My 20th Month: April 2010 Assessment, 9 Miles, New Shades

Sounds like we ALL love hanging out with old besties!! And of course, pedis are the bomb - why did I never get one before the age of 24? Talk about ewwwwwwww lost time!! Fun learning i'm not the only chica sporting purple toes these days - the piggies are thrilled with the color! Also, thanks for the sweet comments about baby Emma - she is a living doll! So... you GUYS, I leave TOMORROW for the Dominican Republic! YAY. This time tomorrow night i'll be spending my first evening in punta cana - BLISS! Backing up to the last two days.... :)

So Monday was a hectic one - just worked, forgot my workout socks but walked 4 miles during lunch anyway, worked more, walked 1 mile and did upper body ST after work, then raced home, made a yummy beef taco wrap dinner with a side salad, finished Sparks' The Last Song and called it a night! Exhausting day of doing LOTS of work to catch up before my vacation! I ended up at 1,714 calories, 189 carbs, 55 fat grams and 123 protein grams. Here's what I ate! I'll post my book review next time!!

Today was just as hectic - if not more - trying to tie up loose ends at work. Sigh! Sometimes vacays don't seem worth it (but come on, they always are regardless!). I worked all morning, walked 4 miles during lunch, worked more, worked late and ran over to Sunglasses Hut for some new shades (Picked up some sweet Ray-Bans). I'm not normally one to wear nice sunglasses (at least not since high school when I was obsessed with Oakley jackets), but I decided a fun splurge would be good for the summatime!

Pic taken on my iPhone from my bed about 5 minutes ago! Yes, that random stray hair is bugging me too - eek!

After sunglasses it was time to pack, eat dinner (through together some Chicken Picatta with the last of our perishables - basil, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms!) and blog time before bedtime. SO excited about the trip!! I ended the day at 1,596 calories, 203 carbs, 39 fat grams and 107 protein grams. Here's what I ate. So on to last month's assessment...

April 2010 Assessment!

By the Numbers

Pounds Lost: -1 (120 to 121)
Highest Weight: 122
Lowest Weight: 118 (one day only)
Pounds left to Lose: 5
Posts: 20
Days Worked out: 17
Miles of cardio: 84
Miles of running: 13.84
Days of C25K: 6

Interesting Charts

Click on charts to make them larger!

So I had a lot of high-calorie days in April -and I knew it. I can honestly attribute most to alcohol - I had spring fever FOR REAL and definitely had a few more drinkies and a few more "drinky days." Certainly nothing to beat myself up over, and i'm glad I got in lots of good workouts so that I had all of those high-calories days and only gained a pound, but it definitely needs to slow down a bit come June (i'd say May but I have two vacays starting TOMORROW so it's not looking good!). Had I already mentioned the vacay?? hehe :)

April: Calories in, Exercise and Weight

April 1: 1,884 calories; 3 miles cardio; burned 213 calories; net: 1,671; 120
April 2: 2,340 calories; 3 miles cardio; burned 160 calories; net: 2,180; 120.5
April 3: 1,545 calories; no cardio; 119
April 4: 1,838 calories; no cardio; 120.5
April 5: 1,838 calories; 4 miles cardio; 185 calories burned; net: 1,653; 120
April 6: 2,018 calories; 5 miles walking/1 mile running; upper body ST; burned 395 calories; net: 1,623; 119
April 7: 1,706 calories; 4 miles cardio; burned 184 calories; net: 1,522; 119.5
April 8: 1,726 calories; 5 miles walk/running; burned 328 calories; net: 1,398; 120
April 9: 2,246 calories; 4 miles walking; burned 185 calories; net: 2,061; 118
April 10: 1,773 calories; No exercise; 119
April 11: 1,774 calories; No exercise; 120
April 12: 1,828 calories; 6 miles + upper body ST; burned 314 calories; net: 1,514; 119.5
April 13: 2,167 calories; 6 miles + abs; burned 365 calories; net: 1,802 ; 120
April 14: 1,784 calories; no exercise; 119.5
April 15: 1,703 calories; no exercise; 120
April 16: 1,785 calories; walked/ran 6 miles + abs + upper body ST; burned 373; net: 1,412; 119
April 17: 2,315 calories; no exercise; 120.5
April 18: 2,006 calories; no exercise; 121
April 19: 1,676 calories; 6 miles + upper body circuit; burned 298 calories; net: 1,378; 121
April 20: 1,898 calories; 2.5 miles; burned 115 calories; net: 1,783; 120
April 21: 1,779 calories; 4.5 miles + legs + abs; burned 327 calories; net: 1,452; 120.5
April 22: 2,041 calories; walked/ran 4 miles + abs; burned 312 calories; net: 1,729; 120
April 23: 1,998 calories; walked 4 miles; burned 181 calories; net: 1,817; 121.5
April 24: 1,960 calories; no exercise; 121
April 25: 1,767 calories; no exericse; 122
April 26: 1,747 calories; no exericse; 122
April 27: 2,056 calories; 7 miles cardio + abs; burned 496 calories; net: 1,560; 121.5
April 28: 1,791 calories; no exercise; 122
April 29: 1,752 calories; 5 miles cardio; 121.5
April 30: 1,849 calories; no exercise; 121

A look Back: April Goals

1. Walk/Run 90 miles CLOSE; did 84 miles.
2. Get to week 8 on Couch to 5K Program. DONE; but only did the 28 minutes straight once.
3. Lock down a budget for 2010 and really focus on saving $/spending less. Moved to June!
4. Paint hall closet. Moved to June!
5. Hang shelves in guest bath; buy/install hooks. Moved to May!
6. Make two total upper body circuits. DONE
7. Make 10 new recipes. DONE
8. Make a new playlist. DONE
9. Reorganize my recipes. In progress!

Not too bad on the goal front! I think I covered a lot of bases this month but definitely want to pick it up this summer (May is going to be hard with the trips.. but i'm going to try!).

A look Ahead: May Goals

1. Walk/Run 90 miles.

2. Do at least five 28-minute runs. (i.e. Week 8 on C25K)

3. Hang shelves in guest bath.

4. Finish reorganizing my recipes.

5. Get Austin's office set up.

6. Buy items to finish the newly redone guest room and master bedroom.

7. Contact vendor about reupholstering a chair.

Q: Anything on your To-Do list for May?

Q: Have a sunglasses preference?

Q: Don't you HATE when you forget something like SOCKS?

K - i'm out! Plan to catch up with you all tomorrow before my flight - YAY!! Am hoping to do so picture posts while i'm gone but we'll see!!

Monthly Assessment for March 2010

Here goes another assessment - sorry it's so long - eek!

By the Numbers

Pounds Lost: 1 (120 to 119)
Highest Weight: 121.5
Lowest Weight: 117.5 (one day only)
Pounds left to Lose: 4
Posts: 16
Days Worked out: 17
Miles of cardio: 77.5
Miles of running: 17.5
Days of C25K: 6

Interesting Charts

Click on charts to make them larger!



Still having highs and lows with calories and fat instead of driving a line through the middle! I have an idea for this that i'm considering - i'll have to run it by you guys in a separate post! Other than that, it all looks pretty good!

