Monday, April 30, 2007

Personal Training, Session 2

food scaleCalories eaten yesterday: 1202
Fat: 35g (27%)
Carbs: 106g (37%)
Protein: 98g (34%)
Calories burned in exercise: 104

Weight this morning: 141.8 (One week ago: 143.4)
Calories burned in exercise today: 260

Had my second personal training session. Jason said I'm in the Jump Start program, which is supposed to be basic, so we just did leg stuff on machines. Dangit! I want more advanced stuff. I'll ask him more about the exercises I'm already doing and make sure I'm doing them right, as well as some of the exercises I see in Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine.

I finally decided that my Mom's old Weight Watchers analog food scale isn't going to cut it any longer. The photo above is the one I just bought off eBay. It's supposed to hold 6.6 lbs., weigh in ounces or grams, and have a tare feature to zero it out. It was about $25 including shipping. I need to be able to weigh stuff more exactly rather than trying to eyeball 40g (or whatever) on the analog scale.

My packages came today - a large envelope with a bunch of NutriSystem desserts in it - chocolate pudding (5) and hot cocoa (4) and the chocolate milk drink (5). Also a bunch of lunches and dinners and a few snacks I ordered from another woman. I entered the foods into FitDay and stashed them in a drawer at work. There's no use taking it all home when I eat most of my meals here.

My first Walden Farms order also arrived. I ordered twice since they had such a good deal going. :) I got mostly salad dressings in this order.

Lynn decided to be an idiot and buy a sheet cake cheap and bring it in for Network Control people. I had a few bites and then took it down the hall to the office where the night shift puts snacks. I don't need that kind of temptation around me. I swear she is trying to sabotage me! I made it clear to her that the only cake I would put up with is if it was someone's birthday - and it's not!

I am totally addicted to Quaker's Old Fashioned oatmeal. A little Walden Farms chocolate syrup and it tastes like I'm eating dessert for breakfast instead of something healthy. Yummy. This is permissible on Atkins, too, as long as it's old fashioned rather than instant.

On weekends I cook the oatmeal in low-carb Soy Slender soy milk and top with sugar-free chocolate syrup, sugar-free chocolate chips, and fresh berries (photo). Ooo la la!

Speaking of which, I had the oatmeal for breakfast this morning and it did seem to give me more energy at the gym. I'll have to try this again on gym days. I just need to add a couple egg whites to jack up the protein content. The oatmeal only has 5g - not nearly enough when I am weight training. Two egg whites adds 7g more and only 33 calories.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Photo courtesy DigitalSnail.

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Week 8 Weigh-In

First, my weigh-in numbers.
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)
Total loss: -11.2

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.
Calories eaten Thursday: 1549
Fat: 27g (17%)
Carbs: 110g (29%)
Protein: 132g (35%)
Weight Thursday morning: 138.6 (One week before: 139.4)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 199

Calories eaten Friday: 1425
Fat: 27g (18%)
Carbs: 112g (32%)
Protein: 98g (28%)
Weight Friday morning: 139 (One week before: 139.2)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 99

Weight Saturday morning: 139.2
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

Great. I didn't lose anything this week, even after seeing three straight days below 140. I saw a new low (since starting NutriSystem) on the scale, but I way overdid it yesterday and gained it all back. :( It started with Brad wanting to "bring along" Nicole when we went out to dinner. She lives out in Concord and was very late showing up. Then they picked up me and I had to ride in the back of the van. I was the unwanted and unneeded "third wheel," totally left out.

Brad, I have some ideas for the next time this happens. 1) Cancel dinner with me and explain that another friend really needs you. Reschedule with me for another time. 2) Explain to the other friend that you already have previous plans ans set up a later time to go out with them. But this is the first and last time I let someone else "come along" with us. Just go out with them and leave me alone at home where I can at least relax.

I keep a word find puzzle book in my purse to pass the time on the bus/train/etc. if I don't want to read or don't have anything with me to read. I pulled that out and worked my puzzle while we waited for dinner. They didn't even notice.

The restaurant we went to sucked also. Because Nicole was SO late we couldn't go where we planned (too long a drive) so we wound up at Cato's Ale House. I didn't like it and it was far too dark. First and last time I go there.

Anyway, because of all that stress I ate way too much after getting dropped off and that skyrocketed my weight right back to where I was last week. *sigh* I skipped the gym and slept in this morning because I am still wiped out.

Friday wasn't a whole lot better. I barely made it to the Red Cross on time due to yet another problem with the buses. Someone suggested I take BART next time and walk from the station and I may just do that. I have never seen such horrible bus service so consistently.

After they took my blood I got lightheaded and they forgot to take the vials for testing. So they had to prick me in my other arm to get those, which made me lightheaded all over again. After also getting pricked in my finger to test iron levels I felt like a pin cushion.

Brad and I did some easy walking after that, but the blood donation really hit me hard this time. I had no energy for the walk, and haven't had any energy since then. A lower-calorie, higher-carb diet isn't helping that at all.

Stopped at WalMart on the way to work today. I have really become hooked on whole grain, slow-cooked oatmeal. I'm out so I stopped to get some more (I bought their largest canister). I also bought a box of All Bran; it has 13g net carbs per serving. I looked for Special K "Protein Plus," but I guess they don't make it anymore. I also bought more of the WalMart brand diet soda, a digital watch to time myself during Bay To Breakers (I don't trust their timing chips yet and I want to know my time right away), a birthday card for my Dad, and some cleaner for my coffee maker (sodium carbonate).

Anyway, here's the photos from giving blood. This was my fourth time. Click any of them to see a larger size.

me giving blood
me giving blood (#4)

me giving blood (#4)

my bandage after giving blood
my bandage after giving blood

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Friday, April 27, 2007

Gratuitous cat pictures

First, gratuitous Abby pictures. Click on them to enlarge.

Abby smelling cat grass

Abby chewing on cat grass

Second, gratuitous Xena pictures taken on her (estimated) birthday, April 6. She is 5 years old now.

The birthday girl
birthday girl - Xena at 5 years old

Xena & Abby get tuna for dinner
Xena & Abby eat tuna for dinner

The birthday girl takes a nap
Xena takes a nap

Just the paws
Xena's paws

And finally, gratuitous Xena pictures taken April 14.

