Last night, I went out to dinner with a friend and my sister. I slipped and ate way too much as Sushi Zushi. Born and raised in Texas! It was very much worth it because it was so over the top delicious, but the scale went up to 183lbs. It was the salt, I'm sure. But I'm back and will be chugging water today. Not just for that, but also because the office will become a large sauna for a large portion of the day.
The door will be taken off to be replaced, and that means the 96 degree heat will be filtering in causing us to pool in our seats and stick to our keyboards. You can't imagine how thrilled I was when I also heard a jackhammer was coming. Oh, but it's a little one.
Is there such a thing as a small jackhammer? Just saying.
I did go to kickboxing this morning to try and combat my sushi overdose, and I overcame a little fear of mine.
To bring you up to date on this fear, we need to back a few months. Back when I was still going to the gym in the evening, I would go to a weight incorporated kickboxing class on Tuesdays. I strongly dislike this instructor (I know, as well...), but I wanted to push through the class. I noticed on that particular day that I was full of energy and was pushing myself more than I had before at the gym.
There is a move many instructors like to do where you bring your knee to your chest, contracting your abs. Visualize grabbing your attackers hair and thrusting your knee into their face. Well, the next progression is to jump with your standing leg during this move. While this sounds great on paper to get your heart rate up, you also must be coordinated.
During this Tuesday evening class, I fell straight on my ankle and wiped out. Luckily, it was a slow Tuesday, so I didn't take anyone down with me, but it was certainly noticeable to everyone in the class that was paying the least bit attention. I jumped straight up, and a few beats went by as the instructor came over to me. I was fine, but my ankle was out. I tried to push through, but it was impossible.
I didn't sprain or break it. Just a twist. I was fine by the next day at kickboxing, but needless to say, I stayed away from that jumping knee...until today.
This morning, we did this move, and I can successfully say, I rocked it. Granted, I didn't push on other things in the class that I was still uneasy on, but I did that move and didn't fall.
It's the little things that get you through the day. So even if the number went up by one, I was able to push through an injury and fear of future injury.
Off to the sauna. Maybe I'll sweat that pound out.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Punctuality
My number one pet peeve is when people are tardy. I make an effort to be on time. Actually, I make it an effort to be early. So, when people are late, or make me late, I'm furious.
My beef with the woman who teaches the Tuesday class goes back a ways. The woman who taught before is the head of the trainers at the gym. I loved her. She was always spunky and fun to watch, even though you wanted to treat her to a typical Barbie meltdown.
One day, I was changing in the dressing room. I have finally gotten to the point where I don't care, so I'll change at my locker instead of the little closet they have. Wastes time--again time. Well, this woman was changing next to me, and as she pulled on her thong, she turned to me and said, "That's a pretty bra." I was wearing my lace Victoria's Secret bra. That's an odd thing to say when you're pulling on your own secret, ya know?
I politely thanked her and continued to change. Then, in my routine, I put on hairspray. I used this wonderful Flaxseed Aloe hairspray from Aveda. She chimes in, "I love that smell. I have that hairspray."
Uh--thanks?
Again, I politely thanked her and continued to change. It was a very bizarre experience. So imagine my surprise when the next week, she was the new teacher of the class, replacing Spunky Barbie.
Great.
Well, I have let bygones be bygones and continued to go to the class because it's the only strength training class I can get to.
A few weeks ago now, Ms. Bra Complimenter was a no-show to her own class. My anger for her rose. The kickboxing instructor luckily came in to sub. That was nice. I wish it was like that for every week.
That was just another tidbit. Well, since then, she has started the class late and thus ended the class late. I take a 5:30am class for a reason. It allows me ample time to get ready. Yes, I understand that I have extra time, but when you say the class ends at 6:30am, I need it to end at 6:30am. Not once since her absentee class has she ended on time.
Today was the first time I had to actually leave before she finished her routine. Amazing. Just finish on time. That's your job.
Okay, that's over. Now I get to rush off to work.
My beef with the woman who teaches the Tuesday class goes back a ways. The woman who taught before is the head of the trainers at the gym. I loved her. She was always spunky and fun to watch, even though you wanted to treat her to a typical Barbie meltdown.
