Weekend Food Prep!

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:44:38 EST

SATURDAY/SUNDAY
------------
-Roast Chicken (& Chicken Bone Broth) http://tinyurl.com/5rlnnw

-Butternut Squash Soup (using the bone broth to make this!) http://tinyurl.com/8fwfd2g

-Bacon-Braised Kale http://tinyurl.com/caj8jfc

Derp -- Weigh-In

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:22 EST

I gained 1 lb this week. Booooo. However, I feel GREAT, and have been eating very healthy foods, so yay!!! Also, my fitness is right on track (two ST sessions and 3 walks), so I think this week is a success, despite a gain.

About that gain: I think I know what's going on... I've been eating too many carbs! First, I cheated a little this week and had some basmati rice several days (bad idea). Second, I did have wine more often than usual (5 days out of 7, lol) need to cut that back...

Butternut squash curried turkey sauce over zucchini

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:47:57 EST

This was so good I just had to share it!! It's probably my favorite sauce ever. I froze some for later.. whenever I need a quick meal.

Last night we grilled some curried turkey burgers (Recipe: 1 lb 99% lean turkey breast, 1 egg, 1 tbsp sweet curry powder, 1/2 tsp cayene, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 2 diced scallions, dash of sea salt and pepper, a handful of quinoa flakes or rolled oats... makes 4 burgers).

I used two of these leftover ...

Sunday Food Prep

Sun, 12 May 2013 12:25:59 EST

Hi guys! Time to post my food plans for the week. Today is my bf's birthday, so I'm making a primal carrot cake for him (his favorite!)
26

Grain-free Carrot Cake http://tinyurl.com/ayb28r4

Birthday Dinner!!
Grilled Steaks, Mashed Cauli http://tinyurl.com/rasz79 ,
Onion Flowers http://tinyurl.com/cpurzvg ,
Kale + Bacon

Weigh-in Whoa!

Sat, 11 May 2013 13:23:47 EST

As I mentioned in my last blog, I was hesitant to weigh-in, thinking I'd have a gain for sure after the 2 bad days of eating... nope!

Last Week: 352.8
This Week: 350.8
Weight Lost Since April 8th: 13.6 lb / 3.73%
Avg Loss Per Day Since Going Primal: 0.40lb
Total Weight Lost: 68.2 lb / 16.3%

Workouts:
Just a bunch of walking, and one ST. I meant to do more, but got a little off track.

I reached my weight goal for June 1st! Yay!!! <...

Reboot Successful!

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:48:21 EST

I think I had a major sleep deficit or something... but after a few days of going to bed early and sleeping in, I'm feeling so much better and not having any food cravings. Yessss. Sleep is so important.

Juicing is amazing. It makes getting my micronutrients every day a complete no-brainer, so I can focus on my protein/carb ratio and good fats for my meals (without worrying about incorporating a million veggies in every meal to meet my micronutrient goals). I've been trying to focu...

24 Hour Reboot Plan

Wed, 8 May 2013 11:11:54 EST

Getting right back into it today! One day of indulgences COULD set me off track and make things difficult for days .... OR, it could be left at one day, and I could be incredibly productive and healthy today. In the past, I'd let my anxiety and my all-or-nothing thinking seep in to make me think I'm a failure... I'd get depressed, hyper-focused on the negative, and I'd lose hope, and end up binge eating. But, that's the old me.

All that matters is today. I will never be perfect, an...

Woops

Wed, 8 May 2013 00:03:40 EST

I got so off track today. Meal plan was going awesome... then we stopped at Arbys... ugh. Then came the wine. Then the smores. LOL. At least I had the presence of mind to decline the graham crackers, so I didn't get glutened. Next time I get the urge to indulge in fast food, I hope I can remember how gross it made me feel. The smores were pretty much worth it, though, can't lie.

Anywaaay, no use crying of spilled milk, right? I'm going to get off my butt and do something about it ...