March Calories In, Calories Out, Weight

March 1, 2010: 1,750 calories; 7 miles (including C25K); calories burned: 377; net: 1,373; 120
March 2, 2010: 1,768 calories; No Exercise; 120.5
March 3, 2010: 1,676 calories; 3 miles cardio + triceps+ biceps; burned 188 calories; Net: 1,488; 120
March 4, 2010: 1,587 calories; 4 miles cardio + shoulders + abs + back; burned 245 calories; net: 1,342; 119
March 5, 2010: 1,921 calories; 4 miles cardio (burned 220 calories); net:1,701 calories; 118.5
March 6, 2010: 2,008 calories; No exercise; 119.5
March 7, 2010: 1,403 calories; No Exercise; 120
March 8, 2010: 1,893 calories; 4 miles cardio (burned 205 calories); net: 1,688; 119
March 9, 2010: 1,616 calories; 3 miles cardio (burned 154 calories); net: 1,462; 119.5
March 10, 2010: 1,794 calories; No cardio; 119
March 11, 2010: 1,804; No cardio; 118.5
March 12, 2010: 1,710; No cardio; 117.5
March 13, 2010: 1,783; No cardio; 119.5
March 14, 2010: 1,650; No cardio; 121
March 15, 2010: 1,493 calories; 4.5 miles cardio (C25k); burned 280 calories; net: 1,213; 121.5
March 16, 2010: 1,765 calories; 4 miles cardio; burned 180 calories; net: 1,585; 121.5
March 17, 2010: 2,136 calories; No cardio; 119.5
March 18, 2010: 2,019 calories; No cardio; 120
March 19, 2010: 2,109 calories; 3 miles (including C25k) and an upper body circuit; burned 277 calories; net: 1,832; 120
March 20, 2010: 1,791 calories; No cardio; 119.5
March 21, 2010: 1,771 calories; 4.5 miles including C25K and abs; burned 335 calories; net: 1,436; N/A
March 22, 2010: 1,823 calories; 5 miles walking + legs; burned 310 calories; net: 1,513; 119.5
March 23, 2010: 1,829 calories; 6 miles walking + upper body circuit; burned 320 calories; net: 1,509; 120
March 24, 2010: 1,621; 4 miles (including C25k); burned 256 calories; net: 1,365; 120
March 25, 2010: 1,639; no exercise; 120.5
March 26, 2010: 2,370; no exercise; 120
March 27, 2010: 1,574; no exercise; 119.5
March 28, 2010: 1,556; 4 miles cardio; burned 211 calories; net: 1,345; 119.5
March 29, 2010: 1,920; 6 miles + upper body circuit; burned 343 calories; net: 1,577; 120
March 30, 2010: 1,762; 5 miles (including C25K); burned 318 calories; net: 1,444; 119.5
March 31, 2010: 1,418; 2 miles; burned 88 calories; net: 1,330; 119

Here's the newest chart again!



Orange is BMR, green is what I burn through workouts and blue is where I eat. So here you can really see the high days. And the low days - which I didn't really have that many last month but March had quite a few.

A Look Back: March Goals

1. Walk/Run 85 miles. Not so much – was a few miles short!
2. Get to Week 7 on Couch to 5K Program. DONE – need to step it up in April!
3. Make meal plans and plug in information to SparkPeople before eating! Did well – can probably remove from goals now that it’s becoming a bit more regular to do this.
4. Lock down a budget for 2010 and really focus on saving $/spending less. Still not done – haven’t had time to sit down with Austin and when I do we want to do something more fun! LOL moving over to April.
5. Finish up the hall closet project - including painting! Still need to paint – shooting for Thursday.
6. Find ways to hang shelves in half bath. Officially not going to happen due to vent behind wall – going to hang them in the guest bathroom.
7. Get updated quotes on stainless; have all appliances ordered and installed. DONE
8. Have trees cut down. DONE
9. Get quotes on lighting (outdoor and indoor). Am pushing to May.
10. Get quotes on painting ceiling downstairs. Am pushing to May – need a break again!

A look Ahead: April Goals

1. Walk/Run 90 miles. (catch up time starts now!)
2. Get to week 8 on Couch to 5K Program.
3. Lock down a budget for 2010 and really focus on saving $/spending less.
4. Paint hall closet.
5. Hang shelves in guest bath; buy/install hooks.
6. Make two total upper body circuits.
7. Make 10 new recipes.
8. Make a new playlist.
9. Reorganize my recipes.

This month was tough for me. Aside from getting sick I felt like we were going, going, going too much – and I know this will be the case this coming month too! I have to really get better about cooking ahead of time because a couple of times this month it’s caught up to me and I’ve been without preparepared meals! This month I want to reenergize by making some new recipes and reorganizing my recipes!!

How was your March? Anything on your To-Do list for April?

New Recipe, Monthly Assessment for February, New Helpful Chart

Thanks, friends! I absolutely love decorating and HATE paying retail. (unless it's Ikea because, come on, that shiz is cheap). Love it! So how was your Tuesday? Mine was like a Monday all over again. Grrr. It snowed so the drive in took foreva (pattern, no?), then I just worked... had to work through lunch, hit the grocery store, raced home and REALLY felt like cooking (even though I had some meals ready!).

I was dying to try a new recipe - one I found when I stumbled upon Gina’s Weight Watchers Recipes - her Pasta Fagioli Recipe. I tweaked it a bit (removed carrots; added mozzarella; upped the noodles; made it 4 rather than 5 servings) but it’s very much her recipe and AMAZING! I apologize in advance for carb counters – my version is a bit high! Here’s the recipe for FOUR servings:

1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, small to medium size
½ tbsp minced garlic
1 celery stalk, diced
1 15 oz can cannellini beans
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 large bay leaf
1 tbsp basil, dried
1 tbsp parsley, dried
1 tsp oregano, dried
4 cups fat free chicken broth (or 2 cans)
2 cups water
Sea salt and pepper to taste
8 oz. small pasta (I used mini fusili)
8 tsp grated parmesan cheese
40 grams fresh mozzarella, grated

spoonful!

In a deep pot, saute onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat. Blend can of beans with one cup water in electric blender until smooth. Add blended beans to pan then add the tomato sauce, celery, chicken broth, basil, bay leaf, parsley, oregano, sea salt and pepper. Add 1 cup water and bring to slow boil. Let simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally. Add pasta and cook uncovered until pasta is al dente, according to pasta directions. Ladle soup into bowls, remove bay leaf, and top each serving with 2 tsp grated parmesan and 10 grams fat free mozzarella. Nutritional Information: 418 calories, 70 carbs, 9 fat grams and 20 protein grams.

You guys! It was so creamy and fabulous like MELT in my mouth. I can’t wait to make this again and make more of it. Me and Austin are officially obsessed with this new recipe. Thanks, Gina!

After cooking the pasta and getting some Buffalo Chicken Chili from Biz going in the crockpot, I did a few things around the house, got ready for tomorrow and settled in to The Ugly Truth - such a cute little movie! I also did my Monthly Assessment for February 2010. Here goes!!!

By the Numbers

Pounds Lost: 3 (123 to 120)
Highest Weight: 122.5
Lowest Weight: 119 (only 1 day)
Pounds left to Lose: 5 (shooting for 115)
Posts: 19
Days Worked out: 18
Miles of cardio: 82
Miles of running: 16
Days of C25K: 9

Interesting Charts

Click on charts to make them larger!



So 9 over-the-limit calorie days and a few high fat days - much better on carbs and still good on protein. I can honestly say I was much more cognizant about calories in vs. calories out, but still let a lot go which is cool. It’s like “balance” which I’m a huge fan of. I do think next month I’ll try to teeter more on the watch end and less on the stuffing-my-face-over-drinking end. hehe

