Day 27: I Conquered the Craving. Screw You, Waffle Fries!

Didn't sleep enough last night, and it took a huge toll on me all day.

I've been pretty worried about my dad's situation. I had been doing relatively OK until late yesterday, but I'm better now that I got a few more answers and I was able to get regrounded by reminding myself that I don't have the means to know what the future holds, so there's no use in worrying. Again, I can't thank you all enough for your prayers...

Work was difficult to sit through today. I'm not sure if it's hormones, fatigue, anxiety, or a combination of all 3, but I had THE strongest cravings for fried food I have probably ever had in my life today.

I had my usual breakfast. I had lunch at around 11:30.

Started out with pita chips & hummus

Got tired of the taste

And I had a little oatmeal and banana too

Got full really fast. Couldn't finish

At about 3:00, the SUPER MEGA EVIL CRAVING started. Seriously. I have never had a craving for something fried and salty this strong in my life. At one point, it was so bad that I was starting to get a headache. It also doesn't help that my office neighbor is a big fan of strong air fresheners and dousing himself in way too much cologne, so the air quality wasn't exactly ideal either.

I was plotting it out. I was going to drop by Chick-Fil-A on the way home from work and work out like crazy after I ate it. I was going to order a #5 8 pack with a lemonade. I had set my mind to it, and I was going to get it, and that was it. It was a serious inner battle. All I could think of was, "But what will I put on the blog? Will I be honest and take a picture of my deliciously fried supper or will I just not include pictures at all?" I couldn't sit still! I chewed gum, I guzzled water, I walked around the building and did jumping jacks, but I still couldn't shake the strong urge to get something fried.

I guess this is what people on drugs must feel like when they're having withdrawals. I was MISERABLE.

Now, I know that it's OK to treat myself every once in a while, but I just did on Friday AND Saturday. Not only that, but I am on a very tight budget, and I need to save money because I know I'll be eating out again on Friday with my high school girlfriends before I see "Pirates of Penzance" again. Neither my wallet nor my heart and waistline can afford it.

I tried to calm my craving with a handfull of almonds and a handfull of white cheddar popcorn, and it seemed to help a little, but I was still hellbent on getting some bloody chicken nuggets and waffle fries.

I left work a little before 5 because my craving headache was getting MUCH worse. I got in the car, took a deep breath, and started the journey home.

As I approached Lucas to turn on Folsom, the moment of truth was approaching fast. Chick-Fil-A was seconds away, and I had to think fast. It was at that point that I saw that I needed to refill my gas tank! If that wasn't divine intervention, I don't know what is. Hmm... Money towards fattening food that would hinder my progress in my tinier pants journey and would only last a few measly minutes and do harm to my heart or money towards fuel for my car that I need to get to work, home, and everywhere else that would last up to two weeks?

Needless to say, my gas tank won. As I drove past Chick-Fil-A, I yelled a victorious, "SCREW YOU, WAFFLE FRIES!" buahahahaha! My headache immediately left my body, and I felt victorious!

When I got home, I was INSANELY hungry after that crazy craving battle, so I made myself some skinless chicken with a little rice and a tomato. I had some blueberry Activia and a perfectly ripe banana for dessert.

I still had chicken! It just wasn't battered & fried!

My lack of sleep really affected my desire to work out this evening, though. The rain prevented me from going to the hike & bike, too. My knee is still really sensitive, so I might hold off on running until I get a knee brace sometime this week. I decided to go to the Internet for a workout again this evening.

I DID THAT! Since I do modified "girly" pushups, I made myself do 20 instead. This workout took me about 35 minutes to complete. When I did the squats and the lunges, I used my 8 lb dumbells to give myself an extra challenge. The wall sits SUCK! Despite how hard I've been working my thighs over the past 27 days, they were still burning and wobbling like crazy during those 60 seconds. 

I felt defeated most of the day, but after the last second of my workout, I felt like I had won. 

