If its packaged . . . dont eat it!

So I've started watching this stupid show called 'I used to be Fat' . . . addicting, thats all I have to say ;)
One thing stated on the show was 'if its packaged, dont eat it' . . . I'm gonna try following this idea for a week, see if it has any impact on my weight.

Today was a super full day, I went to Target, went to a friend's party, went to a friend's house for a social gathering, went to workout and then eventually had dinner at home at 9pm. whoa!

What I did . . .
1 mile run/walk (6.0 1min/3.5 1.5min)
1 mile run/jog/walk (6.0 30s/5.0 30s/4.0 30s/3.3 1m)
1 mile uphill/downhill @3.5
total calories burned: 500

My eating has been really crap this week, I dont know if its because my schedule is fuller or if I just dont care or I just look for the easy option. Literally something needs to happen, I need to go back to writin my food down on a daily basis and having someone check that . . . hmmm

New Recipe

I'm gonna try to add a new recipe to my meals once a week.

This week

Linguine With Walnut-Sage Pesto

 This was de-lish . . . it was easy to make and didn't require a horrid amount of work nor ingredients. I made about 1/2 the batch and had a bunch for dinner and still have a good amount for lunch tmr :) 

I cooked some green beans and broccoli so I didn't feel like my whole dinner was pasta.

Three cheers for Fitness magazine for providing me with a recipe. 

5 servings 

Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 11 minutes

Calories: 450 per serving

Ingredients

• 1/3  cup  walnuts
• 1  9-ounce package  fresh linguine (6 ounces dried)
• 1/4  cup  chopped fresh parsley
• 1    packed tablespoon fresh whole sage leaves
• 1    large garlic clove
• 1/2  teaspoon  kosher salt
• 1/4  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper plus additional to taste
• 2  tablespoons  extra-virgin olive oil
• 4  tablespoons  freshly grated Parmesan

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until lightly golden and fragrant, about 8 minutes. Let cool.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.
3. Combine the parsley, sage, garlic, salt, black pepper and walnuts in a blender; pulse until finely chopped. Drizzle in the olive oil and blend well. Add 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan; pulse quickly to combine.
4. Transfer the pesto to a serving bowl and add 1/3 cup cooking water. Add linguine and toss to combine, adding remaining pasta water as necessary. Top with remaining cheese and additional black pepper to taste.

Sometimes internet photos can be deceiving, so I had to add a photo of what it actually looked like on my plate. 

 

Great Things

Small things bring me joy and when I went to Rainbow to buy food this week I found a few nuggets that made me over the top happy.

1. BING CHERRIES . . . .

One word . . . Delicious, I have no idea when these are in season, however I know they are my most favorite fruit and they take a super long time to eat, so delicious . . . i love them, i love them, i love them!






2. Veggie Hot Dogs . . .

Dont judge me is the first thing I say . . . I totally enjoy hot dogs . . . its been over 2 years since I had one and I cant seem to find decent veggie ones. A few months ago I found veggie corn dogs that just about put me over the top with joy, but now finding these I'm one happy girl. Let me tell you going to Twins games just hasn't been the same for me knowing I wont eat a Dome Dog . . . however now with these I might just be a happier girl. :)



Today kind of sucked. I didnt have a voice . . . which not a big deal really I work at jobs where I don't have to talk at all, not because I'm a hermit but because I sign all day long, but not having a voice, not being able to talk to my dog, not being able to say simple sentences to co-workers, not being able to complain to my trainer . . . one hard fact. Funny thing is my voice was so light that my trainer had to lean in every time I said something, and for someone who doesn't like people in her bubble . . . that was a hard thing ;)

What I did . . .
3 mile elliptical
personal training
calories burned: 750

What I ate . . . 
Chobani (140)
Banana (100)
cherries (100)
salad (200)
almonds (160)
lucky charms w/milk (500)
baked potato (220)
green beans (20)
Total calories: 1440

workout joys

I have felt like crap since Thursday but today I decided was a workout day . . . I cant imagine 3 days without working out and how difficult it would be to convince myself to get back into the gym.

So I went in tonight and told myself 5 miles minimum . . . doesnt matter how it gets done, just needs to get done.

