I was so, so bad yesterday.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

McDonald’s sausage burritos for breakfast, Wendy’s burger and fries for lunch, and frozen pizza and cheese popcorn for dinner. Soda with every meal and maybe 2 c. of water throughout the entire day. NO exercise at all. I felt tired and crappy the whole day.

Why did I do this to myself, you ask? I was weak and lazy. I was stressing out about a few things, like buying this scooter. Unless the MN gov’t can get their crap together, we’ll be having a state shutdown starting tomorrow (July 1st), and some people are saying it could last 3-4 months. So when I decided to buy this scooter from a co-worker on Tuesday afternoon, it meant we needed to do the title transfer on Wednesday or Thursday, and I also needed to get my motorcycle permit or not be able to ride my new scooter until possibly October or November. The result was me standing in line for an hour at one DMV to get my permit (passed my written test with 100%!), driving for half hour to another DMV, then standing around THAT DMV for two hours waiting to sign the title transfer. I didn’t get to work until noon, which brings me to my next stressor.

I work in accounts receivables, so month end is always our busy time and we really crunch to get everything done by month end close (8 p.m. on the last day of the month). June is our busiest month, and on top of that a coworker was out all last week and I was out for a half day for that funeral, so we were running about 3 days behind on our workload. I came in at noon yesterday and was looking at the beginning of an 8 hour workday. Yuck.

And then because the universe likes to work in threes, my “lady time” also started Tuesday night, giving me just that little extra kick in the balls. Thanks, universe.

But yesterday’s disgusting display of fatty, greasy food and laziness was not a complete waste, because I LEARNED something. And that is: What I eat MAJORLY affects what I do, and what I do affects how I feel. If I eat crap, I feel tired and crappy and don’t want to work out. If I don’t work out, I feel like crap. So eating crap = feeling like crap. But if I eat well (especially when I eat lots of fresh veggies, lean proteins, and water, water, water) I feel energized and like I WANT to exercise and be active. And when I exercise I feel even more energized, rejuvenated, accomplished, and all sorts of good things.

That being said, I got up early today to cook some food up for my lunch. I’ve got this Asian fusion pasta that I bought from the farmers market with some thai peanut marinated chicken and a little peanut sauce drizzled on top. I’ve also got kohlrabi and cabbage coleslaw with basically lemon, mustard seed, and cumin for the “dressing” (instead of icky fatty mayo), and fresh cherries and Yoplait Light Triple Berry Torte yogurt. YUM.


I’m excited to try this kohlrabi, I must say. I also bought a jicama yesterday and am looking forward to trying that. I’m planning to make a sort of stir-fry or roasted root vegetable concoction this weekend with sweet potatoes, beets, kohlrabi, and jicama. I will also probably make another coleslaw mix with kohlrabi and jicama with some lemon and lime juice. I want to be sure to try both vegetables both raw and cooked, since they can be prepared both ways. So kohlrabi is this week’s new vegetable, and jicama is next week’s. Which vegetable should I try the week of July 14th? So far on my list to try are turnips, leeks, eggplant, kale, chard, parsnips, and okra. What else do I need to add?

OH! I'm going to make homemake guacamole and use thin slices of jicama as chips! I just saw it in the SparkPeople Red White & Blue food slideshow!!! =) SO EXCITED!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TOASTIE 7/5/2011 10:13AM

My body works the same way - if I don't give it nutritious stuff, it goes bonkers! Like an out-of-control child who is thirsty and hungry and past the point of accepting nutritious food and water! If I feed my body empty calories, it knows it is missing something, and demands "more. now!" To me, it sounds like it wants chocolate and fries and ice cream and chips, and that's what I used to feed it, and still do sometimes, but I am learning that if I can force-feed it water and lean protein, and fruits and veggies, then it calms down, because that's what it really needed all along. It just was beyond the point of reason because it panicked! Those junk food calories, no matter how many I eat, really starve my body, even if I am packing on pounds. Report Inappropriate Comment

