So much to say ... so little time.
Finished Workout 1 of Week 6 of my couch to 5K. Thought it'd be easier considering in the last workout you run 20 minutes straight and this one you get 2 3 minute breaks to walk. I was wrong. But I did it.
I watched part of a TLC show on half ton teens.
It made me sick, but mostly sad.
What a strange culture we live in. Not only that someone can die of eating too much, but also that someone needs to buy a machine to keep in their house to try and get fit.
Indeed a strange culture .... and I'm a part of it all.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Dreams coming true
Today I achieved something big.
Relatively speaking ...
I just ran 2 miles straight. I did not think I was going to do it.
But I did.
I've mentally been gearing up for the third workout of my fifth week of training for my first 5K run.
My last workout I only had to run 8 minutes and then I got a 5 minute walking break before running another 8 minutes. It was the longest stretch up to that point.
All throughout my training I've had moments where I honestly only kept going because I told myself (out loud) 'You can do this! you have to do this! You will do this!'
I have been determined NOT to quite, but rather to stay on task and complete the training that I had googled (couch to 5 K).
I knew mentally if I had gone off course or settled anywhere I'd just give up. As I mentioned before I almost gave up on Week 4 during the first workout. I thought I was going to die.
How did I go from barely getting through a mere run 3 walk 1.5 minutes to a straight 20 minute jog in a couple of weeks?
Perseverance, dedication, making promises to myself. I've kept going even when I have had longer breaks than I should have, even though I've been put back a few days by it, I'm still at it.
today there were 2 things that really helped me a lot.
first of all I went through my MP3 player and checked out how many of my favourite songs I had to listen to before I was done. That worked very well, except for the part where I miscalculated and ended up having to go 1 song longer.
The second thing that helped was the show I was watching called X- Weighted. It featured an 11 yr old girl who was 194 lbs that was trying to lose the weight with nagging parents at her.
This put me in the perfect frame of mind for my challenge.
I was that girl and this was giving me a chance to prove to myself, to that old me, that I could do the unimaginable (to me).
Surprisingly it wasn't that hard. I was shocked.
I almost cried a couple of times at the fact that I was doing it. That I did it.
Of course the greater goal of 5K lies ahead but in someways I feel as though I've already conquered it because of what I did today.
I made that little girls dreams come true.
And mine too.
Many more to come!
Relatively speaking ...
I just ran 2 miles straight. I did not think I was going to do it.
But I did.
I've mentally been gearing up for the third workout of my fifth week of training for my first 5K run.
My last workout I only had to run 8 minutes and then I got a 5 minute walking break before running another 8 minutes. It was the longest stretch up to that point.
All throughout my training I've had moments where I honestly only kept going because I told myself (out loud) 'You can do this! you have to do this! You will do this!'
I have been determined NOT to quite, but rather to stay on task and complete the training that I had googled (couch to 5 K).
I knew mentally if I had gone off course or settled anywhere I'd just give up. As I mentioned before I almost gave up on Week 4 during the first workout. I thought I was going to die.
How did I go from barely getting through a mere run 3 walk 1.5 minutes to a straight 20 minute jog in a couple of weeks?
Perseverance, dedication, making promises to myself. I've kept going even when I have had longer breaks than I should have, even though I've been put back a few days by it, I'm still at it.
today there were 2 things that really helped me a lot.
first of all I went through my MP3 player and checked out how many of my favourite songs I had to listen to before I was done. That worked very well, except for the part where I miscalculated and ended up having to go 1 song longer.
The second thing that helped was the show I was watching called X- Weighted. It featured an 11 yr old girl who was 194 lbs that was trying to lose the weight with nagging parents at her.
This put me in the perfect frame of mind for my challenge.
I was that girl and this was giving me a chance to prove to myself, to that old me, that I could do the unimaginable (to me).
Surprisingly it wasn't that hard. I was shocked.
I almost cried a couple of times at the fact that I was doing it. That I did it.
Of course the greater goal of 5K lies ahead but in someways I feel as though I've already conquered it because of what I did today.
I made that little girls dreams come true.
And mine too.
Many more to come!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Feelin' good
Today I completed my first workout of Week 5 for my Couch to 5 K training. It feels so good to accomplish something - even though I'm not quite half way.
I find it very helpful to have a manageable goal to work towards.
I won't lie, I did almost die on my first workout of week 4. I made it through by the skin of my runners and at the end I laid down on the treadmill and just tried to catch some air.
Wally and I also have returned to our clean eating lifestyle. This also feels good. great actually.
Now I just want to get back to my strength training. However I know my mind would get overwhelmed and decide that my body can't handle both. It's such a mental thing I think. I really want to reach my 5 K goal.
In March, or after our trip to Thailand in March, I plan to sign up to do yoga for beginners once a week. I am so excited! I even got a yoga mat for my birthday!
Last fall I did something called a 'PATH', well someone did it for me. It maps out all of your dreams and goals, things you want to achieve or experience.
Many of mine related to my body. I wanted to become a runner - I am on my way. I wanted to try yoga for at least 3 months - it's in the works. I also wanted to become a certified personal trainer - that is a definite possibility. I am actually on a waiting list to do a personal coaching lean eating certification. IT happens in March (the registration) but only 200 are accepted so I'll have to wait and see. I believe it is a very rare and sound course that I could truly develop a good business with.
We'll see what happens.
Well, gotta go catch up my other blog! Toodles!
I find it very helpful to have a manageable goal to work towards.
I won't lie, I did almost die on my first workout of week 4. I made it through by the skin of my runners and at the end I laid down on the treadmill and just tried to catch some air.
Wally and I also have returned to our clean eating lifestyle. This also feels good. great actually.
