my schedule is all off because today is the last of my vacation days. i didn't do any painting on the weekend but i did go for a nice 5 mile run on saturday. i should have worn gloves though because my hands were throbbing ice cubes when i got back.
this weekend was pretty good. friday i went to bed early (exhausted from painting?), and saturday i went to see the spencer rice movie - confessions of a porn addict - which was alright (funny if you like kenny vs. spenny) but a bit too long (i kept thinking that my bum was getting numb and that's never a good sign). and my boyfriend and i devoured a giant bag of popcorn between us. i guess once in a while it's not so bad and the taste difference between it and smartpop (although still good too haha) is pretty obvious! later we went to a house party and stayed out way too late.
today i'm painting the kitchen and hopefully the bedroom. i also want to get a run in. i am hoping for outside but it's pretty rainy so it might be the dreadmill again for me. for breakfast i had a quaker weight control maple brown sugar oatmeal with added ground flax and a bit of fiber one, and a source blueberry tango yogurt. and this amazing butterscotch coffee i got at the grocery store yesterday. yummmmmmmm!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
oh my god
so last night i went to get another can of pink paint. good times. i finished the third coat of pink and then went on to do the second coat of gray "castle stone" in the living and dining room. well, what do you know, i run out of paint, one wall to completion in the second coat. so i had to go back there this morning.
and THEN, i come back to my apartment... and my door is wide open, and there are men on my balcony. WTF! men! seriously! they were here to fix some metal thing that blew up on a windy day, which is good, but still, warn a girl. i could have been sleeping or in the tub or something.
i finished the gray wall now, and i'm going to walk on the treadmill for a while, before starting something else. friday is weigh in and i lost 2.6 (!) so i'm at 118.8 which is back in the maintenance range. i'm sure i burned a thousand million calories painting because i can hardly move my right arm anymore...
before i go, i have to plug those source tango yogurts. they are 100g, only 35 calories, and two colours - white and another (varies for flavour). they are so good and i'm pretty much obsessed with them and eat up to four a day. thank god it's the weekend. i need a stiff drink with a capital D. :o)
and THEN, i come back to my apartment... and my door is wide open, and there are men on my balcony. WTF! men! seriously! they were here to fix some metal thing that blew up on a windy day, which is good, but still, warn a girl. i could have been sleeping or in the tub or something.
i finished the gray wall now, and i'm going to walk on the treadmill for a while, before starting something else. friday is weigh in and i lost 2.6 (!) so i'm at 118.8 which is back in the maintenance range. i'm sure i burned a thousand million calories painting because i can hardly move my right arm anymore...
before i go, i have to plug those source tango yogurts. they are 100g, only 35 calories, and two colours - white and another (varies for flavour). they are so good and i'm pretty much obsessed with them and eat up to four a day. thank god it's the weekend. i need a stiff drink with a capital D. :o)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
thursday day off
the exercise continues. yesterday i walked for 60 minutes on the treadmill then did 15 on the bike. i also went for a little walk at lunch to return some stuff at the mall. today is my day "off" so i am gearing up to go for a five mile run. yes, five miles is a lot - but i planned it out on mapmyrun.com, and i can always run longer outside that inside because i am aware of the distance ahead of me. it's a lot different to feel like you are actually going somewhere - a real destination.
i am bit annoyed with painting already. i have run out of pink paint. keep in mind i am only painting one little wall pink. two coats was not enough and really, that's very annoying to me. more than two coats? seriously... now i have to go back to canadian tire and get yet another can of this paint. for one little wall. good thing i am not painting a giant room this colour or i'd be faint with exhaustion at the very thought of painting more coats on every wall.
last night my boyfriend came over for our regular wednesday date. wednesday date just means we hang out and make dinner and watch america's next top model haha. i made delicious double baked potatoes, which i have never made before. here is the recipe:
take 2 baking potatoes, place them on paper towel, piece them with a fork, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave (mine took 8 minutes on potato setting). then when they are ready, cut in half and scoop out the insides, leaving about a 1/4 inch of potato with the shell. spray a pan with pam and on high heat, fry some garlic really fast. then add 1/4 cup skim milk and turn down the heat immediately. pour this on potato mash (which should be in a bowl) and add some salt, pepper, italian seasoning, 1/2 cup chopped ham (leftover from my mom's easter ham) and 1/3 cup grated cheddar. stir this and then plop the mixture back into the potatoes. top with another 1/3 cup cheddar cheese and bake at 500 degrees for about 8 minutes, or until the cheese starts to brown. delicious!
this morning i had a whole wheat english muffin, and after my run i plan on making some oatmeal. then the serious painting must begin. i don't want to do it but i'll feel better once i've made some progress. have a nice day!
i am bit annoyed with painting already. i have run out of pink paint. keep in mind i am only painting one little wall pink. two coats was not enough and really, that's very annoying to me. more than two coats? seriously... now i have to go back to canadian tire and get yet another can of this paint. for one little wall. good thing i am not painting a giant room this colour or i'd be faint with exhaustion at the very thought of painting more coats on every wall.
last night my boyfriend came over for our regular wednesday date. wednesday date just means we hang out and make dinner and watch america's next top model haha. i made delicious double baked potatoes, which i have never made before. here is the recipe:
take 2 baking potatoes, place them on paper towel, piece them with a fork, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave (mine took 8 minutes on potato setting). then when they are ready, cut in half and scoop out the insides, leaving about a 1/4 inch of potato with the shell. spray a pan with pam and on high heat, fry some garlic really fast. then add 1/4 cup skim milk and turn down the heat immediately. pour this on potato mash (which should be in a bowl) and add some salt, pepper, italian seasoning, 1/2 cup chopped ham (leftover from my mom's easter ham) and 1/3 cup grated cheddar. stir this and then plop the mixture back into the potatoes. top with another 1/3 cup cheddar cheese and bake at 500 degrees for about 8 minutes, or until the cheese starts to brown. delicious!
this morning i had a whole wheat english muffin, and after my run i plan on making some oatmeal. then the serious painting must begin. i don't want to do it but i'll feel better once i've made some progress. have a nice day!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
getting back on track tips
the home improvement project continues. last night i painted two coats of varnish on the newly black tv unit, painted one wall in the den pink (one coat so far), and painted a frame black. i also took lots of empty boxes down to my storage locker. some of you might remember that i bought the debbie travis paintable wallpaper for the one pink wall in the den... i've decided it's a no go. i did the measurements last night and i would need to buy another roll and truthfully, i can't be bothered to hang it up and make sure the patterns match and stuff. it's too much work. so the wall will have to be pink on its own with no texture and hopefully that will be interesting enough. (it is... it's vividly pink.)
i didn't mention this before but i have this thursday, friday, and monday off of work. i have vacation days from 2007 that i have to use up before the end of march or else they vanish into thin air. poof! i only get 2 weeks of paid vacation a year so of course i greedily hold onto those days in case something comes up and i need to lickity split. of course nothing comes up haha. but i am going to use those days for painting. *finishing* painting so i never have to talk about it again.
i just read this article which had some pretty good tips for getting back on track if you've fallen off the wagon. so here are a few (that aren't plugging the website...)
1. Try a short workout. Even five minutes is better than nothing.
2. Try a new recipe. Cooking healthy foods can be fun and it never has to be bland.
3. Eat a healthy breakfast. Your morning meal sets the stage for the rest of your day, so start if off right! Get lots of breakfast ideas here.
4. Drink your water. Try to aim for 8 cups each day and you’ll feel the difference!
5. Read success stories online.
6. Track your food today. No matter how it adds up, you’ll learn from it.
7. Share your goals.
8. Exercise for 10 minutes. Jump rope, march in place, or do some crunches. Small amounts do add up to something big!
9. Find a buddy. Get support from friends, whether you need someone to listen or a mentor to give you ideas and encouragement.
10. Take a walk. Don’t worry about how long or far you go—just get out there!
11. Go shopping for some healthy foods.
12. Check the nutrition facts before you go out to eat. That way, you can make an informed choice.
13. Ride your bike. Even a leisurely ride has benefits for your body and mind.
14. Work in the yard. Gardening and yard work is a great way to add activity to your day.
15. Take the stairs. Even if this is the only thing you do all day, you’ll feel stronger for it.
16. Listen to an inspirational song. Better yet, make a playlist of them so you can turn to it whenever you need a boost.
17. Measure your portions. It’s a simple way to learn how much you’re eating.
18. Eat a piece of fruit. Even if 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables sounds impossible to you, one is doable.
19. Slow down during meals. You’ll be less likely to overeat and more likely to enjoy your meal.
20. Play! What kids call “play,” we often call “exercise.” Play a sport, a game, or use the playground equipment to bring the fun back into fitness.
