Days 268 & 269: Dreaded Weigh-In Entry

Happy weekend, friends!

I was trying to sleep, but it just wasn't happening, so I decided to bliggity blog.

Yesterday (Day 268/Thursday) was another good day at work full of productivity and better eating. I had some more yogurt, half a banana, and some green tea for breakfast. I'm trying to make myself drink green tea every morning.

I also was sure to drink my recommended amount of water with the hourly reminders from my Water Your Body App on my phone. I went over the 68 oz and drank 72!

Lunch was a visit to the fantabulous bành mon trailer with my pal Craig for a delicious Lisa Marie.

Sans cilantro, of course,
because cilantro tastes like death. 

After work, I was still pretty full from my huge sandwich, so I went straight to the gym and hit the elliptical. To switch things up a bit, I went online to find an elliptical workout that I could follow instead of just pedaling mindlessly for an hour.

Instead of following the time listed in this table, I changed the resistance during every song change that was on my iPod. This workout is only half an hour, but using my iPod made it a whole hour long. I didn't mind the SPM (Stride Per Minute) since doing the elliptical without hands was just asking for me to fall. I went at my own pace, and I worked hard. Reversing my strides and pedaling BACKWARDS was a big challenge. I'm not sure why I never tried it before I found this workout, but I'm glad I did because it really did push my to work harder than I usually feel like I do on the elliptical.

Here's my stats of my elliptical time...

After my workout, I Skyped with my cousin and Goddaughter and then I took a weigh-in photo. I figured it's been a long time, and I needed to face the music. 

That's my disappointment/shame face

This is bad.

I haven't seen that number since September! I've got to get myself back on track NOW!

After a shower and some regrouping, I ate a small dinner of brown rice with okra and a little bagoong & suka (vinegar) and a mango for dessert. How Filipino of me. :)

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Day 269/Friday

Breakfast was my good ol' friend the Activia Breakfast Blend with some green tea.

My lunch was very minimal because the breakfast blend kept me so full! Not to mention all the water I drank in the morning...

I had a chewy peanut bar and a mango for lunch.

Forgot to take a pic... I didn't eat a whole box. :P

Super ripe, super delicious.

After lunch, I went on my walk with Craig around the university. We did a little over 2 miles today in about 48 minutes. Click this link to view our route.

About halfway through the walk, I developed a big blister on my left foot because I'm dumb and wore my boots, but I sucked it up and got through it. Hopefully it'll be better sooner than later.

I met up with some lovely high school friends of mine for supper at Koi for some sushi tonight. We've had this evening in the works for a couple of weeks, so I'm glad I got to see them since it happens so rarely these days. Good friendships are an essential part of being healthy! I'm kicking myself for not taking a group pic of us, though. Rats.

I did take a photo of my sushi, though.

Rainbow roll at Koi
California roll topped with fresh tuna, salmon, and yellowtail

I also split a volcano roll with Heather. (Menu description:  cali snowcrab and smoke salmon with diced spicy scallops on top (baked) and eel sauce). So basically, my first roll was super healthy, my second one, not so much. At least I split it! It's so hard not to splurge a little on special occasions.

We got some frozen yogurt at Orange Leaf after sushi also. Lots of laughs with lovely people. Thanks for the good time, Heather, Lacey, Anna, and Anthony!!!! 

I'm greatly looking forward to tomorrow because THE WEATHER WILL BE IDEAL FOR BIKING! I'm aiming to can do 18 miles tomorrow! The winds have been quieter than usual the past 2 days, and I'm hoping it'll be the same tomorrow afternoon during the warmest part of the day. I believe it's supposed to be in the mid 50's F, so that makes me so happy! I hope to see lots of people taking advantage of the beautiful weather tomorrow at the hike & bike trail.

That's all for tonight, guys. I'm looking forward to getting back to working my butt off to reach my goal weight when I can. It's time to get back to business. Lots to do this weekend, so enjoy it! Be happy, be healthy, and do your best every day. 

Goodnight!

Day 267: In Need of a Push

This is going to be rambly, so my apologies...

I seem to be losing track of why I started this journey in the first place. I've become lazy over the past few cold, dark months, and it's beginning to catch up with me. The scale is creeping up pound by pound, but I flat out refuse to get in the 140s again. You got me, pounds. You've officially scared me back into working my ass off.