BECKYANNE1 6/30/2011 9:43PM

It feels so good to know that you aren't the only one who has days like that. I've been there many times. I had a pretty good day today up until I made caramel corn. Found a new recipe and for some strange reason I had the need to make it. Then of course I have to try it. Plus not all of it would fit in the container I had for it so it meant eating what was left. Now I'm finished. As long as we bounce back, we'll be ok. Report Inappropriate Comment

KURTBAMF 6/30/2011 1:51PM

Boy, do I hear you about that lady time, SHEESH! Now THAT'S a killer! I don't blame you at all for your choices yesterday. With DMV, work to the max, and ol' Aunt Flo in town, it's a wonder you didn't do worse! I'm glad that you aren't beating yourself up over it. You've got such a great attitude. If things go down the toilet, just go "Man, that sucked." and move onward! And I want you to try "chard"! Mostly because I've never heard of it and it makes me think of charizards :) Report Inappropriate Comment

TRIPLETIGGER 6/30/2011 11:01AM

Great job of learning your lessons and moving on. One "bad" day does not define us unless it causes us to give up on ourselves and continue down the same path. It's wonderful that you were able to catch yourself and get back on track right away. Report Inappropriate Comment

KARENB2648 6/30/2011 10:58AM

Hi Ellykat - enjoyed your entry - cause I've been there, done that! I recently heard a quote that Thomas Edison made about inventing the light bulb: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison, (attributed) So you didn't fail you just found ways that won't work for you! From your blog entry you have obviously acknowledged that you see the things that need to be changed to make your success a reality. Good for you for realizing that message from your experiences!! Have a GREAT day! Take care of you! kb Report Inappropriate Comment

INTOTHEJAM2 6/30/2011 10:01AM

Sometimes, I think it takes a 'bad' day to keep us on track! Makes you realize how you don't want to feel! Mine was this past Sunday, I swear, I woke up eating and went to bed eating lol. I was sick all day Monday. It sucked. Won't be doing that again! Report Inappropriate Comment

PHILLIRA 6/30/2011 9:32AM

I am right there with you. I did great all yesterday until I got home and decided it was a good idea to eat an entire thing of Ben and Jerry's ice cream plus a HUGE slice of chocolate cake. BAD BAD. So you are NOT Alone. I am happy to say I turned mine right around too and made myself do my Jillian Michael 30 Day shred DVD to counter act. It was so weird too. Instead of feeling bad about my binge, I felt better because I stopped it so quickly and moved back to healthier habits. Just like you did too! So I say "well done" to us for turning everything around so quickly! Have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

Decisions, Decisions

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

OK guys, I need some help. Should I make chicken stew, or split pea soup?

Chicken stew consists of a packet of onion soup mix, chicken broth, steamed chicken, and tins of no-salt-added veggies (diced new potatoes, peas, carrots, corn). For the split pea soup I’m using dried peas and added reduced sodium pinto beans (tinned) for protein (instead of ham). I’m going to throw one or the other into a crock pot tomorrow morning and let it cook while I’m at work, and then have soup or stew for lunches for the rest of the week. Whichever one I don’t do this week, I’ll do next Monday. =)

EDENMO27 keeps talking about how she puts tuna in just about EVERYTHING, and it really made me crave tuna. For lunch today I have a tuna sandwich (1 4oz can chunk light tuna + 1.5 T fat free Hellman’s mayo) with lettuce, tomato and onion on these Flatout sandwich wrap thingies. I got the 5-Grain w/ flax Flatouts and they’re AMAZING.

