Bon! C'est fait! I had my vintage-feel-but-not-actually-vintage-super-awesome bike tuned up and took it for a long spin yesterday... gee whi that's neat!
I rode all the way across town to see some friends, and then back home, and it felt amazing.
The unfortunate thing is always the one or two drivers who don't see you coming, but I ride really slowly and almost always follow the rules, unlike many cyclists here who seemingly have a death wish. I was a little nervous riding through main streets (I haven't used my bike downtown on a weekday in years), since I mainly use my bike for leisurely excursions along the waterline in summertime.
I'd like to start riding more to get from A to B, but I'm too scared to lock it up on the street it's so pretty. Bikes are a hot commodity in most cities, so I don't take many risks.
In good news, I've been 138.2 for two days, and I know that with about 10% more discipline I am probably actually 136-137 lbs (having many beverages late at night will shift the numbers hahah, I know... nitpicking...but a girl's gotta try right?).
So I am continuing to push push push. Wish me luck EVER getting past 135 please, I need all the help I can get!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
updates
Hi guys,
Excuse my habitual absence. This time I can say that it has not meant I haven't been pushing myself hard. First of all, here is my workout routine lately:
Mon-Thurs: Beach volleyball
Tuesday: Started playing soccer last week
Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday: usually some bootcamp once a week, and running on the other days weather permitting, or trying out something new like Aussie football
Friday: my day off :)
There are other forms of physical activity that would not be proper to mention, but let's say my weekends are intense physically ;)
Food-wise, I've pushed myself just a little to try to bring in lunches a few times a week, and eat at least two homemade meals per day. For my takeout meals, I choose hearty salads, meal replacement shakes, or otherwise balanced meals that include carbs, protein and veggies.
I am at 139 still, but I am looking a lot more muscular these days. For now, I am very pleased. I would love to be a little leaner to see more muscle, but there is the issue of having a bit of extra skin from the weight loss. So I'm not sure I can lose much more weight without having flab, despite my very-fitness.
Anyway, mentally I am feeling good. I've had some random ups and downs and I am keeping a close eye on my emotional health these days. But being rested helps me a lot. I've been waking up earlier, more easily lately, and have been feeling generally more energetic. The exception was in the past few weeks when the noise from my street was keeping me up every night.
Alright. I'm going to finish my fruit smoothie (blueberries, blackberries, greek yogurt, walnuts, mango juice, water and Vega Whole Food Optimizer-half scoop-) and homemade espresso from grains bought at my local cafe. So goooooooood.
have a wonderful day!
Excuse my habitual absence. This time I can say that it has not meant I haven't been pushing myself hard. First of all, here is my workout routine lately:
Mon-Thurs: Beach volleyball
Tuesday: Started playing soccer last week
Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday: usually some bootcamp once a week, and running on the other days weather permitting, or trying out something new like Aussie football
Friday: my day off :)
There are other forms of physical activity that would not be proper to mention, but let's say my weekends are intense physically ;)
Food-wise, I've pushed myself just a little to try to bring in lunches a few times a week, and eat at least two homemade meals per day. For my takeout meals, I choose hearty salads, meal replacement shakes, or otherwise balanced meals that include carbs, protein and veggies.
I am at 139 still, but I am looking a lot more muscular these days. For now, I am very pleased. I would love to be a little leaner to see more muscle, but there is the issue of having a bit of extra skin from the weight loss. So I'm not sure I can lose much more weight without having flab, despite my very-fitness.
Anyway, mentally I am feeling good. I've had some random ups and downs and I am keeping a close eye on my emotional health these days. But being rested helps me a lot. I've been waking up earlier, more easily lately, and have been feeling generally more energetic. The exception was in the past few weeks when the noise from my street was keeping me up every night.
Alright. I'm going to finish my fruit smoothie (blueberries, blackberries, greek yogurt, walnuts, mango juice, water and Vega Whole Food Optimizer-half scoop-) and homemade espresso from grains bought at my local cafe. So goooooooood.
have a wonderful day!
Monday, July 18, 2011
the ups and downs
oh the ups and downs. I am kind of getting tired up being so up and then so down. I often wish I was someone who doesn't reflect on, question, over-analyze (read obsess) everything. Life could be so grand, so simple, and I could just enjoy all that I have. I have a lot of blessings. A lot of luck. Yet my silly brain makes everything hurt so much, even the little things.
I admire those who are tougher. I know this sensitivity of mine also has many upsides, but it is sometimes just too much to bear over so little.
This is not meant to be a depressing blog, more contemplative, but I just had to say it out loud that no matter how good I feel sometimes, or how good I look, I can't shake my insecurities, anxieties and obsessive thoughts about my inadequacies. It's completely illogical because my career, my friends, my family should be enough evidence that I am not deficient, and NO ONE is deficient. We are who we are. Unfortunately, applying that reasoning when I am in pain over the thought of losing everything is a challenge at best.
On a lighter note, I am still playing volleyball, running (less lately to give my hip and knees a break), and trying new things. Tomorrow, I am starting to play soccer again for the first time in many, many years. I played for 11-12 years, and I miss it oh so much. I am playing in a recreational league with a good friend of mine, since his team needed more girls. Since the season's already begun, the league will let me play for free too, yippeeeeee!
Food-wise, I'm about one-third of the way to where I want to be: I am eating all breakfasts at home and EITHER lunch or dinner at home every day, but I am still buying out one meal a day. It's mostly healthy, but still...
