Weight: 178 pounds.
Pants size: 12.
Heart Pumpin' Jam: All Been Said Before. Matt Nathanson.
Elliptical: 3,000 rotations-- AND lunges, free weights, leg machine, arm machine (i.e., I will not be able to walk tomorrow).
Breakfast: Hot lemon water; activia yogurt, grapes, water.
Lunch: Leafy salad w/ a few pieces of grilled chicken & fat free ranch, pear.
Dinner: Shrimp stir fry w/ lite soy sauce and tons of veggies.
So, as I mentioned... I was sick last week. And then, there was a snow storm. I didn't go to work 3 days-- and then by Friday, I just thought if I can keep up the eating right, I could wait until Monday to go to the gym. It wasn't really an internal battle-- I don't argue with myself about not going to the gym. BUT, here's one for you... I lost more weight last week not going to the gym than I did two weeks ago when I went every day. Sick. Lame. There are not enough adjectives in the world to describe exactly how much bullsh*t that really is.
But, I'm not asking any questions. I'm just going with it-- and maybe I've surpassed some invisible wall that I felt like I hit before. Because I'm in the 170s. And today when I was at the gym doing weights and looking at myself from the side in the mirror, I could TOTALLY tell a difference. That's motivation enough.
But, I won't be able to walk tomorrow... actually, I'll be able to walk. Just not down the stairs. Or up the stairs. Or sideways. I might not be able to sit. That's right... I reintroduced myself to the weights that I haven't hung out with since I had a personal trainer a few years back that was an underwear/speedo model who got pleasure out of my pain. Never in my life have I hated someone who was so good looking-- but I hated him. How can someone with 12-pack abs yell at a chubby girl to run faster? It's just cruel. But anyway... I read an article last week about how the biggest mistake women make at the gym is thinking that cardio alone can help them lose a lot of weight quickly. The truth of the matter is that you have to do at least 3 days of strength training with cardio to lose that kind of weight. And, we all know I wasn't doing that. So, I've gotta change that. Tonight was night 1. We'll see how it goes. Hopefully it'll make a difference. If I could lose another 20 pounds this month, I'd be well on my way!
In other news, my niece Charley Sophia Dohl was born on January 27th. She weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces, and no one can still tell us how long she was. She came just a little bit early because her Mama was having some blood pressure issues, but all is well. They went home tonight. Unfortunately, because of last week's commute-ageddon snow storm, my parents couldn't get out-- but they were originally booked to leave this Wednesday. Now, with superstorm #2 on it's way here, it's looking a little dicey for them getting out. Worst case scenario? They would get out of here, get to Dallas and not be able to get El Paso-- and be stuck in Dallas the weekend of the superbowl and not be able to get a hotel. Not to mention they'd be stuck there will thousands of stupid Green Bay Packers fans. Gross. So everyone cross your fingers and I'll keep you in the loop.
I'm trying to figure out how to find a work out class that can take some of the burden off my self-motivation and make a big difference. The key? I don't get home from work until 8pm typically. I don't want to wake up before 10:30 on Saturday. I work on Capitol Hill and I live in Fairfax. And I take the metro-- until John gets me at Vienna, I have no car. I know, tricky tricky. I'll figure it out. If I have one more week where I go to the gym and don't lose any weight, that'll be it... I'll call the underwear/speedo devil and see what he's up to these days.
Now, I'll leave you with the YouTube clip that is the shining moment of my day... just watch Hilary's face.... and I have no words when it comes to Joe Biden. Oh Joe, you're my favorite.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
I want peanut butter and jelly.
I haven't disappeared. I'm just not feeling well- took a sick day. So while I would love to blog about my fantastic gym experience, I have no fantastic gym experience to blog about...
Now, if you'd like to hear about the wonderful day I spent on the couch working and watching the Weather Channel, I could dig it. :)
Be back later this week!
I think Mizzzz Quinn and I are going to start going to some power train class on Sunday evenings. More about that later.
Good eating lately, 181 pounds.
Now, if you'd like to hear about the wonderful day I spent on the couch working and watching the Weather Channel, I could dig it. :)
Be back later this week!
I think Mizzzz Quinn and I are going to start going to some power train class on Sunday evenings. More about that later.
Good eating lately, 181 pounds.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
F-R-U-S-T-R-A-T-E-D
Weight: 183 pounds-- AHHHHHHH!
Pants size: 12
Heart pumpin' jam: Matt Nathanson mix
Treadmill: 0. Elliptical: 5,250 rotations.
Breakfast: Hot lemon water. Activia yogurt. Apple. Green tea.
Lunch: Leftover 17-day diet turkey taco salad.
Snack: Clementine. Lots of water. Probiotic cottage cheese.
Dinner: 17-day diet garlic and lemon salmon and steamed broccoli.
For Pete's sake Dr. Moreno-- I have not lost any weight this week. Seriously. 0 pounds down. I am beyond frustrated. And I haven't cheated. In fact, I might have over-done it. But, I think that I might have an inkling what my problem is. I'll spare you of the details, but I have somewhat of a digestive issue that I thought was doing okay-- but let's just say, I haven't been okay since Sunday. Yes, Sunday. If you catch my drift, you feel my pain.
But come ON. I'm drinking tons and tons of water. I'm eating fruit. I'm working out. Inexplicable.
I was so frustrated that I did extra on the elliptical tonight-- much to the dismay of the girl on the treadmill next to me who was anxiously waiting for me to get off. Little did she know I've become more athletic than I look. Ha.
So, that's where we are. Hopefully I'll have good news to report tomorrow.
I'm sorry this blog entry was so unentertaining. I'm too frustrated to type.
Pants size: 12
Heart pumpin' jam: Matt Nathanson mix
Treadmill: 0. Elliptical: 5,250 rotations.
Breakfast: Hot lemon water. Activia yogurt. Apple. Green tea.
Lunch: Leftover 17-day diet turkey taco salad.
Snack: Clementine. Lots of water. Probiotic cottage cheese.
Dinner: 17-day diet garlic and lemon salmon and steamed broccoli.
For Pete's sake Dr. Moreno-- I have not lost any weight this week. Seriously. 0 pounds down. I am beyond frustrated. And I haven't cheated. In fact, I might have over-done it. But, I think that I might have an inkling what my problem is. I'll spare you of the details, but I have somewhat of a digestive issue that I thought was doing okay-- but let's just say, I haven't been okay since Sunday. Yes, Sunday. If you catch my drift, you feel my pain.
But come ON. I'm drinking tons and tons of water. I'm eating fruit. I'm working out. Inexplicable.
I was so frustrated that I did extra on the elliptical tonight-- much to the dismay of the girl on the treadmill next to me who was anxiously waiting for me to get off. Little did she know I've become more athletic than I look. Ha.
So, that's where we are. Hopefully I'll have good news to report tomorrow.
I'm sorry this blog entry was so unentertaining. I'm too frustrated to type.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Feeling a little discouraged.
Weight: 183 pounds-- hence the title.
Pants size: 12
Heart pumpin' jam: Going back to basics... Evacuate the Treadmill. Cascada (or something like that).
Breakfast: Hot lemon water. Activia yogurt. Green tea. Apple.
Lunch: Probiotic cottage cheese, grapes, tuna on a salad.
Dinner: 17-day diet turkey taco salad w/ fat free catalina dressing & three small pieces of avocado.
