Food Network - Sweet and Sour Pork. I made this a little while ago and served it over rice. Lots of GREAT flavor and mostly veggies with all the snow peas. Totally worth it and even better the next day.
All Recipes - Smoothies. General guidlines for a good smoothie. I usually do a half cup of frozen fruit, a quarter cup of yogurt, and a little water to thin it out. Om nom nom nom.
Food.com - Salsa Chicken. Delicious. You can cook it quicker over the stove if you tend to it. Use chicken breast and add in extra tomatoes to make it super healthy.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Personal Training = Ow
Well, this week I have been enjoying the benefits of a 'yay, we love you!' mailer that I got from my gym (5 free personal training sessions, much appreciated), which I responded to by cancelling my membership (...I'm poor :() but am totally taking advantage of until my last month runs out.
After the first session I was sore for about a week, but I seem to be doing a bit better since then - my second session was two days ago and although my shoulders are sore, it's nowhere near the suffering of the first week. Tomorrow is session three, so we'll see how doing two in one week works out.
The only problem so far is that I don't seem to actually be losing weight, and I've still been on my weight-loss drug for almost two weeks :( I'm hoping it's just getting off to a slow start. Sigh.
Off to jog! Week 3 of C25K :-/
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Jenny Month 1 Photo
Thought this would be neat--month 0 (well, there's just one picture!) and month 1. You can tell a lot of progress on week 3, and the week 4 was just after I had a giant gross fast food dinner.
And, if you're curious, 0 is the bathroom, 1 is the bedroom, 2 is the living room, 3 is the kitchen, and 4 is back in the bedroom!
Jenny Week 4 Photo
So I was about to have one of my classic freak out moments that typically ends with my burying my face in a bag of Mini Reeses Cups while curled up in the fetal position.
No change in my stats this week, except weight went up. What am I? A total colossal failure of epic proportions? Someone who can't stick to anything she tries? Worthless? Stupid? Completely lacking in self control and willpower? Look at that fat tummy! LOOK AT IT. Does THAT kind of MUFFIN TOP belong to someone who isn't a FAILURE?
Well, yes, cause that's my muffin top.
See, the thing is, I'm just not putting my all into this right now. I'm not failing, I'm just not really trying. This past week, we had fast food like...four times. I haven't stuck to my running schedule. I've worked out, yeah, but I've also eaten terribly. Because of that, I've been exhausted and grumpy.
I need to get my ass in gear and actually stick to my plans and hold myself accountable.
And, tbh, I've noticed changes. I do sit straighter and I can do more crunches and planks. I can pull myself up on the pole and grip a lot better than last week. This is good stuff, and a trend I want to continue.
This is Day 23 of my #fitstreak (though a few days have been token weights or something). Next week, I'll have done 30 days and will move on to something else--maybe focusing on running more. I think I might make a schedule for myself and really stick to it. Next week, I'll post it and see what it ends up looking like.
One of the things Kat challenged us to in the last class I had with her was to make one good change in your diet this week. She gave a bunch of suggestions, and what I want to do is remove or severely cut down on snacking. If I DO snack, it must be nuts, fruits, or veggies. NO CHIPS OR COOKIES OR CRACKERS.
We'll see if that works, heh.
Jenny Week 4 Measurements
Waist: 38in (0in) [0in]
Boobs: 39.5in (0in)[-1.5in]
Hips: 40in (0in) [-2in]
Thigh: 24.5in (0in) [-.5in]
Neck: 13in (0in) [-.5in]
Upper arm: 13in (0in) [+.5in]
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Something for Sunday: Apps for you iPhone and Android
Tracking calories:
Lose It! for iPhone and Android (free). Great app for tracking everything you're eating as well as putting in your exercise. It has a lot of foods pre-defined for you and you can create you own recipes, foods, and exercises.
WeightWatchers Mobile for iPhone and Android (app is free). If you're on WW, this is an invaluable app that helps keep you on track and can get you thinking about what you're eating since it will keep you honest!
