You heard mostly how my vacation week went, so I will tell you how much Sunday went.
I walked in a Pet Walk-a-thon to raise money for the local humane society. My team- made up of myself and 2 other friends, raised $550 all together! We are very proud.
Today we walked 3K with pups in tow. I walked a friend's 9 month old Miniature Australian Shepard and totally fell in love with her. Her name is Kola.
She made a friend with another friend's big lug- Thunder.
There were lots of prizes and freebies. I brought some treats home for my little kitty (the one who eats blinds) and got some special doggie food for my brother's dog who has a kidney ailment as well as lots of treats for Kola's mom.
Kola and Thunder enjoyed Doggie Ice Cream.... Thunder demolished his in one gulp, Kola was a bit more cautious...
But loved it in the end!
Here she is keeping watch over us with tons of animals in the background.
It was a long day, but a fun day! I'm super proud of my team for working so hard to raise money for a great cause. We are avid supporters of the Humane Society- my kitty came from there 4 years ago.
I got too much sun and ended up with a burn on my chest and arms. I even wore sunscreen! I'm exhausted now and already took a nap to sleep off the effects of the sun.
Kola was exhausted on the way back home to her Mommy too.
Hope everyone got out to enjoy the weather this weekend!
It is the season for getting away from your day-to-day. A time to take a plane or a road trip to a place you love to be or a place you've never been. You get to try new foods and old favorites. You escape your 9-5 and your regular routines go out the window.
How does this translate for those of us who are trying to change our lifestyle? It tends to end in a mini disaster- like it did for me this past week.
For me, I was traveling with someone who was on a limited budget. We ate at a lot of food courts and fast food places. How do you eat well while frequenting McDonald's or Taco John's and a carby continental buffet at the hotel? You may think it is impossible, but it isn't.
Before I left home, I downloaded a very useful app- Fast Food Calories. This app is free on smart phones and allows you to check out the calories of your desired meal before ordering. There are tons of restaurants on this app, some I have never heard of or seen. There are fast food restaurants and some sit down chain restaurants like Olive Garden. The app also allows you to add up your calories if you happened to order more than one item- like in the case of combo meals.
Food Courts- there is always a healthy option, you just have to look. I went to a Taco John's for the first time on this trip and ordered a taco salad with chicken. You get a choice of grilled or crispy chicken. The grilled will have less calories, obviously- my choice. Next, it comes with ranch dressing. You can skip that and just use the salsa and sour cream that is already on it. I also used some mild hot sauce to substitute as dressing. As for the taco bowl- it looks harmless, but that is where most of the calories are coming from because it is a deep fried tortilla. You can skip it all together or do what I did and eat half! It isn't a taco salad without the chip, right?
Rest Stops- vending machines galore! Not likely to be anything healthy in there. You can opt for water or diet drinks. As for the snacks- some trail mix may be a good option, but check the serving size and the calories and maybe share with your road mate. Road Snacks- we stopped at a local grocery store to grab a snack- the benefit of this is that it is cheap and you can get any healthy option you can think of. We stopped at Trader Joe's and I picked out a greek yogurt and a Kid's CLIF Bar. I also noshed on an apple that I grabbed from the continental breakfast.
Continental Buffet- I like to choose hotels that include breakfast, you save a few bucks and it is convenient. This hotel's buffet was a little disappointing. Talk about carb-laden! Waffles, donuts, bagels, cereals. Almost no fruit or protein in sight. I found a sad bowl of mealy apples as I left the room. I won't lie, I had some waffles!
But I also had some single serve oatmeal with peanut butter- this should help you feel full longer and it was the only bit of protein in sight.
While staying in hotels, try to stay away from these bad boys. I didn't...
Some hotels are equipped with a fitness room. If that is important to you, you may want to spend a few extra bucks in order to work off those extravagant vacation meals. Our hotel had one, I had every intention to use it, but I didn't. It was kind of a sad little room...
Only a treadmill and a bike. I knew that I would be walking a lot while out and about on the town, so I didn't see the point of using the treadmill. I also had a very sore foot. I could have used the bike, but... hey! I'm on vacation. :-P
When I got home, I dove right back into healthy eating... I made a spicy rice dish with chickpeas, turkey sausage, and lots of veggies. I was so yummy!
Hope some of these tips help out those of you who are headed for vacations and holiday!
I am back from my vacation! Actually, I have been back for a couple of days already and have been trying to catch up on things around the house, at work, and on the internet.
I faced the scale on Thursday morning. I knew I gained, I could feel it. I did not eat as well as I had hoped while we traveled. I know a few reasons why- I will get into that in my next post- hopefully will do one tomorrow.