21. Learn something new. Sometimes simply taking a quiz or reading an article about nutrition, fitness, or health can change your mindset and get you back on track.
personally, i love shopping for healthy foods, and reading success stories online - but sometimes i forget about these things.
i'm very busy at work so i'll post workout and menu for today... tomorrow!
i didn't mention this before but i have this thursday, friday, and monday off of work. i have vacation days from 2007 that i have to use up before the end of march or else they vanish into thin air. poof! i only get 2 weeks of paid vacation a year so of course i greedily hold onto those days in case something comes up and i need to lickity split. of course nothing comes up haha. but i am going to use those days for painting. *finishing* painting so i never have to talk about it again.
i just read this article which had some pretty good tips for getting back on track if you've fallen off the wagon. so here are a few (that aren't plugging the website...)
1. Try a short workout. Even five minutes is better than nothing.
2. Try a new recipe. Cooking healthy foods can be fun and it never has to be bland.
3. Eat a healthy breakfast. Your morning meal sets the stage for the rest of your day, so start if off right! Get lots of breakfast ideas here.
4. Drink your water. Try to aim for 8 cups each day and you’ll feel the difference!
5. Read success stories online.
6. Track your food today. No matter how it adds up, you’ll learn from it.
7. Share your goals.
8. Exercise for 10 minutes. Jump rope, march in place, or do some crunches. Small amounts do add up to something big!
9. Find a buddy. Get support from friends, whether you need someone to listen or a mentor to give you ideas and encouragement.
10. Take a walk. Don’t worry about how long or far you go—just get out there!
11. Go shopping for some healthy foods.
12. Check the nutrition facts before you go out to eat. That way, you can make an informed choice.
13. Ride your bike. Even a leisurely ride has benefits for your body and mind.
14. Work in the yard. Gardening and yard work is a great way to add activity to your day.
15. Take the stairs. Even if this is the only thing you do all day, you’ll feel stronger for it.
16. Listen to an inspirational song. Better yet, make a playlist of them so you can turn to it whenever you need a boost.
17. Measure your portions. It’s a simple way to learn how much you’re eating.
18. Eat a piece of fruit. Even if 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables sounds impossible to you, one is doable.
19. Slow down during meals. You’ll be less likely to overeat and more likely to enjoy your meal.
20. Play! What kids call “play,” we often call “exercise.” Play a sport, a game, or use the playground equipment to bring the fun back into fitness.
21. Learn something new. Sometimes simply taking a quiz or reading an article about nutrition, fitness, or health can change your mindset and get you back on track.
personally, i love shopping for healthy foods, and reading success stories online - but sometimes i forget about these things.
i'm very busy at work so i'll post workout and menu for today... tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
la di da
so since cara tagged me for this blog game where you have to sum up your life (or something like that haha) in six words i thought...
GRAB THE BULL BY THE BALLS
i've always loved this phrase after hearing it in that cute drew barrymore movie "never been kissed." she speaks into her little tape recorder... "i can grab bulls balls, i can grab bulls balls" hahaha. basically it means that you have to take what you want. you can't wait for things to fall into your lap. for example, if there is a nice man you like, tell him. not telling him isn't going to get you anywhere. if you want a better job, brush up on your career skills and apply for one. if you want to lose weight, stop eating crap all the time and moaning about how you never seem to lose weight (this sounds like someone i know all too well... (me...)) so grab the bull by the balls and hang on tight. ;o)
last night i worked out after work for the first time in a while and it sucked. i didn't get down there until about 7:40 so i was pumping it until around 9 and really people, that's just too late for me. the problem was that it was insanely hot in the gym. so hot that when i got in there i noticed it right away. and i noticed that the one other guy on the bikes really stunk. pee yew! i could only run for 15 minutes and had to stop. in total i ran for 35 minutes (because that's what i usually do) but with all the walking and stopping starting in between it took me 60 minutes total. too bad i couldn't do it continuously but at least i did it and that's what counts. i also did some strength training. i was hungry when i went to bed which doesn't feel particularly good but so it goes. i ate all my points (including activity points) already so there you have it. actually i heated a cup of unsweetened almond joy with added sugar free caramel syrup (1 point for it all) and it curbed my hunger a little and tasted like heaven in liquid form.
this morning i was going to walk on the treadmill but didn't wake up until 7 so i switched my wednesday workout and went swimming for 45 minutes instead. it was a good workout. i also walked to work (2.3 miles). i am trying to get a lot of activity in this week to bring down my gain from last week (combo that with ridiculous amounts of easter eating).
today my menu is:
coffee (0)
source yogurt (1)
(1)
regular instant oatmeal with added ground flax (2)
coffee (0)
5 oz. strawberries (0.5)
(3.5)
source yogurt (1)
(4.5)
lean cuisine pizza (7)
leftover mixed veggies from last night (0)
(11.5)
5 oz. strawberries (0.5)
1 cup grapes (1)
source yogurt (1)
(14)
dinner...?
GRAB THE BULL BY THE BALLS
i've always loved this phrase after hearing it in that cute drew barrymore movie "never been kissed." she speaks into her little tape recorder... "i can grab bulls balls, i can grab bulls balls" hahaha. basically it means that you have to take what you want. you can't wait for things to fall into your lap. for example, if there is a nice man you like, tell him. not telling him isn't going to get you anywhere. if you want a better job, brush up on your career skills and apply for one. if you want to lose weight, stop eating crap all the time and moaning about how you never seem to lose weight (this sounds like someone i know all too well... (me...)) so grab the bull by the balls and hang on tight. ;o)
last night i worked out after work for the first time in a while and it sucked. i didn't get down there until about 7:40 so i was pumping it until around 9 and really people, that's just too late for me. the problem was that it was insanely hot in the gym. so hot that when i got in there i noticed it right away. and i noticed that the one other guy on the bikes really stunk. pee yew! i could only run for 15 minutes and had to stop. in total i ran for 35 minutes (because that's what i usually do) but with all the walking and stopping starting in between it took me 60 minutes total. too bad i couldn't do it continuously but at least i did it and that's what counts. i also did some strength training. i was hungry when i went to bed which doesn't feel particularly good but so it goes. i ate all my points (including activity points) already so there you have it. actually i heated a cup of unsweetened almond joy with added sugar free caramel syrup (1 point for it all) and it curbed my hunger a little and tasted like heaven in liquid form.
this morning i was going to walk on the treadmill but didn't wake up until 7 so i switched my wednesday workout and went swimming for 45 minutes instead. it was a good workout. i also walked to work (2.3 miles). i am trying to get a lot of activity in this week to bring down my gain from last week (combo that with ridiculous amounts of easter eating).
today my menu is:
coffee (0)
source yogurt (1)
(1)
regular instant oatmeal with added ground flax (2)
coffee (0)
5 oz. strawberries (0.5)
(3.5)
source yogurt (1)
(4.5)
lean cuisine pizza (7)
leftover mixed veggies from last night (0)
(11.5)
5 oz. strawberries (0.5)
1 cup grapes (1)
source yogurt (1)
(14)
dinner...?
Monday, March 24, 2008
easter monday
nobody should have to work on easter monday! what's going on!? actually i think most people are working. and i'm happy to be back to work today because being at work really helps me stay on track with eating during the day. despite my gain on friday, i still ate like crap on the weekend. i went to a girl's sleepover on saturday night and on sunday went to easter brunch/lunch/dinner at both my boyfriend's parent's house and my parent's house. it could have been worse but it wasn't great. anyway, now is the time for action.
lately (the past month or so) i've been feeling really lethargic. maybe it's because it's STILL cold outside, and i just want to run outside and ride my bike to work again and that isn't happening yet, or maybe because i'm stressed about all of my home improvement projects that just seem to loom over my head all the time. i need to slap some sense into myself. and this is my plan.
1) count everything (points) during the week, and be sensible on the weekend. by sensible i mean not going overboard by drinking too much, not going to mcdonalds (not that i ever do that anyway haha), eating more healthful meals, etc.
2) get more sleep, especially during the week. i love staying up at night because it feels like my own personal quiet time. sleeping personal time is good too.
3) try to become less ocd about working out. run three times a week, and vary activities for the other days.
4) create a to-do list for home stuff and knock stuff off the list that way.
this morning i walked to work (2.3 miles) and after work i am going to get movie tickets for a saturday canadian film fest screening of spencer rice's new movie. spencer is spenny from that showcase show "kenny and spenny" which is really funny. he should be at the movie on saturday which is neat to the o.
and today i'm eating:
source yogurt (1)
(1)
regular oatmeal with added flax (2)
5 oz. strawberries (0.5)
(3.5)
source yogurt (1)
(4.5)
lean cuisine (6)
5 oz. strawberries (0.5)
(11)
source yogurt (1)
1 cup grapes (1)
(13)
dinner: ?
lately (the past month or so) i've been feeling really lethargic. maybe it's because it's STILL cold outside, and i just want to run outside and ride my bike to work again and that isn't happening yet, or maybe because i'm stressed about all of my home improvement projects that just seem to loom over my head all the time. i need to slap some sense into myself. and this is my plan.
1) count everything (points) during the week, and be sensible on the weekend. by sensible i mean not going overboard by drinking too much, not going to mcdonalds (not that i ever do that anyway haha), eating more healthful meals, etc.
