Friday, October 29, 2010

The Boyfriend Layer


Almost everyone has heard of the boyfriend layer.  It's that extra layer of fat you seem to put on when you are in a relationship with someone.  I wanted to share this article that I found in Women's Health Magazine about relationships and weight gain-particularly in women.  Whether you're just starting to date someone or in love, the "boyfriend layer" seems to be inevitable.

This weekend might be my biggest challenge yet.  The challenge has to do with a boy...who I like... and have been dating long distance for about nine months now.  (We won't go into the complicated details, but you get the gist) On the few weekends we do get to see each other, one of the main things we do is EAT! And boy can we eat.  He has an appetite like I've never seen, and mine seems to almost keep up with his when he's around. The little will-power and healthy eating rules I have goes out the window when we are together.  For example....

 Yes, this is MY plate at Fox Bros. BBQ in Atlanta.  I ate about half of this and had to lay down the rest of the day because I was in a food coma.

Going out to eat is a fun way we connect and have a good time, and it seems like pigging out is even more fun when done together.  We're always looking for new restaurants to go to and see what kind of tastey food we can find. Whenever I'm confronted with an unhealthy food choice, I always think "Why not eat it? He's just going to be in town for a couple of days."  Then once he leaves, I'm left with feelings of food remorse and tighter pants.

I know cooking is always an option.  We've attempted to cook, but it always ends up being more of a hassel and takes time away from the little time we have together.  Maybe if we ever live in the same city it will be different...maybe.

Despite my recent change in eating habits, I'm still that hungry girl that loves junk food.  I'm expecting the worst and hoping for the best this weekend...as I think about the Indian food I'm going to indulge myself in tonight :)

I'll report back next week.

Monday, October 25, 2010

What's For Dinner? Homemade Potato Wedges

If you're like me, I love salt and I absolutely love fries.  However, since I have been doing Body ReBoot, I have cut fries out of my life.  The other night I was craving some fries and decided to make some myself.  What the heck...I had potatoes, and they were going to go to waste if I didn't eat them ASAP.

After making these, forget McDonald's fries! These homemade potato wedges are super easy to make AND delicous.  I found the recipe in Fitness Magazineback in May.  I know this isn't the best picture, but I promise they are a tastey treat and much better for you than fast food or restaurant fries.  Since I took this recipe from Fitness, just click on the link and follow the recipe!

*1 serving=8 wedges (155 calories, 4g protein, 22g carbohydrate, 6g fat (1.5g saturated), 3g fiber)

Can't beat that! Enjoy! :)

Seeing Results...Without Being Perfect

I have probably been a little obcessive of my eating and exercise routine the past couple of weeks.  I started to see results and feel better, and I did not want to lose my momentum.  Therefore, I strove for perfection in my eating as well as consistently working out..and working hard while there.  However, as you've noticed, I  had a few slips and indulgences.  But like Heather told me, I'm 23! I'm having fun! (Sometimes I forget how old..uhh..young I am).  As I've been reminded multiple times, it's about balance.  But back to my results...

I stepped on the scales on Monday and walked away, not wanting to know the results.  Heather e-mailed them to me the next day.  Boy was I in shock!

9/27/2010
149.2 lbs
29.9% bf
52.2%  h2o
99.2 lbm

10/4/2010
150 lbs
31.2% bf
51.2% h2o
98.0 lbm

10/18/2010
148.8 lbs --> Lost 1.2 lbs.
27.3% bf --> 3.9% bf lost
54.2% h2o --> Increased h2o by 3%
102.6 lbm --> Gained 4.6 lbm

Yes, I am very excited about my progress!  I hope people don't take this at me tooting my own horn (which I kind of am), but I want to prove a point.  This may be more of me talking to myself more than anything, but there is still something to prove.  Despite my eating a piece of pizza late at night, eating another piece the following week, eating chips and drinking margaritas, I started fresh the next day and continued to exercise. Recovering from a bad day or night of eating has been my biggest downfall in years' past. I let myself down and I let my mistakes keep getting me down.  After multiple letdowns, I would continue on my bad eating streak and lose interest in working out as hard or even at all.

Just like everything in life, I am  a work in progress, and I can't expect all of my habits and routines to change instantly. I am motivated by my results, but feel a sense of relief that I can still enjoy some food (and indulge!) and still see results. My goal in this three month process is now not only seeing results in my body, but also in my drive to keep going, even when I fail and don't stand up to temptation.  I must keep going!

