I'm still here! I've definitely been lacking on the post writings... life sometimes just takes you and limits the amount of time for things such as this.
I promise to make a more valiant effort in the future.. But it's update time!
I'm still going strong, my eating has been really good; and now that I find I'm accustomed to this style I don't feel the need to measure everything I eat, I eyeball it. Plus I'm not afraid to cheat anymore. There was a time when I thought eating a piece of cake meant I'd gain 5lbs, when in reality it's just another excuse to go for a run, or get some extra cardio in!
I'm happy to say that I've ALMOST reached my 2nd goal, which was an additional 10lbs loss, to bring me to 160lbs. This morning I weight 160.7lbs I am OH SO CLOSE!
But here's some measurements for you!
Original measurements as of June 25th, 2011
Weight: 182.3lbs (down 2.7lbs since starting with Lisa)
Chest: 36.5"
Waist: 37"
Hips: 44"
Mid Thigh (R): 24.5"
Mid Calf (R): 15"
Bicep (R): 12.5"
Flexed Bicep (R): 13"
Total Inches: 182.5"
Measurements now! As of September 16, 2011
Weight: 160.7lbs (down 21.6lbs)
Chest: 34" (down 2.5")
Waist: 31" (down 6"!!!)
Hips: 40.5" (down 3.5")
Mid Thigh (R): 20.5" (down 4")
Mid calf (R): 14.5" (down 0.5")
Bicep (R): 12" (down 0.5")
Flexed Bicep (R): We didn't get this measurement, but my guess is 12.5"
Total Inches: 165" (down a total of 17.5 inches overall!)
I'll update with photos later!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Getting back in the swing of things.
Since my foot injury, I've had very little exercise and strength training. What does that mean? It gave Lisa permission to kick my butt harder than before, and trust me, she's taking full advantage!
I've have 2 training sessions now, I barely remember the first. The second was a good one. I feel revitalized. My muscles hurt, believe me; when I was done that workout yesterday I literally walked down the stairs sideways, there was no going forward my quads, hamstrings and glutes were burning. My rubbery arms were shaking as I held onto the railing (They really should install slides for us poor folks doing weight training on the second floor!)
Here's a typical training session:
- I show up, sign in and warm up on the bike for 5 minutes.
- I die
- I go home.
Haha, no I'm just kidding.
After my warm up, Lisa will either start with lower or upperbody. Yesterday it was more like full body. I did the Hack-Squat machine for the fist time in over a month. And I did FIVE sets. FIVE (I usually do 3, sometimes 4, with weight increases each set) albeit I had no weight increase this time (I think), due to my weak left leg muscles.
Then we alternate, lower body, upperbody. She had me doing above head lifts, leg pushes, rowing pulls and some other things I've probably blocked out of my head! haha.
I will tell you this though, your water consumption is directly related to your ability to maintain a clear head through your workout. I probbably had only the equivalent of 500mL of water yesterday (for the whole day) and while I was exerting myself through some ses/reps I was feeling light headed. But when I have had a lot of water, the dizzy feeling is significantly less, and much more manageable.
I'm feeling it today, but it's a good feeling. It reminds me of how hard I worked, which put some pep in my step, and gives me energy.
I've have 2 training sessions now, I barely remember the first. The second was a good one. I feel revitalized. My muscles hurt, believe me; when I was done that workout yesterday I literally walked down the stairs sideways, there was no going forward my quads, hamstrings and glutes were burning. My rubbery arms were shaking as I held onto the railing (They really should install slides for us poor folks doing weight training on the second floor!)
Here's a typical training session:
- I show up, sign in and warm up on the bike for 5 minutes.
- I die
- I go home.
Haha, no I'm just kidding.
After my warm up, Lisa will either start with lower or upperbody. Yesterday it was more like full body. I did the Hack-Squat machine for the fist time in over a month. And I did FIVE sets. FIVE (I usually do 3, sometimes 4, with weight increases each set) albeit I had no weight increase this time (I think), due to my weak left leg muscles.