One day, I was changing in the dressing room. I have finally gotten to the point where I don't care, so I'll change at my locker instead of the little closet they have. Wastes time--again time. Well, this woman was changing next to me, and as she pulled on her thong, she turned to me and said, "That's a pretty bra." I was wearing my lace Victoria's Secret bra. That's an odd thing to say when you're pulling on your own secret, ya know?
I politely thanked her and continued to change. Then, in my routine, I put on hairspray. I used this wonderful Flaxseed Aloe hairspray from Aveda. She chimes in, "I love that smell. I have that hairspray."
Uh--thanks?
Again, I politely thanked her and continued to change. It was a very bizarre experience. So imagine my surprise when the next week, she was the new teacher of the class, replacing Spunky Barbie.
Great.
Well, I have let bygones be bygones and continued to go to the class because it's the only strength training class I can get to.
A few weeks ago now, Ms. Bra Complimenter was a no-show to her own class. My anger for her rose. The kickboxing instructor luckily came in to sub. That was nice. I wish it was like that for every week.
That was just another tidbit. Well, since then, she has started the class late and thus ended the class late. I take a 5:30am class for a reason. It allows me ample time to get ready. Yes, I understand that I have extra time, but when you say the class ends at 6:30am, I need it to end at 6:30am. Not once since her absentee class has she ended on time.
Today was the first time I had to actually leave before she finished her routine. Amazing. Just finish on time. That's your job.
Okay, that's over. Now I get to rush off to work.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Peaches, Figs, and Feta--Oh My!
I did not go to the gym today. Sad panda. But the wonderful thing of being a girl kept me bend over at my desk for the last hour at work.
But, I'm also here to report on what I made over the weekend.
A couple of weekends ago, I went to Fredericksburg with a friend of mine. I'm pretty sure I mentioned this. We had brunch at The Herb Farm. It was spectacular as usual. I am dying to go when they have the Tomato Basil Soup ready.
My parents took me there several years ago now, and I had that soup. It was so amazing, it's the only thing I remember from that trip. But the last two times I've gone to The Herb Farm, it's not there yet. The last time, they had a wonderful Creamy Tomato Soup. Tasted so creamy I would have thought it was melted cheese and tomatoes.
Well, the dessert in season (being Summer in Fredericksburg) was a Peach and Feta Cheese dessert. Of course I was intrigued because who knew peaches and feta cheese, let alone cracked black pepper, would go together. I am here to tell you, they do.
It was amazing. Very light, refreshing and easy to make. That night, with my three pounds of peaches, I made it for my boyfriend. Again, I was amazed. The recipe was to put peaches in a bath of peach schnapps and honey. Chill and then serve with feta cheese and cracked black pepper. It can't get easier than that.
Of course, it was a Sunday, so I didn't have an ability to get the schnapps, but I used Amaretto instead. It was a little heavier on the palate, but it was still incredible with the aroma of almonds mixing with the freshness of the peaches.
Just last weekend, over Father's Day, I found some local figs. My father brought in the last of the peaches from our three beautiful trees in the backyard, and I made the dessert again. This time, I did use the peach schnapps, but I added figs to the mix, and I have to say, wow. Peaches, Figs, and Feta--oh my!
My parents were blown away by the flavors. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone. It's so easy, so light, and so flavorful. No need to eat a heavy dessert before bed when something like this is at your fingertips.
Happy eating.
But, I'm also here to report on what I made over the weekend.
A couple of weekends ago, I went to Fredericksburg with a friend of mine. I'm pretty sure I mentioned this. We had brunch at The Herb Farm. It was spectacular as usual. I am dying to go when they have the Tomato Basil Soup ready.
My parents took me there several years ago now, and I had that soup. It was so amazing, it's the only thing I remember from that trip. But the last two times I've gone to The Herb Farm, it's not there yet. The last time, they had a wonderful Creamy Tomato Soup. Tasted so creamy I would have thought it was melted cheese and tomatoes.