Tomorrow is week 4, and I know I've gained a couple of pounds, but I haven't gained any inches. Eck...

But I still plan to keep going. Yep. I will keep going.

Day 26: I Resisted Ice Cream Today.

Today, as most days, had its ups and downs.

I started off strong by waking up early this morning to hit the hike & bike trail since I knew I'd be in Fannett most of the day with my parents. I headed out there at around 8:15 and biked another 11 miles. I had half of one of those Kashi Dark Mocha granola bars and a huge glass of water before I went so I wouldn't feel weak during my workout.

BICYCLE SHORTS TANLINES

I got done by about 9:40, showered, and headed to church in Fannett with a tiny bottle of vanilla kefir on the way.

It felt good to know that I'm now disciplined enough to make the time to get my workout done when I know I'll have a full schedule during the day. I spent the majority of the day at my parents' house just trying to relax and figure out what's going to happen next with my dad's health issues.

My dad will be admitted to the hospital this week for multiple tests. I truly do appreciate all the concerned texts and messages, but I don't know much at this time. I just hope and pray that it's nothing too serious and that there's something that we can do to stop or slow the process of whatever is making my dad's brain regress. All your prayers and kind thoughts are most sincerely appreciated!

I had a lovely lunch with them today after church. My mom made pusit adobo or squid adobo, which is squid boiled in vinegar and garlic. It was SO good. I tried to eat as little rice as possible.

I couldn't help myself. I got a little more...

We had some delicious mangos for dessert. It was difficult because my mom told me that she had some halo-halo ice cream! Halo-Halo is one of my FAVORITE Filipino desserts! GOOD GAHD I wanted some. Not only that, but my dad also had some Blue Bell Cookies & Cream ice cream!!

What was this sugar conscious girl to do!? I REALLY want to lose more weight by week 4, so I was strong and I RESISTED both!! It was a bit torturous, especially since I was in a bit of a stressful environment today, but I was able to do it. I tamed my sweet cravings with this scrumptiously sweet mango instead...

Less pretty than the other half,
but less messy to eat also.

I left my parents' house at around 7:00, and I had my leftovers from Ms Ruth's Carrabba's birthday dinner for supper.

Small piece of salmon, 1 lobster ravioli,
asparagus, and 1 scallop 

I had a banana for dessert. Cheers to fruit!

Well, that's all for now. My dad will be admitted to the hospital either tomorrow or Tuesday, so I will have to try to figure out if I can fit in any workouts within the next couple of days. I know I should be "excused" considering my dad is going through some scary stuff right now, but the exercising has been helping me lower my stress levels in ways I never thought possible. I find that my attention span has increased as well since I started working out. I want to have a calm and level head over the next few days with what could be discovered... 

Here's to having faith.

See you tomorrow, Day 27.

Day 25: Dinner & a Show!

I had many things on my agenda this Saturday.

I hurried up and enjoyed some apple cinnamon oatmeal when I woke up this morning...

One of my best friends (Krystal) is in from out of town, and I wanted to make time to see her. I met up with her this morning to do some shopping after my 11 mile bike ride at the Hike & Bike. There was an exceptional amount of doggy doo on the trail today... I made the mistake of not being hydrated enough when I went out there, so when I met up with Krystal at Kohls, I was EXCEPTIONALLY fatigued. Never again will I forget to hydrate after a long ride like that!

It was hard to focus on my bike ride because I kept getting phone calls and texts from a few different people on my dad's condition. I didn't mind since knowing about my dad's health is definitely more important than a bike ride, but I didn't feel like I did enough since I was in a bit of a time crunch.

My mom's been keeping me posted on what tests they want to run this week. She told me that he will probably be admitted to the hospital in the next few days. Your messages of prayers and support have truly meant a lot to us! Thank you!