This may sound super cold (trust me it's not, but I'm tired and just thought of mentioning this bu want to wrap up and hit the sack)... my aunt was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer and is suffering a lot right now. So are my sick grandmother and aunt who live with her. In all this, it is pushing me more than ever to treat my body "as a temple" as they say, and to really enjoy my life. Out of every bad, there should come some good, you just have to figure out the point of it all.
So here's wishing you all seize the day!
I admire those who are tougher. I know this sensitivity of mine also has many upsides, but it is sometimes just too much to bear over so little.
This is not meant to be a depressing blog, more contemplative, but I just had to say it out loud that no matter how good I feel sometimes, or how good I look, I can't shake my insecurities, anxieties and obsessive thoughts about my inadequacies. It's completely illogical because my career, my friends, my family should be enough evidence that I am not deficient, and NO ONE is deficient. We are who we are. Unfortunately, applying that reasoning when I am in pain over the thought of losing everything is a challenge at best.
On a lighter note, I am still playing volleyball, running (less lately to give my hip and knees a break), and trying new things. Tomorrow, I am starting to play soccer again for the first time in many, many years. I played for 11-12 years, and I miss it oh so much. I am playing in a recreational league with a good friend of mine, since his team needed more girls. Since the season's already begun, the league will let me play for free too, yippeeeeee!
Food-wise, I'm about one-third of the way to where I want to be: I am eating all breakfasts at home and EITHER lunch or dinner at home every day, but I am still buying out one meal a day. It's mostly healthy, but still...
This may sound super cold (trust me it's not, but I'm tired and just thought of mentioning this bu want to wrap up and hit the sack)... my aunt was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer and is suffering a lot right now. So are my sick grandmother and aunt who live with her. In all this, it is pushing me more than ever to treat my body "as a temple" as they say, and to really enjoy my life. Out of every bad, there should come some good, you just have to figure out the point of it all.
So here's wishing you all seize the day!
Friday, July 15, 2011
satisfaction
Hi munchkins.
Sitting here, enjoying a "meal replacement" smoothie which isn't really replacing much because I still put in Greek yog, spinach and plenty of fruit on top of the Vega Whole Food Optimizer (berry). I am testing out this product as well as the Vega Sport Performance Optimizer to see what it all does. I've never been one to replace real food with powders and gunk like this, but I am trying something different.
My weight loss seems to have stalled permanently around 139-140 (we'll see when aunt flo leaves) but with all the extra working out and careful eating, my body is getting very toned. My boyfriend said my back is very toned, and I have noticed my arms and thighs and abs are looking different. I am going to keep this up for a few more weeks and then take a few days off. I've worked out every single day this week, so I will need to decide on a day off sometime soon haha. Monday-Thursday were beach vball plus walking, Tuesday a 50-minute run, Wednesday was Aussie Football (something I had never seen played before and was trying out) and tonight I may go to a gym.
Speaking of Aussie Football, I went to the practice of a local team. Since the sport requires many, many players, they leave their practices open to anyone since it's not a very big sport here. Almost everyone playing was Australian, and everyone was friendly and helpful. I did have a pretty awesome kick to begin with, and my handpass isn't bad, but there's a lot to thinnk about at the same time, and so it may take a long time for me to learn the intricacies of the game.
One piece of great news is that I am finally starting to really make a dent in my debt load accumulated over the last 4 years of bad decision making, and with each slice I knock off, I feel a load off my shoulders. I am starting to be able to breathe again... yes.
Sitting here, enjoying a "meal replacement" smoothie which isn't really replacing much because I still put in Greek yog, spinach and plenty of fruit on top of the Vega Whole Food Optimizer (berry). I am testing out this product as well as the Vega Sport Performance Optimizer to see what it all does. I've never been one to replace real food with powders and gunk like this, but I am trying something different.
My weight loss seems to have stalled permanently around 139-140 (we'll see when aunt flo leaves) but with all the extra working out and careful eating, my body is getting very toned. My boyfriend said my back is very toned, and I have noticed my arms and thighs and abs are looking different. I am going to keep this up for a few more weeks and then take a few days off. I've worked out every single day this week, so I will need to decide on a day off sometime soon haha. Monday-Thursday were beach vball plus walking, Tuesday a 50-minute run, Wednesday was Aussie Football (something I had never seen played before and was trying out) and tonight I may go to a gym.
Speaking of Aussie Football, I went to the practice of a local team. Since the sport requires many, many players, they leave their practices open to anyone since it's not a very big sport here. Almost everyone playing was Australian, and everyone was friendly and helpful. I did have a pretty awesome kick to begin with, and my handpass isn't bad, but there's a lot to thinnk about at the same time, and so it may take a long time for me to learn the intricacies of the game.
One piece of great news is that I am finally starting to really make a dent in my debt load accumulated over the last 4 years of bad decision making, and with each slice I knock off, I feel a load off my shoulders. I am starting to be able to breathe again... yes.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
some new things
This week has been a bit hellish in its own very special way, but all's well that ends well I say, ad nauseam(sp.?)
I went through some major, major PMS issues, had some family health scares, arguments with the ex, and other odds and ends that were nothing short of frustrating to deal with. On the flip side though, I had two nights of good sleep and hope to get another tonight now that the weather's cooled off. I've been amazing when it comes to exercise, and pretty much amazing when it comes to eating, EXCEPT that I've managed to keep my weight down AND enjoy ice cream almost every day for the last two weeks. I have redeveloped an addiction, but this time it is much more contained, controlled and responsible. I feel no guilt. None. Now that, my friends, is progress.