Friday, October 22, 2010

A Little Indulgence Never Hurts

Let me reiterate again how much I love pizza, chips and margaritas.  It has been a while since my last post, and I know everyone who is reading this has been on the edge of their seat waiting to hear how I held up to temptation. J   Let me ease your suspense…
PIZZA NIGHT
The dreaded pizza night came first.  After feverishly running around to get a workout in, I did all the cardio and weights I could in a 45 minute time span and zipped to LIFE group.  I knew post work out was the best time to eat “bad” food since my metabolism would be up.  As soon as I entered the house, I knew the pizza was there.  I wondered into the kitchen to see a large pepperoni and cheese pizza and cheesy bread! All I kept thinking was “come to mama.” 
I picked up my plate, charged forward and looked at the many small and large pieces of pepperoni pizza in front of me.   I shut the voice of the junk food lover out and listened to my get healthy voice.  I picked the smallest piece I could find and took one piece of cheesy bread.  I devoured the piece of pizza, but only allowed myself to eat half of the cheesy bread…boy was it cheesy!  We then started the study, and I knew I had survived the temptation.  Whew! One test of the will-power down, one to go!
CHIPS & MARGS
The following day, I was almost guilt free from eating pizza the night before, but I knew that night was even a harder test of will power.  I ate a little lighter than normal as I prepared for my El Rey’s meal.  All of the girls I was supposed to go with bailed out, and I went with a male friend who of course could eat anything and not gain weight (no help from him with staying strong!).  We ordered chips and the trio (guacamole, salsa and cheese dip).  It was then time to order some adult beverages-margaritas! I politely asked for the “skinny” margarita, only to be shut down and told from the waitress that she had no idea what I was talking about. After discussing with her what I was looking for, I was told that I was thinking of a “scatch” margarita which consists of only tequila, lime juice and salt (optional).   Since I wanted chips and guacamole, I went with the scratch to save a few hundred calories!
The “scratch” actually wasn’t too bad, and I could not taste THAT much difference compared to the real thing.  While sipping my scratches (yes, scratches), I did not hold back on the chips and guac. Like the Pringles saying goes….once you pop, the fun don’t stop. In other words, there was not a lot of restraint on my part in chip eating.  However, I was very proud to say that I only had one dip of the cheese dip.  J That counts for something, right!?  I continued on to eat veggie quesadillas and chopped sweet potatoes.  I still walked away feeling bloated, but didn’t feel as guilty as I normally would have. 
THE RESULTS
Despite my indulgences in “bad” food over the weekend, I (for the most part) ate well the rest of the weekend and got some form of exercise in on Friday and Sunday.  Come Monday morning, I wasn’t feeling too bad about myself, and my side view check was not nearly as bad as I thought. (My side view check is merely turning to the side in the mirror to see if my stomach is completely bloated that morning).   That night, I had a Body Reboot meeting.  I was none too thrilled knowing I was going to be weighed and given my fat percentage the Monday after a bad weekend.  I kept thinking, “Why couldn’t I do this on Friday?” I knew I was going to be discouraged. 
Monday night I stepped on the scales, not even wanting to know my results.  The results all but shocked me…. (check in for the next post about my results from weighing)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Fear of Food

Over the past two weeks, I have held a tight reign on what I have put into my body. I planned almost all of my meals ahead of time by cooking, and I knew what healthy options were available when I was unable to eat at home.  I was prepared. And I've seen a difference in myself beacuse of it! But what about those unexpected nights when you just don't have time to cook or you go somewhere that doesn't have any healthy options!? {Insert Kevin McAlister scream: AHHHHHHH!}

I have been in turmoil over the past day about my upcoming meals.  Tonight (Thursday), I always have my LIFE group where we always eat dinner together and then do our study.  I usually make it a priority to go home before and eat a protein rich snack so I will not be as hungry and eat less of the casserole that is offered.  (I'm sorry, but I just think it is just poor etiquette  not to eat something that is offered to you..especially when someone has spent their time and effort making it and giving it to you for free!) Pardon the rant...However instead of our normal casserole tonight, I found out we are ordering PIZZA. (Insert another Kevin McAlister scream). 

Like I've said in a previous post, pizza is my favorite food and the hardest thing for me to control with the amount I eat.  I can eat four pieces in one sitting like it is nothing. I know I am going to be super hungry when I arrive for dinner at LIFE group, especially when the pizza stares me in the face with all of its cheesey glory. Oh and did I mention I'm not going to be able to go home beforehand to get my protein rich snack? (I should have thought ahead and packed snacks!) What's a girl to do!?


I've also been fearing my trip to El Rey's this Friday night. It will be a great time with friends, but not a great time with food and beverages. Not only does El Ray's have some of the best food in Montgomery, but they also have the best margaritas! I'm just thinking about it....all of those chips, the cheese dip, guacamole..ALL OF THAT SALT! I'm getting bloated just thinking about it.