Xena explores Lisa's purse
Xena explores Lisa's purse

I hold Xena like a baby
me holding Xena

Xena sniffs Brad's hand
Xena sniffs Brad's hand

Technorati tagged: , , , , , ,

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Crappy Week

Calories eaten yesterday: 1262
Fat: 41g (30%)
Carbs: 80g (26%)
Protein: 126g (42%)

Weight this morning: 138.6 (One week ago: 139.4)
Calories burned in exercise today: 199

Yay! I finally saw 138-something on the scale even if it was 138.6! My all time low to break is 137.6 on July 10 of last year. Today's weight is just unofficial, but I love seeing the scale creep down!

Ok, on the the next crappy thing that happened to me. As Emo Philips said, "Some mornings it just doesn't seem worth it to gnaw through the leather straps." Most of this week has been like that.

Today I went to the gym. After my weight training I put my weight training gloves back in my locker, grabbed my towel, locked everything back up, and hit the treadmill. 25 minutes into a 30 minute walk I realized the key to my lock was not pinned to my workout pants. I ran back to the locker room in a panic that I had left my locker unlocked and all my stuff might be gone. No...the locker was locked tight thank goodness, but now I didn't have my key to get in!

I went to the front desk and got bolt cutters to cut my lock off, figuring I had locked my key inside. But once I got in - no key! I still don't know what happened to it except that I must have dropped it in the gym somewhere. I bought a new lock at the gym to replace the one I had to cut off. I don't need this stress. :(

The only good thing is that I made it to the gym three times this week and this is my Friday. Tomorrow I am supposed to give blood and this time I will make sure to leave the house early!

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Rough couple of days

Calories eaten yesterday: 1355
Fat: 42g (30%)
Carbs: 96g (31%)
Protein: 114g (37%)

Weight this morning: 139.8 (One week ago: 140.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 103

Drank my last Atkins shake today. Switching to the EAS Carb Control shakes should help me get my fat and calories down a bit. For now I will try just using them on workout days and using half of an Atkins bar for my afternoon snack on non-workout days. That will help me use up the bars and save the shakes which are expensive.

Remember how I said I went shopping at WalMart yesterday and what I bought? Well, several hours after that shopping trip I discovered that I had left one bag at the store! I didn't have several items!

I called the store this morning and they said to bring in the receipt. Uh oh. I had ripped up the receipt and tossed it in the trash at work. After grocery shopping I came to work early and dug through the trash, finding all of the pieces of the receipt, many damp. I taped them all together, washed my hands, and walked back to the store. I explained my predicament. Evidently this happens a lot. The lady at the customer service desk told me to go into the store, get the items I had bought the day before, and bring them back to her. I did so. Another customer service lady saw me the second time and she just bagged up the stuff I brought back without hardly looking at it! She handed me the bag and that was it.

So I have the stuff I should have had yesterday. The rotating bagging areas at the checkstands make it easy for people to leave stuff. I've seen it happen several times before and now it's happened to me. At least WalMart was willing to fix it so I have the items I paid for. :)

All told I had over 11,000 steps by the time I clocked into work today!

I haven't had any wine all week. I really wanted some last night because I was so stressed out over the rent increase and leaving the bag at WalMart. I think I will have a glass of Riesling tomorrow - maybe a big glass! - since I will be up late doing laundry.

Here's my bib photo for Bay To Breakers as promised. Click to enlarge.

My bib for Bay to Breakers came today!

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

My rent is going up...again!

Calories eaten yesterday: 1345
Fat: 48g (32%)
Carbs: 105g (32%)
Protein: 115g (35%)

Weight this morning: 141 (One week ago: 142.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 88

moneyNo workout for me today. I was woken up by my apartment manager knocking on my door and handing me a letter notifying me that my rent is going up AGAIN. The new owners only care about money and are raising the rent the max allowable by law every year. I will now be spending almost $750 a month for my studio apartment. From $717.94 to $741.63 - a $23.69 increase. Last year it was $22.94 - the max increase allowed on my old rent. If they keep raising the rent I will have to move. :( Rent control might sound good in theory, but it really isn't much safety. My salary is not keeping pace with the owners' desire for money. The old owner only raised my rent once and was apologetic when he did so.

I did a quick search on Craig's List and found there are cheaper alternatives in this area, many of which would likely work for me. So the option is there. It's just such a pain to look for a place, pick up and move (and move with a feral cat), and clean a very lived-in apartment!

To save money I downgraded my gym membership from all-club to one club. That will save me $10 a month. I also got rid of the 250 text/pix messages on my phone. That's $5 a month. I can still use the service, but will have to pay per message. I'm racking my brain to find where I can cut corners to afford this rent increase.

I'm also figuring out which anabolic supplements to keep and which to drop. I can also drop my tea at night and buy off brand green tea for drinking at work. I can have less wine, and not go out to dinner with Brad as often. I'll buy fewer non-essentials at the grocery store such as energy drinks. *sigh* And this would all be unnecessary if the owner of the building weren't trying to make more and more money with no regard for the difficulties of their tenants. Isn't $700 a month for a studio enough?!? :(

Anyway, I didn't get a workout in because today was my bimonthly City run to check my P.O. Box (I get my mail in a different city (and county!) than where I live - long story there, but it works for me. Then I came back across the Bay and headed to work. I did walk from the train station to work which is 1.5 miles.

I went on a last shopping spree at WalMart - bought some cat stuff, WalMart brand diet cola, low-carb protein shakes, a couple toothbrushes (one to scrub in the corners of the bathroom and kitchen), acne pads, and even found some NutriSystem Honey Mustard Pretzel Sticks snacks.

Tomorrow is grocery day and then maybe I can get back to the gym on Thursday.

The only good news to report today is that my Bay To Breakers bib and timing chip were in my mail. A photo will be forthcoming. Because I registered the first day registration was open I got my lowest number ever - 931! Wow...only three digits instead of the four or five I have always had before.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Monday, April 23, 2007

Personal Training, Session 1

Calories eaten yesterday: 1355
Fat: 40g (29%)
Carbs: 99g (32%)
Protein: 125g (40%)
Calories burned in exercise yesterday: 267

Weight this morning: 143.4 (One week ago: 143)
Calories burned in exercise today: 267

Bleh. A 0.4 gain over yesterday. I know I'm bloated and retaining water. Hopefully it will be gone soon.

