September, Sweaty, September

Today is the last day of the Awesome August challenge.  It was great! I’m down four pounds.  More than anything else I am very proud of myself for being consistent with my strength training.  It’s been a month now with working on the fundamentals.  I have been doing three full body workouts a week.  

This is the first time I have really stuck with a weight training plan.  I set up a profile at Body Space at www.bodybuilding.com.   There is a tremendous amount of great information, training programs, and motivation on this site.  I think I’m ready to work on one of these plans BUT I’m a little apprehensive about working out in the free weights section of the gym.  I have to admit I am still working on building my self-confidence.  It will be okay.

Tomorrow I am also going to get back to my running.  I’m signing up for a November 5K.  I’m not sure how I’m going to do this.  I’m thinking about doing my running early mornings and keeping my strength training after work.  Not sure if I should do both on the same day or alternate days – this would mean I’m working out six days a week.  Right now I’m working on five or six days.  The sixth day is usually water aerobics, which isn’t too strenuous.   We’ll see how it goes.  

August was awesome.  September is going to be sweaty. :)

Awesome August Challenge - Week Four Update

I’m ready for the last few days of this Awesome August! I plan to finish strong.


I’m feeling 90%. I pushed it a little bit in the gym yesterday and feel pretty good today. I’ll probably do the same today -- a full hour, but with a less intensity.

Ugh! I confess that my sleep/bedtime goals were simply awful. I was lucky if I was in bed by 11:30 pm. I’m going to do my best to have my lights out by 10:30 pm for the rest of this month.

My fun activity was yesterday. We spent the evening laughing and talking. It was great! I also tried a new dish/recipe. I’ll upload pics later.

Awesome August Update – Week Three

Week Three was a rough week. I wasn’t feeling well. I think I had the flu. As a result, I stayed out of the gym and I focused on lighter exercise, light weights, and yoga at home. I wasn’t feeling too well on Thursday so I did not attend my meditation group, but I did keep up my home practice. I do feel the lighter exercise routine was beneficial. Even though I did not burn the amount of calories I’d like, I wasn’t eating as much either. It will all balance out.

I had a great time with a friend on Saturday. While my spirit really wanted to spend hours walking around enjoying the festival, my body just wasn’t having it. We ended up going to this little Vietnamese/Thai restaurant because she wanted me to try this soup. She claimed the spices would knock out the bug that was plaguing me. She was right! It was just what the doctor order! Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name. It was a spicy broth with bits of white-meat chicken, lots of garlic, and lemongrass. I broke out in a sweat right at the table. Sunday I saw the movie ‘The Help’ with my good friend Jennifer. It was a wonderful end to a rough week.

My sleep/bedtime has been okay. I am getting in the bed but I have been reading for at least an hour. I really think I have some type of mental block about going to bed before 11.

I’m feeling much better and ready for another awesome week!

P.S. Lastly, my tweeting has been off. I need to get back in the groove.

Awesome August Update - Week Two

Another awesome week in August for me! Last week I focused on meditation, stretching, and yoga. I know I did a really good job in this area because I was sick all weekend. I must have released some serious toxic energy! It started Friday afternoon when I started feeling really tired. That evening I had a nice therapeutic pedicure and Saturday I attended a meditation workshop. I received many confirmations and revelations during the workshop.


By the middle of the afternoon session, I started sweating and feeling dizzy. I wasn’t sure if I was going to pass out or vomit. I sat in the restroom for a good 15 minutes. I then sat in the reception area to cool off. Once I felt I was present and back in my body, I returned and manage to make it through the last two hours. Yesterday, I canceled my plans and stayed home to rest. I’m still feeling a bit off. I’m going to do some grounding meditation today. I also plan to do a light workout session in the gym today.

Awesome August Update - Week One

Happy Monday! Let’s see:

1. My meditation practice was consistent. I sat on the cushion for at least 15 minutes each day. I also attended my meditation group on Thursday night.

2. I hit my exercise goal exercising for a minimum of 60 minutes (can you say overachiever?) and burned at least 400 calories each session. My legs are sore! My knee is bothering me a little bit. This week I want to put more emphasis on my stretching routine.

3. Hydration. I could have done better in this area. I’m not tracking my water intake every day. There were a couple of times I thought I’d finish my water only to find my bottle on half full on the kitchen counter or my night stand.

4. Sleep. I am most proud of my achievement in this area. It was a struggle but I did it. One or two nights I was 10 minutes or so late get in bed but I did it! The only problem I had with going to bed by 10:30 pm is that I found myself tossing and turning until midnight and waking up at 5. I’d eventually go back to sleep until 7. It is weird how my body has gotten used to so little sleep. I do feel a bit better.

5. Play. Saturday night I attended a birthday celebration at an Indian restaurant. Food, friends, and fun! What more can I say about that?

Awesome August Challenge

Today is the first day of Healthy Loser Gal’s Awesome August Challenge. I’ve decided to fine tune a few healthy habits I’ve been working on for the past few months. One of the things I need to focus on is consistency.

1. Prayer and meditation. While I do this on a regular basis, I want to schedule dedicated time for my spiritual practice.