After I spent some time with Krystal, I met up with Adam's family and Nick for one more graduation celebration for Adam at Cheddar's. I almost wanted to get salmon again, but I had it 2 nights in a row already! (I forgot to post my dinner from Thursday night...that's what I ate!) I opted for some potato soup, a caesar salad, and half of a sandwich instead. Not the most nutritious of options, but there's very slim pickin's when it comes to eating healthy at Cheddars...

Why do I always forget to ask for
the salad dressing on the side!?

Before I let Nick finish the rest...haha

The HUGE mound of bacon & cheese that I did NOT eat.

I actually felt ill from eating that meal when I was done. I didn't eat to the point of being too full, but the amount of cheese that was probably in the soup, and all the salt in the meal as a whole was probably much more than my system's been used to lately. It was TORTURE to resist appetizers of nommy looking chips & queso and those oh, so delicious buttery/flaky croissants that Cheddars has. I had THE hardest time resisting, but I did it!

 I'm glad Nick needed to go to Wal-Mart after lunch because I was able to walk off some of my lunch and buy some more romaine and some bananas.

At around 6:15, I met my parents at Schlotzky's for supper. I didn't make the wisest meal choice for supper, either. I'm not proud to admit it, but I got a personal cheese pizza. I didn't finish the whole thing (I ate 3/4 of it) and gave the last 2 little slices to my dad. I forgot to take pictures this evening since I was having a discussion with my parents about everything that's been happening with my dad's health and what's to be expected in the next few days. I was also focused on getting us out of the restaurant in time for "Pirates of Penzance!"

Alisa has been one of my very best friends for YEARS. She played the role of Mabel (the lead) in "Pirates" tonight and as usual, she was breathtakingly amazing! I always tear up and get goosebumps when I hear her sing. 

You must hear her sing!
She's fantastic!

I had a lovely night with my mom and dad tonight. I do hope they were able to have a good time and relax for a little while.

Also, before I go, I must say a GREAT BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my FIRST Godson, Matthew!! Happy FIFTH birthday, Matthew!! I love and miss you so so very much! I'm sorry I did not talk to you today, but I hope you had a wonderful birthday with your Mommy & Daddy!

This was the funnest photoshoot ever!

I MUST sleep now. I want to wake up early to get my workout done before I head to church so I can spend most of the day with my parents.

Day 26, I look forward to greeting you soon!

Day 24: An Off Day & 2 Cool 60-Year-Olds

Well, I have unofficially decided that Fridays will be my off days from heavy duty cardio work. I intend to start taking 2 days off per week when I lose more weight, but for now, I think this works for me. I'm glad today is a day off because my body HURTS and it needs to rest and heal. My knee is still bothering me, and the muscles in my hips and my abs are crazy sore, too! I guess this means I'm working hard enough, right?

But now for more important things...

I'd like to share 2 people in my life with you who have indirectly yet strongly influenced my desire to pursue a healthier lifestyle: My dad, and Nick's mom, Ms Ruth. This year, they are both 60.

My Dad
As I posted yesterday, my dad is having some health trouble. He just turned 60 last month on the 19th, and for the most part, I'd think he's a pretty healthy individual. He's not overweight, and his blood tests usually come back with good results, but his lifestyle is taking a toll on him. My dad has worked shift work most of my life in 12 hours nights or 12 hours days, depending on what his work schedule is. My dad has been complaining of dizziness for the past few days, so he and my mom went to the doctor yesterday to try to figure out what might be causing it. According to an MRI he had done, his brain has aged rapidly....very rapidly. According to what I was told yesterday, his brain is equivalent to the age of a 70-year-old's.

There were many medical terms thrown into the news that I didn't understand, but needless to say, I am absolutely concerned. I was so confused. Aged to 70-years-old? Does this mean that 10 more potential years of having my dad here are gone? Can it be stopped or reversed? I am trying not to worry too much because we don't have all the facts yet, and there are more tests that will probably need to be run. Not only that, but worrying does not help anything... You can't control situations like this no matter how much you worry, so why do it? Focus on the problem, try to find the solution, and pray. That's it.

