OH BLOGGER!
So, how was every one's CR Weds? I had off of work today to deal with my school BS. I actually ended up staying home most of the day and working from home. No rest for the workers!
I had a decent CR day. Nothing really overly nutritious. I did stay under my 1600 calorie mark, but was not doing any planned eating. More like snacking. I even had pop corn and a small glass of sprite. So again, nothing really nutritious about today, but at least I didnt eat like 1 million calories.
Thawing out some chicken breast now that I will broil for tomorrows lunch. I am thinking salad with avocado, chicken, salsa, maybe some roasted corn. I havent started crunching any numbers as of yet, but I will let the CR world know tomorrow how everything turns out. Breakfast, the obvious usual; egg whites, salsa, almonds, etc...
So something to look forward to; Emily (her blog link is to the left) is coming into town. Can't wait to meet another CR buddy face to face. We have plans for the 8th.
Other happenings to come;
Friends Apartment Fire benefit Thursday night @ Maggie Browns (cool little neighborhood cafe and bar)
Pabst (my new pup) is coming home for the first time Saturday night!
Next Saturday my BFF's birthday bash. We are having at a local bar where a good friend bar tends. I am "catering". I will probably do some homemade hummus, veggies and fruit trays, and probably wings (for the boys).
SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!! (and may I say, I hate football!) At my friend Dre's place. I will be cooking and he will mixing the cocktails.
I have some serious CR challenges ahead of me. I like that I get to be the cook though, because I can plan my CR lifestyle around the fun and no one will notice a thing!
So what's everyone doing for the SUPERBOWL? Any sports fans out there?
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
END OF THE DAY
Okay so this is how my day has ended;
Breakfast: I ate most of my egg whites, the whole tortilla, the cheese, and salsa and flax oil
Snack: Almonds and yeah I ate em all
Lunch: I ate half my salad and all the chicken that was on the salad
Snack: 1/2 mega muffin and two calcium chews
I drank about 2 16 oz coffees (give or take the last couple cold ounces) I drink it completely free of any additives (ie; sugar and cream, etc..)
I also drank about 64 oz of bottled polland spring water
Skipped my other yogurt snack and I am not planning on dinner!
That's it. I have no real appetite for dinner. I actually came home and fixed something, but I am saving that for lunch tomorrow.
So my totals look like this;
Calories 937
protein 72
carb 64
fat 52 (the only accomplished goal!)
vitamins 86%
minerals 88%
Still low on basically the same vitamins and minerals from the previous post.
So what do I have to do? I think I need to start using brewer's yeast. I have talked about it many times before and have thus far just simply procrastinated. Maybe also start using more flax and olive oil, but isnt that just going to raise my fats? Okay I have to work on this not hungry thing. I think still it probably has a lot to do with the whole period (yuk) thing, but usually my curbed appetite doesnt last this long.
Any ideas are graciously welcomed.
Tomorrow's lunch is a bit more exciting, so maybe that will cause me to eat a bit more. Still egg whites on the table for breakfast. Almond, yogurt, and mega muffin snacks. Lunch will be this great stir fry I made tonight of chicken breast, asparagus, cauliflower, brocolli, soy nuts, a bit of oil and soy sauce. Smells like a dream!
Okay so this is how my day has ended;
Breakfast: I ate most of my egg whites, the whole tortilla, the cheese, and salsa and flax oil
Snack: Almonds and yeah I ate em all
Lunch: I ate half my salad and all the chicken that was on the salad
Snack: 1/2 mega muffin and two calcium chews
I drank about 2 16 oz coffees (give or take the last couple cold ounces) I drink it completely free of any additives (ie; sugar and cream, etc..)
I also drank about 64 oz of bottled polland spring water
Skipped my other yogurt snack and I am not planning on dinner!
That's it. I have no real appetite for dinner. I actually came home and fixed something, but I am saving that for lunch tomorrow.
So my totals look like this;
Calories 937
protein 72
carb 64
fat 52 (the only accomplished goal!)
vitamins 86%
minerals 88%
Still low on basically the same vitamins and minerals from the previous post.
So what do I have to do? I think I need to start using brewer's yeast. I have talked about it many times before and have thus far just simply procrastinated. Maybe also start using more flax and olive oil, but isnt that just going to raise my fats? Okay I have to work on this not hungry thing. I think still it probably has a lot to do with the whole period (yuk) thing, but usually my curbed appetite doesnt last this long.
Any ideas are graciously welcomed.
Tomorrow's lunch is a bit more exciting, so maybe that will cause me to eat a bit more. Still egg whites on the table for breakfast. Almond, yogurt, and mega muffin snacks. Lunch will be this great stir fry I made tonight of chicken breast, asparagus, cauliflower, brocolli, soy nuts, a bit of oil and soy sauce. Smells like a dream!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
THE CRUNCH
Okay today was like this;
Egg White and Veggie Burritos, Black Coffee, Bottled Water c/o my favorite new Clinton Hill coffee shop.....Cafe Martino's.
Snack: 1/4 cup whole almonds
Dinner: Fabulous homemade jalapeno crab cake topped with salsa
1 whole sweet potato peel and all
225 grams steamed broccoli topped with flax oil
Dessert: 1 cup dannon light and fit
Crunch:
Calories 1209 81% (Aprils making go up to 1600 because apparently I am Amazon height)
Protein: 112 grams 90%
Carbs: 114 grams 88%
Fat: 46 grams 94%
Vitamins: 84% low on B1, Folate, B5, Vitamin D and K
Minerals: 92% low on Calcium, Iron and Potassium
So today is not a great day. I totally skipped lunch. I was out until that time and then came home, put away groceries and started painting. Next thing I knew it was 4 pm and I needed to pickup my laundry. That's when I downed the almonds. Now I am finishing dinner as I type.
I also decided to plan for tomorrow. Here's the run down:
Breakfast:
1 cup egg whites with mixed peppers, 2 tablespoons of salsa, 1 teaspoon of flax, 1 slice cheddar veggie fake cheese, and 1 flax tortilla from trader joes
1/4 cup almonds
Snack:
Yogurt with blueberries and 1/2 cup fiber one
Lunch:
HUGE kale and spinach salad with carrots, broiled chicken breast, flax oil and salsa!
Snack:
Mega Muffin with Mustard
2 Viactiv Calcium Chews
At this point I will be stuffed. Actually when I plan to eat a mega muffin in the after noon I usually have to force myself to do it. I dont feel uncomfortably full like I used to when it was pizza and soda, but full to the brim. I usually have a hard time fixing and wanting dinner. You know 1600 calories is hard. Where do you add the right things that are also going to give you the nutritional punch you are looking for. That I am still working on. For instance adding the tortilla in the morning. I used to not have it, but it helps me up my total daily calories by almost 140 cal.
Okay so Emily posted today about over estimating. I have been doing that too it seems. I just got in my food scale and 85 grams of kale is a lot of freaking KALE!! Same with my almonds. I used to just measure 1/4 cup, but when you go by grams, a 1/4 cup is less than 35 grams really. I was nervous at first and wanted to succeed, so I estimated way high on a lot of stuff, especially restaurant stuff (I will continue to do that). The food scale is great, but at the same time, I have no idea what I am going to do about just not being hungry. I can probably attribute the last few days of that to the whole period thing.
I am sure that no sooner than I type this my appetite will begin to explode and I will be craving some horrible or will not pack my lunch correctly and will end up ordering something not so great from some not so great restaurant. But honestly, if I can just stay away from the bars, CR has proven to be quite easy for me. Staying out of bars and locked up in my apartment, not easy! I have to maintain my social life, but find a way to not go over board and to still make good eating and drinking decisions.
Okay have a great Sunday night all....I am off to FINALLY watch .....Little Miss Sunshine!
Okay today was like this;
Egg White and Veggie Burritos, Black Coffee, Bottled Water c/o my favorite new Clinton Hill coffee shop.....Cafe Martino's.
Snack: 1/4 cup whole almonds
Dinner: Fabulous homemade jalapeno crab cake topped with salsa
1 whole sweet potato peel and all
225 grams steamed broccoli topped with flax oil
Dessert: 1 cup dannon light and fit
Crunch:
Calories 1209 81% (Aprils making go up to 1600 because apparently I am Amazon height)
Protein: 112 grams 90%
Carbs: 114 grams 88%
Fat: 46 grams 94%
Vitamins: 84% low on B1, Folate, B5, Vitamin D and K
Minerals: 92% low on Calcium, Iron and Potassium
So today is not a great day. I totally skipped lunch. I was out until that time and then came home, put away groceries and started painting. Next thing I knew it was 4 pm and I needed to pickup my laundry. That's when I downed the almonds. Now I am finishing dinner as I type.
I also decided to plan for tomorrow. Here's the run down:
Breakfast:
1 cup egg whites with mixed peppers, 2 tablespoons of salsa, 1 teaspoon of flax, 1 slice cheddar veggie fake cheese, and 1 flax tortilla from trader joes
1/4 cup almonds
Snack:
Yogurt with blueberries and 1/2 cup fiber one
Lunch:
HUGE kale and spinach salad with carrots, broiled chicken breast, flax oil and salsa!
Snack:
Mega Muffin with Mustard
2 Viactiv Calcium Chews
At this point I will be stuffed. Actually when I plan to eat a mega muffin in the after noon I usually have to force myself to do it. I dont feel uncomfortably full like I used to when it was pizza and soda, but full to the brim. I usually have a hard time fixing and wanting dinner. You know 1600 calories is hard. Where do you add the right things that are also going to give you the nutritional punch you are looking for. That I am still working on. For instance adding the tortilla in the morning. I used to not have it, but it helps me up my total daily calories by almost 140 cal.
Okay so Emily posted today about over estimating. I have been doing that too it seems. I just got in my food scale and 85 grams of kale is a lot of freaking KALE!! Same with my almonds. I used to just measure 1/4 cup, but when you go by grams, a 1/4 cup is less than 35 grams really. I was nervous at first and wanted to succeed, so I estimated way high on a lot of stuff, especially restaurant stuff (I will continue to do that). The food scale is great, but at the same time, I have no idea what I am going to do about just not being hungry. I can probably attribute the last few days of that to the whole period thing.
I am sure that no sooner than I type this my appetite will begin to explode and I will be craving some horrible or will not pack my lunch correctly and will end up ordering something not so great from some not so great restaurant. But honestly, if I can just stay away from the bars, CR has proven to be quite easy for me. Staying out of bars and locked up in my apartment, not easy! I have to maintain my social life, but find a way to not go over board and to still make good eating and drinking decisions.
Okay have a great Sunday night all....I am off to FINALLY watch .....Little Miss Sunshine!
CRS SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!
Okay so I do not think you can use the term fever to describe the CRS meeting last night, but it was fun. I guess depending on your definition of fun. Although, I was by far the youngest, coolest member present, I had fun. Please if anyone at the meeting reads the coolest part and gets offended, don't. I just have a really sarcastic sense of humor.
The meeting was great, really. I think some were expecting a bit larger crowd, but I believe the number of people was perfect, given the location and the fact that it was a simple discussion and not a formatted meeting. Mostly people talked about their personal CR challenges (blood pressure, supplements, etc....) and received feed back from the other's on how to over come these challenges. There was also some talk about fundraising and up coming projects, but nothing specific and no definite plans were made on how this particular group could participate.
I would love to see a bit larger crowd and something a bit more organized. Maybe as the group grows we can pick particular topics and have speakers and then open discussion. In my past I have belonged to several groups that were better organized like this and it helped to grow and strengthen the group.
I look forward to working with the "key" people that are currently organizing.
With that said; the weekend has gone well.
Yesterday (Saturday) I got up and did a small bit of cleaning and then headed to Chinatown to the infamous Pearl Paint to pickup my two HUGE pieces of unstretched canvas for my art projects. I took them to my warehouse and primed them. While I was there, did a bit of work and then headed home to prepare myself for the meeting. (Prepare means change from wholy paint jeans to slacks)
Went to the meeting
Came home and crashed!
You know I havent had an appetite at all for the last two days. I was feeling achy and started to think that maybe I was getting a bug, because my stomach was all queasy. Yesterday I had a simple soup for lunch and that was it. Until I got home, found some chocolate cake my roomie had and took a couple of bites. Then I realized what was going on because I NEVER crave chocolate! I think most of the girls have caught on by now.
Low and behold; this morning I was paid a visit from the period fairy! Jeesh! So that explains it. Still do not have much of an appetite, but I forced myself to down a black coffee and egg white burrito from my favorite cafe. Egg whites, veggies, and salsa. I pick it out of the wrap. Save those calories for later.
Now that the fairy has come, the loss of appetite will pass and all will go back to normal shortly. I headed out for some Trader Joe shopping now. Going to try some quorn! I know I said that before, but this time I am telling the truth.
Until later....
Okay so I do not think you can use the term fever to describe the CRS meeting last night, but it was fun. I guess depending on your definition of fun. Although, I was by far the youngest, coolest member present, I had fun. Please if anyone at the meeting reads the coolest part and gets offended, don't. I just have a really sarcastic sense of humor.
The meeting was great, really. I think some were expecting a bit larger crowd, but I believe the number of people was perfect, given the location and the fact that it was a simple discussion and not a formatted meeting. Mostly people talked about their personal CR challenges (blood pressure, supplements, etc....) and received feed back from the other's on how to over come these challenges. There was also some talk about fundraising and up coming projects, but nothing specific and no definite plans were made on how this particular group could participate.
I would love to see a bit larger crowd and something a bit more organized. Maybe as the group grows we can pick particular topics and have speakers and then open discussion. In my past I have belonged to several groups that were better organized like this and it helped to grow and strengthen the group.
I look forward to working with the "key" people that are currently organizing.
With that said; the weekend has gone well.
Yesterday (Saturday) I got up and did a small bit of cleaning and then headed to Chinatown to the infamous Pearl Paint to pickup my two HUGE pieces of unstretched canvas for my art projects. I took them to my warehouse and primed them. While I was there, did a bit of work and then headed home to prepare myself for the meeting. (Prepare means change from wholy paint jeans to slacks)
Went to the meeting
Came home and crashed!
You know I havent had an appetite at all for the last two days. I was feeling achy and started to think that maybe I was getting a bug, because my stomach was all queasy. Yesterday I had a simple soup for lunch and that was it. Until I got home, found some chocolate cake my roomie had and took a couple of bites. Then I realized what was going on because I NEVER crave chocolate! I think most of the girls have caught on by now.