Now I just want to get back to my strength training. However I know my mind would get overwhelmed and decide that my body can't handle both. It's such a mental thing I think. I really want to reach my 5 K goal.
In March, or after our trip to Thailand in March, I plan to sign up to do yoga for beginners once a week. I am so excited! I even got a yoga mat for my birthday!
Last fall I did something called a 'PATH', well someone did it for me. It maps out all of your dreams and goals, things you want to achieve or experience.
Many of mine related to my body. I wanted to become a runner - I am on my way. I wanted to try yoga for at least 3 months - it's in the works. I also wanted to become a certified personal trainer - that is a definite possibility. I am actually on a waiting list to do a personal coaching lean eating certification. IT happens in March (the registration) but only 200 are accepted so I'll have to wait and see. I believe it is a very rare and sound course that I could truly develop a good business with.
We'll see what happens.
Well, gotta go catch up my other blog! Toodles!
Friday, February 18, 2011
31 :)
Well, it's my 31st birthday today.
Last year I met Dee for the first time the day after my birthday, so tomorrow it'll mark 1 year of training.
Am I in a different place than I was a year ago? Absolutely.
Have I learned a tonne about nutrition and fitness? No doubt about it.
Am I on my way to realizing my realizing my goals in these areas? I think so.
Do I have a long way to go still? Most definitely. BUT, I WILL get there.
It's hard sometimes to see yourself fall back into old habits so easily when it took so long to kick them. It's generally then that people give up on the whole thing, allow themselves to go back to their old lifestyle, call their ultimate dreams 'too far fetched' and forget about everything.
Not me.
Though I want to I won't. I can't. I've come too far to do this.
That being said, I will admit that this journey, for me at least, is no cake walk (sorry I had to do it!).
I have to say that when I see people that appear to have been successful the first time around AND have reached their goals within a distinctly shorter period of time than I, it's very easily to raise a white flag and give in.
I just can't do it!
This doesn't make me special just stubborn.
I truly believe and know deep down that we have the power to overcome. People overcome way worse things than getting healthy and fit. I think the secret maybe is believing we have this power.
I started nearly 4 weeks ago training for my first 5 K run, even though my food choices are far from perfect right now, I am struggling with emotional eating and I feel as though there's a crowd this time watching me potentially fail. I did my first workout of 'week 4' last Sunday and thought I may physically die right then. I was gasping for air, my lungs were burning, and I ended up lying on the treadmill in a prayerful position by the time I had finished.
But. I had finished.
I was wondering how I would ever do the next workout. I was dreading my body proving to me for a second time that this wouldn't be easy. I was fearing another episode like the one just experienced.
However, today, on my 31st birthday I will put on my running shoes and do workout 2 of week 4 and pray to God that it is a little easier the second time around.
My hope for this year in regards to my body is that I will treat it with love and respect. That I will free it from my abuse. That I will strengthen it in new ways that will last a lifetime.
Because I want my lifetime to be long and healthy.
I am thankful today for my body and it's health. That it works and that I can do all that I can with it.
I shall raise my glass and toast my body today - to another year of better health and conquering the unimaginable (at least for me!)
Cheers!
Last year I met Dee for the first time the day after my birthday, so tomorrow it'll mark 1 year of training.
Am I in a different place than I was a year ago? Absolutely.
Have I learned a tonne about nutrition and fitness? No doubt about it.
Am I on my way to realizing my realizing my goals in these areas? I think so.
Do I have a long way to go still? Most definitely. BUT, I WILL get there.
It's hard sometimes to see yourself fall back into old habits so easily when it took so long to kick them. It's generally then that people give up on the whole thing, allow themselves to go back to their old lifestyle, call their ultimate dreams 'too far fetched' and forget about everything.
Not me.
Though I want to I won't. I can't. I've come too far to do this.
That being said, I will admit that this journey, for me at least, is no cake walk (sorry I had to do it!).
I have to say that when I see people that appear to have been successful the first time around AND have reached their goals within a distinctly shorter period of time than I, it's very easily to raise a white flag and give in.
I just can't do it!
This doesn't make me special just stubborn.
I truly believe and know deep down that we have the power to overcome. People overcome way worse things than getting healthy and fit. I think the secret maybe is believing we have this power.
I started nearly 4 weeks ago training for my first 5 K run, even though my food choices are far from perfect right now, I am struggling with emotional eating and I feel as though there's a crowd this time watching me potentially fail. I did my first workout of 'week 4' last Sunday and thought I may physically die right then. I was gasping for air, my lungs were burning, and I ended up lying on the treadmill in a prayerful position by the time I had finished.
But. I had finished.
I was wondering how I would ever do the next workout. I was dreading my body proving to me for a second time that this wouldn't be easy. I was fearing another episode like the one just experienced.
However, today, on my 31st birthday I will put on my running shoes and do workout 2 of week 4 and pray to God that it is a little easier the second time around.
My hope for this year in regards to my body is that I will treat it with love and respect. That I will free it from my abuse. That I will strengthen it in new ways that will last a lifetime.
Because I want my lifetime to be long and healthy.
I am thankful today for my body and it's health. That it works and that I can do all that I can with it.
I shall raise my glass and toast my body today - to another year of better health and conquering the unimaginable (at least for me!)
Cheers!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
It's in me
I don't want to do this.
Admit that I'm struggling big time. Especially since I struggle a lot.
I have admitted my recent serious struggles with food. Really it's just sugar.
I seem to be seeing the end in sight and in light of this I've been eating everything sugary I can get my mitts on, somehow knowing that an end HAS to come.
It's weird that even though I know what I should do I don't do it. Paul (in the Bible) had that issue with the crap in his life he struggled with. I guess we're a lot alike.