1 Month of Primal Eating - Weigh-In

Sun, 5 May 2013 09:58:11 EST

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~

Last Week: 357.6
This Week: 352.8
Loss: 4.8 lb !!!!!!!!!!!!
Weight Lost Since April 8th: 11.6 lb / 3.18%
Avg Loss Per Day Since Going Primal: 0.41lb
Total Weight Lost: 66.2 lb / 15.8%

Workout Totals Since April 26th
-------------
Walking: 105 min
Yoga: 0 minutes
Run/Walk: 20 min
Strength Training: 0 min (doing it today!)
Total: 125 min
I've also been doing a bunch of gardening, bu...

Taking the plunge with some new appliances!

Sat, 4 May 2013 13:59:54 EST

I've been putting this off for a while now, but I've finally decided to splurge on some kitchen appliances. I'm calling this an investment in my health:

First, I've been wanting to try juicing... but my kitchen is far, far too small for a bulky juicer... or so I thought. I've finally found a mini juicer that is high-quality and small enough to fit in my tiny apartment kitchen!

Link on Amazon:

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Fri, 3 May 2013 22:31:34 EST

Weekend Food Prep (Slim-Down Edition)

Thu, 2 May 2013 10:41:11 EST

Next week I want to reduce calories and carbs. Now that I've successfully transitioned to primal eating (4 weeks and almost 10 lb gone! ... most of it fell off in the beginning, and now I'm stalling), I am going to try to incorporate more vegetables, fewer carbs, and fewer overall calories to hopefully boost my weight loss (I've been eating on average about 100-150g of carb per day... aiming to stay about 50-100g next week).

I'm also focusing on lower-sugar fruits for snacking... r...

Red Hair!

Wed, 1 May 2013 13:49:37 EST

I finally got the color I wanted! I used a medium auburn dye, and then put in a demi-permanent red/copper over top of that. I think it will be easy to keep up since I did it at home.. I just picked up a red/copper shampoo and conditioner to make sure the color stays fresh as long as possible.

It's amazing what a little change will...

Slip-Up

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:27 EST

Last night I got tired/cranky/lazy/whatever. I hadn't been sleeping well and I just wanted some pizza. I should have just made it myself, but I ordered Dominos gluten-free instead. Big Mistake. It was so gross!!!! But I ate it anyway.

It doesn't really matter, calorie-wise, in the grand scheme of things, but it left me so bloated and gross. I got terrible indigestion. This was my first big processed-food indulgence in a long while and I must say, it was not worth it at all. I need...

Weekend Food Prep!

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:38:40 EST

Meal Plan For the Week Includes...
--------------------
-Leftover Roast Beef, Garlic Sauteed Spinach& Shiitake Mushrooms, and Paleo Fried Zucchini http://tinyurl.com/colzs26

-Pork Chops, Baked Beans, Braised Cabbage w/ Bacon http://tinyurl.com/chu5ko3

-Steak, Mashed Cauliflower, French Peasant Bea...

Weigh-In (Day 18 of Primal Eating) + Sample Meal Plans

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:46:51 EST

Last Week: 361.2
This Week: 357.6
Loss: 3.6 lb
Weight Lost Since 4/8/13: 6.8 lb / 1.87%
Avg Loss Per Day Since Going Primal: 0.37lb
Total Weight Lost: 61.4 lb / 14.65%

Workout Totals Since April 8th
-------------
Walking: 240 min
Yoga: 40 minutes
Strength Training: 30 min
Total: 310 min.... 5.16 hours
Average Workout Min Per Week: 120 min....2 hours per week

OK. I am going to go ahead and declare primal eating a s...

Mexican Meatza

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:30:19 EST

Every time I post a primal recipe, I'm somewhat surprised I don't get some raging vegetarian/vegan comments. I just wanna say, I highly respect you guys... I am a one-day-a-week flexitarian myself. I am all about every individual discovering what works for their body, ethics, values, health, etc.

That being said, this is what worked for me tonight...

It's Mexican Meatza!