Low and behold; this morning I was paid a visit from the period fairy! Jeesh! So that explains it. Still do not have much of an appetite, but I forced myself to down a black coffee and egg white burrito from my favorite cafe. Egg whites, veggies, and salsa. I pick it out of the wrap. Save those calories for later.
Now that the fairy has come, the loss of appetite will pass and all will go back to normal shortly. I headed out for some Trader Joe shopping now. Going to try some quorn! I know I said that before, but this time I am telling the truth.
Until later....
Friday, January 26, 2007
SHUCKS!
So no trip to DC this weekend. Everyone bailed on me (after I already paid for the freakin hotel!). I thought about still going, but honestly it is cold as shit and I would love to go the CR meeting here in NYC on Saturday night. When I said yes to going to DC, I didnt even notice that I would then be missing the CR meetings, so maybe it's karma. Maybe some god or power is telling me I need to go to the CR meeting. There are all kinds of things to protest and I am sure I will have no trouble finding another rally somewhere closer to attend that will not interfere with my very first CR meeting!
So now the weekend plans look like this:
Friday night; crash! Not going out considering my late night on Weds. When I got home last night I had to clean up a bit and prepare for today's meals. I crashed about 10 pm, but could have slept a lot longer. Friday night is catch up night!
Saturday; get up EARLY! I have a trip I need to make to the library, need to visit my puppy (He's still with his mom. I will get him full time next week :)) Laundry. Need to work in my office at least 2 or 3 hours. CR meeting. Maybe a cocktail with the boyz after.
Sunday; Art! I have two pieces that have been lingering in the back of mind to create. I am not a real artist (in the trained since) but I like to dabble around with large pieces of canvas, big brushes and crazy paint and newspaper cut outs. Hey, it fills the walls of my apartment! You guys will appreciate them when I am famous! I also have a HUGE collection of punk record label stickers I would like to mount. I picked up this men at work sign (DOT) off the side of the road the other day and I think that will make a perfect backing for the stickers. (My landlord also appreciates me keeping the stickers off his fridge)
So there's the weekend wrap up. What is everyone else gonna be doing this weekend? Who if anyone that blogs is going to the CR meeting?
So no trip to DC this weekend. Everyone bailed on me (after I already paid for the freakin hotel!). I thought about still going, but honestly it is cold as shit and I would love to go the CR meeting here in NYC on Saturday night. When I said yes to going to DC, I didnt even notice that I would then be missing the CR meetings, so maybe it's karma. Maybe some god or power is telling me I need to go to the CR meeting. There are all kinds of things to protest and I am sure I will have no trouble finding another rally somewhere closer to attend that will not interfere with my very first CR meeting!
So now the weekend plans look like this:
Friday night; crash! Not going out considering my late night on Weds. When I got home last night I had to clean up a bit and prepare for today's meals. I crashed about 10 pm, but could have slept a lot longer. Friday night is catch up night!
Saturday; get up EARLY! I have a trip I need to make to the library, need to visit my puppy (He's still with his mom. I will get him full time next week :)) Laundry. Need to work in my office at least 2 or 3 hours. CR meeting. Maybe a cocktail with the boyz after.
Sunday; Art! I have two pieces that have been lingering in the back of mind to create. I am not a real artist (in the trained since) but I like to dabble around with large pieces of canvas, big brushes and crazy paint and newspaper cut outs. Hey, it fills the walls of my apartment! You guys will appreciate them when I am famous! I also have a HUGE collection of punk record label stickers I would like to mount. I picked up this men at work sign (DOT) off the side of the road the other day and I think that will make a perfect backing for the stickers. (My landlord also appreciates me keeping the stickers off his fridge)
So there's the weekend wrap up. What is everyone else gonna be doing this weekend? Who if anyone that blogs is going to the CR meeting?
Thursday, January 25, 2007
GLOBAL JUSTICE, NOT WAR!!!
Okay so this is NOT a political post. Just want to you all this weekend I am hopin down to DC for the Peace Rally. Meeting up with my mom and aunt. They are driving up from NC. I am totally stoked about going.
First big rally in DC for me. Staying right in Dupont Circle. Making posters tonight at home!! I am packing tonight so I can leave straight from work. I am a bit proud of myself (I am such a bragger). I am also packing some awesome CR treats. Every day stuff, almonds (pre measured and bagged up separately), yogurt, and mega muffins. I am just really excited that I am taking the time to really change my habits.
The one habit that has not changed; bars. Went out last night for a "hot second" or what I thought was going to be short and got convinced to go for "lesbo night" at another local bar. Had a blast, didn't get too crazy, but got home WAY late. WAY late. So work is a bit of a drag today. I ran out the door this morning without my usual fixin's of egg whites and soup, but my food intake is fine and I will have a great homemade dinner when I get home.
Short post.
Okay so this is NOT a political post. Just want to you all this weekend I am hopin down to DC for the Peace Rally. Meeting up with my mom and aunt. They are driving up from NC. I am totally stoked about going.
First big rally in DC for me. Staying right in Dupont Circle. Making posters tonight at home!! I am packing tonight so I can leave straight from work. I am a bit proud of myself (I am such a bragger). I am also packing some awesome CR treats. Every day stuff, almonds (pre measured and bagged up separately), yogurt, and mega muffins. I am just really excited that I am taking the time to really change my habits.
The one habit that has not changed; bars. Went out last night for a "hot second" or what I thought was going to be short and got convinced to go for "lesbo night" at another local bar. Had a blast, didn't get too crazy, but got home WAY late. WAY late. So work is a bit of a drag today. I ran out the door this morning without my usual fixin's of egg whites and soup, but my food intake is fine and I will have a great homemade dinner when I get home.
Short post.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
HELP?!?!
Okay here is my plan for tomorrow....Obviously posting because I want some feed back. I know I am getting the hang of this, but feedback is awesome. After all that is why we blog, right??
Meal Plan:
Breakfast:
1 cup egg whites with roasted corn and green pea mixture I made. Teaspoon of flax oil. Tablespoon of salsa.
Snacks (through out the day in no order):
1/4 cup of almonds
Dannon Light and Fit yogurt (plain)
Mega Muffin
Lunch: Faithful Cabbage Soup
Dinner: Turkey cutlets with cooked spinach (flax oil) and boiled green peas
Here's the nutritional crunch:
calories: 1519 (Aprils up suggestion)
fat: 36%
protein: 32%
carbs: 31%
Okay so low on carbs, but from what I understand not a bad thing, but maybe high in fat? Here is the fat break down;
Omega 3: 708%
Omega 6: 73%
Saturated: 40%
Cholesterol: 46%
So the fat is high, but it's the good fat, right? or no?
Here is the vitamins and mineral in general:
Vitamins: 99%
Minerals: 98%
Forgot to add earlier that I am adding 2 calcium chews per day. That is the only "supplement".
So not too bad, but here are the details;
B12 is low at 83%
Iron 91%
Potassium 86%
Everything else is high, but not too high (not in the red!)
What is close to being in the RED is Sodium, Vitamin A and Vitamin K.
So can anyone sum this up for. I see where I am lacking and have played with this quite a bit trying to get things to even out. I do not think I am that far off, but would love to know if anyone here sees anything to get worried about or any easy "fix it's".
Thanks so much again for everyone's support!!!
Okay here is my plan for tomorrow....Obviously posting because I want some feed back. I know I am getting the hang of this, but feedback is awesome. After all that is why we blog, right??
Meal Plan:
Breakfast:
1 cup egg whites with roasted corn and green pea mixture I made. Teaspoon of flax oil. Tablespoon of salsa.
Snacks (through out the day in no order):
1/4 cup of almonds
Dannon Light and Fit yogurt (plain)
Mega Muffin
Lunch: Faithful Cabbage Soup
Dinner: Turkey cutlets with cooked spinach (flax oil) and boiled green peas
Here's the nutritional crunch:
calories: 1519 (Aprils up suggestion)
fat: 36%
protein: 32%
carbs: 31%
Okay so low on carbs, but from what I understand not a bad thing, but maybe high in fat? Here is the fat break down;
Omega 3: 708%
Omega 6: 73%
Saturated: 40%
Cholesterol: 46%
So the fat is high, but it's the good fat, right? or no?
Here is the vitamins and mineral in general:
Vitamins: 99%
Minerals: 98%
Forgot to add earlier that I am adding 2 calcium chews per day. That is the only "supplement".
So not too bad, but here are the details;
B12 is low at 83%
Iron 91%
Potassium 86%
Everything else is high, but not too high (not in the red!)
What is close to being in the RED is Sodium, Vitamin A and Vitamin K.
So can anyone sum this up for. I see where I am lacking and have played with this quite a bit trying to get things to even out. I do not think I am that far off, but would love to know if anyone here sees anything to get worried about or any easy "fix it's".
Thanks so much again for everyone's support!!!
QUORN?
Nope! Didn't stop tonight and pick it up. I was in a mad rush to get home and listen to old Georgie's "state of the union". I am super stoked about going tomorrow and pick some up.
So I had a bit of a "chat" with April today about my CR goals. She thinks I need to be shooting for 1600 calories per day as opposed to my 1200, because of my height. She is right, I know. Also I know my numbers are not 100% because I have not been weighing everything, but measuring in cups and ounces. I know I am surpassing my 1200 calorie quota already.
As sad as it maybe that I will soon have to weigh and up to 1600 a day, I will. When you start CR and you are a bit heavy, and like Chris (cronology) says, waiting for that slender, beautiful body to merge, it's easy to set your calorie goals too low. For a minute you think, fuck longevity, I wanna be skinny and I wanna be skinny NOW!
But that is not why we do CR, is it? I honestly would love to loose the weight and regain confidence and self esteem. However, I know that to truly do that, a lifetime of healthy living is needed. Otherwise, why not just start a cocaine addiction or some stupid fad diet pill?
I have impressed myself with what I have learned and it shows. People around me that were very skeptical of this whole "restriction" word, now are very supportive of me. They see my cheeks slimming, my moods stabilize, my mind focus, and most important, my dedication. My coworkers are impressed that I show up daily to work with my complete breakfast, lunch and snacks packed, planned out and most importantly, that I do not deviate.
CR is great! In so many ways. It's so early for me, but I am so excited (singing from the mountain top, excited) about the future. I can not wait to go home in April to visit my family and to have them notice the difference in me as well. I can't wait to start school and know that my mind is sharp and focused. I can't wait! I can't wait! I can't wait!
But I will........
Until then, good night CR cronies!
Nope! Didn't stop tonight and pick it up. I was in a mad rush to get home and listen to old Georgie's "state of the union". I am super stoked about going tomorrow and pick some up.
So I had a bit of a "chat" with April today about my CR goals. She thinks I need to be shooting for 1600 calories per day as opposed to my 1200, because of my height. She is right, I know. Also I know my numbers are not 100% because I have not been weighing everything, but measuring in cups and ounces. I know I am surpassing my 1200 calorie quota already.
As sad as it maybe that I will soon have to weigh and up to 1600 a day, I will. When you start CR and you are a bit heavy, and like Chris (cronology) says, waiting for that slender, beautiful body to merge, it's easy to set your calorie goals too low. For a minute you think, fuck longevity, I wanna be skinny and I wanna be skinny NOW!
But that is not why we do CR, is it? I honestly would love to loose the weight and regain confidence and self esteem. However, I know that to truly do that, a lifetime of healthy living is needed. Otherwise, why not just start a cocaine addiction or some stupid fad diet pill?
I have impressed myself with what I have learned and it shows. People around me that were very skeptical of this whole "restriction" word, now are very supportive of me. They see my cheeks slimming, my moods stabilize, my mind focus, and most important, my dedication. My coworkers are impressed that I show up daily to work with my complete breakfast, lunch and snacks packed, planned out and most importantly, that I do not deviate.
CR is great! In so many ways. It's so early for me, but I am so excited (singing from the mountain top, excited) about the future. I can not wait to go home in April to visit my family and to have them notice the difference in me as well. I can't wait to start school and know that my mind is sharp and focused. I can't wait! I can't wait! I can't wait!
But I will........
Until then, good night CR cronies!
REBUTTAL
Okay why does it make more sense to freely eat processed foods (gak), heavy creams, delicately fatty desserts, etc and have to exercise like a work horse to maintain "optimal weight", then it does to follow a CR diet? It just seems easier to be well informed about the foods you eat (not obsessive as some proclaim CR is). Makes more sense to go back to nature and adopt the eating habbits of our ancestors. Makes more sense to relax with a glass of wine (knowing it's only 150 calories and easily fits into your CR's day) then it does to sweat your but off for hours upon hours per week on the treadmill.
Now, I do not down exercise at all. I love walking, biking, swimming, yoga, etc. But I find that most people's alternative to CR is exercise. We are a society that is obsessed with gym memberships, exercise machines and videos, and McDonalds. Make sense?
To each their own!
"I am one stomach virus away from my goal weight."
-Emily (The Devil Wears Prada)
Okay why does it make more sense to freely eat processed foods (gak), heavy creams, delicately fatty desserts, etc and have to exercise like a work horse to maintain "optimal weight", then it does to follow a CR diet? It just seems easier to be well informed about the foods you eat (not obsessive as some proclaim CR is). Makes more sense to go back to nature and adopt the eating habbits of our ancestors. Makes more sense to relax with a glass of wine (knowing it's only 150 calories and easily fits into your CR's day) then it does to sweat your but off for hours upon hours per week on the treadmill.
Now, I do not down exercise at all. I love walking, biking, swimming, yoga, etc. But I find that most people's alternative to CR is exercise. We are a society that is obsessed with gym memberships, exercise machines and videos, and McDonalds. Make sense?
To each their own!
"I am one stomach virus away from my goal weight."
-Emily (The Devil Wears Prada)
I FOUND QUORN!!!!
Okay so last night on the way to an art show, I stopped by the little local health food store to search for calcium chew, which they didn't carry. I walked around a bit, browsing and found in the freezer section QUORN! I have looked everywhere for this stuff (okay not really that hard, but on various shopping sprees) and have not spotted it anywhere.
I didn't pick it up last night, I just thought it would be weird walking around the Pratt gallery with my bag full of QUORN. So tonight on my walk home, I will stop by and pick some up. A little nervous about eating fungus, but hey why not?
So the art show last night was great. My friend Brian's art is awesome. He had laptop's set up to showcase his video work and had some great 60"x60" screen print paintings. I am haggling with him now to get a piece for my apartment. (You know I need to figure out to post pictures so I can share stuff with you guys!)