Then we alternate, lower body, upperbody. She had me doing above head lifts, leg pushes, rowing pulls and some other things I've probably blocked out of my head! haha.
I will tell you this though, your water consumption is directly related to your ability to maintain a clear head through your workout. I probbably had only the equivalent of 500mL of water yesterday (for the whole day) and while I was exerting myself through some ses/reps I was feeling light headed. But when I have had a lot of water, the dizzy feeling is significantly less, and much more manageable.
I'm feeling it today, but it's a good feeling. It reminds me of how hard I worked, which put some pep in my step, and gives me energy.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Oh Happy Day!
Can I just say that I'm feeling terrific these days!? I'm finally able to move around like a somewhat normal human being. I can't go up on mt tip toes or anything, and it aches like crazy when it rains so far, but I"m slowly building the muscles back in my legs, and can actually get my own glass of water!
On top of that, I've been able to go to the gym and use the recumbent bike. I LOVE that thing. No stress on my foot or joints and I can finally get some much needed cardio in. I've been 3 times so far, and did an hour each time, steadily increasing my speed and resistance. Next week I get to start back with the lovely Lisa; I can't wait to get back into the swing of things!
As I mentioned earlier, I've been trying out some new recipes to fulfil some cravings. So far I've made black bean brownies and pizza crust/"bread" sticks! Both turned out fantastic! Now the brownies aren't your typical brownie, it's not ladden with sugar (although the recipe does call for 1/4 cup which is optional... I chose not to include it) I'll post some pictures and a recipe for that later; but right now the star attraction...
This my friends, is a low carb, healthy pizza crust, or bread sticks. It's also gluten free for those who need it. There's a secret ingredient. No there's not, but the big star of this masterpiece? Cauliflower. That's right, that white sibling to Broccoli, that most people steam and top with cheese sauce.
While perusing the internet I've discovered this wonderful secret that people have been hording, it's called riced cauliflower. Essentially, it's just cauliflower cut up into tiny pieces about rice size. You can either steam it for and then cut it all up (or use a food processor like I did) or do the same with it raw and cook it in the microwave. (I did an entire head, put a little but of water in the bowl and cooked it for about 6 minutes or so - I did that much because I was testing some other creations with it as well)
What's great about this riced cauliflower is it's a perfect accompaniment for things like stir fries, or any other meal that involves rice. I've read that many people make their own chicken fried "rice" meals, which I intend to make soon! But enough chat, here's the skinny:
Cauliflower Pizza Crust/"Bread"sticks
In a bowl combine the following:
1 cup cooked riced cauliflower
1 egg
Seasonings (I made mine with Italian Seasonings)
Optional: Cheese. The original recipe called for 1 cup of cheese, but it's doable without any at all. I chose to shred 1 ounce of low fat/light cheddar, which really makes it taste great as a breadstick. If I were to make it as a pizza crust, I would probably omit the cheese in the crust so I could use it, or a little more on the top ;)
Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and mould into your desired shape. Bake at 450F for 15 minutes. (I'd put it in for a little longer if using as a crust, to make it crispier)
After it's done, cut it up and enjoy it with Marinara Sauce, or Salsa, or anything else! It doesn't quite taste like bread, but it doesn't taste like cauliflower either. It's got a great consistency!
On top of that, I've been able to go to the gym and use the recumbent bike. I LOVE that thing. No stress on my foot or joints and I can finally get some much needed cardio in. I've been 3 times so far, and did an hour each time, steadily increasing my speed and resistance. Next week I get to start back with the lovely Lisa; I can't wait to get back into the swing of things!
As I mentioned earlier, I've been trying out some new recipes to fulfil some cravings. So far I've made black bean brownies and pizza crust/"bread" sticks! Both turned out fantastic! Now the brownies aren't your typical brownie, it's not ladden with sugar (although the recipe does call for 1/4 cup which is optional... I chose not to include it) I'll post some pictures and a recipe for that later; but right now the star attraction...