Ingredients:
1 lb grass-fed beef
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp garlic powder

A Promise to Myself

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:07:16 EST

Today I weighed in at 359 (this was my goal for May 1!). This past year, I've been yoyoing between about 355-365 more times than I can count. I literally have seen 359 on the scale about 10 times in the past year.

Enough is enough. No more yoyoing. I am definitely on the right track, and I am going to STAY HERE this time, no matter what craziness comes up in my life...

I pledge to NEVER EVER EVER see 360+ on a scale ever again!!!!!

244 9

Homemade Lunch Meat

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:15:05 EST
We had a bit of extra grocery money this week... money that is usually allocated to eating out on date night. This week, because we are trying to be simultaneously healthier and more frugal, the bf and I agreed it would be better to spend that money on something home-cooked. We also decided to make our date a trip to the zoo (which is free, since we're members), complete with a pre-packed lunch. He always says, sweetly, that he enjoys my cooking more than any restaurant (d'awww). I'm so, so l...

Hair

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:28:33 EST
I've been growing it out lately, since I've never really had it long, and I wanted to try it. Figured I should do it now, while I'm young and it's strong and shiny enough to grow long (I'm aiming for mid-back length I think)... So I haven't had a haircut in like 6 months. I desperately need one, just to get it thinned out and to put some layers back in, and to have real bangs again! I will shell out the cash for that before summer classes start.

Day 60 - Friday Food Prep (Primal Edition)

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:03:11 EST
It's Friday, not Sunday, but I am prepping food! I am going out of town this weekend and wanted to have all of my food ready to go (simultaneously stocking the fridge for my ravenous body-building bf to eat while I'm away).

I made...
-Low-Sodium Breakfast Sausage http://tinyurl.com/3jmh5a2
-1 Dozen Hard-Boiled Eggs
-Sliced Strawberries (froze half for smoothies)
-Cut-up Carrots, Celery, and Bell Peppers for Dipping in Hummus

Day 58 - Going Primal

Tue, 9 Apr 2013 12:56:02 EST
I've decided to go Primal and Low-Carb. Most of you know I am severely gluten-intolerant... so this isn't the largest shift ever for me--in fact, I am already eating many of these foods and cooking 90% of my meals at home. The major shift is going to be eliminating non-fermented soy products, added sugars, and pasteurized dairy... and eating fewer carbs.

So, this means my diet will consist of...

(Click t...

Day 56 - Sunday Food Prep!

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 18:45:17 EST
I love Sunday!

Weekly Food Prep
----------------
-Slow cooker chicken breasts, sliced and cubed for sandwiches and salads
-Cut up celery stalks & bell peppers w/ hummus
-1 Dozen Hard-Boiled Eggs
-Paleo Parsnip Cookies http://thepaleoprize.com/?p=987
-Buffalo Chicken Bacon Cauliflower Casserole tinyurl.com/c3vo6gr

....

...

Day 55.5 C25k W2D3

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 15:58:27 EST
I did it!!! Oh man, the pool workout the other day made it really difficult. My left ankle/shin was screaming, and I had to slow down some of my walking intervals to stretch it... every excuse in the book ran through my head of why I should just call it good and go home, but I didn't listen.

14:20 min/mile is my best pace for a 1.5 min running interval so far.
(I didn't track my cooldown today. I think I...

Day 55 - Week 8 Weigh-In

Fri, 5 Apr 2013 11:25:03 EST
Starting Weight: 419
Last Weigh-in (3/30): 357.7
Today's Weight: 359.2

This Week
----------------
Cardio Min: 158 (3 walk/runs, swimming)
Strength Min: 20
Flexibility Min: 90 (stretching, yoga)

Last night was a cheat meal (first I've had in over a week). I'm pretty sure I needed it... and it wasn't really bad food or anything, and the portion wasn't crazy, just high in sodium. So I'm not feeling bad about the gain, I think it's mostly...

Day 54.5 - C25k W2D2

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 13:48:36 EST
Done!