So today is a pretty basic day;
Egg Whites with TJ Salsa and Flax Oil
Almond and Yogurt Snack
Mega Muffin
Cabbage Soup
Same old stuff. However boring it may sound to other readers, I am getting really used to it. I am not craving other foods so much. I think I can eat egg whites for breakfast for the rest of my life and be perfectly happy. There are so many ways to cook an egg, so many veggies that can be added and GOD know's I LOVE SALSA!!! I bought some flax seed wraps from Trader Joes, so I think for dinner I will have yet another egg white omelet with salsa, but I will eat it like a burrito for variety.
One craving I did have, but easily shrugged off was orange juice. I have a little cough, not major, but thought a good dose of vitamin C would help. My mind immediately started focusing in on orange juice. I love the pulp, the sweetness, that great orangy flavor. When I got to the store this morning and starting reading lables, I realized it just was NOT worth it. I got a black coffee instead and reminded myself my diet is already pretty high in vitamin C.
I want to find out more about fresh sqeezed. I think one of those stainless steel old fashioned sqeezers would be a great addition to my kitchen decor, for one and maybe the fresh sqeezed would be substancially lower in calories. Research time. The other juice I would like to know more about, but there seems to be little around is wheat grass shots. I used to do it all the time when I was having some digestion problems. Anyone have any info; I am all ears!
Okay so last night on the way to an art show, I stopped by the little local health food store to search for calcium chew, which they didn't carry. I walked around a bit, browsing and found in the freezer section QUORN! I have looked everywhere for this stuff (okay not really that hard, but on various shopping sprees) and have not spotted it anywhere.
I didn't pick it up last night, I just thought it would be weird walking around the Pratt gallery with my bag full of QUORN. So tonight on my walk home, I will stop by and pick some up. A little nervous about eating fungus, but hey why not?
So the art show last night was great. My friend Brian's art is awesome. He had laptop's set up to showcase his video work and had some great 60"x60" screen print paintings. I am haggling with him now to get a piece for my apartment. (You know I need to figure out to post pictures so I can share stuff with you guys!)
So today is a pretty basic day;
Egg Whites with TJ Salsa and Flax Oil
Almond and Yogurt Snack
Mega Muffin
Cabbage Soup
Same old stuff. However boring it may sound to other readers, I am getting really used to it. I am not craving other foods so much. I think I can eat egg whites for breakfast for the rest of my life and be perfectly happy. There are so many ways to cook an egg, so many veggies that can be added and GOD know's I LOVE SALSA!!! I bought some flax seed wraps from Trader Joes, so I think for dinner I will have yet another egg white omelet with salsa, but I will eat it like a burrito for variety.
One craving I did have, but easily shrugged off was orange juice. I have a little cough, not major, but thought a good dose of vitamin C would help. My mind immediately started focusing in on orange juice. I love the pulp, the sweetness, that great orangy flavor. When I got to the store this morning and starting reading lables, I realized it just was NOT worth it. I got a black coffee instead and reminded myself my diet is already pretty high in vitamin C.
I want to find out more about fresh sqeezed. I think one of those stainless steel old fashioned sqeezers would be a great addition to my kitchen decor, for one and maybe the fresh sqeezed would be substancially lower in calories. Research time. The other juice I would like to know more about, but there seems to be little around is wheat grass shots. I used to do it all the time when I was having some digestion problems. Anyone have any info; I am all ears!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
SUNDAY'S PLAN FOR MONDAY
Okay so I have been working on my cron-o-meter trying to plan my week, but mostly Monday. I am really happy with my results. I was able to really up my protein without going over board on calories. My original goal was very ZONE like. 30/40/30 and it's getting much easier for me to find that balance. My vitamins and minerals are looking great as well. Still not 100%, but damn close from just basic foods. Here what tomorrow will look like;
1050 calories (saving room for a midnight snack attack or whatever else may come up)
99 grams protein (HELL YEAH)
98 grams of carbs
36 grams of fat (could be a bit higher, so that snack attack will probably be almonds)
98% of daily vitamins
95% of daily minerals
Here is what I plan to eat;
Breakfast
Egg Whites with chopped green onions and TJ salsa
Snack:
Yogurt
Lunch:
homemade cabbage soup
spinach, turkey, egg white salad with sunflower seeds and salsa
Snack:
Mega Muffin (savory)
Calcium Chew some where in the day
Okay so dinner is not listed. I am finding that I rarely have an appetite for dinner. I try to get the majority of my calories over and done with early. I have heard this has great results as far as lasting through the day, cutting down on unnecessary snacking, etc...and like I said, I rarely have the appetite. Plus I work long, late hours, so the pre planned healthy large breakfast, lunch, and snacks seem to make sense. I do not think saving 300-400 calories for a large dinner at 8-9 pm are necessary.
Now, with this plan, I can work comfortably, come home have either a low calorie snack or a glass of wine, or both :), do my blogging or reading and head to bed.
The thing that is really bothering me, is not being at 100% with my vitamins. What I am obviously lacking on is calcium and vitamin D. Now I just read today that Salmon is very high in D. I like that low calorie, high protein option for maximizing D. I will try to add salmon into my weekly diet now, maybe like 2 times per week, unless someone knows of any health risk associated with this.
If you have any other ideas on increasing calcium and vitamin D, I am all ears. The other low vitamin is B 12. I need to still research all of these quite a bit, but I am sure I will find a solution. I really do not want to supplement! If I can fix these couple of things, I feel I will be doing great. Right now all my other vitamins are off the charts just from food.
Other than that I am very pleased with my weekend. I got a lot accomplished in my apartment. I watched a good movie. Did quite a bit of walking. Listened to some great music and now tonight I am going to relax with a green tea and Frontline (PBS). Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!
Okay so I have been working on my cron-o-meter trying to plan my week, but mostly Monday. I am really happy with my results. I was able to really up my protein without going over board on calories. My original goal was very ZONE like. 30/40/30 and it's getting much easier for me to find that balance. My vitamins and minerals are looking great as well. Still not 100%, but damn close from just basic foods. Here what tomorrow will look like;
1050 calories (saving room for a midnight snack attack or whatever else may come up)
99 grams protein (HELL YEAH)
98 grams of carbs
36 grams of fat (could be a bit higher, so that snack attack will probably be almonds)
98% of daily vitamins
95% of daily minerals
Here is what I plan to eat;
Breakfast
Egg Whites with chopped green onions and TJ salsa
Snack:
Yogurt
Lunch:
homemade cabbage soup
spinach, turkey, egg white salad with sunflower seeds and salsa
Snack:
Mega Muffin (savory)
Calcium Chew some where in the day
Okay so dinner is not listed. I am finding that I rarely have an appetite for dinner. I try to get the majority of my calories over and done with early. I have heard this has great results as far as lasting through the day, cutting down on unnecessary snacking, etc...and like I said, I rarely have the appetite. Plus I work long, late hours, so the pre planned healthy large breakfast, lunch, and snacks seem to make sense. I do not think saving 300-400 calories for a large dinner at 8-9 pm are necessary.
Now, with this plan, I can work comfortably, come home have either a low calorie snack or a glass of wine, or both :), do my blogging or reading and head to bed.
The thing that is really bothering me, is not being at 100% with my vitamins. What I am obviously lacking on is calcium and vitamin D. Now I just read today that Salmon is very high in D. I like that low calorie, high protein option for maximizing D. I will try to add salmon into my weekly diet now, maybe like 2 times per week, unless someone knows of any health risk associated with this.
If you have any other ideas on increasing calcium and vitamin D, I am all ears. The other low vitamin is B 12. I need to still research all of these quite a bit, but I am sure I will find a solution. I really do not want to supplement! If I can fix these couple of things, I feel I will be doing great. Right now all my other vitamins are off the charts just from food.
Other than that I am very pleased with my weekend. I got a lot accomplished in my apartment. I watched a good movie. Did quite a bit of walking. Listened to some great music and now tonight I am going to relax with a green tea and Frontline (PBS). Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
CHERRY POPPIN!
So I went to the infamous Trader Joe's today for the first time (hence the title). It was a great experience. I really love the store and I think I will continue to go. Maybe once a week, but never again on a Saturday morning. I bet all of Manhattan was in that place!
I got some pretty basic stuff;
pasturized crab meat
almonds
sunflower seeds
jalopeno's
green onions
frozen chicken breast
frozen organic corn
and a few other things, I now can't remember
The prices were awesome. Especially the crab meat ($8.99). The cheapest I have ever bought that was $14.00. So, overall I was pretty pleased.
Now one thing that bothered me about the store was some of the packaging. I don't think that the veggies should all be pre packed in little plastic containers and bags. It's just over packaging. Most of these items in other stores would just be loose. I have no idea what their reasons are for doing it that way and there may be a completely reasonable, environmentally friendly answer. I'll find out!
My Saturday has been great, with the trip to TJ's just being icing on the cake. I woke up early and dropped my laundry. Then I came home, had some coffee and did some basic straightening and cleaning. Then off to TJ's. When I got home, I put all my groceries away and started builing my new shelves. Can you believe it....I finished them?!?!? AND they look great! I have had these shelves purchased, painted and waiting for like 2 months. I am stoked to finally have them up. I also assembled my new dog crate, did some sticker decorating, and did some deep cleaning.
Now here's the sad part of the day; Just now I went out to buy some diet cranberry juice. I figured I deserved a cocktail to celebrate my hard work. I went to 3 different stores within 3 or 4 blocks of here searching for the cranberry juice. NO LUCK!! I live in a prodominately poor hispanic neighborhood in Brooklyn. All I could find was the super sugar drinks. I began looking around the stores a bit more and noticed that they did not carry any bottled water in the coolers that was larger than the standard 1/2 liter. All the ready to drink, chilled beverages were super packed, full flavored. There was one store that didnt even carry diet pepsi or coke in the cold case. AMAZING!! And it's not just drinks. These stores had limited produce, if any, but their candy and snack isles were HUGE!!! The frozen pizza and other gak goods were in abundence. No wander people feel like they have no choice or just do not know any better.
I usually do not shop in my neighborhood anyways. There is a great store by my office and I usually stop there on my way home. I will continue not to shop in this neighborhood, too. I wrote about this a few days ago in relation to the NY transfat band. I do believe the band is credible and should be in effect, however, the more I look around the more I realize MORE MUST be done! NY has to find a way to offer good wholesome food in every neighborhood, regardless of race or economical structure.
So I went to the infamous Trader Joe's today for the first time (hence the title). It was a great experience. I really love the store and I think I will continue to go. Maybe once a week, but never again on a Saturday morning. I bet all of Manhattan was in that place!
I got some pretty basic stuff;
pasturized crab meat
almonds
sunflower seeds
jalopeno's
green onions
frozen chicken breast
frozen organic corn
and a few other things, I now can't remember
The prices were awesome. Especially the crab meat ($8.99). The cheapest I have ever bought that was $14.00. So, overall I was pretty pleased.
Now one thing that bothered me about the store was some of the packaging. I don't think that the veggies should all be pre packed in little plastic containers and bags. It's just over packaging. Most of these items in other stores would just be loose. I have no idea what their reasons are for doing it that way and there may be a completely reasonable, environmentally friendly answer. I'll find out!
My Saturday has been great, with the trip to TJ's just being icing on the cake. I woke up early and dropped my laundry. Then I came home, had some coffee and did some basic straightening and cleaning. Then off to TJ's. When I got home, I put all my groceries away and started builing my new shelves. Can you believe it....I finished them?!?!? AND they look great! I have had these shelves purchased, painted and waiting for like 2 months. I am stoked to finally have them up. I also assembled my new dog crate, did some sticker decorating, and did some deep cleaning.
Now here's the sad part of the day; Just now I went out to buy some diet cranberry juice. I figured I deserved a cocktail to celebrate my hard work. I went to 3 different stores within 3 or 4 blocks of here searching for the cranberry juice. NO LUCK!! I live in a prodominately poor hispanic neighborhood in Brooklyn. All I could find was the super sugar drinks. I began looking around the stores a bit more and noticed that they did not carry any bottled water in the coolers that was larger than the standard 1/2 liter. All the ready to drink, chilled beverages were super packed, full flavored. There was one store that didnt even carry diet pepsi or coke in the cold case. AMAZING!! And it's not just drinks. These stores had limited produce, if any, but their candy and snack isles were HUGE!!! The frozen pizza and other gak goods were in abundence. No wander people feel like they have no choice or just do not know any better.
I usually do not shop in my neighborhood anyways. There is a great store by my office and I usually stop there on my way home. I will continue not to shop in this neighborhood, too. I wrote about this a few days ago in relation to the NY transfat band. I do believe the band is credible and should be in effect, however, the more I look around the more I realize MORE MUST be done! NY has to find a way to offer good wholesome food in every neighborhood, regardless of race or economical structure.
Friday, January 19, 2007
TGIF
So thank goodness it is Friday. Even with the holiday (which I didnt take off) this has really felt like a very long week for me. But you know, my week has not been typical either, so that may be why it has felt a bit drug out.
On a normal week (pre CR) I would go out at least 3-4 nights a week with friends. Dinner, drinks at the bar, chatting, playing poker, whatever. This week I have been a bit of a home body and have spent most nights reading, setting up shelving unit in the apartment, blah.
Until....last night. I have to say CR brings on a lot of changes I would not have necessarily expected or was prepared for. I left my office around 6:30 pm and headed down to the local "spot" to have a drink with a friend. I met up with the guy that I adopting my dog from, bought some cool punk stickers from a DJ and had two drinks. I went to leave and my guy friends beg for one last round. So, I suckered in and stayed.
Well, that one last round really did me in. Now, I am the girl that normally drinks the boys under the table and holds their heads while they puke. Having 3 drinks is child's play. Last night, things were different. WAY DIFFERENT.
After drink number 3, I slipped out. On the way home stopped and picked up some dinner. Not the best CR dinner (hot and sour soup..ssshhhh don't tell!). I hopped a cab home and knew I was wasted. WASTED! Like I havent been in a long time. I ate my soup. Stumbled around the house a bit trying to tiddy up and prepare for the next day and crawled into bed.
The bed was spinning! I was getting sick! What the heck?!?!
I remember reading a while back an early blog of April's were she noticed she had become quite the light weight, too. I guess that's me now. The good news; way cheaper bar tabs!
I guess it's a good thing I tossed up my dinner last night, seeing as how it was by far NOT the perfect CR meal. Today, my stomach is still feeling a bit crazy, so I am taking it easy. Just water this morning and cereal for breakfast (when I feel like I can eat again).
So thank goodness it is Friday. Even with the holiday (which I didnt take off) this has really felt like a very long week for me. But you know, my week has not been typical either, so that may be why it has felt a bit drug out.