Treadmill (that's right, I said treadmill): 1.0 mile. Elliptical: 2,500 rotations.
Well, nobody said this was going to be easy... but I was under the impression I had lost 20 pounds on Monday. Turns out, I went to buy a new scale that is really throwing me for a loop... I think it's more like 17. But, since I thought I lost 17 pounds on Friday, I feel like I've either gained 3 pounds or took some sort of step backward-- into a big, fat wall.
I know that's absolutely ridiculous. 3 pounds is only 3 pounds, but I mean, I wanted to be upwards of 20 this week... not trying to make it to 20.
I know it's been a while since I blogged, too. So, I'll do a quick rundown:
Friday: No gym, went to see Gary at Chi-Cha lounge and had champagne... but ate healthy-- seared ahi tuna on seaweed salad, grilled shrimp lettuce wrap things (no rice or anything like that... but a little avocado).
Saturday: Ate healthy, but... too much wine.
Sunday: Again, ate healthy thanks to Mom-- the only downfall was a beer & a low-carb, high fiber tortilla.
Monday: Again, totally healthy... and went to the gym! 5,000 rotations on the elliptical.
Tuesday: Back on track on the 17 day diet completely... 5,000 rotations on the elliptical.
And that brings us to today. Today should have been the last day of the 17 day diet. Drum roll please...
But, since I'm feeling a little discouraged and a little worried about the 2nd cycle of it, I'm going to do it for a little while longer. In fact, I think I might do another 17 days. My co-workers will be SO disappointed. Every day, I come into work and the first question is, "What day is this?!"
They're going to question my math skills when I keep going. Maybe they'll just stop asking.
But, I want to lose a lot of weight... and I don't feel like I have a handle on the eating yet. I think I'm on the right track... just not there yet. So, ugh... 17 more days? I'm not going to lie... I'm going to keep drinking wine on the weekends, but I'm going to really try to keep going on the diet. As Dr. Moreno says, "Anyone can do anything for 17 days." I wonder if he thinks anyone can do anything for 34 days. Jerk.
In other news? I think I'm going to convince the Congressman to write a law to ban the watching of the Food Network (more specifically, Paula Dean frying sticks of butter y'all) at the gym. Who in the world would want to torture themselves with Food Network while on the treadmill? That's just sick. I think we must stop this practice immediately. But no, we have to waste our days debating purely symbolic repeals of health reform. Okay, okay... no more politics.
But seriously, my feet just felt heavier while watching my long-lost Grandmother Paula Dean. She by no means is a small woman, but how is she not 850 pounds? Ugh, I wish I had those genes. But, as soon as I figured that no one would actually admit they were watching it, I changed the channel and got through the last of my workout.
I also decided to have a friendly visit with the treadmill. No shin splits until the very end of the mile. But man, the elliptical was a LOT harder after that 13 minute mile. I thought about those three pounds I've convinced myself I've gained the whole time to make it through-- and then I considered working out ALL night long. Seriously, I'm becoming a little obsessive about it.
So, this is my plan.
I cannot take 3 day weekends off from the gym.
I cannot have a hand full of goldfish after I have a glass-too-many-of wine.
I cannot take Wednesday or Thursday off from the gym.
I cannot eat too little-- I know that my body will panic and start storing everything away.
I also have to somehow get over being panic-y about moving on from the first 17 days... I know that's not healthy either. But there's something about seeing results that makes you never want to go back to being the old way again...
Don't worry... I won't leave you for so long again. And hopefully, I'll have good news by Friday.
PS. Can you BELIEVE the Bears are playing the Packers this weekend to get to the Superbowl? I can barely function when I think about it for more than a second. I also am a little po-ed that Jay Cutler is dating Kristin from Laguna Beach... not sure why. Get it together, Jay.
;) Love, S.
Pants size: 12
Heart pumpin' jam: Going back to basics... Evacuate the Treadmill. Cascada (or something like that).
Breakfast: Hot lemon water. Activia yogurt. Green tea. Apple.
Lunch: Probiotic cottage cheese, grapes, tuna on a salad.
Dinner: 17-day diet turkey taco salad w/ fat free catalina dressing & three small pieces of avocado.
Treadmill (that's right, I said treadmill): 1.0 mile. Elliptical: 2,500 rotations.
Well, nobody said this was going to be easy... but I was under the impression I had lost 20 pounds on Monday. Turns out, I went to buy a new scale that is really throwing me for a loop... I think it's more like 17. But, since I thought I lost 17 pounds on Friday, I feel like I've either gained 3 pounds or took some sort of step backward-- into a big, fat wall.
I know that's absolutely ridiculous. 3 pounds is only 3 pounds, but I mean, I wanted to be upwards of 20 this week... not trying to make it to 20.
I know it's been a while since I blogged, too. So, I'll do a quick rundown:
Friday: No gym, went to see Gary at Chi-Cha lounge and had champagne... but ate healthy-- seared ahi tuna on seaweed salad, grilled shrimp lettuce wrap things (no rice or anything like that... but a little avocado).
Saturday: Ate healthy, but... too much wine.
Sunday: Again, ate healthy thanks to Mom-- the only downfall was a beer & a low-carb, high fiber tortilla.
Monday: Again, totally healthy... and went to the gym! 5,000 rotations on the elliptical.
Tuesday: Back on track on the 17 day diet completely... 5,000 rotations on the elliptical.
And that brings us to today. Today should have been the last day of the 17 day diet. Drum roll please...
But, since I'm feeling a little discouraged and a little worried about the 2nd cycle of it, I'm going to do it for a little while longer. In fact, I think I might do another 17 days. My co-workers will be SO disappointed. Every day, I come into work and the first question is, "What day is this?!"
They're going to question my math skills when I keep going. Maybe they'll just stop asking.
But, I want to lose a lot of weight... and I don't feel like I have a handle on the eating yet. I think I'm on the right track... just not there yet. So, ugh... 17 more days? I'm not going to lie... I'm going to keep drinking wine on the weekends, but I'm going to really try to keep going on the diet. As Dr. Moreno says, "Anyone can do anything for 17 days." I wonder if he thinks anyone can do anything for 34 days. Jerk.
In other news? I think I'm going to convince the Congressman to write a law to ban the watching of the Food Network (more specifically, Paula Dean frying sticks of butter y'all) at the gym. Who in the world would want to torture themselves with Food Network while on the treadmill? That's just sick. I think we must stop this practice immediately. But no, we have to waste our days debating purely symbolic repeals of health reform. Okay, okay... no more politics.
But seriously, my feet just felt heavier while watching my long-lost Grandmother Paula Dean. She by no means is a small woman, but how is she not 850 pounds? Ugh, I wish I had those genes. But, as soon as I figured that no one would actually admit they were watching it, I changed the channel and got through the last of my workout.
I also decided to have a friendly visit with the treadmill. No shin splits until the very end of the mile. But man, the elliptical was a LOT harder after that 13 minute mile. I thought about those three pounds I've convinced myself I've gained the whole time to make it through-- and then I considered working out ALL night long. Seriously, I'm becoming a little obsessive about it.
So, this is my plan.
I cannot take 3 day weekends off from the gym.
I cannot have a hand full of goldfish after I have a glass-too-many-of wine.
I cannot take Wednesday or Thursday off from the gym.
I cannot eat too little-- I know that my body will panic and start storing everything away.