I'm now charting every feeling or symptom of whatever that I have, for the next three months, to see if I do indeed suffer from PMDD, or if it's really just PMS aggravating a pre-existing condition. Only time, and careful note-taking, will tell.
So tonight I decided to bite the bullet and give Aussie football a try. I've been invited several times on this site I am a huge advocate of called trainingmobs.com. Have been since it began last year. Anyway, I keep turning down the invitations because Wednesday night is rarely good for me, but I decided tonight was the night. Turns out, it was quite fun to learn, and I am not bad at all! It calls on similar skills to those used in basketball, soccer, volleyball and football (I am good at volleyball and soccer, terrible at the other two, but the KEY skills are those that come from my sports of choice). Most of the players were extremely friendly and helpful Aussies who've recently moved here and needed this little piece of home.
I am off to bed shortly. Am slightly bloated, but eating well and keeping my weight down. Still need to try harder on the food end though to manage to lose any more pounds, but for now my body's getting firmer again and I am very much liking the results.
Power to you!
I went through some major, major PMS issues, had some family health scares, arguments with the ex, and other odds and ends that were nothing short of frustrating to deal with. On the flip side though, I had two nights of good sleep and hope to get another tonight now that the weather's cooled off. I've been amazing when it comes to exercise, and pretty much amazing when it comes to eating, EXCEPT that I've managed to keep my weight down AND enjoy ice cream almost every day for the last two weeks. I have redeveloped an addiction, but this time it is much more contained, controlled and responsible. I feel no guilt. None. Now that, my friends, is progress.
I'm now charting every feeling or symptom of whatever that I have, for the next three months, to see if I do indeed suffer from PMDD, or if it's really just PMS aggravating a pre-existing condition. Only time, and careful note-taking, will tell.
So tonight I decided to bite the bullet and give Aussie football a try. I've been invited several times on this site I am a huge advocate of called trainingmobs.com. Have been since it began last year. Anyway, I keep turning down the invitations because Wednesday night is rarely good for me, but I decided tonight was the night. Turns out, it was quite fun to learn, and I am not bad at all! It calls on similar skills to those used in basketball, soccer, volleyball and football (I am good at volleyball and soccer, terrible at the other two, but the KEY skills are those that come from my sports of choice). Most of the players were extremely friendly and helpful Aussies who've recently moved here and needed this little piece of home.
I am off to bed shortly. Am slightly bloated, but eating well and keeping my weight down. Still need to try harder on the food end though to manage to lose any more pounds, but for now my body's getting firmer again and I am very much liking the results.
Power to you!
sorry kiddies
I'm sorry I haven't been writing more. I've been keeping my weight down, eating fairly well and even starting to cook a little again. Also working out like mad. Unfortunately I have some stuff going on and I've been exceptionally tired. Just wanted to check in and let you know I am still pushing forward. I'm actually quite proud that I've managed to keep up with the exercise while I was so down and unmotivated.
Alright, gotta jet to work early, have a wonderful day!
Alright, gotta jet to work early, have a wonderful day!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
pardon the interruption...
It is 3 am. I am awake. I am angry at being awake. I am angry because I am depressed and haven't slept properly all week and I am finally able to sleep well and I get woken up by some asshole punching through the windows of the car parked outside my apartment, trying to break in. The moron thinks noone will see him when it's the loudest noise he just made, and his hand was bleeding. I yelled at him saying "I sure hope that's your own car" and he took off. Now I cannot sleep.
The Laws of the Hood.
I live in a neighbourhood that's up and coming, meaning it's still pretty dodgy at times. During the daytime, the atmosphere is totally different and it is amazing. At nighttime however, you wont catch me going for a stroll. Since I have moved here I have noticed a pattern: I get woken up at least once a week by someone screaming, vomiting, blasting music, fighting, breaking into cars, smashing a window, etc... ALWAYS AT THREE-IN-THE-EFFING-AYYY-EMMMMM!!!!!!!!!! ALWAYS. always.
I cannot express how relieved I am that I returned my leased car yesterday given this morning's events. I also cannot express my frustration at this wannabe car thief and all the trashy punks that feel the need to be loud at all hours... no I rephrase...at THIS (3AM) hour of the morning specifically, cutting into my best sleep.
PARDON MY FRENCH BUT FFFAAAAAAAAHHHHHCK.
Okay, I suppose I should go back to sleep. It's hard sometimes to fall back asleep after these crazy things happen.
The Laws of the Hood.
I live in a neighbourhood that's up and coming, meaning it's still pretty dodgy at times. During the daytime, the atmosphere is totally different and it is amazing. At nighttime however, you wont catch me going for a stroll. Since I have moved here I have noticed a pattern: I get woken up at least once a week by someone screaming, vomiting, blasting music, fighting, breaking into cars, smashing a window, etc... ALWAYS AT THREE-IN-THE-EFFING-AYYY-EMMMMM!!!!!!!!!! ALWAYS. always.
I cannot express how relieved I am that I returned my leased car yesterday given this morning's events. I also cannot express my frustration at this wannabe car thief and all the trashy punks that feel the need to be loud at all hours... no I rephrase...at THIS (3AM) hour of the morning specifically, cutting into my best sleep.
PARDON MY FRENCH BUT FFFAAAAAAAAHHHHHCK.