On a normal week (pre CR) I would go out at least 3-4 nights a week with friends. Dinner, drinks at the bar, chatting, playing poker, whatever. This week I have been a bit of a home body and have spent most nights reading, setting up shelving unit in the apartment, blah.
Until....last night. I have to say CR brings on a lot of changes I would not have necessarily expected or was prepared for. I left my office around 6:30 pm and headed down to the local "spot" to have a drink with a friend. I met up with the guy that I adopting my dog from, bought some cool punk stickers from a DJ and had two drinks. I went to leave and my guy friends beg for one last round. So, I suckered in and stayed.
Well, that one last round really did me in. Now, I am the girl that normally drinks the boys under the table and holds their heads while they puke. Having 3 drinks is child's play. Last night, things were different. WAY DIFFERENT.
After drink number 3, I slipped out. On the way home stopped and picked up some dinner. Not the best CR dinner (hot and sour soup..ssshhhh don't tell!). I hopped a cab home and knew I was wasted. WASTED! Like I havent been in a long time. I ate my soup. Stumbled around the house a bit trying to tiddy up and prepare for the next day and crawled into bed.
The bed was spinning! I was getting sick! What the heck?!?!
I remember reading a while back an early blog of April's were she noticed she had become quite the light weight, too. I guess that's me now. The good news; way cheaper bar tabs!
I guess it's a good thing I tossed up my dinner last night, seeing as how it was by far NOT the perfect CR meal. Today, my stomach is still feeling a bit crazy, so I am taking it easy. Just water this morning and cereal for breakfast (when I feel like I can eat again).
Thursday, January 18, 2007
TODAY'S FORECAST
Okay so it's cold. A bit warmer than yesterday, but still cold. Yesterday I pulled out the dreaded long johns. Obviously have not worn these in the last year (and it was within the last year that I had gained my weight) so I was extremely apprehensive about wearing them again. I knew these dang long johns were going to be tight and restricting and would totally ruin my new found glory in my "skinny jeans".
However, when I slipped them on, they fit great, pants over top and all. I know not better than last year, but I started to think maybe. I was really pleased. Over all please with how everything is going in my CR life now.
Since everyone else is posting CR success numbers, I thought I would add mine as well.
January 1st weight: 210 lbs
January 10th weight: 206 lbs
January 17th weight: 202 lbs
Too fast? Maybe. But I know that when you start restricting your calories, you can loose a good 2-5 lbs quickly and safely just from the gluclose that your liver (?) stores. Okay I don't know that for a fact, but that is what I have heard around the CR world.
So, I feel like I am doing this safely. I actually have to sometimes force myself to eat what I have planned out for the day. I never feel light headed or hungry really. Okay maybe sometimes hungry, but like what a lot of other CR people claim; the good hungry. Right before a meal. Normal hungry. The hunger most American's do not experience from day to day. I love not feeling bloated and completely stuffed beyond stuffed after every meal. Remember those days when you ate pizza or pasta or mounds of potatoes, breads, cakes, cookies? Remember how we could stuff ourselves with them and feel absolutely full by the end and then those things would just continue to grow in our belly's. Remember that miserable feeling? I am so thankful not to feel that any longer.
Oh now I am sure there are days to come where that will happen again. However, at least I am learning the techniques that steer me away from that and into a happier, healthier lifestyle.
I used to walk to and from work sometimes. Since starting CR, I have forced myself to do it daily. Cold wind, WALK. Raining, WALK! Tired, WALK! Whatever the environment is around me, no matter how I feel I make myself WALK! Now, my dreaded measly 1 mile walk has become child's play. Nothing more than a quick stroll to and fro. I need more now. So my goal this week is to avoid the elevator. I am on the fifth floor of a warehouse and will no longer use the elevator to get to my office. Let's see if stair climbing gets any easier after a week or two. Also going to try some yoga!
Okay so here is how today looks;
Breakfast: Egg Whites with FF cheddar and salsa
Snack: Mega Muffin
Lunch: Spinach Salad with broccoli, peppers, red onion, carrots, and Low Calorie French Dressing. (I probably should have made my own, but pinched for time)
Small serving of my cabbage soup
Snack: Dannon Light and Fit Reduced Calorie Yogurt
Dinner: ???? Salad or Egg White Omelet Probably
Now here's the crunch:
Calories: 837.2
Protein: 70.8
Fat: 25.6
Carbs: 88.2
Fiber: 21.5
Vitamins: 93%
Minerals: 80%
Lipids: 36%
(Not listing them all...This post is long enough already)
I have adjusted my DRI's RDA's, whatever the right term is and I am having a much better time meeting my requirements, but I have also incorporated more green leafy veggies, so between the two changes, I am feel much more confident about what I am doing.
Based on my goals, I still need to get my protein up. Fat and Carbs are doing okay, so I guess that means for freakin EGG WHITES. I have finally research brewer's yeast enough to know that it is a great source of protein. I am just nervous about how to use it. In what foods, puffs or flakes, blah, blah. So, any advice out there? I am all ears!
Okay so it's cold. A bit warmer than yesterday, but still cold. Yesterday I pulled out the dreaded long johns. Obviously have not worn these in the last year (and it was within the last year that I had gained my weight) so I was extremely apprehensive about wearing them again. I knew these dang long johns were going to be tight and restricting and would totally ruin my new found glory in my "skinny jeans".
However, when I slipped them on, they fit great, pants over top and all. I know not better than last year, but I started to think maybe. I was really pleased. Over all please with how everything is going in my CR life now.
Since everyone else is posting CR success numbers, I thought I would add mine as well.
January 1st weight: 210 lbs
January 10th weight: 206 lbs
January 17th weight: 202 lbs
Too fast? Maybe. But I know that when you start restricting your calories, you can loose a good 2-5 lbs quickly and safely just from the gluclose that your liver (?) stores. Okay I don't know that for a fact, but that is what I have heard around the CR world.
So, I feel like I am doing this safely. I actually have to sometimes force myself to eat what I have planned out for the day. I never feel light headed or hungry really. Okay maybe sometimes hungry, but like what a lot of other CR people claim; the good hungry. Right before a meal. Normal hungry. The hunger most American's do not experience from day to day. I love not feeling bloated and completely stuffed beyond stuffed after every meal. Remember those days when you ate pizza or pasta or mounds of potatoes, breads, cakes, cookies? Remember how we could stuff ourselves with them and feel absolutely full by the end and then those things would just continue to grow in our belly's. Remember that miserable feeling? I am so thankful not to feel that any longer.
Oh now I am sure there are days to come where that will happen again. However, at least I am learning the techniques that steer me away from that and into a happier, healthier lifestyle.
I used to walk to and from work sometimes. Since starting CR, I have forced myself to do it daily. Cold wind, WALK. Raining, WALK! Tired, WALK! Whatever the environment is around me, no matter how I feel I make myself WALK! Now, my dreaded measly 1 mile walk has become child's play. Nothing more than a quick stroll to and fro. I need more now. So my goal this week is to avoid the elevator. I am on the fifth floor of a warehouse and will no longer use the elevator to get to my office. Let's see if stair climbing gets any easier after a week or two. Also going to try some yoga!
Okay so here is how today looks;
Breakfast: Egg Whites with FF cheddar and salsa
Snack: Mega Muffin
Lunch: Spinach Salad with broccoli, peppers, red onion, carrots, and Low Calorie French Dressing. (I probably should have made my own, but pinched for time)
Small serving of my cabbage soup
Snack: Dannon Light and Fit Reduced Calorie Yogurt
Dinner: ???? Salad or Egg White Omelet Probably
Now here's the crunch:
Calories: 837.2
Protein: 70.8
Fat: 25.6
Carbs: 88.2
Fiber: 21.5
Vitamins: 93%
Minerals: 80%
Lipids: 36%
(Not listing them all...This post is long enough already)
I have adjusted my DRI's RDA's, whatever the right term is and I am having a much better time meeting my requirements, but I have also incorporated more green leafy veggies, so between the two changes, I am feel much more confident about what I am doing.
Based on my goals, I still need to get my protein up. Fat and Carbs are doing okay, so I guess that means for freakin EGG WHITES. I have finally research brewer's yeast enough to know that it is a great source of protein. I am just nervous about how to use it. In what foods, puffs or flakes, blah, blah. So, any advice out there? I am all ears!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
BLOGGER ARG!!!
Okay so I had some blogger trouble last night. For all those that glanced at the same post 100 times, sorry. All should be fixed at the moment.
You know I have something that I would like to BITCH about. Doing nutritional research is NOT all that easy. I am usually known amoung my circle of co-workers and friends as the internet reasearch guru, but with nutrition, food, supplements, diet related stuff, it's just not easy.
My personal opinion is because our markets are absolutely saturated with diet gimicks and crap. When you just google a topic, no doubt 90% of what you pull up is going to be a sale item; books, recipes, supplements, just plain fad CRAP!
No wonder we as American's are so dumb when it comes to the basics of nutrition. Good, reliable information is hard to find. Who knows if what you are reading is a reliable source or just some fad diet crap.
I have to stick to books that come recommended. Okay, Library Saturday 9:00 AM SHARP!
Okay so I had some blogger trouble last night. For all those that glanced at the same post 100 times, sorry. All should be fixed at the moment.
You know I have something that I would like to BITCH about. Doing nutritional research is NOT all that easy. I am usually known amoung my circle of co-workers and friends as the internet reasearch guru, but with nutrition, food, supplements, diet related stuff, it's just not easy.
My personal opinion is because our markets are absolutely saturated with diet gimicks and crap. When you just google a topic, no doubt 90% of what you pull up is going to be a sale item; books, recipes, supplements, just plain fad CRAP!
No wonder we as American's are so dumb when it comes to the basics of nutrition. Good, reliable information is hard to find. Who knows if what you are reading is a reliable source or just some fad diet crap.
I have to stick to books that come recommended. Okay, Library Saturday 9:00 AM SHARP!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
BEST CR SOUP I EVER MADE
So tonight I made a great little soup. The unfortunate part being the batch made 4 servings, so looks like I will be eating for a while. The good thing I have found is that freshly made soup usually survives a couple of days with no problem.
Here ya go:
453 grams of cabbage fresh
225 grams extra lean pork tenderloin
1/2 cup each of red onion and mixed peppers fresh
1 cup of frozen peas
3 cloves chopped fresh garlic
900 grams of Organic Reduced Sodium Veggie Broth
1 Cup Water
1/2 Whole Food Roasted Veggie Reduced Sodium Pasta Sauce
First I sauteed the onions, garlic and peppers in a olive oil pam type stuff
then added the broth, cabbage, peas, water, and chopped raw pork
Let it all stew around for about 30 minutes on a good medium high (gas) heat.
Here's the crunch. Now if anyone has any ideas on how to up the micronutrients in this, please advise....
206 Calories
15.5 grams protein
8 grams fat
18 grams carbs
6 grams fiber
6.7 sugar
Vitamin A 29%
Folate 9%
B1 67%
B2 16%
B3 23%
B5 14%
B6 43%
B12 13%
C 7%
E 2%
K 65% (my proudest moment!)
Calcium 9%
Copper 6%
Iron 7%
Magnesium 8%
Manganese 4%
Phosphorus 22%
Potassium 13%
Selenium 10%
Sodium 6%
Zinc 5%
Saturated Fat 20% (I guess the biggest problem, probably because of pork.)
Omega 3 7%
Omega 6 5%
Cholesterol 13%
Okay, so I am pretty happy with how this turned out numbers wise. My complaint yesterday was Vitamin K, so I know that cabbage and other leafy greens are the way to go and will continue to have one huge serving of those daily.
This soup is delicious and VERY easy to make!
Does anyone know what the effects of cooking veggies does to the vitamins? Isnt that why vegans are vegans? I am kinda clueless, but will continue to research.
Have a great one everybody!
So tonight I made a great little soup. The unfortunate part being the batch made 4 servings, so looks like I will be eating for a while. The good thing I have found is that freshly made soup usually survives a couple of days with no problem.
Here ya go:
453 grams of cabbage fresh
225 grams extra lean pork tenderloin
1/2 cup each of red onion and mixed peppers fresh
1 cup of frozen peas
3 cloves chopped fresh garlic
900 grams of Organic Reduced Sodium Veggie Broth
1 Cup Water
1/2 Whole Food Roasted Veggie Reduced Sodium Pasta Sauce
First I sauteed the onions, garlic and peppers in a olive oil pam type stuff
then added the broth, cabbage, peas, water, and chopped raw pork
Let it all stew around for about 30 minutes on a good medium high (gas) heat.
Here's the crunch. Now if anyone has any ideas on how to up the micronutrients in this, please advise....
206 Calories
15.5 grams protein
8 grams fat
18 grams carbs
6 grams fiber
6.7 sugar
Vitamin A 29%
Folate 9%
B1 67%
B2 16%
B3 23%
B5 14%
B6 43%
B12 13%
C 7%
E 2%
K 65% (my proudest moment!)
Calcium 9%
Copper 6%
Iron 7%
Magnesium 8%
Manganese 4%
Phosphorus 22%
Potassium 13%
Selenium 10%
Sodium 6%
Zinc 5%
Saturated Fat 20% (I guess the biggest problem, probably because of pork.)
Omega 3 7%
Omega 6 5%
Cholesterol 13%
Okay, so I am pretty happy with how this turned out numbers wise. My complaint yesterday was Vitamin K, so I know that cabbage and other leafy greens are the way to go and will continue to have one huge serving of those daily.
This soup is delicious and VERY easy to make!
Does anyone know what the effects of cooking veggies does to the vitamins? Isnt that why vegans are vegans? I am kinda clueless, but will continue to research.
Have a great one everybody!
HELP!?!?!?!
Okay I am really confused with the RDA and DRI requirements. I just do not know what is appropriate. Seems like everything I read gives a different recommendation. What are the other CR gals in the group using.
I customized my CROM to max out most of the RDA, so oblique I am not hitting them with just food as of yet. I am sure, come someday soon I will figure that out. I am hitting right at 70% of that. If I add my daily multivitamin mix, then I am at some points more than 800%. Is this safe? I know the goal is not to rely on the good old multivitamin and to get the most nutrition from food as possible, but it's hard.
I have cut out frozen foods and prepackaged for the most park. I use a bit of salsa on my egg whites, some lo-cal unflavored yogurt and I guess you could call the mega muffin pre packaged. Other than that, fresh meats, egg whites, shrimp and other fish, cabbage, peppers, onions, broccoli, blah, blah...all fresh and I have cut out all most all fruit.
