I've got a super busy week going on here! However I wanted to let you know how the C25K program is going. I started week 4 this week but I'm not doing it like it says because I didn't like how it was so broken up. So, I just decided to see how far I could go. Monday I did the 5 minute warm-up, then ran for 5 minutes, walked for 2 and then repeated that twice more! I was so proud! Today (Wednesday) I did the usual 5 minute warm-up and was planning on running for 5 but I let my mind drift and was really jamming to the music on my ipod and low and behold the next time I looked down 7 minutes had gone by! Wow! That is definately more than I thought I could handle at this point in the game. So, today I ran a total of 17 minutes with some walking thrown in there plus a warm-up and cool-down! Awesome! I was worried about next week because it has an 8 minute run on it, but after this morning I think I can totally handle it! I am worried about day 3 of week 5 though, 20 minutes of nonstop running! Yikes! Wish me luck!
I'd love to hear what everyone else is doing!
P.S. I've lost 6 pounds! Pretty good since I just started on January 4!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Check this out!
Have you seen this website? Pretty cool,eh? You can sign up for daily emails and read her thoughts on the latest "diet" foods! Let me know if you try any of her recipes.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Great discoveries
Eating better is getting better! I HATE diet food. Seriously! Who wants to chow down on something that tastes like cardboard. I don't like protein or health bars and I do not like shakes. Diet candy is just plain gross! So this week I've been on a mission to find some better alternatives to the foods I like. Rules: It has to be tasty, low in fat and calories and inexpensive. (I'm not breaking the bank just to eat better. So, as the editor of this blog I feel it is my duty to let you in on what I've found this week! Enjoy!
Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges - Sorry I couldn't get a picture of these to post here. I went to the website but it wouldn't allow me to copy and paste. But trust me, these wedges are the bomb (and I don't use that term often)! For a total of 35 calories per wedge you get a creamy yummy wedge of cheese. And lest you think this is a puny little snack, think again. There is quite a bit of cheese in each wedge, enough to spread on a couple of crackers or an apple wedge. They come in 3 varieties, Original Swiss, Garlic and Herb and French Onion. I've tried the Original Swiss and Garlic Herb and both were yummy! Pair a wedge with a Wheat Thins 100 calorie pack and you've got a great snack for just 135 calories. But make sure you read the package when your at the grocery store and make sure you get the "light" cheese and not the regular!
Grape Tomatoes - Okay guys I know this is nothing new and you're thinking right now, "No big deal". Ah, but did you know that you can nosh on 20 sweet little grape tomatoes for just 30 calories? I think that's a perfect little snack. I bought a huge pack of these at Sam's Club this weekend. I'm thinking it will be great to grab a few of these if I'm famished and dinner won't be ready for another 20 or 30 minutes. Want to feel all European? Grab a plate and stack it with Grape tomatoes, a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese, a few red or green grapes and maybe a few wheat thins. Skip the wine though, too many calories!
T. Marzetti Light Blue Cheese Dressing - I love T. Marzetti's original Blue Cheese Dressing. So much so, in fact, that I was very upset that I wouldn't be eating it when I start watching my calories. No worries though, I soon discovered their light version of this very awesome dressing and it tastes great. Seriously people, I can not taste a difference at all. Even Hubby says it tastes the same and he fancies himself a blue cheese expert!
Maple Grove Farms of Vermont Fat Free Raspberry Vinaigrette - Yep, its a mouthful (pun intended)! I discovered this dressing last year when I was trying to duplicate a salad that I always order when I have lunch with my friends at a local Cafe. For only 30 calories per 2 tbls. you get this great tangy taste. I found it at Wal-Mart so if yours doesn't carry it, just ask them. I have found that they are pretty good about carrying things if you just ask. Anyhow, that salad I was telling you about. I don't have exact measurements but here's the gist. Its spring mix salad, red grapes (washed and cut in half), Chopped celery, Mandarin oranges (in their own juice or light syrup, drained), fat-free feta cheese crumbles, chopped cucumber and of course Raspberry vinaigrette. So yummy!