I also have to somehow get over being panic-y about moving on from the first 17 days... I know that's not healthy either. But there's something about seeing results that makes you never want to go back to being the old way again...
Don't worry... I won't leave you for so long again. And hopefully, I'll have good news by Friday.
PS. Can you BELIEVE the Bears are playing the Packers this weekend to get to the Superbowl? I can barely function when I think about it for more than a second. I also am a little po-ed that Jay Cutler is dating Kristin from Laguna Beach... not sure why. Get it together, Jay.
;) Love, S.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
I Could Eat a Sea Full of Cheddar Baked Goldfish.
Weight: 183 pounds.
Pants size: 12
Heart Pumpin' Jam: The Cave, Mumford and Sons
Elliptical: 5,000 rotations. No, that's not a typo.
Breakfast: Hot lemon water, activia yogurt, water, grapes.
Lunch: 17-day diet recipe chicken, vegtable stir-fry, water.
Snack: Bartlett Pear, probiotic cottage cheese, plain coffee with 2 truvias and skim milk.
Water: plenty! Green tea: not enough :(
So, just to give you an idea about the drama that has become my actual weight, in my bathroom, I weigh 183... in the gym, I weight 163. Seriously. I'm making it my mission this weekend to buy a brand new digital scale. The uncertainty is killing me. But either way, I've lost about 17 pounds since I began working out at the beginning of December. And, the 17-day diet has made the difference. I'm actually starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel... and dare I say, single-digit pants sizes? I have to be honest, I don't actually remember ever being a single digit pants size. Maybe in 7th grade? I vaguely remember dressing up as a hippie for halloween and wearing a size 8 pair of jeans after a summer of an outdoor nature camp where I definitely lost weight. So, as you can see, this has definitely been a lifetime battle.
Tonight was weird in the gym-- apparently, my whole apartment complex was feeling fat today. There were 2 people on the treadmill, 1 person on the other elliptical machine, and 2 guys on the weight machines... I was only about 5 minutes in when everyone except the girl next to me on the elliptical left. And then, it became a game. I'm not sure if she was playing or not, but I was trying to go faster than her the whole time... without trying to look like I was going to die. Then, I realize she was continuing to elliptical when I was ready to get off. But wait... she was there first. I couldn't get off first! So I kept going... 3,000 roations... 4,000 rotations... 4,001, 4,002, 4,003... She got off at 4,735.
Wait. I'm watching Grey's Anatomy. Holy crap. Callie is pregnant with Mark's baby... and just had to tell her ex-girlfriend?! Ha!
Okay, okay... so when she got off, I figured I could keep going until 5,000 and I did. My feet were asleep at this point, and I almost fell off the elliptical instead of stepping off of it. But again, another good workout!
Ugh, I can't wait to be skinny and see an ex-boyfriend or something.
I'm exhausted. See you tomorrow!
Pants size: 12
Heart Pumpin' Jam: The Cave, Mumford and Sons
Elliptical: 5,000 rotations. No, that's not a typo.
Breakfast: Hot lemon water, activia yogurt, water, grapes.
Lunch: 17-day diet recipe chicken, vegtable stir-fry, water.
Snack: Bartlett Pear, probiotic cottage cheese, plain coffee with 2 truvias and skim milk.
Water: plenty! Green tea: not enough :(
So, just to give you an idea about the drama that has become my actual weight, in my bathroom, I weigh 183... in the gym, I weight 163. Seriously. I'm making it my mission this weekend to buy a brand new digital scale. The uncertainty is killing me. But either way, I've lost about 17 pounds since I began working out at the beginning of December. And, the 17-day diet has made the difference. I'm actually starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel... and dare I say, single-digit pants sizes? I have to be honest, I don't actually remember ever being a single digit pants size. Maybe in 7th grade? I vaguely remember dressing up as a hippie for halloween and wearing a size 8 pair of jeans after a summer of an outdoor nature camp where I definitely lost weight. So, as you can see, this has definitely been a lifetime battle.
Tonight was weird in the gym-- apparently, my whole apartment complex was feeling fat today. There were 2 people on the treadmill, 1 person on the other elliptical machine, and 2 guys on the weight machines... I was only about 5 minutes in when everyone except the girl next to me on the elliptical left. And then, it became a game. I'm not sure if she was playing or not, but I was trying to go faster than her the whole time... without trying to look like I was going to die. Then, I realize she was continuing to elliptical when I was ready to get off. But wait... she was there first. I couldn't get off first! So I kept going... 3,000 roations... 4,000 rotations... 4,001, 4,002, 4,003... She got off at 4,735.
Wait. I'm watching Grey's Anatomy. Holy crap. Callie is pregnant with Mark's baby... and just had to tell her ex-girlfriend?! Ha!
Okay, okay... so when she got off, I figured I could keep going until 5,000 and I did. My feet were asleep at this point, and I almost fell off the elliptical instead of stepping off of it. But again, another good workout!
Ugh, I can't wait to be skinny and see an ex-boyfriend or something.
I'm exhausted. See you tomorrow!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Pump, pump, pump it up!
Weight: 185!
Pants size: 12.
Heart pumpin' jam: Random iPhone mix from Mumford and Sons to Eminem
Elliptical: 4,200 rotations.
Breakfast: Hot lemon water, activa yogurt, water, grapes.
Lunch: Well, it was the long-belated holiday lunch at a local Capitol Hill thai place... I was a little worried how I could just pretend to eat something, but I found a dish with chicken, basil, broccoli, carrots, peppers, garlic, and fresh chili in white wine... and I didn't have any rice. So, that can't be too bad. Right?
Snack: Pear, probiotic cottage cheese.
Dinner: Roasted cauliflower, Ahi-Tuna steak... wait, did someone say steak? Noooo. Water.
I didn't drink enough green tea today, but really, that's the only thing that I even remotely feel guilty about. But, I mean, again... there are some little speed bumps along this road to go from fat to fab, but we're stilllllllllllllll truckin'.
I also have to be honest that I wasn't going to blog tonight because I was supposed to get the new website designs to review tonight... and in my world, that's like Christmas morning. But, unfortunately, no website designs. Maybe COB means 11 pm to the website company? Who knows. So instead of Christmas morning, I get to revel in my workout routine and hunger.
Actually, I'm not that hungry today. I did wake up in the middle of the night... but instead of tearing apart the house looking for something with carbs or sugar, I was craving a nutri-grain bar. Yes, a nutri-grain bar. Still not allowed on Day 8 of the 17 day diet, but I mean... it's not a peanut butter cup or a spoonful of the frosting that had been buried in the back of my fridge for months until I threw it away last weekend (sad face). I ate it in what I think was one bite, too. But I only had one, and I promise you I will not wake up in the middle of the night and eat another nutri-grain bar.
AND... get this.
Since I went out to eat and felt ever-so-slight-pangs-of-guilt (even though what I ate nowhere near resembled a hamburger or cream-based salad dressing)... I did 4,200 rotations on the elliptical instead of my normal 3,000. It wasn't that bad, either. Ok, it wasn't great. But, I did it. I also realized that I have developed a trick on the elliptical that I will share with you.