What I did . . .
2 miles jog/walk (5.3 jog, 3.5 walk)
1 mile uphill downhill @ 3.6
2 mile elliptical
total calories burned: 900

I need to find confidence in myself . . . I think that's the root of my situation, I blame a lot of stuff on my weight or my size and I honestly think it shouldn't matter what I look like (even thought I'm kind of attractive) but how I feel. I need to do like self affirmations on a daily basis or something. I've noticed that when I'm dating a guy I feel better about myself and that's kinda twisted, I should naturally feel better about myself. I'm not sure how to achieve this, however recognition is the first step . . . . right???

I'm good enough, I'm smart enough . . .

. . . and gosh darn it, people like me. 

Thats right, I'm tapping into my inner Stuart Smalley and reciting a positive affirmation. Sometimes you just need to hear positive words to make yourself think good thoughts. Honestly today rocked, it was so busy from 7am to 9pm that I didn't have time to want to rest or think about my actions.

What I did today . . .
1 mile elliptical
1 mile walk/jog
training
Calories burned: 700

Cardio was hard today, couldn't find the energy to jog, training was great, I don't think I complained too much and I actually enjoyed what we did. However I just couldn't get into my cardio workout which is sad because normally its the other way around and I love the cardio but have to tolerate the training.

What I ate . . .
coffee
banana (100)
cottage cheese and peaches (170)
dried cherries and pretzels (145)
almonds (160)
cheese crackers (190)
chobani (140)
protein bar (270)
Total Calories: 1175

I had this mini heart to heart today with my trainer focusing on my eating habits b/c I now they're horrid and I dont know what to do in order to  fix it. I told him I eat to keep my hands busy, and he said that makes sense b/c I use my hands all day, and when I work out I have a twich and always need to do something with my hands. Then he said something that totally makes sense . . . I work my butt off working out because I can challenge myself and achieve a goal, but eating doesnt work like that and I cant get instant gratification from a eating habit. Something for me to consider while I'm in the Weight Watchers line . . . totally kidding.

One more note from Stuart Smalley: "You're should-ing all over yourself" . . . "trace it, face it, and erase it"
Man Al Franken what a smart SNL character choice.

Debbie Downer

I am such a Debbie Downer . . . I literally cant think of the last time I was truly happy for more than a day at a time. I freaking need to stop comparing myself to others.

Today was awesome at the gym. Other than hearing a song that makes me want a jam a pencil in my eye my workout was fun. (Pieces of Me by Ashlee Simpson . . . arrrggg)

What I did . . . 
1.5 mile run/walk (6.0 45 sec/ 3.6 75 sec)
1 mile uphill/downhill @ 3.6
.5 mile jog/walk (5.0 1/10th of a mile / 3.6 1/20th of a mile)
2 mile elliptical
Total calories burned: 850


What I ate . . .
coffee (cinnamon . . . so good!)
chobani (pineapple) . . . 140
peaches and cottage cheese . . . 190
almonds (1oz) . . . 160
dried cherries and pretzels . . . 145
clementine . . . 50
chips . . . 300
grilled cheese sandwich . . . 250
carrots . . . 30
soup . . . 240
Total calories: 1505 (holy hannah)
how bout tmr . . . less carby foods and more vegetables ;)

One thing I MUST note . . .

BEST Chobani Greek Yogurt . . . normally the flavors make me want to puke a little and they're hard to get through, this morning I ate this in like 2 minutes while talking with my Heidi Lu . . . it was the best. I almost want to go to Target right now and buy 10 more :).

Crossroads

Last week was a HARD week. I dont know if it was the getting to work at 7am everyday, or the three meetings after school, or the additional hours with Destiny in the evenings but finding motivation to workout or eat right just didnt happen at all last week. I talked the talk on Monday, however the rest of the week occurred and I was just dead tired. I'm not going to allow myself to feel like an epic failure, I'm just gonna get up and get back into a workout routine.