RunKeeper for iPhone and Android (free, $9.99 for pro on iPhone). My personal favorite app for running/walking/biking/etc. It uses GPS to plot your course and gives you a great idea of how fast you were going and what impacted your speed--like elevation, etc. Very cool.
Friday, January 20, 2012
How to make this work for me
So last night I went to my first metalworking class. I learned to solder and etch and we all joked about setting our eyebrows on fire. I can’t wait to go back.
On the way in, I noticed the local martial art club was holding a month’s worth of lessons in BJJ for a dollar. And it made me stop and think. I do better at exercise when other people are around. (Hence this pitiful blog attempt.)
I love my solitary bike rides, but I’m a wuss when it comes to cold (and muggings are too frequent), so riding in the morning is out, for another month. And with the crazy ass hours I’ve been working, working out at night isn’t feasible.
What is feasible is making time for a class. Like metalworking. Or BJJ.
So I’m going to sign up this weekend for that month of jujitsu. It’s not about the moves, or learning to defend myself (I’m pretty good at that already). It’s about getting active, being busy, and doing something I genuinely enjoy.
So, here’s a tentative step two. Or step one and a half, if you want to be snotty about my bike riding.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Jenny: Week 3 measurements
Waist: 38in (0in) [0in]
Boobs: 39.5in (-.5in)[-1.5in]
Hips: 40in (0in) [-2in]
Thigh: 24.5in (-.5in) [-.5in]
Neck: 13in (0in) [-.5in]
Upper arm: 13in (+.5in) [+.5in]
Boobs: 39.5in (-.5in)[-1.5in]
Hips: 40in (0in) [-2in]
Thigh: 24.5in (-.5in) [-.5in]
Neck: 13in (0in) [-.5in]
Upper arm: 13in (+.5in) [+.5in]
Jenny: Week 3 Photo
I swear I'm not actually trying to wear something different each week, haha. These are my runnin' pants!
It was an okay week. I went to visit my grandparents over the weekend, and my grandfather is dying very slowly. It sucks, cause I remember him as this strong, laughing, fat man who could punch a bull and make it behave. Now, he's a tiny wisp who can't even walk, feed himself, or take a shower.
I don't deal with death/dying well (my preferred coping mechanism is LA LA LA I CAN'T HEAR YOU) so it was pretty rough to see. I ended up going home, getting drunk, and baking 2 batches of cookies, a dozen cupcakes (with Kaluha icing), and a cake. Husband insists I cannot bake the pain away, but I told him that was what the wine was for.
So, I'm actually surprised with all that to see I lost a bit of weight this week. I certainly feel better about myself now that I'm exercising on a regular basis. I think this week, I'd like to focus on cutting some more sugar from my diet.
Goal 1: Average of 20 miles/week. Going good for this week--I'm at about 7.5 for the week. Another 3-5 tomorrow puts me at 10.5-12.5 leaving a 8-10 mile run for the weekend. Pretty spiffy.
Goal 2: Fitstreak is going STRONG. Running, pole dance, Zumba, Zumba, Polearina, running, running. I'm up to day 16!
Goal 3: Better this week--surprisingly dropped 1.6. I need to get my rear in gear and eat better.
Overall, I feel pleased with this week. It was a hard one, but in the end, I did a lot of what I'd hoped to.
I still look seriously fat and lumpy tho.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
New things, new things
So, today was my sixth day doing the Couch-to-5K program. The first day I actually started a little bit slower than recommended, doing 30 seconds of running to 60 seconds of walking (instead of the 60/90 ratio that the official site states), but the next day went up to 45/90 and then 60/90 by the end. This week I'm on track with 90/120, though I may stretch it out a few more days, 3 minutes sounds like such a long time...
So that's been my exercise, and I'm also doing weight watchers again. I'm actually paying for the online tracking service this time instead of relying on the magic of Google (uh oh, if SOPA passes that may get my blog deleted), but I haven't been keeping to it as well as I ought to. I'm going to start being more serious though - today I kept right on track, and it is Sunday so it's the beginning of a new week!