Spinach - Yes, well, you already knew spinach was good for you. I'm not telling you anything new. However, did you know just how good it is for you? Ah, see, I am telling you something new. Well, first of all spinach is very high in iron and we all know how good iron is for us ladies. Its also high is calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, folic acid and a whole slew of vitamins including C, A, E and K. Now, don't wrinkle your cute little nose here. Spinach is very good, you just have to know how to eat it. First get 2 cups of baby spinach preferably in a bag, (if you're still scared about the whole "death by spinach" thing, go ahead and wash it, again) 1 cup sliced strawberries and 2 tablespoons of that yummy vinaigrette I mentioned above. Total calories? 95! Looks like a pretty hearty 100 calorie snack! Turns out Popeye was one smart dude!
Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges - Sorry I couldn't get a picture of these to post here. I went to the website but it wouldn't allow me to copy and paste. But trust me, these wedges are the bomb (and I don't use that term often)! For a total of 35 calories per wedge you get a creamy yummy wedge of cheese. And lest you think this is a puny little snack, think again. There is quite a bit of cheese in each wedge, enough to spread on a couple of crackers or an apple wedge. They come in 3 varieties, Original Swiss, Garlic and Herb and French Onion. I've tried the Original Swiss and Garlic Herb and both were yummy! Pair a wedge with a Wheat Thins 100 calorie pack and you've got a great snack for just 135 calories. But make sure you read the package when your at the grocery store and make sure you get the "light" cheese and not the regular!
Grape Tomatoes - Okay guys I know this is nothing new and you're thinking right now, "No big deal". Ah, but did you know that you can nosh on 20 sweet little grape tomatoes for just 30 calories? I think that's a perfect little snack. I bought a huge pack of these at Sam's Club this weekend. I'm thinking it will be great to grab a few of these if I'm famished and dinner won't be ready for another 20 or 30 minutes. Want to feel all European? Grab a plate and stack it with Grape tomatoes, a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese, a few red or green grapes and maybe a few wheat thins. Skip the wine though, too many calories!
T. Marzetti Light Blue Cheese Dressing - I love T. Marzetti's original Blue Cheese Dressing. So much so, in fact, that I was very upset that I wouldn't be eating it when I start watching my calories. No worries though, I soon discovered their light version of this very awesome dressing and it tastes great. Seriously people, I can not taste a difference at all. Even Hubby says it tastes the same and he fancies himself a blue cheese expert!
Maple Grove Farms of Vermont Fat Free Raspberry Vinaigrette - Yep, its a mouthful (pun intended)! I discovered this dressing last year when I was trying to duplicate a salad that I always order when I have lunch with my friends at a local Cafe. For only 30 calories per 2 tbls. you get this great tangy taste. I found it at Wal-Mart so if yours doesn't carry it, just ask them. I have found that they are pretty good about carrying things if you just ask. Anyhow, that salad I was telling you about. I don't have exact measurements but here's the gist. Its spring mix salad, red grapes (washed and cut in half), Chopped celery, Mandarin oranges (in their own juice or light syrup, drained), fat-free feta cheese crumbles, chopped cucumber and of course Raspberry vinaigrette. So yummy!
Spinach - Yes, well, you already knew spinach was good for you. I'm not telling you anything new. However, did you know just how good it is for you? Ah, see, I am telling you something new. Well, first of all spinach is very high in iron and we all know how good iron is for us ladies. Its also high is calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, folic acid and a whole slew of vitamins including C, A, E and K. Now, don't wrinkle your cute little nose here. Spinach is very good, you just have to know how to eat it. First get 2 cups of baby spinach preferably in a bag, (if you're still scared about the whole "death by spinach" thing, go ahead and wash it, again) 1 cup sliced strawberries and 2 tablespoons of that yummy vinaigrette I mentioned above. Total calories? 95! Looks like a pretty hearty 100 calorie snack! Turns out Popeye was one smart dude!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
I got the music in me, too.