I had my first of five half hour personal training sessions today. Jason, the trainer, had said he would weight and measure me at the first session, but I guess he forgot because when I showed up he said "Are you ready to workout?" I said yes. He said, "Then let's go workout!" I thought about asking him, "Weren't we supposed to weigh and measure?" but decided against it. It's not needed. What is needed is making sure I have the right form in my exercises. We did arm, shoulder, and back stuff. He said I slouched and needed better posture and the exercises he showed me will help open up my chest. He said I have the beginning of the "V" shape in my shoulders, but that I'm not there yet. (I will be!) The "V" shape is wide shoulders (from muscle) tapering down to a smaller waist.

Jason doesn't yet have my paperwork and finally just said, "This session was on the house." I hope he really means that and I'll get 6 session instead of 5!

My next session is next Monday.

Whew! Here I am in week 8 of NutriSystem! Wow. The past two months has really flown by. The food exchange I'm doing with another woman from the forum is working out. The food she sent me arrived today. Her daughter was on NS, then decided not to do it, and this was the food left over. I am sending her six breakfasts from my second free week (bars and cereals) and that is going out tomorrow. She sent me a couple items that I can't eat - the Black Beans with Rice and the Thick Crust Pizza (40g carbs - yikes!). I gave those to Brad. I went through the rest of the meals, divided them into lunches and dinners, and placed them in plastic bags in one of the drawers here at work. I'll just eat from those bags until they are gone and then go back to the NS food I have at home. There was one egg breakfast that I may have tomorrow.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Week 7 Weigh-In

First, my weigh-in numbers.
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)
Total loss: -11

Ok, now to catch up on other numbers.
Calories eaten Thursday: 1370
Fat: 29g (20%)
Carbs: 123g (37%)
Protein: 102g (31%)
Weight Thursday morning: 139.4 (One week before: 139)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 264

Calories eaten Friday: 1349
Fat: 21g (15%)
Carbs: 133g (41%) (Yike!!!)
Protein: 79g (24%) :(
Weight Friday morning: 139.2 (One week before: 139.2)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 293

Weight Saturday morning: 140.8
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

Yay! I lost 1 pound this week! I really thought I'd gain. My low weight of the week was 139.2; last week my low weight was 139. So I am thrilled with a 1 pound loss. Going...DOWN! Losing the weight is slow-going so I will be on NS longer than originally planned.

Ok, to catch up on the weekend. The blood donation Friday didn't work out. The 62 bus just decided to not show up and not show up and... You get the idea. Eventually I realized I'd never make it by my appointment time so I called them to cancel and reschedule for next Friday. If it doesn't happen next Friday it will have to wait until after Bay To Breakers. As it is I'll only have three weeks to recover and I need a full blood supply for the race.

Because the blood donation didn't work out Brad picked me up at home and we went hiking. Explored some new trails. Started in the valley, climbed up to the East Ridge Trail, walked along that trail, and then back down another trail to the parking lot. I made him a couple quesadillas for dinner and I had my NutriSystem dinner.

Saturday Brad and I cooked dinner at my house (but didn't eat it until later). We went out to drinks and then got Starbucks coffee (I love their nonfat sugar-free lattes!), then back home for dinner.

This morning I made it to the gym. Did an hour of weights and 30 minutes of cardio. Tried out some of the ab exercises I found in Muscle and Fitness Hers magazine.

Here's a couple photos from the hike Brad and I did on Friday. Click to enlarge the photos.

the trail we hiked
the trail we hiked

we climbed up and up and up
the trail we hiked

More NutriSystem food reviews:
Blueberry Pancakes breakfast - I made the pancakes with 1/3 cup of Soy Slender chocolate soy milk instead of nonfat milk. They were pretty good, but I can't taste the blueberries. From now on I will just get the plain mix and pour Walden Farms chocolate syrup over the pancakes. The plain mix has less calories and carbs.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Friday, April 20, 2007

More Science and Less Zealotry, Please

This has been winging its way around the blogosphere. Since I have some non-low-carbers who read this blog, I thought I'd repost it. This is copied from Dr. Mary Vernon's blog (direct link to post)

-------------

As always, Dean Ornish and the media put aside science in favor of headlines and self-interest. The following editorial was rejected by NEWSWEEK, TIME, the Journal of the American Medical Association and others. However, Ornish was allowed exclusivity on the playing field. And who pays the price yet again? The American consumer and the millions suffering from obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Dear reader: write to your local media, the national media, phone, email and demand that Dr. Vernon and other experts who follow the trail of science be given a voice.

More Science and Less Zealotry, Please.

The controversy over which diet is best for all has again made headlines with the publication of the Stanford University study in the Journal of the America Medical Association March 7, 2007. Since the results are favorable to the low-carbohydrate Atkins diet, the usual criticism can be expected to follow.

Predictably, Dean Ornish has launched a tirade in which he manipulates the study findings to find fault with the low-carb approach and to deflect criticism away from his ultra low-fat diet which did not perform well in the study. Unfortunately, this is an argument based on dogma and not on science. The science speaks for itself.

As scientists and clinicians, we believe that no one dietary approach is going to be ideal for everyone. There is no doubt that, for some, an ultra-low-fat approach may be appropriate. Unlike Dr. Ornish, we recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the enormously complex problem of obesity and related conditions. Unfortunately, other authoritative sources like the US dietary guidelines also recommend a single lowered fat high-carbohydrate diet approach and have been doing so over the decades that this epidemic has grown.

Gratuitous attacks on the Atkins diet that imply it involves abandonment of wholesome vegetables and fruit for “bacon and brie” are simply wrong. Even in the most restrictive phase it meets the recommended daily guidelines for vegetables and fruits. As one advances through the phases, low-glycemic fruits, more vegetables, legumes and even whole grains are introduced based on an individual’s metabolic tolerance for these foods. One survey found that people who follow the Atkins plan over the long term eat more vegetables than they did before. Another study found that rather than increase the intake of fat and protein to compensate when carbohydrates were reduced, people simply ate less.

The unfortunate reality of today is that too many Americans are eating potato chips and fries and drinking sugar-sweetened beverages. We support the idea that wholesome foods such as meat, fish, cheese and eggs along with vegetables and low glycemic fruits constitute a healthier diet than chips and fries and sodas.