In addition to the diet and exercise I joined a weight loss program through my doctor, and she prescribed me Phentermine. I'm keeping a close eye on possible side-effects, but so far I feel pretty normal. Of course, I'm only on day 3, but still - watch and see, yeah?
With any luck the combination of the three will get me losing and stat, I'm ready for it!
Something for Sunday: Fitness Links
A little late! :) But, still interesting.
News: Why We're Fat: 10 lifestyle changes that promote fatness. This article looks at some of the ways our lives have changed over the generations and how that might impact our lack of fitness and our growing obesity. It's a neat read, and if you look at it fairly objectively, you can find some areas that you can change to help get back to a healthier lifestyle.
Science Daily: Couch Potato or Elite Athlete? A Happy Medium Keeps Colds at Bay. I love the idea of exercising to keep colds away! I'm not sure how accurate it is, though--I feel like I get more colds if I'm out if the gross weather, panting my life away.
Reuters: Conquering the Chilly Workouts of Winter. Good tips for cold weather. Biggest tip? Don't do that thing they're doing in the photo. BRRRR. Most of us have a lighter definition of 'cold' and 'chilly' (I'm looking at YOU, Florida!) but at the same time, it's lots of great tips to get you out there!
Barefoot Courier: How to make a start running. Quick little piece on how to start running. Cute, to the point, and oh so correct!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Jenny: Week 2 Measurements
Woo, down a bunch in the hips. Now, if only that tummy fat would cooperate....
Boobs: 40in (-1in)[-1in]
Hips: 40in (-1.5in) [-2in]
Thigh: 24.5in (-.5in) [-.5in]
Neck: 13in (-.5in) [-.5in]
Upper arm: 12.5in (0in) [0in]
Hips: 40in (-1.5in) [-2in]
Thigh: 24.5in (-.5in) [-.5in]
Neck: 13in (-.5in) [-.5in]
Upper arm: 12.5in (0in) [0in]
Wrist: 6in(0in) [0in]
Jenny: Week 2 Photo
Couldn't find my black bra (actually, I was having trouble finding EVERYTHING today.) so here's pink.
As far as my goals...well, it's not been a good week all around. Work's been a real bitch and I ended up snacking something terrible. It's reminded me that I really need to track my calories or I'll let it get away from me again and undermine all my hard work.
So, goal 1 is to run an average of 20 miles per week. Not doing great on that one--I did get my lazy ass out of bed and run this morning. Only 30 minutes/2.25 miles cause I spent 20 minutes looking for my damn pants.
Goal 2 is actually going well. This week, I did Pilates, pole dance class, Zumba, short run with Calypso, ab work, more Pilates, ABtastic class, then a run this morning. So, #fitstreak is going strong. Today is day 9--almost 1/3 of the way!
Goal 3...not so good. Only lost 1lb in the past two weeks, due mostly to over eating and eating poorly. Hopefully, once I start running more regularly, that will change. I always do better over all when I run.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Something for Sunday: Weight Loss Links
I've been seeing a lot of interesting links around weight loss this week, so I thought I'd share a few!
FU Diet: Declare War on "The Fat Trap". A reaction piece to a NY Times article called "The Fat Trap" by an obesity doc. Some interesting points on how and why we rationalize our inability to lose weight like we expect or like other people do. FU Diet also has a great series on Real Life Biggest Losers that's a fun read.
Sweat Science: The “Fat Trap” and biological determinism. Another reaction to "The Fat Trap" this time by a guy who loves science and studies. I like his piece better partially because it seems to cut through some of the whining of the original piece and concentrates on the science-y parts.
Saga: Want to Eat Less? Use a Big Fork. References a study that seems to indicate we use external clues to determine whether or not our tummies are full or not. This rings true to a lot of the ancedata that people come up with--smaller plates make smaller portions look larger, paying attention to what you eat (instead of eating in front of the TV or computer) leads to eating less.
