Monday, December 31, 2007

A Look Back At 2007: Going Low-Fat

Last New Year's Eve I was sick. The toe surgery I had the previous month had taken my immune system down for the count and I got sick three times over the next few months. At least each one was less severe than the previous.

One of my New Year's resolutions was to get to 140 and if you go by official weigh-ins then I made it. I was 139.6 on my last official weigh-in of the year on December 30. My official ending weight for last year taken on December 29 was 144.2.

Nevertheless, I started the year by continuing to gain - all the way up to 152. At 152 I decided to start NutriSystem, binged, weighed in at 154, and started the diet. I quickly got down to the low-140s and stalled out. My body likes to be there, but I want to be in the mid-130s. I signed up February 26. My food came March 2 and I started the diet March 4.

Since I just needed to learn portion and calorie control, I tried to choose lower carb foods, sub vegetables for fruits, and add extra protein. I still practice this to this day. Going low-fat does not mean going high-carb. I prefer a high-protein diet with about 1 gram of protein for every pound I weigh.

I used Bill Me Later (online credit) so I could pay off what I owed over time.

My sister announced in the early part of the year that she was pregnant, but didn't allow me to announce it until she was three months along. The baby, Marina Celina, was born September 10, making me an aunt for the first time.

I ended my counseling sessions in March. They were not helping me at all and were only taking up my time and costing money.

In April I signed up for a personal training special at my gym. They were just half hour sessions which I think I preferred to the hour long sessions I had when I first started at 24 Hour Fitness. Jason was a great trainer and I felt I learned a lot from our sessions. I had to borrow the $99 cost from Mom, but it was worth it. I also asked a lot of questions and got a direction for my weight training. In September I asked him about how to build muscle and he told me how to do "pyramids," which I have been doing since.

May 20 was the Bay To Breakers race. I didn't think I would do as well because I spent this year more focused on weight training and less on cardio. However, the weekly walks Brad and I have done helped more than I knew. I shaved about 5 minutes off last year's time and came in at 1:24:30! I ran the entire race except for the one major hill - about 7 miles of nonstop running! Go me!

I got two of my photos on Flickr into the Schmap Guides, one for Seattle's Spirit of Washington Dinner Train (the photos are on the right, with one credited to me, Victoria Shephard), and the other for Berkeley's Garibaldi's restaurant, where Brad and Lisa and I went out for drinks once (there is just one photo there - mine).

I cancelled NutriSystem in July but continued to get various "Maintenance" orders of just breakfast or dinner or snacks. I officially hit my goal weight in July, but wasn't able to hold it. I would hit it for a week or three and then bounce up, and so on. Very depressing, but at least I did see new lows on the scale this year due to what I learned on NutriSystem. Plus I was able to get the weight I gained while still on Atkins; I was simply eating too much.

I am continuing to eat low-fat (about 30-35g a day), moderate-carb (under 120 net grams a day), and high-protein (about 140g a day). It is a lifestyle change, though I would love to get the carbs down a bit and the fat up just a little. Perhaps if I ever reach goal and stay there...

Conference was early this year so I left the end of July and came back in early August. It was a much needed distraction from normal life. I came home to find both my computer and Direct TV broken. It was God getting my attention and it worked. It took about three days to get my Direct TV back (with a new receiver), and about a week to get my computer back. I began saving for a new computer my having my employer take $35 out of every paycheck and set it aside for me.

I started taking Alli in October to help me lose weight (Web site). It keeps your body from absorbing all the fat in food you eat. I don't know if it's helping with the weight loss, but it does seem to absorb a modicum of fat.

In November I started Project 365 - it's where you take one picture a day for a year and post them to the Project 365 group.

In December my Dad gave me some Christmas money so I was able to buy a new digital camera - a FujiFilm FinePix S700. I love the new camera! It does so much more than my old one!

At the end of December my computer died again. I promised after the incident in August that the next time it died would be the last and I would buy a new one. I gathered up all the money I could, cashing in all but 40 hours of vacation, what little comp time I had, and the money from the $35 a month my employer has been setting aside for me. I managed to collect quite a bit of money. I put the computer on Bill Me Later and paid upfront for what Bill Me Later refused to cover. When the new balance gets posted to that account I will pay off what I can in one lump sum, then pay off the rest over time. I am getting the cheapest MacBook Pro - pretty much what Brad bought earlier this year. It's a laptop and it does everything. :)

Thankfully I got NutriSystem paid off just a few weeks before this, so my balance with them was zero when I put the computer on it. The new computer should arrive in early January. Then I have to get the modem and everything set up the way I want and get the hard drive migrated from the old computer to the new.

I've been on Celexa three years now and it's still working pretty well on my depression. This is definitely the best medication I have been on so far. :)

I'm not making resolutions for 2008 nor evaluating how I did in 2007. I think I can lose weight and get fit without them.

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Week 42, Day 2

Calories eaten yesterday: 1090
Fat: 29g (25%)
Carbs: 73g (28%)
Protein: 117g (45%)
Weight this morning: 136.6 (One week ago: 136.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 348

Made it back to the gym for the first time since December 20. Whew! Too long away. Today is a cheat day. I am eating way too much but I am trying to keep it somewhat healthy.

I did one hour of weight training - upper body, then 20 minutes on the stairmaster and 10 on the Treadclimber. Then I walked to work from the train station for a little extra, stopping at WalMart for bread and other basics, and Starbucks for a cheat day treat of a low-fat breakfast sandwich, a small nonfat sugar-free gingerbread latte, and a chocolate biscotti. YUM!!!

Tonight Brad and I are having low-carb, low-fat pizza made with a low-carb crust mix, and topped with turkey pepperoni, low-fat mozzarella cheese, and sliced black olives. Also shrimp and brie, and of course, dry champagne.

I am hoping to start the new year off right tomorrow by hitting the gym before work. Back on plan for me - at least until my birthday.