I started to feel crappy on Monday...sick crappy. My throat was hurting, my head was a bit achy, and I was extremely tired. I remembered my friend Starr mentioning an app that tracks your water intake, so I took the opportunity to drink the day away with some high quality H20 to try to flush out the sickness. According to the Water Your Body app, someone of my weight (135lbs) should to be drinking 68oz of water per day. I wish I had downloaded this app MONTHS ago! I feel AWESOME just from drinking more water. Not only that, but any trace of feeling sick is gone. I definitely flushed it out with frequent potty breaks at work. You'd think this would be a big "DUH" moment for me because everyone knows how important it is to be well hydrated, but like I said, I've become lazy over the past few months.

On Monday evening (Jan 14/Day 265), I did this workout...

All of that was a breeze until I got to the 20 lunges. If it weren't for The Biggest Loser coming on that night, I probably wouldn't have worked as hard. It's sad that I need outside sources to get me going these days. I don't know what's going on with me lately, but my motivation is few and far between. 

I didn't do a workout on Tuesday since I thought I was getting sick. I chugged water like mad yesterday and today. I think it worked because I feel much better today.

I happened to discover a tasty sandwich idea on the Internet a few weeks ago, and I decided to give it a try. Egg and avocado? UM...YUMMY. 

Mine wasn't that pretty, nor was it in a tortilla, and I "lazied down" the recipe a lot, but it was still fantastic! I made this as a small meal after choir practice Tuesday night.

Egg whites, avocado, and sriracha!

Today's breakfast was some organic yogurt and 34oz of water.

Today, I was able to do another hour elliptical workout as soon as I got home from work. The sun came out and I was feeling motivated. I had to take advantage of my desire to work HARD because it hasn't been around for a while...

After my workout, I craved another avocado and egg white sandwich, but this time I added some blue corn tortilla chips, salsa, and spinach.

I'm trying, guys. I'm hoping I'm as motivated tomorrow as I was today...

I've been repeating some things to myself all day today:  I'm doing this to continue to get healthy. I've learned from others' mistakes, I've learned from my mistakes, and I shouldn't be too hard on myself for slipping a bit. I need to prove to myself that I can follow through with something I start.

I've been re-motivated by my cousin Stacy's Blog, Tired of the Jiggle. Her posts and the fact that she started her own blog reminded me that my blog HAS made a difference to people to want to be healthier just like Beth's blog motivated me... 

I just need a little push, or maybe a shove. 

Day 258: Food and Fitness...My Tug of War

My hormones and the weather we've been having lately has made me a hungry, hungry hippo. The cold and the rain just make me want to plop on the couch and channel/Netflix surf with a big bag of chips...

I was decent for the most part today, though. I lunched at Jason's Deli with Craig, but I had a root beer with my lunch... I ordered half a California Club with a cup of French Onion soup and some fruit. I'm glad they offer reduced portions of those foods because I'm a bit in shock after seeing the calorie count on those two items.  Eek.

It was my first day back at work, and it was a bit hectic, but I got through it.

After work, Craig and I walked for about 45 minutes around campus. It wasn't as long as our usual walks, but at least we were done before it got dark. It felt great to get moving and get my heart rate up for a bit, but I felt like I needed more.

So when I got home, I heated up some frozen edamame in the microwave and just noshed on that with 3 slices of turkey pepperoni as my very small supper. While I was munching, the latest episode of the Biggest Loser came on JUST in time because I was starting to feel like I had done "enough" for the day with my walk on campus.

NOPE. The Biggest Loser motivated me to get off my keister and go for another hour during the show. I went to my long lost pal Sworkit to do 5 minutes of stretching and then 45 minutes of a full body work out. Thanks to the Jillian Michaels workouts I've been doing since it got too cold for me to bike, I finally know how to do an "inch worm" properly! Since I don't have much space in my apartment, I did a pushup between each rep instead of moving forward.

The people on the show were and are usually very inspiring. I figure if they can lose hundreds of pounds, I can lose 30! Their strength helped me push harder during my workout. I might have to play the show while I do ALL of my indoor workouts from now on! 

I need to become more disciplined with my intake again, though. I'm looking forward to my next trip to the grocery store so I can load up on more veggies! I've got to rediscover my motivation and drive to get out of this slumpy plateau rut thing that I'm in right now. 

I fought off so many cravings today it was pathetic. I had to yell at myself in the car like a crazy person to NOT stop at Sonic on the way home because French fries sounded amazing during my commute. I'm weakening!! Help! 

Day 256: Hi, Elliptical. It's been a while.

So yesterday, (Friday), I took an off day to clean and do some work for LIT. I didn't get as much done as I wanted over the holiday break, but isn't that always the case? Also, I have realized that I've forgotten my work e-mail password since I just changed it before the break, so I may have to reset it on Monday. Way to go, Mel.

