1 follower...

How sad is it that after all this time, my weight loss blog has only ONE follower (and, yes, it's my mother).

Anyway, things are going better. Saturday I put on my roller blades for the first time in [literally] years. I took the pup out for some exercise and we had a blast. I plan to go on a couple short blading adventures with him every day. It's fun for me, fun for him, and exercise for us both. That's a win-win.

I've been having a little trouble with sweets - but have been really good today about keeping myself full and happy with healthy, delicious snacks and I'm not craving anything too tempting.

I got two new South Beach cookbooks and have some yummy meals planned for the upcoming week. I'm hopeful to loose another couple pounds. I've got some serious ground to gain on my 15.

Exercise Report: Sunday Geoff and I went out on our bikes and found a delightful bike path. We rode for about 90 minutes and some parts were directly into the wind and pushed us pretty hard. It was wonderful. This morning I went on a 15 minute blading adventure with Rom and then did 15 on the treadmill and 15 on the stair stepper at the gym. I'll do at least another 15 minutes with the Rom-bo dog tonight and hopefully a little more biking.

Hor-moans

It's Friday and I'm happy about this. It's been a long week. Filled with lots of work, cleaning, cooking, vomiting (fantastic, right?), cramping, and general grump-faceness.

I had a few food slip-ups this week. It's my "time of the month" and the week before is generally a week of me craving carbs and sugar and feeling bloated and fat so I-might-as-well-eat-that-insertunhealthyfooditemhere-anyway. However, in general I've been doing well and mostly trying not to feel guilty for any snafus that may have occurred.

More importantly, the 'week before' is over now - and that means my appetite has gone with it. So, a couple days of no appetite should make up for a couple days of extra appetite.

My weight is a bit up due to the aforementioned bloating and inc. sugar/salt intake, but by Monday I should be back down to where I was and ready to lose that last 9.

I believe in me!

Workout Report: I got sick Tuesday afternoon. This prevented me from working out in the evening, cuz I figured my body should recuperate. Then Wednesday rolled around and I opted to spend the evening cleaning my [very neglected] apartment (which, by the way, looks fantastic now) rather then heading over to the gym. So, when Thursday morning rolled around and I rolled out of be 45 minutes before work - I vowed to Geoff that I NEEDED to work out that evening. He promised to make sure I did.

So, after dinner (pizza meat pie, kinda like a cheese-smothered meatloaf; 'twas quite delish), we hopped on our bikes and rode to the gym. I spent 60 minutes on the treadmill watching Project Runway. Then we rode to the grocery store for some - much needed - ice. So, 45 minutes of bike riding and 60 minutes of treadmilling didn't quite make up for my two missed days - but it was sufficient recompense, I think.

I did make it to the gym this morning as well for a 60 minute round-robin (20 elliptical; 20 stationary bike; 20 stair-stepper).

Roasting the Chick. Peas.

Well, inquiring minds want to know about Roasted Garbanzo Beans. There's not much to tell beyond the fact that they are just that - garbanzo beans roasted in the oven.

It's interesting, though, what happens to a garbanzo bean when roasted. I mean, let's be honest, garbanzo beans are mediocre at best. They are kinda slimy and lumpy. But their flavor isn't all bad. Which is why they are the perfect candidate for roasting. When roasted, they get kinda crunchy and nutty (not to mention a great source of protein). Like a healthy corn nut.

To roast them (and, yes, this recipe orginated from the SBD cookbook), I start by opening 4 cans of beans and rinsing them in a strainer so there's none of that foamy, weird liquid from the can on them anymore.

Next I lay them out on a jelly roll pan and drizzle them with 1/4-1/3 cup olive oil. I sprinkle them with a generous amount of sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Depending on my mood I'll flavor them with cayenne, garlic powder, or seasoning salt. Then I give the pan a good shake to make sure each bean has a nice coating of olive oil.

I then put in the oven at 500 degrees for about 35-40 minutes, shaking the pan every 10 minutes or so the keep the beans from sticking/burning.

When they start to get a little toasted looking, I know they are done.