I don't know if maybe I have set my targets too high. Is that possible? Or am I just not eating and cooking correctly? If anyone has any recommendations, even just a link, that would be awesome.
THANKS CR FAMILY!!!
Okay I am really confused with the RDA and DRI requirements. I just do not know what is appropriate. Seems like everything I read gives a different recommendation. What are the other CR gals in the group using.
I customized my CROM to max out most of the RDA, so oblique I am not hitting them with just food as of yet. I am sure, come someday soon I will figure that out. I am hitting right at 70% of that. If I add my daily multivitamin mix, then I am at some points more than 800%. Is this safe? I know the goal is not to rely on the good old multivitamin and to get the most nutrition from food as possible, but it's hard.
I have cut out frozen foods and prepackaged for the most park. I use a bit of salsa on my egg whites, some lo-cal unflavored yogurt and I guess you could call the mega muffin pre packaged. Other than that, fresh meats, egg whites, shrimp and other fish, cabbage, peppers, onions, broccoli, blah, blah...all fresh and I have cut out all most all fruit.
I don't know if maybe I have set my targets too high. Is that possible? Or am I just not eating and cooking correctly? If anyone has any recommendations, even just a link, that would be awesome.
THANKS CR FAMILY!!!
TRANS FAT FAD DIET?
Okay so I think most of us know to stay away from anything containing transfat. We know the risk;
Science shows that consumption of trans fat raises low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol level which increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Right now more than 12.5 million American have CHD (AIDS tops out at merely 1 million) and more than 50,000 American's die each year from CHD. CHD is the leading cause of death in the United States.
So why so much fuss about banning trans fat? "laws like the New York cities trans fat ban illustrate policymakers' predilection for governing by trends" - Washington Post
Can and will the goverment ban bread in support of an Atkin's style diet for the masses? Will bread become contraband?
Over board on the example? At first glance, that is precisely what I thought as well. However, if you read the editorial in more detail, writer, Paul Howard of the Manhattan Institute's Center for Medical Progress starts to make a lot of sense.
It is not that he is 100% against the ban. He know's that trans fat effect health and is not denying that, only stating that they (trans fats) only do it at the outside margins. The real battle with health and nutrition in a city such as NYC, is education and availability. The city is simply sending a dangerous message; one that will grab headlines, but in the long run will not change anyone's behavior. What if people start order french fries more often as a healthy alternative because now they are no longer fried in trans fat?
Some solutions he puts forth;
Increase physical activity in our schools.
To help poor urban communities gain access to healthier more affordable food.
I agree a lot with what he is saying, however, I am not totally 100% opposed to the ban of trans fat. Education is the key. The scale is SO massive, though. Maybe the ban is a form of education. How better to educate a city of millions, then through free press?
Like to if you guys have any reactions to this. Here is the link to the original article.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/12/AR2007011201675.html
Okay so I think most of us know to stay away from anything containing transfat. We know the risk;
Science shows that consumption of trans fat raises low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol level which increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Right now more than 12.5 million American have CHD (AIDS tops out at merely 1 million) and more than 50,000 American's die each year from CHD. CHD is the leading cause of death in the United States.
So why so much fuss about banning trans fat? "laws like the New York cities trans fat ban illustrate policymakers' predilection for governing by trends" - Washington Post
Can and will the goverment ban bread in support of an Atkin's style diet for the masses? Will bread become contraband?
Over board on the example? At first glance, that is precisely what I thought as well. However, if you read the editorial in more detail, writer, Paul Howard of the Manhattan Institute's Center for Medical Progress starts to make a lot of sense.
It is not that he is 100% against the ban. He know's that trans fat effect health and is not denying that, only stating that they (trans fats) only do it at the outside margins. The real battle with health and nutrition in a city such as NYC, is education and availability. The city is simply sending a dangerous message; one that will grab headlines, but in the long run will not change anyone's behavior. What if people start order french fries more often as a healthy alternative because now they are no longer fried in trans fat?
Some solutions he puts forth;
Increase physical activity in our schools.
To help poor urban communities gain access to healthier more affordable food.
I agree a lot with what he is saying, however, I am not totally 100% opposed to the ban of trans fat. Education is the key. The scale is SO massive, though. Maybe the ban is a form of education. How better to educate a city of millions, then through free press?
Like to if you guys have any reactions to this. Here is the link to the original article.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/12/AR2007011201675.html
Monday, January 15, 2007
LOOK MOM, I DID IT!
So I think I am beginning to understand things A LOT better now. Thanks, Mary so much for the excel spread sheet. It has really helped me to design my own CR.
I am not sure if my targets make sense, so please comment if you have anything you would like to add or warn me of doing before I die.
Okay here goes the targets:
1200 total calories per day
125 grams of protein per day (this is somewhere between MR's and the Zone recommendations)
35 grams of fat
96 grams of carbohydrates
It's a 42%, 32%, 26% ratio basically
Most of my mircronutrient goals are coming directly from Walford's recommendations.
I designed a sudo "quotation diet" that helps me to meet these levels. It's a bit tricky for me at the moment and it's going to take a bit more tweaking to get it all right. Without supplements and from food only, I am hitting my vitamin and mineral targets right at 80%. Vitamin K is real problem, though. When I get a bit more organized and familiar with the daily diet, I will be able to add in more green leafy veggies for that.
I am interested to know if my protein, carb, fat mix seems right or if I am looking at this complete wrong. I hear a lot of debate about protein, but MR seems to be fine with it, given his daily recommendation at 190 for my current weight, height, etc...(based on Mary's database, so if something has changed or if I am misquoting, I apologize and please advise) I am going with a lower amount of 125 as a start. Then of course regroup in a bit and see how it is working for me personally.
I am excited about my studying tonight. By no means am I an expert, but I feel in control a bit better. I have also decided to do my complete menu for the following day at night. I know it will need a bit of tweaking at the end of the day, but the early prep is good for me. I like order! If I wait until the next day to finish up my planning, I know I am just setting myself up for some disasters.
Take today for an example. I was running behind this morning, so I just packed Fiber One and Soy Milk for breakfast, a simple organic tomato soup for lunch and at 2 pm was feeling all sorts of weird, because I had nowhere near a normal amount of protein in me at that time. For me to stay on top of this, I will have to organize myself better!
When I hear other people's meal plans you can easily tell that they are looking at a much bigger picture. How certain foods make you feel during the course of the day can play a huge part in whether you can stick with this or not. It's really not hard and it is very fulfilling IF you eat correctly. I am going to shy away as much as possible from any frozen or prepared foods. I don't think that they will kill you any faster than GAK, but it's much easier to reach your nutritional goals without them.
I am really excited about my new found knowledge. I am far aware from the end result, but it makes me happy to finally be able to really understand the COM and if anyone has ANY feed back, I graciously welcome it.
So I think I am beginning to understand things A LOT better now. Thanks, Mary so much for the excel spread sheet. It has really helped me to design my own CR.
I am not sure if my targets make sense, so please comment if you have anything you would like to add or warn me of doing before I die.
Okay here goes the targets:
1200 total calories per day
125 grams of protein per day (this is somewhere between MR's and the Zone recommendations)
35 grams of fat
96 grams of carbohydrates
It's a 42%, 32%, 26% ratio basically
Most of my mircronutrient goals are coming directly from Walford's recommendations.
I designed a sudo "quotation diet" that helps me to meet these levels. It's a bit tricky for me at the moment and it's going to take a bit more tweaking to get it all right. Without supplements and from food only, I am hitting my vitamin and mineral targets right at 80%. Vitamin K is real problem, though. When I get a bit more organized and familiar with the daily diet, I will be able to add in more green leafy veggies for that.
I am interested to know if my protein, carb, fat mix seems right or if I am looking at this complete wrong. I hear a lot of debate about protein, but MR seems to be fine with it, given his daily recommendation at 190 for my current weight, height, etc...(based on Mary's database, so if something has changed or if I am misquoting, I apologize and please advise) I am going with a lower amount of 125 as a start. Then of course regroup in a bit and see how it is working for me personally.
I am excited about my studying tonight. By no means am I an expert, but I feel in control a bit better. I have also decided to do my complete menu for the following day at night. I know it will need a bit of tweaking at the end of the day, but the early prep is good for me. I like order! If I wait until the next day to finish up my planning, I know I am just setting myself up for some disasters.
Take today for an example. I was running behind this morning, so I just packed Fiber One and Soy Milk for breakfast, a simple organic tomato soup for lunch and at 2 pm was feeling all sorts of weird, because I had nowhere near a normal amount of protein in me at that time. For me to stay on top of this, I will have to organize myself better!
When I hear other people's meal plans you can easily tell that they are looking at a much bigger picture. How certain foods make you feel during the course of the day can play a huge part in whether you can stick with this or not. It's really not hard and it is very fulfilling IF you eat correctly. I am going to shy away as much as possible from any frozen or prepared foods. I don't think that they will kill you any faster than GAK, but it's much easier to reach your nutritional goals without them.
I am really excited about my new found knowledge. I am far aware from the end result, but it makes me happy to finally be able to really understand the COM and if anyone has ANY feed back, I graciously welcome it.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
EAT THAT FROG
You heard me, EAT THAT FROG! I hear that frogs can be very nutrious actually. Simmered in some butter, sprinkled with brewer's yeast and chopped almonds. YUM!
Okay, not actually. EAT THAT FROG is the name of a book that I have been reading off and on. (Written by Brian Tracy) Cute little book full of inspiration and motivation. 21 great ways to stop procrastinating and get more done in less time is the books claim to fame. Often when feeling behind, I will pick up the book and read a couple of chapters and it helps me to organize the task (or Frog to be eaten) in front of me. Getting ready to read a few chapters now.
In my previous post I do not believe I quite got the point across that I was trying to. It's not that my envy is for those CR practioners that are involved and have steady home lives, it's mostly that I am disappointed in myself for not treating my apartment as a true home. I do envy the ability that people have to stay home and be comfortable. I moved into this new apartment back in early September and have just today begun to organize my books and hang pictures. The place is really feeling cozy now. My desk is organized and ready for action! Until today I have treated my apartment as a passage way between the days of the week. Just a place to "crash".
Today, the place is beautiful and cozy and I am quite proud of my accomplishments. Now I can start to make my list of FROGS to be eaten. Now I can enjoy time at my desk or in my chair reading and studying, posting better blogs, making great dinners, etc.... I just need to relax a bit and understand that life is a work in progress and Rome wasnt built in a day. Life isnt perfect, but life can be great!
I never got around to making my homemade soup today. I actually got called into my office and that took up a good chunk of my afternoon. However, I did pack a beautiful CR lunch for tomorrow.
One FROG I would really like to eat this week would be my COM. Seems like there is quite a bit of tweaking to be done there. I have read how other people have really customized theirs and I have just been operating it with it "as is". I am excited about doing that and if anyone has any advice on projections or how to determine this from that, whatever, please let me know!
You heard me, EAT THAT FROG! I hear that frogs can be very nutrious actually. Simmered in some butter, sprinkled with brewer's yeast and chopped almonds. YUM!
Okay, not actually. EAT THAT FROG is the name of a book that I have been reading off and on. (Written by Brian Tracy) Cute little book full of inspiration and motivation. 21 great ways to stop procrastinating and get more done in less time is the books claim to fame. Often when feeling behind, I will pick up the book and read a couple of chapters and it helps me to organize the task (or Frog to be eaten) in front of me. Getting ready to read a few chapters now.
In my previous post I do not believe I quite got the point across that I was trying to. It's not that my envy is for those CR practioners that are involved and have steady home lives, it's mostly that I am disappointed in myself for not treating my apartment as a true home. I do envy the ability that people have to stay home and be comfortable. I moved into this new apartment back in early September and have just today begun to organize my books and hang pictures. The place is really feeling cozy now. My desk is organized and ready for action! Until today I have treated my apartment as a passage way between the days of the week. Just a place to "crash".
Today, the place is beautiful and cozy and I am quite proud of my accomplishments. Now I can start to make my list of FROGS to be eaten. Now I can enjoy time at my desk or in my chair reading and studying, posting better blogs, making great dinners, etc.... I just need to relax a bit and understand that life is a work in progress and Rome wasnt built in a day. Life isnt perfect, but life can be great!
I never got around to making my homemade soup today. I actually got called into my office and that took up a good chunk of my afternoon. However, I did pack a beautiful CR lunch for tomorrow.
One FROG I would really like to eat this week would be my COM. Seems like there is quite a bit of tweaking to be done there. I have read how other people have really customized theirs and I have just been operating it with it "as is". I am excited about doing that and if anyone has any advice on projections or how to determine this from that, whatever, please let me know!
THANK YOU CHICAGO CYCLIST
I can not say enough about the Chicago Cyclist (Cronology) blog. If you haven't checked it out, please do. There is a link to left.
Today's (or maybe it was Saturday's) post was exactly what I needed to read. When I do my daily log on and read what everyone has written, I am generally frustrated at the weekend post. My weekends are so different from most of the other CR people I read. I am not a "homebody" or in a relationship, so I spend most of my weekends out on the town, which inevitably leads to a bar or cocktails at a friends apartment.
I envy the people that are in relationships and stay home and cook delicious meals, read, watch TV or whatever else it is they do on their weekends. I just do not have the discipline. Seems like every Sunday I spend my day in a state of shame, desperately planning how the next week is going to be better and how next weekend, that's not going to happen.
This weekend was not actually all too bad. I stayed home and actually went to bed early on Friday. My cousin had a party at her mansion of a house on Saturday and went up to CT for that. It was fun, but I had quite a bit of wine and beer too. The worst part of it all was not the booze, but how my mind convinces me after the drinks I need a good solid meal. A non CR meal.
So obviously there is a pattern of improvement beginning. I have a lot to be thankful for this weekend. I finally got the rest of my furniture delivered and have begun "puppy proofing" the place. I have finally begun to hang my paintings and pictures. I guess I have procrastinated creating an environment that is comfortable. I believe that staying home and relaxing, practicing good CR is going to be a bit easier now. Not to mention the puppy responsibility will keep me in. I am really looking forward to that responsibility.
Like Chris (cronology) I have no data to share. No way was I going to try and figure out exactly how much wine I drank and then have to look at the numbers on my COM. No way. So we start from today. So far I have had lunch. A great soup that is now becoming one of my favorites and SO simple to make. I will have to post a recipe for it soon. I need to tweak it a bit. Maybe start adding brewers yeast or something to up the nutrition.