I subcribe to Self and Shape magazines and every month they publish some celebrity's ipod playlist. I have checked these out and listened to the songs on itunes and I have to tell you that these songs are BORING. Most of them were slow and weird and I know there is no way I could get my run on while listening to them.
I can not workout without my ipod. On the rare occaision that I have accidentally left it at home, the workouts have gone slowly and I was less than motivated. So, in honor of Self and Shape and mostly a post on my friend JB's blog I decided to give you my workout playlist, which, by the way, I think is way better than any of the lists I have seen in either of the aforementioned magazines. Enjoy.
"All Star" - Smash Mouth
Who doesn't like this song? Great beat to workout too. Also, I like to hear
that I'm an all star while working out. Best line - "I ain't the sharpest tool in
the shed."
"American Woman" - Lenny Kravitz
Again a great beat to get your heart pumping.
"Are You Gonna Go My Way" - Lenny Kravitz
Great get up and go beat.
"Come On Eileen" Dexy's Midnight Riders
Those of you who know me should have known I had to put some 80's on this! This
song not only has a good beat but makes me smile.
"Dancing with Myself" Billy Idol
Don't you laugh! I challenge any of you to not want to dance while listening
to this song!
"For Once in my Life" Stevie Wonder
This song makes me happy.
"Gettin Jiggy Wit it" Will Smith
I will excuse Will's misspelling of the word with because I like this song.
Its funny and I like to listen to it.
"Go Your Own Way" Fleetwood Mac
I am a huge Fleetwood Mac fan. This was one of their only songs that had a fast
enough beat to workout to.
"Hey Baby" No Doubt
Again, just a fun song with a good beat.
"I'm Coming Out" Diana Ross
If this song doesn't get you going then there is something wrong with you!
In my head I sing "I'm working out". I know, lame.
"I want you back" Jackson 5
Again, a happy song.
"Jump" Van Halen
Classic workout song.
"Just Like Heaven" The Cure
I can't listen to this song and not dance.
"Makes me Wonder" Maroon 5
Good beat. Don't listen to the first verse.
"Modern Love" David Bowie
Another 80's song. Am I really this lame? Um, yes.
"Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" Big and Rich
Don't you dare laugh! This song is funny. I grew up in the country so I
can appreciate the whole "cowboy" attitude. Favorite lines - " I wouldn't trade ol' Leroy (his horse) for your Chevrolet or your Escalade or your freak parade. I'm the only John Wayne left in this town" and "I sang her every Willy Nelson song I could think of"
"September" Earth, Wind and Fire
Old School, still a classic, makes me happy. Enough said.
"Shining Star" Earth, Wind and Fire
Again, I'm not only an All Star but a Shining Star. Now, thats what I need
to hear.
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered" Stevie Wonder
It's very hard for me not to sing along with this song at the gym. I know I would get some strange looks.
"The Sweet Escape" Gwen Stefani
Cool little ditty from a pretty cool girl.
"Turn the Beat Around" Gloria Estefan
This is the ultimate workout song. It makes me run faster.
"Wannabe" Spice Girls
Okay, yes this song is silly, but it is a fun workout song. When it says "Tell me what you want, What you really, really want" I always think "I wanna be really, really skinny"
So, whats on your playlist?
I can not workout without my ipod. On the rare occaision that I have accidentally left it at home, the workouts have gone slowly and I was less than motivated. So, in honor of Self and Shape and mostly a post on my friend JB's blog I decided to give you my workout playlist, which, by the way, I think is way better than any of the lists I have seen in either of the aforementioned magazines. Enjoy.
"All Star" - Smash Mouth
Who doesn't like this song? Great beat to workout too. Also, I like to hear
that I'm an all star while working out. Best line - "I ain't the sharpest tool in
the shed."
"American Woman" - Lenny Kravitz
Again a great beat to get your heart pumping.
"Are You Gonna Go My Way" - Lenny Kravitz
Great get up and go beat.