The doctors are recommending that my dad either take a long vacation or retire soon so that he can focus on relaxing to prevent any more damage. They are also recommending that he take blood thinners to decrease the pressure in the vessels in his brain, and that he exercise more and change his diet.

There it is. More exercise, and a better diet. If this isn't screaming at me to improve my heath NOW, then I don't know what is. My dad is guilty of overeating and not getting enough sleep. I've seen the kind of toll that lacking sleep has done to both of my parents, and it is by far the biggest weakness in my strive to become healthier. Again, I ask for prayers for my dad's health and happiness... For both of my parents.

Ms Ruth
Today was going to be a post mainly about Ms Ruth because this would have been her 60th birthday, but I felt like I needed to share my concerns about my dad's health as well, so thanks for letting me share that. I've always thought it was cool that she and my dad were both born in the same year, so mentioning them both today worked out nicely.

Ms Ruth was an absolutely lovely person. She had many friends, she adored her children, and she often selflessly did many helpful and thoughtful things for others, including myself. In the 2 short, but wonderful years I got to know her, she treated me with nothing but love and kindness, and I miss her very much.

She passed away on October 13, 2008. It was a dreadful day to say the least. I don't mean to bring anyone down because today is and should be a day to celebrate her life, but I also feel that it's important to let everyone know that she has been one of my biggest influences to get myself healthy because of how she died. I shall not go into details in order to respect her memory and her family, but she passed away due to a massive heart attack that day. Ever since then, I have been determined to learn more about potential causes, preventative care, and ways to volunteer or donate to organizations that help with heart related research. My fitness/tinier pants journey actually began soon after she died, and I have faltered several times since. I feel like I can't let myself give up this time. I just can't, and I won't. My motivation is stronger than ever, and Ms Ruth's memory lives on within it!

For Ms Ruth... I know that you must be beaming about Nick and his accomplishments and with how far Christine has come as well. We celebrate the day you were born to bless those who knew you with your contagious laughter, your thoughtful gifts, and your great conversations. Happy 60th birthday! You inspire me every single day to do better! Thank you!


-----

I'm bringing my parents to see one of my best friends (Alisa) perform as Mabel in "Pirates of Penzance" tomorrow. I'm hoping the 3 of us have a relaxing and happy time together. Lord knows we need it!

Nick, Adam, and I will be going to Carrabba's tonight as we've done every year on Ms Ruth's birthday since 2008 to celebrate.

So raise your glass to this off day, and to two of the many people who inspire me every day.

Day 25 Starts tomorrow. It shall be a busy one, indeed!

Day 23: Lunchtime Workout & Concerns

I am VERY sore today. My inner thighs, my outer thighs, and my abs are all like, "WTF!?" Too bad, little muscles. You're going to have to get used to it so you can get stronger and more awesome.

Breakfast went as usual. If you've been reading, I don't think I have to type out what it is, right? The rest of you, refer to practically every weekday post previous to this one.

Today is another day I'm working late, so I decided to use some of the comp time I've accumulated over the past few weeks to go towards an extended lunch break for a workout. I zoomed home at around 11:15 this late morning, ate lunch, and hit the treadmill.

I ate some leftover "healthy" pizza for lunch. It tasted better today than it did yesterday for some odd reason. Perhaps the flavors had the chance to soak in to the cardboardish wheat crust over night. I ate about the same amount I had for supper last night (2 small slices) and I washed it down with 10 oz of water.

Is it wise to eat before a workout? I've noticed that I feel faint and weak if I don't eat something before working out, so I make sure to at least eat a snack every time beforehand. I drink a ton of water afterwards, and I usually take my vitamin supplements afterwards also. I wonder if there's a right way or a wrong way to eating before/after a workout. I know protein is important right after to help muscles heal more quickly, but what else? Any suggestions?