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Sunday, December 30, 2007

Week 41 Weigh-In

Start: 154
Week 1: 150 (-4) - Week 2: 148.6 (-1.4)
Week 3: 146 (-2.6) - Week 4: 147.2 (+1.2)
Week 5: 145.6 (-1.6) - Week 6: 144 (-1.6)
Week 7: 143 (-1) - Week 8: 142.8 (-0.2)
Week 9: 143.6 (+0.8) - Week 10: 141.2 (-2.4)
Week 11: 143.8 (+2.6) - Week 12: 142.4 (-1.4)
Week 13: 142.4 (-0) - Week 14: 141.6 (-0.8)
Week 15: 139.4 (-2.2) - Week 16: 140 (+0.6)
Week 17: 139.2 (-0.8) - Week 18: 139 (-0.2)
Week 19: 138 (-1) - Week 20: 135.4 (-2.6)
Week 21: 137.2 (+1.8) - Week 22: 139.6 (+2.4)
Week 23: 143.2 (+3.6) - Week 24: 143.6 (+0.4)
Week 25: 137.6 (-6) - Week 26: 139.6 (+2)
Week 27: 142 (+2.4) - Week 28: 137.2 (-4.8)
Week 29: 137 (-0.2) - Week 30: 136.8 (-0.2)
Week 31: 142.2 (+5.4) - Week 32: 136.8 (-5.4)
Week 33: 137.8 (+1) - Week 34: 135.8 (-2)
Week 35: 137.6 (+1.8) - Week 36: 143.8 (+6.2)
Week 37: 142.8 (-1) - Week 38: 140 (-2.8)
Week 39: 142.4 (+2.4) - Week 40: 140.4 (-2)
Week 41: 139.6 (-0.8)
Total loss: -14.4

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.

Calories eaten Thursday: 1183
Fat: 26g (21%)
Carbs: 83g (29%)
Protein: 109g (38%)
Weight Thursday morning: 139.2 (One week ago: 136)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 102

Calories eaten Friday: 1289
Fat: 24g (17%)
Carbs: 61g (19%)
Protein: 135g (42%)
Weight Friday morning: 136 (One week ago: 135.2)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 324

Weight Saturday morning: 133.8 (One week ago: 133.2)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

Calories burned in exercise today: 115

Whew! What a long weekend. Friday Brad drove me to the bank to deposit my money for the computer. Then we walked near the Bay in San Leandro, the same place we've walked the last two weeks. There is a one mile "Paracourse" (example) loop near the place our trail starts. I felt good enough after our regular walk that we then walked the one mile loop before heading home.

Saturday before church I tried to order the new computer. We had a half hour before we had to leave for church, but it turned into a 45 minute call that I had to complete in the car, and I didn't get exactly what I wanted. I ended up with 120GB hard drive instead of the 160 I wanted, and I had to get iWord separately to install myself. Target date to get the computer: January 3.

After church we went to the mortuary for the viewing of Lisa's mother. Brad and I both felt it was important to put in an appearance. We needed to be there for Lisa. She said she is coming back to work tonight.

After that we went to New Zealander and had hot toddies and Irish coffee. I also had a glass of wine because Brad drinks so slow. Brad had the carrot ginger soup and I had a side salad. We also shared a plate of cheese and crackers. For dinner we did the same as last week - cheeseburgers made with low fat beef. Yummy, though he added a bit too many spices this time.

Today I am working 11 a.m.-11 p.m. so no gym. Hopefully I can make it back to the gym tomorrow. I miss it.

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Thursday, December 27, 2007

Week 41, Day 5

Calories eaten yesterday: 906 (no, that's not a typo)
Fat: 24g (23%)
Carbs: 72g (31%)
Protein: 105g (45%)
Weight this morning: 139.2 (One week ago: 136)
Calories burned in exercise today: 102

Crap. I am so fat and having a low-cal day after a major cheat does no good. I want to tell myself it's just bloating, but I know better. I have gained several pounds.

Things are coming along on the computer front. My employer cut me a check today for 52 hours of vacation time (leaving me 40 hours so I can take one week for Conference), plus 24 hours (three days) of comp time - $910. You will also recall they have been taking $35 out of each paycheck and setting it aside for me. I asked to cash that in and got $420. That's $1330! I'm impressed how fast my employer got it to me when I made it clear that this was an immediate need. I'll deposit the money tomorrow and then order the computer. That will put me well under the $2000 threshold Bill Me Later told me about. I'll "charge" what I can to my debit Mastercard using the $1330, then ask them to put the rest on my Bill Me Later account.

I'm looking at about $2200 for the computer plus almost $200 in sales tax (YIKE!), so roughly $2400 total. But this is a Macintosh - a MacBook Pro (I'm getting the one on the far left with some extras added). It will do everything and is portable to boot! Hopefully I can get 9 good years out of this one. :)

Ran into San Francisco today, checked my mail, deposited the $37 my Mom sent me (Christmas money minus the $99 I owed her), and hit Old Navy to exchange the pajama pants my sis gave me for Christmas. She sent me large and they were way huge on me. I found a pair of mediums.

Tomorrow Brad and I are going walking. I'll take my camera but there will be no photos this Sunday. :( Saturday after church we are going to the viewing of Lisa's mother. I hate going to these things, but it's important to show her our support. Sunday is my last overtime shift - 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday is New Year's Eve and a planned cheat day. I may or my not make it to the gym. Back on plan 100% on New Year's Day, and hopefully I'll make it to the gym, too.

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Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Rest in peace, Lazarus

Christmas Day was a cheat day so I don't have macronutrient totals for yesterday.
Weight this morning: 141 (One week ago: 140.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 101

After stuffing myself yesterday I'm not very hungry today.

iMacWell, it finally died. My 9-year-old iMac breathed its last and gave up the ghost last night. It was the original Bondi Blue model created in 1998. Like Lazarus in the Bible, it was once resurrected, but even Lazarus eventually died and so too has my computer, who's hard drive was named Lazarus.

What happened is I tried to restart the computer in OS 9 to see if I could get videos onto the computer that way. I followed the procedures and it dinged, came up with a bluish-gray screen and just sat there. And with my CD drive broken I can't use the disk to at least get back to OS X. I'm locked out. It tries to start up is OS 9 each time and fails. I have to pull the plug.

I promised myself that when the computer died again it was time for a new one. So I tried to buy a new computer today through Bill Me Later, but it was declined. I called Bill Me Later and they said it was too much - I need to get it under $2000. I don't have another credit card, so I have to do this the slow way. Tomorrow I will talk to Gary downstairs about cashing in what little I have saved from the $35 they've been taking from each paycheck. I have 92 hours of vacation time, so I'll also talk to Jon about cashing in 52 hours (saving out 40 for Conference next year), and the couple days of holiday time I have. I'm also taking whatever overtime is in my next two checks and putting that toward my computer. With luck I can get enough money to to get the computer down to $2000.

Then I'll put the money in my bank, use my debit Mastercard to pay what I can, and put the rest on Bill Me Later. At any rate, I will not be able to get online from home until all this is done, the computer is sent, and my computer guy transfers the hard drive over.

Needless to say, I am not a happy camper.

I have a feeling it's God's doing again. I have been neglecting time with Him and in His word. You'll recall this happened once before in August. I can't get away with what I used to. He is calling me into a deeper relationship with Him, and like the foolish human I am, I am fighting it every step of the way. Due to the new camera, the age of the computer, and my slow connection, I have spent a lot of time online lately just dealing with photo stuff. The easiest way to get my attention and give me the time to spend with Him is to take it away.