I had coffee with someone today that I used to teach piano to. She's currently in school for health and fitness (something or other). She will come out as a personal trainer and other stuff.
She's never ever struggled with her weight, she knows nothing of that side of things. But she's still interested in nutrition and such.
I found it very interesting to talk with her about the topics of health and fitness. I was also intrigued by the fact she's been in school for 6 months and had yet to really know what 'Clean Eating' is.
I realized how different each of our perspectives was on the same topic, how varied our experiences and motives were. She can't understand why her mom, who wants to lose a few pounds, asks her how to lose the flab, yet when she tells her to cut cream out of her 4 teas a day, her mama says 'That's the one thing I really enjoy'.
I understand where her mom is coming from but know too that it takes a moment of realization of the difference between wanting to look good in a dress and caring about what you are actually putting in your body.
Both can help you look good in a dress but one is long term and the other, 90% of the time carries you to the goal and takes off when the party's over.
I know I've said this before (maybe in my other blog) but I now that I have a special connection with people who want to lose weight, people that have struggled their whole lives. I know because I am.
I have every intention of gaining the lifestyle I want. Of acquiring the skills I need to succeed and be a great example. I have it in me and I am fighting to live that way.
Currently I have fallen down and I am trying real hard to clean the dirt out of my wounds and get back up. I am so thankful for what I've learned, because of it I have hope.
It's kind of weird writing knowing no one is reading. I feel the freedom of not caring if I sound like a broken record. I think I'll keep writing here in secret for a while. I like it :)
Admit that I'm struggling big time. Especially since I struggle a lot.
I have admitted my recent serious struggles with food. Really it's just sugar.
I seem to be seeing the end in sight and in light of this I've been eating everything sugary I can get my mitts on, somehow knowing that an end HAS to come.
It's weird that even though I know what I should do I don't do it. Paul (in the Bible) had that issue with the crap in his life he struggled with. I guess we're a lot alike.
I had coffee with someone today that I used to teach piano to. She's currently in school for health and fitness (something or other). She will come out as a personal trainer and other stuff.
She's never ever struggled with her weight, she knows nothing of that side of things. But she's still interested in nutrition and such.
I found it very interesting to talk with her about the topics of health and fitness. I was also intrigued by the fact she's been in school for 6 months and had yet to really know what 'Clean Eating' is.
I realized how different each of our perspectives was on the same topic, how varied our experiences and motives were. She can't understand why her mom, who wants to lose a few pounds, asks her how to lose the flab, yet when she tells her to cut cream out of her 4 teas a day, her mama says 'That's the one thing I really enjoy'.
I understand where her mom is coming from but know too that it takes a moment of realization of the difference between wanting to look good in a dress and caring about what you are actually putting in your body.
Both can help you look good in a dress but one is long term and the other, 90% of the time carries you to the goal and takes off when the party's over.
I know I've said this before (maybe in my other blog) but I now that I have a special connection with people who want to lose weight, people that have struggled their whole lives. I know because I am.
I have every intention of gaining the lifestyle I want. Of acquiring the skills I need to succeed and be a great example. I have it in me and I am fighting to live that way.
Currently I have fallen down and I am trying real hard to clean the dirt out of my wounds and get back up. I am so thankful for what I've learned, because of it I have hope.
It's kind of weird writing knowing no one is reading. I feel the freedom of not caring if I sound like a broken record. I think I'll keep writing here in secret for a while. I like it :)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
I'm back!
Well, it's been almost 7 months to the day since I've posted on this blog.
Wow!
I have done quite a bit of writing surrounding my struggle with Eating Clean yet also regarding my clear passion for doing so.
I actually have to laugh at myself a little as I am currently teaching a Clean Eating class to raise money for a charity yet right now I am struggling more than ever with it since starting my journey 7 plus months ago.
I have learned so much in the past 7 months. About how to best Eat Clean, about my abilities to do so, how it can affect your relationships and the difficulties of doing so in social situations (less because you want to and more because other people seem to hate you for it).
The current lesson I'm learning is how easy it is to let denial come in. How easy it can be to slowly, little by little, let go of the positive changes that were so difficult to make.
As I sit here I can say with full confidence that I believe 100% in Clean Eating and that it is possible to do so (for anyone) and be successful, that it doesn't have to be a lifelong struggle. But at the same time I must be honest and tell you that I have not done it long term yet.
In the past 2 months since buying our house and moving away from our gym I have struggled greatly with weight training and slowly but surely the sugar binge eating has reared it's ugly head.
I find myself trying to fight the mental battle and figure out it's intent at the same time.
I don't believe I am a failure and that's not what I'm here to say. I just want to be honest that you can seem to have a problem completely solved, an addiction apparently kicked only out that it's something you must commit to for life, NOT a certain number of days, weeks, months or even years.
I may or may not end up writing again in this blog. We will see. I have full intentions on mastering Clean Eating and the lifestyle of a healthy person (in every way). It just may not happen overnight. But that's ok.
I have learned that just because I didn't get to my goal of a completely clean lifestyle in 6 months doesn't mean it's impossible or that I won't do it in the next. As long as I am here I have every power in my to make the right choices. The fun part is making them.
Maybe I will write again here ... we'll see. It may just be what I need to plow my way to success.
I know that I can.
I can :)
Wow!
I have done quite a bit of writing surrounding my struggle with Eating Clean yet also regarding my clear passion for doing so.
I actually have to laugh at myself a little as I am currently teaching a Clean Eating class to raise money for a charity yet right now I am struggling more than ever with it since starting my journey 7 plus months ago.
I have learned so much in the past 7 months. About how to best Eat Clean, about my abilities to do so, how it can affect your relationships and the difficulties of doing so in social situations (less because you want to and more because other people seem to hate you for it).