2) get more sleep, especially during the week. i love staying up at night because it feels like my own personal quiet time. sleeping personal time is good too.
3) try to become less ocd about working out. run three times a week, and vary activities for the other days.
4) create a to-do list for home stuff and knock stuff off the list that way.
this morning i walked to work (2.3 miles) and after work i am going to get movie tickets for a saturday canadian film fest screening of spencer rice's new movie. spencer is spenny from that showcase show "kenny and spenny" which is really funny. he should be at the movie on saturday which is neat to the o.
and today i'm eating:
source yogurt (1)
(1)
regular oatmeal with added flax (2)
5 oz. strawberries (0.5)
(3.5)
source yogurt (1)
(4.5)
lean cuisine (6)
5 oz. strawberries (0.5)
(11)
source yogurt (1)
1 cup grapes (1)
(13)
dinner: ?
Friday, March 21, 2008
big fat gain
friday is weigh in day and i've gained... i feel crappy just writing this but i've gained 3.4 pounds. how is that even possible in one week? i can't say that i'm not bummed about it. i know that this journey is about health and not about numbers on the scale - i'm just bummed that now i'm going to have to be more diligent about points and counting everything for the next little while. i like maintenance because it cuts a little more slack than losing. but seriously, did i really overeat by 10,500 calories this week? doesn't that seem like a lot to you? the body works in mysterious ways people, mysterious ways!
that being said - i had a really active day yesterday, i counted points, and i felt really good about myself. i still do. for dinner i made a big fat omlet with egg beaters, egg whites, spinach, onion, leftover turkey meatballs, sundried tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, and 40g of light old cheddar. yum. it was SO big. it filled up my entire pan and i couldn't flip it, so i decided to broil the top in the oven. i took it out with an oven mit, and then when i went to put in on my plate i just grabbed the handle like a super-moron and burned my hand. i always do this!!! i never learn. i always carefully take something out of the oven, and then let my mind wander a bit, and then grab onto something ultra hot.
last night when i got home from work i had a little nap. i needed to because one of my girlfriends was coming over. i went to tap class, then came home and we went swimming in the pool. see? active! i even went running in the morning so it was a day of fitness! we also watched biggest loser and i was really sad to see who went home. remember last week when it was between brittany and maggie, but they pushed the elimination until the next week? well, my friend said they were showing commercials that gave away who got sent home, because the other person was getting a makeover and it was obvious. come on tv people, get with the program!
for breakfast this morning i made myself a big smoothie. i used 1 cup of frozen berries (1), ice, a vanilla activia yogurt (1.5), 1/2 a banana (1), a cup of unsweetened almond joy (1), and 2 tablespoons of PB2 peanut butter (1). yum yum. i had half and am saving the other half for later. i also cleaned behind the fridge and stove, and vacuumed, which i have been meaning to do for awhile. now i am going to paint the tv unit (i primed it last weekend) and then go for a walk on the treadmill. i have to lock my cat up in the bathroom but really, it's for his own good. no more paint paw marks. lately he has taken to sitting on the fridge, and taking swipes at all the photos and magnets on the fridge. he's a naughty boy but what can i do about it? i spray him with water when he jumps on the kitchen counter. now when he sees the spray bottle he runs away, but that doesn't stop him from going there when i'm not looking. in one of my old houses, one of my roommates kept a water cooler in the kitchen, and my cat used to push the lever for fun and spill the water all over the floor. see? naughty! what can i say... "don't do that!" he's a cat!
happy friday everyone - tonight is my boyfriend's rock show and tomorrow i am going to an all girls sleepover. sunday is easter at my boyfriend's parents and monday back to work. :o)
that being said - i had a really active day yesterday, i counted points, and i felt really good about myself. i still do. for dinner i made a big fat omlet with egg beaters, egg whites, spinach, onion, leftover turkey meatballs, sundried tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, and 40g of light old cheddar. yum. it was SO big. it filled up my entire pan and i couldn't flip it, so i decided to broil the top in the oven. i took it out with an oven mit, and then when i went to put in on my plate i just grabbed the handle like a super-moron and burned my hand. i always do this!!! i never learn. i always carefully take something out of the oven, and then let my mind wander a bit, and then grab onto something ultra hot.
last night when i got home from work i had a little nap. i needed to because one of my girlfriends was coming over. i went to tap class, then came home and we went swimming in the pool. see? active! i even went running in the morning so it was a day of fitness! we also watched biggest loser and i was really sad to see who went home. remember last week when it was between brittany and maggie, but they pushed the elimination until the next week? well, my friend said they were showing commercials that gave away who got sent home, because the other person was getting a makeover and it was obvious. come on tv people, get with the program!
for breakfast this morning i made myself a big smoothie. i used 1 cup of frozen berries (1), ice, a vanilla activia yogurt (1.5), 1/2 a banana (1), a cup of unsweetened almond joy (1), and 2 tablespoons of PB2 peanut butter (1). yum yum. i had half and am saving the other half for later. i also cleaned behind the fridge and stove, and vacuumed, which i have been meaning to do for awhile. now i am going to paint the tv unit (i primed it last weekend) and then go for a walk on the treadmill. i have to lock my cat up in the bathroom but really, it's for his own good. no more paint paw marks. lately he has taken to sitting on the fridge, and taking swipes at all the photos and magnets on the fridge. he's a naughty boy but what can i do about it? i spray him with water when he jumps on the kitchen counter. now when he sees the spray bottle he runs away, but that doesn't stop him from going there when i'm not looking. in one of my old houses, one of my roommates kept a water cooler in the kitchen, and my cat used to push the lever for fun and spill the water all over the floor. see? naughty! what can i say... "don't do that!" he's a cat!
happy friday everyone - tonight is my boyfriend's rock show and tomorrow i am going to an all girls sleepover. sunday is easter at my boyfriend's parents and monday back to work. :o)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
thursday - end of week
tomorrow is a holiday - good friday... good that i don't have to work haha. i feel like i have gained weight this week. i haven't been that careful counting points and i've been snacking even when not really hungry. i guess we shall see the damage tomorrow. it might be nothing but i doubt it. today i'm going to switch up my menu slightly and try to get in a lot of activity.
this morning i ran 4 miles on the treadmill. for the last 5 minutes i played with the inclines for each minute - 2 then 3 then 4 then 3 then 2 again - it was tough but satisfying. tonight i have tap. also my friend is coming over and we might go for a swim. i am kind of sick of tap actually. i like it but i have to drive there and i hate driving... and trying to find a parking spot... and putting money in the meter... etc. all of those things.
i don't mind pushing it today since tomorrow i can sleep in. i plan on hitting up the gym and painting some furniture. we'll see how that goes. at night it is my boyfriend's bimonthly indie rock/art event at the rivoli. if you live in the toronto area you should definitely check it out. i will be there dancing in the front row of course, like a good groupie girlfriend ;o)
today i'm eating:
dried apricots
frozen berries
oatmeal with added ground flax and all bran
spaghetti squash
leftover lean cuisine skillet sensation
english muffin
grapes and yogurt
veggies and hummus
omlet with sun dried tomatoes, spinach, turkey meatballs, real tomatoes
this morning i ran 4 miles on the treadmill. for the last 5 minutes i played with the inclines for each minute - 2 then 3 then 4 then 3 then 2 again - it was tough but satisfying. tonight i have tap. also my friend is coming over and we might go for a swim. i am kind of sick of tap actually. i like it but i have to drive there and i hate driving... and trying to find a parking spot... and putting money in the meter... etc. all of those things.
i don't mind pushing it today since tomorrow i can sleep in. i plan on hitting up the gym and painting some furniture. we'll see how that goes. at night it is my boyfriend's bimonthly indie rock/art event at the rivoli. if you live in the toronto area you should definitely check it out. i will be there dancing in the front row of course, like a good groupie girlfriend ;o)
today i'm eating:
dried apricots
frozen berries
oatmeal with added ground flax and all bran
spaghetti squash
leftover lean cuisine skillet sensation
english muffin
grapes and yogurt
veggies and hummus
omlet with sun dried tomatoes, spinach, turkey meatballs, real tomatoes
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
organic brands
in addition to today's post (below), check out which major food companies own your favourite organic brands.
swimming
good morning everyone. another rainy day in the city! last night my book club went to the movies - to see the other boleyn girl... it was alright but i was not that impressed. it was really different from the book, which is always the case. i should see the movie before reading the book.
one of my friends in the club leant me the boleyn inheritance so i am looking forward to reading that after i finish eat pray love.
last night after the movie we went out for drinks and dinner. i ordered a personal pizza. red curry sauce on thin crust with zucchini, apples, and goat cheese. it was so good and hard to stop at just half (but i did). i didn't get home until 11:30 though - taking the transit home late at night in the cold wet rain really is the pits.
