Yesterday was a struggle. My head is congested, my body is bloated (thanks to my monthly friend), and I was still tired from my lack of Sunday night sleep. I don't really know what brought on all the head swelling but my bet is allergies. I went home to saline rinse and nose spray the hell out of it. I needed to be able to breathe while at the gym. It is usually a good thing. I had really wanted to swim but that was out. I couldn't breathe as it was and I was pretty sure chlorinated water would make it worse or at least more difficult. So to the treadmill I went. Part of me was like just use the elliptical but I really, really don't like them. I ran for all of 30 mins and it was a struggle. A struggle to breathe, a struggle to get the lead out of my legs, and a struggle to stay upright. I was ready to throw in the towel at 10 min. But I made it! I even walked for 15 min because I was struggling to get my steps in for the day. Sure it sucked but I did it and I am really glad! For the first time, I may actually understand why people exercise. It did make me feel better. Normally, it doesn't. I don't feel the endorphin rush that everyone raves about. I usually just feel tired with a side of accomplishment!
Today is better. My head is less congested thanks to loads of medicine. My legs still feel like lead but that could be an aftermath from all the squats on Monday! :) I'm psyching myself up for whatever Ms. AS brings to the mat. And in the words of Joey Mac, "Let's get this"!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Heart Rate woes
Greetings everyone! I got to spend a little time with one of my bestest buds from college and his family last night! I finally got to meet my nephew and they got to meet Moses! There was the bonus of getting to eat some yummy Ted Drewes too! Despite being really tired from my work out, the visit was good and I wish I got to see them more often. :( Why must Baltimore be soooo far away?
Speaking of working out....
My heart rate seems to hate me. I don't really know if that is a possibility but I think mine does. I try really hard to reach each of my target zones. I hit them occasionally. It could be a medication issue, although BP meds would lower it and the Asthma meds would increase it. So wouldn't that make me normal? [pause for a insertion of laughter about me and normalcy] Ms. All-star thought it would be a great idea to torture me with a medium zone workout while she observed. In other words, she controls the buttons of hell. The entire time my HR stayed in zone 1. It wouldn't budge no matter how hard I pushed myself. See it hates me. I was covered in sweat with little to show for it. She suggested a HR monitor to get a more accurate reading. I have this really great friend that is willing to let me borrow her monitor to test out! I figure it's worth a try. Did I mention I was covered in sweat...head to toe? It was kind of gross. Sadly, that was only part of my training last night and I still had more sweat to come. It got grosser.
Has anyone noticed that in order to lose weight and exercise to your potential you need a small village of people and gadgets? It amazes me how much support is really needed to reach your goal. Programs to track activity and food, gadgets to monitor things, ipods, trainers, family, friends, even the dog, phew no wonder we lose weight! So to all my supporters, I thank you and love you more than you possible know!
Speaking of working out....
My heart rate seems to hate me. I don't really know if that is a possibility but I think mine does. I try really hard to reach each of my target zones. I hit them occasionally. It could be a medication issue, although BP meds would lower it and the Asthma meds would increase it. So wouldn't that make me normal? [pause for a insertion of laughter about me and normalcy] Ms. All-star thought it would be a great idea to torture me with a medium zone workout while she observed. In other words, she controls the buttons of hell. The entire time my HR stayed in zone 1. It wouldn't budge no matter how hard I pushed myself. See it hates me. I was covered in sweat with little to show for it. She suggested a HR monitor to get a more accurate reading. I have this really great friend that is willing to let me borrow her monitor to test out! I figure it's worth a try. Did I mention I was covered in sweat...head to toe? It was kind of gross. Sadly, that was only part of my training last night and I still had more sweat to come. It got grosser.
Has anyone noticed that in order to lose weight and exercise to your potential you need a small village of people and gadgets? It amazes me how much support is really needed to reach your goal. Programs to track activity and food, gadgets to monitor things, ipods, trainers, family, friends, even the dog, phew no wonder we lose weight! So to all my supporters, I thank you and love you more than you possible know!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
2 new recipes
This first recipe has no picture. I forgot! But I think we all know what a thin cut pork chop looks like :)
Grilled Pork Chop with Pineapple
2 Tbsp lime juice (1 to 2 medium limes)
1 Tbsp orange juice
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp pepper
1 pound thin, bone-in pork loin chop
equal number of grilled pineapple slices
In a large Ziploc bag, combine lime juice, oj, oil, oregano and pepper. Add meat to the marinade and refrigerate fir 10 min to 8 hours. Turn occasionally if marinating longer than 10 min.