Okay, I suppose I should go back to sleep. It's hard sometimes to fall back asleep after these crazy things happen.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
in case you're wondering what's got me down...
Bear in mind, I am self-diagnosing after about 5 months of self-observation (without journal), but I am about 98% sure this is what's wrong with me. I have no physical symptoms except in the very hours right before it begins, but ALL the mood-related symptoms for the 5-11 days pre-period, which cease almost immediately after my period starts. It's a fantastic feeling (note sarcasm).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004461/
blah.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004461/
blah.
:(
feeling blue for a few reasons. don't feel like writing much.
Don't worry, I am keeping up with all my crazy exercising, socializing and work, and still being very careful about food even though I'm not making home meals.
courage to all of you.
:)
Don't worry, I am keeping up with all my crazy exercising, socializing and work, and still being very careful about food even though I'm not making home meals.
courage to all of you.
:)
Monday, July 4, 2011
Still kicking ass...
I did go up weight-wise as usual over the weekend, but not drastically, and I have it under control.
This weekend was a continuation of both relaxation (to avoid another burnout, since things are extremely busy again) and working out. I took Sunday off, and spent the afternoon by the lakeside taking in the waves and rays with my man, after brunching, followed by an ice cream lunch and a family dinner at his parents' place... the one weak moment: at 8 pm his mom brought home a bag of steaming-fresh Montreal bagels, and I held out right until I saw Noodle bite into one, and I could see how fluffy and wonderful the bread looked. I am not a big bagel lover (I like them a lot, just can't compare myself to bagel-obsessed locals) but I cannot resist ANY form of doughy goodness.
In any case, this morning I had a yogurt, cereal and fruit breakfast, a salad at lunch that had chicken, strawberries/oranges/blueberries/pecans/pineapple, etc. (bought) with balsamic dressing and a green Arthur's smoothie. Dinner was (as unhealthy as this may sound), a slice of pizza. It was bought fresh from a fancy Italian place at the local fresh market and I got it to add more veggies to my meal. It had only minimal cheese. I added some chili spice and fancy balsamic. I also sided that with a salad made with fresh lettuce from Noodle's folks' garden, half an avocado, some almonds, capers, grated parmesan, fancy balsamic, olive oil, squeezed lemon juice, fleur de sel and ground pepper. yumsy.
So I am not sure if I mentioned it, but I did a kickass bootcamp on Saturday, and will try to go back again soon. Good times. Most of all the trainer fosters a real sense of "teamwork" which is rare with a lot of fitness-obsessed people unfortunately.
Tomorrow I will try to take a run, and tonight I played beach volleyball for about 2 hours or more. It was a great set.
Oh, remind me to tell you about how I am being a guinea pig and tested out this sport performance optimizer tonight as a one-time deal, and this meal replacement powder by Vega that I tried all last week in smoothies. I don't want to promote replacing meals with ground up vegetables, but I wanted to test it out for a few personal reasons. I'll post about it later in the week maybe. Until then, have a great sleep!
This weekend was a continuation of both relaxation (to avoid another burnout, since things are extremely busy again) and working out. I took Sunday off, and spent the afternoon by the lakeside taking in the waves and rays with my man, after brunching, followed by an ice cream lunch and a family dinner at his parents' place... the one weak moment: at 8 pm his mom brought home a bag of steaming-fresh Montreal bagels, and I held out right until I saw Noodle bite into one, and I could see how fluffy and wonderful the bread looked. I am not a big bagel lover (I like them a lot, just can't compare myself to bagel-obsessed locals) but I cannot resist ANY form of doughy goodness.
In any case, this morning I had a yogurt, cereal and fruit breakfast, a salad at lunch that had chicken, strawberries/oranges/blueberries/pecans/pineapple, etc. (bought) with balsamic dressing and a green Arthur's smoothie. Dinner was (as unhealthy as this may sound), a slice of pizza. It was bought fresh from a fancy Italian place at the local fresh market and I got it to add more veggies to my meal. It had only minimal cheese. I added some chili spice and fancy balsamic. I also sided that with a salad made with fresh lettuce from Noodle's folks' garden, half an avocado, some almonds, capers, grated parmesan, fancy balsamic, olive oil, squeezed lemon juice, fleur de sel and ground pepper. yumsy.
So I am not sure if I mentioned it, but I did a kickass bootcamp on Saturday, and will try to go back again soon. Good times. Most of all the trainer fosters a real sense of "teamwork" which is rare with a lot of fitness-obsessed people unfortunately.
Tomorrow I will try to take a run, and tonight I played beach volleyball for about 2 hours or more. It was a great set.
Oh, remind me to tell you about how I am being a guinea pig and tested out this sport performance optimizer tonight as a one-time deal, and this meal replacement powder by Vega that I tried all last week in smoothies. I don't want to promote replacing meals with ground up vegetables, but I wanted to test it out for a few personal reasons. I'll post about it later in the week maybe. Until then, have a great sleep!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Bootcamp in the park
Gentle readers, the first week of getting back in gear is over. It was a success.
This morning, in 29 degree Celsius weather, I did the toughest bootcamp I've ever done. I had to run with sandbags around my neck and use ropes and all that hardcore crap :) Normally, most bootcamps are not as scary as people imagine them to be, and consist mostly of light jogging and calisthenics. But this one, while very doable for most people, did push all of our limits.
I also played 2 hours of 2x2 beach volleyball yesterday, which is quite a workout itself!