My elliptical has a few different windows where you can track your progress in different ways-- one on the left, one on the right. I always leave the one on the righthand side set to calories per minute (and I try to keep it above 10.0 at all times). On the left, you can switch between time you've been ellipticaling, rotations, and total calories burned. If I set little goals for myself throughout my elliptical-ing experience, I don't have as hard of a time getting through it. For example, for the first few minutes, I just try to get it up to 50.0 calories burned. Then, I switch to rotations and count 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 for a few hundred rotations. Then, I watch the time and try to make it just another 3 minutes. Then I go back and do it over again. By the time you've set enough little goals in your head and reached them, your workout is over. I know it sounds ridiculous, but sometimes, I just don't want to be on there for so long... and if I start at 0 rotations and know that I want to get 4,200, watching just that number can be borderline maddening.
So, try it... and get back to me. I DARE you to tell me it doesn't make it easier.
John said today that he sees me every day, so he can't tell that I've lost 15 pounds since this journey began, but he can tell a difference in the way I carry myself and my mood. He said I seem happier, or more confident or something. I was pretty confident before... delusional... but still confident... so evidently I'm going to be a skinny bi-atch!
Ha!
So, until tomorrow...
Sarah
Pants size: 12.
Heart pumpin' jam: Random iPhone mix from Mumford and Sons to Eminem
Elliptical: 4,200 rotations.
Breakfast: Hot lemon water, activa yogurt, water, grapes.
Lunch: Well, it was the long-belated holiday lunch at a local Capitol Hill thai place... I was a little worried how I could just pretend to eat something, but I found a dish with chicken, basil, broccoli, carrots, peppers, garlic, and fresh chili in white wine... and I didn't have any rice. So, that can't be too bad. Right?
Snack: Pear, probiotic cottage cheese.
Dinner: Roasted cauliflower, Ahi-Tuna steak... wait, did someone say steak? Noooo. Water.
I didn't drink enough green tea today, but really, that's the only thing that I even remotely feel guilty about. But, I mean, again... there are some little speed bumps along this road to go from fat to fab, but we're stilllllllllllllll truckin'.
I also have to be honest that I wasn't going to blog tonight because I was supposed to get the new website designs to review tonight... and in my world, that's like Christmas morning. But, unfortunately, no website designs. Maybe COB means 11 pm to the website company? Who knows. So instead of Christmas morning, I get to revel in my workout routine and hunger.
Actually, I'm not that hungry today. I did wake up in the middle of the night... but instead of tearing apart the house looking for something with carbs or sugar, I was craving a nutri-grain bar. Yes, a nutri-grain bar. Still not allowed on Day 8 of the 17 day diet, but I mean... it's not a peanut butter cup or a spoonful of the frosting that had been buried in the back of my fridge for months until I threw it away last weekend (sad face). I ate it in what I think was one bite, too. But I only had one, and I promise you I will not wake up in the middle of the night and eat another nutri-grain bar.
AND... get this.
Since I went out to eat and felt ever-so-slight-pangs-of-guilt (even though what I ate nowhere near resembled a hamburger or cream-based salad dressing)... I did 4,200 rotations on the elliptical instead of my normal 3,000. It wasn't that bad, either. Ok, it wasn't great. But, I did it. I also realized that I have developed a trick on the elliptical that I will share with you.
My elliptical has a few different windows where you can track your progress in different ways-- one on the left, one on the right. I always leave the one on the righthand side set to calories per minute (and I try to keep it above 10.0 at all times). On the left, you can switch between time you've been ellipticaling, rotations, and total calories burned. If I set little goals for myself throughout my elliptical-ing experience, I don't have as hard of a time getting through it. For example, for the first few minutes, I just try to get it up to 50.0 calories burned. Then, I switch to rotations and count 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 for a few hundred rotations. Then, I watch the time and try to make it just another 3 minutes. Then I go back and do it over again. By the time you've set enough little goals in your head and reached them, your workout is over. I know it sounds ridiculous, but sometimes, I just don't want to be on there for so long... and if I start at 0 rotations and know that I want to get 4,200, watching just that number can be borderline maddening.
So, try it... and get back to me. I DARE you to tell me it doesn't make it easier.
John said today that he sees me every day, so he can't tell that I've lost 15 pounds since this journey began, but he can tell a difference in the way I carry myself and my mood. He said I seem happier, or more confident or something. I was pretty confident before... delusional... but still confident... so evidently I'm going to be a skinny bi-atch!
Ha!
So, until tomorrow...
Sarah
Monday, January 10, 2011
Dedicated to all those who serve.
Weight: 187 pounds
Pants size: 12!
Heart pumpin' jam: Airplanes, B.o.B.
Elliptical: 3,000 rotations. Treadmill: 1.0 mile.
Breakfast: Hot lemon water; activa yogurt; grapes; green tea.
Lunch: Homemade Italian vegetable, turkey soup. A little Parmesan cheese. Water.
Snack: Pear and probiotic cottage cheese
Dinner: 17-day diet BBQ boneless skinless chicken breast, broccoli, a little bit of salad w/ lite Cesar dressing. I'll also have a 2nd cup of green tea before bed.
Water: plenty!!
Well, I did good eating this weekend-- the only time I even remotely cheated was a little bit of rice on Friday night. But I mean, rice? Come on, that's not going to ruin my diet. But, I have to be honest... no wine went out the window pretty quickly. And, when I spent my Saturday running a full court press response to the tragic events in Tucson, Arizona from the hair salon, my car, and Chi-Cha lounge to say hi to Gary since we were in the area, the no wine thing turned into quite a few glasses.
I had been watching West Wing DVDs when I woke up on Saturday, and then I got ready to get my hair done in Georgetown... no indication anything was wrong until I was about 15 minutes into my highlights when I got a text from Lee Ann asking if I had seen what was going on. Then, I realized I had 3 missed e-mails from my Chief of Staff and the Congressman, and then my phone started blowing up with reporters asking for him to come to a studio in Austin, for him to call in, for a statement. If John hadn't brought his laptop, I'm not sure what I would have done-- walked out with half-highlighted hair? I considered it.
So, we did all the press we needed to do-- and then when I got home, it hit me. Neighborhood Office Hours at a grocery store. We do those all of the time. It hit me harder when I found out 2 of her staff had been hurt and 1-- 30 years old and engaged-- was killed. People out in the community, trying to talk to people, trying to listen, trying to make the best decisions they can make for the people who voted to send them to Congress. You can't make everyone happy. You can't make a decision that's going to make everyone happy all of the time. But you try to do what's best... and you operate under the assumption that a madman isn't going to open fire at an event.
Politics has gotten very ugly over the last year and a half. There's a lot of violent rhetoric. Words like tyranny, like socialism. Pictures of Hitler, of the Joker. Questions about birth certificates, about religion. There are actually radio announcers who have said things like, "If ballots don't work, we'll use bullets." There are people who post maps of targeted districts during the election with little pictures of guns over the people they want to defeat.
What everyone forgets is that for every decision someone is angry about, another is happy about. And, there's so much misinformation and lies bred by hate radio in the name of ratings, people don't even understand half the things we are working for. Every story told is so one sided, it makes me ill.
But what everyone should know for certain is they don't have the right to resort to violence. Violence, where there should be political discourse, will put out the beacon that the United States of America is supposed to be to its own citizens and citizens around the world. A story is always 2-sided; never as it seems. And for Pete's sake, there's a difference between the truth as told by Rush Limbaugh or spoken by Ronald Reagan. There's no reason we can't get along... and debate the facts... without yelling, screaming, and pretending like there's only one side to the story and everyone else is wrong.