"Come On Eileen" Dexy's Midnight Riders
Those of you who know me should have known I had to put some 80's on this! This
song not only has a good beat but makes me smile.
"Dancing with Myself" Billy Idol
Don't you laugh! I challenge any of you to not want to dance while listening
to this song!
"For Once in my Life" Stevie Wonder
This song makes me happy.
"Gettin Jiggy Wit it" Will Smith
I will excuse Will's misspelling of the word with because I like this song.
Its funny and I like to listen to it.
"Go Your Own Way" Fleetwood Mac
I am a huge Fleetwood Mac fan. This was one of their only songs that had a fast
enough beat to workout to.
"Hey Baby" No Doubt
Again, just a fun song with a good beat.
"I'm Coming Out" Diana Ross
If this song doesn't get you going then there is something wrong with you!
In my head I sing "I'm working out". I know, lame.
"I want you back" Jackson 5
Again, a happy song.
"Jump" Van Halen
Classic workout song.
"Just Like Heaven" The Cure
I can't listen to this song and not dance.
"Makes me Wonder" Maroon 5
Good beat. Don't listen to the first verse.
"Modern Love" David Bowie
Another 80's song. Am I really this lame? Um, yes.
"Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" Big and Rich
Don't you dare laugh! This song is funny. I grew up in the country so I
can appreciate the whole "cowboy" attitude. Favorite lines - " I wouldn't trade ol' Leroy (his horse) for your Chevrolet or your Escalade or your freak parade. I'm the only John Wayne left in this town" and "I sang her every Willy Nelson song I could think of"
"September" Earth, Wind and Fire
Old School, still a classic, makes me happy. Enough said.
"Shining Star" Earth, Wind and Fire
Again, I'm not only an All Star but a Shining Star. Now, thats what I need
to hear.
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered" Stevie Wonder
It's very hard for me not to sing along with this song at the gym. I know I would get some strange looks.
"The Sweet Escape" Gwen Stefani
Cool little ditty from a pretty cool girl.
"Turn the Beat Around" Gloria Estefan
This is the ultimate workout song. It makes me run faster.
"Wannabe" Spice Girls
Okay, yes this song is silly, but it is a fun workout song. When it says "Tell me what you want, What you really, really want" I always think "I wanna be really, really skinny"
So, whats on your playlist?
The great race
I have to tell you all about this great program I found out about through this blog that I read. It is called the couch to 5k program and it can be found here. It is an eight week program that starts you out slow with running. I am doing it on the treadmill and completed day two of week two this morning. Now, just so you know I have no dreams of running a race or anything like that. However, being able to run 3 miles 3 times a week sounds great. I know a lot of people who run and they are all in great shape. I have always wanted to run but didn't know how to get started. So, check the program out!
Friday, January 11, 2008
So Sorry!
To tell you all the truth, I had no idea I was going to get as busy as I did when I started this blog. I guess starting a diet or a no diet plan during the holidays is not such a good idea, but hey, I've never claimed to be smart.
Anyhow, I did continue the healthy habits that I started during the holidays, I just didn't move on to any of the new ones. I ate breakfast every day, which is the only healthy change I made :) I did maintain and not gain (per Jitterbug) during the holidays which makes me very happy!
This week I started a new exercise program I am really liking it. I have gotten up every morning this week at 5 a.m and trekked to the gym and did my workout. I can tell you that I really, really wanted to stay in the bed but I didn't. I kept thinking that I really want to be thinner and that was worth more than an extra hour of sleep. Also, I can tell that my mood has been better
Anyhow, I did continue the healthy habits that I started during the holidays, I just didn't move on to any of the new ones. I ate breakfast every day, which is the only healthy change I made :) I did maintain and not gain (per Jitterbug) during the holidays which makes me very happy!
This week I started a new exercise program I am really liking it. I have gotten up every morning this week at 5 a.m and trekked to the gym and did my workout. I can tell you that I really, really wanted to stay in the bed but I didn't. I kept thinking that I really want to be thinner and that was worth more than an extra hour of sleep. Also, I can tell that my mood has been better
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