February Calories In, Calories Out, Weight

February 1, 2010: 1,785 calories; 6.75 miles (including C25K); burned estimate: 370 calories; net: 1,415; 123
February 2, 2010: 1,751 calories; 5 miles + triceps + shoulers; burned estimate: 275 calories; net: 1,476; 122
February 3, 2010: 1,714 calories; No Exercise; 122.5
February 4, 2010: 1,517 calories; 3.25 miles (including C25K); calories burned: 202; net: 1,315; 121
February 5, 2010: 2,141 calories; 2 miles; calories burned: 88; net: 2,053; 121
February 6, 2010: 2,214 calories; 4 miles + legs; calories burned: 341; net: 1,873; N/A
February 7, 2010: 1,625 calories; No exercise; N/A
February 8, 2010: 1,722 calories; 5 miles including C25K + back + biceps; burned 308 calories; net: 1,414; 121.5
February 9, 2010: 1,983 calories; No Exercise; 122.5
February 10, 2010:1630 calories; 6.5 miles including C25K; burned 340 calories; net: 1,290; 122
February 11, 2010: 1,781 calories; No Exercise; 122
February 12, 2010: 1,973 calories; 4 miles cardio; burned 180 calories; net: 1,793; 121.5
February 13, 2010: 2,136 calories; No Exercise; 121.5
February 14, 2010: 1,653 calories; 5 miles cardio; burned 219 calories; net: 1,434; 121
February 15, 2010: 1,723 calories; 4 miles cardio; burned 177 calories; net: 1,555; 123
February 16, 2010: 2,190 calories; 4 miles cardio; burned 178 calories; net: 2,012; 122.5
February 17, 2010: 1,803 calories; 6.5 miles cardio (C25k); burned 328 calories; net: 1,475; 122
February 18, 2010: 1,671 calories; upper body ST + abs; burned 83 calories; net: 1,588; 122
February 19, 2010: 2,035 calories; 7 miles (including C25k); burned 369 calories; net: 1,666; 121.5
February 20, 2010: 2,034 calories; no exercise; 121
February 21, 2010: 1,754 calories; no exercise; 121
February 22, 2010: 1,820 calories; no exercise; 122
February 23, 2010: 1,717 calories; 7 miles (including C25k); burned 346 calories; net: 1,371 ; 121.5
February 24, 2010: 1,621 calories; No Exercise; 120.5
February 25, 2010: 1,845 calories; 5 miles cardio (including C25k); burned 290 calories; net: 1,555; 120
February 26, 2010: 1,843 calories; 4 miles cardio + legs; burned 259 calories; net: 1,584; 119
February 27, 2010: 2,232 calories; 3 miles cardio (burned 152 calories); net: 2,080; 119.5
February 28, 2010: 1,689 calories; No exercise; 120

Here's a new chart!

This new tool (that you guys told me about!) helped me out so much! Orange is BMR, green is what I burn through workouts and blue is where I eat. So here you can really see the high days.\

A Look Back: February Goals

1. Walk/Run 85 miles. (almost done – 3 miles short!!)
2. Get to Week 6 on Couch to 5K Program. (got through week 5 – will try to get to week 7 in March!)
3. Make meal plans and plug in information to SparkPeople before eating! (did well on this; need to stay on it!)
4. Lock down a budget for 2010 and really focus on saving $/spending less. (haven't started this)
5. Finish up the hall closet project - including painting! (will push to March)
6. Finish up dining room art project. DONE
7. Find ways to hang shelves in half bath. (will push to March)
8. Call Lowes - see when Samsung range will be in. DONE; think we may end up not waiting on the Samsung range so I’ll try to buy and install all in another brand in March.
9. Find someone to cut down trees. DONE; having someone come out this month.
10. Have guest book canvas put on wooden backers and hung. DONE

A Look Ahead: March Goals

1. Walk/Run 85 miles.
2. Get to Week 7 on Couch to 5K Program.
3. Make meal plans and plug in information to SparkPeople before eating!
4. Lock down a budget for 2010 and really focus on saving $/spending less.
5. Finish up the hall closet project - including painting!
6. Find ways to hang shelves in half bath.
7. Get updated quotes on stainless; have all appliances ordered and installed.
8. Have trees cut down.
9. Get quotes on lighting (outdoor and indoor).
10. Get quotes on painting ceiling downstairs.

This month I really feel like I focused on fitness, on eating when I’m hungry other than when I was bored, tired, insert emotion here. And I lost a few ellbees – and I could tell! I felt a little better in my clothes and like I had more energy overall (despite feeling a bit sicky all month). I want to continue focusing on eating better, not eating so much ‘junk’ and working on my C25K. This month I also hope to make many more new recipes – woo! And lastly, as you can see above, I’m ready to tackle my house projects! We don’t have many left and I’m ready to have it done! Woo-hoo!

So... yesterday I didn't get around to working out. At all. But that's okay - i'm all over it and hope to do 7 miles including C25K, Week 6, Day 1 today!

How was your February? Anything you plan to do differently this month?

C25K Week 5, Cooking, New Product and January 2010 Assessment

So yes, Sunday was a sloth day. I love those sometimes! I ended up at 1,625 calories, 187 carbs, 62 fat grams and 83 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

One thing I did do on Sunday night was plan out my whole Monday, down to 30 minute blocks. So Monday went seamlessly just knocking off to-do after to-do. I was like a mini machine! During lunch, me and Stacy did back, biceps and walked 2 miles. Nice little workout! (burned 130 calories) I got back upstairs and got back to it and was SO hungry! I snacked quite a bit, then after work headed back down to try the new Week 5 C25K workout. I did:

5 minute walk at 4.0

5 minute run at 6.3

3 minute walk at 4.0

5 minute run at 6.3

3 minute walk at 4.0

5 minute run at 6.3

4 minute walk at 4.0

This was 30 minutes, or 2.58 miles – woo! It burned 153 calories. I kept walking to get my 3 miles in which burned 178 calories. I’m not gonna lie – the last 5 minutes was ROUGH. I was so sore from Saturday and so tired – but I went for it and I’m glad I did!

After the workout I raced home and got to work in the kitchen. Austin, who ROCKS, had gone to the grocery store, let out Reuben and had the dishwasher unloaded and all of my pans clean. SWEET. I got to work and cooked:

6 servings of brunch pizza squares (per Real Mom Kitchen)

4 servings of buffalo chicken salad ( per Hungrygirl)

6 servings of taco soup (per Monica)

WOO! I also used a new product – Reynolds’ slowcooker liners.


Yesssss. They worked great and it was so nice to have no clean up! I can easily cook two recipes in one day (cooking on high for 4 hours) and using the liners there is no clean up! I was pumped. After cooking me and Austin paid bills, worked on our upcoming party, bought some shiz on Amazon and wrote some thank you cards. We also had some of the buffalo chicken salads for dinner!

Then I was OUT – so tired. I watched Make it Break It and zoned out. I ended up at 1,722 calories, 207 carbs, 49 fat grams and 117 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

Today I got up and drove to West Atlanta for my company’s annual meeting (not the one in Vegas – this is the local one). I got there at 9 a.m. and basically hung out… the event had been planned so heavily by my team that my day mostly involved just chillin’ in the green room trying not to eat everything in sight. I was hungry and tired – blah. I did have some salad… and a turkey sandwich… and some chips… and a cookie… and some goldfish... and a reese's cup... This was after my breakfast of brunch pizza squares and yogurt. What is wrong with me? Sigh -i'm so self destructive!

I'll post the rest of today later! But now, i'm going to do February's assessment before I go catch up with your blogs - yay!!

My 17th Month: January 2010 Monthly Assessment

By the Numbers

Pounds Lost: 1 (122 to 121)
Highest Weight: 122.5
Lowest Weight: 120
Pounds left to Lose: 6 (shooting for 115)
Posts: 20
Days Worked out: 16
Miles of cardio: 68.5
Miles of running: 33
Days of C25K: 14

Interesting Charts

Click on charts to make them larger!

Hmmm... why the weight gain? Perhaps it's the high-calorie and high-fat days? Which I think are completely derived from too much unnecessary snacking and too many alcoholic drinks. eek! January was TOUGH. Not gonna lie...