While this study examined four popular dietary approaches, what is clear is that whatever approach one takes to healthy eating, success will depend on how well you can stick to it. In this case, and in many earlier studies, it is clear that the Atkins diet is the one most people can maintain. On the other hand, the extremely low-fat diet advocated by Dr. Ornish is very difficult to follow. In this study, the subjects who were supposed to reduce their fat intake to his recommended intake of 10% could not reach that target.

Another important aspect of this and earlier studies is the beneficial effect that reducing carbohydrates has on metabolic markers. In his criticism, Dr. Ornish states that the LDL-cholesterol level fell in response to his diet, but does not mention that none of the differences in LDL-C in this study were statistically significant. This is therefore not a scientifically valid criticism. On the other hand, it is widely recognized that elevating the HDL-C, the good cholesterol, is an important factor in reducing cardiovascular risk. In this study there was a highly significant 10% rise in HDL-C in the Atkins group but no such change among those who followed the very high-carbohydrate Ornish diet.

In the same vein, the Atkins group demonstrated a significant (both statistically and clinically) greater reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure than the other three diets. A difference in mean arterial pressure of 5 mm Hg is about the response we would expect to see with a first-line pharmaceutical in the clinical setting. Any objective observer would acknowledge this as a major beneficial effect of the Atkins diet.

Dr. Ornish suggests that the positive findings of research such as this that supports the Atkins diet will cause problems, and that "many people may go on a diet that harms them based on inaccurate information." This is a wildly irresponsible statement, given the consistency with which a reduction in important metabolic and cardiovascular risks are achieved by lowering carbohydrate consumption. It is simply preposterous to suggest that an approach that leads to significant risk factor reduction is unhealthy.

The seriousness of the accelerating epidemic compels us to think outside the box to find new solutions where the status quo has failed. The only approach that will be successful is one that people can actually follow. This study adds to the mounting evidence that the Atkins diet is a healthy choice which should be supported as a viable way to lose weight and improve metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors.

The Real Atkins Lifestyle

Before there was research on the Atkins diet it was commonly criticized in the belief that it would elevate cholesterol, ruin one’s kidneys and bones and cause heart disease. None of this has been borne out by the research.

What is clear from this JAMA study, and others like it, is that cardiovascular risk factors actually improve when controlling carbs. The scientific studies of this approach have shown numerous times that a pattern of rising HDL-C and falling triglycerides is the hallmark of carb restriction and that this benefit occurs even in the absence of weight loss.

Research also shows that rising HDL-C (good cholesterol) and falling triglycerides is correlated with larger LDL-C particles which are less likely to cause heart disease. Even the much touted statin drugs do not deliver this kind of improvement in LDL-C particle size. On the other hand, the research shows that eating a high-carb diet and cutting fat intake results in small dense LDL-C particles that are linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

Importance of Fat

There are other problems associated with extremely low fat diets, as well. Cutting fat intake can lead to deficiencies in fat soluble vitamins, depletion of essential fats such as EPA and DHA, and decreases in the absorption of nutrients. Studies also show that people with cholesterol levels that are too low become prone to depression, suicide and cancer and have higher overall death rates than those who have higher cholesterol levels.

When all is said and done, it behooves us to remember that the diet debate is not a horse race where there is only one winner. We know there is a great variability in metabolic and genetic factors that will determine what dietary approach is best for each individual person. Although, in this and many other studies the Atkins diet worked better for more people, it is also evident that other dietary approaches will work for some people as well. The most important thing we have learned from dietary research is that people need to find the approach that will deliver healthy outcomes for them individually. And, just as the proof of the pudding is in the eating, the proof of a diet's effectiveness is whether it can sustain those benefits over the long haul. Hopefully, the weight of the evidence will now allow the Atkins diet to be recognized and supported as a legitimate option for people who want to improve their health through better nutrition.

On a final note, Dr. Ornish’s repugnant attempt to undermine Dr. Atkins’ credibility by perpetuating the myth that he had heart disease is unconscionable. It is unbecoming of any honorable person to make ad hominem attacks on those who are departed. Enough is enough. Dr. Atkins died of a head injury. He is no longer with us, but the line of scientific inquiry that he started continues to vindicate his dietary approach. And no amount of unfounded criticism will alter the fact that this study, and the 60 others before it, clearly demonstrate that what Dr. Atkins had been telling us all along was right.

* Jacqueline A. Eberstein, R.N. Co-author, Atkins Diabetes Revolution, President, Controlled Carbohydrate Nutrition
* Stephen D. Phinney, M.D. Ph.D Emeritus Professor, Department of Medicine, UC Davis, Elk Grove, Cal
* Mary C. Vernon, M.D., CMD, Co-author, Atkins Diabetes Revolution, President, American Society of Bariatric Physicians
* Eric C. Westman, M.D. M.H.S, Associate Professor of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center
* Jay Wortman, M.D, Department of Health Care & Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Week 7, Day 5

Calories eaten yesterday: 1402
Fat: 36g (23%)
Carbs: 135g (38%)
Protein: 100g (28%)

Weight this morning: 139.4 (One week ago: 139)
Calories burned in exercise today: 264

This blog is up to 25,000 hits as of yesterday! Yay! Thank you all! If you scroll all the way to the very bottom you will see the site tracker with the hit count. :)

Back into the 139 range today (yay!), but higher than the same time last week (boo!). I hope I show a loss come Sunday!

Diet-wise I'm experimenting with "mindful eating" - eating with a full awareness of the food instead of the computer, TV, etc. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Some food doesn't taste good enough that I want my full awareness on it, lol!

The personal trainer from 24 Hour Fitness called me yesterday. I had to juggle my calendar around, but I am scheduled for my first session on Monday morning at 11:30 a.m. This is just a weigh/measure/body fat/etc. - the same as my first session 2 1/2 years ago with the other trainer except that testing for resting metabolic rate is separate and 24 Hour doesn't offer that service anymore anyway.

The bad part of this is, being on Monday, my weight will be higher than it would if I met with him at the end of the week like the last time we did this 6 weeks ago. In fact, I may show a weight gain from that weigh-in! That will also throw off my body fat percentage so that comparing the two would be worthless. I guess I will find out whether it will throw my body fat percentage high or low.

