Day 58 - Celebration and appreciation

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

So today is my oldest friend, Kathleen's, birthday.  I've known K since I was 9 years old.  We went to a performing arts camp together at the park district and became fast friends.  We then ended up performing in a group called "Traveling Troupe" which performed all over Chicago.  The ages of the performers were 12 - 14.  THEN, we both ended up at Interlochen Arts Academy for high school.

It feels like we've known each other forever.  :)  I'm grateful for that friendship.

She is having a small gathering of people at The Cheesecake Factory this evening.  We are all headed out to celebrate her birthday.

I'm very excited to see her.  She lives in New York but often travels all over for work.  She's a dancer/actress/singer and often gets shows in Florida and Vegas.  She's a busy girl!

My biggest challenge:  making sure I watch my portions and not feeling guilty about the drink(s) I consume.

Cheesecake does offer a fantastic herb-crusted salmon with a huge salad.  I believe I will definitely get that and put the dressing on the side.  Then I'll for sure have leftovers to take home.

I did my workout earlier today.  I had a tough time with cardio.  I just couldn't get my body working. But I got something in, and that's what counts.

Today's Goal: Get that water in = SUCCESS/FAIL (I think I got in about 60 oz but counteracted it with the alcohol...)

Tomorrow's Goal: Get some work done with Carrie (my sister-in-law) and get 40 min. cardio

Calories Consumed: 1132

Workout:
         Cardio:
              3 minutes warm-up
              30 minutes jog/run
             (1 - 5 minute sprint)
              8 minutes cool-down/stretch

        Strength Training:
              50 push ups
             100 regular crunches
             100 reverse crunches
             100 oblique crunches (both sides)

Day 54 - Weigh-in week 8 and Rest

Friday, January 15, 2010

So today was a weigh-in day and a day of rest.  We are on set starting at 2:00 AM this coming morning (Sat.) until 2:00 PM Saturday afternoon.  There will be little time to sleep or rest so I'm going to have to keep my energy up with good food and basically "graze" all weekend.  We film Saturday through Monday afternoon.

As far as the weigh-in goes I did gain.  Only 4 ounces but it's still a gain so that's never fun.  BUT, I'm not throwing in the towel.

I completed a kick-ass workout today and I feel really good about that.

The next few days will be very hard to determine calories since we have craft services providing everything.  But, I will be careful and watch the choices I make.  No candy bars for me.  And lots of tea and water...no coffee.

See you on the next break of filming!  Yay Fall Away!

Today's Goal: Get in some rest and water = SUCCESS!

Tomorrow's Goal: be very careful with my choices at the craft services table

Calories Consumed: Approx. 1200

Workout:
       Cardio:
             3 minutes warm-up
             40 minutes jog/run
            (2 - 5 minute run/invis jump rope sprints; 2 - 1 minute skaters)
              8 minutes cool-down/stretch

     Strength Training:
             100 push ups
              1 session of Pilates 100
             100 regular crunches
             100 regular pulsed crunches
             100 oblique crunches (each side)
             100 regular squats (12 lbs each side)
             100 regular pulsed squats (12 lbs each side)
             100 plie squats (12 lbs each side)
             100 pulsed plie squats (12 lbs each side)

Day 26 - Weigh-in week 4 and Pizza?

Friday, December 18, 2009

So today I had a weigh-in....

I lost a pound! I was VERY excited for a number of reasons:

1. I had such a frustrating week workout wise - being sick and all

2. Any loss is a reason to celebrate

3. My weight is finally lower than psycho Tracy from Season 8 of The Biggest Loser was at the finale. It's petty but it makes me happy to beat her.

No, but really I am happy. :)

I've lost 5 lbs! That's pretty awesome, actually and I'm really proud of myself. It's not been easy to stick to this plan. Today, for example, there was a pizza party for the employees at the building I'm working at. I was invited. I thought I'd have a small slice of thin crust pizza. I did. Veggie. Then I had a second, just reasoning I would be careful how many calories I would have for dinner. Besides, I wasn't going to give up everything. I have to find that balance.

To be honest, the pizza wasn't that good. It definitely wasn't worth it. I had an awful stomach ache afterwards and felt like ick for the rest of the day.

Plus that was probably 300 calories and for not a lot of food. So, unless it's an epic piece of pizza, I don't need it. Or whatever it is. I mean, there were homemade brownies too! I just had to put my proverbial foot down, there. I just couldn't start with that. Not to say that I won't have a taste of things but I don't need a whole brownie right now.

I have a goal in mind. Eyes on the prize, or whatever.

Anyhow, I'm excited for our last rehearsal for the film, tomorrow, until we start shooting on Jan. 10th!

Today's Goal: Get some stretching in = SUCCESS!

Tomorrow's Goal: Get everything accomplished (workout/errands/laundry)

Calories Consumed: 900

Workout:

Cardio:

3 minutes warm-up

46 minutes jog/run

7 minute cool-down/stretch

Strength Training:

100 push-ups

100 back rows (15 lbs each side)

100 biceps curls (1o lbs each side)

100 triceps curls (1o lbs each side)

100 shoulder press (1o lbs each side)

100 chest flies (1o lbs each side)

Day 9 - Help and Inspiration

So today started out great! I got to have breakfast with a few high school friends and their significant others (and kid!) It was wonderful to see them! We caught up on what we were up to and, interestingly, I noticed a few things.

Everyone has been through shit:

As we went around the table I realized that my crazy "soap opera" story of how Jon and I met/got together/got accused of cheating/ etc. was par for the course. Every one had been through struggles and bad situations. No one's was "worse" than anyone else's and, funny enough, we all felt just as badly for each other.