January Calories In, Calories Out, Weight

January 1, 2009: 1,759 calories; no exercise; N/A
January 2, 2009: 1,688 calories; no exercise; 122
January 3, 2009: 1,981 calories; no exercise; 122.5
January 4, 2009: 1,703 calories; 4.25 miles cardio/C25k; burned 200 calories; net: 1,503; 122
January 5, 2009: 1,564 calories; 6.25 miles cardio/C25k/triceps/shoulders; burned 379 calories; net: 1,185; 122
January 6, 2009: 1,741 calories; No exercise; 121.5
January 7, 2009: 1,906 calories; No exercise; 121
January 8, 2009: 2,089 calories; No exercise; 121
January 9, 2009: 2,224 calories; 4 miles cardio; burned 226 calories; net: 1, 998 calories; 122
January 10, 2009: 1,494 calories; 50 minutes ST/Cardio exercise TV; burned 192 calories; net: 1,302 calories; 121.5
January 11, 2009: 1,577 calories; 6.25 miles including C25K; burned 332 calories; net: 1,245 calories; 121
January 12, 2009: 1,636 calories; 5.25 miles including 75 curls, 75 tricep extensions and 75 calf raises; burned 290 calories; net: 1,346 calories; 120.5
January 13, 2009: 1,688 calories; No exercise; 121
January 14, 2009: 1,702 calories; 4.75 miles including C25k; burned 253 calories; Net: 1,449; 121.5
January 15, 2009: 1,798 calories; No Exercise; 120
January 16, 2009: 2,383 calories; 5.75 miles including C25K; burned 330 calories; net: 2,053 calories; 120
January 17, 2009: 1,658 calories; No Exercise; 121
January 18, 2009: 1,597 calories; 4.25 miles including C25k and 10 mins. on the elliptical; burned 258 calories; net: 1,339 calories; 122
January 19, 2009: 1,586 calories; 3.25 miles; burned 170 calories; net: 1,416 calories; 120.5
January 20, 2009: 2,010 calories; 5.5 miles including C25k; burned 300 calories; net: 1,710; 120
January 21, 2009: 1,718 calories; 40 minutes exercise TV including back, abs, obliques, hamstrings, quads and shoulders; burned 137 calories; net: 1,581; 120.5
January 22, 2009: 2,417 calories; 4.25 miles including C25k; burned 215 calories; net: 2,202 calories; 121.5
January 23, 2009: 2,071 calories; No Exercise; 120.5
January 24, 2009: 1,610 calories; 2.5 miles on treadmill including C25k/1 mile on eliptical trainer and legs; burned 318 calories; net: 1,292 calories; 121
January 25, 2009: 2,051 calories; No Exercise; 121
January 26, 2009: 2,002 calories; 4.5 miles including C25k + abs; burned 329 calories; N/A
January 27, 2009: 2,102 calories; No Exercise; N/A
January 28, 2009: 1,930 calories; No Exercise; N/A
January 29, 2009: 1,796 calories; 6 miles cardio including C25k; burned 323 calories; 122
January 30, 2009: 1,821 calories; No Exercise; 121
January 31, 2009: 1,836 calories; No Exercise; 121

A Look Back: January Goals

1. Walk/Run 80 miles (loop in elliptical trainer, too!). Not so much…. Have some work to do next month!
2. Begin couch to 5k program. Woo! Did it, loved it, continuing it!
3. Make meal plans and plug in information to SparkPeople before eating! :) I’m doing this – but I’m eating too many snacks even though I’m not full….
4. Lock down a budget for 2010 and really focus on saving $/spending less. Need to do this – pushing to February!
5. Finalize anniversary trip with Austin. Still TBD – looks like we’ll be celebrating in town after all – whtaeva – as long as we’re together!
6. Finish up the hall closet project - including painting! Nope – looking at doing this in February!
7. Finish up dining room art project. Nope – looking at February – FOR SURE.
8. Hang shelves in half bath. Had problems with this – need to find a new way to hang them…. Or not hang them at all. :(
9. Research stainless steel appliances. DONE Have decided to wait until we can get all Samsung appliances to match our fridge. The gas range isn’t out yet so we’re waiting. Should be April.
10. Find someone to cut down trees! Not done – moved to February and we’re motivated!

A Look Ahead: February Goals

1. Walk/Run 85 miles (loop in elliptical trainer, too!)
2. Get to Week 6 on Couch to 5K Program.
3. Make meal plans and plug in information to SparkPeople before eating!
4. Lock down a budget for 2010 and really focus on saving $/spending less.
5. Finish up the hall closet project - including painting!
6. Finish up dining room art project.
7. Find ways to hang shelves in half bath.
8. Call Lowes - see when Samsung range will be in.
9. Find someone to cut down trees.

February, like January, I would like to focus on FITNESS. I feel like I’m gaining. I feel like I’m losing motivation. It makes me sad! I talked to Stacy (workout partner) and we’re really going to step it up and get back on track, especially with ST! I’m counting on her, the bride-to-be to stay motivated! :) I’m hoping the C25K helps, too, but mostly, I need to focus on eating less junk. I’ve just been really “whatever” and eating lots of random stuff that doesn’t fill me up. Grrr. I’ll do better this month and in March – I REALLY want to focus on this for February and March!

Do you have any ‘before-spring’ goals? Mine are definitely to get these house things done and get in better shape. Would love to get under 120 and stay there for the month of March!

Have you ever tried slowcooker liners?!

My 16th Month: December 2009 Monthly Assessment; Couch to 5K Program!!

Hi everyone! I hope you're all having great days!! Today was a pretty good day for me you guys - you were right, I already feel better! Thank you all for your amazing comments! I wrote you each back in the comments section of the last post. :)

So today started out slow as in traffic and I had a hard time leaving Reuben! Austin usually puts him up for the day – I don’t envy him. :) Work was pretty blah and I was CRAVING Mexican. Specifically, Uncle Julio’s. I’ve been hearing the best things and guess what? Awesome! Me and Stacy skipped our during-lunch workout to hit up Uncle Julio’s for chicken fajitas. SO good. Super fresh thick grilled chicken and onions, fresh cilantro-packed pico de gallo and creamy guacamole – YUM! I had a little bit of sour cream and very little grated cheese, but lots of chips (the SUPER thin crispy kind) with black bean salsa. Um, YUM! I’ll be going back for sure and you know I never eat out!!

So after work we did it – we started the Couch to 5k program! First, we walked 2.5 miles at 4 mph. Then we did this 20-minute workout (Week 1/Workout 1 Program) of 60 seconds jogging and 90 seconds walking for 20 minutes:

0 – 1 minute: running at 6.3
1 – 2.5: walking at 4.0
2.5 – 3.5: running at 6.3
3.5 – 5: walking at 4.0
5 – 6: running at 6.3
6 – 7:30: walking at 4.0
7:30 – 8:30: running at 6.3
8:30 – 10: walking at 4.0
10 – 11: running at 6.3
11 – 12:30: walking at 4.0
12:30 – 13:30: running at 6.3
13:30 – 15: walking at 4.0
15 – 16: running at 6.3
16 – 17:30: walking at 4.0
17:30 – 18:30: running at 6.3
18:30 – 20: walking at 4.0

So yes – LOTS of up and down. But the 20 minutes above was exactly 1.77 miles – not bad! And a little shout out: thank you, iPhone stopwatch function – SWEET! We finished it up and took it to a total of 4.25 miles for the day. Sadly, I wasn’t wearing my HRM, but don’t fear! I’ll be doing this again tomorrow and am very curious as to how much this burns. My heartrate definitely felt like it was up, up, up!

Now i'm in bed watching bad TV with baby Reuben! I'll post my stats tomorrow, and i'll post how much the HRM says that workout burns! And here goes my December assessment and January goals..... :)

By the Numbers

Pounds Lost: -.5 (120 to 120.5)
Highest Weight: 122
Lowest Weight: 119
Pounds left to Lose: 5.5 (shooting for 115)
Posts: 15
Days Worked out: 19
Miles of cardio: 93.5
Injuries: none!
New Recipes Cooked: 6

Interesting Charts

Click on charts to make them larger!

So calories were high... I really gave in a lot this month just eating when I wasn't hungry and letting my moods drive my eating rather than hunger! Between the holidays, traveling, a wedding weekend, unexpected traveling/out-to-eat and a general lack of sleep in the last week, I didn't do as well as I'd hoped. But... at least I only gained a 1/2 pound! I'm just ready to get to work!