Ah, brewers yeast....that's why I am so pissed at myself. I was going to do some awesome CR research this weekend and start using tools like the yeast to make my nutritional info soar! Well the day is still young, so I will spend sometime today doing some research, cooking a soup and listen to some great jazz!
I can not say enough about the Chicago Cyclist (Cronology) blog. If you haven't checked it out, please do. There is a link to left.
Today's (or maybe it was Saturday's) post was exactly what I needed to read. When I do my daily log on and read what everyone has written, I am generally frustrated at the weekend post. My weekends are so different from most of the other CR people I read. I am not a "homebody" or in a relationship, so I spend most of my weekends out on the town, which inevitably leads to a bar or cocktails at a friends apartment.
I envy the people that are in relationships and stay home and cook delicious meals, read, watch TV or whatever else it is they do on their weekends. I just do not have the discipline. Seems like every Sunday I spend my day in a state of shame, desperately planning how the next week is going to be better and how next weekend, that's not going to happen.
This weekend was not actually all too bad. I stayed home and actually went to bed early on Friday. My cousin had a party at her mansion of a house on Saturday and went up to CT for that. It was fun, but I had quite a bit of wine and beer too. The worst part of it all was not the booze, but how my mind convinces me after the drinks I need a good solid meal. A non CR meal.
So obviously there is a pattern of improvement beginning. I have a lot to be thankful for this weekend. I finally got the rest of my furniture delivered and have begun "puppy proofing" the place. I have finally begun to hang my paintings and pictures. I guess I have procrastinated creating an environment that is comfortable. I believe that staying home and relaxing, practicing good CR is going to be a bit easier now. Not to mention the puppy responsibility will keep me in. I am really looking forward to that responsibility.
Like Chris (cronology) I have no data to share. No way was I going to try and figure out exactly how much wine I drank and then have to look at the numbers on my COM. No way. So we start from today. So far I have had lunch. A great soup that is now becoming one of my favorites and SO simple to make. I will have to post a recipe for it soon. I need to tweak it a bit. Maybe start adding brewers yeast or something to up the nutrition.
Ah, brewers yeast....that's why I am so pissed at myself. I was going to do some awesome CR research this weekend and start using tools like the yeast to make my nutritional info soar! Well the day is still young, so I will spend sometime today doing some research, cooking a soup and listen to some great jazz!
Friday, January 12, 2007
THE CHEESE DISEASE
So today is Friday. The whole office is having pizza for lunch. So, I decided, why not? I had no previous calories. It's been overall a good week. I crunched the nutritional data into the COM and said, okay this is doable. One last good bye to gak food. One last savory bite of greezy cheese and tomato sauce. Heck, I will even eat a decent size salad first and that will help.
Well I started eating my one slice. At first I thought, this is yummy! Then the texture of the cheese and the taste started to seem a bit foreign to me. I started thinking that I didnt like pizza anymore. Needless to say, I finished my slice.
But now I feel like gak!
Let me give you a bit of history. I am a cheese fein. I love cheese. I eat cheese on everything, even ice cream (okay not ice cream, but it sounded convincing, right?). For years, not a meal has gone by that I have not had cheese in some form with it.
Until, CR. I havent had cheese in 2 weeks. I didnt really even think about not having it. I just ruled it out when I saw how many calories are in cheese. I didnt miss the cheese and god knows I will never miss it, now.
Thank you CR!
I have read time and time again that CR people do not miss the gak they once consumed. That CR people just don't crave it. Now I know why. When you try these things again, your body does not like it! As a matter of fact, I would say our body rejects these things. Our body's want good wholesome foods. Our body's crave good wholesome foods. FOR GOOD SAKE, GIVE YOUR BODY WHAT IT WANTS!!
In the mean time, I will just continue to feel miserable about my pizza gak attack!
So today is Friday. The whole office is having pizza for lunch. So, I decided, why not? I had no previous calories. It's been overall a good week. I crunched the nutritional data into the COM and said, okay this is doable. One last good bye to gak food. One last savory bite of greezy cheese and tomato sauce. Heck, I will even eat a decent size salad first and that will help.
Well I started eating my one slice. At first I thought, this is yummy! Then the texture of the cheese and the taste started to seem a bit foreign to me. I started thinking that I didnt like pizza anymore. Needless to say, I finished my slice.
But now I feel like gak!
Let me give you a bit of history. I am a cheese fein. I love cheese. I eat cheese on everything, even ice cream (okay not ice cream, but it sounded convincing, right?). For years, not a meal has gone by that I have not had cheese in some form with it.
Until, CR. I havent had cheese in 2 weeks. I didnt really even think about not having it. I just ruled it out when I saw how many calories are in cheese. I didnt miss the cheese and god knows I will never miss it, now.
Thank you CR!
I have read time and time again that CR people do not miss the gak they once consumed. That CR people just don't crave it. Now I know why. When you try these things again, your body does not like it! As a matter of fact, I would say our body rejects these things. Our body's want good wholesome foods. Our body's crave good wholesome foods. FOR GOOD SAKE, GIVE YOUR BODY WHAT IT WANTS!!
In the mean time, I will just continue to feel miserable about my pizza gak attack!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
BITE THE BULLET
Man, I have been reading some really awesome blogs. People that really have their CR shit together and now I am feeling a bit of pressure, as I should. I have been watching what I am eating, calculating this and that, but I have not really been trying to maximize the amount of nutrition I am getting. I haven't been using my flax oil as much and haven't even begun to incorporate things like brewers yeast, etc...Into my daily diet. I feel sort of like a CR flunky.
But, I am still very new to this and a wee bit uneducated. I have some serious studying to do this weekend. Istanbulwitchy has posted several times about the down side to newbie's entering into the CR world and using too much canned and frozen meals to keep their calorie intake low and that being a bad thing. At first, I just thought, well that is a growing pain into CR. Now I know she is right. You can read some of the "older" CR followers and see their daily meal and nutritional post. There is a vast difference. I envy the "older" crew, but I am giving myself time to patiently learn the material as well and pat myself on the back for at least maintaining a low calorie diet in the hopes of gaining the nutritional information necessary to truly be CR.
Skinny Bitch; you really seem to have a handle on things. I am going to read a bit more through your blog especially this weekend for book and website references that may help me.
So, yesterday was not a great CR day for. I topped out at about 1400 calories. My original goal when I started was to maintain between 1200-1400 calories daily, but I had actually been eating around 1200 or just under. So, even though 1400 seems like a ton now to me, I know it is a substantial improvement from my pizza and Pepsi days!
Got some good news last night; new member of the family!!! I have been on a rescue waiting list for sometime now for a dog. Well this past weekend I found out about a litter than had been rescued and asked to adopt. Last night, I was approved!! So this Saturday I am going to pick my new baby! I am hoping for the runt! I love the runt! Any good name ideas?
Okay so life will become a bit more complicated with work, school, CR, and now puppy, but I am up for the challenge. Actually when I think about all these things in life, it's as if one by one all the things I have ever wanted in life, I am getting. It's been a wait, but it's always worth it!
Thanks again, CR groupies/support team! Happy Thursday to you all out there!
Man, I have been reading some really awesome blogs. People that really have their CR shit together and now I am feeling a bit of pressure, as I should. I have been watching what I am eating, calculating this and that, but I have not really been trying to maximize the amount of nutrition I am getting. I haven't been using my flax oil as much and haven't even begun to incorporate things like brewers yeast, etc...Into my daily diet. I feel sort of like a CR flunky.
But, I am still very new to this and a wee bit uneducated. I have some serious studying to do this weekend. Istanbulwitchy has posted several times about the down side to newbie's entering into the CR world and using too much canned and frozen meals to keep their calorie intake low and that being a bad thing. At first, I just thought, well that is a growing pain into CR. Now I know she is right. You can read some of the "older" CR followers and see their daily meal and nutritional post. There is a vast difference. I envy the "older" crew, but I am giving myself time to patiently learn the material as well and pat myself on the back for at least maintaining a low calorie diet in the hopes of gaining the nutritional information necessary to truly be CR.
Skinny Bitch; you really seem to have a handle on things. I am going to read a bit more through your blog especially this weekend for book and website references that may help me.
So, yesterday was not a great CR day for. I topped out at about 1400 calories. My original goal when I started was to maintain between 1200-1400 calories daily, but I had actually been eating around 1200 or just under. So, even though 1400 seems like a ton now to me, I know it is a substantial improvement from my pizza and Pepsi days!
Got some good news last night; new member of the family!!! I have been on a rescue waiting list for sometime now for a dog. Well this past weekend I found out about a litter than had been rescued and asked to adopt. Last night, I was approved!! So this Saturday I am going to pick my new baby! I am hoping for the runt! I love the runt! Any good name ideas?
Okay so life will become a bit more complicated with work, school, CR, and now puppy, but I am up for the challenge. Actually when I think about all these things in life, it's as if one by one all the things I have ever wanted in life, I am getting. It's been a wait, but it's always worth it!
Thanks again, CR groupies/support team! Happy Thursday to you all out there!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
TUESDAY
Okay so today was a good day. I felt great all day!! This whole CR thing is really easy and the support from all the blogs and comments really helps me stay motivated. Without the posting I would probably be tempted to have that soda or candy or burger and not too feel guilty, because hey! no one would ever know but me. I like this system. Although I know if I strayed away a bit, it's not as if I would be banished.
I think again it was Frontline PBS that I was watching that did a piece on the American Fad Diet. I remember the whole thing focusing in on groups like Weight Watchers because of the whole "family" support thing. The diets that offered closely linked support groups seemed to be the most productive of them all.
Every day I am beginning to look less and less at the weight issue. I know I am really early into this, but I can feel myself changing everyday. I am surely not talking physically, but emotionally. I seem really focused at work and at completing my task. I find myself getting through the day much easier, not feeling as tired as early. As a matter of fact, I am staying up much later as well. I usually go to bed around 10 pm at the max. Well everyday this week (okay; it's only Tuesday) I have stayed up to at least midnight, no problem and I have woke up each morning at my usual 6:30 am with no problem. Actually a bit more energetic and easy to rise as each day passes. I remember April commenting on this while battling some negative attention about how eating fewer calories would compromise your ability to function. April, you were right....as always!
Okay so today I ate like this;
Egg white, Turkey, and onion omelet for breakfast
Broiled Chicken Breast with Stir fried Mixed Veggies for lunch
Mega Muffin Snack
Small lean Steak and Asparagus Stir Fry for dinner (this was delicious!!!!)
Here is a summary of my numbers for the day;
Calories 1184
Protein 132.3
Fat 47.8
Carbs 66.4
Fiber 22.0
Vitamins 90%
Minerals 90%
Lipids 45%
(Not including supplements)
So I am really interested in knowing what some of the old cronies think of my numbers. I am really confused about the % of daily value. Do you guys have a recommendation for this. I heard 70 grams of protein per day for women (that info came a little too late as I was already prepared to add more because I thought I was deficient based on the %'s). I would love anyone's feed back.
Work and my other environmental work is preventing me from doing any extra reading these days. I will buckle down this weekend and try and specifically research and read a few particular things, but I welcome and would appreciate anyone's advice.
Good luck to everyone out there. Hope to hear from you guys soon!
Okay so today was a good day. I felt great all day!! This whole CR thing is really easy and the support from all the blogs and comments really helps me stay motivated. Without the posting I would probably be tempted to have that soda or candy or burger and not too feel guilty, because hey! no one would ever know but me. I like this system. Although I know if I strayed away a bit, it's not as if I would be banished.
I think again it was Frontline PBS that I was watching that did a piece on the American Fad Diet. I remember the whole thing focusing in on groups like Weight Watchers because of the whole "family" support thing. The diets that offered closely linked support groups seemed to be the most productive of them all.
Every day I am beginning to look less and less at the weight issue. I know I am really early into this, but I can feel myself changing everyday. I am surely not talking physically, but emotionally. I seem really focused at work and at completing my task. I find myself getting through the day much easier, not feeling as tired as early. As a matter of fact, I am staying up much later as well. I usually go to bed around 10 pm at the max. Well everyday this week (okay; it's only Tuesday) I have stayed up to at least midnight, no problem and I have woke up each morning at my usual 6:30 am with no problem. Actually a bit more energetic and easy to rise as each day passes. I remember April commenting on this while battling some negative attention about how eating fewer calories would compromise your ability to function. April, you were right....as always!
Okay so today I ate like this;
Egg white, Turkey, and onion omelet for breakfast
Broiled Chicken Breast with Stir fried Mixed Veggies for lunch
Mega Muffin Snack
Small lean Steak and Asparagus Stir Fry for dinner (this was delicious!!!!)
Here is a summary of my numbers for the day;
Calories 1184
Protein 132.3
Fat 47.8
Carbs 66.4
Fiber 22.0
Vitamins 90%
Minerals 90%
Lipids 45%
(Not including supplements)
So I am really interested in knowing what some of the old cronies think of my numbers. I am really confused about the % of daily value. Do you guys have a recommendation for this. I heard 70 grams of protein per day for women (that info came a little too late as I was already prepared to add more because I thought I was deficient based on the %'s). I would love anyone's feed back.
Work and my other environmental work is preventing me from doing any extra reading these days. I will buckle down this weekend and try and specifically research and read a few particular things, but I welcome and would appreciate anyone's advice.
Good luck to everyone out there. Hope to hear from you guys soon!
OKAY THE REAL MONDAY NUMBERS.....
First let me say "thanks" to all the people that commented on my Sunday Blue's post. I appreciate your support and don't worry, like now, I usually bounce back quite fast!
Okay so here is how yesterday ended;
Energy 1132.1 94%
Protein 88.9 63%
Fat 21.1 33%
Carbs 149.2 66%
Fiber 45.1 119%
Water 512.0 14% (u know I am not adding each glass of water I drink per day,
should I? 14% look LOW!)
Vitamin A 21651.3 722%
Folate 198.0 50%
B1 0.4 35%
B2 0.4 32%
B3 10.2 64%
B5 1.9 37%
B6 0.8 58%
B12 0.2 6%
Vitamin C 116.0 129%
Vitamin D 0.0 0%
Vitamin E 3.2 21%
Vitamin K 132.1 110%
Calcium 410.4 41%
Copper 0.4 45%
Iron 15.1 189%
Magnesium 88.7 22%
Manganese 1.4 62%
Phosphorus 338.7 48%
Potassium 1130.6 24%
Selenium 42 76%
Sodium 3932.8 262%
Zinc 2.0 18%
Saturated Fat 2.6 13%
Omega 3 0.4 23%
Omega 6 1.9 11%
Cholesterol 96.5 32%
Thanks God I took my supplements yesterday (not included in the numbers shown above) Okay so what do I learn from these numbers? That packing your lunch is 100% important. I know that I can forget it sometimes, but I should really strive to do it daily. These numbers look kinda like crap to me. A typical "newbie" approach to CR; high in sodium, lacking the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
I have read people's blogs that list several books that will help me to better understand and read these numbers. I see the obvious, but with a helpful book, I can learn how to balance my food and vitamin and mineral intake. I have been procrastinating on that and have been focus meerly on keeping my calorie intake under 1200 daily. Which oddly enough is very easy and fullfilling. So, promise to self....not let a Monday creep up again, be unprepared and go to the local "healthy" spot for some prepackaged soup for lunch.