Well, the dessert in season (being Summer in Fredericksburg) was a Peach and Feta Cheese dessert. Of course I was intrigued because who knew peaches and feta cheese, let alone cracked black pepper, would go together. I am here to tell you, they do.
It was amazing. Very light, refreshing and easy to make. That night, with my three pounds of peaches, I made it for my boyfriend. Again, I was amazed. The recipe was to put peaches in a bath of peach schnapps and honey. Chill and then serve with feta cheese and cracked black pepper. It can't get easier than that.
Of course, it was a Sunday, so I didn't have an ability to get the schnapps, but I used Amaretto instead. It was a little heavier on the palate, but it was still incredible with the aroma of almonds mixing with the freshness of the peaches.
Just last weekend, over Father's Day, I found some local figs. My father brought in the last of the peaches from our three beautiful trees in the backyard, and I made the dessert again. This time, I did use the peach schnapps, but I added figs to the mix, and I have to say, wow. Peaches, Figs, and Feta--oh my!
My parents were blown away by the flavors. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone. It's so easy, so light, and so flavorful. No need to eat a heavy dessert before bed when something like this is at your fingertips.
Happy eating.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Ginger
Okay, so I'm posting. That means my threat was real. I didn't just post the introductory blog.
First off, I'm going to say that I'm writing as my peanut butter protein shake is blending after my grueling spin class. So, that's done. And I'm still sweating in my clothes despite the shower.
So, I would like to delve into my new culinary infatuation of ginger. What a crazy ingredient. I had the privilege to watch ginger used as the secret ingredient on Iron Chef America, and I must say, who knew you could do so much savory and sweet treats with ginger. For most people it's an oppressive taste that is overpowering and off putting.
However, if you put the right amount in, you will be amazed at how much something will pop.
The first encounter I had with ginger (that I remember) was just this last February. My boyfriend and I went to a bed and breakfast in Waco, TX (far enough away, but not breaking the bank) for our three year anniversary.
The best restaurant in town was called The Green Room. It was an amazing place. Such great food in the middle of the historic downtown with absolutely nothing else going on. Well, we had our first dinner there. This place was so fancy, it had sorbet before our entree to "cleanse the palate." *Insert Princess Diaries joke here.
It was a lemon sorbet with tiny bits of candied ginger. I couldn't put my finger on the taste since I hadn't experienced ginger like that before, but I must say, since then I was hooked.
I try to incorporate ginger in my food more. I made an amazing Lemon Blood Orange Sorbet and did the same thing with tiny bits of candied ginger.
I just bought a giant ginger root at the grocery store. Big enough for the clerk to say, "Did you find everything--whoa. That's a lot of ginger." Felt good.
Now, I will say as well (because I said I would mention my failures) that ginger and I have had our first argument. It wasn't pretty.
I went to Fredericksburg a couple of weekends ago for their peaches. Well, when I came home, I busted out my giant ginger root and went to work on a Ginger Peach Ice Cream. Needless to say, the recipe I followed called for way too much ginger. That's what I get for trying to take a chocolate based ginger recipe and making it fruit based.
Don't get me wrong, ginger and I will make up. We will make a better ice cream this weekend, and I will let you know how our compromise goes, but for now, we're on a break.
First off, I'm going to say that I'm writing as my peanut butter protein shake is blending after my grueling spin class. So, that's done. And I'm still sweating in my clothes despite the shower.
So, I would like to delve into my new culinary infatuation of ginger. What a crazy ingredient. I had the privilege to watch ginger used as the secret ingredient on Iron Chef America, and I must say, who knew you could do so much savory and sweet treats with ginger. For most people it's an oppressive taste that is overpowering and off putting.
However, if you put the right amount in, you will be amazed at how much something will pop.
The first encounter I had with ginger (that I remember) was just this last February. My boyfriend and I went to a bed and breakfast in Waco, TX (far enough away, but not breaking the bank) for our three year anniversary.
The best restaurant in town was called The Green Room. It was an amazing place. Such great food in the middle of the historic downtown with absolutely nothing else going on. Well, we had our first dinner there. This place was so fancy, it had sorbet before our entree to "cleanse the palate." *Insert Princess Diaries joke here.