I can eat chips like they are going out of style, and I can drink their margaritas like water.  They go down so darn smooth!  I will sit there and talk and unknowingly shove 20 chips in my mouth (taking sips of a marg in between) and then look down only to notice that I have eaten more than half the basket.   Let's just say I usually have no self control when sat in front of chips and margaritas. 

Because I've done so well and seen progress in my first two weeks, I fear falling off the wagon and gaining back what little weight I have lost.  I  have not had to face much temptation yet when it comes to food, and I have felt "safe" in my kitchen with all of my healthy food and recipes. However, I'm 23 years old.  A girl's got to have fun and must enjoy some foods..just with more control. My hope is to enjoy one piece of pizza tonight and just a few chips with guacamole and "skinny" margarita tomorrow night.

I'll make sure to report back, and I promise I'll be honest. :) What are your temptations!?

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

What's For Dinner? 30 Minutes Style

After a weekend of fun, little sleep and unhealthy eating, Monday was the day to get my bum back in gear! Still sluggish and struggling from the weekend, I forced myself to go to Turbo Kick to burn off all those extra calories.  Within an hour of kicks, punches and jumps, my Mary spirit was back! It was time to hit the grocery store and hit it hard.

I stocked up on all my healthy food options for snacks and for dinner.  I resisted the sweets section.  The idea is true for me...if it's not in the house, I won't eat it!  By the time I got home from the grocery store, it was a little past 7:30, and I was hungry!
Here is the meal:
The presentation wasn't great, but it sure was delicious!
Baked salmon|Sauteed Veggies over Quinoa with Blue Cheese Crumbles and Drizzled with Light Asian Sesame Vinaigrette

The 30 Minute Recipe:
1. Baked Salmon (from Winn Dixie)
*Ingredients for Marinade: Lemon Juice (1/4 cup), Worcestershire Sauce (about 6 dashes), Spicy Mustard (2 tbsp.) and Lemon Pepper (4 dashes) 
-Line casserole dish w/ aluminum foil and place salmon on foil
-Combine all ingredients into small bowl and pour over salmon
-Wrap foil over salmon
-Bake in oven on 350 for 20 min. (or longer if you like yours more done!)
2. Sauteed Veggies
-Need one large cooking pot (I use a wok) to heat over stove
-Pour EVOO or Canola Oil (I use this because it is cheaper & has the same health benefits as EVOO) in bowl
-Combine fresh or frozen broccoli, spinach, & sliced squash (and any other vegetable you want!) in pot
-Let veggies heat about 5 min., moving them around, and add a few dashes of Lemon Pepper (I use this with everything!)
3. Quinoa
-Boil 11/4 cup of water
-Pour in 1 cup Quinoa in boiling water
-Reduce heat and cover for about 10 min.
*To add some flavor to the veggies over quinoa, I add reduced sodium blue cheese crumbles and drizzle about 2 tbsp. of Light Asian Sesame Vinaigrette (This is a staple for me. I use it with everything!)

I started cooking at about 7:40 and literally sat down to eat at 8:10. It is so easy!

Please let me know if you try this and how it turns out.  I would love to hear feedback, good or bad! :)

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Late Night Decisions

I have eagerly awaited this weekend.  I'm getting a free trip to the beach thanks for my friend's brother getting married! I knew it was going to be a fun weekend of parties celebrating with friends.  However, this past week, I've wondered how my healthy living habits would stand up to temptation.  I have done so well! Could I wreck my progess over the past two weeks?!

I left immediately after work to head to the beach. I had been in such a rush to get on the road that I had not even thought about dinner. I thought I was being good by bringing some snacks, but after a couple scoops of my new favorite Cinnamon Swirl Peanut Butter and chomping on non-salted almonds, I knew I needed a meal. I have been on such a regimented schedule of eating, and my body was telling me that I needed food ASAP.

In hopes of staying healthy, I bypassed all my fast food options and bought me a Kashi frozen meal when I got to the beach.  It was quick and easy, and for the most part, healthy.  I proceeded to the party where the open bar called my name.  Yet again, in the mind set to stay healthy, I resisted beer and had two vodka sodas with lime.  It was very good and very refreshing! But with such a light meal, I was feeling it after only two!

Then my group of friends advanced to someone's house.  It's after 11:00 PM at this point.  You know wise decisions will not be made after this time.I enjoyed a few brewskies despite the thought of extra calories and the possible beer belly I would have in the morning.  My appetite was revved up at this point.  They had a variety of snack (junk) food all around the kitchen.  Obviously from my link, you know I have a love and weakness for junk food. The cheeze-its would not stop staring at me!