Dinner was great though. I had a package of three chicken breast, approximately 6 oz each. I weighed them individually for daily nutritional info, but on average 6 oz. I broiled them after I dashed them with a bit of black pepper and my favorite hot sauce. Then I sauteed some mixed veggies...and yes they were frozen. (On the agenda for the day....grocery shopping!)
Okay there is a topic I would like to bring up; aging. After all that is what CR is all about right? Well last night on my laptop (because I dont own a tv) I watched a special on Frontline (a PBS program) about aging.
"Living Old" is it's title and here is a link.....http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/livingold/view/
Okay so basically it is about the aging epodemic. Pointing out that within the next 25 years, more than 20% of the population will be 85+ and will either be bid ridden at home or in a nursing home. These people will need special geriatric care, in the increasing numbers that our health care system will not be able to manage, unless drastic changes are made now.
So here is where it get's CR related (and yes I am asking for help here);
These people that are ill were obviously not followers of CR. Since we do not fulling understand or know the human effects of CR, how will we as CR practitioners help or hurt this issue in the future.
I imagine we would be of some help. We should live longer and be apart of this 85+ population, but I feel that we will not contribute to the same bed ridden illnesses this broadcast speaks of. I imagine us being retired and having the free time to help nurse and take care of our elderly friends.
I guess my question is; has anyone thought of the quality of life if we do get to go beyond our normal life span. I am sure you have. Let me know your thoughts!
First let me say "thanks" to all the people that commented on my Sunday Blue's post. I appreciate your support and don't worry, like now, I usually bounce back quite fast!
Okay so here is how yesterday ended;
Energy 1132.1 94%
Protein 88.9 63%
Fat 21.1 33%
Carbs 149.2 66%
Fiber 45.1 119%
Water 512.0 14% (u know I am not adding each glass of water I drink per day,
should I? 14% look LOW!)
Vitamin A 21651.3 722%
Folate 198.0 50%
B1 0.4 35%
B2 0.4 32%
B3 10.2 64%
B5 1.9 37%
B6 0.8 58%
B12 0.2 6%
Vitamin C 116.0 129%
Vitamin D 0.0 0%
Vitamin E 3.2 21%
Vitamin K 132.1 110%
Calcium 410.4 41%
Copper 0.4 45%
Iron 15.1 189%
Magnesium 88.7 22%
Manganese 1.4 62%
Phosphorus 338.7 48%
Potassium 1130.6 24%
Selenium 42 76%
Sodium 3932.8 262%
Zinc 2.0 18%
Saturated Fat 2.6 13%
Omega 3 0.4 23%
Omega 6 1.9 11%
Cholesterol 96.5 32%
Thanks God I took my supplements yesterday (not included in the numbers shown above) Okay so what do I learn from these numbers? That packing your lunch is 100% important. I know that I can forget it sometimes, but I should really strive to do it daily. These numbers look kinda like crap to me. A typical "newbie" approach to CR; high in sodium, lacking the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
I have read people's blogs that list several books that will help me to better understand and read these numbers. I see the obvious, but with a helpful book, I can learn how to balance my food and vitamin and mineral intake. I have been procrastinating on that and have been focus meerly on keeping my calorie intake under 1200 daily. Which oddly enough is very easy and fullfilling. So, promise to self....not let a Monday creep up again, be unprepared and go to the local "healthy" spot for some prepackaged soup for lunch.
Dinner was great though. I had a package of three chicken breast, approximately 6 oz each. I weighed them individually for daily nutritional info, but on average 6 oz. I broiled them after I dashed them with a bit of black pepper and my favorite hot sauce. Then I sauteed some mixed veggies...and yes they were frozen. (On the agenda for the day....grocery shopping!)
Okay there is a topic I would like to bring up; aging. After all that is what CR is all about right? Well last night on my laptop (because I dont own a tv) I watched a special on Frontline (a PBS program) about aging.
"Living Old" is it's title and here is a link.....http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/livingold/view/
Okay so basically it is about the aging epodemic. Pointing out that within the next 25 years, more than 20% of the population will be 85+ and will either be bid ridden at home or in a nursing home. These people will need special geriatric care, in the increasing numbers that our health care system will not be able to manage, unless drastic changes are made now.
So here is where it get's CR related (and yes I am asking for help here);
These people that are ill were obviously not followers of CR. Since we do not fulling understand or know the human effects of CR, how will we as CR practitioners help or hurt this issue in the future.
I imagine we would be of some help. We should live longer and be apart of this 85+ population, but I feel that we will not contribute to the same bed ridden illnesses this broadcast speaks of. I imagine us being retired and having the free time to help nurse and take care of our elderly friends.
I guess my question is; has anyone thought of the quality of life if we do get to go beyond our normal life span. I am sure you have. Let me know your thoughts!
Monday, January 08, 2007
MONDAY NUMBERS:
Energy 519.8
Protein 32.2
Fat 9.0
Carbs 72.7
Fiber 12.3
Water 109.00
There's the basics. My vitamins are really down. I havent had my daily mega muffin, so that is my snack while I fix a late dinner. This day has gone by SO fast, that I would usually have had it by now, but havent even thought about it. That may be also because my hunger cravings are basically non existant now. YEE HAW!!
Some of my minerals are looking good though. Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Selenium. I am out the door in just a sec. I was going to try and post my totals for the day, but really need to do a fridge hunt (and a weekly grocery list) before I can be absolutely sure how the night is going to end.
You know I am really starting to believe that CR can really be for me. The first time I took a stab at this back before Thanksgiving, I just knew I was going to not be 100% during the holiday's. Guess I set myself up. But, the last week has proven great, with the normal ups and downs of daily life. I feel confident that at least I can over come the biggest FEAR of any critic; starving.
Energy 519.8
Protein 32.2
Fat 9.0
Carbs 72.7
Fiber 12.3
Water 109.00
There's the basics. My vitamins are really down. I havent had my daily mega muffin, so that is my snack while I fix a late dinner. This day has gone by SO fast, that I would usually have had it by now, but havent even thought about it. That may be also because my hunger cravings are basically non existant now. YEE HAW!!
Some of my minerals are looking good though. Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Selenium. I am out the door in just a sec. I was going to try and post my totals for the day, but really need to do a fridge hunt (and a weekly grocery list) before I can be absolutely sure how the night is going to end.
You know I am really starting to believe that CR can really be for me. The first time I took a stab at this back before Thanksgiving, I just knew I was going to not be 100% during the holiday's. Guess I set myself up. But, the last week has proven great, with the normal ups and downs of daily life. I feel confident that at least I can over come the biggest FEAR of any critic; starving.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
BYE BYE SUNDAY BLUES
Well regarless of how I feel, it is time to say good bye to the blues. Actually I ended up having a great day.
I just got over feeling that way and knew if I didnt force myself to, it would just be too distructive.
So....on to the upper west side I went. Walked through beautiful central park on a surprisingly beautiful day. Although I was not a lone, the walk made me feel great and that given the grey moments in the new future, I could easily come to the park alone and feel great!
After a walk through the "rambles" (basically a part of the park with not set path...just winding little foot paths that are easy to get lost in) my friend Isac and I headed to the Metropolitan Musuem of Art. We were a bit rushed as they were getting close to closing when we got there, but we were able to catch our favorite exihibits. Very peaceful experience. Just me a crowd of strangers and Jackson Pollock! (well his art anyways)
After that, a great walk all the way down the east side of the city. Not all the way, but darn close. Hopped a train back to the big BK. Got off on the wrong stop (on purpose) and enjoyed a nice long walk home.
Home now and a bit exhausted. My usual pattern of getting a bit drunk is to eat horribly the next day. Today I didnt. Actually didnt eat much, but what I ate was nutritious. My stomach has to heal a bit. Tomorrow I have planned a great little egg white and red pepper breakfast, my usual lunch of a healthy bowl of tomato soup and mega muffin (my multivitamin) and for dinner, probably a nice little tilapia and some roasted asparagus.
Skinnybitch (sorry only name I know to call you) wrote some nice stuff. Please see her comment on my Sunday Blues. Thanks so much for bringing some good up lifting words to my bleak blog. I appreciate it. 100% of what you said makes absolute sense. It's not something that I didnt already know, but always helps when people make you confront it.
Well regarless of how I feel, it is time to say good bye to the blues. Actually I ended up having a great day.
I just got over feeling that way and knew if I didnt force myself to, it would just be too distructive.
So....on to the upper west side I went. Walked through beautiful central park on a surprisingly beautiful day. Although I was not a lone, the walk made me feel great and that given the grey moments in the new future, I could easily come to the park alone and feel great!
After a walk through the "rambles" (basically a part of the park with not set path...just winding little foot paths that are easy to get lost in) my friend Isac and I headed to the Metropolitan Musuem of Art. We were a bit rushed as they were getting close to closing when we got there, but we were able to catch our favorite exihibits. Very peaceful experience. Just me a crowd of strangers and Jackson Pollock! (well his art anyways)
After that, a great walk all the way down the east side of the city. Not all the way, but darn close. Hopped a train back to the big BK. Got off on the wrong stop (on purpose) and enjoyed a nice long walk home.
Home now and a bit exhausted. My usual pattern of getting a bit drunk is to eat horribly the next day. Today I didnt. Actually didnt eat much, but what I ate was nutritious. My stomach has to heal a bit. Tomorrow I have planned a great little egg white and red pepper breakfast, my usual lunch of a healthy bowl of tomato soup and mega muffin (my multivitamin) and for dinner, probably a nice little tilapia and some roasted asparagus.
Skinnybitch (sorry only name I know to call you) wrote some nice stuff. Please see her comment on my Sunday Blues. Thanks so much for bringing some good up lifting words to my bleak blog. I appreciate it. 100% of what you said makes absolute sense. It's not something that I didnt already know, but always helps when people make you confront it.
SUNDAY BLUES
Allow me to give you a bit more information about myself. I don't usually read people's blogs and get a real personal since of who they are, but I am going to elaborate quite a bit about me here. Sorry if it's not CR related or doesn't follow the protocol for CR related blogs.
I am 26 years old. I live in Brooklyn, but I am from NC. I have been in Brooklyn for the past 3 years, maybe a bit more. I first moved to NY to conquer the world. I thought I needed a change. I thought I would expose myself to greater lesbian community here. Maybe work a few odd restaurant jobs and then go crawling home broke and start my real adult life back in NC with my close group of family and friends.
It didn't quite work out that way (most of which I am happy for...Some not so much). I met a woman within being here a week and feel in love. Being with her became my top priority. I did whatever it took to maintain a life here in NY. Life was great, but still lacking. I actually hated a lot about our relationship. Actually, most everything. Other than the physical attraction that I had to her and how the relationship enabled me to stay in NY, there wasn't much else.
I hated that she was closeted, that she was self centered, lazy, a pot head...I could go on and on. So, I got depressed. I gained some weight. I started to become hateful to her. Hateful to the point that when I realized how much I was hurting her, I ended everything, took a flight home and left. Left her, left my job, left my clothes, just left.
This all happened back in July of 2006. Thankfully, I was able to recoup my job. My company needs me. I was not able to recoup all my stuff from her home, so I had to just leave it. I have yet to recoup my confidence, self esteem, or a lot of other positive emotional things. All I knew of NY, I knew through her. All the friend I had, I had through her. They are all obviously not part of my life anymore.
I have started to make some new friends. Unfortunately, the best way I have found to meet people is in bars. And for the most part the friends I meet are 1. Men 2. Alcoholics 3. Unmotivated
So this all brings us up to date and the current status is this:
I am lonely. I am really enjoying my work and school, but I am just down right lonely. The women I meet, I am not interested in. I would like to be friends, but that's not good enough. The men I meet in bars that want to be friends, only would like to do so in a bar. I am sick of bars. I want to go to museums, the botanical gardens, and so forth.
Like always, Friday after work, I head to the local bar with friends. One things leads to the other and the next thing you know, it is 7 am on Saturday. Three guys are at my apartment. We are all smashed, talking philosophy. I crawl into bed around 9 am and sleep all day on Saturday. Wake up on Sunday and feel like shit. Absolute shit. Look at my cell phone and apparently called my ex sometime Saturday morning, drunk and god only knows what I said to her. Do I miss her; NO. I am just lonely. I just miss the interaction. I miss having that someone close all the time to do things with. If I saw her today, I would probably be absolutely aggravated with her within 2 secs. So, no it's not her. It's just being lonely and I have to remind myself of that or I will just obsess on her and think that I am some sort of looser for screwing the relationship up from the beginning.
So here's the CR part. How can I concentrate on something so structured and detailed? My life in so many other ways is such a wreck. I want it to be more structured. God knows it is with work and school. God knows I could ruin work and school acting like some 21 year old college frat boy.
It doesn't happen often, but it does. Otherwise, what does a young lesbian professional lonely CR practitioner do on a Friday night? Any suggestions?
Allow me to give you a bit more information about myself. I don't usually read people's blogs and get a real personal since of who they are, but I am going to elaborate quite a bit about me here. Sorry if it's not CR related or doesn't follow the protocol for CR related blogs.
I am 26 years old. I live in Brooklyn, but I am from NC. I have been in Brooklyn for the past 3 years, maybe a bit more. I first moved to NY to conquer the world. I thought I needed a change. I thought I would expose myself to greater lesbian community here. Maybe work a few odd restaurant jobs and then go crawling home broke and start my real adult life back in NC with my close group of family and friends.
It didn't quite work out that way (most of which I am happy for...Some not so much). I met a woman within being here a week and feel in love. Being with her became my top priority. I did whatever it took to maintain a life here in NY. Life was great, but still lacking. I actually hated a lot about our relationship. Actually, most everything. Other than the physical attraction that I had to her and how the relationship enabled me to stay in NY, there wasn't much else.