December Calories In, Calories Out, Weight

December 1, 2009: 1,773 calories; no exercise; 120
December 2, 2009: 2,087 calories; walked 4.75 miles; ran 1.25 miles; burned 394 calories (net: 1,694); 120
December 3, 2009: 1,678 calories; no exercise; 119.5
December 4, 2009: 1,576 calories; walked 5.75 miles; ran 1 mile; legs/abs; burned 502 calories (net: 1,074); 119.5
December 5, 2009: 2,154 calories; 4.25 miles walked; burned 252 calories (net: 1,902); 120
December 6, 2009: 1,501 calories; No exercise; 121
December 7, 2009: 1,739 calories; 3.5 miles cardio; burned 162 calories (net: 1,577); 120.5
December 8, 2009: 1,812 calories; 4 miles cardio; burned 200 calories (net: 1,612); 120
December 9, 2009: 1,844 calories; no exercise; 119
December 10, 2009: 2,097 calories; 4.25-mile walk (burned 202 calories); net: 1,895; 120
December 11, 2009: 2,222 calories; 4.5-mile walk (burned 217 calories); net: 2,005; 119.5
December 12, 2009: 1,828 calories; No Exercise; N/A
December 13, 2009: 1,584 calories; 4-mile walk, 2-mile run and chest/triceps and shoulders (burned 428 calories); net: 1,156; 119.5
December 14, 2009: 1,801 calories; 4 miles + abs; burned 230 calories; (net: 1,571); 120
December 15, 2009: 1,778 calories; No exercise; 120.5
December 16, 2009: 1,665 calories; 3.5 miles walking + 1 mile running; burned 349 calories; (net: 1,316); 120
December 17, 2009: 1,453 calories; No exercise; 120.5
December 18, 2009: 2,016 calories; 5.5 miles walking + .5 miles running + legs; burned 430 calories (net: 1,586); 120
December 19, 2009: 2,453 calories; No exercise; N/A
December 20, 2009: 1,482 calories; No exercise; N/A
December 21, 2009: 1,784 calories; .5 miles running; 5.75 miles walking; burned 345 calories (net: 1,439); 120.5
December 22, 2009: 1,755 calories; walked 4 miles; burned 189 calories; (net: 1,566); 120.5
December 23, 2009: 1,750 calories; walked 4 miles; burned 192 calories; (net: 1,558); 121
December 24, 2009: 1,693 calories; 1.5 miles running/2.5 miles running; burned 265 calories (net: 1,428); 120
December 25, 2009: 2,379 calories; no exercise; 121
December 26, 2009: 1,621 calories; no exercise; 121
December 27, 2009: 1,788 calories; walked 8 miles; burned 391 calories (net: 1,397); 121.5
December 28, 2009: 1,992 calories; walked 4 miles; burned 200 calories (net: 1,792); 122
December 29, 2009: 2,020 calories; No Exercise; 121.5
December 30, 2009: 1,616 calories; walked 4 miles; burned 183 calories (net: 1,433); 121.5
December 31, 2009: 2,340 calories; walked 5.5 miles; burned 256 calories (net: 2,084); 120.5

A Look Back: December Goals

1. Walk/Run 93.5 miles to get to 1,000 - woo! DONE!!!!!
2. Read 2 books. DONE!!!!
3. Get with Austin – finalize House to-do list, attach timing and get quotes for things I’m unsure about (crown molding/lighting/etc.) We finalized the house to-do list but have not done timing or gotten quotes. We’ll get on it in January! And I need to break out this goal - it's too agressive for me!
4. Make 4 new recipes - one a dessert for Christmas time! We made 6, but no dessert! So DONE!!!
5. Lock down a budget for 2010 and really focus on saving $/spending less. Still need to do this!!
6. Begin planning our anniversary trip with Austin. This was talked about but not done – it definitely took a back burner.
7. Finish up the hall closet project. We did lots, but now that it’s all in Austin thinks it will look better painted. And I think he’s right! so the work goes on!
8. Finish up the dining room art project. We have the frames. We have the book. We chose the songs. Now we need to do it and hang it!

A Look Ahead: January Goals

January is going to be a focus on FITNESS. Let’s call it a back to the basics month. I feel like I’m gaining. You know how you can just FEEL it? I do. And I want to do some stuff at the casa FO SHO!

1. Walk/Run 80 miles (loop in elliptical trainer, too!)
2. Begin couch to 5k program.
3. Make meal plans and plug in information to SparkPeople before eating! :)
4. Lock down a budget for 2010 and really focus on saving $/spending less.
5. Finalize anniversary trip with Austin.
6. Finish up the hall closet project - including painting!
7. Finish up dining room art project.
8. Hang shelves in half bath.
9. Research stainless steel appliances.
10. Find someone to cut down trees!

So… I weighed 118 on December 31, 2008, and exactly one year later, on December 31, 2009, I weighed 120.5. So, overall, a 2.5-pound weight gain. However… if you look at the chart below you can see that I used to be super careful about staying “in range” with calories and then just kind of let it go more and more and my weight went up in correspondence.

So. I’m REALLY going to try to stay in range more. I really think weight gain is a slippery slope. And I know myself, and I really don’t want to get frustrated and just gain it back ya know? So, here’s to 2010 and really focusing on maintaining! I'm also super excited about the Couch to 5K program - I think intervals rock!

Do you run? If so, what pace do you run at? How did you get started?

Any advice for a new runner-to-be is greatly appreciated. :)

My 15th Month: November 2009 Monthly Assessment

Hola, friends! Happy Weekend! I'm finally catching up on blog reading - YAY- and having a great Saturday!! Here's is my November assessment, December plans a quick recap from Thurs. and Fri.!!

By the Numbers

Pounds Lost: 0 (120 to 120)
Highest Weight: 121.5
Lowest Weight: 118
Pounds left to Lose: 3 (shooting for 115 now)
Posts: 19
Days Worked out: 21
Miles of cardio: 84
Injuries: none!
New Recipes Cooked: 16

Interesting Charts

Click on charts to make them larger!




So carbs and protein are definitely under check - woo! Calories are a little whack with both high and low days, and what happened with fat? eek! I'm going to check these days and see what up! Either way, i'm pretty proud of this month. Yes, I didn't lose weight, but I maintained so that's pretty good in my book!

November Calories In, Calories Out, Weight


November 1, 2009: 1,806 calories; no exercise; N/A
November 2, 2009: 1,724 calories; no exericse; 120
November 3, 2009: 1,760 calories; 6 miles + chest + triceps; burned 380 calories (net: 1,380); 120
November 4, 2009: 1,791 calories; 4 miles; burned 240 calories (net: 1,551); 121
November 5, 2009: 1,834 calories; walked/ran 3.5 miles; burned 225 calories ((net: 1,609); 120
November 6, 2009: 1,765 calories; walked 6 miles/legs/shoulders; burned 450 calories (net: 1,315) ; 120
November 7, 2009: 2,388 calories; walked 2 miles, ran 1 mile/back/biceps; burned 270 calories (net: 2,118); 121
November 8, 2009: 2,116 calories; No Exercise; 121.5
November 9, 2009: 1,655 calories; 4 miles cardio; burned 240 calories (net: 1,425); 121
November 10, 2009: 1,781 calories; 2.25 miles walking/running/chest/tris; burned 229 calories (net: 1,552); 121
November 11, 2009: 1,792 calories; 4 miles cardio; burned 242 calories (net: 1,552); 119.5
November 12, 2009: 1,847 calories; walked 3.5 miles/ran 1 mile; burned 263 calories (net: 1,584) ; 119.5
November 13, 2009: 2,174 calories; No exercise; 119
November 14, 2009: 2,221 calories; walked 2.5 miles/ran 1 mile; burned 263 calories (net: 1,948); N/A
November 15, 2009: 1,334 calories; No Exercise; N/A
November 16, 2009: 1,623 calories; No Exercise; 121
November 17, 2009: 1,779 calories; 4 miles cardio; burned 245 calories (net: 1,534); 120.5
November 18, 2009: 1,933 calories; +back/biceps/shoulders/abs; burned 64 calories (net: 1,869); 120
November 19, 2009: 1,808 calories; walked 3 miles/ran 1.5 miles; burned 257 calories (net: 1,551); 119.5
November 20, 2009: 1,783 calories; 6 miles, chest, triceps and legs; burned 362 calories (net: 1,421); 119
November 21, 2009: 2,398 calories; 4 miles walking; burned 184 calories (net: 2,214); 119.5
November 22, 2009: 1,811 calories; 3 miles walking/1.5 miles running; burned 253 calories (net: 1,558); 121
November 23, 2009: 1,742 calories; 4 miles walking; burned 182 calories (net: 1,560); 121
November 24, 2009: 1,508 calories; 3 miles walking/1 mile running; burned 236 calories (net: 1,272); 119
November 25, 2009: 1,646 calories; No Exercise; 118
November 26, 2009: 2,328 calories; 3.5 miles walking/1 mile running; burned 265 calories (net: 2,063); 118
November 27, 2009: 1,913 calories; walked 1.5 miles; ran 1 mile; triceps, shoulders and abs; burned 272 calories (net: 1,641); 118
November 28, 2009: 2,382 calories; no exercise; 118.5
November 29, 2009: 1,599 calories; no exercise; 119
November 30, 2009: 1,551 calories; walked 5 miles; burned 252 calories (net: 1,299; 120

A Look Back: November Goals

1. Keep calories under 1,800 on days when I work out; under 1,600 on days when I don’t work out and under 2,300 when I drink (6 high days or LESS). Eh – had 8 high days… but that’s okay!
2. Walk 88 miles, and take Reuben on 3 neighborhood walks. Missed it by 4 miles and 2 walks – here’s to next month!