2. Exercise. I want to continue working out for at least 45 minutes, burning at least 400 calories per session five days a week.

3. Hydration. This is a HUGE challenge for me. I am going to drink at least 64 oz. of water each day.

4. Sleep. I am very hesitant about putting this one in writing. However, it needs to be addressed. I am not getting adequate sleep. I’m going to take a tiny step here and commit to going to bed by 10:30 pm, Monday – Friday.

5. Play. There is a HUGE opportunity in this area of my life. I work between 40 – 70 hours a week. While I had made some improvements, I need to be more consistent. I will make sure I schedule a play date each week.

Okay, I've marked my calendar to post an update next Monday.  Let’s do this!

Day 31 - Food Journal

Well, I did it! I finally kept a food journal. It wasn't as bad as I thought.

I'm also happy to say I lost 2 pounds! I don't think I mentioned it on Sunday. I keep stepping on the scale to make sure it's true.

Breakfast

Oatmeal
Coffee, water

Lunch

Turkey wrap
Salad


I also completed 22 workouts for the Awesome August Challenge.

Day 26 - Food Journal

Breakfast

Oatmeal
Coffee and water

Lunch

Pasta w/sauce
Tea

Dinner

Tilipia
Green beans
Sweet potato fries
Water

Awesome August - Yoga

Day 25 - Food Journal

Breakfast

Oatmeal
Melon
Coffee and water

Snack

Almonds

Lunch

Salad with tuna
Herbal tea

Dinner

Pasta with marinara sauce
green beans
water

Awesome August - Workout #21- Yoga

Day 24 - Food Journal

Breakfast

Black Bean burrito
coffee, water

Lunch

Salad with chicken
Iced green tea

Dinner

Turkey/Cheese wrap
Cabbage
Iced green tea

Awesome August challenge - 1-mile walk, squats, plank

Day 23 - Food Journal

Breakfast

Triple berry smoothie with whey protein
Water

Snack

Almonds

Lunch

I had to go into the office for a team meeting

two pieces veggie pizza
one piece of cake
water

Driving home was a bit stressful. I had that urge to stop by a store and pick up some junk food. Thankfully, I did not do it.

Dinner

Baked BBQ chicken
cabbage
water

Snack

popcorn


Awesome August challenge - step aerobics, crunches, and plank

Day 20 -- Food Journal

I'm really struggling these days. I know stress triggers my desire to overeat and eat junk food. I've been doing better than expected. Maintaining this blog and reading inspirational tweets have really been helping me. I also have been diligent about my daily spiritual practice. Despite all this, right now I want to rush out and buy a box of Crunch and Munch or a piece of cake!

I haven't worked out in two days because I haven't had the energy. I haven't been sleeping well. I have to admit I'm experiencing some depression. I know it is to be expected while going through this transition. Thankfully, I had a good night's rest last night so I will be able to get in a nice, gentle workout. I'm thinking I'll do some yoga later on today.

On a positive note, although I haven't lost any weight, I haven't gained any either.


Breakfast

Oatmeal
Coffee and water

Lunch

Salad (tomato, black beans, black olives), chicken
Water

Dinner

Chicken wrap

Awesome August Workout #17 - yoga

Overeaters Anonymous/Therapy - All day today I have been thinking about junk food. I knew I had to go out for dishwashing soap. I waited and waited until I felt I was in a good space before going to the store. Well, I ended up putting a box of Crunch and Munch AND a piece of cake. I walked around that store trying to convince myself to remove the items from my cart. I didn't. On my drive home, I told myself to throw them in the trash somewhere. I didn't. When I pulled up in the garage, I told myself to put the in the trash before going into the house. I didn't.

I ate a whole family size box of Crunch and Munch. All the stress, anxiety, sadness, and anger from my break up disappeared. I felt both better and yucky at the same time.

I cannot do this on my own. Last night I attended an Overeaters Anonymous meeting. Even though I'm not sure it's the venue for me, I could relate to a lot of the things that were share. After the meeting, I ate the piece of cake. I attended another meeting hours later. I even worked up the courage to share a bit.

Monday I plan to call a therapist. My employer offers eight free therapy sessions through our insurance. Even though my friends (who are ministers and life coaches) have been very supportive, I think I could use a neutral ear. It's getting to the point that I feel self-conscious about sharing my thoughts and feelings with them. I know it's more about me than them. They have all been wonderful.

Day 17 - Food Journal

I had a rough night last night. I did not sleep well. My ex stopped by for some things earlier in the evening. I really wish we were ending on more friendly terms. This process has been so emotionally draining.

This morning I wanted nothing more than to have a nice piece of cake for breakfast to make myself feel better. This was my thought when I watched into the kitchen. Fortunately, there is no longer any junk food in this house. I went for a quick walk instead. I really didn't feel like eating breakfast. I know not eating is not a wise choice. I'm already fragile emotionally. The least I can do is take care of my body. In fact, taking care of my body will eventually help my mental state. Later on today I am going to do some centering meditation and yoga.

Breakfast

Greek yogurt with protein powder with strawberries
Coffee, water

I'm better than I was this morning. I had some supportive spiritual counseling after breakfast. I just had lunch. I like the fact that he advised me to workout to work off some of the energy I am experiencing. How's that for reinforcing my path?