This my friends, is a low carb, healthy pizza crust, or bread sticks. It's also gluten free for those who need it. There's a secret ingredient. No there's not, but the big star of this masterpiece? Cauliflower. That's right, that white sibling to Broccoli, that most people steam and top with cheese sauce.
While perusing the internet I've discovered this wonderful secret that people have been hording, it's called riced cauliflower. Essentially, it's just cauliflower cut up into tiny pieces about rice size. You can either steam it for and then cut it all up (or use a food processor like I did) or do the same with it raw and cook it in the microwave. (I did an entire head, put a little but of water in the bowl and cooked it for about 6 minutes or so - I did that much because I was testing some other creations with it as well)
What's great about this riced cauliflower is it's a perfect accompaniment for things like stir fries, or any other meal that involves rice. I've read that many people make their own chicken fried "rice" meals, which I intend to make soon! But enough chat, here's the skinny:
Cauliflower Pizza Crust/"Bread"sticks
In a bowl combine the following:
1 cup cooked riced cauliflower
1 egg
Seasonings (I made mine with Italian Seasonings)
Optional: Cheese. The original recipe called for 1 cup of cheese, but it's doable without any at all. I chose to shred 1 ounce of low fat/light cheddar, which really makes it taste great as a breadstick. If I were to make it as a pizza crust, I would probably omit the cheese in the crust so I could use it, or a little more on the top ;)
Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and mould into your desired shape. Bake at 450F for 15 minutes. (I'd put it in for a little longer if using as a crust, to make it crispier)
After it's done, cut it up and enjoy it with Marinara Sauce, or Salsa, or anything else! It doesn't quite taste like bread, but it doesn't taste like cauliflower either. It's got a great consistency!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
I did it!!
I reached my first goal!!!
As you'll remember, I set a goal when I first started out on this journey. I made it realistic, and attainable. I didn't give myself a set amount of time, because in order to do things properly I wanted them to work their own course, well I'm sooo happy to say that this morning I'm down 20lbs! (Technically 20.5lbs)
I'm so incredibly excited!!Even more so because I've been in need of a haircut for a really long time hah, and that's what I set as my reward for reaching my goal!!
My next goal? - 10 more lbs!, once I reach 160lbs I will have attained that goal.. now, what should my reward be??
-- PS, Be sure to check out the Before & After section where I'll eventually document my results at each step and update with photos!
As you'll remember, I set a goal when I first started out on this journey. I made it realistic, and attainable. I didn't give myself a set amount of time, because in order to do things properly I wanted them to work their own course, well I'm sooo happy to say that this morning I'm down 20lbs! (Technically 20.5lbs)
I'm so incredibly excited!!Even more so because I've been in need of a haircut for a really long time hah, and that's what I set as my reward for reaching my goal!!
My next goal? - 10 more lbs!, once I reach 160lbs I will have attained that goal.. now, what should my reward be??
-- PS, Be sure to check out the Before & After section where I'll eventually document my results at each step and update with photos!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Zucchini Chips
So, as I mentioned earlier, I've been trying a few tasty, but healthy recipes as of late. Sitting around keeping off your foot has some advantages, namely spending countless hours on the internet searching out some super awesome recipes to try.
I found this next recipe while perusing Pinterest the most addicting website ever. It led to me to another website, which I've promptly lost the link to. There are a ton of blogs out there with varying recipes. Of the ones I've looked through it seems that the chips done in a food dehydrator yielded the best results, but I was quite happy with how mine turned out. Here's how:
Zucchini Chips (1 Zucchini yields a small bowl)
Needed:
Zucchini (You can use Green, or Yellow, and as many as you'd like)
Olive Oil
Parchment Paper
Baking Sheet
Spices (your choice) - I used Mrs. Dash Salt-Free Southwestern Chipotle
Mandolin Slicer/Food Processor or Sharp Knife.