There's something horribly wrong in this country when a Congresswoman and her staff trying to do their jobs goes out into the community and meets the rage of a gunman. This is a sad time in our country... no matter what you believe is right and no matter who you believe is wrong.
So tonight, my post is dedicated to Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, and all those who were harmed on Saturday... and to all who serve.
Sarah
Pants size: 12!
Heart pumpin' jam: Airplanes, B.o.B.
Elliptical: 3,000 rotations. Treadmill: 1.0 mile.
Breakfast: Hot lemon water; activa yogurt; grapes; green tea.
Lunch: Homemade Italian vegetable, turkey soup. A little Parmesan cheese. Water.
Snack: Pear and probiotic cottage cheese
Dinner: 17-day diet BBQ boneless skinless chicken breast, broccoli, a little bit of salad w/ lite Cesar dressing. I'll also have a 2nd cup of green tea before bed.
Water: plenty!!
Well, I did good eating this weekend-- the only time I even remotely cheated was a little bit of rice on Friday night. But I mean, rice? Come on, that's not going to ruin my diet. But, I have to be honest... no wine went out the window pretty quickly. And, when I spent my Saturday running a full court press response to the tragic events in Tucson, Arizona from the hair salon, my car, and Chi-Cha lounge to say hi to Gary since we were in the area, the no wine thing turned into quite a few glasses.
I had been watching West Wing DVDs when I woke up on Saturday, and then I got ready to get my hair done in Georgetown... no indication anything was wrong until I was about 15 minutes into my highlights when I got a text from Lee Ann asking if I had seen what was going on. Then, I realized I had 3 missed e-mails from my Chief of Staff and the Congressman, and then my phone started blowing up with reporters asking for him to come to a studio in Austin, for him to call in, for a statement. If John hadn't brought his laptop, I'm not sure what I would have done-- walked out with half-highlighted hair? I considered it.
So, we did all the press we needed to do-- and then when I got home, it hit me. Neighborhood Office Hours at a grocery store. We do those all of the time. It hit me harder when I found out 2 of her staff had been hurt and 1-- 30 years old and engaged-- was killed. People out in the community, trying to talk to people, trying to listen, trying to make the best decisions they can make for the people who voted to send them to Congress. You can't make everyone happy. You can't make a decision that's going to make everyone happy all of the time. But you try to do what's best... and you operate under the assumption that a madman isn't going to open fire at an event.
Politics has gotten very ugly over the last year and a half. There's a lot of violent rhetoric. Words like tyranny, like socialism. Pictures of Hitler, of the Joker. Questions about birth certificates, about religion. There are actually radio announcers who have said things like, "If ballots don't work, we'll use bullets." There are people who post maps of targeted districts during the election with little pictures of guns over the people they want to defeat.
What everyone forgets is that for every decision someone is angry about, another is happy about. And, there's so much misinformation and lies bred by hate radio in the name of ratings, people don't even understand half the things we are working for. Every story told is so one sided, it makes me ill.
But what everyone should know for certain is they don't have the right to resort to violence. Violence, where there should be political discourse, will put out the beacon that the United States of America is supposed to be to its own citizens and citizens around the world. A story is always 2-sided; never as it seems. And for Pete's sake, there's a difference between the truth as told by Rush Limbaugh or spoken by Ronald Reagan. There's no reason we can't get along... and debate the facts... without yelling, screaming, and pretending like there's only one side to the story and everyone else is wrong.
There's something horribly wrong in this country when a Congresswoman and her staff trying to do their jobs goes out into the community and meets the rage of a gunman. This is a sad time in our country... no matter what you believe is right and no matter who you believe is wrong.
So tonight, my post is dedicated to Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, and all those who were harmed on Saturday... and to all who serve.
Sarah
Saturday, January 8, 2011
No motivation like a zipping zipper
So, I'll blog more this weekend, but I just wanted to let you know that I just put on a pair of pants I've never worn that 2 weeks ago, didn't fit. Today? No problem.
I'll tell yah, there's no motivation like a zipper that zips!
Happy weekend, all!
I'll tell yah, there's no motivation like a zipper that zips!
Happy weekend, all!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Grey's is back!
Weight: 188 pounds
Pants size: 14, but I haven't tried on anything smaller.
Heart pumpin' jam: Grey's Anatomy is back! No music needed.
Breakfast: Hot lemon water, activia yogurt, green tea
Lunch: Lettuce wraps with chicken, tomatoes, 2% cheese, and fat-free sour cream.
Snack: grapes, apple, pickles, green tea.
Dinner: Taco salad-- mixed lettuce, tomatoes, red and yellow peppers, ground turkey, 2 Tbsp. zesty catalina dressing.
Elliptical: None today, 3,000 yesterday. Bike: None today, 2 miles yesterday.
That's right-- I didn't go to the gym tonight. I decided that since I think part of my lack of progress stems from not going Friday-Sunday, I will take Thursdays off (since Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice are on-- mega yay!) and got at least once Friday-Sunday-- hopefully twice. I know, I'm a little worried too.
I have to be honest, 188 is good, but I'm a little disappointed in my progress. This weight loss thing is not working as quickly as it did when I was essentially starving myself and working full-time bartending at Unos between graduation college and starting work at Accenture. I lost 30 pounds in 2 months. Now, we're closing in on the month mark-- in fact, I think we might have passed it, and I've only lost maybe 10 pounds. Granted, we had Christmas dinner thrown in there with a week long vacation to the Mexican food/BBQ capital of the world. I thought I'd be at least 20 down by this point. Maybe it's coming... but it's too early to be hitting a wall, right?
I'm just having an off night. Yesterday was a good day at the gym... 2 miles on the elliptical, 2 miles on the bike. My eating has been spot-on. I broke down and had a diet pepsi tonight. And, boy, was it a good diet pepsi.
So, I think this weekend will be the test... no eating out, no carbs, no snacks, no goldfish while watching a movie at 1 a.m., no wine. Wait, no wine? Mom, this first 17 days would not even be possible for you! Ha!
But, we'll see... and I hope to update at least once this weekend... so stay tuned.
This is definitely far more up and down of a journey than I hoped! Let's just be skinny already.
Sarah.
Pants size: 14, but I haven't tried on anything smaller.
Heart pumpin' jam: Grey's Anatomy is back! No music needed.
Breakfast: Hot lemon water, activia yogurt, green tea
Lunch: Lettuce wraps with chicken, tomatoes, 2% cheese, and fat-free sour cream.
Snack: grapes, apple, pickles, green tea.
Dinner: Taco salad-- mixed lettuce, tomatoes, red and yellow peppers, ground turkey, 2 Tbsp. zesty catalina dressing.
Elliptical: None today, 3,000 yesterday. Bike: None today, 2 miles yesterday.
That's right-- I didn't go to the gym tonight. I decided that since I think part of my lack of progress stems from not going Friday-Sunday, I will take Thursdays off (since Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice are on-- mega yay!) and got at least once Friday-Sunday-- hopefully twice. I know, I'm a little worried too.
I have to be honest, 188 is good, but I'm a little disappointed in my progress. This weight loss thing is not working as quickly as it did when I was essentially starving myself and working full-time bartending at Unos between graduation college and starting work at Accenture. I lost 30 pounds in 2 months. Now, we're closing in on the month mark-- in fact, I think we might have passed it, and I've only lost maybe 10 pounds. Granted, we had Christmas dinner thrown in there with a week long vacation to the Mexican food/BBQ capital of the world. I thought I'd be at least 20 down by this point. Maybe it's coming... but it's too early to be hitting a wall, right?