The last two months I've really been battling with a decision that I just cant seem to make. Do I continue with training sessions or do I end them?
Pros to training:
- learn about strength training (that i dont do)
- forces me to go into LT during the work week
- opportunity to ask questions
- some days, its just fun
Cons to training:
- its out in Woodbury :(
- flippin expensive, and I wanna save money for summer trips
- dont feel like its getting me anywhere
- i'm never in the mood after working two jobs and not having dinner

I dont know . . . I'm literally at a crossroads. I thought after a year of paying for training sessions I'd be looking a lot different than I look now, and I really think I look the same after one year. I know my whole issue is my eating habits and maybe its time to join a program that will help me with eating. I got the whole workout thing down . . . I know what to do when it comes to working out, but working out doesnt matter if I'm eating pizza 3 times a week and candy everyday of the week.
Funny thing is I've tried to bring up the whole decreasing training and/or stopping with my trainer and its almost as if its not even a subject worth talking about. Ho hum . . . 

I went to Lifetime tonight and physically it wasn't hard to push myself, however when I was running I had the worst pain in my side, I pushed through it . . . but it was a pain.

What I did . . .
1 mile walk/run (45 sec @ 6.0; 75 sec @ 3.5)
1 mile uphill/downhill @ 3.5
2 mile elliptical

Eating . . . not worth mentioning today.

Uber Busy

My week is uber busy however I'm still managing time to get to the gym.

Heres what I'd like to post in follow up to my previous statement . . . I'm working from 7am until 4pm only to work again from 4:15pm to 6:15pm, for three days out of this week, not including the time I'm spending at work meetings that will go beyond 4:00 and force me to shift my time during the 2nd job. I'm still managing to find time to get to the gym 4 times this week and have short relaxing moments at home. If I can find time to do this and still be alive and kicking, then my friends you should too.

However I"m not rude and blunt like that so all i'm stating in wow i'm uber busy :)
Just kidding . . . love you all, I just hope you're able to spend a little time focusing on your health.

What I did . . . . 
1 mile elliptical
2 mile walk/jog
training
total calories burned: 700

What I ate . . .
coffee

4 clementines
protein bar
protein shake
fries
baked potato
green beans
no calories counts, but I didnt do too horrible

Daily Mile :)

After a week of changing my eating habits I lost no pounds . . . of course.
I decided to try one week of doing protein drinks/bars for lunch then in the evening having salad/soup or salad/vegetables. Nothing no weight loss . . . its very peculiar how my body works.

On a friend's blog there was a comment about this website Daily Mile, I had to check it out. I'm all over it. It seems on this website you can document how many miles you've done in a day and you can post different types of workouts (biking, elliptical, walking, running, or whatnot). Theres even a way to challenge people and it'll post where you're at and how many miles a week you're averaging. I"m totally into this site. I honestly think that anyone thats doing the 1000 mile challenge should sign up for a account on this site, its free and takes about 3 seconds to do so.

If you sign up for an account with Daily Mile, let me know I'll add you as a friend and you're miles will compete with my miles.

I didnt eat so healthy today . . . I crave Lucky Charms, I dont know why, I dont even think I ate this cereal as a kid, but recently the thought of sugary cereal and marshmallows drowning in milk sounds sooo delicious :)

I did workout however
What I did . . .
2 miles walk/jog (3.6/5.0 2min ea)
2 mile uphill/downhill walk @ 3.4
42 min on elliptical (3miles)
Total calories burned: 1250
(thats right, 7 miles completed today :) )

January

Oh January how I loathe thee
- you make teachers go back to work after a wonderful long break
- you are the farthest point from the cheerful holiday season
- you're cold . . . maybe not in Australia, but in MN you're cold
- you bring out the fake gym people, gyms are so crowded during your month
- you make me park in WI when I go places (meaning i never find a close parking spot)

What I ate . . . 
Coffee
Chobani yogurt (140 - 14)
Protein Shake (110 - 17)
Protein bar (270 - 20)
Clementine (40 - 1)
Salad (lettuce, dressing, egg, cheese, carrots) (300ish - 4)
Potato (200 - 5)
Green Beans (60 - 3)
candy (200 - 0)
Total Calories: 1320 - 64

What I did . . . 
40 minutes elliptical (3 miles)
training
Total calories: 675

New stuff

I literally cant think of a title for this, how sad is that.

Today felt very scheduled . . . go to work, make dinner, drive Sam to parents house, go workout, go home, read, go to bed . . . it was weird. Not a big deal, just different than it has been the last two weeks.