As soon as I finished eating, I got dressed and headed to the apartment gym. I power walked at 3.8 mph for a good 10 minutes, and I was able to sustain a faster run today at 4.5 mph for only 13 minutes this time. I'm guessing the faster speed and the soreness of my thighs hindered me from running longer, but looking back, I wish I could have lasted longer. I have yet to beat 23 minutes of running.

I only stayed on the treadmill for 30 minutes today since I still needed to shower and head back to work. It felt like an abrupt stop compared to my usual 45 minutes, but I still felt like I had a productive and sweaty cardio workout, though! I still have to walk back to my apartment up 3 flights of stairs, so I guess you could say my workout isn't truly over until I get up there.

My knees are bothering me a little more today, especially my left one. I think that squats stress them out a lot because I haven't felt this much sensitivity in them since the last time I used the Smith Machine and did the squats with the heavy weights. I used 8 lb weights last night when I did the big set of squats. I do hope that my knee issues don't hinder me from continuing on with this journey. I try to alternate between running and biking as much as I can so that I'm not pounding on them every single day. I've run 2 days in a row, so weather permitting, my next workout will definitely be on the bike.

-------

I had a snack of multi-grain pita chips & hummus at around 4:00 this afternoon. I ate less than the recommended serving sizes (which is 9 chips and 2 tbsp of hummus). I had 6 chips, and about 1 tbsp of hummus.

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I'm working at/attending the LIT graduation this evening, and it does not start until 7 p.m. Nick and I are planning to meet for supper somewhere, but I haven't decided where yet. Wherever we go, I intend to eat right!

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11:23 p.m.
Finally have time to sit! I left the Montagne Center at around 9:00 because Nick and I waited to see his best friend Adam after graduation. It's so good to see people who've been best friends since Kindergarten still be so close like those two. They're really like brothers! Congratulations, Adam! :)

On a side note, I got a bit of scary news about my dad today. He's fine for the most part, but he definitely needs some extra prayers and/or positive vibes sent his way. I won't elaborate too much on what happened just yet because I doubt he wants the knowledge of what's going on out there for the world to know, but it does involve his health. As an only child, I can't help but worry about both of my parents quite often. I don't have any other siblings to help me take care of them, and I already struggle with the fact that I no longer live at home to be there if they need me, but going out on my own needed to be done. Their health is a big reason why I'm trying to concentrate so much on taking care of my health...

Tomorrow is a special day, and I intend to write a special post for it. Goodnight, everyone.

Day 24 shall be a day of rest... Here's to some R&R. My knee needs it!

Day 22: The 100 Workout

Work seemed to fly by today because I had a lot to do. By the time I knew it, it was already time to go home!

Breakfast was as usual! Same ol' Honey Bunches of Oats & 2% milk.

I had another one of those Kashi steam meals for lunch, but I didn't really like it that much. I ate about 3 or 4 bites, and I started to feel sick. I ate a cup of vanilla Activia later in the afternoon as a snack.

I think the wheat pasta that Kashi uses makes my stomach feel uneasy. This happened the lat time I ate one of their steam meals. No more for me.

When I got home, I was pretty hungry since I didn't finish my lunch. I decided to make myself a small wheat crust pizza with spinach, low carb marinara, Italian seasoning, and skim mozzarella. Not gonna lie. It tasted a little cardboardy, but at least it wasn't the huge calorie packed  grease triangle that pizza typically is.

I ate two small pieces. Purty good!

Then it was time for my workout. I skyped with Celina for a while to see her and little Ena! Yay!

After our chat, I hit the workout. My knees are kind of sensitive from yesterday's run, so I decided to stay in my apartment and try another challenging workout from the good ol' Internet.

Tonight's was one I found called "The 100 Workout...."

Ho. Ly. Crap.

The 90 crunches were KILLER. My abs were cramping by 60, but I broke everything down into groups of 3 to 5, and I was able to get through it! I must be developing some good muscles in my thighs because the squats, while they were definitely challenging, were doable. I was able to do those 10 at a time. 