The Independant: Fatty foods can trigger a marijuana effect. Something everyone knows--fatty foods give you a high-like feeling. Interesting, for sure, that sugary foods and protein-filled foods didn't give the same kind of high. I like the section that implies you can get a similar feeling from a good run on the treadmill!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
I started this blog with two friends several months ago – and since then I’ve stopped working out, started eating fast food and drinking sodas, and gained about 20 pounds. Oh, I could excuse myself (and have) – I started college again so I haven’t had time to go to the gym, I’ve had a lot of stress from difficult classes and job pressure that sometimes makes me feel like they still believe in the coal-into-diamonds method of management, not to mention the collapse of my parents’ marriage and my perpetual singledom…but in the end, these excuses are just that. I’m the only one who is losing out because of my weight, and ‘comforting myself’ with food will never actually solve my problems, it just creates new ones.
I realized last week that I am 25 and have spent my entire life hiding behind my weight. I keep it as a shield to protect me from getting hurt, because no matter how much I might protest it and get angry over it, the truth is that my size DOES keep me out of a lot of the dating pool, and it DOES prevent me from a lot of social activities wherein I would have to open myself up to new people. I’m ready to move out of my shell, and actually have the chance to do all the things that my weight has kept me from for the past 20 years.
I know I’m a few days late but I’m setting my health resolutions now:
Lose five pounds a month in 2012
Work out for 5 hours a week
No sodas
When I’ve reached my first goal – getting below 220 pounds – I’m going to reward myself with a skydiving trip. And when I’m below 200, I’m going to get SCUBA certified. This is going to be a year of learning for me, and not just because I’m back in college – it’s time to be the person I want to be.
I'll post another day with my measurements, and photos!
Jenny: Week 1 Photo
So here's today.
This week went okay. I didn't run like I'd wanted to (it's REALLY fucking cold) but I did get to the Daisy Dukes class at Aradia. It's a class that focuses on your legs, buns, and a little ab work. Very intense--I'm ridiculously sore this morning.
I ate pretty well. Yesterday, I gave into eating way too many cookies. :( I did eat a fairly healthy dinner and lunch, though.
One of the things a gal at class was talking about were her New Years resolutions. I'd also seen a nice post form some Twitter friends who disavowed the use of 'resolutions' and went with 'goals' instead. In that spirit, here are a few of my goals for the year:
1. Run an average of 20miles/week for the year.
2. Participate in a fit streak (something active/fitness related every day) of at least 30 days.
3. Lose at least 5lbs/month to bring myself to a weight of about 150 on my birthday (May 9).
Some other things I want to do this year...run at least one half marathon (Flying Pirate), hopefully two (Flying Pirate + OBX half). Cut down on the number of 5ks I do and only participate in 4. Do an 8k Turkey Trot.
Oh, and of course, try to post every week or so. :)
So what's my progress this week?
GOAL 1:
So far, I've not run this week. If I want to make 20 miles, I need to do 4 today, 4 tomorrow, 4 Friday and finish up with 8 on Saturday. That may not happen, heh. It's been a while since I've run. But, it does say average, so I can 'make up' miles another week.
GOAL 2:
I went to Daisy Dukes yesterday and got my ass kicked. So, that's one day. lol.
GOAL 3:
To lose 5lbs a month, I need to lose a little more than 1lb/week. .8 isn't bad, but it's not 1lb.
Jenny: Week 1 measurements.
Waist: 38in (0in) [0in]
Boobs: 40in (-1in)[-1in]
Hips: 41.5in (-.5in) [-.5in]
Thigh: 25in (0in) [0in]
Neck: 13.5in (0in) [0in]
Upper arm: 12.5in (0in) [0in]
Hips: 41.5in (-.5in) [-.5in]
Thigh: 25in (0in) [0in]
Neck: 13.5in (0in) [0in]
Upper arm: 12.5in (0in) [0in]
Wrist: 6in
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