Small victory yesterday when grocery shopping - I didn't buy ice cream so I can't eat any this weekend. I'm worried I'll attack the sugar free Oreos, though. Maybe knowing that I'll be seeing the personal trainer on Monday will help keep me on track. :)

The high carb foods on the free week of NutriSystem are sapping my energy. 25-35% carbs and I have more energy (especially at the lower end of that). More than that and I seem to drag. I can't wait until these carbohydrate nightmare foods are gone and I can get some energy back. Today's nightmare menu is blueberry pancakes for breakfast (I was so sick of eggs), pea soup for lunch, and pasta fagioli for dinner.

Speaking of which, you really can't taste the blueberries in the blueberry pancake mix or the chocolate in the chocolate chip mix. I think I will go with plain mix from now on - it's lower in carbs and calories and Walden Farms chocolate syrup can make it just as good as the chocolate chip mix. Oh well, live and learn.

I believe every diet has something to teach me - NutriSystem is no exception. I am slowly getting a handle on portion control, and NS has been instrumental in convincing me to count all carbs except fiber. From now on I will count sugar alcohols and glycerin in low-carb products. I couldn't convince myself to do that as long as I was on Atkins. I'm also eating oatmeal (slow-cooked, unsweetened) more often and really enjoy it. I think of it as a healthy treat. Add some strawberries and Walden Farms chocolate syrup and it's delish!

More NutriSystem food reviews:
Macaroni & Cheese dinner - Another food from my free week and a carbohydrate nightmare. It has 38g of net carbs and only 15g protein. At least they only sent me one. Nonetheless, foods that are bad for us usually taste good, and other than being bland, this was no exception. Hey - who doesn't like mac and cheese? Anyway, it definitely needs more seasoning and a whole lot more protein and less carbs.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Week 7, Day 4

Calories eaten yesterday: 1365
Fat: 34g (23%)
Carbs: 123g (36%)
Protein: 104g (31%)

Weight this morning: 140.2 (One week ago: 141.8)
Calories burned in exercise today: 103

I'm SO hungry today. I must allow myself to eat more because the hunger is really getting to me. I just want to lose this weight so bad!

No gym today. It was grocery day.

I'm getting more photos up from my Saturday night hanging out. Check out my Flickr photos. Lisa took way too many for me to post them all here. :) I posted six photos this morning with many more to still do. Eventually they will all be posted in my Hanging Out set.

More NutriSystem food reviews:
Split Pea Soup lunch - This was part of my free week. 23g net carbs and only 12g protein. I liked it. It tasted like - well, split pea soup. If it weren't so carby I might consider ordering it. Blood sugar before: 74. Blood sugar 45 minutes after: 121. That's a rise of 47 points! Very very bad.

Mashed Potatoes with Meatloaf and Tomato Sauce dinner - Part of my free week, but not bad at 25g net carbs and 24g protein, but a whopping 280 calories. Yikes.

I'm hopelessly an Atkins girl. The potatoes are separate so I opened the package before warming it and tossed most of it in the trash, leaving just a couple bites so I could taste it (as you can see in the photo). The meatloaf was mushy. It just had no substance. The potatoes were...potatoes, but yellowish. Not thrilled with this entree.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Signed up for personal training

Calories eaten yesterday: 1452
Fat: 34g (23%)
Carbs: 139g (41%) (YIKES!)
Protein: 123g (36%)

Weight this morning: 142.2 (One week ago: 142.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 236

I started taking the BCAAs yesterday. Hopefully it can help me in maintaining muscle mass. I was told to take 5g before and after I work out.

I hit 50 clicks on the "Daily Dose" on Sunday. No $10 e-mail coupon from NS, though, so I had to call them and they applied it. That brings me up to $70 in coupons off my next order (two $30 coupons from people who signed up, and one $10 coupon from the Daily Dose).

As you can see from my stats, my carbs are getting pretty high. I just have to remind myself that I have to get through this free week of food that arrived yesterday and then they will get back into a reasonable range again. At least the meatloaf and potatoes dinner I am having tonight has the potatos separate so I can have a couple bites of the potatos and toss the rest. Those carbs will show up in my journal, but not on my hips. ;)

I signed up for the "Summer ShapeUp" at 24 Hour Fitness today. I requested Jason as my personal trainer, the guy who did my weigh and measure last time. I'm so excited about this!

I tried to get an early start, but missed that bus anyway, and by the time I stopped at the bank and then signed up I was quite a bit behind schedule. I did an hour of weights, quit, and then walked the last 1.5 miles to work for my cardio.

Here's pics of my NutriSystem bear. Click them to enlarge. She is now sitting on my bed, reminding me of my hard work every time I look at her. :)

my 10 lb. NutriSystem bear
the 10 lb. NutriSystem bear

me with my 10 lb. NutriSystem bear
me with my 10 lb. NutriSystem bear

More NutriSystem food reviews:
Black Beans with Rice lunch - Part of my free week. I gave this to Brad since it has 27g net carbs and only 7g protein. I did ask to taste it though and had two bites. I found it rather bland and tasteless. I offered Brad some fat free sour cream for it and he accepted.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Monday, April 16, 2007

My bear came!

Calories eaten yesterday: 934 (no, that's not a typo!)
Fat: 28g (27%)
Carbs: 80g (35%)
Protein: 82g (36%)

Weight this morning: 143 (One week ago: 143.8)
Calories burned in exercise today: 267

Yes, my calories yesterday were pretty low. What can I say? After pigging out Saturday I just wasn't very hungry. Today I have my normal appetite back again.

My 10 pound NutriSystem bear came today! Yippee! He's so cute. Pictures forthcoming.

I was so excited while doing my Arnold Presses at the gym today to actually see some muscles I hadn't noticed before. I think losing this excess weight is making them more visible.

Speaking of the gym, the $99 from Mom and Bill arrived today. I'm going to cash it and sign up for the Summer ShapeUp tomorrow. I get five 1/2 hour personal training sessions, a fitness assessment, a customized workout plan, a program guide, and a 24 Hour Fitness t-shirt. :)

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Week 6 Weigh-In

10 pound NutriSystem bear

First, my weigh-in numbers.
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)
Total loss: -10

Yay! 1.6 more pounds gone and 10 pounds total lost. Now when my bear arrives I can truly feel like I earned it. :)

Now to catch up on my stats:
Calories eaten Thursday: 1221
Fat: 24g (17%)
Carbs: 101g (32%)
Protein: 85g (27%)
Weight Thursday morning: 139 (One week ago: 140.4)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 99

Finally seeing a weight in the 130s!