It was a lemon sorbet with tiny bits of candied ginger. I couldn't put my finger on the taste since I hadn't experienced ginger like that before, but I must say, since then I was hooked.
I try to incorporate ginger in my food more. I made an amazing Lemon Blood Orange Sorbet and did the same thing with tiny bits of candied ginger.
I just bought a giant ginger root at the grocery store. Big enough for the clerk to say, "Did you find everything--whoa. That's a lot of ginger." Felt good.
Now, I will say as well (because I said I would mention my failures) that ginger and I have had our first argument. It wasn't pretty.
I went to Fredericksburg a couple of weekends ago for their peaches. Well, when I came home, I busted out my giant ginger root and went to work on a Ginger Peach Ice Cream. Needless to say, the recipe I followed called for way too much ginger. That's what I get for trying to take a chocolate based ginger recipe and making it fruit based.
Don't get me wrong, ginger and I will make up. We will make a better ice cream this weekend, and I will let you know how our compromise goes, but for now, we're on a break.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Starting Over, Yet Again
Hi my empty audience. I know no one is reading this, so this acts as a virtual diary. Maybe I'll be brave and actually tell people about it, but until then, I will continue to talk to the expansive void that is the Internet.
I am back after about six months to share some good news and some new thoughts. I have finally gotten the ball rolling on what I hope will be a very successful weight loss journey. I have finally been infected (not just bitten) by the gym rat, and I am here to say that it's finally working.
At my gym, there is a program called Eat to Live. It's a twelve week program that details out healthy eating habits while keeping you accountable with weekly weigh ins. Well, yesterday was the last day of the class with our final weigh ins.
Because I want to keep myself motivated, I will post my stats. Now, the invisible people of the world will know what I weigh, but will also know that the number will go down.
I began the class at 192lbs. The final weigh in clocked me at 182lbs. My measurements also went down. Shockingly down. My nutrition coach measured me twice. I lost 5 inches off my waist. The most in the class.
But ladies and germs, it doesn't stop there. That number will, by all means, continue to go down.
I have incorporated much healthier habits (save the rare splurge) into my diet and I am a regular at my gym again. Everyday I am there for at least an hour. And I have cycling to thank for that. I have fallen so head over heels for my spin class that I now take it four times a week. Last Sunday, as a matter of fact, I was on a bike for two and a half straight hours. A) because nothing else was going on during a particularly warm Sunday morning, and B) the instructor is so cute. What else can a girl do on a Sunday but burn a few extra calories?
So because of this phenomenon and my love for sweat (it seems), I have been losing weight. Any day that I'm not spinning (Right round, baby, Right round) I am doing strength and/or kickboxing--my first love. I had a long, torrid affair with kickboxing, but when he cheated on me with Strike! and the instructors changed, it wasn't the same. Don't get me wrong, incorporating weights with kickboxing sounds as decadent as an affair with Jon Hamm, but something about the instructor really turned me off, and on top of all that, I got a full time desk job. But I'm back, and spinning is my new love.
The other thing I am getting more and more passionate about as each day goes by is food. Irony, the aspiring baker wants to lose weight. If this isn't a typical Catch-22 challenge, I don't know what is. But, experimenting is my game, and if I have to find ways to cut calories as I cook, so be it.
This blog is for me. I will report on my weight loss and I will also post on my new culinary experiments and successes. Don't worry, the failures will also be noted. What is life without a little failure?
I hope to get the courage to share this with the world as I embark on a challenge I have been waiting my whole life for.
Cheers to the next 10 lbs and the next 5 inches. Clink your tonic waters and let's hold on for the ride.
I am back after about six months to share some good news and some new thoughts. I have finally gotten the ball rolling on what I hope will be a very successful weight loss journey. I have finally been infected (not just bitten) by the gym rat, and I am here to say that it's finally working.
At my gym, there is a program called Eat to Live. It's a twelve week program that details out healthy eating habits while keeping you accountable with weekly weigh ins. Well, yesterday was the last day of the class with our final weigh ins.