How it's Done:
1. Slice your zucchini into coins about the thickness of a quarter. Mine ended up being slightly thinner because I'm still learning how to use my food processor ;)
2. Line your baking sheet(s) with parchment paper (not wax paper) then place all your zucchini coins. They can be close to one another as they shrink when cooking. Use a paper towel to press on each coin to pull out some of the excess water. Doing this allows your chips to become crispy.
3. Brush or spray olive oil very very lightly on one side only. (too much and your chips will be soggy) I poured about 1/2 Tbsp into a bowl, and used about 1/4 of the bowl thinly brushing it on. Season with your choice of spices.
4. Place in oven and bake at 250F for 35-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of your slices and your oven. If they are not yet crisp add additional time as required. Mine took about 40 minutes, some of the thicker slices weren't as crispy. It's perfectly fine to pull out those that are perfectly crispy and set aside while the remaining zucchini crisps up.
Zucchini Chips (1 Zucchini yields a small bowl)
Needed:
Zucchini (You can use Green, or Yellow, and as many as you'd like)
Olive Oil
Parchment Paper
Baking Sheet
Spices (your choice) - I used Mrs. Dash Salt-Free Southwestern Chipotle
Mandolin Slicer/Food Processor or Sharp Knife.
How it's Done:
1. Slice your zucchini into coins about the thickness of a quarter. Mine ended up being slightly thinner because I'm still learning how to use my food processor ;)
2. Line your baking sheet(s) with parchment paper (not wax paper) then place all your zucchini coins. They can be close to one another as they shrink when cooking. Use a paper towel to press on each coin to pull out some of the excess water. Doing this allows your chips to become crispy.
3. Brush or spray olive oil very very lightly on one side only. (too much and your chips will be soggy) I poured about 1/2 Tbsp into a bowl, and used about 1/4 of the bowl thinly brushing it on. Season with your choice of spices.
4. Place in oven and bake at 250F for 35-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of your slices and your oven. If they are not yet crisp add additional time as required. Mine took about 40 minutes, some of the thicker slices weren't as crispy. It's perfectly fine to pull out those that are perfectly crispy and set aside while the remaining zucchini crisps up.
Birthday Surprises!
Well, yesterday was my 26th birthday, I'm officially on the other side of 25 creeping towards 30, but I feel great! Not only that, I was given a pleasant surprise that morning when I stepped on the scale. I was 170.7lbs; if you've been following that's 0.7lbs away from my first goal!! (Which means I will soo get a much needed haircut!)
I didn't get up to anything very special due to my foot; and my daughter's been ill -- but I did manage to go out for dinner with the hubs at The Keg ;) -- I had every intention of having a wicked cheat meal, but being so close to my goal I just couldn't do it, besides the salmon I ordered with steamed asparagus was friggen tasty! But no worries, I DID indulge in dessert, we split a Cherry Cheesecake, God I love Cheesecake. I ate about 1/3 of it, it was sweet I couldn't handle anymore!
Oh and some even better news!? -- Today I was able to go to the gym, change out of my air cast boot into my runners (I really think my Shoes made a huge difference, I have the Reebok Reflex, which weigh nohting and form to your foot, any other style I probably couldn't have gotten into) Anywho, I've been able to put some pressure on my foot so I thought I'd give the recumbent bike a shot, as there's not strain on any joints etc.
Verdict? I did an hour! Mind you, I was only on level 4, and pedalled at a 60-65 the whole time (which I consider a warm up) but it felt fantastic to get my leg moving again, and I just feel awesome! I love a feeling of accomplishment!
Hopefully I won't regret it later with pain, but we shall see!
I've also been testing and tasting some really awesome healthy recipes as of late, so I'll update later with the scoop on those, and some yummy pictures too!
I didn't get up to anything very special due to my foot; and my daughter's been ill -- but I did manage to go out for dinner with the hubs at The Keg ;) -- I had every intention of having a wicked cheat meal, but being so close to my goal I just couldn't do it, besides the salmon I ordered with steamed asparagus was friggen tasty! But no worries, I DID indulge in dessert, we split a Cherry Cheesecake, God I love Cheesecake. I ate about 1/3 of it, it was sweet I couldn't handle anymore!