3. Do strength training 3 days/week. Did much better here!

4. Do abs 2 days/week. Still only doing one…

5. Introduce 10 new recipes. Beat it by 16 – woo!

6. Read 3 books (including audio!). Yes! 3 books exactly – all good, too!

7. Develop a meal plan for each week; track food the day BEFORE. Yes! Great luck here – the
pre-planning is making life here even more smooth. Nice to have lots of options cooked and ready to go, and I’m really getting into freezing!!

8. Wear my new HRM at EVERY workout. Yes! Was so happy here – really helped me see that walking at 4.0, incline or not, is getting way too easy for me (or my heart rather!) – need to step it up! (hence the running!)

9. Get down to 116 (i.e. lose 2 pounds). Nope – stayed at 120 again!

10. Get with Austin – finalize House to-do list, attach timing and get quotes for things I’m unsure about (crown molding/lighting/etc.) We made MUCHO progress, but haven’t finished prioritizing and getting quotes – moving it over!

11. No Reese's cups.... Done – but I replaced it with snickers. Is that okay? hehe

12. Drink 5 16-ounce bottles of water a day. Yes! Turned out I was already drinking this much – or more – so this one was pretty easy!

A Look Ahead: December Goals

I've been thinking about not doing goals. But then I started thinking I just need to reevaluate my goals. So many are things that have now become habits. I don't need to list out how often to do ST or to meal plan or my calorie goals. I think, overall, I just need to have those things going on in the background and make my goals a little different. However, some goals HAVE to stick like this month, I have to walk/run 93.5 miles to get to 1,000 for the year!! So, here goes:

1. Walk/Run 93.5 miles to get to 1,000 - woo!
2. Read 2 books.
3. Get with Austin – finalize House to-do list, attach timing and get quotes for things I’m unsure about (crown molding/lighting/etc.)
4. Make 4 new recipes - one a dessert for Christmas time!
5. Lock down a budget for 2010 and really focus on saving $/spending less.
6. Begin planning our anniversary trip with Austin.
7. Finish up the hall closet project.
8. Finish up the dining room art project.

So a little bit the same, a little bit different! What are your goals for this month?

Now, backing up real quick...

So Thursday was pretty much what I talked about in the last post – uneventful, chilling at the casa doing small chores! For dinner we REALLY wanted pizza, so we ordered it. And it was good! We ate whilst watching Harry Potter – love it. I went to bed early, ending up at 1,678 calories, 200 carbs, 63 fat grams and 90 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

Today I went into work determined to have a good day! My new fridge was coming in, I was motivated to work out, I was excited to put up Christmas decorations – the day was looking up. But of course, things don’t always happen as planned and work basically sucked in the morning. A lot. But, I decided to take my anger, frustration, etc. to the gym and walked 5 miles during lunch, burning 254 calories. The afternoon flew by with meetings, until I went back down to the gym – walked .75 miles and ran 1 mile, then me and Stacy did legs and abs. GREAT workout! Burned 248 calories in 48 minutes.

I came home from work, admired the fridge and happily organized it with Austin. Then I inhaled a piece and a half of leftover pizza and went upstairs to wash off the day – enter a 1-hour bath with my book club book. Lovely! I enjoyed myself and made great progress on the book – it’s SO cute so far! Then I just relaxed with Austin and Reuben, putting off the Christmas decorating…and Reuben’s bath… and a grocery store trip. Tomorrow is another day, right?! I'll post my stats tomorrow - and my fridge pics - woo!! I'm off to bed!

My 14th Month: October 2009 Monthly Assessment

Before I get back up I wanted to thank you all for your yummy pizza ideas and even recipes - you guys ROCK!! I have 2 pizzas to try this week, and plan to try 2 new ones the week after next - thanks again!! You guys also reminded me of the lovely bagel. I forget about this fun-shaped friend. I think i'm going to begin incorporating bagels into our breakfasts - why not, right?! K...here goes the month, ladies!!

By the Numbers
Pounds Lost: -.5 (118 to 118.5)
Highest Weight: 121.5
Lowest Weight: 118
Pounds left to Lose: 5.5 (would like to be at 113)
Posts: 19
Days Worked out: 17
Miles of cardio: 71
Injuries: none! Just got sick which had me out for a while – boo.
New Recipes Cooked: 6

Interesting Charts

Click on charts to make them larger!

So protein is spot on! For sure - woo! Carbs are pretty close and are definitely getting better and more in line! Fat was out of whack! I think it's the chocolate. And cheese. I can fix that! (with the chocolate - the amount I've been consuming is a bit absurd!!)

Daily Breakdown: October Calories In/Calories Out and Exercise
*** = good day! ## = need some improvement

Thursday, Oct. 1: 1,625 calories; No Exericse; 118***
Friday, Oct. 2: 2,033 calories; No Exercise; 118##
Saturday, Oct. 3: 1,844 calories; No Exercise; N/A##
Sunday, Oct. 4: 1,746 calories; No Exercise; 118.5***
Monday, Oct. 5: 1,804 calories; 4.75 miles (walking 4 mph); .75 miles (running 6.3 - 7.3 mph); Chest, Triceps, Shoulders ST; burned 631 calories (net: 1,173); 119.5***
Tuesday, Oct. 6: 1,847 calories; 3.5 miles (walking 4 mph); burned 260 calories (net: 1,587); 120***
Wednesday, Oct. 7: 1,795 calories; 6 miles (walking 4 mph); burned 418 calories (net: 1,377); 120***
Thursday, Oct. 8: 1,671 calories; No Exercise; 118***
Friday, Oct. 9: 1,815 calories; 3 miles (walking 4 mph); legs/abs; burned 320 calories (net: 1,495); 120***
Saturday, Oct. 10: 2,193 calories; 4.5 miles (1.5 running; 3 walking); burned 322 calories (net: 1,871); N/A##
Sunday, Oct. 11: 1,737 calories; No Exercise; N/A***
Monday, Oct. 12: 1,726 calories; No Exericse; 121***
Tuesday, Oct. 13: 1,764 calories; 6 miles walking + back + biceps; burned 450 calories (net: 1,314); 121***
Wednesday, Oct. 14: 1,848 calories; 5 miles walking; burned 460 calories (net: 1,388); 121.5***Thursday, Oct. 15: 1,871 calories; abs pilates; burned 40 calories; (net: 1,831 calories); 121***Friday, Oct. 16: 2,011 calories; 2 miles walking + 1 mile running + triceps + shoulders + legs; burned 320 calories; (net: 1,691 calories); 120##Saturday, Oct. 17: 2,390 calories; No Exercise; N/A##Sunday, Oct. 18: 1,541 calories; No Exercise; N/A***Monday, Oct. 19: 1,452 calories; 4 miles walking; burned 300 calories; (net: 1,152 calories); 121.5***Tuesday, Oct. 20: 1,875 calories; 4 miles walking; burned 310 calories; (net: 1,565 calories;120.5***Wednesday, Oct. 21: 1,794 calories; 4 miles walking; burned 300 calories; (net: 1,494 calories); 119.5***
Thursday, Oct. 22: 1,538 calories; No Exercuse; 119***
Friday, Oct. 23: 1,583 calories; No Exercise; 118***
Saturday, Oct. 24: 1,699 calories; No Exercise; 119***
Sunday, Oct. 25: 1,690 calories; No Exercise; 118.5***
Monday, Oct. 26: 1,573 calories; No Exercise; 119.5***
Tueday, Oct. 27: 1,666 calories; 4 miles walking; burned 280 calories; (net: 1,386 calories);119.5***
Wednesday, Oct. 28: 1,771 calories; 4 miles walking; burned 270 calories; (net: 1,501 calories); 119.5***
Thursday, Oct. 29: 1,966 calories; 4.5 miles walking/running; burned 292 calories; (net: 1,674); 119 ##
Friday, Oct. 30: 1,940 calories; 6 miles walking; burned 335 calories; (net: 1,605 calories) 118.5##
Saturday, Oct. 31: TBD; 4 miles walking; burned 225 calories