Because I want to keep myself motivated, I will post my stats. Now, the invisible people of the world will know what I weigh, but will also know that the number will go down.
I began the class at 192lbs. The final weigh in clocked me at 182lbs. My measurements also went down. Shockingly down. My nutrition coach measured me twice. I lost 5 inches off my waist. The most in the class.
But ladies and germs, it doesn't stop there. That number will, by all means, continue to go down.
I have incorporated much healthier habits (save the rare splurge) into my diet and I am a regular at my gym again. Everyday I am there for at least an hour. And I have cycling to thank for that. I have fallen so head over heels for my spin class that I now take it four times a week. Last Sunday, as a matter of fact, I was on a bike for two and a half straight hours. A) because nothing else was going on during a particularly warm Sunday morning, and B) the instructor is so cute. What else can a girl do on a Sunday but burn a few extra calories?
So because of this phenomenon and my love for sweat (it seems), I have been losing weight. Any day that I'm not spinning (Right round, baby, Right round) I am doing strength and/or kickboxing--my first love. I had a long, torrid affair with kickboxing, but when he cheated on me with Strike! and the instructors changed, it wasn't the same. Don't get me wrong, incorporating weights with kickboxing sounds as decadent as an affair with Jon Hamm, but something about the instructor really turned me off, and on top of all that, I got a full time desk job. But I'm back, and spinning is my new love.
The other thing I am getting more and more passionate about as each day goes by is food. Irony, the aspiring baker wants to lose weight. If this isn't a typical Catch-22 challenge, I don't know what is. But, experimenting is my game, and if I have to find ways to cut calories as I cook, so be it.
This blog is for me. I will report on my weight loss and I will also post on my new culinary experiments and successes. Don't worry, the failures will also be noted. What is life without a little failure?
I hope to get the courage to share this with the world as I embark on a challenge I have been waiting my whole life for.
Cheers to the next 10 lbs and the next 5 inches. Clink your tonic waters and let's hold on for the ride.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Day 80: Don't Eat Before You Swim
Okay, so I have jumped off the deep end this week.
Monday I went to Strike at 530a and then spinning at 545p. Tuesday I went to the gym at 515 and stayed until 8p. Today, I went to kickboxing at 530a and went again at 7p.
I'm finally seeing the numbers drop a little. Not much, but enough to get me hella motivated to finally getting to my goal. Slowly but surely.
Today, however, I learned a very valuable lesson that pop culture has told us over and over again it's a myth. Don't eat before you swim. Now, in my case, I wasn't swimming, but working out with D in hard core kickboxing. I can never figure it out. Do I eat before I go to the gym so there is something in my system? Do I eat afterward to "optimize my 45" (eat something within 45 minutes of your workout so your next work out works for you instead of against you).
Well, I got home at 515p so I thought if I ate before the 7p class I would have plenty of time to let it digest. WRONG! I had the worst cramps through the class. It made it very difficult to make it through the class without quitting, but damn it, I made it through.
Tomorrow, I will go to the gym at 530a and just work out on a machine. Then go back at 530p (haha 12 hours later) for a 30 minute core conditioning class, and then a 60 minute Strike! class. God help me. If I can make it through this week doing this insane schedule, then I'll definitely consider making it a habit for 2010.
If I could do it, I can do it. :D
Looking back, I'm very disappointed in my lack of weight loss in the last 80 days. But I understand as well. I didn't work as hard as I should have. And I definitely took some serious liberties with my diet. I'm sure sleep has something to do with it as well. I haven't slept well in weeks. But also my stress level has skyrocketed since things are changing at work. So those factors are definitely working against me. It's the constant uphill battle, but I'm armed now and prepared to fight.
And one day, I'll get to writing this stupid book that's in my brain. One day at a time.
Monday I went to Strike at 530a and then spinning at 545p. Tuesday I went to the gym at 515 and stayed until 8p. Today, I went to kickboxing at 530a and went again at 7p.
I'm finally seeing the numbers drop a little. Not much, but enough to get me hella motivated to finally getting to my goal. Slowly but surely.