Let them cool completely before portioning into baggies. But don't let them sit out too long after cooling, otherwise they morph into little rocks.

Enjoy!

Exercise Report: Monday was a less vigorous day then usual, but I still got my time in. I did a 40 minute walk with the dogs in the morning and a 20 minute walk with the hub at lunch. I haven't worked out yet today, but will make sure I do tonight!

Tips, Tid-bits, and Tricks

My dear friend-and-former-roomie, Mari, commented on my last blog and requested any "tips" I might have on preventing pre-meal snacking.

I have two answers.

Number One: Planning, Planning, Planning.

I plan my menu for the week on Sunday evening and shop on Monday evening. I buy exactly what I need to make all my pre-planned meals and snacks. But, really, that's all I buy. So, there aren't any really great "oops, I accidently put that chip/cookie/snack in my mouth and spoiled my dinner" opportunities.

I also cook the entire (work)week's worth of lunches Monday night and pack them in tupperware so that there isn't that dreadful risk of sleeping past the alarm, or getting stuck on a call at work, and therefore missing lunch.

I also plan snacks. I have my snack basket full of apples, yogurt, string cheese, roasted garbanzos, chopped veggies, etc...and we both take whatever we are in the mood for to work to eat throughout the day - so we never end up starving. I try to make sure I have a source of protein at every snack and meal - protein takes longer to metabolize and therefore keeps you feeling fuller, longer.

The South Beach Diet Cookbook has become my best friend because it allows me to plan delicious meals that are relatively easy and quick to prepare. It typically takes me about 40 minutes to get dinner on the table, so that's enough time for Geoff to take out the dogs, change out of his work clothes, and veg for a minute before he gets too hungry.

Number Two: Exercise Early

Something about starting the day moving (even it's it's just a ten minute walk around the block, or dancing around the kitchen while cooking breakfast) seems to trigger the body to know that today - I am taking care of myself.

Good luck to all my fellow losers out there, big and small. And those those who are no longer losing, but hope not to gain (again)!

Exercise Report: I got up and went to the gym today. I spent 60 minutes doing cardio (20 cross trainer, 20 stair stepper, and 20 treadmill). Yipee.

Psh. Forget the post. Just read the scrolling text to the right -->

Today is a good day.

1) Pay Day. Always good.

2) Morning bike ride with the hub (50 minutes). Felt good.

3) Shower in my own bathroom instead of the gym. Not having to see other naked women = good.

4) Cooking bacon egg cups for breakfast. Tasted good.

5) Stepped on the scale to another pound and 1/2 gone. 'Twas GOOD.

6 down, 9 to go. 20 more days on the challenge. I dare say I might even be able to do it.

Exercise Report: Via number 2 up above, you can see that I did indeed get my morning workout on. I'm hoping to get the hub out to play some racqetball tonight, but if the weather stays as it is, bikes might win again.

Super. Snooty.

At lunch today, Geoff and I were eating my skillfully prepared lunch. One of his pharmacists walked by and asked what we were having, to which Geoff replied:

"It's, uh, a chili-thing, with some avocado thing. I don't really know. But it's really good."

In my head I'm screaming it's homemade Vegetarian Chili, made with grilled bell pepper and fresh garlic, with Avocado Spread and Sour Cream. But, whatever you call it, it's was really good.

Exercise Report: Geoff and I went to the driving range last night. I sucked. Due to this, I only really hit for about 20 minutes to bring the total for the day to 70 minutes. I went to the gym this morning and got 55 minutes in (30 elliptical, 10 stationary bike, 10 treadmill, 5 rowing). It was super.

Am I HOT or is that just my Oven?

There are no good titles on a diet blog. I'm gonna work on getting more creative with my titles. I spend the majority of my posting time just trying to come up with a decent title. Lame? Yes.