Even though I rested yesterday, I did manage to stick some little notes all over my apartment that would motivate me to move a little more. Just some exercise suggestions for when I want a snack...

        

I intend to do my best to observe and follow my little notes as much as I can... It's just an experiment for now.

Today's weather has been pretty dreadful. It's cold, it's wet, and it's dark. No biking. After lots of restless pacing, a bit of piano practice, and a lovely day-after birthday call with my pal Amy, I decided to go to my good ol' apartment complex's gym for some elliptical action.

It's been about 2 months since I last went to the gym here at my apartment complex, so it was nice to go back today and get in some good time on the elliptical. I've got a lot on my mind lately, so by the time I knew it, I had already been on the elliptical for an hour and 6 minutes!! I reached for my phone to record my time and calories burned, but apparently the dang thing goes back to zero once you've pedaled for an hour for your cool down. I was so irritated that I just dismounted the thing and lumbered back to my apartment. The digital meter said that I burned about 580 calories in 1 hour.

I've been snacking on leftover pasta with my ground turkey low-carb marinara sauce today as well. Cold weather always makes me want to eat heftier meals. =P

I am FORCING myself to sleep early tonight because tomorrow will be the first day I'll have to wake up before 9 a.m. in the past 2 weeks!

Now, I chill and try to do more work. I hope everyone's Saturday has been restful!

Day 254: 13 Miles & Better Weather

Hooray for SUNSHINE! This is the first day Southeast Texas has seen sunshine in several days! Maybe even a couple of weeks!

I've been pretty terrible about sleeping REALLY LATE all winter break and not waking up till 9:30, 10, or even 11 the past 2 weeks. Waking up early for youth mass on Sunday is going to SUCK. Since I woke up pretty late again, I just made myself some lunch...

I made myself 3 cheese ravioli with ground turkey in low carb mushroom marinara and skim mozzarella with romaine drizzled with Italian dressing. My eyes were way more hungry than my tummy, and I barely ate half of what I put in my bowls. The amount I made should last me at least 3 more meals. Now, if Nick stops by to eat some, it'll all be gone because that guy does love his pasta. I doubt this will happen since school is now back in full swing for him, though. It was fun while it lasted, boyfriend! I'll see you again in August! ;)

After I let myself digest a while, I rushed out to the hike & bike trail to soak in the sun. The difference that better weather made in my speed was not surprising. The winds were still on opposite sides of usual, and they seemed stronger today than yesterday. The long stretch of the windy side was VERY challenging.

I bike while they moo and cheer me on...
At least that's what I like to think.

I was able to bike 1 more lap than the day before in about the same amount of time. The lack of rain was a big help, but it was still quite cold and windier than I would have liked, but I dealt with it.

I've been meaning to post about the fantastic purple Camelbak water backpack that Nick got me for our date-iversary back in November! I haven't really had the chance to use it much since I haven't been biking very much, but it's come in GREAT handy over the past 2 days that I've biked! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants an efficient way to stay hydrated during a workout.

I'd really like to get a more accurate way of tracking how many calories I'm burning and how fast I'm traveling on my little bike. I've started looking in to purchasing one of those GPS heart rate monitor devices soon. Anyone have any recommendations?

I might have to take a break on Friday because my bum is pretty sore. I can't help but wonder how I biked EVERY DAY during the summer and got so used to sitting on a bike seat for so long... We'll see how I'm feeling and how the weather goes Friday.

After my ride, I went back home, did lots of laundry, and tried to be productive on a work project that I've been struggling with for the past couple of months. I think I'm just trying too hard... 

I made myself a smaller supper later since I got so full from the pasta I had for lunch. I just had a fried egg on wheat toast with more romaine with Italian dressing.

Here's to continuing the journey. See you guys at my next post!

Day 253: Oooooh, I hear pedaling in the rain

Day 253's blog post title is brought to you by the extremely lovely, legendary yet fairly feminine voice of Neil Sedaka.

I conquered one of my fears today. I biked in not-so-ideal weather. I didn't do it to the point where I knew my safety was at risk (i.e. there wasn't lightning, winds weren't insane, and visibility was still very good). Besides, I blogged on day 252 that I was GOING to bike and that only rain or darkness would stop me. The rain wasn't bad enough for me to feel like I shouldn't go, and it was a huge pain in the butt for me to air up my tires so I was determined to make it happen. It was pretty cold, though... (43ºF/6ºC) with a wind chill factor of 37ºF/2ºC.

