging my tired big butt out of bed every morning. I'm leaving behind my warm cozy bed to face cold, frigid temperatures to drive ten minutes to the gym every day. I'm exercising for forty sometimes fifty minutes or more at a time drowning in my own sweat and stink day and night. My body better snap out of it and quit acting like a frightened little girl. Man up and start burning the fat that we both know you don't need!
I've had extraordinary willpower for weeks. I've been eating healthy and staying within my allowed amount of calories. I've been exercising daily. I've been walking, jogging and sprinting along with some serious weight lifting.
I have been experiencing some significant weight loss until the last week or two. Now I've hit a plateau and the scale refuses to budge. According to what I've read this is when the body gets a mind of it's own refusing to let go of any more weight. Scientists and medical experts explain that the body is holding on to the fat fearing there could be a famine.
Seriously, my body is scared of a little change. I'm dragging my tired big butt out of bed every morning. I'm leaving behind my warm cozy bed to face cold, frigid temperatures to drive ten minutes to the gym every day. I'm exercising for forty sometimes fifty minutes or more at a time drowning in my own sweat and stink day and night. My body better snap out of it and quit acting like a frightened little girl. Man up and start burning the fat that we both know you don't need!
Friday, February 11, 2011
More kisses
"Exercise is a dirty word. Everytime I hear it I wash my mouth out with chocolate." ~Author Unknown.
I prefer to wash out my mouth with dark chocolate. I'm particularly fond of having four dark chocolate candy kisses at least once a day usually after a meal. It is the best 100 calories of my day!
I prefer to wash out my mouth with dark chocolate. I'm particularly fond of having four dark chocolate candy kisses at least once a day usually after a meal. It is the best 100 calories of my day!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Tempting, fast food night
"My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people." Orson Welles
My doctor would likely tell me to stop having dinners at fast food places like McDonalds. Actually, my family and I haven't had too many of those dinners lately. However, tonight was an exception.
I was surrounded by all sorts of special offers to lead me off the narrow path to good health, wellness and physical fitness. At the door there was a special offer to try the new Bacon Chipolte Angus Burger and get a free drink and French fries. Once inside the fast food joint Paula asks if anyone wants a free Quarter Pounder since she has a coupon to buy one and get one free. And at the counter the boys were wanting to know if I wanted to share a box of 50 chicken McNuggets.
Despite all the temptation and a new tray of freshly baked cookies put in front of me, I remained strong. I ordered and ate two Chipolte chicken snack wraps. It's 560 calories but much better for me than the other options I was being enticed with for dinner.
Of course we will not speak of any French fries that might have made it into my mouth.
My doctor would likely tell me to stop having dinners at fast food places like McDonalds. Actually, my family and I haven't had too many of those dinners lately. However, tonight was an exception.
I was surrounded by all sorts of special offers to lead me off the narrow path to good health, wellness and physical fitness. At the door there was a special offer to try the new Bacon Chipolte Angus Burger and get a free drink and French fries. Once inside the fast food joint Paula asks if anyone wants a free Quarter Pounder since she has a coupon to buy one and get one free. And at the counter the boys were wanting to know if I wanted to share a box of 50 chicken McNuggets.
Despite all the temptation and a new tray of freshly baked cookies put in front of me, I remained strong. I ordered and ate two Chipolte chicken snack wraps. It's 560 calories but much better for me than the other options I was being enticed with for dinner.
Of course we will not speak of any French fries that might have made it into my mouth.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
No danger of falling through street grates
"The leading cause of death among fashion models is falling through street grates." ~ Dave Berry
I don't think there is any risk of me falling through a street grate anytime in the near future. I barely fit through an open manhole. And if the scale is any indication there is no danger of me slipping through one anytime soon.
I'm feeling a little like the second week of the Biggest Loser and the weight loss is simply not as dramatic as it was in the first week. The weight loss is happening but not as fast and as much as it was the first couple of weeks. Even though the scale isn't registering a sweeping change, I am hoping the fat is melting off and the muscle is piling on.