I'm just having an off night. Yesterday was a good day at the gym... 2 miles on the elliptical, 2 miles on the bike. My eating has been spot-on. I broke down and had a diet pepsi tonight. And, boy, was it a good diet pepsi.
So, I think this weekend will be the test... no eating out, no carbs, no snacks, no goldfish while watching a movie at 1 a.m., no wine. Wait, no wine? Mom, this first 17 days would not even be possible for you! Ha!
But, we'll see... and I hope to update at least once this weekend... so stay tuned.
This is definitely far more up and down of a journey than I hoped! Let's just be skinny already.
Sarah.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I would have gone with Bob and Jillian.
Weight: 189 pounds (!!!)
Pants size: 14, I plan to try on a size 12 on the last day of the 17 day diet.
Heart Pumpin' Jam: Chicago is So Two Years Ago, Fall Out Boy.
Treadmill: 0, Elliptical: 3,000 rotations, Bike: 0.
Breakfast: Hot cup of lemon water, activia yogurt, green tea.
Snack: Apple.
Lunch: Big leafy salad w/ fat free italian dressing, carrots, mushrooms, and tuna.
Snack: Pear, probiotic cottage cheese, green tea.
Dinner: Garlic/lemon baked salmon, brussel spouts, and salad with a tiny bit of 2% cheese, red peppers, cucumbers, and 1 1/2 tbsp of blue cheese vinegarette.
Water: Plenty!
I lost 4 pounds in a day. Actually, it might even be more like 5 given that I always estimate down a tiny bit when I weigh myself. I'm like the boy who cried wolf-- except I'm the girl who cried skinny. But seriously, 4-5 pounds in a day? I'm hoping this isn't some strange fluke and tomorrow I'll gain 12 pounds, but if this is real, this Dr. Moreno who wrote the 17-day diet deserves a medal. In fact, I may convince the Congressman to write a resolution honoring his genius. We'll give it a couple more days before I decide if it's really working, but this is some good progress.
But let me back up.
Now, I have to be honest. Full disclosure, right? I got to work at 8:15 today. I left work at 7:05. And it wasn't a good day at all. Everyone was crabby-- and Rachel Maddow never called me back. It's funny how when someone doesn't call me back, it can turn my entire day into a big failure. When I got home, I had a headache. And, John had wonderfully already prepared a nutritious dinner. So, I was making a deal with myself to not go to the gym. I mean I shouldn't have to elliptical when I have a headache, right? So, I decided... no gym. But then I decided to get on the scale. This is when I made my big discovery. Hello motivation! But I wasn't convinced. Then, when I turned on the TV, I made another motivating discovery: Season 11 of the Biggest Loser. That's right, after only a few weeks, I've got a whole new season to enjoy! It's always better when the contestants are still far bigger than I am, too. I tell yah, if I could get one of those 400 pound guys to run next to me on the treadmill, I think my shin splints would be forever gone!
So, I changed from a sweatshirt to a t-shirt and I went. Nothing spectacular... just 3,000 rotations, or a little over 2 miles, but at least I went.
The other good news? I am currently watching my favorite show while blogging: Parenthood.
At least my Tuesday nights got brighter thanks to some good TV. I know, I know, I shouldn't be a couch potato, but old habits die hard... and I earned it!
You're totally going to run out and buy "The 17 Day Diet" now, aren't you? I'm telling you, it's not crazy like some other diets out there-- my friend Julia can tell you about when I tried South Beach for 2 days and almost passed out while counting the 11 almonds I was allowed to have as a snack. I'm not going to lie, I'm a little hungry... and I am not the biggest fan of the wake-up-to-a-hot-cup-of-sour-sour-lemon-water thing, but I'm getting by and I'm not totally miserable. I almost jumped across my desk when I realized tiny 96 pound Cameron had 2 large steaming pieces of cheese pizza (it actually pains me just to type that word), but I'm stiiiiiilllll truckin.
I have a feeling we're on the right track folks.
Till tomorrow, folks.
Pants size: 14, I plan to try on a size 12 on the last day of the 17 day diet.
Heart Pumpin' Jam: Chicago is So Two Years Ago, Fall Out Boy.
Treadmill: 0, Elliptical: 3,000 rotations, Bike: 0.
Breakfast: Hot cup of lemon water, activia yogurt, green tea.
Snack: Apple.
Lunch: Big leafy salad w/ fat free italian dressing, carrots, mushrooms, and tuna.
Snack: Pear, probiotic cottage cheese, green tea.
Dinner: Garlic/lemon baked salmon, brussel spouts, and salad with a tiny bit of 2% cheese, red peppers, cucumbers, and 1 1/2 tbsp of blue cheese vinegarette.
Water: Plenty!
I lost 4 pounds in a day. Actually, it might even be more like 5 given that I always estimate down a tiny bit when I weigh myself. I'm like the boy who cried wolf-- except I'm the girl who cried skinny. But seriously, 4-5 pounds in a day? I'm hoping this isn't some strange fluke and tomorrow I'll gain 12 pounds, but if this is real, this Dr. Moreno who wrote the 17-day diet deserves a medal. In fact, I may convince the Congressman to write a resolution honoring his genius. We'll give it a couple more days before I decide if it's really working, but this is some good progress.
But let me back up.
Now, I have to be honest. Full disclosure, right? I got to work at 8:15 today. I left work at 7:05. And it wasn't a good day at all. Everyone was crabby-- and Rachel Maddow never called me back. It's funny how when someone doesn't call me back, it can turn my entire day into a big failure. When I got home, I had a headache. And, John had wonderfully already prepared a nutritious dinner. So, I was making a deal with myself to not go to the gym. I mean I shouldn't have to elliptical when I have a headache, right? So, I decided... no gym. But then I decided to get on the scale. This is when I made my big discovery. Hello motivation! But I wasn't convinced. Then, when I turned on the TV, I made another motivating discovery: Season 11 of the Biggest Loser. That's right, after only a few weeks, I've got a whole new season to enjoy! It's always better when the contestants are still far bigger than I am, too. I tell yah, if I could get one of those 400 pound guys to run next to me on the treadmill, I think my shin splints would be forever gone!
So, I changed from a sweatshirt to a t-shirt and I went. Nothing spectacular... just 3,000 rotations, or a little over 2 miles, but at least I went.
The other good news? I am currently watching my favorite show while blogging: Parenthood.
At least my Tuesday nights got brighter thanks to some good TV. I know, I know, I shouldn't be a couch potato, but old habits die hard... and I earned it!
You're totally going to run out and buy "The 17 Day Diet" now, aren't you? I'm telling you, it's not crazy like some other diets out there-- my friend Julia can tell you about when I tried South Beach for 2 days and almost passed out while counting the 11 almonds I was allowed to have as a snack. I'm not going to lie, I'm a little hungry... and I am not the biggest fan of the wake-up-to-a-hot-cup-of-sour-sour-lemon-water thing, but I'm getting by and I'm not totally miserable. I almost jumped across my desk when I realized tiny 96 pound Cameron had 2 large steaming pieces of cheese pizza (it actually pains me just to type that word), but I'm stiiiiiilllll truckin.
I have a feeling we're on the right track folks.