Post-workout face

You know... I could be wrong, but today was a lot easier than w2d1. Running just doesn't seem as hard as it did. Maybe I am getting used to it. Maybe I got a boost from this singularly beautiful day. Or, maybe there is an inner athlete just starting to emerge here. Part of me just feels incredibly grateful that I am able to run; after all I've put my body through and at how m...

Day 54 - No Whey

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 08:59:01 EST
Yesterday was awful. I ate some stuff that didn't agree with me, and I felt like crap the entire afternoon/evening.

I used to think I was just lactose-intolerant, after several experiments in which I'd eliminated dairy from my diet. I was completely fine eating cheese (like, real, aged cheese), fine eating greek yogurt, fine eating kefir....but as soon as I added milk, artificial cheese, or whey protei...

Day 53 - March Inches Lost

Wed, 3 Apr 2013 08:10:58 EST
I actually gained inches in several areas, but I lost in the areas I wanted to lose. Apparently, my biceps, forearms, and hips got bigger. I am going to go ahead and attribute this to muscle gain! I'm perfectly happy with these numbers:

LOST:
Neck: 0.25 inches
Bust: 1 inches
Waist: 1 inches
Abdomen 0.5 inches
Thigh: 1.5 inches
Calf: 0.25 inches
W:H ratio - down to .7679 (down from .8)

Total Inches Lost: 2 244 7 ...

Day 52 - My Running Gear

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 15:52:39 EST
Someone sent me a Sparkmail asking me about my running gear... so I thought I'd make a quick blog about it.

Shoes - Asics Gel-Blur33 2.0. (I have several other pairs, this is my favorite. I have a neutral gait, but I hate having too much arch or heel support in shoes. I love the freedom of the minimalist-type shoes, but I can't do Five Fingers or Free Runs because I do need /some/ padding on my feetsies for th...

Day 51 - Couch to 5k Week 2 Day 1!

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 13:43:34 EST
I did it. I woke up today feeling blehhh... grouchy, wanting to sleep in, knees were mad, IT bands were tight... I thought about skipping it... then I remembered how good my runs made me feel, and I reminded myself that I had an entire day to be lazy and rest up yesterday... my body was ready, but my mind wasn't. But, I made myself do it anyway, and I'm sooo glad I did.

I had to take the running slower today b...

Day 50 - Sunday Food Prep!

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 19:08:35 EST
Weekly Food Prep (Easter Edition)
----------------
-Ham, Greek Yogurt Deviled Eggs, Roasted Baby Spring Veggies
-Ham and Bean Soup w/ Kale
(See a few blogs back for my Easter recipes)
-Chef Meg's Low-Sodium Breakfast Sausage (ground chicken) http://tinyurl.com/3jmh5a2
-1 Dozen Hard-Boiled Eggs
-Cut up Strawberries

Meal plan for the week includes
----------------
Salmon Cakes (quinoa flakes & gluten free bread) with caram...

Day 49 - Week 7 Weigh-In

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:59:48 EST
Starting Weight: 419
Last Weigh-in (3/16): 363
Today's Weight: 357.7
lbs lost: 5.3 lb
Total lb Lost: 61.3

This Week
----------------
Cardio Min: 107 (3 walk/runs, 1 HIIT)
Strength Min: 25
Flexibility Min: 90 (stretching)

Not much to say except... w00t. I am cooking every day and eating very healthily. I did go over my calories several times, but it was all healthy fats, not carbs. Apparently, that is a very important distinction...

Day 48 - Fat Girl Running

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:05:47 EST
Today was the end of Couch to 5k week 1. I am so proud of myself for getting in all three runs this week!

I used my Garmin for an outdoor run for the first time in a looong time! I've realized that I go so much faster outside compared to the treadmill (even with hills).

Was my running pace great? not really. Am I still proud of it? YES!!! It's better than I had been doing last year. Besides -- it...

Day 47 - Healthy Easter Foods

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:06:21 EST

Ham. I has one. It was an impulse buy--from a local place (Smoking Goose Meatery). It's pasture-raised, no preservatives, and nitrite/nitrate free. It was brined with spices and smoked with fruit wood and hickory. It looks to be full of deliciousness (and sodium, but I can plan around that).