So, until then watch your step. I'd just hate it if any of you met your demise falling through a street grate.
I don't think there is any risk of me falling through a street grate anytime in the near future. I barely fit through an open manhole. And if the scale is any indication there is no danger of me slipping through one anytime soon.
I'm feeling a little like the second week of the Biggest Loser and the weight loss is simply not as dramatic as it was in the first week. The weight loss is happening but not as fast and as much as it was the first couple of weeks. Even though the scale isn't registering a sweeping change, I am hoping the fat is melting off and the muscle is piling on.
So, until then watch your step. I'd just hate it if any of you met your demise falling through a street grate.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
No sticky rings for me
"I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond."~Mae West
Speaking of diamonds and rings and such, Paula came home tonight with boxes of Valentine Ring Pops for the two youngest boys to give out for Valentine's Day.
My youngest informed me to keep my paws off his Ring Pops and reminded me that I was on a diet. As if I was going to break open the box to have a 60 calorie ring pop made of sugar, corn syrup, buffered lactic acid and pear juice concentrate. I know you are thinking what's wrong with a little pear juice concentrate. I'm wondering what on earth is buffered lactic acid. I'm not even brave enough to google it for the answer. I'm sure it's not good for you.
The box warns that the "Be My Valentine" Ring Pops are not for children 3 and under. Do you think it is because a toddler of that age might choke on it or the main ingredients might stunt their growth? I'm guessing the buffered lactic acid might burn a hole in their esophagus.
Did I mention that I really don't like Ring Pops? I've never bought a Ring Pop for my children. What parent in their right mind would buy a nasty, sticky, slimy sucker for their child to wear on their hand? Ick!
Speaking of diamonds and rings and such, Paula came home tonight with boxes of Valentine Ring Pops for the two youngest boys to give out for Valentine's Day.
My youngest informed me to keep my paws off his Ring Pops and reminded me that I was on a diet. As if I was going to break open the box to have a 60 calorie ring pop made of sugar, corn syrup, buffered lactic acid and pear juice concentrate. I know you are thinking what's wrong with a little pear juice concentrate. I'm wondering what on earth is buffered lactic acid. I'm not even brave enough to google it for the answer. I'm sure it's not good for you.
The box warns that the "Be My Valentine" Ring Pops are not for children 3 and under. Do you think it is because a toddler of that age might choke on it or the main ingredients might stunt their growth? I'm guessing the buffered lactic acid might burn a hole in their esophagus.
Did I mention that I really don't like Ring Pops? I've never bought a Ring Pop for my children. What parent in their right mind would buy a nasty, sticky, slimy sucker for their child to wear on their hand? Ick!
Monday, February 7, 2011
More minutes, more intensity
"Unless you puke, faint or die, keep going!" Jillian Michaels
I haven't puked, fainted or died but my workouts have certainly become more and more intense.
I've been pounding the treadmill for 30-40 minutes everyday or every other day. Being on a treadmill can be dreadfully boring so I have to add some surprises. I increase the speed and the incline every thirty seconds. I go from walking steep "hills" to jogging casually down a treadmill road to no where to running full body, arms and legs flying, sprints . Before I am aware of it, the treadmill happily informs me I have completed my workout.
I've also been lifting weights - machines and free weights. The weightlifting workouts have varied from 20-40 minutes, it just depends on the day and how much time I have in the day to commit to exercise.
I use to be adamant about getting in a workout first thing in the morning. If I didn't then I would simply not exercise at all. I would even get depressed about it. I felt like a complete failure. Lately I've just surrendered to God. I let it up to Him to help me find time in my day to exercise. Amazingly enough, the time is always there waiting for me to fill it with exercise.
I haven't puked, fainted or died but my workouts have certainly become more and more intense.
I've been pounding the treadmill for 30-40 minutes everyday or every other day. Being on a treadmill can be dreadfully boring so I have to add some surprises. I increase the speed and the incline every thirty seconds. I go from walking steep "hills" to jogging casually down a treadmill road to no where to running full body, arms and legs flying, sprints . Before I am aware of it, the treadmill happily informs me I have completed my workout.