on the way to book club i walked to canadian tire to get more paint brushes. they had packs of five brushes on for 75% off ($2.50). i can't pass up a deal like that. and now after i paint i can just throw out the brush and not wash it out (i hate that - it never gets clean enough and takes so long). i also got new swimming goggles. i actually just got a pair of $10 speedos but returned them because they really hurt my face. i looked like a victim of abuse. so i spent $20 and got a pair of speedo vanquisher for women googles. i had this kind before and it is superior to all other brands and types i've had in the past. i used to have blue but this time i got pink. seriously people it's the best.
i also found this sugar-free caramel syrup for coffee. yes, at canadian tire. they had more flavours but only sugar-free in caramel which really i'm not complaining about. :o) i forget the brand but it was there.
this morning i went swimming for about 45 minutes. i'm not sure about the distance because i don't know how long the pool is. i'm looking into it though! it was fun.
today i'm eating:
banana bread oatmeal and frozen berries
yogurt and grapes and carrots and baby tomatoes with hummus
cheese sandwich
lean cuisine skillet sensations for dinner
and probably popcorn too
one of my friends in the club leant me the boleyn inheritance so i am looking forward to reading that after i finish eat pray love.
last night after the movie we went out for drinks and dinner. i ordered a personal pizza. red curry sauce on thin crust with zucchini, apples, and goat cheese. it was so good and hard to stop at just half (but i did). i didn't get home until 11:30 though - taking the transit home late at night in the cold wet rain really is the pits.
on the way to book club i walked to canadian tire to get more paint brushes. they had packs of five brushes on for 75% off ($2.50). i can't pass up a deal like that. and now after i paint i can just throw out the brush and not wash it out (i hate that - it never gets clean enough and takes so long). i also got new swimming goggles. i actually just got a pair of $10 speedos but returned them because they really hurt my face. i looked like a victim of abuse. so i spent $20 and got a pair of speedo vanquisher for women googles. i had this kind before and it is superior to all other brands and types i've had in the past. i used to have blue but this time i got pink. seriously people it's the best.
i also found this sugar-free caramel syrup for coffee. yes, at canadian tire. they had more flavours but only sugar-free in caramel which really i'm not complaining about. :o) i forget the brand but it was there.
this morning i went swimming for about 45 minutes. i'm not sure about the distance because i don't know how long the pool is. i'm looking into it though! it was fun.
today i'm eating:
banana bread oatmeal and frozen berries
yogurt and grapes and carrots and baby tomatoes with hummus
cheese sandwich
lean cuisine skillet sensations for dinner
and probably popcorn too
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
good day today
today is going to be a good day. why? because tonight is my book club meeting and since we read the other bolelyn girl, we are meeting early to see the movie, and then having drinks afterward to discuss the book. i love going to the movies but i don't seem to go that often... i have a short attention span and fall asleep in the theatre about half the time. weird? maybe!
this morning i was going to get up early and work out, but i fell back asleep after my alarm went off. i headed down at about 7:20, and ran for 3.5 miles (30 minutes running, 5-6 minutes walking) and used the stationary bike for another 10-15 minutes. i thought i would be late but i just had a really fast shower and made it to work for my regular time.
f.y.i. on hungry girl today they have a recipe for 1 point chocolate chip cookies. the best part of this recipe is that it only makes 8 cookies, so you don't feel overwhelmed by having a thousand delicious cookies staring at you through every tupperware container in your house.
today i'm eating:
1/2 granola bar (1)
pc blue menu oatmeal (3)
with flax and pumpkin (1)
banana (1)
blueberries (0)
yogurt (1.5)
strawberries (0)
oatmeal (2)
grapes (1)
and for dinner? probably going out to eat. :)
this morning i was going to get up early and work out, but i fell back asleep after my alarm went off. i headed down at about 7:20, and ran for 3.5 miles (30 minutes running, 5-6 minutes walking) and used the stationary bike for another 10-15 minutes. i thought i would be late but i just had a really fast shower and made it to work for my regular time.
f.y.i. on hungry girl today they have a recipe for 1 point chocolate chip cookies. the best part of this recipe is that it only makes 8 cookies, so you don't feel overwhelmed by having a thousand delicious cookies staring at you through every tupperware container in your house.
today i'm eating:
1/2 granola bar (1)
pc blue menu oatmeal (3)
with flax and pumpkin (1)
banana (1)
blueberries (0)
yogurt (1.5)
strawberries (0)
oatmeal (2)
grapes (1)
and for dinner? probably going out to eat. :)
Monday, March 17, 2008
happy st. patrick's day
i am wearing a green shirt - not for st. patrick's day because i am of german descent - entirely out of coincidence haha. monday morning - tired again. last night i couldn't get to sleep until 2am! so obviously i did not wake up this morning and run. no way jose, not happening. i did get a lot of activity in on the weekend though. on friday i thought i was going to take a rest day, but after work my boyfriend couldn't meet up with me until around 10 so i killed some time on the treadmill. saturday was absolutely beautiful outside so i went for a run. and then yesterday i walked on the treadmill again.
yesterday i thought it would be a good idea to take care of some more home improvement business, so i painted this tv stand unit and my old desk with two coats of bonding primer. let me tell you, bonding primer is not like regular paint. it is gross and powdery when it dries and it's pretty much impossible to get out of paint brushes, so don't even bother trying... so at least that is done... except after i painted the second coat i let my cat out of the bathroom (where he was locked in to avoid messing stuff up) and he jumped on the top of the tv unit, leaving a trail of cat paw imprints... and then white paw prints all over the floor. gah!!! thank goodness he didn't jump on the couch. i feel mean for locking him in the bathroom while i paint these things, but obviously he is a shifty character and can't be trusted.
i brought my running shoes to work to go for a walk at lunch. it's cold but nice and sunny. tonight is my last night of photoshop, so i had to bring all my food to work.
here is today's menu:
1/4 cup red river cereal (2)
unsweetened almond joy (1)
strawberries (1)
yogurt (1.5)
all bran (1)
chunky chicken noodle soup (3)
english muffin (2)
peas (1)
bread (3)
grapes (1)
peanut butter (1)
jam (1)
banana (2)
exercise: lunchtime promenade
yesterday i thought it would be a good idea to take care of some more home improvement business, so i painted this tv stand unit and my old desk with two coats of bonding primer. let me tell you, bonding primer is not like regular paint. it is gross and powdery when it dries and it's pretty much impossible to get out of paint brushes, so don't even bother trying... so at least that is done... except after i painted the second coat i let my cat out of the bathroom (where he was locked in to avoid messing stuff up) and he jumped on the top of the tv unit, leaving a trail of cat paw imprints... and then white paw prints all over the floor. gah!!! thank goodness he didn't jump on the couch. i feel mean for locking him in the bathroom while i paint these things, but obviously he is a shifty character and can't be trusted.
i brought my running shoes to work to go for a walk at lunch. it's cold but nice and sunny. tonight is my last night of photoshop, so i had to bring all my food to work.
here is today's menu:
1/4 cup red river cereal (2)
unsweetened almond joy (1)
strawberries (1)
yogurt (1.5)
all bran (1)
chunky chicken noodle soup (3)
english muffin (2)
peas (1)
bread (3)
grapes (1)
peanut butter (1)
jam (1)
banana (2)
exercise: lunchtime promenade
Friday, March 14, 2008
thank the good lord above it's friday
the weekend is almost upon us. i got a really good night's sleep last night so i am ready to par-tay, or something. ;o) i chose not to work out this morning because a) i wanted to sleep in and b) ok, so there is just one reason. i can work out on the weekend! friday is also weigh-in day. i was pretty sure i gained but nope, i stayed exactly the same this week. i did have a carb-free dinner, so maybe that helped. and i'm sure getting a nice sleep helped too.
today i am wearing a new shirt, and it's so cute, so i just took some photos to show it off. and to say that it's from joe fresh, which they sell at the supermarket (no joke) and is really cute and cheap.
front view:
side view:
me:
pencil topper view:
that pencil topper came with a jar of bics pickles haha. happy weekend everyone! :o)
today i am wearing a new shirt, and it's so cute, so i just took some photos to show it off. and to say that it's from joe fresh, which they sell at the supermarket (no joke) and is really cute and cheap.
front view:
side view:
me:
pencil topper view:
that pencil topper came with a jar of bics pickles haha. happy weekend everyone! :o)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
shower time?
for once this post won't be *just* about how busy i am. although i am still busy. in photoshop last night we learned how to alter photographs - clean up images, change things, etc. let's just say there will never be a photo of me with a pimple again. ;o)
in terms of my "house business," tonight i might put some tape on the walls for painting prep. i also had a revelation about desks. my den is going to be one wall pink. you'll have to see it to believe it haha. the desk i got from my uncle is just too big, but my old desk is so craptastic. so.... i'm going to paint the desk pink too. once again, you'll have to see it to believe it but i think it will look good. the inspiration for this pink is a reproduced old elvis concert poster that i have. the pink is bold, not pastelly. i have to buy bonding primer and a polyurethane finish for some other furniture i'm going to paint, so i won't have to get anything special. i only know about things like "bonding primer" and "polyurethane finish" because i googled "painting furniture" yesterday, not because i am a mini debbie travis in the making or anything.