Finally, I broke down and portioned out what I thought would be a cup of cheeze its. (If I was going to eat junk food, I might as well try to stick to portion sizes!) And wow, they tasted so delicious! The salt hit my tongue and I thought how much I had missed this taste. (It sounds like a drug!)

We proceeded to enjoy ourselves, and another smell permeated throughout the house.  A frozen pizza was cooking in the oven, ready to be devoured.  If you don't know this, pizza is my absolute favorite food. What little will power I had left at that point could not stand up to the smell and cheesey goodness that was in front of me.  So at too late of an hour, I indulged myself in a piece of pizza. 

I woke up this morning mad at myself for my decisions last night. I had been doing so well and I ruined it!  But then I have to think, you're not perfect and this is not going to be a perfect process. Like everything in life, there will be hiccups and mistakes.  This was my hiccup! Today is a new day and my healthy eating is back on track...for now.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Becoming a Martha

  Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42).

Today is Friday (Oct. 8).  Praise the Lord! I have now been doing the Body Reboot program for one week and four days. I have done well so far with my eating and working out. Since starting the program, I have only been out to eat once and tried to stay away from bad foods (sweets, meals with preservatives, etc.) Go me!

With my "healthy living," I must admit that I have noticed a tremendous difference in my energy level.  I now sit down less when I am at home and have an urge to clean and tidy up the apartment.  I now look at my room, living room and/or kitchen and think "This is awful. I can't stand how dirty this is. I must clean it now!" (Am I becoming my mother too?!) My laziness to doing housework has somewhat subsided!  I wish I could say I watch less of my trashy TV shows since I'm not sitting around as much, but unfortunately I still watch them while I am up and cleaning.  Fist pump anybody!? But I digress...

As I was puttering away in the kitchen yesterday morning, cleaning the counters and hand washing dirty cooking pots, I started wondering if I was becoming a Martha versus the Mary I have always identified with and accepted I always would be. Usually in the mornings, if I could tear myself away from the TV, I would sit, read my Bible or devotional and have quiet time.  However with all of this energy, I now cook my breakfast (steel oats & scrambled egg whites), put up any dishes from the dishwasher and clean the pots and pans that I used for cooking breakfast.  I then hurry along in just enough time to dress, do my make up and hair and I'm out the door.  I'm doing, doing, doing and not taking a small amount of time to sit down and pray or read just a few scriptures. I now feel like Martha!

All of my life, I related to Mary.  I thought if Jesus ever came to talk to me at my house, I would definitely be the one to sit and listen.  Anything to get out of cleaning and cooking...just kidding! In some ways, I'm excited to become more like Martha and thankful for this new found energy and desire to do more and be more active. However, I do hope I keep some of a Mary spirit.  Becoming Martha  reminds me of how the older you get, the busier life becomes and the easier it is to be sucked into the world of endless to do lists, commitments, work outs and responsibilites.  It's important to remember your Mary spirit and take a quiet second to reflect on the blessings God has given us.

A month down the road, I could be eating my words about all of this energy. But for now, I'll continue on my healthy routine and embrace this drive to be active.

This is Martha signing off...

Pumpkin Muffins (A Must Try Recipe!)

*PLEASE NOTE THAT I CANNOT TAKE CREDIT FOR THESE DELICIOUS MUFFINS!

It is that time of year where the weather is starting to cool off (finally) and we are enjoying signs of autumn.  Fall decorations have been set out and new pumpkin scented candles are bought and lit to tantalize our nostrils with the scent of the season.

These pumpkin muffins remind me of fall...probably because they have to do with pumpkins. Go figure. :) My mom starting making these (and I don't know where she got the recipe) last year, and we have been hooked ever since.  They have no fat in them, they are so easy to make, and they are delicious! I'm currently trying to figure out how many calories are in each muffin.  Now here's the recipe:

-1 can pumpkin
-1 Box Spiced Cake Mix
-1 Cup of Oats
-3/4 Cup of Water
Mix this all together, pour into muffin dish and bake on 350 for about 20 min.  The time usually varies with the oven. Last time I made them, which was last week, it took about 30 min. 

If someone tries this recipe, let me know how it is! I would love your feedback!

Happy Eating! :)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The Nitty Gritty

Ok let's get down to the nitty gritty....that is my actual weight and measurments. EEEEK!


I told you (and myself) that I was going to be honest for this blog. So here it goes.....