Here is the problem: what to serve with it? Growing up, we always had scalloped potatoes... cheesy hash brown cas...

Day 46 - Feeling the Burn

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:06:16 EST
I am on track!! I ran yesterday, beginning w1d1 of c25k. It went really well!

Today I did HIIT on the stationary bike (15 sec fast, 60 slow, repeat 11 times+warmup and cooldown), followed by a good, deep stretch and some icing. I felt soo good this afternoon that I decided to do a bit of strength training too (only a bit.. because I need to make sure I can still run tomorrow).

The momentum is picking up and I am feeling invincible ;) Eating healthier is so much easier, t...

Infographic Recipes

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:37:39 EST
Some of my favorite recipes, shared in a different format:

Veggies and Yogurt Dip
http://s21.postimg.org/rlmynyxzb/Unt
itled_1.png

Baked Sweet Potatoes w/ Chili
http://s13.postimg.org/3qhp396hj/qui
noa.png

Chickpea Brown/Wild Rice Salad
http://s15.postimg.org/b0q3kbpq3/sal
ad.png

Curried Tuna Salad
http://s22.postimg.org/4evg8ptpd/sal
ad.png

C...

Day 45 - Spring Training

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 01:06:39 EST
I had a rough couple of days. I feel like I am foundering due to lack of a solid, rigid schedule... Although I did get a few workouts in last week, they were not really scheduled. This weather isn't helping, but I can't change that, and I won't use it as an excuse. I've just felt very blah, depressed for no reason. I will be able to elevate my mood with some exercise, though...

I'm starting a new training program for the next 9 weeks:
Mon: C25k
Tue: HIIT+ST
Wed: C25k...

Day 40 - New ideas for running pain relief!

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:20:38 EST
I get my fair share of aches and pains from running (shins, ankle, knee, hip)... nothing serious, and usually not in the same spot each time... but it happens. One acronym that is very familiar to runners is R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation); I have been using ice packs and ace bandages... which are GREAT, but I have discovered a few great new tools for post-run recovery...

Sombra Cool Therapy Natur...

Day 39 - In which I Stop Being Lazy

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:09:00 EST
After being sick, my exercise / sleep schedule were very messed up... it made it difficult to get up early, it made me want to just sit around. I watched a lot of TV. I ate a lot of cheesy, salty, and fried food. Despite my healthy meal plans, I craved fat and sugar constantly. I couldn't sleep at night, I couldn't wake up in the morning. My muscles were a series of painful knots. I got cramps from SITTING ON THE COUCH. Depression reared its ugly head. I got irritable. I felt awful.

Day 37 - Sunday Food Prep! Get Motivated!

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 12:10:38 EST
Weekly Food Prep
----------------
Chicken & Shirataki Rice Soup http://tinyurl.com/cvtrzku
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili w/ Butternut Squash http://tinyurl.com/c98kfw8
Cut up & frozen leftover strawberries for smoothies
1 dozen hard-boiled eggs
Hummus + Cut veggies
Grain-free Carrot Cake w/ Coconut Cream Icing http://tinyurl.com/cjlly6n

Meal plan for the week includes...
-------------
*Thai ...

Day 36 - Week 5 Weigh-In

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 20:57:02 EST
Week 5:
---------------
Weight: 363
lbs gained: 4.8
Cardio Min: 60 (1 walk run, 1 walk)
Strength Min: 35
Flexibility Min: 45 (stretching)

Ooookay, time to own up to this gain! It's not the end of the world. I was sick... and then I accidentally inhaled a peanut (I know right?) and had to go to the ER.... so things were a bit crazy. I let go of my tracking, I let go of my water, I let go of my sleep... and this is what happened. Some of this is sodiu...

Come join the Skinny Rules Weight Loss Challenge with me!

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:47:40 EST
Hi friends!