I'll keep doing Project 365, but just leave the photos stored on my camera.

On a totally different subject Brad found this Web page about the true meaning of the song "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and the meaning of "Merry Christmas." Check it out!

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Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas!

Calories eaten yesterday: 1263
Fat: 29g (21%)
Carbs: 85g (27%)
Protein: 159g (51%)
Weight this morning: 135 (One week ago: 135.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 87

Merry Christmas all! Hope everyone had a good one! Photos forthcoming. In Project 365 Christmas Day begins week 6 for me. The theme for week 6 is "Love." Check out my contribution and this person's photo that gave me the inspiration.

I worked until 3 a.m. last night, got to bed sometimes between 4 and 4:30 a.m. and slept until 11 a.m. so I could have a leisurely breakfast, open presents, and still get to work by 3 p.m.

Brad and I had tri tip beef, green beans, whole wheat low-carb bread, egg nog, and Perrier. Atkins chocolate coconut candy bars for dessert. The egg nog was this organic kind Brad got at the health food store. It had the same calories as the "Light" egg nog they had, but the "Light" had 23g of sugar, and the organic, while it had more fat, only had 13g of sugar. Same calories and less sugar. Yep, that was a no-brainer.

Today I listed my old digital camera on eBay. The listing will be up for 10 days, so check out my auction! If you are looking for a cheap point and shoot digital camera consider buying from me. :)

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Monday, December 24, 2007

Christmas Eve overtime

Calories eaten yesterday: 1310
Fat: 41g (30%)
Carbs: 104g (33%)
Protein: 115g (37%)
Weight this morning: 136.6 (One week ago: 138.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 102

First, I have a Christmas poem to share with you. Since it's already been published on my blog, I'll just link to it here. Please take a moment to read it. I think it's one of my better poems. I wrote it my first Christmas as a Christian, so it is appropriately titled:

My First Christmas

Another 12 hour shift today for me, this time from 3 p.m. Christmas Eve to 3 a.m. Christmas Day. Tomorrow will be a cheat day for me but I plan to eat mostly healthy food. Christmas dinner will be at work and my co-worker and I are having tri tip beef, green beans, whole wheat low-carb bread with butter, and a few Atkins candy bars for dessert.

My only exercise today was the 30 minute walk from the BART station to work. Better than nothing I guess.

Today I am on plan. Because I'm at work for 12 hours I just had coffee this morning and brought my breakfast food to work with me. I stopped at Starbucks for a low-fat breakfast sandwich, non-fat sugar-free latte, and a biscotti for breakfast tomorrow morning. Everything is closed tomorrow including the gym so I'll just relax at home when I finally get up (remember I'll probably be getting to bed about 5 a.m.) and have a leisurely breakfast and open a few presents.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Here's some more recent pictures that I got up just last night.

From the staff Christmas dinner last Tuesday
Brad Lisa's flash goes off at the exact moment as Jon's Lisa, Brad, and I at the Christmas staff dinner

this past Saturday
me with my first hot toddy hot toddies - warm and relaxing

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Sunday, December 23, 2007

Week 40 Weigh-In

Start: 154
Week 1: 150 (-4) - Week 2: 148.6 (-1.4)
Week 3: 146 (-2.6) - Week 4: 147.2 (+1.2)
Week 5: 145.6 (-1.6) - Week 6: 144 (-1.6)
Week 7: 143 (-1) - Week 8: 142.8 (-0.2)
Week 9: 143.6 (+0.8) - Week 10: 141.2 (-2.4)
Week 11: 143.8 (+2.6) - Week 12: 142.4 (-1.4)
Week 13: 142.4 (-0) - Week 14: 141.6 (-0.8)
Week 15: 139.4 (-2.2) - Week 16: 140 (+0.6)
Week 17: 139.2 (-0.8) - Week 18: 139 (-0.2)
Week 19: 138 (-1) - Week 20: 135.4 (-2.6)
Week 21: 137.2 (+1.8) - Week 22: 139.6 (+2.4)
Week 23: 143.2 (+3.6) - Week 24: 143.6 (+0.4)
Week 25: 137.6 (-6) - Week 26: 139.6 (+2)
Week 27: 142 (+2.4) - Week 28: 137.2 (-4.8)
Week 29: 137 (-0.2) - Week 30: 136.8 (-0.2)
Week 31: 142.2 (+5.4) - Week 32: 136.8 (-5.4)
Week 33: 137.8 (+1) - Week 34: 135.8 (-2)
Week 35: 137.6 (+1.8) - Week 36: 143.8 (+6.2)
Week 37: 142.8 (-1) - Week 38: 140 (-2.8)
Week 39: 142.4 (+2.4) - Week 40: 140.4 (-2)
Total loss: -13.6

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.

Calories eaten Thursday: 1423
Fat: 28g (18%)
Carbs: 102g (30%)
Protein: 138g (41%)
Weight Thursday morning: 136 (One week ago: 131.6)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 345

Calories eaten Friday: 1435
Fat: 27g (17%)
Carbs: 72g (20%)
Protein: 146g (42%)
Weight Friday morning: 135.2 (One week ago: 131.2)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 289

Weight Saturday morning: 133.2 (One week ago: N/A)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

Calories burned in exercise today: 88

I lost weight between Friday and Saturday morning. Excellent! Having an Atkins meal bar and protein shake right before bed seems to help me sleep through the night. I totally sabotage my weight loss when I wake up at 4 a.m. Saturday morning and stuff my face.

On Friday as Brad and I walked I mentioned hot toddies. It was cold out and I've never had one so I wanted one. Saturday evening after going to the grocery store we hit Quinn's Lighthouse for them. They wouldn't let us sit in their dining room if we were just ordering drinks and sent us to their bar upstairs. We went up but it was so noisy is got on my nerves. We left and drove to New Zealander's and got hot toddies there. My first hot toddy! It was good and didn't even need the sugar, which had gathered at the bottom of the glass. After that I ordered an Irish coffee, then three glasses of dry champagne.

Yes, I way overdid it, and am a bit hungover today. I couldn't go to the gym because of the overtime, but I did get in 30 minutes of walking. I'm not sure if I will go to the gym tomorrow or not. I have a feeling I may be too wiped out to hit the gym between two 12 hours shifts.

Today when I came into work I found two more packages - the memory card for my new camera (4GB) and the black leggings I ordered.