Preheat grill and grill chops for 4 to 5 min on each side or until no longer pink. Then grill pineapple slices for 1 min on each side.
Verdict: It was really good. The original recipe used turkey cutlets, however, we had just made a whole turkey. It adapted really well to the pork. I love finding any excuse to use my grill!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli (WW recipe)
2 sprays cooking spray
12 oz uncooked pasta, gemelli or other twisted pasta
10 oz broccoli, small florets
1 tsp butter
1/3 cup fresh bread crumbs
3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
2 1/2 cups skim milk
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup onion
1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp Dijon mustard
salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 375. Coat a shallow 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook pasta per directions on package. Add broccoli to pasta 3 min before the pasta will be done. Drain both.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add bread crumbs and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, about 2 min. Remove from heat and transfer crumbs to small bowl; stir in 1 Tbsp of Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
In same saucepan, whisk together milk and flour until blended; add onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 2 min.
Remove from heat and whisk in cheddar cheese, mustard, salt, pepper and remaining Parmesan cheese. Pour over cooked, drained pasta and broccoli; toss to mix and coat.
Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle top evenly with bread crumb mixture. Bake until bubbly at edges, about 20 to 25 min. Divide into 8 pieces and serve. Serving size 1 piece.
Verdict: It was ok. I grew up on homemade mac-n-cheese and this wasn't close. However, I didn't have a few ingredients and had to swap things. I didn't have cheddar so I used so left over fontina. I used all 16oz of the pasta and had to adjust the milk. It was a dry dish, in my opinion. I added turkey because we had a surplus of it. If I make it again, I would make a few changes that added some fat. Perhaps, buttermilk instead of skim. It needs something. It does heat up better though!
Grilled Pork Chop with Pineapple
2 Tbsp lime juice (1 to 2 medium limes)
1 Tbsp orange juice
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp pepper
1 pound thin, bone-in pork loin chop
equal number of grilled pineapple slices
In a large Ziploc bag, combine lime juice, oj, oil, oregano and pepper. Add meat to the marinade and refrigerate fir 10 min to 8 hours. Turn occasionally if marinating longer than 10 min.
Preheat grill and grill chops for 4 to 5 min on each side or until no longer pink. Then grill pineapple slices for 1 min on each side.
Verdict: It was really good. The original recipe used turkey cutlets, however, we had just made a whole turkey. It adapted really well to the pork. I love finding any excuse to use my grill!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli (WW recipe)
2 sprays cooking spray
12 oz uncooked pasta, gemelli or other twisted pasta
10 oz broccoli, small florets
1 tsp butter
1/3 cup fresh bread crumbs
3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
2 1/2 cups skim milk
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup onion
1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp Dijon mustard
salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 375. Coat a shallow 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook pasta per directions on package. Add broccoli to pasta 3 min before the pasta will be done. Drain both.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add bread crumbs and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, about 2 min. Remove from heat and transfer crumbs to small bowl; stir in 1 Tbsp of Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
In same saucepan, whisk together milk and flour until blended; add onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 2 min.
Remove from heat and whisk in cheddar cheese, mustard, salt, pepper and remaining Parmesan cheese. Pour over cooked, drained pasta and broccoli; toss to mix and coat.
Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle top evenly with bread crumb mixture. Bake until bubbly at edges, about 20 to 25 min. Divide into 8 pieces and serve. Serving size 1 piece.
Verdict: It was ok. I grew up on homemade mac-n-cheese and this wasn't close. However, I didn't have a few ingredients and had to swap things. I didn't have cheddar so I used so left over fontina. I used all 16oz of the pasta and had to adjust the milk. It was a dry dish, in my opinion. I added turkey because we had a surplus of it. If I make it again, I would make a few changes that added some fat. Perhaps, buttermilk instead of skim. It needs something. It does heat up better though!
"Pound for Pound" challenge donation #1
I made my first food pantry donation last Friday! It was awesome dropping off my first 80lbs lost! Sure, I lost most of it a few years ago but I have gained and lost 30 of it a couple times. I am tired of that cycle and this will give me some finality to that vicious up-down pattern. I am moving forward and on my way to the next milestone of 100lbs lost and so on. Most importantly, a wonderful organization has more food available to help their clients.
I didn't realize just how much food and personal items it would take to equal 80lbs. I may have been a few ounces short but I can pad the next donation! I had so much fun shopping for all these goodies knowing that families would be able to eat and not wonder where the next meal would come from. I loved being able to spend a day in this pantry, meeting the staff and the clients and knowing we helped out. I hope to get the chance again.