On to the weigh-in... it's not pretty.
Previous Weight: 198.2
Current Weight: 200.6
Gain: 2.4 lbs
I'm so mad at myself that I am seeing a 2 in front of those digits. It is my own fault and I can't blame anyone else for it. I'm hoping it's salt and water. I weighed in at 201.8 on Thursday, so that it already and drop of more than a pound.
I'm in serious need of an intervention here. It's like 196 is my new stopping point. 196 is my new 203 (old retreat point).
If you haven't noticed, I'm doing a late weigh-in and an early review. Why? Well, I am going out of town tomorrow morning and it will span a few days.
Ok, on to the weigh-in... it was not good and I don't really know why...
Previous Weight: 196.2
Current Weight: 198.2
Gain = +2 lbs
I have no clue what happened here. Maybe it is water weight...? I've been tracking and eating well under my maintain weight calories all week. I guess we'll see what that scale says next week.
I made a couple pretty great meals this week and I wanted to share them with you all.
First, I used my slow cooker to create a dish I call Mexican Chicken.
It is chicken thighs, red and green bell peppers, onion, garlic, salsa, and spices stewed for several hours. Served on rice with cheese, greek yogurt and chives. It was delicious!
Next, I tried my hand at Panzanella or bread salad.
This is broiled bread chopped up and tossed in a salad of lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, garlic, and cucumber. This dressing was EVOO, lemon juice, and some mulled tomato. Very yummy and a good way to use up stale bread.
Now for last week's goals:
1) Track everyday- done!
2) Exercise- didn't get it all in this week.
3) Eating out healthily- done- most of the time I took lunch to work/workshops- lots of fruit this week
Next Week's Goals:
1) Track Everyday
2) Get at least 10 minutes of exercise in everyday
3) Be mindful of eating while on vacation! Don't go overboard- exchange a light lunch for a heavy dinner and visa versa.
I will leave you with a photo of what my cat did to my blinds. Damn cat.
I attended a professional development workshop yesterday. I got to spend time with my co-workers and others who I don't get to talk to much or at all.
Around our 2pm break I stood up and sauntered around. A lady who I really respect whispered to me to come over to her. I thought she would ask me a question about some trouble I have been having with another co-worker on the weekends... but, she said... "so, how much weight have you lost?" I was totally shocked. I blurted out "oh, you can tell?" She said it was very noticeable. I told her I was down 22 lbs and we talked about what I had been doing. I mentioned that no one had really noticed or said anything.
She said she was unsure if she should say anything because it comes off as rude in a way. I totally understand, but it made me feel good to know that someone I don't know that well has noticed a change in my body, even if I can't really see it!
This gives me a little bit of renewed energy to keep at it! Thanks Michele for noticing and saying something!
On a side note, I biked to and from my workshop. On the way home this was a brewing...
I knew in my mind I would get caught in it.
I took a short route- over train tracks. Not overly fun!
About 8 blocks from home I got caught in the storm. It was my first experience in rain riding. It's difficult! The water is pouring down your face, cars are splashing you, riding through puddles.
When I got home I looked like this.
My clothes are still wet. Haha. It was kinda fun though!
I want to start off with a big hug and kiss to all my new followers! I have reached 30 and I just can't believe that 30 people want to read about my life! I feel so loved! Especially after receiving 3 blog awards since I began this blog in January and then, this week, getting a wonderful "Shout-Out" from Leah and inspiring a post by Tim. It feels great to be connecting with all of you!
I've been thrown off my game a bit this week. My work schedule is almost non-existent since my office is renovating. All I am doing are workshops and training- this made for a slow week. But it is nice to have a little break every once in awhile. Can't say I am looking forward to getting back- I am actually looking for a new job instead.
I've been slowly getting back on track. I am nowhere near where I was in say, February or March. But the process continues and the losses keep coming. I'm happy about that. Eating is getting better and I'm trying to fit in more exercise.
Last Week's Goals:
1) Track Everyday- No matter what I eat. Done! Here is a look at my week in review from my Iphone App LoseIt.
As you can see... I went a lil overboard a couple days. Friday = a party to watch the hockey game (mostly empty beer calories). Sunday = dinner with a friend. Monday = a chocolate bar over budget...
2) Limit eating out to healthy options or not at all
Like I said, I went to dinner with a friend. She chose Olive Garden... obviously not the greatest place for someone on a diet. I stayed away from the creamy, cheesy stuff and ordered a spaghetti and meatsauce. It was yum and only 710 calories- that's a lot for a meal, but not bad for a restaurant meal.