My schedule is total chaos this week. There is a lot of overtime right now because one of our part-time weekend people quit a couple weeks ago so for three Sundays in a row (this is #2) I am working 12 hours instead of my usual 8. I'm not complaining because I need the money, but it cuts out one gym session.

Lisa's mother died late last week so she is off work for at least a week. The part-timers were going to fill all her shifts, but I managed to get one 12 hour shift out of it - Christmas Day because who wants to work that day? So Christmas Eve I come into work at 3 p.m. (my normal time) and stay until 3 a.m. Then Brad (the morning shift person) will come in at 3 a.m. Christmas Day and stay until 3 p.m. Then I will come in at 3 p.m. Christmas Day and work my normal shift. Brad and I will probably do Christmas dinner at work at that time.

Christmas dinner will be very simple because I do not want to cook. Brad is bringing in tri tip beef and I am bringing in frozen Steamfresh veggies. Dessert will be sugar-free candy because I am not making another cheesecake.

We also bought some organic eggnog for Christmas dinner. The "light" eggnog has 160 calories a serving and 22g of sugar; the organic has the same 160 calories, but only 13g of sugar (the organic is higher in fat). I would rather have the fat then the sugar for the same calories so we got the organic - one quart. Brad and I will split it.

Here's some photos of the fun this weekend. Click any of them for a larger size.

Friday
my old camera - taken with my new camera Day 32 - sunset over San Francisco Bay

sunset over San Francisco Bay me out walking with Brad

Saturday
Abby in her cat tree Sabbath School at church the upstairs bar floor at Quinn's Lighthouse

Brad & I with hot toddies Irish coffee champagne



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Thursday, December 20, 2007

Week 40, Day 5

Calories eaten yesterday: 1001 (no, that's not a typo)
Fat: 24g (23%)
Carbs: 77g (32%)
Protein: 108g (45%)

Weight this morning: 136 (One week ago: 131.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 345

My monthly bus pass ran out yesterday. I won't be using it Friday or Saturday and it seemed a shame to start a new one Thursday and then have it not be used the next two days. So I paid the bus with cash today - $2 to get to the gym. I walked to work after the gym to save on the bus (plus I need the extra exercise), and I would have had to pay $1.75 to get home, but Brad is driving me. There's a story behind that:

Lisa was not able to come in last night or tonight. She wouldn't talk about it, but I gather from her blog that it has to do with her Mom. She was in the ICU and then Lisa called last night (the 19th) very upset and saying she couldn't work, so it's possible her mom died.

I don't know when Lisa will be able to come back to work. She took last night and tonight off and is also not coming in for the Saturday overtime she signed up for. We are covering her shifts as best as we can. Last night and tonight Eric is working Lisa's overnight shift. Eric doesn't drive, so I don't have a ride to the BART station. That's why Brad will be here to drive me home, as he was last night.

I received three packages today. 1) My Christmas gifts from Eleanor, 2) the tea I ordered, which I am busily drinking a mug of each of the six flavors I bought, and 3) my FujiFilm FinePix S700 digital camera. The camera is so complicated! It has so many features and a 179 page book for the "owners manual." Yike! Tonight I will find out how compatible it is with my computer and iPhoto without installing the software. It should work with a Macintosh - you plug in the USB cable and iPhoto detects the camera. At least that's the theory.

See you all Sunday with my weigh-in and a report of the weekend. :)

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Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Week 40, Day 4

Tuesday was an off plan day.

Weight this morning: 140.6 (One week ago: 133.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 88

BART fares are going up again on January 1. My normal $1.40 ride (base fare since I rarely go far) will go up to $1.50. My cost of living increases at work do not keep pace with with bus and train fares and my rent.

The newest addition to this blog is a new Webring I joined - an anti-Kimkins Webring. Even though I've only posted about Kimmer a couple of times, I guess that's enough and every anti-Kimmer voice helps.

As promised, photos from Thursday's staff dinner, plus two random photos of me taken after getting home from work (Brad drove me home). Click the thumbnails to enlarge.

Day 29 - before the staff Christmas dinner Jon and Phillip check out the menu my meal - shrimp & beef skewers and broccoli
I got to meet our new hire Phillip at the dinner and find out a little about him. That was nice.

me with dry Riesling me drinking dry Riesling
The Riesling is dry Riesling and it was very good. But at $17 a bottle I can't afford it that often.

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Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Staff dinner

Calories eaten yesterday: 1314
Fat: 28g (20%)
Carbs: 105g (33%)
Protein: 147g (46%)

Weight this morning: 135.6 (One week ago: 134.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 347

Tonight was our staff dinner at Applebee's. Photos will be forthcoming, both from me and the others there with cameras. I had the Weight Watchers Steak and Shrimp skewers, hold the teriyaki sauce, and I subbed the rice for extra broccoli. I also got a side salad and a side order of more grilled shrimp. I had two bites of the nacho appetizer, and a few too many bites of Brad's dinner - I ate most of his veggies, some bites of blue cheese steak, and some bites of his mashed potatoes.

I had eaten a lot before I even went - 1 1/2 Atkins meal bars, a package of NutriSystem Nacho Crisps, and several slices of fat free cheese. I am 1) hungry all the time because of my meds, and 2) I have a very unhealthy relationship with food and feel compelled to eat even when I am full. I am full as I type this and still want to eat and eat. I had a big slice of a chocolate muffin down the hall and am currently sipping no-sugar-added hot cocoa. Why can't I have a normal relationship with food?

Last night I ordered the FujiFilm FinePix S700 camera from Amazon along with a 4GB memory card. I hope they are compatible and that the photos are as easy to download to my computer as from my current camera. I am so excited to get a new camera.

Here's what it does:
* 7 MegaPixel CCD
* 10.0x Optical Zoom (38-380mm)
* 2.5" LCD
* Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)
* Up to ISO 1600 full resolution
* Picture Stabilization mode
* i-Flash Intelligent Flash
* Mode dial for ease of use
* Movie Mode @ 30 fps w/ sound in Motion JPEG (.AVI) format
* Compact SLR-style body design in Black
* 4x AA Battery Power
* xD / SD Media Compatible Slot

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Monday, December 17, 2007

Week 40, Day 2

Calories eaten yesterday: 1067
Fat: 29g (25%)
Carbs: 65g (24%)
Protein: 130g (49%)

Weight this morning: 138.2 (One week ago: 136.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 365

Had to work overtime yesterday, so I did Sunday's workout today. 1 hour of weight training, upper body. I'm not quite back to 100% from giving blood and I have a headache - probably from coming down off the carb binge - but I did my best.

Cardio was a 1/2 hour on the Treadclimber. Then I had my protein shake and carb serving and walked to work for a little extra exercise to offset all the off plan days.