The current lesson I'm learning is how easy it is to let denial come in. How easy it can be to slowly, little by little, let go of the positive changes that were so difficult to make.
As I sit here I can say with full confidence that I believe 100% in Clean Eating and that it is possible to do so (for anyone) and be successful, that it doesn't have to be a lifelong struggle. But at the same time I must be honest and tell you that I have not done it long term yet.
In the past 2 months since buying our house and moving away from our gym I have struggled greatly with weight training and slowly but surely the sugar binge eating has reared it's ugly head.
I find myself trying to fight the mental battle and figure out it's intent at the same time.
I don't believe I am a failure and that's not what I'm here to say. I just want to be honest that you can seem to have a problem completely solved, an addiction apparently kicked only out that it's something you must commit to for life, NOT a certain number of days, weeks, months or even years.
I may or may not end up writing again in this blog. We will see. I have full intentions on mastering Clean Eating and the lifestyle of a healthy person (in every way). It just may not happen overnight. But that's ok.
I have learned that just because I didn't get to my goal of a completely clean lifestyle in 6 months doesn't mean it's impossible or that I won't do it in the next. As long as I am here I have every power in my to make the right choices. The fun part is making them.
Maybe I will write again here ... we'll see. It may just be what I need to plow my way to success.
I know that I can.
I can :)
Monday, July 19, 2010
2 Weeks Clean
Another week has passed and it has gone well. For the most part.
The week started out with me on the road for a couple of days doing something for work but I went prepared! I packed my little cooker full of healthy snacks and home baked goodness (clean of course) for the trip. I bought only one meal while out and was able to make a healthy choice.
This week I lost 1.3 pounds!
I have to say how shocked I am as I felt that it is seeming really easy.
To boot I only visited the gym 1 time! (not braggin' just saying ... my trainer wouldn't be impressed).
This all goes to show you that it really is what goes into your body when.
Some new foods that I just recently cooked up was Picadillo Chicken (super yummy!), and Apple Sauce Banana Bread (haven't tried it yet, it's in the oven). Along with baked oatmeal that has proven to be a delicious breakfast for sure.
As for desserts, Wally made Chocolate Mousse out of Tofu and a dark chocolate bar. It tasted like dark chocolate bar. We found that it was more palatable with strawberries added. It would make a good addition to a trifle.
Oh and 'Breakfast cookies' are amazing. Like amazing!
Now I have to come clean about something (excuse the pun). I visited home this past weekend and knew it would be an issue. As soon as I walked through the door goodies from all around were calling my name. I waited for a while and decided to partake. So, I partook.
Right away I realized that the homemade chocolate squares tasted a bit waxy and not all that great. Unfortunately I tasted a few before I decided I didn't need them. I withheld from the chocolate bars hidden in the fridge and anything else processed. For some reason I have brain washed myself about processed foods. something I don't mind.
I continue to pursue my clean eating and look forward to what this week brings.
The week started out with me on the road for a couple of days doing something for work but I went prepared! I packed my little cooker full of healthy snacks and home baked goodness (clean of course) for the trip. I bought only one meal while out and was able to make a healthy choice.
This week I lost 1.3 pounds!
I have to say how shocked I am as I felt that it is seeming really easy.
To boot I only visited the gym 1 time! (not braggin' just saying ... my trainer wouldn't be impressed).
This all goes to show you that it really is what goes into your body when.
Some new foods that I just recently cooked up was Picadillo Chicken (super yummy!), and Apple Sauce Banana Bread (haven't tried it yet, it's in the oven). Along with baked oatmeal that has proven to be a delicious breakfast for sure.
As for desserts, Wally made Chocolate Mousse out of Tofu and a dark chocolate bar. It tasted like dark chocolate bar. We found that it was more palatable with strawberries added. It would make a good addition to a trifle.
Oh and 'Breakfast cookies' are amazing. Like amazing!
Now I have to come clean about something (excuse the pun). I visited home this past weekend and knew it would be an issue. As soon as I walked through the door goodies from all around were calling my name. I waited for a while and decided to partake. So, I partook.
Right away I realized that the homemade chocolate squares tasted a bit waxy and not all that great. Unfortunately I tasted a few before I decided I didn't need them. I withheld from the chocolate bars hidden in the fridge and anything else processed. For some reason I have brain washed myself about processed foods. something I don't mind.
I continue to pursue my clean eating and look forward to what this week brings.
Monday, July 12, 2010
1 week clean
'Hi my name is Eva and I'm a food-a-holic...'
That's how I would've described myself a mere few weeks ago. And to be honest it may be a statement I feel as though I have to hold with me for the rest of my life.
... Or it may not.
For the first time in my life I feel as though I have hope of leading the life of my dreams (at least in the realm of physical health, at this time).
I have spent the past seven days (I suppose eight at the time of writing this). Eating more free from processed foods than I have ever been in my life.
This certainly isn't to say I've eaten 100% clean this the first week of my 6 month endeavor, but it has definitely been a step in the right direction.
I don't remember the last time I have cooked so much, let alone cooking in a way that benefits my body. The cool part is I am loving what I am eating and I don't feel hungry all of the time. (Yes I realize I sound like an infomercial).
I haven't really taken the time to describe how my new lifestyle has taught me how to eat my food so now seems like a good time.
I generally eat 5-6 times a day. I never (or do my best not to) wait more than 3 hours between 'meals' (as the body goes into starvation mode and stores what you eat past this allotted time as fat).
Each meal is composed of protein and a complex carb. Protein to build muscle (not like a body builder as I'm not working out like one but the more muscle you have the higher your metabolism). And the complex carb (generally a vegetable or a grain like brown rice, some kind of bean, once in a while a fruit). The carb helps the body to absorb the protein to use for the muscle.