I leave you with this:
The families they serve are given 2 rolls of TP and 1 bar of soap for the month. But only if they have it to give. Try living on those supplies...I know I couldn't do it. I am so thankful for my job!!
I didn't realize just how much food and personal items it would take to equal 80lbs. I may have been a few ounces short but I can pad the next donation! I had so much fun shopping for all these goodies knowing that families would be able to eat and not wonder where the next meal would come from. I loved being able to spend a day in this pantry, meeting the staff and the clients and knowing we helped out. I hope to get the chance again.
I leave you with this:
The families they serve are given 2 rolls of TP and 1 bar of soap for the month. But only if they have it to give. Try living on those supplies...I know I couldn't do it. I am so thankful for my job!!
Back in the groove
I had a wonderful day shopping with my best friend. It's tax free weekend and we decided to take advantage. I needed new running shoes. I found some at the Nike outlet. I have a Nike plus and my current shoes are equipped to handle the device. I didn't go into the store looking for a pair that could handle it but I found some!! So yea!
My WW weigh-in went well. I was down 6.4! That is 34.4 total since February! And almost 90 total pounds since I started this endeavor. I am so excited that all this hard work is paying off. Apparently last weekend's binge didn't impact my progress as much as I had expected or I really worked my butt off in the mean time. :)
It was really good to have Ms. All-star back this week! I always like to think that I push myself during my solo workouts as much as she pushes me during our sessions but I'm not entirely sure that is the case. It's easier to let your focus slide. I definitely give it my best try and dig in deep. Some days are easier than others. Today, it took all my effort to make it through my workout. It may be a recovery week, thus no high zone torture but this medium workout was pure hell. I can barely survive with only one minute slight recovery make it 30 seconds and I was ready to slit my wrist. I did it and almost ran 4 miles. That in itself is a huge accomplishment. My endurance is getting better and some day I may actually be a real runner. Maybe... ;) Just a girl and her treadmill; it's like a bad novel!
I finally got around to getting my reward for reaching my mini-goal with Ms. AS! I chose to purchase Avatar (fabulous movie) and finally got a chance to pick it up!! Now I just need time to watch it. It's fun getting things that you want but definitely don't need as a reward!! Now those gorgeous Steve Madden pumps from Off Broadway may need to be my next reward...drooling at the thought. LOL
My WW weigh-in went well. I was down 6.4! That is 34.4 total since February! And almost 90 total pounds since I started this endeavor. I am so excited that all this hard work is paying off. Apparently last weekend's binge didn't impact my progress as much as I had expected or I really worked my butt off in the mean time. :)
It was really good to have Ms. All-star back this week! I always like to think that I push myself during my solo workouts as much as she pushes me during our sessions but I'm not entirely sure that is the case. It's easier to let your focus slide. I definitely give it my best try and dig in deep. Some days are easier than others. Today, it took all my effort to make it through my workout. It may be a recovery week, thus no high zone torture but this medium workout was pure hell. I can barely survive with only one minute slight recovery make it 30 seconds and I was ready to slit my wrist. I did it and almost ran 4 miles. That in itself is a huge accomplishment. My endurance is getting better and some day I may actually be a real runner. Maybe... ;) Just a girl and her treadmill; it's like a bad novel!
I finally got around to getting my reward for reaching my mini-goal with Ms. AS! I chose to purchase Avatar (fabulous movie) and finally got a chance to pick it up!! Now I just need time to watch it. It's fun getting things that you want but definitely don't need as a reward!! Now those gorgeous Steve Madden pumps from Off Broadway may need to be my next reward...drooling at the thought. LOL
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Sometimes we all need a little funny
I have to start this post with a caveat. I promised my momma that I wouldn't blog about her. I am about to break this promise for a one time only event! :)
My mom was having a car issue and didn't want to drive in this heat to our dealer. It is 100 degrees outside and a 45 min drive. I totally understand. We have a Jeep dealer right down the street. She called me to look up their phone number. My mother is computer phobic but loves to have me look things up for her! I looked up the service number and read it to her, 1-888-etc. She heard 1-8-ect. So she dials and the nice recorded messages says that number can't be completed as dialed. She calls me back and says what kind of stupid number did you give me. I tell her it is a toll-free number like 1-800 only they've run out of 800s. The light bulb goes on and she's like that was three 8s not one!! God love lil old ladies!! :) We all needed a little chuckle today, right?