Tomorrow will be semi-off plan, though I will try my best to be good. I have a Christmas staff dinner for work at Applebee's. I know what I will order and it will be NS- and Atkins-friendly, but I don't know how the rest of the day will go.

My heart rate monitor arrived today. The monitor needed new batteries. I got someone at work to replace it (it needs someone with jeweler's experience to do it). It takes the same batteries as my pedometer and food scale and I carry a spare in case my pedometer dies so I had one ready to put in. I followed the instructions to set the receiver and then moistened the conducting pads on the transmitter with a little water and secured it under my bra. Lo and behold the little heart started blinking and pretty soon a heart rate came up. I can't wait to try this out at the gym tomorrow!

My 2008 calendars also came today - one about cats and one with a Bible verse a day.

I also received two more of the music CDs I ordered, but I can't get them onto my computer right now because my CD drive is broken (I want to get the music onto my iPod). Buying a new computer is something I am saving towards, but I want a certain really nice Mac that is going to cost big bucks. My friend is going to see if we can put the music on his Mac, compress it, and e-mail it to my computer.

I'm getting ready to buy a new digital camera with my Christmas money. Anyone know about the FujiFilm FinePix S700? WalMart has it for $210 and Amazon.com has it for $166, and it looks like it might be a good camera. My current camera is 6 years old, so it is time for a new one. The current one is also FujiFilm - a FinePix A101 (photo) and it still takes photos. The digital zoom on it broke, but other than that it is okay.

Here's some photos that I didn't get uploaded yesterday. Click to enlarge.

Friday
egg nog shake

Saturday
Day 26 - Hor'dourves dessert - pies, fudge, and brownies

Sunday
Day 27 - overtime blues

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Sunday, December 16, 2007

Week 39 Weigh-In

Start: 154
Week 1: 150 (-4) - Week 2: 148.6 (-1.4)
Week 3: 146 (-2.6) - Week 4: 147.2 (+1.2)
Week 5: 145.6 (-1.6) - Week 6: 144 (-1.6)
Week 7: 143 (-1) - Week 8: 142.8 (-0.2)
Week 9: 143.6 (+0.8) - Week 10: 141.2 (-2.4)
Week 11: 143.8 (+2.6) - Week 12: 142.4 (-1.4)
Week 13: 142.4 (-0) - Week 14: 141.6 (-0.8)
Week 15: 139.4 (-2.2) - Week 16: 140 (+0.6)
Week 17: 139.2 (-0.8) - Week 18: 139 (-0.2)
Week 19: 138 (-1) - Week 20: 135.4 (-2.6)
Week 21: 137.2 (+1.8) - Week 22: 139.6 (+2.4)
Week 23: 143.2 (+3.6) - Week 24: 143.6 (+0.4)
Week 25: 137.6 (-6) - Week 26: 139.6 (+2)
Week 27: 142 (+2.4) - Week 28: 137.2 (-4.8)
Week 29: 137 (-0.2) - Week 30: 136.8 (-0.2)
Week 31: 142.2 (+5.4) - Week 32: 136.8 (-5.4)
Week 33: 137.8 (+1) - Week 34: 135.8 (-2)
Week 35: 137.6 (+1.8) - Week 36: 143.8 (+6.2)
Week 37: 142.8 (-1) - Week 38: 140 (-2.8)
Week 39: 142.4 (+2.4)
Total loss: -11.6

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.

Calories eaten Thursday: 1401
Fat: 29g (20%)
Carbs: 98g (29%)
Protein: 133g (40%)
Weight Thursday morning: 131.6 (One week ago: 133.8)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 357

Friday was a binge day due to giving blood.
Weight Friday morning: 131.2 (One week ago: 132.6)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 309

Weight Saturday morning: N/A (One week ago: 132.6)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

Calories burned in exercise today: 86

Settle in with some hot cocoa (no sugar added kind, of course). It was a long weekend.

Thursday Brad took a couple muscle pic of me. Look below in the pictures and click on the thumbnails for a larger size.

Thursday night I was too excited to sleep because Friday was a binge day, so even though i was in bed at a reasonable hour, I woke up tired on Friday. I walked down the hill and across the freeway to Starbucks (33 minutes). They didn't have the chocolate hazelnut coffee cake I so badly wanted, nor did they have the low-fat breakfast sandwich, but I was able to get a small egg nog latte, a gingerbread biscotti, and a mini brownie. I walked back across the freeway and caught the 11 bus downtown. I checked another Starbucks. They had the breakfast sandwich, so I got it, but not the coffee cake. I never did get the coffee cake. :(

Before I gave blood I stopped at Safeway and got a couple things to drink. I need to be well hydrated to give blood and I had hardly had anything all day. I also got a box (1 dozen) of the Chocolate Chewies (chewy cookies) and ate half the box. They were SO good!

At the Red Cross I gave blood. My blood pressure was only 92/68 - the lowest I have ever seen it. Not only did I get lightheaded, but even when I thought I was okay to get up, I ended up lightheaded again and laid down on the couch in the snack area. I pigged out on all the snacks.

Then Brad and I walked slowly around Lake Merritt. After that we hit Taco Bell for one of their Crunchwrap Supremes. I split it with Brad. Then we walked next door to Jack in the Box for dinner. I got the sourdough burger, curly fries, and the egg nog shake. Yummy!

Then we went to Applebee's and got the Nachos appetizer and drinks. Brad's beer was flat. :( I ended up having three drinks - a Mochatini, a Cosmopolitan, and a Margarita.

Dad's check for December also came on Friday, but I'll deposit it later this week. Included was $300 in Christmas money. I haven't received Christmas money from him in a few years. The last time was when I bought my iPod. I am setting this money aside because I badly need a new ditital camera.

I had just over 20,000 steps by the end of Friday and I was beat!

Saturday was church and then the progressive dinner and movie - first appetizers, then the main course, then dessert. I way overate and ate tons of bad things. Since Friday's weigh-in I've gained 11.2 pounds (!).

Today I'm working overtime, but forgot about it so I got up at my regular time to go to the gym. When I remembered I rushed out the door and made it in about 5 minutes late. I walked from the BART station and beat the bus.

Here's some photos of the fun. Click any of them for a larger size. Saturday's photos (just two) aren't uploaded yet, and one Friday photo of my milkshake at Jack in the Box isn't up yet either. Ignore the "Day xx" on a couple of the photos. That's the tagging for Project 365.