I think tomorrow I will need a break. It's supposed to rain anyway I believe.
Food is on track. I'm making do with barely any food at home, but I'll probably do a week's worth of shopping tomorrow. I think I will need to start scheduling in grocery shopping so it becomes a mandatory weekly routine. Otherwise, I put it off for weeks every time I run out.
Okay, I'm off to help a friend learn to ride a bike... which should be highly entertaining.
Have a great day all of you!
This morning, in 29 degree Celsius weather, I did the toughest bootcamp I've ever done. I had to run with sandbags around my neck and use ropes and all that hardcore crap :) Normally, most bootcamps are not as scary as people imagine them to be, and consist mostly of light jogging and calisthenics. But this one, while very doable for most people, did push all of our limits.
I also played 2 hours of 2x2 beach volleyball yesterday, which is quite a workout itself!
I think tomorrow I will need a break. It's supposed to rain anyway I believe.
Food is on track. I'm making do with barely any food at home, but I'll probably do a week's worth of shopping tomorrow. I think I will need to start scheduling in grocery shopping so it becomes a mandatory weekly routine. Otherwise, I put it off for weeks every time I run out.
Okay, I'm off to help a friend learn to ride a bike... which should be highly entertaining.
Have a great day all of you!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Did it, for this week anyway.
I was 138.8 yesterday! And I did NOT starve myself or take desperate measures to get there. I DID work my ass off exercise-wise, but I haven't even bought groceries yet. I need to be very careful this weekend though.
My strategy is this: eat suuuper light in the mornings, because today there's a BBQ, then eat light for dinner. Tomorrow, I have to buy food and eat home meals and perhaps at a resto for dinner, but choose wisely. Then Sunday, another super light breakfast and no lunch, since there will be a big BBQ again for someone's homecoming.
I am going to play more volleyball at noon today, which is fantastic because yesterday was a flop. We played 1.5 games (and barely got into it) because of poor organization on the league's part. But all of us left early since our second challenger defaulted, knowing that we'd be back the following day for a free day of beach volleyball and BBQ.
Alright, so I am a happy camper. Off to continue cleaning and getting stuff done around this pigsty.
have a great day!
My strategy is this: eat suuuper light in the mornings, because today there's a BBQ, then eat light for dinner. Tomorrow, I have to buy food and eat home meals and perhaps at a resto for dinner, but choose wisely. Then Sunday, another super light breakfast and no lunch, since there will be a big BBQ again for someone's homecoming.
I am going to play more volleyball at noon today, which is fantastic because yesterday was a flop. We played 1.5 games (and barely got into it) because of poor organization on the league's part. But all of us left early since our second challenger defaulted, knowing that we'd be back the following day for a free day of beach volleyball and BBQ.
Alright, so I am a happy camper. Off to continue cleaning and getting stuff done around this pigsty.
have a great day!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
fitness
Hey everybody!
I feel better this week. I've started to push myself again, slowly, and it feels great.
I started with the easiest (for me... I this would be the toughest for most): exercise. I realized I've only beeing doing running and volleyball. That's nothing to scoff at, but still, it's mainly cardio and not too big a challenge for me. I had let muscle/resistance training become a thing of the past, thus turning my almost wonderful abs to mush. So this week, here was my approach: I started taking walks at lunch again. To do this, I either have to eat at my desk before or get something takeout. I'll get to my lunches further down. So 20-minute-ish walks at lunch, plus volleyball twice this week, running last Sunday, running to volleyball and walking back Monday, AND did an awesome class with a former professional boxer called "intense cardio". It was great cardio, but more importantly for me, his classes work ALL muscle groups. Including the oft-overlooked back.
Food-wise, I did a teeeeenie tiny bit of groceries, and had some leftovers from the weekend, so all my breakfasts and dinners were homemade. All my lunches were meal replacement smoothies from Liquid Nutrition, with chocolate Vega Whole Food Optimizer added. Now I am not particularly fond of replacing ACTUAL food with powdered, dried, or pill-shaped foods, but I gave it a try. I had one every day this week. The two smoothies I alternated between are high in calories (600 and 450 respectively) so I am not starving myself. The aim was to try to replace the nutrients I am NOT getting because I am not eating homemade lunches, and see what the Vega is good for. So far, I've felt more energetic this week than I have in months, though mood-wise it's the beginning of the PMS cycle, which always starts on a ridiculous high, where I become uber productive at home and at work, am super pleasant... which eventually morphs into the dark, brooding, unhappy, complacent and depressed me as my period approaches. Anyway, for now I am riding the happy wave.
Speaking of happy, I bought a ton of underwear today (10 pairs for $30) and they are mostly SUPER FUNKY! I am a big fan of fashion right now, since it's all about fluorescents and flowers and crazy patterns and shit. I like many different looks, but I've always had a soft spot for ridiculously bright colours.
In other happy news, I totally forgot until yesterday that we have tomorrow off since it is Canada Day. I will use the day to sleep in, get a lot of cleaning done, go play some free beach volleyball, and enjoy some me time.
Alright, I am off to lie down for a few minutes before I head to vball. Have a great evening, and make this week the week you start pushing yourself again. Go go go!
I feel better this week. I've started to push myself again, slowly, and it feels great.