Today, however, I learned a very valuable lesson that pop culture has told us over and over again it's a myth. Don't eat before you swim. Now, in my case, I wasn't swimming, but working out with D in hard core kickboxing. I can never figure it out. Do I eat before I go to the gym so there is something in my system? Do I eat afterward to "optimize my 45" (eat something within 45 minutes of your workout so your next work out works for you instead of against you).
Well, I got home at 515p so I thought if I ate before the 7p class I would have plenty of time to let it digest. WRONG! I had the worst cramps through the class. It made it very difficult to make it through the class without quitting, but damn it, I made it through.
Tomorrow, I will go to the gym at 530a and just work out on a machine. Then go back at 530p (haha 12 hours later) for a 30 minute core conditioning class, and then a 60 minute Strike! class. God help me. If I can make it through this week doing this insane schedule, then I'll definitely consider making it a habit for 2010.
If I could do it, I can do it. :D
Looking back, I'm very disappointed in my lack of weight loss in the last 80 days. But I understand as well. I didn't work as hard as I should have. And I definitely took some serious liberties with my diet. I'm sure sleep has something to do with it as well. I haven't slept well in weeks. But also my stress level has skyrocketed since things are changing at work. So those factors are definitely working against me. It's the constant uphill battle, but I'm armed now and prepared to fight.
And one day, I'll get to writing this stupid book that's in my brain. One day at a time.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Day 73: Long Break
Okay, I've taken a long break from this. I'm very bad. Sorry. Well, the commit to fit program has taken a little break for Thanksgiving, but I'm back on track and have lost 3 lbs. That's something during this holiday season. I guess the loss of appetite is good. I haven't been very hungry lately. My stress level has elevated exponentially. And I'm doing so much to curb my appetite and not stress eat. I'm sure I'm burning calories stressing and concentrating.
But I'm doing okay. Four months and three pounds. Talk about massive failure, but in all honesty I have not been very loyal. So there is that.
I do have a wonderful recommendation, however especially for the holidays. I have found a "digestif" or after dinner drink. It's heavy on the liquor, but it numbs the holiday stress and makes your kitchen smell amazing. Also, if you have trouble sleeping, it's a good way to knock yourself out to sleep through the night.
Family Therapy Cranberry Rosemary Digestif (From the Food Network)
1/2 cup water
1 cup cranberries (fresh)
1 cup sugar
3 inch cinnamon stick (whole stick)
or one teaspoon of ground cinnamon
2 sprigs of rosemary
or 2 tablespoons of rosemary
Pinch of salt
1 lemon, zested
Add the water, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon stick, rosemary, salt and lemon zest to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower the heat and simmer until slightly reduced in volume and thickened to a syrup. Remove from the heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Discard the solids. Refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes.
To make a drink:
Put a handful of ice in a drink shaker along with 1 1/2 ounces of whiskey and 1 tablespoon of the cranberry syrup. Shake gently a few times and strain into a glass. Repeat for the remaining drinks and serve.
But I'm doing okay. Four months and three pounds. Talk about massive failure, but in all honesty I have not been very loyal. So there is that.
I do have a wonderful recommendation, however especially for the holidays. I have found a "digestif" or after dinner drink. It's heavy on the liquor, but it numbs the holiday stress and makes your kitchen smell amazing. Also, if you have trouble sleeping, it's a good way to knock yourself out to sleep through the night.
Family Therapy Cranberry Rosemary Digestif (From the Food Network)
1/2 cup water
1 cup cranberries (fresh)
1 cup sugar
3 inch cinnamon stick (whole stick)
or one teaspoon of ground cinnamon
2 sprigs of rosemary
or 2 tablespoons of rosemary
Pinch of salt
1 lemon, zested
Add the water, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon stick, rosemary, salt and lemon zest to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower the heat and simmer until slightly reduced in volume and thickened to a syrup. Remove from the heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Discard the solids. Refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes.
To make a drink:
Put a handful of ice in a drink shaker along with 1 1/2 ounces of whiskey and 1 tablespoon of the cranberry syrup. Shake gently a few times and strain into a glass. Repeat for the remaining drinks and serve.
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