By the way, I'm sure a real expert would real my 'kindergarten' description of these processes and withhold my sticker but I'm putting it the best way I know how, but hopefully the concepts are correct.
I've also upped my water intake and am trying to drink 2-3 liters of water a day. Trying. Trying.
This week has been crazy busy for me at work so I have been unable to get to the gym my regular 4 times (2 for weight training and 2 for cardio). I missed one of my sessions due to an 'emergency' and this week looks like it could turn out the same way, however I plan to do my damndest to make it happen.
All that being said I lost a pound!
Ok so a pound doesn't sound all that great but it really is considering I'm at my last 15 to loose. And considering I feel as though I eat all of the time (seriously every 2 1/2 - 3 hours!!) I find it astounding!
I also have been in several 'out to eat' situations this week. Six in all (Wow that's ridiculous! Four were for work. I wish that meant work paid for them). Considering this and how I have always looked at 'going out' as a reason to get what ever I wanted. I'd say 1 pound really is astounding.
How have I dealt with the restaurant factor?
Well, Wally and I have researched and looked up many of the eateries that we'd generally find ourselves in. We've looked at nutritional information and assessed the options.
It's normal for up to look up all of these things before going out now.
In reality strict eating 'clean' is pretty much impossible to do at a restaurant (unless you find a rare one that has the same views on clean eating). But there are ways you can try your best to clean up what you are eating.
Examples: Have your salad dry (I know, this is hard core), or look for a vinaigrette (is that right?) dressing. By no means am I saying they all would be best but I know half EVOO and half vinegar is what the doctor is ordering.
Whole grains and things that aren't bleached to death are also things to look for.
Saturday a young lady I was supporting wanted to go to McDonald's, my second trip there in 3 days, and I was strapped for cash. I had bought the spicy chicken Thai salad, which was surprisingly yummy but also not so cheap.
I did my best guessing and ordered 2 grilled chicken snack wraps.
I didn't realize they came in white tortillas. Nor did I realize how accustomed to whole grain tortillas I had gotten. I took the first bite and was sure my tortilla was actually formed, dried out paste. Yuck!
I read the nutritional info. as I ate and decided that I would have to save my other wrap for my next meal (as I hadn't pre planned one because I thought I was only working for a couple of hours). I had put it in the fridge of the young lady and tried to remember to take it home later.
I briefly thought of throwing it out but the frugal part of me couldn't do it. As I was driving home I had realized I'd forgotten it. I was actually glad. I couldn't take another over processed bit of it.
Now Wally and I haven't eaten white breads and grains in years, it's been a gradual change but still, I would never have been affected by it like this a few months ago. Of course we are accustomed to the change of taste and prefer whole wheat, aside from that though now I know more of how hard my body has to work to digest and precess these processed food and I think twice before putting something like that in my mouth.
All in all, though I have struggled very hard at times to keep my resolve to eat clean, or cleaner (especially Saturday night after an exhausting day at work), I have been able so far to do my best to make good choices.
Week 1 of 26 = success. I'd give myself a 7.5 overall. Still lots of room for improvement.
Here's hoping that's the direction I choose to take!
That's how I would've described myself a mere few weeks ago. And to be honest it may be a statement I feel as though I have to hold with me for the rest of my life.
... Or it may not.
For the first time in my life I feel as though I have hope of leading the life of my dreams (at least in the realm of physical health, at this time).
I have spent the past seven days (I suppose eight at the time of writing this). Eating more free from processed foods than I have ever been in my life.
This certainly isn't to say I've eaten 100% clean this the first week of my 6 month endeavor, but it has definitely been a step in the right direction.
I don't remember the last time I have cooked so much, let alone cooking in a way that benefits my body. The cool part is I am loving what I am eating and I don't feel hungry all of the time. (Yes I realize I sound like an infomercial).
I haven't really taken the time to describe how my new lifestyle has taught me how to eat my food so now seems like a good time.
I generally eat 5-6 times a day. I never (or do my best not to) wait more than 3 hours between 'meals' (as the body goes into starvation mode and stores what you eat past this allotted time as fat).
Each meal is composed of protein and a complex carb. Protein to build muscle (not like a body builder as I'm not working out like one but the more muscle you have the higher your metabolism). And the complex carb (generally a vegetable or a grain like brown rice, some kind of bean, once in a while a fruit). The carb helps the body to absorb the protein to use for the muscle.
By the way, I'm sure a real expert would real my 'kindergarten' description of these processes and withhold my sticker but I'm putting it the best way I know how, but hopefully the concepts are correct.
I've also upped my water intake and am trying to drink 2-3 liters of water a day. Trying. Trying.
This week has been crazy busy for me at work so I have been unable to get to the gym my regular 4 times (2 for weight training and 2 for cardio). I missed one of my sessions due to an 'emergency' and this week looks like it could turn out the same way, however I plan to do my damndest to make it happen.
All that being said I lost a pound!
Ok so a pound doesn't sound all that great but it really is considering I'm at my last 15 to loose. And considering I feel as though I eat all of the time (seriously every 2 1/2 - 3 hours!!) I find it astounding!
I also have been in several 'out to eat' situations this week. Six in all (Wow that's ridiculous! Four were for work. I wish that meant work paid for them). Considering this and how I have always looked at 'going out' as a reason to get what ever I wanted. I'd say 1 pound really is astounding.
How have I dealt with the restaurant factor?
Well, Wally and I have researched and looked up many of the eateries that we'd generally find ourselves in. We've looked at nutritional information and assessed the options.
It's normal for up to look up all of these things before going out now.