Other than that… I dunno. Signed up for the Summer 5% Challenge. Determined Daisies for the win! I’m excited to start C25K on July 1st. I’m excited to try out some new foods this summer (found out this weekend that I love pinto beans – who knew?). Gonna go to the Farmers Market this afternoon and pick up some fresh corn, and hopefully some sweet potatoes, zucchini, and who knows what other goodies? I like real carrots, maybe I’ll grab some of those. =)

Happy Sparking, kids! It’s SUMMER!!! =)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KURTBAMF 6/29/2011 12:45PM

Split pea soup! Split pea soup! Split pea soup! Report Inappropriate Comment

HAKAPES 6/28/2011 4:42PM

Decision? You joke! This need you just to choose! Daisies rock! Let's finish the spring 5% first, only few days left, give it a go, baby! Report Inappropriate Comment

MELLY3183 6/28/2011 4:09PM

ooo stew is always good, i'm sort of envious it is way too hot here to even think about eating soup or stew for me. i love farmers market, pick up something good :) Report Inappropriate Comment

KMICHA 6/28/2011 1:32PM

Ok . . . what did you decide to make? Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMLILA 6/28/2011 1:22PM

A quick little recipe I use if you get the zucchini... saute onions, mushrooms and zucchini and add a can of diced tomatoes, heat thoroughly - nice healthy, low cal meal. Good planning to make your crockpot do the cooking while you're away....I've thought about it, but not got around to it yet... I would probably do the chicken stew myself, but I'd never use canned vegetables, but it's good that you got the low sodium ones... As for the pea soup, love it but you gotta remember it's side effect.... gas!!! not great for work!! Report Inappropriate Comment

The Plan

Monday, June 27, 2011

I’m great at making plans, not so great at following them. This is The Plan for the rest of the summer (July 1 through August 31st). I WILL follow it, or die trying. (It’s not that hard of a plan, so really no death should be involved.)

The Plan: Exercise Phase
Curves every M/W/F (in the a.m. before work, Sat optional)
C25K every T/Th/Sun (try to get up early and go before work)
Zumba every T/Th 6:30 p.m.
Bollyrobics (or other workout) with EDENMO27 M/T/F 8 p.m. (and Sun?)
Walk w/ Dad W/Th/Sat (and Sun?) 8 p.m. (need to see if he wants to!)
Classes at the Y as often as possible (Body Step, Latin Hip Hop, Cardio Kick, etc)
Swimming, rollerblading, tennis, basketball, etc whenever I decide I’m “bored”

The Plan: Nutrition Phase
Consume 1400-1700 calories daily
*Note: bump up to 2,000 on days I take a class at the Y (1 hr, burns 1,000 calories)
Stay in ranges for Carbs, Fat, Protein, Calcium, Fiber, and Sodium
*Try to stay at the high end of protein and lower in the carb/fat ranges
No soda (need to get rid of this Diet Pepsi in my fridge – give it away on June 30 if there’s still some left)
Drink 10+ cups (80 oz) of water every day
Try a new fruit/vegetable once a week (Sat/Sun are new recipe days)

The Plan: Goals, Rewards, and the Future
Lose 10 (more) lbs by August 31st, making it to my 50 lbs lost goal
Start P90X Sept 1st (should finish right before Christmas)
*Think of mini-rewards for meeting all exercise goals for the week, all nutrition goals for the week, etc.
50 lbs lost reward: New dance sneakers (for Zumba & Latin Hip Hop!)
Complete C25K: Tangled on DVD + new running shoes
Run first official 5K race: Alice: Madness Returns for PC (RUN the whole thing!)

I know I have some lofty goals/plans, but I’m determined to power through this summer and really achieve something. I’m going the Summer 5% challenge and WILL lose that 5% (about 9.5 lbs)!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HAKAPES 6/28/2011 4:47PM

That's clear, you love goal setting! Oh my, if you could donate just a little sparky-marky of your goal-lovingness to some of my friends, so they can actually fluctuate towards somewhere in the great breeze of life . However, this is clear advice from Oliver: Pick the frist line from each of your plan, stick to that, and forget the rest. You will still go crazy to make those happen! But I just love your determination and attitude! You rock so much! Report Inappropriate Comment

KURTBAMF 6/28/2011 1:21PM

That plan sounds amazing! You can TOTALLY achieve your 5% loss this summer. TOTALLY. So totally. I love how you challenge yourself and really test your limits. It really shows your dedication! Can't wait to see all you achieve, girl! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