so... the topic today is showering. post workout showing specifically. most of my recent workouts have been in the morning before work, so i just shower and then get on with my day, but what about working out after work? riddle me this - do you shower in the morning and then after your afterwork workout? do you wash your hair or just wash your body? do you go to bed all stinky and sweaty? and what about lunch time workouts? what if you don't go to the gym (with a shower) and just run outside... then what? do you think wiping down with baby wipes is good enough for a lunch workout? i used to swim all the time and part of the reason i stopped is because i can't stand being wet (after swimming, not during, that would be ridiculous), so i'd shower but then have to dry my hair and get all ready again, etc. so my question is: how and when do you shower?
in other news, i am in a pretty bad mood this morning because my streetcar commute was the worst ever. 1) it took so long for the car to come. 2) it was so crowded. 3) people were pushing and rude... really physically pushing! 4) people were wearing their backpacks... for the love of god... take off the backpacks. anyway. i got to work and had oat pancakes with banana and peanut butter. and i'm on my second cup of coffee, so things are looking up. also i ran 4 miles this morning so that's good too.
today i'm eating:
1/2 granola bar
oat pancakes with banana and pb2
activia vanilla yogurt
carrots and hummus
lean cuisine margherita pizza
raspberry activia yogurt
for dinner: not sure but it will involve roasted brussel sprouts
in terms of my "house business," tonight i might put some tape on the walls for painting prep. i also had a revelation about desks. my den is going to be one wall pink. you'll have to see it to believe it haha. the desk i got from my uncle is just too big, but my old desk is so craptastic. so.... i'm going to paint the desk pink too. once again, you'll have to see it to believe it but i think it will look good. the inspiration for this pink is a reproduced old elvis concert poster that i have. the pink is bold, not pastelly. i have to buy bonding primer and a polyurethane finish for some other furniture i'm going to paint, so i won't have to get anything special. i only know about things like "bonding primer" and "polyurethane finish" because i googled "painting furniture" yesterday, not because i am a mini debbie travis in the making or anything.
so... the topic today is showering. post workout showing specifically. most of my recent workouts have been in the morning before work, so i just shower and then get on with my day, but what about working out after work? riddle me this - do you shower in the morning and then after your afterwork workout? do you wash your hair or just wash your body? do you go to bed all stinky and sweaty? and what about lunch time workouts? what if you don't go to the gym (with a shower) and just run outside... then what? do you think wiping down with baby wipes is good enough for a lunch workout? i used to swim all the time and part of the reason i stopped is because i can't stand being wet (after swimming, not during, that would be ridiculous), so i'd shower but then have to dry my hair and get all ready again, etc. so my question is: how and when do you shower?
in other news, i am in a pretty bad mood this morning because my streetcar commute was the worst ever. 1) it took so long for the car to come. 2) it was so crowded. 3) people were pushing and rude... really physically pushing! 4) people were wearing their backpacks... for the love of god... take off the backpacks. anyway. i got to work and had oat pancakes with banana and peanut butter. and i'm on my second cup of coffee, so things are looking up. also i ran 4 miles this morning so that's good too.
today i'm eating:
1/2 granola bar
oat pancakes with banana and pb2
activia vanilla yogurt
carrots and hummus
lean cuisine margherita pizza
raspberry activia yogurt
for dinner: not sure but it will involve roasted brussel sprouts
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
get 'r done
i hate when people use this phrase: get 'r done, haha, but it's what i've been doing. last night i organized the kitchen and now there is room for everything. i have a lot of kitchen appliances.
on the counter we have:
4 slice toaster
kettle
kitchen scale
under the counter in a cabinet we have:
blender
immersion blender
crock pot
popcorn popper
toaster oven
waffle maker
george foreman grill
12-cup coffee maker
isn't that a lot? not that i even do that much cooking. but i do a) drink a lot of hot bevs, b) toast things quite often, c) use the george foreman grill often enough. i wanted the blender because they are fun to have and the 12-cup coffee maker in case one day i ever have a dinner party and need to serve a large quantity of coffee. planning ahead ;o)
i also unpacked a lot of boxes. i am the recipient of my uncle's old computer, which is really up-to-date and fancy schmancy. it was really hard to put together because there are a million kazillion random wires and plugs and cords. i think i did it though. i also got one of his old desks but i think it's too big. it takes up almost 1/2 of my little den. my old desk is falling apart and from ikea but i don't know... i'm just not into the new one and it's obscene size.
anyway, i worked nonstop until about 11pm and found it hard to wind down. my boyfriend came over after his band rehearsal and we ate popcorn and these new indian masala lays chips while watching the beginning of the biggest loser that i taped earlier. i had a 24 package of smartpop from costco and it's all gone. apparently i eat that much popcorn. unfortunately the 32 pack of fibre source granola bars isn't depleting so quickly.
tonight is my photoshop course again. on monday my instructor brought his dog, which was the biggest pitbull i've ever seen. the friendliest one too. my desk is beside the instructors and that dog spent 1/2 the time slobbering all over my arms... eeewwwwww! the other 1/2 was spent snoozing on the floor. :o)
this morning i walked for 60 minutes interval inclines, and did 15 minutes on the stationary bike. and today i'm eating:
pc blue menu multigrain oatmeal with splenda and ground flax
cottage cheese cup with mixed berries
almonds
tuna fish sandwich
apple
vanilla yogurt
dinner: ? (rushed because of course)
on the counter we have:
4 slice toaster
kettle
kitchen scale
under the counter in a cabinet we have:
blender
immersion blender
crock pot
popcorn popper
toaster oven
waffle maker
george foreman grill
12-cup coffee maker
isn't that a lot? not that i even do that much cooking. but i do a) drink a lot of hot bevs, b) toast things quite often, c) use the george foreman grill often enough. i wanted the blender because they are fun to have and the 12-cup coffee maker in case one day i ever have a dinner party and need to serve a large quantity of coffee. planning ahead ;o)
i also unpacked a lot of boxes. i am the recipient of my uncle's old computer, which is really up-to-date and fancy schmancy. it was really hard to put together because there are a million kazillion random wires and plugs and cords. i think i did it though. i also got one of his old desks but i think it's too big. it takes up almost 1/2 of my little den. my old desk is falling apart and from ikea but i don't know... i'm just not into the new one and it's obscene size.
anyway, i worked nonstop until about 11pm and found it hard to wind down. my boyfriend came over after his band rehearsal and we ate popcorn and these new indian masala lays chips while watching the beginning of the biggest loser that i taped earlier. i had a 24 package of smartpop from costco and it's all gone. apparently i eat that much popcorn. unfortunately the 32 pack of fibre source granola bars isn't depleting so quickly.
tonight is my photoshop course again. on monday my instructor brought his dog, which was the biggest pitbull i've ever seen. the friendliest one too. my desk is beside the instructors and that dog spent 1/2 the time slobbering all over my arms... eeewwwwww! the other 1/2 was spent snoozing on the floor. :o)
this morning i walked for 60 minutes interval inclines, and did 15 minutes on the stationary bike. and today i'm eating:
pc blue menu multigrain oatmeal with splenda and ground flax
cottage cheese cup with mixed berries
almonds
tuna fish sandwich
apple
vanilla yogurt
dinner: ? (rushed because of course)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
running champion
good morning everyone. i had photoshop last night until ten so i stayed pretty much on my eating plan... until i got home and was starvin' like marvin. i had soup, a dad's oatmeal cookie, a few pieces of beef jerky (i know beef jerky? wtf), and social tea cookies. mmmm social tea cookies are soooo good. coming home last night was also overwhelming because movers came in the day dropping off a thousand boxes and pieces of furniture from my uncle's apartment. ok, not a thousand. but a lot. his old desk, tv cabinet (which is kind of ugly... unsure unsure!), computer stuff, kitchen stuff (george foreman, blender, better kettle, etc), printer, weird metal storage things. lots of stuff. and it's all sitting there, in my living room. my boyfriend stayed home during the day yesterday to let the movers in (nice guy!) and he did all the dishes too, so at least it was somewhat clean when i came home.
tonight is a night of organization! i seriously need to re-order my kitchen cabinets including under the sink to make room for all of my new kitchen gadgets. i hate having anything but the toaster and kettle on the counter. and the food scale, but it's little. all the stuff i don't use everyday has got to be out of sight.
oh so the title of my post, running champion. i didn't do any exercise yesterday. well, formal exercise... whatever that means. i went for a walk, probably 3 miles, at lunchtime, to get some activity in, and the sun was shining. and then i was forced to walk home last night because the streetcar never came! i only waited for a couple of minutes before deciding to walk, but i didn't see one until i was a few minutes before my get off point anyway.