Things are going smoothly. Went to Wal-meezy last night and purchased a truckload (or a Mercedes load) of groceries. I came home and cooked and cooked and cooked. I made Barley Risotto with Spinach and Parmesean. I made Vegetarian Chili with Avocado Spread. I made a delectable fritatta. I roasted and bagged 10 servings of garbanzo beans. Sliced and bagged apples, and carrots, and all other delicious items. I tupperwared 4 days worth of lunches, 7 days worth of snacks, and 2 days worth of breakfasts.

I've already kicked this week's butt and it's only Tuesday!

As a side note, I went to the doctor's today - and even the doc's scale brought me in at 4 pounds down.

Exercise Report: On account of the aforementioned 1 hour of shopping and 2 and 1/2 hours of cooking, I was unable to get in any formal exercise yesterday. But, shopping and cooking is at least not a sloth-like activity. And, it must be done. I did spend 50 minutes at the gym this morning - 25 on the stair stepper and 25 on the treadmill.

Note: Last week I came in at 510 minutes of exercise (or an average of 72 minutes a day)!

Week Two

And so begins week two of the 30 day challenge. Clearly things are going smoothly thus far. My weight was up a tad this morning, but that's the normal fluctuations.

I planned my grocery list for the week. Monday is shopping night. I'm excited about some of the meals I'll be making this week (courtesy of the South Beach Diet cookbook). Some highlights are Barley Risotto, Provolone Chicken Melt and Veggie Chili (lunches - made the chili last week and it was to die for); Carribean Baked Chicken with Mango and Pizza Meat Pie (dinners). The snack basket will be refilled with bell peppers, edamame, radishes, cheese sticks, yogurt, dried fruit, and roasted garbanzo beans. I will be buying new, full and delicious kettle corn popcorn seasoning and spray butter. Sounds like a good week to be eating at the Parker household.

Last week is was so fun to find creative ways to get active with Geoff. Our weekend was packed full of biking, racquetball, dog-walking and all kinds of fun ways to get up and get out.

Exercise Report: Sunday Geoff and I took a nice 45 minute bike ride. My body was killing me after racqetball and racing on the stationary bikes the day before, so he went out for some more biking in the evening, but I decided to give my body a rest. Today we plan to bike in the evening, but it looks like it might rain, so we'll go play racquetball at the Y if the weather prevents us from biking.

P.S. To answer C's comment from my previous post: My body REALLY loves exercise. My body also REALLY loves water retention. A full week of regular cardiovasular exercise coupled with a full week cooking all my own meals (therefore taking in about a billion times less salt and sugar) means my body will drop a lot of weight - fast. Things should slow down a little bit after the first two weeks, but I love to watch the numbers fly those first couple!

Success

Well, one week down. And 4 and 1/2 pounds down! Yay!

Exercise Report: I actually ended up taking Friday off from working out, but I'm okay with it because my poor bod just got thrown back into the whole workout thing. I think it's okay to give it a break. Today, however, I did get about 70 minutes of workout in. Geoff and I went to the Y and played racquetball (my first time) for about 55 minutes and then we went down and "raced" on the Expresso bikes for a few miles (about 15 minutes). It was a blast. My legs are super tired. We are planning to go rollerblading tomorrow at the park downtown - we'll see what we actually end up doing!

Head Games

So much about health and confidence and body image and weight is all just in the head.

I've been making smart food choices and exercising regularly now for, what, 5 days? And, yet, I feel slimmer, sexier, more confident and I've got a little added swaggar in my step. And, while my weight is down a pound or two - I know, realistically, that doesn't translate to actually looking slimmer.

It's bizarre - but at least it does provide that much-needed will power to keep going and keep trying and keep on keeping on.

Exercise Report: Thursday - I rode my bike to the gym and back and worked out there for 45 minutes for a total of 75 minutes of exercise (30 biking, 35 elliptical, 10 rowing machine). Today I slept in so I haven't worked out yet, but I will! :)

Wasted!

I was reviewing some of my old photos the other day and I realized something. I have wasted so much time in my life worrying about my weight. In every photo I looked at...I remember the time when it was taken...and I remember thinking "boy, I feel fat" or "boy, I look fat in that photo" or "man, I wish I looked more like I did in that photo."