Thursday
Day 24 - me from the front me from the back

Friday
placing the needle to give blood giving blood at the Red Cross (#8) Lake Merritt

remnants of dinner me with a Mochatini finishing my Mochatini

Applebee's Nachos appetizer me with a Cosmopolitan me with a Margarita Day 25 - exhausted after 20,000 steps


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Thursday, December 13, 2007

Kimkins, and my workouts

Calories eaten yesterday: 1278
Fat: 32g (24%)
Carbs: 100g (33%)
Protein: 125g (42%)

Weight this morning: 131.6 (One week ago: 133.8)
Calories burned in exercise today: 357

Just a quick aside about the Kimkins saga - I found a great Web site with the whole sordid history laid out. It's quite long, but this lady has done her homework. She has tons of quotes and great information on the Kimkins diet and it's rise and eventual fall from grace. Check it out!

Today I'm going to share a rundown of a fairly typical gym day to give you all a flavor for what I do. Today was upper body and core work.

Weight Training:
I started with uneven push-ups. I used a step bench 3 levels high and did 2 sets of 5 reps on both sides. (men's push-ups of course; girl push-ups don't count) ;-)

Bodymasters
On the "Bodymasters" equipment (the kind with pulleys and you can do multiple exercises) I did the following pyramids:

Arm curl:
50x12, 60x10, 70x7

Tricep pulldown:
70x12, 80x10, 90x8

Lat. pulldown:
70x12, 80x10, 90x6

Back row:
60x12, 70x10, 80x7

That was it for the Bodymasters stuff.

Rotary chest press machine:
40x12, 50x10, 60x7

Arnold press (lbs. per dumbbell):
12x12, 15x10, 20x8 (I can't do the 25 lbs. dumbbells yet)

Standing calf raise:
360x11, 375x10, 390x8

Plank with leg raise:
3 full sets, 30 seconds on each side

V-sit:
3 sets, 30 second hold each time

Rotary lat machine:
70x12, 85x10, 100x6

High row (lbs. per side - double for total weight):
45x12, 55x10, 60x8
(Need to raise my starting weight with this one.)

I finished with 10 quick men's push-ups.

Cardio:
30 minutes on the crossramp elliptical. Crossramp set to 20 (highest), resistance at 5-10.

I also walked to work from BART (35 minutes) for extra exercise due to all the off NS days coming up - a planned binge tomorrow followed by a planned cheat, followed three days later by a Christmas staff dinner at a local restaurant.

I'm supposed to give blood tomorrow so I will be back Sunday with photos!

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Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Week 39, Day 4

Calories eaten yesterday: 1284
Fat: 28g (21%)
Carbs: 103g (34%)
Protein: 137g (45%)

Weight this morning: 133.2 (One week ago: 135)
Calories burned in exercise today: 86

Used my home scale to check my body fat at the same time as my weight and the scale said 25.1% body fat. I hope that's right. I need to keep better track on my home scale - easier than setting up appointments at the gym.

Went grocery shopping today. Spent way too much. And more money will be spent on Friday. Since it is a binge day I want a Mochatini and maybe a Mudslide at Applebee's - things I can't get at home - and those are expensive drinks, not to mention Starbucks and the fast food I'll eat. My Dad's check for December (which still hasn't come!) won't cover two weeks of groceries plus Friday. I think I need to cash in just a little more vacation time. Starting Saturday I will get very serious about money and only buy what I need, but damn it, I deserve to have fun with my binge. :)

Hopefully next week's grocery bill will be lower if I can follow my own advice. I bought some extras today that weren't strictly needed.

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Monday, December 10, 2007

Week 39, Day 3

Calories eaten yesterday: 1275
Fat: 36g (27%)
Carbs: 97g (32%)
Protein: 121g (40%)

Weight this morning: 134.2 (One week ago: 136)
Calories burned in exercise today: 360

Stopped at Long's Drugs before going to the gym and found a cute pair of socks with a wine theme (SO me!). I also bought a pair of blue gloves (not fingerless!), two pairs of tights, and two pairs of knee high pantyhose.

Weights: Well, I went to the gym to do lower body and managed to hurt myself in the first 15 minutes. :( My abductors and adductors on my right leg are affected so when I tried to do walking lunges and put weight on my right leg it hurt like hell. I did whatever lower body I could do without hurting those areas more and did more core work. It's a week until my next lower body workout. Hopefully that will be enough time to heal. Walking lunges are definitely out right now.

Cardio: 30 minutes doing the treadmill program from M&F Hers magazine, going heavier on the running component.

I then walked to work from the BART station (35 minutes). I stopped at WalMart for a few items.

I need to go heavy on exercise because of the planned binge this Friday (that didn't happen last Friday), plus the general holiday craziness - way too many off plan days this month.

I hope to get some walking in before giving blood Friday, and some light walking after to help offset the binge.

Brad let me use his credit card so I could get the 2 for 1 deal at Walden Farms; they wouldn't let me use my card because I already used it earlier for the same discount. I wrote Brad a check for the amount charged. Thank you for helping me buy this stuff, Brad! Your kindness is much appreciated!

I spent the entire $100 gift card Mom got me - I got two calendars (Bible verse a day and a cat wall calendar), a pair of leggings, a heart rate monitor, and several used CDs of Christian lite rock.

I am so done buying anything until after the holidays!!! I hope to cash in my holiday comp days and maybe get a new digital camera, but that will have to wait until after the new year. I'll have some fun this Friday with my binge, but after that I am buying only essentials. Tomorrow is grocery day.

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Week 39, Day 2

Calories eaten yesterday: 1290
Fat: 33g (24%)
Carbs: 97g (31%)
Protein: 135g (44%)

Weight this morning: 136.2 (One week ago: 139.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 93

Yesterday I noticed that this site has now passed 40,000 hits! :) Yay! Thanks to all my readers. :)

Today's mail had a couple of good things in it. I received an envelope from Amazon.com with a $100 gift card it in. It's from my Mom. It is so cool that I can now buy some stuff from them that I have wanted. :)

The other thing that came in the mail today was the check from the mortgage company, so I deposited it and did more shopping. First I popped into GNC to see if they had those Chaser tablets for drinking. I got those, sugar-free strawberry and chocolate syrups, and they had Soy Slender vanilla soy milk. I've never tried the vanilla so I got it.

On my way to work I stopped at WalMart. I have two nightshirts with pink in them, but they are too cold to wear without bottoms. I don't have any pink pajama bottoms so I bought a pair - on sale for only $5 - tre cheap! They are actually mostly white, but have pink, green, and blue designs. Of course at WalMart I wear a "small." I also bought two pairs of socks with kitties on them, a blue knit hat (I only have pink which doesn't go with everything), and a new belt.

I also finally decided to get a new blender. My old one has dull blades and is leaking on the bottom. I got it for $3 at a garage sale so it's time for a new one. WalMart had what looked to be a good one (this one from Oster) for about $25 so I got it.