Oh and some even better news!? -- Today I was able to go to the gym, change out of my air cast boot into my runners (I really think my Shoes made a huge difference, I have the Reebok Reflex, which weigh nohting and form to your foot, any other style I probably couldn't have gotten into) Anywho, I've been able to put some pressure on my foot so I thought I'd give the recumbent bike a shot, as there's not strain on any joints etc.
Verdict? I did an hour! Mind you, I was only on level 4, and pedalled at a 60-65 the whole time (which I consider a warm up) but it felt fantastic to get my leg moving again, and I just feel awesome! I love a feeling of accomplishment!
Hopefully I won't regret it later with pain, but we shall see!
I've also been testing and tasting some really awesome healthy recipes as of late, so I'll update later with the scoop on those, and some yummy pictures too!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Sweet Treat!
So, if you don't own any whey protein, you really need to invest. I have 3 kinds in my pantry; Iso Gen Chocolate and Vanilla flavours, and Precision I-PLX Chocolate Peanutbutter Parfait flavour. The Iso Gen variety are a fast burning whey protein, which make them ideal for after a workout, whereas the PLX is a slower multi-source isolate complex, and is perfect for breakfast for as a protein addition to one of your meals.
I usually just mix with water and ice for a nice clean protein free of fats, and I always add a banana after a workout. If you didn't know, it's highly recommended to eat a banana after a workout for two reasons: but to restrict them in your diet otherwise, due to their natural high sugar content, and high glycemic figure.
1.) Bannanas are an excellent recovery/energy food- they contain certain minerals that restore and enhance muscle function.
2.) The natural sugars in ripe bananas are perfect for restoring optimal glycogen levels in the muscles, thereby restoring an anabolic state within the body (exercise initiates a catabolic response (muscle break- down) ) Also, the sugars will digest and cause a quick insulin response, providing the perfect "shuttle" for quickly assimilated proteins. Quick delivery is so vital because the body's ability to absorb glycogen and protein is elevated only for a short time post-workout (usually an hour)
Now the above shake has been pretty good, but I've stumbled upon an even better version, it has the taste, texture and look of a milk shake!
Here's how you make it:
1 Frozen Banana, it being frozen is the big factor. (I slice up my bananas ahead of time and freeze on parchment paper, then place in ziploc bags for easy access)
1 cup of chipped ice
1 scoop of protein powder
Water to desired texture.
I usually pulse the ice first until it's sort of like a snow cone consistency then add in the frozen banana, powder, and water and puree until smooth. The result is a non milk, low fat, high protein after workout shake! ;)
I usually just mix with water and ice for a nice clean protein free of fats, and I always add a banana after a workout. If you didn't know, it's highly recommended to eat a banana after a workout for two reasons: but to restrict them in your diet otherwise, due to their natural high sugar content, and high glycemic figure.
1.) Bannanas are an excellent recovery/energy food- they contain certain minerals that restore and enhance muscle function.
2.) The natural sugars in ripe bananas are perfect for restoring optimal glycogen levels in the muscles, thereby restoring an anabolic state within the body (exercise initiates a catabolic response (muscle break- down) ) Also, the sugars will digest and cause a quick insulin response, providing the perfect "shuttle" for quickly assimilated proteins. Quick delivery is so vital because the body's ability to absorb glycogen and protein is elevated only for a short time post-workout (usually an hour)
Now the above shake has been pretty good, but I've stumbled upon an even better version, it has the taste, texture and look of a milk shake!
Here's how you make it:
1 Frozen Banana, it being frozen is the big factor. (I slice up my bananas ahead of time and freeze on parchment paper, then place in ziploc bags for easy access)
1 cup of chipped ice
1 scoop of protein powder
Water to desired texture.
I usually pulse the ice first until it's sort of like a snow cone consistency then add in the frozen banana, powder, and water and puree until smooth. The result is a non milk, low fat, high protein after workout shake! ;)
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