Calories eaten Friday: 1407
Fat: 31g (21%)
Carbs: 120g (36%)
Protein: 77g (23%)
Weight Friday morning: 139.2 (One week ago: 141)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 281

Second day in a row in the 130s!

Weight this morning: 144 (One week ago: 145.6)
Calories burning in exercise today: 89

Now settle in. This post will be a bit long as I have to catch up the last three days, lol.

As you can see from my stats, I saw a new low on NutriSystem last week with a low weight of 139 that I held for two days. The first steps to being under 140 seven days a week is to hold it for one day, then two, then three, etc. Eventually I will get there!

I was supposed to give blood Friday, but I am at the tail end of my cold, so I deferred it for a week and will go in next Friday when I'm completely over my cold.

Brad and I went walking Friday. Below you will find photos from our walk on the West Ridge Trail in Oakland. There's also photos from drinks and dinner with Brad and Lisa on Saturday, and a bunch more Nutrisystem food reviews with links to photos. I was on a picture taken frenzy the past few days!

After doing pretty well on my diet on Friday, I woke up Saturday morning (my cheat day, thank goodness!) at 3 a.m. and could not get back to sleep because I was SO hungry. I finally got up, had a protein shake, and went back to bed thinking the shake would be enough. Nope. Still couldn't sleep. I finally got up, went through an eating frenzy (probably eat a whole day's worth of calories!), and then I could get back to sleep. Naturally, I wasn't hungry for breakfast when I did get up, but at church I went on a Cheese-It's eating frenzy, and then ate way more lunch than I should have.

After church was Lindsay's birthday party (pastor's youngest daughter). We saw Facing the Giants, not at all bad, especially considering it is a Christian movie. This is about the only time all day I showed restraint - they served root beer floats and popcorn and I had none of either. I did have another Atkins shake that I brought, though.

After the movie I went home to change clothes and hadn't been home 5 minutes before Brad and Lisa called saying they were there to pick me up. I finished changing and ran downstairs to meet them. Davina couldn't come so it was just the three of us.

First we went to Garibaldi's for drinks. I had white wine, Brad had scotch, and Lisa had an Island Breeze froufrou drink.

Then we headed over to Quinn's Lighthouse for dinner. There was a wait so we sat upstairs and had drinks while we waited. I had Merlot, Brad had a beer, and Lisa had pear cider. Finally we were called for dinner. I ordered a cheeseburger (no bun) and a salad instead of fries. I also had an Irish Coffee with no whipped cream and a Diet Coke. After dinner we went back to my apartment for dessert.

After they left the eating continued. I polished off the rest of the ice cream, and ate two NutriSystem lunch bars. I was a total piggie! I thought for sure I'd show a gain this morning, but after weighing myself with jammies on and seeing 145.8 (0.2 above last week's official weight), I decided it would be safe to do an official weigh-in and came in at 144! :)

Here's the West Ridge Trail photos. Click any of them to enlarge.

view on the trail
view on the trail

flowers we saw along the trail
flowers we saw along the trail

another view on the trail
view on the trail

caterpillar on the trail
caterpillar on the trail

Friday night I made pina coladas and had Brad take a couple photos of me. Click to enlarge.

me drinking a low-carb pina colada
me drinking a low-carb pina colada

me with my drink
me with a low-carb pina colada

And here's some photos from our night out. More to come when Lisa e-mails me the photos on her camera. Click any of them to enlarge.

Lisa with her Island Breeze froufrou drink
Lisa with her Island Breeze froufrou drink

Brad & Lisa at Quinn's Lighthouse
Brad & Lisa

Brad & I at Quinn's Lighthouse
Brad & I

Lisa at Quinn's Lighthouse
Lisa at dinner

Lisa eating dinner
Lisa eating

More NutriSystem food reviews:
Caramel Crunch Popcorn dessert - Pretty good, but very high in sugar alcohols, so it causes some pretty smelly farts. This was part of my free week and not something I ordered. I ordered just one of the Chocolate Covered Caramel Popcorn, which I haven't had a chance to try yet.

Apple Granola Bar breakfast - I used this as a dessert/snack since it has the same number of calories as the higher calorie desserts. It's good, but way too small for a breakfast entree.

Fettuccini Alfredo with Vegetables and Mushrooms lunch - Pretty good, but carby. It was nothing but noodles. Not a veggie or mushroom to be seen. 28g net carbs and only 10g protein. This was given to me free from an NS member who didn't want it. She just asked me to pay shipping. She sent five, and I'm desperate for NS food, so I'll eat it. Beggars can't be choosers, but this is not something I would ever order.

Trail Mix Bar lunch - Tasted okay, but too small for a meal. I used it for a snack. 170 calories, 23g net carbs and 10g protein.

Cranberry Yogurt Bar lunch - Really yummy - sweet and chewy, but too small for a meal. Like the Trail Mix bar I used this for a snack. 180 calories, 27g net carbs and 10g protein.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Thursday, April 12, 2007

139!

Calories eaten yesterday: 1099
Fat: 35g (29%)
Carbs: 79g (30%)
Protein: 74g (28%)

Weight this morning: 139 (One week ago: 140.4)
Calories burned in exercise today: 99

Woot! I'm in the 130s! I haven't seen a 130-anything in ages! It's just UNofficial, but I'll get there. The first step to an official 139 is an unofficial 139! :) Woohoo! Go me! My official weight is 145.6 and hopefully something less than that come my next official weigh day on Sunday.

My calories were so low yesterday because I didn't get my after dinner salad in. I'll eat it today. At first I thought I'd skip it, then I thought I'd eat it, and then there was stuff to do and I couldn't get around to it. Today I'm hoping to get my calories down by skipping my afternoon protein shake. I forgot to bring my Atkins shake from home, though I do have low-carb EAS shakes at work. I had one in my locker and bought a bunch more at WalMart today.

I'm supposed to give blood tomorrow at 2:45 - the latest appointment they have since they close at 3 p.m. on Fridays. Afterwords, Brad and I can hopefully go for an easy walk. I need the exercise and the steps.