3) Exercise- done (with some modifications)
Instead of doing the elliptical 3x, I did it once and then went for 2 bikes rides of 12+K each. My elliptical is making some weird noises- super squeaky and banging a lot. It also needs some batteries for its' display. Must do this week.
Next Week's Goals
1) Track Everyday- no matter what! haha
2) Yoga 2x, Strength 2x, Elliptical 1x, Bike 1x
3) May be a lot of opportunity to eat out this week with all the workshops away from home- choose your dishes wisely!
A: is for Apple, what’s your favorite variety?
I may be the only one who loves Golden Delicious Apples…
B: is for Bread, regardless of nutrition, calories, or whole grains what is your favorite type to have a nice big piece of?
I actually really enjoy healthy bread with lots of grains, seeds, etc. They are just so dense and high calorie that I tend to choose ryes instead.
C: is for Cereal what is your favorite kind currently (just one!)
I like Nature’s Path Ancient Grains Granola. SOOO GOOOD! So good, in fact, it deserves 3 extra Os.
D: is for Doughnuts, you might not currently be eating them but what kind do you fancy?
This could be a Canadian thing, but I loooove sour cream doughnuts, "but I can't eat them because I'll get fat." Nom nom nom.
E: is for Eggs, how would you like yours prepared?
Overeasy or scrambled with a bunch of random stuff in them- mushroom, peppers, sausage, etc.
F: is for Fat Free, what is your favorite fat free product?
Egg Whites- it was genius to put only whites in a carton! Those crazy egg white only chickens! What will they think of next?
G: is for Groceries, where do you purchase yours at? I go where there is a sale. But I fancy Food Fare, Sobeys, and Superstore.
H: is for Hot Beverages, what is your favorite hot drink?
Coffee and all sorts of teas.
I: is for Ice Cream, pick a favorite flavor and add a fun topping. I like peanut butter chocolate chip ice cream. I’m not a toppings girl though.
J: is for Jams or Jellies, do you eat them, and if so what kind and flavor? I have found a great low sugar jam from President’s Choice Blue Menu. I would die to have some fresh freezer jam in all its’ sugary glory though! Strawberry all the way.
K: is for Kashi, name your favorite Kashi product?
We don’t have a lot of Kashi products up here. But I like their Cinnamon Harvest Cereal.
L: is for Lunch, what was yours today? A crepe wrap with lettuce, parmesan, Caesar dressing, and chicken inside. Yum!
M: is for microwave, what is your favorite microwave meal/snack?
I like the Hungry Girl Egg Mugs.
N: is for nutrients, do you like carbs, fats, or proteins best?
I am a sucker for carbs. Give me my toast!
O: is for oil, what kind do you like to use?
I use olive oil for cooking and a spray vegetable oil for other things.
P: is for protein, how do you get yours?
Eggs, beans, fish, some white meats. Not a big beef eater, but will eat it once in a while.
Q: is for Quaker, how do you like your oats? I like quick cooking oats. I usually eat them with lots of fruit.
R: is for roasting, what is your favorite thing to roast?
Root Veggies- I will cut up tons of carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, sprinkle with evoo, salt & pepper, then roast in the oven at 400F for 30 mins or so. Delish!
S: is for sandwich, what’s your favorite kind? "Sandwiches are beautiful, sandwiches are fine…" I have been eating the weirdest sandwich for years- dill pickles and cheese.
T: is for travel, how do you handle eating while traveling? I don’t travel a whole lot, but when I do- I usually blow the diet. Haha.
U: is for unique, what is one of your weirdest food combos? My Mister tells me I eat a lot of weird things, like- Egg and Avocado sandwiches, pickles in my tuna salad, perogies minus sour cream, cucumbers with vinegar.
V: is for vitamins, what kind do you take?
Omega 3, Multi, calcium, b12, vitamin c, Echinacea
W: is for wasabi, yay or nay? Yay!
X: is for XRAY. if we xrayed your belly right now, what food would we see?
Oooh. Beer and pasta.
Feeling really lonely today and a bit depressed. I can't really pinpoint the feelings. Maybe it's just boredom.
Really fighting emotional eating today. Good thing I don't have any junk food in the house. Except for the pizza Mister insisted on getting to watch the hockey game.
Feeling so... blah...
EDIT: I ate 3 servings of Tater Tots (480 calories) and a small slice of pepperoni pizza. Boo.
Have you heard of the phenomenon of "What's in My Bag" videos? Basically, girls or guys sit in front of a camera and show their viewers the contents of their bag or purse. I am totally enthralled and intrigued by the items that people carry around with them on a day-to-day basis. Why? I don't know...