this morning i woke up to go downstairs to the gym. but it was PAINFUL getting up. maybe because with the time change it's still dark outside. i finally got up after convincing myself that i'd feel like crap if i didn't go and my only excuse was being a lazy lout which isn't cool. so, since i really didn't want to do anything, i decided to run without music, to get in tune (no lame joke intended) with my body and it's movements. i warmed up for 5 minutes walking, then ran for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes (which is where i usually would stop), but i kept going for another 10 minutes, before walking 5 minutes cool down. that's 45 minutes running without stopping. on the treadmill with no music. amazing! in total i went 5.26 miles or 8.47 kilometres. it's blowing my mind right now as i type this. why? because in the middle of september, i couldn't run at all!
in other news, i got this really interesting book at the library. it's called your diet is driving me crazy and it's about dealing with different eating habits and patterns in relationships. for example, maybe your boyfriend can eat whatever he wants without gaining weight and you can't. or maybe your partner only likes boring bland food and you like to spice it up. or maybe you are a "food cop" or are dealing with one... someone who pressures you to eat better or a certain way but does it in a pushy, negative way. anyway, so far it's cute, and easy to read. i like it and recommend it!
this is the biggest image i could find:
tonight is a night of organization! i seriously need to re-order my kitchen cabinets including under the sink to make room for all of my new kitchen gadgets. i hate having anything but the toaster and kettle on the counter. and the food scale, but it's little. all the stuff i don't use everyday has got to be out of sight.
oh so the title of my post, running champion. i didn't do any exercise yesterday. well, formal exercise... whatever that means. i went for a walk, probably 3 miles, at lunchtime, to get some activity in, and the sun was shining. and then i was forced to walk home last night because the streetcar never came! i only waited for a couple of minutes before deciding to walk, but i didn't see one until i was a few minutes before my get off point anyway.
this morning i woke up to go downstairs to the gym. but it was PAINFUL getting up. maybe because with the time change it's still dark outside. i finally got up after convincing myself that i'd feel like crap if i didn't go and my only excuse was being a lazy lout which isn't cool. so, since i really didn't want to do anything, i decided to run without music, to get in tune (no lame joke intended) with my body and it's movements. i warmed up for 5 minutes walking, then ran for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes (which is where i usually would stop), but i kept going for another 10 minutes, before walking 5 minutes cool down. that's 45 minutes running without stopping. on the treadmill with no music. amazing! in total i went 5.26 miles or 8.47 kilometres. it's blowing my mind right now as i type this. why? because in the middle of september, i couldn't run at all!
in other news, i got this really interesting book at the library. it's called your diet is driving me crazy and it's about dealing with different eating habits and patterns in relationships. for example, maybe your boyfriend can eat whatever he wants without gaining weight and you can't. or maybe your partner only likes boring bland food and you like to spice it up. or maybe you are a "food cop" or are dealing with one... someone who pressures you to eat better or a certain way but does it in a pushy, negative way. anyway, so far it's cute, and easy to read. i like it and recommend it!
this is the biggest image i could find:
Monday, March 10, 2008
sunny monday
monday again and another super busy week. i have that photoshop course on monday and wednesday night this week, from 7 to 10pm. no tap on thursday thought because it's march break. yippee! except i still have to work, haha, but my boyfriend doesn't (he's a teacher) so it's still a good week.
this weekend was pretty good. on friday was the hawksley concert. it was good for the first hour, but the second hour (plus more) was a lot of hawksley workman loving hawksley workman, and jams that went on for way too long. i like a musical interlude as much as the next person, but each song doesn't need to be 15 minutes long with beyonce songs mixed in. on saturday i went for a run, and then just lounged around until going to the grocery store. yesterday i went swimming and painted my bathroom. it looks great although now my bathroom colours are yellow and blue and very swedish/ikea looking. i will post pictures but i want to do all of the touch-ups first.
i decided to take today off from exercise because i'll be out so late tonight without being able to go home. actually "decided to" means i got up to have a run, but was too tired and it just wasn't happening so i went back to bed. also daylight savings means losing an hour of precious time (sleep?). maybe i will extend all my workouts this week by 10-15% to make up for it.
today i'm eating:
grapes (1)
1/2 peanut butter banana pecan muffin (1)
(2)
rolled oats with a banana and peanut butter (6)
(8)
chunky beef soup (5)
multigrain toast (2)
veggie cocktail (1)
(16)
yogurt with all bran sprinkles (4)
(20)
granola bar (2)
(22)
this weekend was pretty good. on friday was the hawksley concert. it was good for the first hour, but the second hour (plus more) was a lot of hawksley workman loving hawksley workman, and jams that went on for way too long. i like a musical interlude as much as the next person, but each song doesn't need to be 15 minutes long with beyonce songs mixed in. on saturday i went for a run, and then just lounged around until going to the grocery store. yesterday i went swimming and painted my bathroom. it looks great although now my bathroom colours are yellow and blue and very swedish/ikea looking. i will post pictures but i want to do all of the touch-ups first.
i decided to take today off from exercise because i'll be out so late tonight without being able to go home. actually "decided to" means i got up to have a run, but was too tired and it just wasn't happening so i went back to bed. also daylight savings means losing an hour of precious time (sleep?). maybe i will extend all my workouts this week by 10-15% to make up for it.
today i'm eating:
grapes (1)
1/2 peanut butter banana pecan muffin (1)
(2)
rolled oats with a banana and peanut butter (6)
(8)
chunky beef soup (5)
multigrain toast (2)
veggie cocktail (1)
(16)
yogurt with all bran sprinkles (4)
(20)
granola bar (2)
(22)
Friday, March 7, 2008
happy days are here again
almost the weekend! i feel like i really need a weekend. last night i was go go go until bedtime. on the way home from work i had to return a movie and pick up my white winter jacket from the dry cleaners. also stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few things. then i came home, clean clean cleaned, made peanut butter banana pecan muffins (see recipe below), made dinner, went to the post office to pick up a package, went to my tap class for an hour, went back to the grocery store to use that coin machine (i had a lot of coins) and then home for zzzzs. so very busy.
friday is weigh-in and today i weigh 118 pounds, which is down 0.2 from last friday, which is great maintenance, considering i ate two of the homemade muffins last night. i didn't exercise this morning because i needed a break, and i do not want to feel tired tonight as i am going to the hawksley workman concert.
so i ordered more PB2 peanut butter. for those of you who don't know it's powdered peanut butter that has 75% less calories and fat than regular peanut butter. and you can choose the consistency of the peanut butter by adding as much water as you want. for example, there are times when you would want a thick peanut butter (like in a sandwich) and there are times went you would want a runny peanut butter (using it as a delicious dip). so in the box was this recipe for PB2 and banana pecan muffins, but it called for things like white flour, sugar, vegetable shortening, eggs, etc. i thought, how can i make this healthier... and here is the recipe. they are very delicious and surprisingly pretty fluffy.
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup PB2
1 T baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup splenda
4 egg whites
1 1/3 to 1 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3)
preheat the oven to 375 degrees. blend (with a spoon) the flour, PB2, baking powder, and salt together in a mixing bowl. mix in the chopped nuts. in a second bowl, cream (with a mixer) the applesauce and splenda together until light and fluffy. add the egg whites 2 at a time and beat well. mash the bananas (with a potato masher) and then blend them into the liquid mix. add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring just enough to moisten; about 20 seconds. spoon the batter into a greased (spray like pam) muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes or until done. makes 12 muffins.
per muffin: 152 calories, 5g fat, 4g fibre
muffins with 1/2 cup chocolate chips instead of pecans:
144 calories, 3g fat, 3.5g fibre
muffins plain (no pecans or chips):
120 calories, 2g fat, 3.5g fibre
i calculated these calorie amounts myself by just adding up all the ingredients and dividing by 12.
happy weekend everyone. apparently it's going to snow starting at noon another 20-25cm. that's a lot... :o( boo hoo hoo.
friday is weigh-in and today i weigh 118 pounds, which is down 0.2 from last friday, which is great maintenance, considering i ate two of the homemade muffins last night. i didn't exercise this morning because i needed a break, and i do not want to feel tired tonight as i am going to the hawksley workman concert.
so i ordered more PB2 peanut butter. for those of you who don't know it's powdered peanut butter that has 75% less calories and fat than regular peanut butter. and you can choose the consistency of the peanut butter by adding as much water as you want. for example, there are times when you would want a thick peanut butter (like in a sandwich) and there are times went you would want a runny peanut butter (using it as a delicious dip). so in the box was this recipe for PB2 and banana pecan muffins, but it called for things like white flour, sugar, vegetable shortening, eggs, etc. i thought, how can i make this healthier... and here is the recipe. they are very delicious and surprisingly pretty fluffy.