Since the first try at Garibaldi's fell through, Brad and Lisa and Davina and I are going to try to get together this Saturday and do drinks, then go to Quinn's Lighthouse for dinner. Lisa and Davina have never been, so Brad and I will "initiate" them into the experience that is Quinn's.

More NutriSystem food reviews:
NutriChocolates dessert - 17g of sugar and only 7g of protein. It also had a chalky texture - as if I were eating chocolate flavored chalk. This was part of my free week and definitely NOT a keeper.

Chicken with Dumplings dinner - One of my favorite entrees, delicious and creamy, but it is high in calories at 280. Has 25g net carbs and 21g protein.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Week 6, Day 4

Calories eaten yesterday: 1465
Fat: 40g (27%)
Carbs: 95g (28%)
Protein: 116g (34%)

Weight this morning: 141.8 (One week ago: 141.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 94

Grocery day. Walked to work from BART for the exercise.

I can see that my current pair of walking shoes will be worn out by the time Bay To Breakers happens, so since tomorrow is payday I stopped at Payless Shoes and bought two pairs of tennis shoes. I had to get two because they are still running their "buy one, get one half off" sale. Both pairs of shoes, including a package of colored laces, was just under $40. One of the pairs is the same as my current favorite pair, just with a slightly different design. I'll break them in, then save them for Bay To Breakers.

The Fettuccini Alfredo lunches that someone from the NS forum gave me arrived today. They are a bit high in carbs (28g net carbs) and low in protein (10g), but it's free so I'll eat it. Originally I thought she meant the dinners, which are higher in protein, but oh well. It's free food and that's something I need.

Dad's check for the month of April arrived today. I need to get it deposited and use it to buy a plane ticket to Conference.

I hit up Mom for the $99 for the personal training at 24 Hour Fitness. It's just borrowed money and I told her I would pay her back in installments. I really want this personal training and feel it would help me.

I'm supposed to give blood on Friday. We'll see how that goes. I'll take an NS snack and Diet Coke with me so I'm not tempted by all the treats they have sitting out.

More NutriSystem food reviews:
Black Bean Tortilla Soup lunch - Pretty tasty, but should be renamed "Black Bean Soup." There wasn't a tortilla to be seen. This was part of my free week and I will not be reordering it due to the carb content. [Edit: Got another free one and I did a blood sugar test with this food on 4/24/07. 85 to start and a little over an hour later (I forgot to test at 45 minutes) I was 105. It much have really spiked by blood sugar to still be high after 65 minutes.]

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Finally got my taxes done

Calories eaten yesterday: 1183
Fat: 35g (27%)
Carbs: 87g (31%)
Protein: 85g (30%)

Weight this morning: 142.6 (One week ago: 144.6)
Calories burned in exercise today: 104

Got the taxes done (whew!). I owe on the state and am getting a small refund on the federal. I always owe something on the state, but this time I also owed because they didn't take enough out of my paycheck. That's fixed. I talked to my employer and they will now take $10 extra out of each paycheck for state taxes.

As you can see, my weight is slowly coming down. I am hopeful to see a number in the 130s as my low weight of the week. I came within a half pound of that last week.

I got my first $30 referral for NutriSystem! If I can get a few more then I might actually be able to afford another order! I've been posting on the forums (as many other people do) that I will send anyone who wants one a $30 coupon. Usually the person doesn't get the coupon and signs up with help from someone else. So glad this one worked out, even though the other person had to call NS to make sure we both got the discount.

More NutriSystem food reviews:
Pasta Fagioli dinner - Tasted pretty good, but at 26g of carbs for a tiny serving and only 10g protein it's not something I would ever order (this was part of my free week). It's all pasta, beans, tomato chunks, and carrots - all carby things. Hardly any meat.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Monday, April 09, 2007

Week 6, Day 2

Calories eaten yesterday: 1430
Fat: 39g (26%)
Carbs: 95g (28%)
Protein: 123g (36%)

Weight this morning: 143.8 (One week ago: 145.8)
Calories burned in exercise today: 89

Ran into the City today (no, not literally, lol!. First I stopped at Macy's and had them put a link back into my watch. It has two extender clasps, and one was quite loose and kept coming undone. I had them remove that and put in one of the links that had been removed last year. Now my watch still fits and doesn't keep coming undone.

Checked the mail, and my Flowbar had arrived! Yippee. I can't wait to start using it. I also got another check from the property Dad gave me, and deposited that.

Went to GNC for the Power Gel carbohydrate packets for the race and found that their Gold Card discount extends to today, so I bought some BCAA powder as well. This is what I got. Of course, it's instantized because it uses maltodextrin to make it into a powder - maltodextrin is a sugar and therefore a carb, so I have a feeling this thing does have a few carbs, albeit not many.

Then back on BART and walked the last 30 minutes to work.

Tomorrow I'm having my taxes done in the morning and have to be up early. :-p Maybe after that I can get some sleep.

Got up my photos from Easter. I visited St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Oakland. I'll share a few of the best photos here. Click any of them to enlarge.

Easter sunshine
Easter sunshine

cross with holes for flowers before Easter services
cross with holes for flowers before Easter services

inside of St. Paul's before Easter services
the inside of St. Paul's before Easter services

outside of St. Paul's after Easter services
outside St. Paul's after Easter services

More NutriSystem food reviews:
Chicken and Pasta in Cacciatore Sauce lunch - Kind of bland. I didn't care for it.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Week 5 Weigh-In

First, my weigh-in numbers.
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)
Total loss: -8.4

Now to catch up on my stats:
Calories eaten Thursday: 1326
Fat: 27g (19%)
Carbs: 72g (22%)
Protein: 114g (35%)

Weight Thursday morning: 140.4 (One week before: 142)
Calories burned in exercise Thursday: 88

Calories eaten Friday: 1272
Fat: 33g (23%)
Carbs: 89g (28%)
Protein: 87g (27%)

Weight Friday morning: 141 (One week before: 141.4)
Calories burned in exercise Friday: 209

Weight Saturday morning: 142 (One week before: 143.6)
Calories burned in exercise Saturday: 0

Weight this morning: 145.6 (One week ago: 147.2)
Calories burned in exercise today: 263

Great. I'm pretty much just back to where I was 2 weeks ago. I'm just 0.4 lower. *sigh* Must work even harder this week.