I started with the easiest (for me... I this would be the toughest for most): exercise. I realized I've only beeing doing running and volleyball. That's nothing to scoff at, but still, it's mainly cardio and not too big a challenge for me. I had let muscle/resistance training become a thing of the past, thus turning my almost wonderful abs to mush. So this week, here was my approach: I started taking walks at lunch again. To do this, I either have to eat at my desk before or get something takeout. I'll get to my lunches further down. So 20-minute-ish walks at lunch, plus volleyball twice this week, running last Sunday, running to volleyball and walking back Monday, AND did an awesome class with a former professional boxer called "intense cardio". It was great cardio, but more importantly for me, his classes work ALL muscle groups. Including the oft-overlooked back.
Food-wise, I did a teeeeenie tiny bit of groceries, and had some leftovers from the weekend, so all my breakfasts and dinners were homemade. All my lunches were meal replacement smoothies from Liquid Nutrition, with chocolate Vega Whole Food Optimizer added. Now I am not particularly fond of replacing ACTUAL food with powdered, dried, or pill-shaped foods, but I gave it a try. I had one every day this week. The two smoothies I alternated between are high in calories (600 and 450 respectively) so I am not starving myself. The aim was to try to replace the nutrients I am NOT getting because I am not eating homemade lunches, and see what the Vega is good for. So far, I've felt more energetic this week than I have in months, though mood-wise it's the beginning of the PMS cycle, which always starts on a ridiculous high, where I become uber productive at home and at work, am super pleasant... which eventually morphs into the dark, brooding, unhappy, complacent and depressed me as my period approaches. Anyway, for now I am riding the happy wave.
Speaking of happy, I bought a ton of underwear today (10 pairs for $30) and they are mostly SUPER FUNKY! I am a big fan of fashion right now, since it's all about fluorescents and flowers and crazy patterns and shit. I like many different looks, but I've always had a soft spot for ridiculously bright colours.
In other happy news, I totally forgot until yesterday that we have tomorrow off since it is Canada Day. I will use the day to sleep in, get a lot of cleaning done, go play some free beach volleyball, and enjoy some me time.
Alright, I am off to lie down for a few minutes before I head to vball. Have a great evening, and make this week the week you start pushing yourself again. Go go go!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The importance of measuring
Not much time to write, but felt it is important to remind everyone to take measurements in addition to looking at the scale. The scale is fickle.
I have been down lately because I'm feeling out of shape, but thanks to measuring, I know my shape hasn't changed much at all. I might not be as tight, but I am still the same size despite my weight having gone up significantly.
I am back to 140, and will keep pushing. I am going to an intense cardio class tonight, vball tomorrow, perhaps running (or nothing) on Friday, bootcamp Saturday, then MAYBE some parkour on Sunday... but I'll need a break at some point, so it will be Friday or Sunday.
Need to get my head back in the game. Need groceries and motivation to cook. For now, starting to count calories approximately again and it's working.
Have a great day!
I have been down lately because I'm feeling out of shape, but thanks to measuring, I know my shape hasn't changed much at all. I might not be as tight, but I am still the same size despite my weight having gone up significantly.
I am back to 140, and will keep pushing. I am going to an intense cardio class tonight, vball tomorrow, perhaps running (or nothing) on Friday, bootcamp Saturday, then MAYBE some parkour on Sunday... but I'll need a break at some point, so it will be Friday or Sunday.
Need to get my head back in the game. Need groceries and motivation to cook. For now, starting to count calories approximately again and it's working.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Getting back to it
slowly.
I'm back to blogging, back to watching calorie intake and being a little more cautious about what I eat. I was back to 141 this morning. phew! I would really, really like to get to 135 soon. The lowest I got was 135 for about a split second, and it will be tougher than usual, but I need to start pushing myself again.
If nothing else, I try as hard as I can (when I run out of groceries) to always, always eat breakfast at home and healthy. This is so that I give myself a good start to the day and know that I've eaten low-cal so my lunch can be more substantial.
I need to be careful because I'm going to visit family tonight, and that's always where I veer off-track the most. I also have a restaurant dinner coming up. I need to get back to my habit of looking at the menu beforehand (online) and choosing what I'll eat in advance, so I don't succumb to my whims.
Alright, just polishing up a bowl of organic Greek yog, almonds, blueberries and high fibre Kashi cereal, plus two tiny nectarines, and I'm off to work.
Have a great day!
I'm back to blogging, back to watching calorie intake and being a little more cautious about what I eat. I was back to 141 this morning. phew! I would really, really like to get to 135 soon. The lowest I got was 135 for about a split second, and it will be tougher than usual, but I need to start pushing myself again.
If nothing else, I try as hard as I can (when I run out of groceries) to always, always eat breakfast at home and healthy. This is so that I give myself a good start to the day and know that I've eaten low-cal so my lunch can be more substantial.
I need to be careful because I'm going to visit family tonight, and that's always where I veer off-track the most. I also have a restaurant dinner coming up. I need to get back to my habit of looking at the menu beforehand (online) and choosing what I'll eat in advance, so I don't succumb to my whims.
Alright, just polishing up a bowl of organic Greek yog, almonds, blueberries and high fibre Kashi cereal, plus two tiny nectarines, and I'm off to work.
Have a great day!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
It's high time I got back to this!
Okay, so. I know, I know, it's been far too long. I've neglected my blog and the kind people who read it.
Essentially, I've had to neglect many things these days. The past few months I was having a burnout, causing me to have anxiety attacks on a regular basis. In order to bring myself back to zero, recharge, reset, I had to pause my social obligations to focus on giving myself "me" time, and sadly, work.