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup PB2
1 T baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup splenda
4 egg whites
1 1/3 to 1 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3)
preheat the oven to 375 degrees. blend (with a spoon) the flour, PB2, baking powder, and salt together in a mixing bowl. mix in the chopped nuts. in a second bowl, cream (with a mixer) the applesauce and splenda together until light and fluffy. add the egg whites 2 at a time and beat well. mash the bananas (with a potato masher) and then blend them into the liquid mix. add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring just enough to moisten; about 20 seconds. spoon the batter into a greased (spray like pam) muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes or until done. makes 12 muffins.
per muffin: 152 calories, 5g fat, 4g fibre
muffins with 1/2 cup chocolate chips instead of pecans:
144 calories, 3g fat, 3.5g fibre
muffins plain (no pecans or chips):
120 calories, 2g fat, 3.5g fibre
i calculated these calorie amounts myself by just adding up all the ingredients and dividing by 12.
happy weekend everyone. apparently it's going to snow starting at noon another 20-25cm. that's a lot... :o( boo hoo hoo.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
lunch
for the record i did have the california salad
and 1) i loved the shrimp and 2) i've never had artichoke hearts before either and i love them too
:)
and 1) i loved the shrimp and 2) i've never had artichoke hearts before either and i love them too
:)
thursday - out for lunch
i wish it was friday... but it's not. only one more day until the weekend. last night my photoshop course went until 10:45pm, so i didn't get home until after 11. yikes! i have hardly been home at all this week. my apartment is a pigsty and of course i haven't started to do any painting prep. tonight i have to return a movie and pick up a coat from the dry cleaners on the way home, and it's my tap class too. when will the madness end?
this morning i still managed to wake up somewhat early and run for 4 miles on the treadmill in the gym. i did it without stopping, but i definitely did not enjoy it until it was over. now i'm happy i did it though. i might take tomorrow off from the gym, depending on what time i get to bed tonight. i don't want to be tired on friday!
today at lunch my office is going to hernando's hideaway for more mexican food. what should i have? normally i get the chicken enchiladas, but today i want to try something different. here is what i'm thinking:
1) TOASTADAS 7.99 (under fiesta salads)
A flat open faced golden corn tortilla with your choice of Chicken Vera Cruz or Mexi's Chili. Topped with Santa Fe beans, crisp chredded lettuce, Pico de Gallo, Monterey Jack, diced green onions, tortilla strips and sour cream sauce.
2) CALIFORNIA SALAD 13.49 (under fiesta salads)
Crisp mixed greens topped with Drunken Shrimp, artichoke hearts, Jack cheese, roasted red peppers and tomatoes. Avocado vinaigrette on the side.
3) MEXICALI SALMON 15.98
A fillet of Atlantic Salmon, steamed and enhanced with the refreshing flavours of cucumber, lime, avocado and garlic.
4) VEGETARIAN CHILI
Chunks of garden fresh vegetables in a rich tomato based Mexicanstyle stew. 100% vegetarian and 100% great taste. Served in a sourdough bread bowl.
i think i'll go with the california salad, because it seems veggielicious. the salmon could be good but my company does pay for these lunches and is that too expensive? actually some people order booze and i do not, so maybe i should just get what i want. ;) i've only had one shrimp in my whole life, but people are always going on and on about them like they are the living end, so maybe i should force myself to get over their weird appearance. the chili sounds great but i probably couldn't resist that bread bowl... sourdough... drool.
for breakfast this morning i had a delicious bowl of red river hot cereal which really is the greatest thing ever, a fat free yogurt with some frozen berries mixed in, and coffee. :) weigh in tomorrow and i hope to maintain.
this morning i still managed to wake up somewhat early and run for 4 miles on the treadmill in the gym. i did it without stopping, but i definitely did not enjoy it until it was over. now i'm happy i did it though. i might take tomorrow off from the gym, depending on what time i get to bed tonight. i don't want to be tired on friday!
today at lunch my office is going to hernando's hideaway for more mexican food. what should i have? normally i get the chicken enchiladas, but today i want to try something different. here is what i'm thinking:
1) TOASTADAS 7.99 (under fiesta salads)
A flat open faced golden corn tortilla with your choice of Chicken Vera Cruz or Mexi's Chili. Topped with Santa Fe beans, crisp chredded lettuce, Pico de Gallo, Monterey Jack, diced green onions, tortilla strips and sour cream sauce.
2) CALIFORNIA SALAD 13.49 (under fiesta salads)
Crisp mixed greens topped with Drunken Shrimp, artichoke hearts, Jack cheese, roasted red peppers and tomatoes. Avocado vinaigrette on the side.
3) MEXICALI SALMON 15.98
A fillet of Atlantic Salmon, steamed and enhanced with the refreshing flavours of cucumber, lime, avocado and garlic.
4) VEGETARIAN CHILI
Chunks of garden fresh vegetables in a rich tomato based Mexicanstyle stew. 100% vegetarian and 100% great taste. Served in a sourdough bread bowl.
i think i'll go with the california salad, because it seems veggielicious. the salmon could be good but my company does pay for these lunches and is that too expensive? actually some people order booze and i do not, so maybe i should just get what i want. ;) i've only had one shrimp in my whole life, but people are always going on and on about them like they are the living end, so maybe i should force myself to get over their weird appearance. the chili sounds great but i probably couldn't resist that bread bowl... sourdough... drool.
for breakfast this morning i had a delicious bowl of red river hot cereal which really is the greatest thing ever, a fat free yogurt with some frozen berries mixed in, and coffee. :) weigh in tomorrow and i hope to maintain.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
home depot and my kitchen scale
i forgot to share this little diddy with you all. so as you may or may not know, i ordered a starfrit kitchen scale from home depot. it never came. i waited everyday... i got the email that said it shipped... other people who ordered their scales after me got them in the mail... (haha sarah) and it didn't come. so i called home depot, who contacted ups and ups said that they did deliver it but there was no apartment number on the order sheet so they left, and it was being returned to home depot. why ups wouldn't ask the concierge, whose job it is to know who lives in what apartment, is beyond me. anyway, they told ups to turn around and bring it back to me.
so i kept waiting everyday again, and it still wasn't coming, so i called back again. and this time, i get a rude guy on the phone who said that it was shipped back to home depot and that could expect a refund, but it's good that i called, otherwise they couldn't verify my info and i wouldn't have gotten a refund. wtf? so if i didn't call my order would just be in limbo forever. so then he said i had to reorder the scale, but he could process it over the phone. i was a little miffed at this point, but fine, reorder the scale. so we are going through the motions and then he tells me that when i first bought the scale, there was a free shipping promotion, but that's over now, so i'd have to pay for shipping.
so i sort of lost it, it being my temper, and he said that i should have checked my first order email to verify the address, and i asked to speak to his manager. he put me on hold for five minutes and then said i could have free shipping. idiots! i'm not ordering anything from home depot again. the end. i still don't have it but it's shipped so i'll probably get it today. not that i care anymore!
so i kept waiting everyday again, and it still wasn't coming, so i called back again. and this time, i get a rude guy on the phone who said that it was shipped back to home depot and that could expect a refund, but it's good that i called, otherwise they couldn't verify my info and i wouldn't have gotten a refund. wtf? so if i didn't call my order would just be in limbo forever. so then he said i had to reorder the scale, but he could process it over the phone. i was a little miffed at this point, but fine, reorder the scale. so we are going through the motions and then he tells me that when i first bought the scale, there was a free shipping promotion, but that's over now, so i'd have to pay for shipping.
so i sort of lost it, it being my temper, and he said that i should have checked my first order email to verify the address, and i asked to speak to his manager. he put me on hold for five minutes and then said i could have free shipping. idiots! i'm not ordering anything from home depot again. the end. i still don't have it but it's shipped so i'll probably get it today. not that i care anymore!
oh my god, the weather
this weather is driving me crazy. seriously there is another snowstorm? why oh why? yesterday i had a LONG day at my uncle's. but a lot was accomplished, i think. and i took this weird mood light from his apartment. it's called go lite mood relief and it's for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and no one else wanted it so now i have a funny blue light on me.
today is going to be another very long day. i got up early and was going to walk on the treadmill for 80 minutes, but after an hour i was bored, so i finished my workout using the stationary bike, which was actually a really nice change of pace. here i am at work, but i start that photoshop course tonight, and it doesn't end until 10pm, so i won't be going home until then.
yesterday my eating wasn't that great. breakfast was oatmeal and peanut butter, lunch was tons of those sashi heart cookie (not joking) and dinner was chicken soup and chicken on a kaiser at swiss chalet. not the best but under the circumstances it was how it had to be. i *should* have planned ahead and brought healthy snacks, so i wouldn't have eaten those cookies, but it's over now.
for breakfast today i'm trying something new and it's soooo good and i can't believe i haven't tried it earlier. red river hot cereal. it's a nutty delicious blend of wonder. i made it at home, then at work added a bit of unsweetened almond joy and reheated in the microwave. i added a tablespoon of splenda too.
here is today's menu:
breakfast:
1/3 cup red river hot cereal
banana yogurt
frozen berries
lunch:
low fat vanilla yogurt
vegetable cocktail
banana bread oatmeal
dinner:
ham and swiss sandwich
activia yogurt
muffin bar thing
today is going to be another very long day. i got up early and was going to walk on the treadmill for 80 minutes, but after an hour i was bored, so i finished my workout using the stationary bike, which was actually a really nice change of pace. here i am at work, but i start that photoshop course tonight, and it doesn't end until 10pm, so i won't be going home until then.