I wanted to share an open invitation to this new Sparkteam I am leading called, "The Skinny Rules Challenge for people with 100+ lbs to lose": http://tinyurl.com/aod2tbe

Some of you may remember that I used to co-lead the Biggest Loser challenge for 20-somethings with 100+ lb to lose (yay purple ninjas and blue hyacinths!)...Well, this team will be run in a similar style. The difference with this new team: anyone of any age can join. Also, you...

Day 31 - Weekly Food Prep

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:30:05 EST
I'm back!!! I did not weigh-in this week because I was in the ER for accidentally inhaling a peanut. Seriously. I know, right? Only me. Anyway, it is out now and I am OK--just have a sore throat and it sort of hurts to breathe hard. Doc said I shouldn't run this week, but I should be fully recovered by next week. I had a gain this week... so I am aiming to just be back to 359 by this Saturday.

FOOD PREP!
----------------
Turkey Burgers (w/ green onion, cilantro, cayenne) ...

Day 27 - Bounce back

Thu, 7 Mar 2013 10:47:13 EST
I am feeling so much better today!!!! My sleep schedule is back on track and my energy has returned. I am thinking I may have accidentally eaten gluten a few days ago ... I will need to be more vigilant with my diet: put good in, get good out.

Day 24 - Setback

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 23:20:48 EST
I had a binge tonight. I was upset, I hadn't slept well the night before, and I let my emotions get the better of me. I'm trying not to judge myself or feel negatively about my actions... just trying to understand how it happened, and how I can avoid it in the future.

Meh.

But seriously, I've had a chance to calm down and I'm determined to get back at it and not to let this derail me. I might have a bad weigh-in this week -- that's ok. I need to focus on my health, and ...

Day 23 - Sunday Food Prep

Sun, 3 Mar 2013 13:15:21 EST
SUNDAY FOOD PREP
-------------------------
1. Turkey Meatballs http://xrl.us/bokz3j sauteed with shiitake mushrooms, pasta sauce, chopped basil. These are for lunches/snacks.
2. Breakfast Quinoa bars http://xrl.us/bokz3b
3. Hummus + cut veggies (celery, carrot, bell pepper, snap peas)
4. Diced Root Veggies for roasting (parsnips, turnips, sweet potatoes, carrots)
5. Cut Strawberries, Pineapple, Watermelon
6. 1 dozen hard-boil...

VALKYRIA-'s SparkPeople Blog

Late Night Swimming!

Weekend Food Prep!

Derp -- Weigh-In

Butternut squash curried turkey sauce over zucchini

Sunday Food Prep

Weigh-in Whoa!

Reboot Successful!

24 Hour Reboot Plan

Woops

1 Month of Primal Eating - Weigh-In

Taking the plunge with some new appliances!

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Weekend Food Prep (Slim-Down Edition)

Red Hair!

Slip-Up

Weekend Food Prep!

Weigh-In (Day 18 of Primal Eating) + Sample Meal Plans

Mexican Meatza

A Promise to Myself

Homemade Lunch Meat

Hair

Day 60 - Friday Food Prep (Primal Edition)

Day 58 - Going Primal

Day 56 - Sunday Food Prep!

Day 55.5 C25k W2D3

Day 55 - Week 8 Weigh-In

Day 54.5 - C25k W2D2

Day 54 - No Whey

Day 53 - March Inches Lost

Day 52 - My Running Gear

Day 51 - Couch to 5k Week 2 Day 1!

Day 50 - Sunday Food Prep!

Day 49 - Week 7 Weigh-In

Day 48 - Fat Girl Running

Day 47 - Healthy Easter Foods

Day 46 - Feeling the Burn

Infographic Recipes

Day 45 - Spring Training

Day 40 - New ideas for running pain relief!

Day 39 - In which I Stop Being Lazy

Day 37 - Sunday Food Prep! Get Motivated!

Day 36 - Week 5 Weigh-In

Come join the Skinny Rules Weight Loss Challenge with me!

Day 31 - Weekly Food Prep

Day 27 - Bounce back

Day 24 - Setback

Day 23 - Sunday Food Prep