Lunch

Turkey wrap (turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, caesar dressing, light whole wheat torilla)
Red grapes
Water

Snack

Popcorn

Dinner

Shrimp Fajita Wrap
Tea

Awesome August - Workout #16 - Step aerobics + weights

Day 14 - Food Journal

Yay! It's cooled off a bit. I'm going for a walk in a few before it rains.

Breakfast

Oatmeal
coffee and water

Snack

Apple

Lunch

Two pieces of veggie pizza
Tea

Snack

Protein drink

Dinner

Shrimp Fajitas
Water

Workout #13 - 1 mile walk plus strength training.

While reviewing my food journal for the past two weeks, I can see many opportunities. I need to put some "kick" into my meals. I am not getting nearly enough protein and veggies. I spent some time researching recipes. I'm looking forward to preparing them. The shrimp fajitas I had for dinner were yummy and filling.

Days 12 and 13 - Food Journal

I had a hectic, stressful day yesterday. Yesterday, all I could think of was the song, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do. I did not get much sleep last night. I'm sooooo tired.

I did not exercise yesterday. I do plan on exercising today. So, I made it up to 42consecutive days of exercise.

I did manage to write down my food intake yesterday and now I can't find the piece of paper. Once I find it, I will update. If not, I did try.




Day 13

Breakfast

Oatmeal
Coffee and water

Snack

Apple and cheese

Lunch

I met my manager and a few coworkers for lunch. We all telework, so we like to get together from time to time. We went to Chili's. I really wasn't hungry, but I took advantage of the opportunity to get out.

Spinach dip and a few tortilla chips
Fried shrip and a few fries
Unsweetened tea

Dinner

I met my ex for dinner to discuss some things.

Fried calamari
Caesar salad
three slices of veggie pizza
unsweetened tea


Workout #12 - Awesome August - Yoga

Yippie!

I logged on to record Day 9 of the Awesome August and realized I reached my goal of 40 consective days of exercise! I'm going to keep going and try to exercise every day this month.

I've really been working on building my stamina this month with step aerobics. It's been way too hot to walk. I almost went out during my lunch break It was 93 degrees! I can't wait for it to cool off so I can get some fresh air.

Day 7 - Food Journal

I'm going to try to follow my meal guide as closely as possible today. I already have some chicken thawing for tonight's dinner.

Breakfast

boiled egg (protein)
apple (fruit)
multigrain English muffin (carb)
coffee and water

Snack

Smoothie - triple berry mix (fruit), almond breeze, and chocolate whey protein powder (protein)

I saved half so I already have a snack for tomorrow

Lunch

White tuna with basil and balsamic vingeratte (protein)
mini multigrain bagel (carb)
carrot sticks (veggie)

Dinner

baked chicken (protein)
steamed kale (veggie)

I completed Day 7 of the Awesome August challenge with step aerobics, stretching, plank, and crunches. I am now up to 38 consecutive days of exercise!

Day 5 - Food Journal

Not having a great day today. Busy. Stressed. I've just been grabbing what I can to eat today. I need to take the time to plan my meals.





Breakfast

Greek yogurt w/raspberries
Coffee and water

Lunch

1/2 cup pasta with sauce and ground beef
water

Dinner

I wasn't hungry so I had an apple and cheese.

Snack/Inbetween meals

Green smoothie, popcorn, okray chips


Day 5 - Awesome August Challenge
Day 36 of exercise and counting!

Step aerobics and weight training

It's only been five days and I can already see how much I need to change my eating habits. I definitely need to increase my protein intake. I also need to do a better job sleeping.

I know things will get better for me once we figure out what we're going to be doing with the house, etc. Focusing on exercising has given me a great way to channel a lot of my stress and anxiety. I can only imagine how much of a wreck I'd be if I didn't have exercise, meditation, and pray. Now, if I could only get my eating in order.

Day 3 - Food Journal

I'm a day behind on my food journal because I'm still having trouble signing into to my account. I don't even remember what happened to the piece of paper I had where I was recording my food intake from yesterday. So, this is from memory and may not be totally accurate:

Scrambled eggs, plain English muffin, water

****

Salad with chicken and Casear salad dressing, water, iced green tea

***

Hamburger Patty, green beans, Diet Coke,

***

Snacks and in-between meals - cantaloupe, okra chips, cranberries

***

Day 3 of challenge (Day 34 of exercise) - 30 mins. step aerobics

Day 2 - Food Journal

I'm having technical difficulties signing into my blog which doesn't help when I'm already resistant to keeping a food journal. I'm determined not to let it be an easy excuse for me not keeping the journal.

Breakfast

Greek yogurt, cantaloupe, water, Light multigrain English muffin


Lunch

Caesar salad, 1/2 chicken breakfast, couscous, water

Dinner

I went out for dinner. I had a large salad with chicken and water.

Snacks:

banana, cranberries


Day 33 of exercise - 30 mins. step aerobics.

Work is extremely busy. I started reading Women, Food, and God on Sunday. I will blog about my reactions to the first chapter later on this week.