In reality strict eating 'clean' is pretty much impossible to do at a restaurant (unless you find a rare one that has the same views on clean eating). But there are ways you can try your best to clean up what you are eating.
Examples: Have your salad dry (I know, this is hard core), or look for a vinaigrette (is that right?) dressing. By no means am I saying they all would be best but I know half EVOO and half vinegar is what the doctor is ordering.
Whole grains and things that aren't bleached to death are also things to look for.
Saturday a young lady I was supporting wanted to go to McDonald's, my second trip there in 3 days, and I was strapped for cash. I had bought the spicy chicken Thai salad, which was surprisingly yummy but also not so cheap.
I did my best guessing and ordered 2 grilled chicken snack wraps.
I didn't realize they came in white tortillas. Nor did I realize how accustomed to whole grain tortillas I had gotten. I took the first bite and was sure my tortilla was actually formed, dried out paste. Yuck!
I read the nutritional info. as I ate and decided that I would have to save my other wrap for my next meal (as I hadn't pre planned one because I thought I was only working for a couple of hours). I had put it in the fridge of the young lady and tried to remember to take it home later.
I briefly thought of throwing it out but the frugal part of me couldn't do it. As I was driving home I had realized I'd forgotten it. I was actually glad. I couldn't take another over processed bit of it.
Now Wally and I haven't eaten white breads and grains in years, it's been a gradual change but still, I would never have been affected by it like this a few months ago. Of course we are accustomed to the change of taste and prefer whole wheat, aside from that though now I know more of how hard my body has to work to digest and precess these processed food and I think twice before putting something like that in my mouth.
All in all, though I have struggled very hard at times to keep my resolve to eat clean, or cleaner (especially Saturday night after an exhausting day at work), I have been able so far to do my best to make good choices.
Week 1 of 26 = success. I'd give myself a 7.5 overall. Still lots of room for improvement.
Here's hoping that's the direction I choose to take!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Day 5 & 6
Just wanted to let you know the clean eating is still going strong.
I've been out a couple of times for dinner but once was at a vegan restaurant and though I wanted to wrestle my one friend to the ground over her french fries I didn't (she offered politely after I told her exactly what I wanted to do) but I declined (begrudgingly).
The other time I ordered a salad and declined on the dressing so I'll take that as a thumbs up.
Some stressful stuff happened today just around supper time (wish I could share but I can't right now). I so badly wanted to throw away any resolve I had in my pocket and buy cookies (my old binge item). But I didn't do it.
So Success on Day 6!
I've been out a couple of times for dinner but once was at a vegan restaurant and though I wanted to wrestle my one friend to the ground over her french fries I didn't (she offered politely after I told her exactly what I wanted to do) but I declined (begrudgingly).
The other time I ordered a salad and declined on the dressing so I'll take that as a thumbs up.
Some stressful stuff happened today just around supper time (wish I could share but I can't right now). I so badly wanted to throw away any resolve I had in my pocket and buy cookies (my old binge item). But I didn't do it.
So Success on Day 6!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Day 4
Made it through.
Not enough water.
Had a turkey and ham sub at subway. Totally forgot and had cheese (glorious cheese).
Purposefully had the honey Dijon sauce.
That was my biggest stray.
I'm impressed!
Not enough water.
Had a turkey and ham sub at subway. Totally forgot and had cheese (glorious cheese).
Purposefully had the honey Dijon sauce.
That was my biggest stray.
I'm impressed!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Day 3
Today went well (YAY!!!)
However I have to state the in the past 36 hours I have strolled through the grocery store twice and both times had temptations intentionally seek me out to torture me. I went down the 'ice cream novelties' section and heard them cat calling me. Seriously. The ice cream was cat calling me!!!
I made it though and only thought of the fact that I was on day 2 with 182 to go that would be indeed without any splurging on ice cream once. (Being the hottest day of the year that's pretty good!)
I won't lie, I find abiding by my newly acquired eating practices much easier while working a full day. As challenging as it is to pack a cooler with 4 meals in it is, it is more challenging to eat clean without it.
Tomorrow will be another challenge. Going out for lunch with someone I support. For some reason these are some of the hardest times to deal with while staying on an eating plan because often the people I'm with (though very capable and often quite intelligent) don't see why I need to be on any special 'diet'. 'You don't need to lose weight! You look fine!' To which I reply: 'I'm trying to eat healthy'. To which they reply: 'Ice cream is ok once in a while'. To which I reply: 'My once in a while is more often than it should be'. At which point I order my salad and we generally start the whole conversation over again.
Bug me about what I did come tomorrow night!
By the way, the salmon arugula salad was AMAZING!!! I even got a picture which I'll post soon. I'm not a huge salmon lover (especially cold, which this was) but this was so good!!!
Well cheers until tomorrow.
However I have to state the in the past 36 hours I have strolled through the grocery store twice and both times had temptations intentionally seek me out to torture me. I went down the 'ice cream novelties' section and heard them cat calling me. Seriously. The ice cream was cat calling me!!!
I made it though and only thought of the fact that I was on day 2 with 182 to go that would be indeed without any splurging on ice cream once. (Being the hottest day of the year that's pretty good!)
I won't lie, I find abiding by my newly acquired eating practices much easier while working a full day. As challenging as it is to pack a cooler with 4 meals in it is, it is more challenging to eat clean without it.
Tomorrow will be another challenge. Going out for lunch with someone I support. For some reason these are some of the hardest times to deal with while staying on an eating plan because often the people I'm with (though very capable and often quite intelligent) don't see why I need to be on any special 'diet'. 'You don't need to lose weight! You look fine!' To which I reply: 'I'm trying to eat healthy'. To which they reply: 'Ice cream is ok once in a while'. To which I reply: 'My once in a while is more often than it should be'. At which point I order my salad and we generally start the whole conversation over again.