At work I jumped online and bought several delicious teas (scroll down to see them all) that I heard about on the NutriSystem board. I bought all except the Candy Cane Lane. I don't care for peppermint.

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Sunday, December 09, 2007

Week 38 Weigh-In

Start: 154
Week 1: 150 (-4) - Week 2: 148.6 (-1.4)
Week 3: 146 (-2.6) - Week 4: 147.2 (+1.2)
Week 5: 145.6 (-1.6) - Week 6: 144 (-1.6)
Week 7: 143 (-1) - Week 8: 142.8 (-0.2)
Week 9: 143.6 (+0.8) - Week 10: 141.2 (-2.4)
Week 11: 143.8 (+2.6) - Week 12: 142.4 (-1.4)
Week 13: 142.4 (-0) - Week 14: 141.6 (-0.8)
Week 15: 139.4 (-2.2) - Week 16: 140 (+0.6)
Week 17: 139.2 (-0.8) - Week 18: 139 (-0.2)
Week 19: 138 (-1) - Week 20: 135.4 (-2.6)
Week 21: 137.2 (+1.8) - Week 22: 139.6 (+2.4)
Week 23: 143.2 (+3.6) - Week 24: 143.6 (+0.4)
Week 25: 137.6 (-6) - Week 26: 139.6 (+2)
Week 27: 142 (+2.4) - Week 28: 137.2 (-4.8)
Week 29: 137 (-0.2) - Week 30: 136.8 (-0.2)
Week 31: 142.2 (+5.4) - Week 32: 136.8 (-5.4)
Week 33: 137.8 (+1) - Week 34: 135.8 (-2)
Week 35: 137.6 (+1.8) - Week 36: 143.8 (+6.2)
Week 37: 142.8 (-1) - Week 38: 140 (-2.8)
Total loss: -14

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.

Calories eaten Thursday: 1333
Fat: 20g (14%)
Carbs: 100g (31%)
Protein: 144g (45%)
Weight Thursday morning: 133.8 (One week ago: 133)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 101

Calories eaten Friday: 1457
Fat: 27g (17%)
Carbs: 78g (22%)
Protein: 153g (42%)
Weight Friday morning: 132.6 (One week ago: 132.2)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 268

Weight Saturday morning: 132.6 (One week ago: 135)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

Calories burned in exercise today: 367

On Thursday I wrote that I cashed in 80 hours of comp and vacation time. Jon said I should have the check Monday or Tuesday, but I had it by Friday and Brad brought it over ($900). I deposited it in the bank before we went walking. We hit the trail in San Leandro by the Bay and walked all the way to the end and back - about 5.6 miles according to WalkerTracker.com (based on the number of steps I took). Most of the walk was in the dark of course, but Brad and I had flashlights.

Saturday before church I paid off Bill Me Later for what I still owed on NutriSystem - about $250. I am no longer in any debt! I have NS paid off, and Mom said she would take what I owed her out of the Christmas money she is sending me, so I will get almost no money from her. It's fair since I do owe her. So that is taken care of too. Yay - no more debt!

Saturday after sunset Brad and I went shopping. First we hit the pet food store and bought two huge bags of cat food plus some cat grass for Abby. Then we went to Southshore Mall in Alameda and hit an office supply store for the lithium batteries my pedometer and food scale take. They had four packages of two batteries each. I bought all four packages.

Then we went to Safeway to get one bottle of dry Riesling wine. Expensive, but I've decided to drink less Riesling and get a good DRY one when I do. Then we went to Trader Joe's and bought a case of "Two Buck Chuck," half Merlot and half Cabernet. $25 with tax. Not bad. I've heard good things about this wine, so we will see.

Then we went over to Mervyn's to look for slippers (mine are falling apart) and a new bra. I ended up buying two pairs of slippers since they were on sale, and after looking around the bra department I found two bras that worked. One was the correct style and I could fit a medium! The other will work, but does kind of squish my boobs together.

Then we went to Applebee's for drinks. I had three glasses of wine, and Brad had two beers. I paid for one of his beers since I felt rich. Then we went home where I had a light beer and made some dinner for Brad and I. After dinner I totally pigged out on 100 Calorie Packs (two) and a ton of Special K Protein Plus. Over the course of yesterday I managed to go through an entire liter of the Soy Slender soy milk. I have got to get this under control. It's terrible.

Today I bought myself a "Look Better In the Buff" gift set for myself ($20), paid some bills, and bought a Christmas gift for Eleanor off Amazon. We talked last week and she said she wanted this specific thing (an anti-Bush calendar - something I would never buy!). The entire $900 is now gone. I can't believe it! But I should be receiving a couple checks soon for a total of about $400 so I will have enough money to get me through until my next paycheck. We'll also be receiving three paychecks in January because of the way the pay cycles fall.

I bought more Alli pills on Thursday from WalMart, and made a decision about Alli. I asked Dr. Eades about it on his blog. If you scroll to the bottom of this page, you'll see our exchange. Since I am not getting side effects, I decided to take Alli less during the week, but dramatically increase the dose on Saturdays when I am eating a lot of fat.

The results from this week: I skipped my magnesium dose on Friday and Saturday night to rule that out as a factor. I took five Alli pills and have my usual pig out on peanuts and Cheese-It's. Yesterday evening and today I had very sift stools and this time I know it wasn't the magnesium. So I guess that's the "treatment effects" I get. I also had some cramping so I won't be taking that many again. The only reason I showed a loss on the scale this morning is because I spent so much time in the bathroom last night and this morning (and since then!).

Here's some recent photos, including a couple gratuitous cat photos. Click any of them for a larger size.

Day 14 - my Christmas tree Day 16 - Abby atop the cat tree Day 17 - Xena explores my duffel bag

Day 18 - Alli diet pills Friday's dinner Day 19 - Low-carb chocolate molten cakes

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Thursday, December 06, 2007

My bad day

Calories eaten yesterday: 1324
Fat: 33g (23%)
Carbs: 96g (30%)
Protein: 144g (45%)

Weight this morning: 133.8 (One week ago: 133)
Calories burned in exercise today: 101

First, the rant of the day:
More craziness on the NS board. I'd put up a link, but you have to be registered just to read there. This time it's an insane wanna-be vegan. I swear to God these people are seriously lacking some nutrients to act the way they do. I posted on a vegetarian thread that I agreed that putting fish oil is the vegetarian entrees was wrong. Another girl posted and said she was a wanna-be vegan. Curly Jessie explained that you can't really do NS as a vegan due to the dairy products in their entrees. I simply said that I didn't feel veganism was healthy or natural - it's not the way our bodies were designed to function. Humans are omnivores and I believe we enjoy the best health on that kind of diet.