A Look Back: October Goals

1. Keep calories under 1,850 on days when I work out and 2,300 when I drink (6 high days or LESS). I had too many high days (again) – I had 8. Also, I think the calories need to be broken out further…
2. Walk 84 miles, and take Reuben on 3 neighborhood walks. Didn’t happen. We did 1 neighborhood walk and 71 miles. We’re going to try this again!
3. Do strength training 3 days/week. Didn’t happen, but this WILL happen this month– I’m all over it!
4. Do abs 2 days/week. Didn’t happen – but I’m making it a big goal this month!
5. Introduce 5 new recipes. DONE; will make 10 this month!
6. Read 4 books (including audio!). DONE; will read 3 this month.
7. Begin tracking cardio and ST in Spark People to utilize the new calendar tool. Didn’t happen… And I’m thinking it’s not going to. I’m just going to keep it on the blog!
8. Develop a meal plan for each week; track food the day BEFORE. DONE This is going very well – loving it!
9. Wear my new HRM at EVERY workout. DONE
10. Get down to 116 (i.e. lose 2 pounds) Will try, try again.

So.... I wish I had done a bit better this month. I realize that getting sick didn't help (with ST or abs or walking which could have impacted the weight). But I still felt like I really overindulged and had WAY too much candy this month. I'm going to try to stay more focused in November... I may even say "no reese's cups" for November!!

A Look Ahead: November Goals
1. Keep calories under 1,800 on days when I work out; under 1,600 on days when I don’t work out and under 2,300 when I drink (6 high days or LESS).
2. Walk 88 miles, and take Reuben on 3 neighborhood walks.
3. Do strength training 3 days/week.
4. Do abs 2 days/week.
5. Introduce 10 new recipes.
6. Read 3 books (including audio!).
7. Develop a meal plan for each week; track food the day BEFORE.
8. Wear my new HRM at EVERY workout.
9. Get down to 116 (i.e. lose 2 pounds).
10. Get with Austin – finalize House to-do list, attach timing and get quotes for things I’m unsure about (crown molding/lighting/etc.)

11. No Reese's cups.... I added this on. It's Nov. 3. I've already had 8. I'm DONE for the month.

So I’m thinking of adding a water goal. How much do you guys recommend? drinking daily?

Do you have any goals for this month?

Tomorrow I will post 2-3 more recipes (two for sure!), and i'll post today's dealio!! Hope you all have great nights!!

My 13th Month: September 2009 Monthly Assessment

Here goes the month, Chicas! Happy Saturday - woo!

By the Numbers

Pounds Lost: -1 (117.5 to 118.5)
Highest Weight: 121.5
Lowest Weight: 117.5
Pounds left to Lose: 5.5 (would like to be at 113)
Posts: 17
Days Worked out: 19
Miles of cardio: 84
Injuries: none!
New Recipes Cooked: 17

Interesting Charts

Click on charts to make them larger!

So carbs are more under control but fat is out of control - eek!

Daily Breakdown: September Calories In/Calories Out

*** = good day! ## = need some improvement

Tuesday, Sept. 1: 1,739 calories in; walked 4 miles at 4 mph; ran 1 mile at 6.3 mph; did chest/triceps/shoulders***
Wednesday, Sept. 2: 1,812 calories in; No Exercise***
Thursday, Sept. 3: 1,690 calories in; No Exercise***
Friday, Sept. 4: 2021 calories in; walked 4 miles at 4 mph##
Saturday, Sept. 5: 1,984 calories in; No Exercise##
Sunday, Sept. 6: 1,609 calories in; walked 4 miles at 4 mph***
Monday, Sept. 7: 1,674 calories in; walked 4.5 miles at 4 mph***
Tuesday, Sept. 8: 1,719 calories in; walked 5.5 miles at 4 mph; did biceps/back***
Wednesday, Sept. 9: 1,891 calories in; No Exercise##
Thursday, Sept. 10: 1,934 calories in; 4 miles at 4 mph; 2 miles at 6.3 mph; triceps/chest/back burned 777***
Friday, Sept. 11: 2,477 calories in; 1 mile at 4 mph; legs and abs##
Saturday, Sept. 12: 1,825 calories in; No Exercise***
Sunday, Sept. 13: 1,446 calories in; No Exercise***
Monday, Sept. 14: 1,807 calories in; 4 miles at 4 mph***
Tuesday, Sept. 15: 1,852 calories in; 1.25 miles at 6.3 mph; 4.75 miles at 4 mph; chest, triceps and shoulders***
Wednesday, Sept. 16: 1,841 calories in; 4 miles at 4 mph***
Thursday, Sept. 17: 1,773 calories in; 1.25 miles at 6.3 mph; .75 miles at 4 mph; legs and abs***
Friday, Sept. 18: 2,226 calories; 1 mile at 6.3 mph; 1 mile at 4 mph; biceps and back##
Saturday, Sept. 19: 1,835 calories; No Exercise***
Sunday, Sept. 20: 1,837 calories; No Exercise***
Monday, Sept. 21: 1,686 calories; 2 miles at 4 mph; chest and triceps***
Tuesday, Sept. 22: 1,849 calories; 4 miles at 4 mph***
Wednesday, Sept. 23: 1,760 calories; 4 miles at 4 mph***
Thursday, Sept. 24: 1,871 calories; 6 miles at 4 mph; 1 mile at 6.3 mph; biceps, back and abs***
Friday, Sept. 25: 2,120 calories; 4 miles at 4 mph##
Saturday, Sept. 26: 2,522 calories; No Exercise##
Sunday, Sept. 27: 1,974 calories; No Exercise##
Monday, Sept. 28: 1,795 calories; No Exercise***
Tuesday, Sept. 29: 1,654 calories; 7 miles at 4 mph***
Wednesday, Sept. 30: 1,815 calories; 7 miles at 4 mph***

A Look Back: September Goals

1. Keep calories under 1,850 on days when I work out and 2,300 when I drink (1 day a week; 2 at most). TRACK AHEAD. So…I had 8 high days (roughly 2/week)… and there were a few days when I had more than 2,300 calories – eek! I tracked ahead some – I think this one is going to be a challenge for me!
2. Walk 84 miles. DONE
3. Do strength training 3 days/week and Abs 2 days/week. I did well with ST, but not with abs. That is going to be big for me next month – I’m going to make it it’s own goal.
4. Decide whether or not to hire the trainer. DONE I decided to not get one yet. I want to see what I can do on my own for the remainder of the year. If I’m still at where I am now, need motivation, etc. – I’ll hire for January like everyone else and their mom. haha
5. Introduce 10 new recipes. DONE – with an extra 7. :)
6. Read 4 books (including audio!).DONE!
7. Have canvas put on backers for green guest room, install shelf/hooks in hall closet and research stainless steel appliances (pricing, brands, etc.) NOT DONE – going to make this a goal for October.
8. Develop 2 new weeks of Strength Training Routines. DONE – really enjoying making up workouts!
9. Develop a meal plan for each week – STICK WITH IT! DONE This is going very well!!
10. Get down to 115. NOT EVEN CLOSE. Got farther from goal. I think this goal was too lofty… I’m going to try to lose 2 pounds this month (get to 116.)