I hated that she was closeted, that she was self centered, lazy, a pot head...I could go on and on. So, I got depressed. I gained some weight. I started to become hateful to her. Hateful to the point that when I realized how much I was hurting her, I ended everything, took a flight home and left. Left her, left my job, left my clothes, just left.
This all happened back in July of 2006. Thankfully, I was able to recoup my job. My company needs me. I was not able to recoup all my stuff from her home, so I had to just leave it. I have yet to recoup my confidence, self esteem, or a lot of other positive emotional things. All I knew of NY, I knew through her. All the friend I had, I had through her. They are all obviously not part of my life anymore.
I have started to make some new friends. Unfortunately, the best way I have found to meet people is in bars. And for the most part the friends I meet are 1. Men 2. Alcoholics 3. Unmotivated
So this all brings us up to date and the current status is this:
I am lonely. I am really enjoying my work and school, but I am just down right lonely. The women I meet, I am not interested in. I would like to be friends, but that's not good enough. The men I meet in bars that want to be friends, only would like to do so in a bar. I am sick of bars. I want to go to museums, the botanical gardens, and so forth.
Like always, Friday after work, I head to the local bar with friends. One things leads to the other and the next thing you know, it is 7 am on Saturday. Three guys are at my apartment. We are all smashed, talking philosophy. I crawl into bed around 9 am and sleep all day on Saturday. Wake up on Sunday and feel like shit. Absolute shit. Look at my cell phone and apparently called my ex sometime Saturday morning, drunk and god only knows what I said to her. Do I miss her; NO. I am just lonely. I just miss the interaction. I miss having that someone close all the time to do things with. If I saw her today, I would probably be absolutely aggravated with her within 2 secs. So, no it's not her. It's just being lonely and I have to remind myself of that or I will just obsess on her and think that I am some sort of looser for screwing the relationship up from the beginning.
So here's the CR part. How can I concentrate on something so structured and detailed? My life in so many other ways is such a wreck. I want it to be more structured. God knows it is with work and school. God knows I could ruin work and school acting like some 21 year old college frat boy.
It doesn't happen often, but it does. Otherwise, what does a young lesbian professional lonely CR practitioner do on a Friday night? Any suggestions?
Friday, January 05, 2007
So yesterday wasnt a bad CR day , but not a great one. I ate around my calorie range, but I am pretty sure the day as a whole was not THAT nutrious. However, I did supplement. I keep reading that even though supplements are good, it's best to get your vitamins and minerals from food. Makes perfect sense.
I left my office around 6:30 and at that point was at about 1000 calories. Didnt really leave much room for a great dinner, but honestly I was stuffed. I made a great tofu chili when I got home around 7:30, but just wasnt hungry at the time, so I packed it away for today's lunch. It is like 270 calories per serving, so a hearty lunch and today I will minus the snacks because I have already had a pretty hearty breakfast.
I have been low on protein, so I am trying to cut some of the fruit, veggie, yogurt snacks and have meals that are more balanced all the way around. Of course I will have my daily mega muffin. Those mega muffins are supplements, just way tastier and filling! YUM!
I woke up feeling stiff today. Probably not diet related, but a horrible stomach flu has been going around my office. I am praying that I do not get it! I hate being sick. So, I beefed up my Vitamin C today and have sanitized my key board, phone, desk, etc....FLU BUG, BE GONE!!
This weekend...skiing? I have no idea what is on my agenda, but I actually feel a relaxing weekend at home sounds more like it. I have been dying to go skiing, but just havent had the time. This weekend is open, but geesh with the holiday's and all that, maybe it should wait. I have some reading to catch up on. Some cleaning to catch up on. Some sleep to catch up on....maybe even a movie! Okay, decision made: Staying in Brooklyn!
I left my office around 6:30 and at that point was at about 1000 calories. Didnt really leave much room for a great dinner, but honestly I was stuffed. I made a great tofu chili when I got home around 7:30, but just wasnt hungry at the time, so I packed it away for today's lunch. It is like 270 calories per serving, so a hearty lunch and today I will minus the snacks because I have already had a pretty hearty breakfast.
I have been low on protein, so I am trying to cut some of the fruit, veggie, yogurt snacks and have meals that are more balanced all the way around. Of course I will have my daily mega muffin. Those mega muffins are supplements, just way tastier and filling! YUM!
I woke up feeling stiff today. Probably not diet related, but a horrible stomach flu has been going around my office. I am praying that I do not get it! I hate being sick. So, I beefed up my Vitamin C today and have sanitized my key board, phone, desk, etc....FLU BUG, BE GONE!!
This weekend...skiing? I have no idea what is on my agenda, but I actually feel a relaxing weekend at home sounds more like it. I have been dying to go skiing, but just havent had the time. This weekend is open, but geesh with the holiday's and all that, maybe it should wait. I have some reading to catch up on. Some cleaning to catch up on. Some sleep to catch up on....maybe even a movie! Okay, decision made: Staying in Brooklyn!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
SKINNY JEANS
So just before Xmas I tried to put on a pair of jeans that I swing in and out of. Meaning....most days they do not fit and periodically they do. They used to be one of my favorite pairs. Of course on that day they didnt fit. I mean I felt like there were miles between the button and the button hole. You can imagine how fatty fat butt I felt
Well this morning because of a lack of clean laundry, I tried putting them on again. Let's just see what happens. I knew I was just setting myself up for some bad vibes again (especially after my bar binge last night).
As I stepped into them, I could almost feel myself start to sweat with anxiety about whether they were going to make it. Absolute fear that I just might have to go to work naked or in dirty jeans! (YAK!)
GUESS WHAT?!?! Those stupid jeans fit!!!! Thank God. Already feeling a bit hung over, the last thing I needed was added fat stress.
I remember reading in someone's CR blog that the first few days of CR could make you a couple of pounds lighter. Something about some organ that stored something like 2 lbs of fat or fluid that would go away quickly by restricting your calorie intake. So I guess it is true.
Hey something else;
I am awaiting some test results. Just before I left NC to come back home after Christmas, I went to my old doc and had some blood drawn. I guess I need to call them, because I should have heard from them by now.
I want to post that info, as well as my height, weight, width...blah, blah in a chart form and try to do another test in a few months. If anyone has any thoughts on how often you should test your blood, let me know.
Until next time.....
So just before Xmas I tried to put on a pair of jeans that I swing in and out of. Meaning....most days they do not fit and periodically they do. They used to be one of my favorite pairs. Of course on that day they didnt fit. I mean I felt like there were miles between the button and the button hole. You can imagine how fatty fat butt I felt
Well this morning because of a lack of clean laundry, I tried putting them on again. Let's just see what happens. I knew I was just setting myself up for some bad vibes again (especially after my bar binge last night).
As I stepped into them, I could almost feel myself start to sweat with anxiety about whether they were going to make it. Absolute fear that I just might have to go to work naked or in dirty jeans! (YAK!)
GUESS WHAT?!?! Those stupid jeans fit!!!! Thank God. Already feeling a bit hung over, the last thing I needed was added fat stress.
I remember reading in someone's CR blog that the first few days of CR could make you a couple of pounds lighter. Something about some organ that stored something like 2 lbs of fat or fluid that would go away quickly by restricting your calorie intake. So I guess it is true.
Hey something else;
I am awaiting some test results. Just before I left NC to come back home after Christmas, I went to my old doc and had some blood drawn. I guess I need to call them, because I should have heard from them by now.
I want to post that info, as well as my height, weight, width...blah, blah in a chart form and try to do another test in a few months. If anyone has any thoughts on how often you should test your blood, let me know.
Until next time.....
Okay so yesterday was not that bad of a CR day. That was until I went out to a business meeting at a local bar. Only a 26 year old with too much resposibility would be careless enough to take employees out to a bar to sign contracts. Enough said!
The day really didnt go that bad. Up until the time of my meeting my numbers for the day were looking quite good. I was around 900 total calories and had had a mega muffin, so my vitamins and minerals were looking good and most everything was balanced. A little light on the protein, so on the way to the meeting I stopped and grabbed an egg white omelet with onion.
At the bar, post meeting, I pounded quite a few Vodka's. I looked up the nutritional info online before I left. I drink it straight over rocks, so didnt have to worry bout mixers. I read around 69 calories per ounce. My bartender friend was pouring me only an ounce at the time, but I bet I had around 5 or 6. HEY! I was there for hours!
So I know I went over my 1200-1400 calorie a day goal, but overall I know the day was still a winner. At least I didnt do my usual pizza and beer routine.
So, I see some people posting their 2007 goals on their blogs. I think I will do the same. Actually I had them all written out already. I am reading a book titled, "Eat That Frog". Basically it helps you to draw an outline of your goals and see what the biggest "frog" or obstacle you have in life is and how to over come it, step by step. Okay, call me dorky. It wouldnt be the first time. I enjoyed the book and I also enjoyed going through the step by step process of writing my goals out. It's a great exercise and I am going to continue to do this periodically.
So the long awaited list:
The day really didnt go that bad. Up until the time of my meeting my numbers for the day were looking quite good. I was around 900 total calories and had had a mega muffin, so my vitamins and minerals were looking good and most everything was balanced. A little light on the protein, so on the way to the meeting I stopped and grabbed an egg white omelet with onion.
At the bar, post meeting, I pounded quite a few Vodka's. I looked up the nutritional info online before I left. I drink it straight over rocks, so didnt have to worry bout mixers. I read around 69 calories per ounce. My bartender friend was pouring me only an ounce at the time, but I bet I had around 5 or 6. HEY! I was there for hours!
So I know I went over my 1200-1400 calorie a day goal, but overall I know the day was still a winner. At least I didnt do my usual pizza and beer routine.
So, I see some people posting their 2007 goals on their blogs. I think I will do the same. Actually I had them all written out already. I am reading a book titled, "Eat That Frog". Basically it helps you to draw an outline of your goals and see what the biggest "frog" or obstacle you have in life is and how to over come it, step by step. Okay, call me dorky. It wouldnt be the first time. I enjoyed the book and I also enjoyed going through the step by step process of writing my goals out. It's a great exercise and I am going to continue to do this periodically.
So the long awaited list:
- Drop 30 lbs.
- Fully quit smoking
- To work towards clear skin
- Make 100K
- Complete 15 credits at school
- Maintain a GPA of 3.8
- Increase my sales team by 50%
- Follow my business plan accurately and efficiently
So, some pretty dorky stuff, but my goals are important to me. It's important to me to concentrate on bettering my overall health and life and to stop destroying myself emotionally and physically. I am excited about the new year. I am excited about my new CR lifestyle and my new CR cronies.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Okay so three days into this thing and I feel great. I feel an extra skip in my walk, a splash of extra confidence, etc....
Here is what I ate yesterday:
Breakfast: 8 oz. Low Fat Cottage Cheese
100 grams of carrots
100 grams of celery
Lunch: Mega Muffin with mustard
227 grams of Pacific foods Organic Creamy Tomato Soup
Late afternoon Snack: Mega Muffin with mustard
Dinner: 120 grams pan seared Tilopia
55 grams of smoked turkey breast
I have to say dinner was a total wash! I attempted to cook a stif fry with tofu and really royally screwed that up. Then I made the tilopia and was going to have that over greens, but my greens had gone bad, so I just had the fish. And then the couple slices of deli turkey breast. Low in calories, but not a lot of nutrition. Thank god for the earlier Mega Muffins
Dessert: Low cal yogurt
banana
Here is what my nutrition for the day looked like:
General (65%)
Calories: 1220.2 102%
Protein: 109.4 77%
Fat: 27.5 44%
Carbs: 149.4 66%
Fiber: 32.6 86%
Water: 631.1 17%
Vitamins (78%)
Vitamin A: 19016.4 634%
Folate: 236.2 59%
B1: 2.0 166%
B2: .6 43%
B3: 29.6 168%
B5: 13.1 262%
B6: 2.6 201%
B12: 4.0 166%
Vitamin C: 94.4 105%
Vitamin D: 29.6 15%
Vitamin E: 12.4 83%
Vitamin K: 39.9 33%
Mineral (94%)
Calcium: 790.2 79%
Copper: 1.5 162%
Iron: 9.6 120%
Magnesium: 522.6 131%
Phosphorus: 1519.6 217%
Potassium: 3151.0 67%
Selenium 141.4 257%
Sodium 2337.2 156%
Zinc 10.4 95%
Lipids (38%)
Saturated: 7.2 36%
Omega 3: 0.8 48%
Omega 6: 6.2 36%
Cholesterol: 99.6 33%
So from the uneducated point of view, I think this looks decent. I really hope to find someone who can help me understand this data a bit more.
Anyone want to leave feed back.....the floor is yours!
Here is what I ate yesterday:
Breakfast: 8 oz. Low Fat Cottage Cheese
100 grams of carrots
100 grams of celery
Lunch: Mega Muffin with mustard
227 grams of Pacific foods Organic Creamy Tomato Soup
Late afternoon Snack: Mega Muffin with mustard
Dinner: 120 grams pan seared Tilopia
55 grams of smoked turkey breast
I have to say dinner was a total wash! I attempted to cook a stif fry with tofu and really royally screwed that up. Then I made the tilopia and was going to have that over greens, but my greens had gone bad, so I just had the fish. And then the couple slices of deli turkey breast. Low in calories, but not a lot of nutrition. Thank god for the earlier Mega Muffins
Dessert: Low cal yogurt
banana
Here is what my nutrition for the day looked like:
General (65%)
Calories: 1220.2 102%
Protein: 109.4 77%
Fat: 27.5 44%
Carbs: 149.4 66%
Fiber: 32.6 86%
Water: 631.1 17%
Vitamins (78%)
Vitamin A: 19016.4 634%
Folate: 236.2 59%
B1: 2.0 166%
B2: .6 43%
B3: 29.6 168%
B5: 13.1 262%
B6: 2.6 201%
B12: 4.0 166%
Vitamin C: 94.4 105%
Vitamin D: 29.6 15%
Vitamin E: 12.4 83%
Vitamin K: 39.9 33%
Mineral (94%)
Calcium: 790.2 79%
Copper: 1.5 162%
Iron: 9.6 120%
Magnesium: 522.6 131%
Phosphorus: 1519.6 217%
Potassium: 3151.0 67%
Selenium 141.4 257%
Sodium 2337.2 156%
Zinc 10.4 95%
Lipids (38%)
Saturated: 7.2 36%
Omega 3: 0.8 48%
Omega 6: 6.2 36%
Cholesterol: 99.6 33%
So from the uneducated point of view, I think this looks decent. I really hope to find someone who can help me understand this data a bit more.
Anyone want to leave feed back.....the floor is yours!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)