I am here to add to the trend by doing a "What's in my gym bag" post!
What do I take to the gym? Here is an overview...
I carry a LARGE Lululemon Athletica bag. People always think it is a bowling bag. It carries everything I need and more. I often use it to carry laundry in too! The super cool thing about this bag is that it has a separate zipped compartment in the bottom where you can but wet clothes or dirty shoes, etc.
Here is a close-up of the little stuff I take to the gym:
This picture isn't rotating. Sorry :(
1. Lululemon Headband- keeps the bangs out of my face. I almost always wear a ponytail, everyday. So, hair ties are an essential for me as well
2. Larabar- after workout snack
3. Burt's Bees Lip Balm
4. Iphone- I have the C5K app, 100 PushUps app, a cardio playlist, etc.
5. Headphones- they are cupcakes! They also have a super long cord for using on the treadmill
6. A combo lock for the lockers
7. Deodorant
8. Lululemon water bottle (I'm still using a plastic one :-O )
My go-to workout outfit- cropped yoga pants, sport socks (I'll spare you the close-up), and a looser fitting t-shirt.
Most important- my New Balance runners. Can't do much at the gym without these!
I usually come home to shower, but if I shower at the gym I take a little baggie of sample sized shampoo and conditioner and a towel. But I have long hair, so it takes hours to dry. I'd rather be sweaty on the bus home than have wet hair on the bus home.
I had a half hectic, half relaxed week. I am fully moved in with my Mister and mostly unpacked and organized. Moving and cleaning went well and it actually ended up being quite the workout- especially hauling that elliptical down 2 flights of stairs, into and out of a truck, and then down another flight. Phew! I did have help though.
Eating was not good this week. Mister likes to drink beer and eat out. With the moving I ate too much fast food. However, I also made a few meals at home too.
Not much to say for exercise this week- used the elliptical and did A LOT of walking!
Last week's goals?
1) I tracked for 3-4 days of the week. Not the whole week though.
2) Run outside- boo.
3) Elliptical set up by Saturday- It was set up by Wednesday and I used it on Saturday!
This week's goals:
1) Track everyday- no matter what you eat! haha.
2) Limit eating out to healthy choices or not at all
3) Yoga 1x, elliptical 3x, strength 1x
Difference: -2lbs from last week
-0.2% BF from last week
Total Loss: 20.6 lbs
I've been either up and down or steady for the past month or so. I'm starting to get back on track by eating a healthy breakfast and a sensible dinner.
Exercise isn't quite what it used to be, but it is getting there.
Hope you all have a lovely weekend and enjoy the sunshine!
I received the Adorable Blog Award from another adorable blogger- Need To Get ME Back! I'm so happy that people enjoy reading what I write. I love connecting with you too!
The Rules:
Thank the person who gave you the award, with a link to their blog
Tell us 10 things about yourself
Nominate other bloggers and let them know about the award
I've gotten a few awards, but I always forget to do the things about myself part. Here is a chance for all you lovelies to get to know me a bit better!
1. I am not married, but I have been with the same man for the last 6 and some years. We are engaged, but do not yet have plans to marry.
2. I love cats! I have one long haired cat in my apartment named Sampson. He is noisy and finicky.
3. I am a planner. I love to make lists, itineraries, budget, etc. I do not like to be caught off guard- hence... I plan things out.
4. I grew up on a farm. We had horses, cows, chickens, pigs, tractors, and lots of land. I now live in the city and long for a little farm of my own.
5. I love to cook! I don't bake a lot, but cooking dinner is super fun for me. I find it very relaxing and I also love to cook for other people.
6. I have too many books on my shelf. I just can't bring myself to get rid of them.
7. I live in a fairly boring city in Canada. There is not a lot to do. We have too many bars and restaurants. Not good when you are trying to stay on track.
8. I recently (within the last year) made a 360 degree change in my attitude. I could feel myself growing bitter and unlikeable. Even I hated listening to my whining. I vowed to look on the bright side of life and live to the fullest. My new attitude has been helpful in this process of weight loss.
9. I am somewhat of a coffee and tea addict. It has gotten so bad that people buy me tea and coffee paraphernalia for special occasions. I have so much tea, my cupboard is overflowing.
10. Blogging has been such a great connecting tool for me. I would love to get to know all of you better. We should SKYPE Date or something! Anyone up for it?!??!
- after workout snack
- they are cupcakes! They also have a super long cord for using on the treadmill
runners. Can't do much at the gym without these! 