Week 1:
149.2 lbs
29.9 %bf
52.2 %h2o
99.2 lbm

My initial reaction focused mainly on my 29.9% body fat.  Really, I am made up of 30% fat?!!? Well I immediately rushed to find out if I was considered overweight and soon found out that I was in the "normal" range.  My weight was actually not as bad as I thought it was going to be and I was pretty impressed that I was almost 100 pounds of muscle. 

I kept looking at the chart of what was "normal" and analyzed where I was in that range. I noticed that I was closer to the overweight side than the underweight side, and I did not like that..at all.

I knew the time had come where I was going to have to step it up and gain back some will-power and motivation.  If I wanted to continue to be normal or average, I could stay content with my mediocre eating habits and exercise routine, but I am paying for this program and now held accountable for my actions, so I might as well give it 100%.

I know this all sounds cliche with my reaction, but I get super excited about something in the beginning, but like anything else, it fades quickly when the going gets tough.

I arrived at my apartment that night, still thinking about my weight and excited about what my body could possibly look like in three months.  With that thought in mind, I then thought that I needed a "before" shot so I could look back and think "you look so much better now than you did then!"

Thanks to my dear roommate, Lucy, she captured in all my glory w/ my bathing suit on in our living room.  And no, I will not be posting that picture! I've debated on whether to get it printed and hang it on my refrigerator to remind myself of my goals.  That hasn't happened yet-mainly because  I don't wantcompany to see my pastey self in a bathing suit when they walk into our kitchen.  But I'll keep you posted on that one.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

I Love to Eat

I admit it. I love to eat. I have always dreamed of being one of those really skinny girls who could eat whatever she wanted and as much as she wanted. I actually used to be one of those skinny girls until this lovely thing known as a period came along.  It's all been downhill from there. Thanks a lot puberty.
So you might be thinking..."Is this another get fit and healthy blog?" Well yes and no. My goal for this blog is to be completely honest with everything I eat, good and bad, and my exercise routine, or lack-there-of.  Let me give you a little background...
Being raised by a mother whose life revolves around fitness and healthy eating habits, I was constantly exposed to the latest workout trends and ate an abundance of chicken, which of course was only baked or grilled.  The Studio Workout (shout out to the old Studio crew!) was my second home and most of my other "mothers" who helped take care of me were work out fiends and health nuts.  And I say that in the nicest way possible!  So it will not come to a surprise to you that one of my first outfits I sported as a toddler was a licra leotard with matching pink, shiney tights.  You could have called me a mini Jane Fonda.
Now on to the food...
The menu at the Richards household was very selective and healthy, but I was still exposed to the delicious indulgences of the Hardees chicken biscuit (no Chick-fil-a yet!), Krispy Kreme donuts and pizza of any kind.  However, these junk food indulgences were usually only a weekend treat as my mother cooked every night and made it a priority to sit down as a family and eat.  And I am so thankful for that today!  However, the older I got, the less food sheltered I was and my palet for "the good stuff" grew (Mexican, Chinese, etc.).  The older I have gotten, the less picky I have become. 
My love of sports... 
From day one, I knew I wanted to play sports. My dad put a basketball in my hand at three years old, and from then on, sports were constantly a part of my life. (I like to joke with him that I am the son he never had) With constantly honing my skills in a specific sport, I was usually active in something. However don't let me fool you.. I am not the type who constantly needs to be doing something and would consider myself a self-proclaimed couch potato on most days.
After years of constantly training for or playing a sport, it all came to an end with college, and I was left with a hardee appetite and little motivation to work out on my own. College and the freshman fifteen weighed heavily (literally) on my self-esteem and health. There was a lot of beer drinking, a lot of late-night Taco Bell runs, little sleep and little exercise.  My weight and exercise regime was about as consistent as Alabama weather; Great at some moments, terrible the rest.  
Fast forward to modern day where I now have a “big girl” job.  Where there once was up and down lifestyle, now there is a routine: Get up, (try) to work out, go to work, eat, sleep and start all over again the next day. Now, there is more sleep and and an occassional late-night party, a lot less beer drinking and I wish I could say NO Taco Bell runs, but we’ll just say there have been less of them as well. :) Still, with this routine lifestyle, I struggle daily with the drive to work out and motivation to eat healthy.
Getting to the point...
 I've now explained my entirely too long of a life story with food and exercise.  So why am I blogging about this now, you ask? Because of a program through Metro Fitness (metrofitness.com) called Body Reboot, which is a fitness and exercise program to promote healthy living for life.
I will admit that I was very hesitant at first to start this program, and quite cocky.  I thought, "I know how to read food labels...I know what's healthy...I know I need to exercise...I am not giving up beer on game day weekends!" Against my stubborn, know-it-all mindset, I agreed to do the program and started Monday, September 27.
And off we go!