I was getting a lot of freelance work, which means I would come home from a full-time shift of brain work at a computer, rush to eat whatever I could scrounge up, then continue to work all night. This went on for weeks.
I also have some fairly substantial and distressing family issues happening. My grandma was hospitalized earlier this year for a heart attack, then my aunt, then my other aunt was diagnosed with stomach cancer, which sent my grandma back to the hospital for anxiety, and one of my aunts has knee problems, and they are all trying to care for each other, while my bastard of an uncle is there, helping no one and creating an additional burden for my family.
I had some friendships to mend lately too.
But as far as I am concerned, my life is great regardless. Bad things happen, and it's how you cope with them that makes the difference. I have stopped losing weight, and have been fluctuating between staying relatively stable at 139-140, and jumping to 145 at times and then getting myself back under control. I am a little down sometimes because I know I'm not putting in what I should be to my diet and exercise, but I have committed to running and volleyball, which is about all I can handle right now. Plus, household chores, including groceries, are the first thing to take a backseat when I become overwhelmed with all the commitments I have, but I am always being very, very careful to make wise food choices, even if they cost an arm and a leg.
The BEST news I have is that I have officially run 10KM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HHHHHoooolllyy sheeeet! I might have done almost 11km in fact, in 1:10:00ish. Now my goal is to apply my ability to run for that long to make it from my house to my grandma's place. Then once I do that, I'll set some new goals.
I wanted to have a killer bikini body by July, which aint gonna happen, but I'm content to just be maintaining for now, since I don't want to push myself into another burnout. I have a lot to manage emotionally right now, so when things are calmer, I will focus once again on pushing my physical and mental limits.
I just had an amazing birthday week, with so many amazing people around me. And my boyfriend is just about the best thing since sliced bread. Yesterday, out of nowhere, he made me turn the car around without explaining why, just saying he forgot something, then made me pull over, walk into a flower shop, and pick a bouquet. I responded "for who, my family?" (we were spending time with my family this weekend), and he told me no, they were just for me. I melted. In fact I nearly cried. I couldn't wipe the smile from my face.
This is but one of many things he does to support and show his love for me, and he has no idea the effect it has. I am exploding inside, so to avoid making all my friends sick by gushing about it, I chose to blog my rainbowy love. He understands how much damage I have from my past, and he does everything to show me I'm worth more, and I consider myself lucky. Intensely.
Alright, so that's my news. I hope to start blogging more frequently, but we'll see how my life unravels in the weeks and months to come. I may have to dedicate more time to family, but I'll do my best, for my readers, but most of all, for my own well-being.
I hope you're all sustaining your motivation and taking great care of yourselves. No matter what's happening, that should always come first, otherwise you're eventually useless to everyone. And no one else can do it for you.
Essentially, I've had to neglect many things these days. The past few months I was having a burnout, causing me to have anxiety attacks on a regular basis. In order to bring myself back to zero, recharge, reset, I had to pause my social obligations to focus on giving myself "me" time, and sadly, work.
I was getting a lot of freelance work, which means I would come home from a full-time shift of brain work at a computer, rush to eat whatever I could scrounge up, then continue to work all night. This went on for weeks.
I also have some fairly substantial and distressing family issues happening. My grandma was hospitalized earlier this year for a heart attack, then my aunt, then my other aunt was diagnosed with stomach cancer, which sent my grandma back to the hospital for anxiety, and one of my aunts has knee problems, and they are all trying to care for each other, while my bastard of an uncle is there, helping no one and creating an additional burden for my family.
I had some friendships to mend lately too.
But as far as I am concerned, my life is great regardless. Bad things happen, and it's how you cope with them that makes the difference. I have stopped losing weight, and have been fluctuating between staying relatively stable at 139-140, and jumping to 145 at times and then getting myself back under control. I am a little down sometimes because I know I'm not putting in what I should be to my diet and exercise, but I have committed to running and volleyball, which is about all I can handle right now. Plus, household chores, including groceries, are the first thing to take a backseat when I become overwhelmed with all the commitments I have, but I am always being very, very careful to make wise food choices, even if they cost an arm and a leg.
The BEST news I have is that I have officially run 10KM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HHHHHoooolllyy sheeeet! I might have done almost 11km in fact, in 1:10:00ish. Now my goal is to apply my ability to run for that long to make it from my house to my grandma's place. Then once I do that, I'll set some new goals.
I wanted to have a killer bikini body by July, which aint gonna happen, but I'm content to just be maintaining for now, since I don't want to push myself into another burnout. I have a lot to manage emotionally right now, so when things are calmer, I will focus once again on pushing my physical and mental limits.
I just had an amazing birthday week, with so many amazing people around me. And my boyfriend is just about the best thing since sliced bread. Yesterday, out of nowhere, he made me turn the car around without explaining why, just saying he forgot something, then made me pull over, walk into a flower shop, and pick a bouquet. I responded "for who, my family?" (we were spending time with my family this weekend), and he told me no, they were just for me. I melted. In fact I nearly cried. I couldn't wipe the smile from my face.
This is but one of many things he does to support and show his love for me, and he has no idea the effect it has. I am exploding inside, so to avoid making all my friends sick by gushing about it, I chose to blog my rainbowy love. He understands how much damage I have from my past, and he does everything to show me I'm worth more, and I consider myself lucky. Intensely.