NINJA_SMOO 6/28/2011 10:32AM

Heh, I'm a planner, not follow-througher :P I totally understand what you mean. But what is the phrase? Even best battle plan goes to plan until the first arrow leaves the bow. We just need to be adaptable - but that's why we have a million contingency plans :) So we have a plan B when things go awry. Keep up all your crazy-hard work girlie :) Report Inappropriate Comment

LAURIE9404 6/27/2011 9:30PM

You have got some great goals! Don't let them overwhelm you though. Anything like you've got there would get you in Amazing shape! Report Inappropriate Comment

MELLY3183 6/27/2011 7:20PM

good luck! I hope this works out for you. busy busy! I always need a rest day during the week. but you can totally do this!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Birthday Fun!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

It's a coworker's birthday on Monday, and it's my turn to bring in the birthday treat! I'm going to bring in Yoplait Light yogurt in flavors like Devils Food Cake, Red Velvet Cake, and Strawberry Shortcake. =) I'll let people know there's "cake" at the mailstation (where we keep our treats), haha! Isn't that a fun idea? It will sure be a nice change from the usual birthday treats of cookies, cakes, bars, etc that taunt those of us trying to make healthier choices and lose weight. There are several people in my group (of 23) who are actively trying to lose weight (6 that I know of). I think this will be a nice (healthy!) change for people.

I thought I'd also bring in some mix-ins so people can make their own yogurt parfait out of the cake flavored yogurts (I might bring some pie flavors as well). Mix in ideas I have are granola, Honey Kix (my personal favorite!), raspberries, and blueberries. Do you have any other good ideas for mix-ins with these cake-flavored yogurts?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KMICHA 6/25/2011 5:58AM

Great Idea!!! I like grapenuts in my yogurt! Report Inappropriate Comment

LAURIE9404 6/24/2011 11:09PM

Great idea! Fun, different and creative! I always love dropping in some honey in my parfaits. Might get sticky though. Let us know how it goes! Report Inappropriate Comment

NINJA_SMOO 6/24/2011 11:59AM

I second Julie S McGee's comment about some non-fake sweetener stuff too. Fabulous idea! I think people are going to have lots of fun mixing and matching your mix-ins too :) Report Inappropriate Comment

LESLIE_2B_LESS 6/23/2011 11:37PM

What an absolutely stunning idea! Let us know how it turns out... I am really interested in the reaction. Report Inappropriate Comment

PUNKIN175 6/23/2011 6:45PM

Wow! That is an awesome idea!!!! WOO HOO!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TRANSFORM724 6/23/2011 5:17PM

OMG...all I saw was red velvet and strawberry shortcake! But then I reread and saw you have it under control! That a girl!!! Oh..I think sponge cake maybe a healthy option for your parfaits. I'm not sure. Never had one but kept seeing them in my healthy cookbooks. Report Inappropriate Comment

FREGGIEQUEEN 6/23/2011 2:53PM

Great idea! My only suggestion is to bring in some non-light yogurts (which are still healthier than cake) for people like me who don't do artificial sweeteners. Sounds like a yummy birthday, though! The mix-ins you said sound mm-mm good. Maybe add some heart-healthy walnuts or almond slivers? Report Inappropriate Comment

Tired and Inspired

Thursday, June 23, 2011

I woke up with a sore neck again today – must be time for new pillows. I also woke up super dehydrated, despite sucking down 3 glasses of water when we went out to dinner last night, and drinking a 4th after that. I’m drinking lots of water again today – guess I’m still replacing lost fluids from donating blood yesterday.

I was naughty yesterday and went out to dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. Ate 11 traditional wings, and they were AMAZING and delicious. Also had chips and salsa, but skipped the chocolate cake and ice cream. XP Went over my calories for the day (upper limit was 1800, had 2010) and WAY over my fat limit (upper limit was 60-something, had 90-something). I’m not too concerned as I’m usually within my calorie limit and I’m usually within or under my fat range.