As for the leg lifts, I am worried that I won't be able to sit properly tomorrow without many cringing groans. Those were the most challenging moves for me. I had to break those down into groups of 4 because those muscles have not been worked since I worked out with my old personal trainer! My yoga mat was DRENCHED when I finished.

As for the running part, well, that was easy...haha! NEVER did I think I'd say that!!! I just ran around my apartment complex until the 10 minute timer went off on my phone. It was getting dark, so I needed to go inside.

That was my Day 22!

I have to work late AGAIN tomorrow since it's graduation day! I've got to take photos and see Nick's BFFSK (Best Friend Forever Since Kindergarten), Adam, is graduating! Yay! I will try to do at least 20 minutes of activity tomorrow! Perhaps I will go for a brisk walk during my lunch break. :)

Looking forward to seeing you, Day 23!

Day 21: 3 Weeks of Fitness Fun!

Blog Post #2 for the day!

I had a BUSY day today!

Breakfast was as usual (Honey Bunches of Oats with 2% milk).

Lunch was some multigrain pita chips and some roasted pine nut hummus!

...and  strawberry yogurt for dessert!

Tuesdays are typically very busy for me because I have to go to Fannett for choir practice at 7 p.m. I used to just sit around or eat a big meal at my parents' house between when I got there from work until I needed to head to the church, but now, I've decided to use that time to work out!

Since there was some SUPER CRAZINESS that went down in my hometown today with some drug addicted maniac that tried to rob the pharmacy attached to my aunt & uncle's clinic with a machete, I decided to stay close to home when I did my workout. I'm just thankful that no one got hurt! Not only that, but both of my parents aren't feeling well, so I wanted to stay close to home just incase they needed something while I was in Fannett.

When my cousin Angelyn and I were younger, we decided to find out how many turns were 1 mile on the street where we grew up with my car. We zeroed out the odometer, and drove back and forth until the mile changed. 7 was the magic number. It takes 7 times from my garage door to my aunt and uncle's driveway to travel about a mile.

I started where the silver car is
and ran towards the mailboxes

I turn the corner around my aunt & uncle's driveway..

And then I run all the way back...
I am so lucky that I got to grow up here.

This is the first time I've tried running outside since I started my fitness journey.

THE DIFFERENCE IS HUGE! Not only do you have to worry about swallowing bugs and big dogs chasing you, but the ground is not as forgiving AND breathing this humid Southeast Texas air SUCKS. I can't imagine people who try to run in a hot city. This was fresh country air, and I was gasping for breath! 

I wasn't able to run as long as I can on the treadmill. I also noticed that I don't run as fast as I do on the treadmill either. I only ran on the LONG stretch of asphalt between my house and my aunt & uncle's. when I got to the driveways, I walked and drank water. I was able to go back and forth EIGHT times. When I was growing up, I did the opposite of what I did today -- I walked the asphalt stretch and I ran the driveways. I'm really happy with the change!

The timing of the 8 runs back and forth was perfect to land right when I needed to leave for choir practice. A little over 1 mile in 25 minutes for the first time I've run outside since high school? I'll take it.

I ate the rest of yesterday's steak for supper tonight. I wasn't that hungry, so that's all I had...

Hold me closer, tiny saucer.

So since this is week 3, it's time for my weekly weigh in! 

I've lost another pound! Yay!
Hey, at least I didn't gain any!

Might as well throw in some measurements, too!

When I started 3 weeks ago:

Bust: 40"

Waist: 32"

Hips: 38"

Right thigh: 21.5"

Left thigh: 21"

Today:

Bust: 38"

Waist:  30.5"

Hips: 37"

Right thigh:  20.5"

Left thigh: 20.5"

My arms haven't changed. They're still 11" each. Weird. I'm glad the numbers have gone down, but I want them to go down more! Patience, patience, patience....and perseverance! 

Here's to Day 22 tomorrow!