I've also been lifting weights - machines and free weights. The weightlifting workouts have varied from 20-40 minutes, it just depends on the day and how much time I have in the day to commit to exercise.
I use to be adamant about getting in a workout first thing in the morning. If I didn't then I would simply not exercise at all. I would even get depressed about it. I felt like a complete failure. Lately I've just surrendered to God. I let it up to Him to help me find time in my day to exercise. Amazingly enough, the time is always there waiting for me to fill it with exercise.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Good intentions to eat healthy
I'll not even speak of how many calories I have consumed this evening. I had good intentions of preparing a low calorie Green Chili Chicken and Lime Soup. I prepared the soup, but that wasn't all I ate. I blazed through a couple hot wings and dunked at least 20 or more tortilla chips into Rotel cheese dip and Paula's homemade guacamole dip. I'm not even counting the chocolate covered strawberry that was delivered to my door. It's fruit. There can't be that many calories in one little bitty strawberry dipped in chocolate.
Before I sign off to watch the barrage of Super Bowl commercials... oh and the game too. I thought I would share with you my version of Green Chili Chicken and Lime Soup. It has only 260 calories, give or take a calorie here and there. It was delicious. Of course, I had a little help. Paula was in the kitchen at the same time and was extremely free and easy with the advice.
Scott's Green Chili Chicken and Lime Soup
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves fresh or roasted garlic, minced
80 oz chicken broth
10 oz can Rotel tomatoes with lime juice and cilantro
7 oz can diced green chilies
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled, diced and seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic salt
2 1/2 cups of instant brown rice
1/4 cup lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon of salt and pepper
1 teaspoon of garlic salt with parsley
Place olive oil into a large dutch oven over medium heat. Saute onion for five minutes then add in garlic. Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes, green chilies, chicken breast, brown rice, lime juice and seasonings. Cook for 7-10 minutes.
You can serve soup with diced avocado, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or tortilla chips.
260 calories, 4g fat, 32g carbohydrates, 15g protein.
Enjoy... go Green Bay Packers!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
A superb day
"I go up and down the scale so often that if they ever perform an autopsy on me they'll find me like a strip of bacon - a streak of lean and a streak of fat." ~ Texas Guinan
Today was a superb day even though the day began with a surprise dusting of more snow. Even though I weighed a pound more today than yesterday and only a pound less than last week Saturday, it was still a superb day.
The snow made traveling a bit challenging but Caleb and I gently slid our way into a church parking space in time for the little man to play basketball. It was a ball game to remember. No score in the first quarter and the opposing team having a delightful upperhand by the halftime. And it ended superbly with a surprise win, 24-22!
The superb mood of a somewhat ordinary February day continued at the local Steak n Shake. A large chocolate shake for Caleb and a Grilled Chicken smothered in Guacamole. A breakfast of champions.
Superb moments summed up the entire day - a stop at Walmart where Caleb selected the perfect avocados, a skill he learned from his mother; an hour of intense walking, running and weight lifting in an almost vacant fitness center; a stroll through the local grocery store in search of all the ingredients for a new soup I'm looking forward to preparing and wandering aimlessly and sheepishly in search of diced chiles; clearing the slush and slop from the driveway with Logan and smiling with joy that I didn't have to do it alone; overcoming my continual fear of speaking in public as I stood behind the church pulpit to recite the "word of the Lord"; singing boisterously with a hymnal in hand knowing with certainty I was embarrassing my oldest son Derek; stuffing my insides with a platter covered in parmasean chicken and fettucini; an evening on the sofa watching Julia Roberts eat spaghetti; and the satisfaction of having once again finished a marathon of laundry.
Yes, some days, no matter how many calories you eat, no matter how many steps you walk or no matter what the scale reads...are superb days.
Today was a superb day even though the day began with a surprise dusting of more snow. Even though I weighed a pound more today than yesterday and only a pound less than last week Saturday, it was still a superb day.