What I did . . . 
10 minute elliptical
training
3 mile jog/walk (1/4 mile @ 5.0, 1/10 mile @ 3.6)
1 mile uphill/downhill walk (90 sec ea @ 3.4)
total calories burned: 1050

What I ate . . . 
coffee
chobani yogurt (140 - 14)
Protein shake (120 - 23)
protein bar (280 - 21)
banana (100 - 1)
salad: lettuce, carrots, egg, cranberries, dressing, cheese (200 - 3)
soup (120 - 6)
green beans (20 - 2)
some candy (300 - 0)
Total calories: 1280 - 70

Ok so the new things. I decided to add a couple of pages to the blog (on the right side of the screen). One page is for the 1000 mile challenge, I'm gonna eventually see if I can make it more interactive and see if others can post where they're at. 2nd I added another page for my protein reviews. It seems I try new stuff once a month and they're so scattered, so I'm gonna keep them all on one page.

Lovin this blog thing :)

Sooo Tired

Yesterday was the first day back to work after a super long break. I forgot how tired at night I get. I even totally lost track of time after work and had to reschedule training. I'm a mess ;)
I planned on going in to LTF around my area, but that didnt happen, just once I hit the couch I was done for the evening.
Its only Tuesday . . . we're good :)

I'm super proud of what I ate . . . I think it was good and filling and low calories so yey for one day on the right track :)

What I ate . . .
Coffee
Chobani Yogurt (140 / 14)
Protein Shake (120 / 23)
Protein Bar (270 / 20)
Clementine (35 / 1)
Green Apple (100 / 1)
Baked Potato (200 / 5)
Salad (300 / 5)  . . . with cheese, with dressing I'm assuming its 300 calories
Total: 1165 / 69

New Protein Shake . . .
My review :)

Pure Protein, at the store they had 3 flavors, chocolate, vanilla and cookies and cream . . . I choose cookies and cream.
I didnt realize but all protein crap at the store is either chocolate, peanut butter or vanilla . . . seems odd to me that something that you're supposed to intake is covered in candy and junk. Or what seems like candy and junk.

This wasnt too bad. I dont like drinking from bottles so I think tmr I'm gonna pour into a cup and see if that changes anything.

Otherwise it was good. I have to admit, shakes in bottles are kind of expensive, I might have to break down and buy protein powder.






I dont know if you've noticed, but to the right side of my blog I added a page called 1000 mile challenge. I'll be posting where I'm at in this challenge and how I got there. Feel free to leave comments and stuff if you'd like.
I'm also going to be calling out friends on here that are doing the challenge and stating where they're at :)

New Year Excitement

Is it bad that b/c yesterday was Saturday I didnt associate it with a new year. I feel that the "new year" should start on a Sunday . . . a clean break right? lol

So the day was a lazy day filled with watching television, eating and feeling like all I wanted to do was sleep.
I'm not complaining, in two days work starts back up and then my days will be back to 15 hour days that provide little down time . . . ahh the joys of my life :)

What I did . . . 
My abs or stomach or whatever kill really bad so there was no running which is sad, but whatever.
45 minute elliptical (3.25 miles)
45 minute bike (12.5 miles)
Total calories burned: 875

The whole challenge thing, for myself I'm not going to include biking miles, I think it'll be too easy to accumulate 1000 miles with biked miles . . . so for me its 1000 miles by walking/running or elliptical (which is sort of assisted running)

Resolutions
I hate resolutions, I know its something that most people do during the new year, but I fail so bad at them. I cant even remember what I thought about last year. Instead of resolutions here's what I want to have happen this year . . . stop being stupid with the boys, I need just time for myself, too many times I think of my appearance or my attitude based on what guys think. This year is going to be about Cheri, and Cheri being happy. Live on a budget, money has really been stressing me out lately and I need to eliminate some of thing things from my life, so this year I'm gonna reduce my spending and save more and maybe even possibly  go to Europe. Man I hope the Europe thing happens :) Reduce my carb intake I love bread and chips and crackers and pasta but just because I don't eat meat doesn't mean I need every meal to be about 1000 grams of carbohydrates, this one will be a tricky one, but I'll post my meals and we'll see how it goes. Lastly the dreaded weight loss goal, everyone establishes one every year. Last year I managed to loose 13lbs within the whole year, not so great considering how much I do. This year I would bless the heavens if I could triple that . . . we'll see we'll see.