Alright, so that's my news. I hope to start blogging more frequently, but we'll see how my life unravels in the weeks and months to come. I may have to dedicate more time to family, but I'll do my best, for my readers, but most of all, for my own well-being.
I hope you're all sustaining your motivation and taking great care of yourselves. No matter what's happening, that should always come first, otherwise you're eventually useless to everyone. And no one else can do it for you.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
bad, bad blogger.
I am sorry it's been so long. I'm mostly sorry to myself. But for anyone who finds any value or interest in my posts, I apologize as well... I will be back. I am taking a few weeks off because I need to cut a few things out at the moment.
Some intense family stuff is happening, and I recently almost had a total burnout, so I am taking steps to take better care of myself and those around me.
By the way though, I ran 10 km two nights ago. AAAAHHH!!! My least likely goal has been accomplished!
Still at 140, and feeling fairly good about myself for now, but still have my sights set on another 10 lb loss eventually.
Some intense family stuff is happening, and I recently almost had a total burnout, so I am taking steps to take better care of myself and those around me.
By the way though, I ran 10 km two nights ago. AAAAHHH!!! My least likely goal has been accomplished!
Still at 140, and feeling fairly good about myself for now, but still have my sights set on another 10 lb loss eventually.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Issss myyyy birfday
And am loving all the messages I am getting from friends, family and others I haven't heard from in ages. That's my favourite part of the whole thing.
All my wishes have already come true, so no need for more, will just enjoy my day and wish that it lasts forever :)
Off to get ready for work, booo.
All my wishes have already come true, so no need for more, will just enjoy my day and wish that it lasts forever :)
Off to get ready for work, booo.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
alas, a new post!
I am sorry for being away so long. I also can't guarantee another post in the immediate future, but I wanted to let you all know I haven't jumped ship completely.
To sums things up, I had a burnout. Or started to anyway. With work, freelance projects, social and family obligations, etc., I was starting to have anxiety attacks on a regular basis. I reached a point where I cancelled all "extras" and only worked, to give myself time to sleep. I am feeling much better now, and my boyfriend is taking me away for three days in a cottage by a lake for my birthday, which is just what the doctor ordered.
I thought, if anything, I should mention (since my weight loss has stagnated and I don't have much to say these days) that I ran my very first 5 KM race on Sunday. My time was 28:14:4... not bad, not amazing, but not bad.
Considering I hated running up until about two months ago, I am thrilled. I am continuing to challenge myself and push my limits. For my own pleasure, I ran for 60 minutes on Friday (almost 10 km)... so I think my goal of making it to 10 km will be accomplished sooner than later.
Eating is fairly on track and exercise too. All that's missing right now is proper sleep. I am counting down the minutes til I leave for the cottage on Thursday, eeeeeee!!!
I hope you're all doing amazingly. I will catch up with all your blogs when I have a bit more time. Plus I have more stuff to talk about eventually.
To sums things up, I had a burnout. Or started to anyway. With work, freelance projects, social and family obligations, etc., I was starting to have anxiety attacks on a regular basis. I reached a point where I cancelled all "extras" and only worked, to give myself time to sleep. I am feeling much better now, and my boyfriend is taking me away for three days in a cottage by a lake for my birthday, which is just what the doctor ordered.
I thought, if anything, I should mention (since my weight loss has stagnated and I don't have much to say these days) that I ran my very first 5 KM race on Sunday. My time was 28:14:4... not bad, not amazing, but not bad.
Considering I hated running up until about two months ago, I am thrilled. I am continuing to challenge myself and push my limits. For my own pleasure, I ran for 60 minutes on Friday (almost 10 km)... so I think my goal of making it to 10 km will be accomplished sooner than later.
Eating is fairly on track and exercise too. All that's missing right now is proper sleep. I am counting down the minutes til I leave for the cottage on Thursday, eeeeeee!!!
I hope you're all doing amazingly. I will catch up with all your blogs when I have a bit more time. Plus I have more stuff to talk about eventually.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
oops
I shouldn't title my posts until after they're done. My last post, called "Advertorial" such and such, was, in part, meant to cover the subject of flossing.
Essentially, I want to say how important flossing is, and I rarely adervtise any brand, but I strongly recommend anyone who hates flossing to start using the waxless flosses that are growing in popularity, since they are less likely to make your gums bleed. And if your excuse for not flossing is that your gums bleed, well that passes after just a few times of flossing. But you should also use extra-soft toothbrushes...
I know this seems random, but frankly, most people don't floss, and oral health has strong ties to overall health, and a strong correlation with pancreatic cancer and other serious illnesses. Not only that, no one might be telling you that you have horrible horrible breath, and flossing can save you from this.
Maybe one day I'll write more articulately about this, but for now I am just rushing to get this point across since I forgot in my other post. Gotta run! Get flossing!
Essentially, I want to say how important flossing is, and I rarely adervtise any brand, but I strongly recommend anyone who hates flossing to start using the waxless flosses that are growing in popularity, since they are less likely to make your gums bleed. And if your excuse for not flossing is that your gums bleed, well that passes after just a few times of flossing. But you should also use extra-soft toothbrushes...
I know this seems random, but frankly, most people don't floss, and oral health has strong ties to overall health, and a strong correlation with pancreatic cancer and other serious illnesses. Not only that, no one might be telling you that you have horrible horrible breath, and flossing can save you from this.
Maybe one day I'll write more articulately about this, but for now I am just rushing to get this point across since I forgot in my other post. Gotta run! Get flossing!
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