The snow made traveling a bit challenging but Caleb and I gently slid our way into a church parking space in time for the little man to play basketball. It was a ball game to remember. No score in the first quarter and the opposing team having a delightful upperhand by the halftime. And it ended superbly with a surprise win, 24-22!
The superb mood of a somewhat ordinary February day continued at the local Steak n Shake. A large chocolate shake for Caleb and a Grilled Chicken smothered in Guacamole. A breakfast of champions.
Superb moments summed up the entire day - a stop at Walmart where Caleb selected the perfect avocados, a skill he learned from his mother; an hour of intense walking, running and weight lifting in an almost vacant fitness center; a stroll through the local grocery store in search of all the ingredients for a new soup I'm looking forward to preparing and wandering aimlessly and sheepishly in search of diced chiles; clearing the slush and slop from the driveway with Logan and smiling with joy that I didn't have to do it alone; overcoming my continual fear of speaking in public as I stood behind the church pulpit to recite the "word of the Lord"; singing boisterously with a hymnal in hand knowing with certainty I was embarrassing my oldest son Derek; stuffing my insides with a platter covered in parmasean chicken and fettucini; an evening on the sofa watching Julia Roberts eat spaghetti; and the satisfaction of having once again finished a marathon of laundry.
Yes, some days, no matter how many calories you eat, no matter how many steps you walk or no matter what the scale reads...are superb days.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Running the good race
I believe that the Good Lord gave us a finite number of heartbeats and I'm damned if I'm going to use up mine running up and down a street. ~Neil Armstrong on jogging, in an interview with Walter Cronkite
I admire the boys and girls, young and old, who find it inside themselves to train and eventually finish a race. It impresses me the number of people who make it their goal to run a marathon, or a half marathon or even a 5k or 10k race.
I've considered running a 5k a couple of times. I've even downloaded the IPhone application, Couch to 5k. I've download it but certainly haven't committed to it.
I suppose the reason I don't commit is because it sort of intimidates me. I'm more of a sprinter than a marathon runner. I can do minutes upon minutes of intervals on a track or treadmill. Very rarely, if ever, will you see me run for a long distance.
I think I don't enjoy running because I have the tendency to start running without stretching and well I forget to breath while I am running.
Perhaps one day I'll overcome the silly physical and mental barriers I put in front of myself and I'll actually train for and complete a race. For now, I'll continue to cheer for family and friends who go beyond their physical and mental capabilities to cross the finish line. Especially those who are out there running for a good cause!
I admire the boys and girls, young and old, who find it inside themselves to train and eventually finish a race. It impresses me the number of people who make it their goal to run a marathon, or a half marathon or even a 5k or 10k race.
I've considered running a 5k a couple of times. I've even downloaded the IPhone application, Couch to 5k. I've download it but certainly haven't committed to it.
I suppose the reason I don't commit is because it sort of intimidates me. I'm more of a sprinter than a marathon runner. I can do minutes upon minutes of intervals on a track or treadmill. Very rarely, if ever, will you see me run for a long distance.
I think I don't enjoy running because I have the tendency to start running without stretching and well I forget to breath while I am running.
Perhaps one day I'll overcome the silly physical and mental barriers I put in front of myself and I'll actually train for and complete a race. For now, I'll continue to cheer for family and friends who go beyond their physical and mental capabilities to cross the finish line. Especially those who are out there running for a good cause!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Staying active despite a blizzard
"If it weren't for the fact the TV set and the refrigerator are so far apart, some of us wouldn't get any exercise at all." ~ Joey Adams
If it weren't for some snow shoveling yesterday, I wouldn't have gotten any exercise at all yesterday. These snow days have made it very difficult to get in exercise. The gym was closed on Tuesday when the epic blizzard came blowing into town and in the aftermath of the storm the snow drifted so much it was impossible for the gym to open for a second day.
Instead of sitting around watching TV all day Tuesday, I drug out the Nordic "Beast". I did that for forty minutes. It was the longest forty minutes ever. Luckily, I got in a workout.
As I said yesterday the only physical activity I engaged in was removing the tons of snow on our deck. After thirty minutes of shoveling we did find the patio furniture back. I was so wiped out I even took an afternoon nap. I never take naps.