In other news, I am exhausted. I feel like I've been going non-stop for days. Tonight after training with Ms. All-star, I am headed to bed. I may eat dinner on the way upstairs, lol! I went swimming last night because I am pretty sure I would have fallen off the treadmill. In hindsight, water probably wasn't a good idea with the whole chance of drowning thing. :) I love the water and it always makes me feel better. Plus it gives the knees a break! Speaking of knees, my recent injury is feeling much better and not causing as much pain. I can go down stairs almost pain free!! Running didn't bother it either but the brace may have helped that situation!! I'll take it though!
I feel like I am soooo behind on blogging. I am trying to keep up with my own and all of yours. I may need the weekend to officially catch up but I will. So keep putting out those awesome inspirational post and I'll keep reading! I have all these notes to myself about topics to blog about and I was worried I would run out of things to say. Those of you who know me in person are laughing that I would be at a loss for words! More soon....
My mom was having a car issue and didn't want to drive in this heat to our dealer. It is 100 degrees outside and a 45 min drive. I totally understand. We have a Jeep dealer right down the street. She called me to look up their phone number. My mother is computer phobic but loves to have me look things up for her! I looked up the service number and read it to her, 1-888-etc. She heard 1-8-ect. So she dials and the nice recorded messages says that number can't be completed as dialed. She calls me back and says what kind of stupid number did you give me. I tell her it is a toll-free number like 1-800 only they've run out of 800s. The light bulb goes on and she's like that was three 8s not one!! God love lil old ladies!! :) We all needed a little chuckle today, right?
In other news, I am exhausted. I feel like I've been going non-stop for days. Tonight after training with Ms. All-star, I am headed to bed. I may eat dinner on the way upstairs, lol! I went swimming last night because I am pretty sure I would have fallen off the treadmill. In hindsight, water probably wasn't a good idea with the whole chance of drowning thing. :) I love the water and it always makes me feel better. Plus it gives the knees a break! Speaking of knees, my recent injury is feeling much better and not causing as much pain. I can go down stairs almost pain free!! Running didn't bother it either but the brace may have helped that situation!! I'll take it though!
I feel like I am soooo behind on blogging. I am trying to keep up with my own and all of yours. I may need the weekend to officially catch up but I will. So keep putting out those awesome inspirational post and I'll keep reading! I have all these notes to myself about topics to blog about and I was worried I would run out of things to say. Those of you who know me in person are laughing that I would be at a loss for words! More soon....
Monday, August 2, 2010
Dude, have you seen my blog?
Hello blog friends! It feels like forever since I've updated. I am extremely behind in reading all your wonderful blog posts as well! Life has been busy and I haven't been neglecting you out of laziness. My mom had a birthday, I've had church activities and squeezing in all my workouts.
I've tried to keep up my workouts but eating has been the bane of my existence. It all started with the baseball game for my mom's birthday. She loves the fancy party room (and so do I). They have ballpark favorites along with a carving station, pasta station, some sort of chicken dish and a vegetarian option. Let us not forget the cookies and brownies or free drinks. Yikes. Add a rain delay and I rolled home...bad Briggie! It kept going the rest of the weekend. I tried to make better choices but it is still difficult to eat out sometimes. I am back on track this morning but the damage has been done. I am too afraid to step on the scale.
The good news is that on Saturday while setting up for VBS and then running, I managed to have like 19,000 steps!! I even had a nap that day, LOL!! There is always a bright side!
I am dusting myself off and heading into a new week. I will have a couple more updates because I tried a new recipe and made my first "Pound for Pound" food donation. That was an awesome experience!! More to come....
I've tried to keep up my workouts but eating has been the bane of my existence. It all started with the baseball game for my mom's birthday. She loves the fancy party room (and so do I). They have ballpark favorites along with a carving station, pasta station, some sort of chicken dish and a vegetarian option. Let us not forget the cookies and brownies or free drinks. Yikes. Add a rain delay and I rolled home...bad Briggie! It kept going the rest of the weekend. I tried to make better choices but it is still difficult to eat out sometimes. I am back on track this morning but the damage has been done. I am too afraid to step on the scale.
The good news is that on Saturday while setting up for VBS and then running, I managed to have like 19,000 steps!! I even had a nap that day, LOL!! There is always a bright side!
I am dusting myself off and heading into a new week. I will have a couple more updates because I tried a new recipe and made my first "Pound for Pound" food donation. That was an awesome experience!! More to come....
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