A Look Ahead: October Goals

1. Keep calories under 1,850 on days when I work out and 2,300 when I drink (6 high days or LESS).
2. Walk 84 miles, and take Reuben on 3 neighborhood walks.
3. Do strength training 3 days/week.
4. Do abs 2 days/week.
5. Introduce 5 new recipes.
6. Read 4 books (including audio!).
7. Begin tracking cardio and ST in Spark People to utilize the new calendar tool.
8. Develop a meal plan for each week; track food the day BEFORE.
9. Wear my new HRM at EVERY workout.
10. Get down to 116 (i.e. lose 2 pounds)

I feel good about these goals! I think the walking, strength training, cooking and reading is kind of under control (like last month) – and now meal planning is going well, too. My big focus is calories + abs – this month will be all about doing it! Just getting better, tracking in front, and not forgetting to do abs! I’m also ready to start walking pupper in this beautiful weather. (the walks will be very short as he’s a tiny baybay – and they won’t “count” towards my mileage if you will).

I'll update yesterday and today tomorrow - so far i've been to a work friends lunch, a happy hour, a 30th birthday party, and now i'm about to nap as we're having friends over for football at 3:30 p.m. - WOO! Fun weekend - looking forward to it! Hope you're all having great days!

Leg Workout + Another Running Urge + New shrimp Recipe + Books are In (!) + August Assessment + September Goals

Thank you guys SO MUCH for your sweet, supportive comments on my first blogiversary. Way to make a girl feel special! (and hot - you guys rock! j/k haha). I really appreciate it you guys.... I still can't believe it's been a YEAR! How long have all of you been blogging? How long do you think you will blog?! here goes this monster of a post... I’m a little behind , friends but I promise - highlights only! Tuesday I walked 3.5 miles during lunch and 1 mile after work + this leg workout – good stuff!

I also ran a mile… I felt the urge and said I’d run ½ mile… but I was feeling great so I went for the whole thing taking my total to 5.5 miles. I had a yummy pasta for lunch.


I got home and had yummy quinoa w/sauted veggies and sun-dried tomato/feta stuffed chicken. Nom nom nom. We did watch the season finale of Weeds – CRAZY ending, very good! I ended up at 1,739 calories, 217 carbs, 58 fat grams and 98 protein grams. Not bad – a little high on fat though. Here’s what I ate.

Wednesday my tummy was upset and I was SUPER sore. Work was crazy so I worked through lunch, then headed straight home. Boo. I did make a yummy dinner, a new one a tiny bit off meal plan, Cookinglight.com’s Shrimp Arrabbiata. Here is the recipe for two servings.

Close up...

Full serving on small square plate (salad plate!)

4 oz. linguine

1 tbsp olive oil, divided

6 oz. shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/8 tsp salt

¼ cup onion, chopped

1 tsp bottled minced garlic

¼ tsp dried basil

¼ tsp crushed red pepper

1 tbsp tomato paste

½ (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 tbsp fresh parsley

Cook pasta according to package (10 minutes), and drain and keep warm. Heat 2 tsp olive oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle shrimp with salt and add to pan, cooking for 2 minutes on each side until shrimp are done. Transfer to plate. Heat remaining tsp of olive oil. Add onion, garlic, basil and red pepper; sauté for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and tomatoes; bring to boil. Cook for 3 minutes until sauce thickens. Return shrimp to pan and mix with tomato mixture for 1 minute until heated. Add parsley to pan, stir well, then serve over pasta. Nutritional Information: 392 calories, 54 carbs, 9 fat grams and 25 protein grams. We REALLY liked it – those red pepper flakes made such a difference as did the fresh parsley. I was definitely a fan – it was SO filling. After dinner we just hung out with the Reuben puppy and watched TV – standard! I will say that my books came in – YESSSSSS.

I ended the day at 1,812 calories, 282 carbs, 36 fat grams and 86 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

Today I woke up feeling hungover (for no reason) – headache, sinuses, sneezing – mess. My power strip wasn’t working so my computer was dead... I had to drive in to the office to Desktop support in the rain to get a charger then back. That took 1.5 hours (heavy traffic at 8:15 a.m.). Reuben went with me so that was fun, and I’m now, thanks to that commute, on the last of 7 CDs of At First Sight – love it! Then I just cooked lunch, dinner and lunch/dinner for tomorrow (all on meal plan – yay!), and me and Austin locked down which Auburn games we would attend and let our buddies know – YAY!!

Dinner... creamy chicken tostdos... YUM They would probably look more appetizing but I used fat-free cheese and that stuff just doesn't melt like "normal" cheese

Now I’m settled into the Sex and the City Movie but still don’t feel well and yes, skipped another day at the gym. I hope I feel better tomorrow – I have 5.5 miles + back + biceps planned! I’m done eating fo sho, so I ended up at 1,690 calories, 254 carbs, 32 fat grams and 107 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

Time for my Twelfth Month: August 2009 Monthly Assessment

By the Numbers
Pounds Lost: -2.5 (gain) (114.5 to 117)
Highest Weight: 119
Lowest Weight: 115
Pounds left to Lose: 4 (would like to be at 113)
Posts: 20
Days Worked out: 23
Miles of cardio: 84.5
Injuries: none! A little pain in my foot though after running…. Little….
New Recipes Cooked: 14

Interesting Charts

Click on charts to make them larger!

A Look Back: August Goals

1. Keep calories under 1,850 on days when I work out and 2,300 when I drink (1 day a week; 2 at most). Not done… I had 13 days over limit. Only 3 of these days were days I didn’t work out, but I’m still snacking when I’m not hungry with the whole “but I worked out it’s cool” mentality. This mentality would be fine if I was at 113 – but I’m not! So I need to work on this…

2. Walk 84 miles. DONE.

3. Do strength training 3 days/week. DONE – went well!!!

4. Do abs 3 days/week. Not done… I think this is too aggressive for me right now. I’m going to go for 2 days/week in September!

5. Decide whether or not to hire the trainer. I didn’t decide… but will move this over for September goal to hire him or move on my own route!

6. Introduce 10 new recipes. DONE… did a few extras, too, but mostly because of the shower!

7. Update the home blog 2 days/week AND fitting back in 5 days/week. DONE. Did much better at updating!

8. Read 2 books. DONE. Actually read 3!

9. Get dining room painted; install lights in hallway upstairs. DONE this was a great month for the house – we knocked off a ton of To-Dos!!

10. Develop 2 new weeks of Strength Training Routines. DONE me and Stacy are racing through them! I’m enjoying it so much and have SO many more exercises to try!

All in all I’m really proud of this month! I feel like I got a lot done on a lot of fronts, but am definitely going to try to tackle this calorie thing in September!!

September Goals:

1. Keep calories under 1,850 on days when I work out and 2,300 when I drink (1 day a week; 2 at most). TRACK AHEAD.

2. Walk 84 miles.

3. Do strength training 3 days/week and Abs 2 days/week.

4. Decide whether or not to hire the trainer.

5. Introduce 10 new recipes.

6. Read 4 books (including audio!).

7. Have canvas put on backers for green guest room, install shelf/hooks in hall closet and research stainless steel appliances (pricing, brands, etc.)

8. Develop 2 new weeks of Strength Training Routines.

9. Develop a meal plan for each week – STICK WITH IT!

10. Get down to 115.

I feel good about these goals! I think the walking, strength training, cooking and reading is kind of under control and has become a habit over the last year (which is so exciting!). So the biggie for me is going to be REALLY getting better at the calories (which the meal plans will help I hope!) and not forgetting to do abs… this tends to happen even though I’ve identified it as one of my problem areas! Also, i'm a little nervous about saying I want to lose 2 pounds this week but I can do it.... right?! Eek! Wish me luck on a whole new year of tracking – WOO!! (and no more starting my posts with days…. I’m oughta that business!)