yesterday my eating wasn't that great. breakfast was oatmeal and peanut butter, lunch was tons of those sashi heart cookie (not joking) and dinner was chicken soup and chicken on a kaiser at swiss chalet. not the best but under the circumstances it was how it had to be. i *should* have planned ahead and brought healthy snacks, so i wouldn't have eaten those cookies, but it's over now.
for breakfast today i'm trying something new and it's soooo good and i can't believe i haven't tried it earlier. red river hot cereal. it's a nutty delicious blend of wonder. i made it at home, then at work added a bit of unsweetened almond joy and reheated in the microwave. i added a tablespoon of splenda too.
here is today's menu:
breakfast:
1/3 cup red river hot cereal
banana yogurt
frozen berries
lunch:
low fat vanilla yogurt
vegetable cocktail
banana bread oatmeal
dinner:
ham and swiss sandwich
activia yogurt
muffin bar thing
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
not at work
i am not at work today, and i'm on the move so this will be quick. my mom and aunt are clearing out my uncle's apartment and they really need my help, so today i'm going to pickering to help. i feel guilty about missing work, but i called last night and told the truth, and honesty really is the best policy. i wouldn't want to lie and say i'm sick when i'm not. so anyway...
this morning i walked for 80 minutes changing inclines on the treadmill.
last night for dinner i made turkey grill em sausages, a box of annie's organic whole wheat mac and cheese shells, and peas. not gourmet but still delicious.
now that i'm tying i actually have more to say, especially about my god damn kitchen scale that never came, and how i've been drinking regular cran-grape juice instead of the low-cal juice i thought i bought... but there just isn't time right now ;) i'll post again later!
for breakfast i'll make my own oatmeal on the stove and have a yogurt, or something! happy tuesday!
this morning i walked for 80 minutes changing inclines on the treadmill.
last night for dinner i made turkey grill em sausages, a box of annie's organic whole wheat mac and cheese shells, and peas. not gourmet but still delicious.
now that i'm tying i actually have more to say, especially about my god damn kitchen scale that never came, and how i've been drinking regular cran-grape juice instead of the low-cal juice i thought i bought... but there just isn't time right now ;) i'll post again later!
for breakfast i'll make my own oatmeal on the stove and have a yogurt, or something! happy tuesday!
Monday, March 3, 2008
busy week ahead?
oh boy, monday again. actually it's not so bad for a few reasons: 1) it's not freezing. it's actually going to be 8°C or something like that today which is practically tropical. 2) i already worked out today. normally i run on monday evenings, but today i did it in the morning and i'm done and it feels pretty good. 3) i did other stuff before work too which makes me feel productive: i went to the grocery store and bought frozen berries for breakfast and dropped off my white winter coat at the dry cleaners because it was getting really gross looking. 4) i went to bed at a somewhat reasonable time last night (around midnight) so i am not dead tired.
so on saturday my boyfriend came over and we had some coffee then jumped in the car and went to canadian tire to buy paint. i bought paint for every room in the house. "castle stone" gray for the living and dining room (one big long room), "blue jeans" blue for the bathroom, "citrus swirl" yellow for the kitchen and hallway, "pic nic" green for the bedroom, and "passion pink" for one wall of the den. yes, my house is going to be a crazy colourful wonderland but so what? it's my house and i can do whatever i want and i love colour! and it is only paint, which can be re-painted easily if it looks hideous. for the "passion pink" wall, i also bought this debbie travis paintable wallpaper. basically it's a raised design and it gives your walls a really neat texture. i got this victorian looking floral pattern which is going to look really wild with the pink. i'm not going to paint yet. first i have to hang up that paper and do all of the boring stuff like taping everywhere. boring!
so this morning i had a nice run - 4 miles, then did strength training and sit-ups and stretching. i got some new workout shorts and headphones at wal-mart on saturday, too. just cheap headphones, panasonic or jvc or some brand that isn't sony but is still a name brand. i like the kind with buds that stick in your ear, but have that sport ear wrap around thing. they were only $12 or so, which is a good price. now i need to stop spending money... i am burning a serious hole in my pocket.
menu is erratic today, since i'm going out for lunch and having guests for dinner:
breakfast:
pc blue menu multigrain oatmeal
1 T flax
1 T splenda
1 T cinnamon
3/4 cup frozen berries
so on saturday my boyfriend came over and we had some coffee then jumped in the car and went to canadian tire to buy paint. i bought paint for every room in the house. "castle stone" gray for the living and dining room (one big long room), "blue jeans" blue for the bathroom, "citrus swirl" yellow for the kitchen and hallway, "pic nic" green for the bedroom, and "passion pink" for one wall of the den. yes, my house is going to be a crazy colourful wonderland but so what? it's my house and i can do whatever i want and i love colour! and it is only paint, which can be re-painted easily if it looks hideous. for the "passion pink" wall, i also bought this debbie travis paintable wallpaper. basically it's a raised design and it gives your walls a really neat texture. i got this victorian looking floral pattern which is going to look really wild with the pink. i'm not going to paint yet. first i have to hang up that paper and do all of the boring stuff like taping everywhere. boring!
so this morning i had a nice run - 4 miles, then did strength training and sit-ups and stretching. i got some new workout shorts and headphones at wal-mart on saturday, too. just cheap headphones, panasonic or jvc or some brand that isn't sony but is still a name brand. i like the kind with buds that stick in your ear, but have that sport ear wrap around thing. they were only $12 or so, which is a good price. now i need to stop spending money... i am burning a serious hole in my pocket.
menu is erratic today, since i'm going out for lunch and having guests for dinner:
breakfast:
pc blue menu multigrain oatmeal
1 T flax
1 T splenda
1 T cinnamon
3/4 cup frozen berries
Saturday, March 1, 2008
good morning
hip hip it's saturday. last night i had a "non-scale" victory. i ordered pizza, for myself, and rented a movie (st. elmo's fire). i didn't watch the movie but i did only eat 3 medium slices of pizza, then quickly pack the rest into a freezer bag and put them in the freezer. amazing. pizza is one of those foods that is just so tasty, that normally i would chow down until i was feeling too full. i also had a glass of wine. delicious.
i didn't go to canadian tire and buy paint, the weather was too crappy and i didn't want to drive in the snow. i rarely drive because i do not like driving. it's too much stress. i'd rather sit on the streetcar or subway and calmly read my book. so i'm going to go today. i'm just waiting on my boyfriend to come in from the burbs. i don't think paint shopping is his idea of a fun saturday, but i'm happy because now i'll have a helper to bring it all from the car upstairs. ;)
for your information, right now i am reading "the other boleyn girl" by philippa gregory and it is AWESOME. especially if you like historical fiction (like the outlander series...) you will LOVE this. it's for my book club and for once i think i'll have read it with weeks to spare before the meeting.
i went to the gym this morning and did this routine on the treadmill:
5 minutes warm up walking
35 minutes running on 1% incline
then for 15 minutes i walked at 4 mph changing the inclines from 0 to 10% every 1.5 minutes
then a 5 minute cool down walk
over 5 miles!
i also did sit ups, some upper body strength training and situps.
before my workout i had some peanut butter on a slice of sprouted grains toast, and just now i had a delicious bowl of dessert breakfast:
2/3 cup rolled oats
8 almonds
1/2 cup unsweetened almond joy
1 T peanut butter
and a handful of milk chocolate chips
yummy yummy yummy. now i'm going to read more of my book and wait. happy saturday everyone!
i didn't go to canadian tire and buy paint, the weather was too crappy and i didn't want to drive in the snow. i rarely drive because i do not like driving. it's too much stress. i'd rather sit on the streetcar or subway and calmly read my book. so i'm going to go today. i'm just waiting on my boyfriend to come in from the burbs. i don't think paint shopping is his idea of a fun saturday, but i'm happy because now i'll have a helper to bring it all from the car upstairs. ;)
for your information, right now i am reading "the other boleyn girl" by philippa gregory and it is AWESOME. especially if you like historical fiction (like the outlander series...) you will LOVE this. it's for my book club and for once i think i'll have read it with weeks to spare before the meeting.
i went to the gym this morning and did this routine on the treadmill:
5 minutes warm up walking
35 minutes running on 1% incline
then for 15 minutes i walked at 4 mph changing the inclines from 0 to 10% every 1.5 minutes
then a 5 minute cool down walk
over 5 miles!
i also did sit ups, some upper body strength training and situps.
before my workout i had some peanut butter on a slice of sprouted grains toast, and just now i had a delicious bowl of dessert breakfast:
2/3 cup rolled oats
8 almonds
1/2 cup unsweetened almond joy
1 T peanut butter
and a handful of milk chocolate chips
yummy yummy yummy. now i'm going to read more of my book and wait. happy saturday everyone!
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