Till tomorrow, folks.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Cute Without the E (Cut from the Team)
Weight: 193 pounds
Pants Size: 14
Heart Pumpin' Jam: See Title. Taking Back Sunday.
Treadmill: 0. Elliptical: 3,100 rotations at 10.1-11.0 calories a minute. Bike: 0.
Breakfast: Activa yogurt, apple, green tea, water.
Lunch: Homemade chicken lettuce wraps.
Snack: Probiotic cottage cheese, apple, green tea, water.
Dinner: Big egg white, spinach, tomato, 2% cheese fritatta, water.
How 'bout them apples? Literally.
Quote of the day from my newest blog reader, Curtis: "I was a barista. Drinking a pumpkin spice latte is like eating a piece of cake. Sorry."
Thought in my head: "Damn, I could have had cake?"
The sad part is that I was a barista too. I knew that pumpkin spice lattes, skim or not were not good for me. But were they sabatoging my diet/workout routine? I guess we'll never know. But here's the good news: the season for pumpkin spice lattes is done-zo. So I'll either be drinking it with skim milk and my new Truvia natural plant-based sweet packets, or I won't be drinking it at all. For the Congressman's sake, I hope it's the former.
So day 1 of the 17 day diet? Fine. I was actually so busy today at work after being gone for so long that I had to constantly remind myself it was time to eat or drink something. But I did it. I'm hoping tomorrow will be okay-- I'm sure I'll be ready to eat the Congressman. Or, that piece of cake. But, I'm sticking with it. My head is in the right place.
Tonight at the gym was good-- despite the fact I thought my entire apartment complex would still be going strong with their New Year's Resolutions on January 3rd, I was alone in the gym. So, I have to be honest... I sang a little bit while I did my e-e-llipticaling. Taking Back Sunday. Brittney's Greatest Hits MegaMix-- chicka, chicka, what?
It was fun... but then I remembered something I read that said if you can sing while you work out, you're not working out hard enough. So, for a minute, I just tried to pretend to myself that I was out of breath. But then, I thought like Nike. "Just do it, Sarah. Just do it." So, I did it. I turned up the resistance to 4. Now, this was pretty hard, but I quickly discovered that the little calorie burner counter jumped BIG numbers when I turned it to 4. I burned way more calories in less time just by making it a tiny bit harder. Ha! Take that elliptical.
I also have to tell you that I found a hillarious part of the '17 Day Diet' book. I will share with you. They call it 'Sabatoging Remarks and How to Respond.' I'm going to memorize a few of these word-for-word and just hope that I get to use it sometime soon:
Saboteur: You're wasting away. Are you sure you aren't losing too much too fast?
You: It seems that something about me being slim is concerning you, or frightening you, or upsetting you. But for me, my weight loss is a good and healthy thing.
Saboteaur: Here, one doughnut left, want it?
You: I really am working hard (bitch). I'm feeling great, and it would be nice to have your support. Is there anything I can do to help you give me that?
Okay, I'll save the rest for later... but that might be the funniest thing I have ever read.
The other advice that cracked me up? Well, apparently when women get married, they often gain weight because men eat more and crappier than they can/do. The advice? "Ask your husband to hide his junk food on a shelf you can't reach."
I swear to God, I'm a genius... because I can tell you for a fact that right now, I have a tin of holiday cookies/fudge/strangely colored gingerbread men on the top of my kitchen cabinets. I've woken up twice in the middle of the night to come enjoy a little holiday snack and just stared at the tin longingly. One time, I actually tried to reach it on a chair and couldn't. And then I realized it was 3 in the morning and I was standing on a chair to reach cookies. I should be ashamed of myself. But unless you're Shaq, it works.
Perhaps some of you can use that advice. Take it, leave it, love it.
So, I hope you all are enjoying the New Year... I can't believe it's already time to go to bed!
Oh, one final thought for you. Remember how I told you I have to wake up early to drink a hot cup of water with 1/2 a lemon's juice in it? Whoever wrote that doesn't brush their teeth. It's hard enough to actually drink this concoction. When I brushed my teeth after, I thought I was going to die.
Dr. Moreno, I'll get you back for that one.
Here's to Day 2! Cheers!
Pants Size: 14
Heart Pumpin' Jam: See Title. Taking Back Sunday.
Treadmill: 0. Elliptical: 3,100 rotations at 10.1-11.0 calories a minute. Bike: 0.
Breakfast: Activa yogurt, apple, green tea, water.
Lunch: Homemade chicken lettuce wraps.
Snack: Probiotic cottage cheese, apple, green tea, water.
Dinner: Big egg white, spinach, tomato, 2% cheese fritatta, water.
How 'bout them apples? Literally.
Quote of the day from my newest blog reader, Curtis: "I was a barista. Drinking a pumpkin spice latte is like eating a piece of cake. Sorry."
Thought in my head: "Damn, I could have had cake?"
The sad part is that I was a barista too. I knew that pumpkin spice lattes, skim or not were not good for me. But were they sabatoging my diet/workout routine? I guess we'll never know. But here's the good news: the season for pumpkin spice lattes is done-zo. So I'll either be drinking it with skim milk and my new Truvia natural plant-based sweet packets, or I won't be drinking it at all. For the Congressman's sake, I hope it's the former.
So day 1 of the 17 day diet? Fine. I was actually so busy today at work after being gone for so long that I had to constantly remind myself it was time to eat or drink something. But I did it. I'm hoping tomorrow will be okay-- I'm sure I'll be ready to eat the Congressman. Or, that piece of cake. But, I'm sticking with it. My head is in the right place.
Tonight at the gym was good-- despite the fact I thought my entire apartment complex would still be going strong with their New Year's Resolutions on January 3rd, I was alone in the gym. So, I have to be honest... I sang a little bit while I did my e-e-llipticaling. Taking Back Sunday. Brittney's Greatest Hits MegaMix-- chicka, chicka, what?
It was fun... but then I remembered something I read that said if you can sing while you work out, you're not working out hard enough. So, for a minute, I just tried to pretend to myself that I was out of breath. But then, I thought like Nike. "Just do it, Sarah. Just do it." So, I did it. I turned up the resistance to 4. Now, this was pretty hard, but I quickly discovered that the little calorie burner counter jumped BIG numbers when I turned it to 4. I burned way more calories in less time just by making it a tiny bit harder. Ha! Take that elliptical.
I also have to tell you that I found a hillarious part of the '17 Day Diet' book. I will share with you. They call it 'Sabatoging Remarks and How to Respond.' I'm going to memorize a few of these word-for-word and just hope that I get to use it sometime soon:
Saboteur: You're wasting away. Are you sure you aren't losing too much too fast?
You: It seems that something about me being slim is concerning you, or frightening you, or upsetting you. But for me, my weight loss is a good and healthy thing.
Saboteaur: Here, one doughnut left, want it?
You: I really am working hard (bitch). I'm feeling great, and it would be nice to have your support. Is there anything I can do to help you give me that?
Okay, I'll save the rest for later... but that might be the funniest thing I have ever read.
The other advice that cracked me up? Well, apparently when women get married, they often gain weight because men eat more and crappier than they can/do. The advice? "Ask your husband to hide his junk food on a shelf you can't reach."