Today the gym reopened and the opportunity to exercise was made available once again. I took full advantage with a full hour of weight lifting and running on the treadmill. It actually felt sensational.
These snow days have the potential to slide us off our path to success. I'm hoping that isn't how it is for you and that you and I are still eating right, exercising and losing weight.
If it weren't for some snow shoveling yesterday, I wouldn't have gotten any exercise at all yesterday. These snow days have made it very difficult to get in exercise. The gym was closed on Tuesday when the epic blizzard came blowing into town and in the aftermath of the storm the snow drifted so much it was impossible for the gym to open for a second day.
Instead of sitting around watching TV all day Tuesday, I drug out the Nordic "Beast". I did that for forty minutes. It was the longest forty minutes ever. Luckily, I got in a workout.
As I said yesterday the only physical activity I engaged in was removing the tons of snow on our deck. After thirty minutes of shoveling we did find the patio furniture back. I was so wiped out I even took an afternoon nap. I never take naps.
Today the gym reopened and the opportunity to exercise was made available once again. I took full advantage with a full hour of weight lifting and running on the treadmill. It actually felt sensational.
These snow days have the potential to slide us off our path to success. I'm hoping that isn't how it is for you and that you and I are still eating right, exercising and losing weight.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Getting older
"The older you get the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and fat are really good friends." Author Unknown
I so agree with this statement. My body and my fat are in love! It is not just a mutual attraction. It is a sordid love affair and unbelievably impossible to separate the two of them.
I have personally discovered that it requires more and more exercise to maintain a healthy weight. More importantly it has become more important that I eat a healthy diet. Chocolate chip cookies like the ones my son made tonight after dinner go straight to my gut. Lately I've been avoiding an over abundance of processed foods and eating more veggies and fruits. I've certainly noticed a difference in my mood and a slight shift in my weight as well.
So basically what I've come to discover is that there simply is no way around eating less and exercising more. It's the only way to break up this tawdry love affair between my body and my fat.
I so agree with this statement. My body and my fat are in love! It is not just a mutual attraction. It is a sordid love affair and unbelievably impossible to separate the two of them.
I have personally discovered that it requires more and more exercise to maintain a healthy weight. More importantly it has become more important that I eat a healthy diet. Chocolate chip cookies like the ones my son made tonight after dinner go straight to my gut. Lately I've been avoiding an over abundance of processed foods and eating more veggies and fruits. I've certainly noticed a difference in my mood and a slight shift in my weight as well.
So basically what I've come to discover is that there simply is no way around eating less and exercising more. It's the only way to break up this tawdry love affair between my body and my fat.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Burning calories digging through snow
"I really don't need buns of steel. I'd be happy with buns of cinnamon."~ Ellen DeGeneres
I’m not sure if shoveling snow as high as the mailbox will shape buns of steel but it will certainly keep me physically fit. I’ve been fortunate that I haven’t had to shovel the driveway today during this blizzard. My neighbor came by with his tractor about mid-afternoon to blade the driveway. I was more than thrilled to see him working over the foot or more of snow in our driveway.
I’m sure by morning there will be plenty of new snow on the driveway to shovel. I’m expecting snow drifts up to my waist by daylight. I’ll get in plenty of snow shoveling tomorrow as I dig my way out of the driveway. Plenty of calories will be burned and a tremendous workout for a variety of muscles can be expected tomorrow.
I’m not sure if shoveling snow as high as the mailbox will shape buns of steel but it will certainly keep me physically fit. I’ve been fortunate that I haven’t had to shovel the driveway today during this blizzard. My neighbor came by with his tractor about mid-afternoon to blade the driveway. I was more than thrilled to see him working over the foot or more of snow in our driveway.
I’m sure by morning there will be plenty of new snow on the driveway to shovel. I’m expecting snow drifts up to my waist by daylight. I’ll get in plenty of snow shoveling tomorrow as I dig my way out of the driveway. Plenty of calories will be burned and a tremendous workout for a variety of muscles can be expected tomorrow.
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