Today I’m allowed to work out again, and I’m going to punch it hard today and tomorrow to hope for a loss on Saturday. Tonight I’m working late, then I’ve got Zumba at 6:30 and Bollyrobics at 8. Tomorrow I was going to try out TurboKick on my lunch break, but I’ve got a funeral to attend.

My second-cousin was found dead in his bed the other morning. I haven’t heard what the actual cause of death is yet, but they’re thinking it was a heroin overdose. It’s so scary, and so tragic. He was about the same age as my little brother (early 20’s), and it just makes me sick to think “What if it had been him?” I don’t know what I’d do if my little brother died, and I can only imagine the pain my poor Aunt/Cousin Cheryl must be going through. I wasn’t close with this cousin – my clearest memories of him are from when we were all little, when I must’ve been about 7 or so. I didn’t know him as a young man, but I’m so sad for the active, fun little boy I remember.

Anyway… I forget what I was saying. I’m not sure how long we’ll be at the funeral etc., but I’m going to be with my family as long as need be. I will still try to get to some sort of exercise class on Friday night, and as-ever I have that standing 8 o’clock date with EDENMO27 to do Bollyrobics.

OH! Forcing myself onto a lighter note, I’m so proud of and inspired by my friend MRSARTIST!! She was the one who introduced me to SparkPeople, and she’s sort of re-ignited her spark recently and she lost 4 POUNDS this week! Isn’t that amazing? She’s been tracking her food (at least, she’s been tracking her breakfast, lunch, and daytime snacks, if not dinner) and exercising regularly, and it’s WORKING! =)

More tired/stress - my Uncle Dan is in the hospital. He's supposed to have heart surgery on Monday, and they took him in for testing yesterday and I guess the results weren't good, because they decided to keep him for more tests. Right now, we're not sure if he's going to be let out for his Birthday party this weekend, or if they're going to move the surgery up to sometime yet this week, or what is going on.... If you've got some extra prayers to share, please send them my way for my Uncle Dan and Aunt Trish and their family that his heart surgery goes well, and for Cheryl and her family for comfort on my cousin's death.

I’ve got to go get the lead out – we’re about 3 days behind at work and I really need to work like crazy to try to get caught up. Love y’all, Sparkers! Live your life TODAY, because you might not have tomorrow.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

COPE782 6/25/2011 2:03AM

My condolences for your loss. Sounds like you have the art of balance down. Way to keep those workouts part of your daily grind! Report Inappropriate Comment

KURTBAMF 6/23/2011 5:10PM

I'm sorry to hear about your cousin. Funerals are always rough and my heart goes out to you, your aunt, and your cousin. So sorry for your loss. Congratulations to your friend MRSARTIST! 4lbs in a week is fantastic! She should be proud :). I'll keep your Uncle Dan in my thoughts! You've got one busy life, girl. Good luck over the next few days! I'll be thinking of ya :) Report Inappropriate Comment

HAKAPES 6/23/2011 3:22PM

Sorry for the loss, I'm sad to read how he died. I take your advice, and live my day fully today! Report Inappropriate Comment

NINJA_SMOO 6/23/2011 12:00PM

I'm so sorry, hun. Thinking of your family and keeping my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for your uncle. Report Inappropriate Comment

TWNOMWE 6/23/2011 11:02AM

God be with all your family and may your cousins find comfort in His love. Keep taking care of yourself. Report Inappropriate Comment

TRANSFORM724 6/23/2011 10:28AM

I'll keep you, your Uncle and Aunts and your entire family in prayer. So sorry to hear about your cousin. I was going to ask what bollyrobics was but I looked it up. It looks awesome! Report Inappropriate Comment

JJSSTORY 6/23/2011 10:04AM

Its sad anytime someones life is cut short like that. Sorry for your loss. Report Inappropriate Comment

AML05030 6/23/2011 9:17AM

I want Zumba! i miss it :( Sorry about your cousin. That sucks. I see my cousins and i still think of them as 7 and 6 year olds (even though the missing-his-2-front teeth and following-me-around 6 year old is really a senior in high school who stands a foot taller then me :P) Report Inappropriate Comment