It reminded me of a quote on a magnet I came across at some kitschy shop in the Mall of America.

What a waste! It's going to take some effort - but I'm going to learn how to be happy. Regular exercise, healthy eating, occasional indulgences are going to turn me into a lean, happy gal. While counting days and minutes exercised and tracking my weight loss is vital to the success of reaching a healthy weight - I am done worry about numbers.

Looking at each picture I could tell you how much I weighed in that photo. Ridiculous! Because, you know what? It doesn't matter. I have some amazing memories at all weights. It's about being healthy and comfortable (and, yes, there is a number associated with that - but it's not the number I thought it would be). Finally.

I'm feeling good about things today. Strong. Confident. Maybe it helps that the number on the scale was down. :-)

Exercise Report: Geoff and I went golfing last night, so that brought my total exercise for the day to 80 minutes. I got up to take a long bike ride this morning, but about 1/8 mile from the apartment - my front tire popped! I jogged back to the apartment with my bike and walked the dogs while hub fixed up the tire. So, the hour long bike ride turned into a 25 minute bike ride with a 15 minute dog walk and a 5 minute jog. Oh, well, that's still 45 minutes! I'll find the other 15 before the day is over.

Allegiance Olympics

Well, today was a rockin' good time at work. We have been having a heath and fitness goal this year. The first quarter is over, so we had our "retreat" today. We had six 'events' consisting of scrabble, boggle, Norweigian golf, bean bag toss, pictionary, and mini golf. We were split into four teams and competed.

It was loads of fun. My team ended up "winning" silver. There were awards for those who reached their exercise goals. I was a failure at this last quarter - but so far this quarter I'm on a roll.

Exercise Report: I made it to the gym this morning and did 50 minutes of cardio (25 minutes on the cross trainer - killer. and 25 on the treadmill). I plan to walk the dogs for 10-20 minutes tonight to reach my goal of 60 for the day. :)

The Snack Basket Revisited

Well, super-wife and lazy-wife came to an agreement today.

Snack basket = great idea.

Snack basket full of cookies, chips, rice krispies and other sugar/salt-filled goodies = evil idea.

Thus the "new" snack basket, or "reincarnated" snack basket arose.

In the fridge: a purple bowl filled with baggies of cucumbers, radishes, edimame, cheese sticks and low-sugar yogurt.

On the counter: an orange bowl with baggies of roast garbanzo beans, pita bread, and dried mangoes.

I'm already looking forward to snack time!

Workout report: 45 minutes at the gym this morning (15 elliptical, 30 stationary bike). 2 short (15 minute) walks with the dogs. For a total of 75 minutes.

It's fun to stay at the...

Well, today I finally felt well enough to get out and about a bit. Geoff and I took our first Fargo bike ride together. The wind made things a little tougher then expected, but overall, it was sunny and warm and great to be on my bike again.

We rode to the YMCA and signed up for our memberships. So, my first weight loss challenge will officially begin Monday morning. After my nasty allergic reaction last week, I'll need to start things a little slower then I would normally like to, but getting back into the swing of a regular workout is going to be glorious.

I'm also excited to get back into the swing of cooking. Before I got sick, I made a delicious days worth of meals - and I'm soooo ready to have that every day. Tonight I made steak with tomato topping (a new favorite of ours from the South Beach Diet cookbook) and boiled asparagus. I LOVE the southbeach cookbook. Mostly because everything is delicious. It's a great feeling to know that whatever I decide to cook will be great.

Anyway, tomorrow I have planned a London Broil (in the fridge marinating as I type) with Roasted Asparagus Soup (I love this time of year when asparagus is practically free!) and Broiled French bread with Garlic and Melted Medium Cheddar Cheese. I'm hopefuly that the weather will be gorgeous and we can pack it up for a picnic.

YMCA - here I come.

Ready - Set - oh, wait...

Well, I was all ready and set to start my 15 pounds in 30 days challenge, when my body decided that I needed to take a week of bedrest and have a severe allergic reaction. I'm hoping to get my gym membership all squared away this weekend and get started on Monday - Oh, yeah.