I layered up with 2 long sleeved fitted shirts, a thick hoodie, tights, socks, thick sweat pants, my rain jacket and I headed on out to the hike & bike. I felt like one of those little kids you see overly bundled up for the cold weather because I felt so bulky.

Shortly after this photo was taken,
there was much less smiling.

Things shifted during this ride. During my first lap, I realized that the wind was on opposite ends of the loop, so I already knew this ride was going to be a challenge. I'm so used to the difficult side of the loop being where it is that I had to psych myself up to work harder on my usually "easy" stretch.

I did my "usual" 11 miles, but this ride was FAR from usual. I haven't felt this challenged in a while, and I'm sure it was due to a mixture of several things. I haven't biked since uh.....I can't remember!! I know it's been at least a month, though. Add the change in wind direction and the annoying splashes of rain, and I was on the verge of miserable during laps 1-3. By my 4th lap, I was exhausted, but DETERMINED to finish strong. I pedaled like mad to get back to my car because I was cold and wet, but I also pedaled harder because I didn't want the windy side to defeat me.

I brought the remainder of the cupcakes I made for new year to Nick after my ride because I didn't want to be tempted to eat them, and he was gracious enough to give me some dry clothes to wear on my drive back home. Thanks, boyfriend! I'm sure I was a pitiful site in my drenched state.

After an awesome hot shower, I inhaled some bangus (milkfish) with a brown and white rice mixture and a tomato.

Then it was off to choir practice in Fannett. It was an atypical practice since so many members were missing due to different circumstances, but we gained one new member (hopefully!), so I'm excited about that!

I ate a turkey dog with a slice of wheat bread and some dijon mustard with some shrimp chips when I got back to my apartment after practice.

I'm not sure if I'll bike in the rain like that again, but I'm happy to say that at least I tried it.  I couldn't help but think of my boss lady Beth's first marathon while I was out there. She ran 26.2 miles in very similar conditions, and I figured if she could do that, I could bike a measly 11!


I must take advantage of these last few days I have off that I can bike in the daylight. Gah, March 10! hurry up and get here already, please! I miss you, Daylight Savings Time.

Tomorrow's weather will be cold again, and I think the rain will be gone. You better believe I'll be out there.

Day 252: Every Day is a Happy New Year!

It's lucky 2013! Welcome to another year!

When you step back from the fanfare that is celebrating the new year, it really is "just" another day. What makes people so excited about just another day? What is it about JUST the first day of the first month that makes people want to resolve to change some part of their lives so dramatically?

I'm not trying to take the celebration of the arrival of the new year by any means, but if you think about it, why do people start to want to change on the 1st of the year? Why not just start NOW no matter what time of year it is? After all, each day of the year is a BRAND NEW DAY.

I can't even begin to describe how many times I made a new year's resolution to lose weight and be healthier. The old me had this mindset that my attitude would change immediately with the new year, and I think this is why so many people who intend to make this resolution fail. When results are slow, when muscles and joints ache, when fatigue sets in, people tend to give up. **All of that is part of the process!! Your body is changing, so of course you will be tired!** It's only temporary! I offer my biggest kudos to those who have actually STUCK to a new year's weight loss resolution!!

The decision to become healthier and to lose weight can happen in an instant, but the process to reach your goal is definitely not an overnight ordeal nor is it something that just HAPPENS. It takes true dedication, sacrifice, will power, work, and strategy. That all might sound like it's too hard to do, but it really ISN'T if you remove the negativity from the process and if you want it badly enough.

In my case, April 25, 2012 was my "New Year." My attitude just changed, and I did what I had to do to get to where I am now. I know I've been stuck in a winter mode holiday lazy spell over the past couple of months, but I am catching it NOW and nipping it in the bud before it catches up with me. I almost feel like I'm coming out of hibernation. I refuse to let my hard work go to waste.

Today's light workout was something that almost ANYone can do:  CLEANING!  Did you know that chores can burn calories some major calories if you speed up the process a bit? Put some oomph in your vacuuming, and you'll get your heart rate up in no time. 

Of course, this is not the ideal daily substitute for a good solid 20-60 minute cardio workout such as biking, dancing, running, or a good strength training workout, etc., but it helps! 

I'm looking forward to my last couple of days off until I return to work on Monday so that I can actually BIKE again!! I don't care how cold it is tomorrow, Friday, or Saturday... I'M GOING. The rain or darkness are the only things that will stop me. 

So no matter when you start, I hope this new year gets you going and/or KEEPS you going. Cheers to 2013 and all the happiness I wish it to bring to you all!