Bug me about what I did come tomorrow night!
By the way, the salmon arugula salad was AMAZING!!! I even got a picture which I'll post soon. I'm not a huge salmon lover (especially cold, which this was) but this was so good!!!
Well cheers until tomorrow.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Day 2
Well I've been cooking and baking up a storm in preparation for my coming work week.
I definitely think preparation is half the battle. If the food is ready you are more likely to stick with things.
I've struggled with deciding to what level I want to attack this experiment. Of course there's different levels of eating clean and you really have to know what you're goals are and what you want to get out of it.
Primarily I want to develop a lifestyle of eating clean. That means learning new ingredients, cooking new recipes and getting familiar with healthy portion sizes.
Because this is my main goal (to make this a lifestyle), I am forgoing any goals for weight loss this week as I familiarize myself with things. (Of course weight loss could still happen as a result of clean eats).
Of course my other goal is to shed the rest of my weight and build more muscle (not like a body builder but for a good metabolism and nicely shaped bod:)
I haven't yet gone organic but it's definitely in the plan. I'm taking little steps and as I get to know things I will gradually get myself over to that side of the grocery store. I plan on getting informed more about this topic by a friend soon!
Some of the foods I've made in the past 24 hours:
* homemade protein bars (they're delicious!! with chocolate - 71% dark of course)
* Bran muffins (only approx. 110 calories!! Haven t' tasted them yet).
* Chicken strips and Szchuanese (it's like a chicken stir fry - two thumbs up!)
* Mediterranean chickpeas (great for one of my 5 meals of the day - high in protein and fiber. Tasty as well)
* Porridge from old fashioned oats but still easy! I loved this for breakfast (along with my egg whites of course for protein).
Tonight Wally and I are having baked salmon on arugula with blanched asparagus and a blackberry sauce. I'll let you know how it tastes.
It's all about preparation.
If there's interest in recipes I'd love to share!
I definitely think preparation is half the battle. If the food is ready you are more likely to stick with things.
I've struggled with deciding to what level I want to attack this experiment. Of course there's different levels of eating clean and you really have to know what you're goals are and what you want to get out of it.
Primarily I want to develop a lifestyle of eating clean. That means learning new ingredients, cooking new recipes and getting familiar with healthy portion sizes.
Because this is my main goal (to make this a lifestyle), I am forgoing any goals for weight loss this week as I familiarize myself with things. (Of course weight loss could still happen as a result of clean eats).
Of course my other goal is to shed the rest of my weight and build more muscle (not like a body builder but for a good metabolism and nicely shaped bod:)
I haven't yet gone organic but it's definitely in the plan. I'm taking little steps and as I get to know things I will gradually get myself over to that side of the grocery store. I plan on getting informed more about this topic by a friend soon!
Some of the foods I've made in the past 24 hours:
* homemade protein bars (they're delicious!! with chocolate - 71% dark of course)
* Bran muffins (only approx. 110 calories!! Haven t' tasted them yet).
* Chicken strips and Szchuanese (it's like a chicken stir fry - two thumbs up!)
* Mediterranean chickpeas (great for one of my 5 meals of the day - high in protein and fiber. Tasty as well)
* Porridge from old fashioned oats but still easy! I loved this for breakfast (along with my egg whites of course for protein).
Tonight Wally and I are having baked salmon on arugula with blanched asparagus and a blackberry sauce. I'll let you know how it tastes.
It's all about preparation.
If there's interest in recipes I'd love to share!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Day 1
I was hoping for a more joyous day one but unfortunately my mind is playing some tricks on me.
As some of you may know from my other blog: A Work In Progress, I have been working on getting in shape for the past 4months with a personal trainer.
I have had my successes and challenges with this. My successes are found in the numbers (as Wally told me over and over today) more than in my subjective mind.
As of a month ago I'd lost 21 pounds of fat and gained 8 pounds of muscle and lost 22 inches I believe.
For my first 2 1/2 months I had really put my heart and soul into everything. Initially I wasn't all that excited over my progress after the 3 months until I learned how great it is to build muscle, then I was ok with it.
After spending the last couple of week off kilter being on vacation and then a cottage trip with work I feel all out of whack. Even though I did better than I would've before I started training when away I still didn't do as great as I wanted to and have felt very discouraged with myself.
I have indulged in more 'off limits' food in the past two weeks than I have int eh past 4 months combined.
Yesterday alone Wally (my husband) and I gorged on sugar as it was my last day before my experiment and I felt an obligation to it. I have learned that it was definitely not worth it. Now I am struggling with sadness and depression (which , did you know, can be caused but consuming great amounts of sugar - it's called the 'sugar blues').
I did learn a very good thing though while partaking in these food items ... I don't care much for them anymore. At least not like I used to.
I have noticed how much I eat them more out of an obligation to 'enjoy' before my next 'fresh start' in hopes that by eating a lot of it I will be 'held over' so to speak not wanting to eat it.
It never seems to work out though and I always find myself regretting it in the long haul.
Here's a list of food that I have had in the past couple of weeks for the first time in months, that I have learned I can definitely live the rest of my life without (yay!):
* deep fried fish
* bacon (gasp! I used to have a serious love affair with bacon!!)
* pop (or soda for my American friends)
* salt water taffy
Here are a list of foods that I can now go long periods of time without consuming:
* pizza
* donuts
* french fries (that's big as I used to have a fries and gravy addiction)
* baked cookies (my former favourite binge item)
Here's a list of foods I fear I can't get through more than a day or two of:
* ice cream (from an ice cream place)
* chocolate
I am trying to stay positive and I am hoping that as I get the processed sugar out of my system over the next couple of days, I will begin to see and more importantly feel the results of living a healthy lifestyle free of binging and full of vitality.