Easter eggIt was a busy weekend and the craziness isn't over yet, even though I'm thoroughly exhausted from the lack of sleep.

Friday I went to St. Paul's for their traditional three hour Good Friday service (noon- 3 p.m.). It started on time, but ran a good 20 minutes late. I had to "tincture" (dip my wafer in the wine) since I was sick and didn't want to share it with others by drinking from the cup.

Afterwords, Brad met me at the church and we did some urban walking. We got lost after stopping at a Starbucks for coffee, so that helped rack up some more steps. Total time: about 1 hour 28 minutes.

Saturday I went to my normal church, and Brad and I had beanless, riceless, burritos at my house. We went out to Starbucks for lattes in the evening. I went in my jammies.

This morning (Easter Sunday) I was up at 7:30 so I could get to St. Paul's latest service at 10 a.m. I dipped my wafer in the wine again so as not to make anyone else sick. The two ladies sitting next to me didn't go forward, so I had to squeeze past them. Thankfully, I'm small enough to do that without getting in people's faces. Losing weight effects all aspects of life. :)

Afterwords I walked to the gym (only about a 10 minute walk) to work out. Would you believe I forget my tank top workout shirt? So I worked out in my sports bra. I got some weird looks. It does cover everything, but I was uncomfortable. I have a pic of me wearing the same bra taken a few weeks back. As you can see, it's not TOO bad. I was able to get a full workout in before heading to work.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Photo courtesy of Kishbee.

Walking With the Master, Day 8, Easter Sunday

Alleluia! He is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Walking With the Master
Day 8


We come to our last readings today. Rejoice in the risen Lord! He is risen indeed!

The empty Tomb, Jerusalem, Sunday

Matthew 28:1-10 (KJV)
Matthew 28:1-10 (NIV)

For further study:

Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10 (KJV)
Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10 (NIV)

Mary Magdalene sees Jesus in the garden, Jerusalem, Sunday

John 20:11-18 (KJV)
John 20:11-18 (NIV)

For further study:

Mark 16:9-11 (KJV)
Mark 16:9-11 (NIV)

Jesus appears to the two going to Emmaus, Sunday

Luke 24:13-35 (KJV)
Luke 24:13-35 (NIV)

For further study:

Mark 16:12-13 (KJV)
Mark 16:12-13 (NIV)

Jesus appears to 10 disciples, Jerusalem, Sunday

Luke 24:36-43 (KJV)
Luke 24:36-43 (NIV)

For further study:

Mark 16:14; John 20:19-25 (KJV)
Mark 16:14; John 20:19-25 (NIV)

Lastly, here's an Easter poem I wrote:
Easter


Technorati tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Walking With the Master, Day 7, Holy Saturday

After the long readings the last couple of days, we slow down today with just one short passage.

Walking With the Master
Day 7


The Bible is fairly silent about what Jesus did on this Sabbath, but there is one obscure passage in Peter that sheds some light.

Jesus preaches to the spirits in prison, Sabbath

1 Peter 3:18-20 (KJV)
1 Peter 3:18-20 (NIV)

Here's an untitled poem I wrote on Holy Saturday.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Friday, April 06, 2007

Walking With the Master, Day 6, Good Friday

Walking With the Master
Day 6


Jesus' crucifixion and death, Golgotha, Friday

Matthew 27:27-56 (KJV)
Matthew 27:27-56 (NIV)

For further study:

Mark 15:16-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-30 (KJV)
Mark 15:16-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-30 (NIV)

Ever wonder what Jesus went through his last 12 hours? Well, if you haven't seen The Passion, here's an article by a medical doctor explaining it:

Medical Aspects of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ by David Terasaka, M.D.

The burial of Jesus, Joseph's Tomb, Friday

Matthew 27:57-66 (KJV)
Matthew 27:57-66 (NIV)

For further study:

Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42 (KJV)
Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42 (NIV)

And here's a poem I write on Good Friday. I consider this one of the best poems I have ever written.
Thorns and Scarlet


Technorati tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Week 5, Day 5

Calories eaten yesterday: 1353
Fat: 37g (25%)
Carbs: 80g (24%)
Protein: 125g (38%)

Weight this morning: 140.4 (One week ago: 142)
Calories burned in exercise today: 88

First, starting with today's reading, I'm posting links to some of my poems. In case you didn't know, there's a graphic under the "Best Of" heading that goes to a listing of all the poems I have posted here. Just look for the My Poems graphic near the bottom of the right hand column.

This is the craziest weekend of the year for me. It's Easter so I have no less than three churches services to attend in three days, starting tomorrow. I'm hoping that I'll have time to hit the gym after church and before work on Easter Sunday.

Then I have to run into San Fransisco on Monday and get my taxes done Tuesday. Maybe after that I can get some sleep! I have a LOT of late nights and EARLY mornings in the next several days.

I'm still feeling kind of sick but I think yesterday was the worst it will get and I am on the mend.

Tomorrow is Xena's estimated birthday. The cats will get tuna for dinner and photos will be forthcoming. Xena will be 5 years old. Where did the time go?

To make my NutriSystem food go further I'm going to start subbing in the Weight Watchers/Lean Cuisine frozen meals for some of the dinner entrees. The low-carb ones are also low-calorie enough for a dinner portion. Then I'll take the lower calorie dinners (like the beef burger) and use those for lunches. I'll start that tomorrow.

Photos of opening my NutriSystem order yesterday. Click on any of them to see a larger size. Sorry they are not that good. I had my camera on the wrong setting - again! :-p

Opening my NutriSystem order. Click on the photo to see the note.
opening my NutriSystem order

Opening my NutriSystem order. Click on the photo to see the notes.
opening my NutriSystem order

Inspecting my order
inspecting my NutriSystem order

Showing off my water bottle
showing off my NutriSystem water bottle

More NutriSystem food reviews:
BBQ Soy Chips snack - For some odd reason, they label this as a "dessert." It's not sweet at all, so it's really a snack. It was okay. Nothing to write home about, but edible. After having them a second time they tasted much better. I can actually say I like them now. 110 calories, 11g net carbs, and 9g protein.

Have a great Easter weekend everyone! I'll just be posting readings over the weekend and will be back with an update on the weekend on Easter Sunday.

Technorati tagged: , , , , , , ,