I swear to God, I'm a genius... because I can tell you for a fact that right now, I have a tin of holiday cookies/fudge/strangely colored gingerbread men on the top of my kitchen cabinets. I've woken up twice in the middle of the night to come enjoy a little holiday snack and just stared at the tin longingly. One time, I actually tried to reach it on a chair and couldn't. And then I realized it was 3 in the morning and I was standing on a chair to reach cookies. I should be ashamed of myself. But unless you're Shaq, it works.
Perhaps some of you can use that advice. Take it, leave it, love it.
So, I hope you all are enjoying the New Year... I can't believe it's already time to go to bed!
Oh, one final thought for you. Remember how I told you I have to wake up early to drink a hot cup of water with 1/2 a lemon's juice in it? Whoever wrote that doesn't brush their teeth. It's hard enough to actually drink this concoction. When I brushed my teeth after, I thought I was going to die.
Dr. Moreno, I'll get you back for that one.
Here's to Day 2! Cheers!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
2011? I've got this.
Back in action! :) Happy New Year everyone-- my trip to El Paso and Ruidoso, New Mexico was fantastic. My nephew Dallas was thrilled to have a full house of people ready to play Iron Man and Transformers-- I AM OPTIMUS PRIME! I tell yah, if I had a three-and-a-half year old that is always on 'go,' I'd be a skinny minny. He's a doll though... I'm surprised my Mom got on the plane after he threw himself on the floor and said, "Nana, Papa, please don't go... your house is too far away. Why is it so far away? Please don't go." Luckily, they'll be back in 5 weeks to welcome the newest addition, my neice Charley. Yes, Charley. She's going to be quite the rockstar/heartbreaker/supermodel. Can't wait to meet her.
But I have to be honest, I am SO glad to be back. SO bummed I have to go back to work tomorrow with about 8,000 unread e-mails, but thrilled to be home-- a new year and a new workout/eating plan to start things out right. If you can believe it, I actually missed working out while I was gone. I was too busy to actually make good on my promise and go to the gym, but again, I missed elliptical-ing and sweating it out.
I went to California Pizza Kitchen today with Margaret, Kristin, and Jill-- and Gavin and Taylor the beautiful babies to ring it in right... and add just a few more calories to the count.
Currently, I am drinking my first cup of what's sure to be many cups of green tea. Tomorrow, begins back to the workout grind and day 1 of the 17 day diet. I went grocery shopping tonight with my book & actually have some chicken in the oven to bring to work tomorrow with my boston lettuce leaves and sauted cabbage, carrots, radish, broccoli, and cauliflower with 2 tbsps. lite soy sauce-- homemade lettuce wraps, peeps!
So, I feel I should explain a little more about the 17 day diet-- I know I gave you the overview in a previous post, but it's pretty simple for the first 17 days.
When I wake up: I drink 1 cup of hot water with half a lemon.
Breakfast: 2 eggs or 4 egg whites prepared without oil, OR (not "and") 1 serving probiotic food (yogurt, special cottage cheese, etc.)-- 1 serving is 6 oz. 1 fruit serving (low-sugar fruits like applies). 1 cup green tea.
Lunch: Liberal amounts of protein in the form of fish, poultry, or eggs plus unlimited amounts of cleansing vegetables (I have a list... no starch). 1 cup of green tea.
Dinner: Libreal amounts of protein in the form of fish or chicken. Unlimited amounts of cleansing vegtables. 1 cup of green tea.
Snacks: 2nd fruit serving. 2nd probiotic serving (so yes, you need 2 fruits and 2 probiotics a day).
Additional: 1 serving (1 to 2 tablespoons of friendly fat to use on salads, vegtables, or for cooking).
After the first 17 days, you slowly work good carbs and things like low-fat ice cream and wine back into your diet. There are 2 more cycles-- but right now, I'm concentrating on getting through this first 17 days. They say you can lose anywhere from 10-20 pounds. As Dr. Moreno (McDreamy) says in the book, "Anyone can do anything for 17 days."
It's going to be tough-- I will want to quit and move to Idaho to eat nothing but mashed potatoes for the rest of my life by tomorrow at 2 pm, but I think I can do it. I'm thinking this change of eating plus my workout is really going to yield some good results. I hate green tea, though. Ugh.
This is a lifestyle change, not a fad diet, promise.
Tomorrow we'll do a real weigh in to punish myself for the eating I did while in the Southwest. Not sure the ribs, tamales, ham, cheesecake, beef tenderloin and ensuing heart burn was worth it, but hey, it was Christmas vacation! I am just not that strong a person.
Hope everyone has a good Monday... I'll be thinking about you!
Love, Sarah
But I have to be honest, I am SO glad to be back. SO bummed I have to go back to work tomorrow with about 8,000 unread e-mails, but thrilled to be home-- a new year and a new workout/eating plan to start things out right. If you can believe it, I actually missed working out while I was gone. I was too busy to actually make good on my promise and go to the gym, but again, I missed elliptical-ing and sweating it out.
I went to California Pizza Kitchen today with Margaret, Kristin, and Jill-- and Gavin and Taylor the beautiful babies to ring it in right... and add just a few more calories to the count.
Currently, I am drinking my first cup of what's sure to be many cups of green tea. Tomorrow, begins back to the workout grind and day 1 of the 17 day diet. I went grocery shopping tonight with my book & actually have some chicken in the oven to bring to work tomorrow with my boston lettuce leaves and sauted cabbage, carrots, radish, broccoli, and cauliflower with 2 tbsps. lite soy sauce-- homemade lettuce wraps, peeps!
So, I feel I should explain a little more about the 17 day diet-- I know I gave you the overview in a previous post, but it's pretty simple for the first 17 days.
When I wake up: I drink 1 cup of hot water with half a lemon.
Breakfast: 2 eggs or 4 egg whites prepared without oil, OR (not "and") 1 serving probiotic food (yogurt, special cottage cheese, etc.)-- 1 serving is 6 oz. 1 fruit serving (low-sugar fruits like applies). 1 cup green tea.
Lunch: Liberal amounts of protein in the form of fish, poultry, or eggs plus unlimited amounts of cleansing vegetables (I have a list... no starch). 1 cup of green tea.
Dinner: Libreal amounts of protein in the form of fish or chicken. Unlimited amounts of cleansing vegtables. 1 cup of green tea.
Snacks: 2nd fruit serving. 2nd probiotic serving (so yes, you need 2 fruits and 2 probiotics a day).
Additional: 1 serving (1 to 2 tablespoons of friendly fat to use on salads, vegtables, or for cooking).
After the first 17 days, you slowly work good carbs and things like low-fat ice cream and wine back into your diet. There are 2 more cycles-- but right now, I'm concentrating on getting through this first 17 days. They say you can lose anywhere from 10-20 pounds. As Dr. Moreno (McDreamy) says in the book, "Anyone can do anything for 17 days."
It's going to be tough-- I will want to quit and move to Idaho to eat nothing but mashed potatoes for the rest of my life by tomorrow at 2 pm, but I think I can do it. I'm thinking this change of eating plus my workout is really going to yield some good results. I hate green tea, though. Ugh.
This is a lifestyle change, not a fad diet, promise.
Tomorrow we'll do a real weigh in to punish myself for the eating I did while in the Southwest. Not sure the ribs, tamales, ham, cheesecake, beef tenderloin and ensuing heart burn was worth it, but hey, it was Christmas vacation! I am just not that strong a person.
Hope everyone has a good Monday... I'll be thinking about you!
Love, Sarah
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