Anyway, Ms. Wanna-Be Vegan took offense at that. I had some concerns, which a couple other people were able to answer in an intelligent and non-confrontational manner, but Ms. Vegan Girl didn't (couldn't?) answer. I wonder if she even knows why she wants to be vegan or if it's some sort of in vogue thing with her friends or something. She comes across as quite young. [Edit: It turns out she's 33. I find that quite frightening. She also loves potatoes and sugar according to her profile page. Yep, a true carb addict who doesn't know it and wouldn't care if she did.]

This has been a horrible day for me. It's cold and rainy and gray. It took me nearly an hour to get to the grocery store. I barely had time to wash my veggies and cook my NS pancakes. I didn't have time to eat them with sugar-free syrup, so I sprinkled some flavored Splenda over them while they cooked and popped them in a baggie to eat on the bus. They were good that way.

It took me an hour and a half to get to work. The first bus broke down (brakes weren't working well in the rain) and we had to wait for the next. I really needed to stop at Walmart and that made me about 10 minutes late. Otherwise I would have made it just in the nick of time.

moneyToday's payday and all that money (plus some) is already gone. I e-mailed Jon about cashing in my comp time (5 days total), plus another 5 days of vacation time. That would give me the equivalent of a full paycheck. I may even be able to buy a new digital camera. My old one is very outdated and some of the features (like zoom) broke ages ago. Anyway, until I get that check I can't buy anything or even pay any bills, but they should get me the check next week. I am also waiting on checks from my Dad and the mortgage brokers.

Oh...I almost forgot to mention a milestone. Today marks three years since I started taking Celexa. Unlike the Zoloft, this hasn't pooped out and I haven't had to increase the dosage. Of the medications I've been on, this is definitely the best.

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Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Money honey

Calories eaten yesterday: 1166
Fat: 32g (25%)
Carbs: 75g (26%)
Protein: 132g (47%)

Weight this morning: 135 (One week ago: 134.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 289

Crap. My bank account is overdrawn by over $100. The latest two charges are "pending" because my overdraft protection is only $100. I get paid tomorrow, but with the overdraft and overdraft charges it's going to eat up a lot. Take out rent and groceries and the money for my church and there ain't going to be anything left over for bills. :( *sigh* I bought some much needed items at WalMart yesterday, but I paid cash.

At least I decided to scrap giving blood this week so my binge day will wait another week. I feel like I am fighting something and don't want to risk giving tainted blood. I need to focus on adjusting to the weather and getting better, then go back and give blood.

Due to the overdraft I'll buy groceries tomorrow, so today I went to the gym and did upper body. My legs and butt are still sore from Monday. I did 20 minutes on the stairmaster and then 10 minutes just walking on the treadmill.

Walked from the BART station to the grocery store (15 minutes) and bought some food with the last $10 in my wallet.

I need to get NutriSystem paid off (still owe $250) and I need to buy more Alli pills. Mom said she is cancelling my debt to her by giving me very little money for Christmas - totally fair, as I do owe her the money. I think it's time to cash in my comp days and some vacation time.

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Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Eczema & egg whites

Calories eaten yesterday: 1311
Fat: 29g (21%)
Carbs: 101g (32%)
Protein: 141g (45%)

Weight this morning: 136 (One week ago: 136.4)
Calories burned in exercise today: 87

My butt and inner thighs are so sore from yesterday's workout it is not even funny. Still, back to the gym tomorrow, but just for upper body. I'm going to avoid lower back and calves because those exercises also target the butt.

I'm been having an eczema flare-up again. This seems to have been triggered by the sudden colder temperatures and a dry cold at that. I even had some cracking and bleeding. I did not want to see a doctor, so I've been using antibacterial ointment on my knuckles and the larger bendy area of my fingers, then wearing plastic gloves over them all night. It seems to have helped. I also use moisturizer all over my hands.

Egg white recipe:
I've finally found a way to make egg whites palatable. I can't afford Egg Beaters when whole eggs are much cheaper. So I separate out five egg whites. I add frozen chopped onions and frozen bell pepper strips. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and two tablespoons hot sauce. Nuke in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring at each interval. When cooked, top with a slice of fat free cheese and nuke about 15 seconds more to melt the cheese. Eat. :) Low in calories, no fat, only a few carbs, and very high in protein. :)

I've been trying to perfect this recipe and glad I finally have something I like. The biggest problem with egg whites is they have no taste, so lots of spices are needed.

I've been fighting something all week. If I have to reschedule my blood donation for another week I will be so disappointed.

The staff dinner (off plan day) date has been announced - Tuesday, December 18. I'm actually kind of psyched about this one because it will be at Applebee's. I'll get a side salad and the Teriyaki Steak 'N Shrimp Skewers from their Weight Watchers menu, subbing the rice for extra veggies and leaving off the teriyaki sauce (it's pure sugar). This will work, and work well. :)

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Monday, December 03, 2007

Week 38, Day 2

Calories eaten yesterday: 1169
Fat: 24g (19%)
Carbs: 88g (31%)
Protein: 137g (48%)

Weight this morning: 139.2 (One week ago: 139.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 337

A photo I took is on aviation.com. The story is The Top 10 Most Obnoxious Hidden Airline Fees. My photo is under #2 - getting a seat assignment. Be sure to check it out! I'm famous. :)

Tomorrow is my scheduled lower body workout, but I went in and did it today and after all the exercise and extra walking yesterday, I felt it! My legs were like jello when I finished an hour later. I decided that my legs couldn't handle a hard cardio workout so I just did the stationary bike for 30 minutes. I had my protein shake, hopped the train, and then walked the last 1.5 miles to work. FitDay says 337 calories burned.

I'm trying to do extra exercise this week for a few reasons:

1) The new month (and a new monthly step goal) started on my day off, so I am behind in my steps and need to catch up.

2) I ran the numbers and gained 7 pounds in November. I must get that off. I know it was because of vacation and then Thanksgiving.

3) I have a planned binge day this Friday so I need to burn extra calories to make up for it.

Also, the Sunday morning person is quitting, meaning some Sunday overtime for me, meaning missing my workout that day until they hire someone new. I need the money, but I also really need the exercise with the holidays here.

Oh, when I did the walking lunges today (something I haven't done in a while) they seemed easier. I used to lunge up the ramp and then need to rest about halfway back down. This time I did almost three full sets (up and back down), only resting at the top and bottom! :) So I really think I am getting stronger. :)

I think I might be seeing some definition in my thighs, too. Dare I hope that all my work might actually be paying off?

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