By the way I have taken my 'before' pictures(which I have to say must be the most humiliating event that can take place for someone at the beginning of such an experiment). I am under no illusions that I will walk out of this a bikini clad model nor do I hope to be (of course if this happened because of it I'm certainly not going to be standing in the refund line!).
More important to me than anything else is escaping the emotional need I have for food. The more time I spend feeding my body with what it's supposed to have the more I find I crave the stuff it's not supposed less. And THAT is the main reason why am an here.
I beg for your accountability, questions, reactions, encouragement during this time. I need to know I'm not alone!
Thanks!
As some of you may know from my other blog: A Work In Progress, I have been working on getting in shape for the past 4months with a personal trainer.
I have had my successes and challenges with this. My successes are found in the numbers (as Wally told me over and over today) more than in my subjective mind.
As of a month ago I'd lost 21 pounds of fat and gained 8 pounds of muscle and lost 22 inches I believe.
For my first 2 1/2 months I had really put my heart and soul into everything. Initially I wasn't all that excited over my progress after the 3 months until I learned how great it is to build muscle, then I was ok with it.
After spending the last couple of week off kilter being on vacation and then a cottage trip with work I feel all out of whack. Even though I did better than I would've before I started training when away I still didn't do as great as I wanted to and have felt very discouraged with myself.
I have indulged in more 'off limits' food in the past two weeks than I have int eh past 4 months combined.
Yesterday alone Wally (my husband) and I gorged on sugar as it was my last day before my experiment and I felt an obligation to it. I have learned that it was definitely not worth it. Now I am struggling with sadness and depression (which , did you know, can be caused but consuming great amounts of sugar - it's called the 'sugar blues').
I did learn a very good thing though while partaking in these food items ... I don't care much for them anymore. At least not like I used to.
I have noticed how much I eat them more out of an obligation to 'enjoy' before my next 'fresh start' in hopes that by eating a lot of it I will be 'held over' so to speak not wanting to eat it.
It never seems to work out though and I always find myself regretting it in the long haul.
Here's a list of food that I have had in the past couple of weeks for the first time in months, that I have learned I can definitely live the rest of my life without (yay!):
* deep fried fish
* bacon (gasp! I used to have a serious love affair with bacon!!)
* pop (or soda for my American friends)
* salt water taffy
Here are a list of foods that I can now go long periods of time without consuming:
* pizza
* donuts
* french fries (that's big as I used to have a fries and gravy addiction)
* baked cookies (my former favourite binge item)
Here's a list of foods I fear I can't get through more than a day or two of:
* ice cream (from an ice cream place)
* chocolate
I am trying to stay positive and I am hoping that as I get the processed sugar out of my system over the next couple of days, I will begin to see and more importantly feel the results of living a healthy lifestyle free of binging and full of vitality.
By the way I have taken my 'before' pictures(which I have to say must be the most humiliating event that can take place for someone at the beginning of such an experiment). I am under no illusions that I will walk out of this a bikini clad model nor do I hope to be (of course if this happened because of it I'm certainly not going to be standing in the refund line!).
More important to me than anything else is escaping the emotional need I have for food. The more time I spend feeding my body with what it's supposed to have the more I find I crave the stuff it's not supposed less. And THAT is the main reason why am an here.
I beg for your accountability, questions, reactions, encouragement during this time. I need to know I'm not alone!
Thanks!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Experiment Eve
Well I guess I'm actually doing this.
I'm nervous, excited, scared and questioning myself all at the same time.
At first I thought I should make the start date mean something. You know, like the 6 months before my birthday or something. Or From July 1st until January 1st. But after using and abusing 'tomorrow' too many times I decided the best time to start is now. After all there's no time like the present right?
I have done some research and hope to do my best to fulfill my commitment to 'eat clean' for the next 6 months of my life. I know that there will be times when it won't be easy or even possible to be 'perfect', but I want to use this space to be accountable for my actions and share how I cope with this system of eating.
My hope is to document my struggles, challenges and temptations during this time in order to help myself and anyone else out there reading overcome something that has nagged me for years - my eating.
If you are reading and have a story - PLEASE SHARE!!! I would love to learn something from you and/or be an encouragement to you. I know first hand how profoundly changed a person can be on either side of the battle over weight.
As I go along I will share stories from my past, new things I'm learning and any epiphanies I have along the way.
My hope is in 6 months to say 'I am clean'. Clean from my addiction to sugar, clean in how I eat, clean from a negative self image.
Cheers to a successful 6 months!
I'm nervous, excited, scared and questioning myself all at the same time.
At first I thought I should make the start date mean something. You know, like the 6 months before my birthday or something. Or From July 1st until January 1st. But after using and abusing 'tomorrow' too many times I decided the best time to start is now. After all there's no time like the present right?
I have done some research and hope to do my best to fulfill my commitment to 'eat clean' for the next 6 months of my life. I know that there will be times when it won't be easy or even possible to be 'perfect', but I want to use this space to be accountable for my actions and share how I cope with this system of eating.
My hope is to document my struggles, challenges and temptations during this time in order to help myself and anyone else out there reading overcome something that has nagged me for years - my eating.
If you are reading and have a story - PLEASE SHARE!!! I would love to learn something from you and/or be an encouragement to you. I know first hand how profoundly changed a person can be on either side of the battle over weight.
As I go along I will share stories from my past, new things I'm learning and any epiphanies I have along the way.
My hope is in 6 months to say 'I am clean'. Clean from my addiction to sugar, clean in how I eat, clean from a negative self image.
Cheers to a successful 6 months!
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