Everyone has had success:

As much as we've all shown our scars, we've all experienced happiness! That was truly inspiring. Even through the crazy stuff, we've all survived and soldiered on. It was a beautiful thing to look around the table and realize I was happy! And by being happy I was relaxed and enjoying myself.

Everyone has dreams that never came true:

We've all come from the same place (our high school) where we were touted as the future of the arts. We had drive, ambition, high hopes, energy and endurance. We all thought if we worked hard enough, met the right people, put ourselves in the right place, we'd be "successful", or our idea of successful. It's amazing to see that all that still lies there, sometimes beneath, sometimes on the surface, but it's shifted. We all STILL have that same fire in our bellies, but maybe our dreams changed! And THAT'S OK! We're finding our path in a different way. AND THAT'S OK!

Everyone has an open and generous heart:

If I learned anything walking away from that breakfast, I realized that I know some amazing people in my life. These women are only the tip of the iceberg on the mountain of friends I know are in my court. I'm wealthy with love. And I know that I give it right back. The biggest impression these ladies made on me was realizing that, above all, I love their hearts and their souls. And I was lucky to sit in their presence and share in that love. Sounds corny, right? Well, yeah, maybe. Either way, I felt beautiful. And they were beautiful to me. And we were all glowing from the inside. That was pretty damned special. :)

On a food note, I was a little nervous about what to eat. I mean, essentially, restaurants are notorious for feeding people 3 servings PER PERSON. Sometimes more. I knew that I was going to have to decide to take home my food even before I ordered it.

And that's what I did.

I chose slightly more unhealthy than I would have at home, but nothing horrible. And considering I was eating smaller portions, I was proud of myself in my choices.

I ended up eating the 2nd serving for lunch and I now have that last serving for breakfast tomorrow!

Tonight was The Biggest Loser episode. I spent it working out and watching. It was a great episode. It reminded me of something.

I have a lot of trouble asking for help.

I think it stems from my not wanting to be a burden or seem weak. Seeming weak and/or lazy is a HUGE issue with me. Now, honestly, I don't know where the issue originated. Maybe someone called me that when I was really young, or I know how I judge people who I feel aren't making an effort. (I'm working on that judging thing too!) But, regardless, I never want to seem unable to handle things. Whatever that means. So...asking for help can be one of those things. Weakness. ICK.

However, I noted that I have publicly posted this blog! I've sent emails about it to people. I have, ASKED FOR HELP in supporting me on this journey!

Here's the amazing thing:

PEOPLE HAVE COME THROUGH!

I've gotten emails and facebook messages from you! You've been so helpful and wonderful and supportive! You've even told me it's inspiring! It's kept me going! HONEST! :)

So thank you!

Lesson learned: Asking for help isn't always seen as weak! :)

That makes me happy!

Today's Goal: Make a healthy choice at the mini-reunion = SUCCESS!

Tomorrow's Goal: Get at least 30 min. of cardio in (plus my weights)

Calories Consumed: 1068

Workout: 33 minutes of cardio (jogging/invisible jump rope), 75 back rows (15 lbs), 75 bicep curls (10 lbs), 75 tricep curls (10 lbs), 75 shoulder press (10 lbs), 75 chest flies (10 lbs)

AND: I've had 100 oz of water!!! Woo hoo!

Day 7 - Blech and Fun

So today started out pretty awful. My cramps were at an all-time high of PAINFUL and I was barely able to drag myself out of bed to start any sort of work out.

I knew I had to be mindful today since Jon and I were going to see the opening night performance of this year's A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theatre. I was really looking forward to it, but there was going to be an after party (which we were also invited to) with free-flowing wine and beer and free food. Free FONDUE food. Ummm....have I actually mentioned how much I love cheese? No? I. Love. Cheese. All kinds of cheese. Fondue is like a gift of love sent to me in little pots of warmth.

How in the world was I going to manage to stay away from THAT?

Well, technically I did. I indulged in one glass of white wine. That was it. I ate some fresh veggies (supposed to be used for the dipping in the CHEESE) and 2 medium shrimps that were being passed. That was it! I was very careful.

However, when I got home, I was STARVING! This is where the problems came in. We'd eaten lunch at about 1pm and I had a very very light snack before we walked out the door at 5pm. By the time the show was finished and we were at the party and I was avoiding all the food, I really needed to eat a dinner. So at 11:30pm, that's what I did! I had a good meal but wasn't satisfied. So I ended up eating a bit more of a snack (green apple and peanut butter mixed with raw honey). Wow that was incredibly good but it put me a bit over my calories.

However, I remind myself that even though I was over my calories, I still did MUCH better than I could have avoiding those pots of love...er...cheese at the party.

I also did not get in any cardio but I did do weights. AND I graduated to doing 1/2 the reps with a higher weight!

Tomorrow's Goal: Drink my 80 oz of water, get in cardio and weights

Calories consumed: 1301

Workout: 50 rows (15 lbs), 50 biceps curls (10 lbs for 25/ 8 lbs for 25), 50 triceps curls (10 lbs for 25/ 8 lbs for 25), 50 shoulder press (10 lbs for 25/ 8 lbs for 25), 50 chest flies (10 lbs for 25/ 8 lbs for 25)

Day 4 - Temptations

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Today was a challenge, like I knew it would be. But I went in mindful and ready for this challenge...well, at least about the food.

How I prepared:
I roped Jon into working out with me this morning. We recently purchased the all-cardio DVD of The Biggest Loser workout. We hadn't tried it yet. So to make sure I got in enough cardio today BEFORE Thanksgiving dinner we decided to do the warm-up (5 min), the 1st workout (20 min), the 2nd workout (10 min), cool-down yoga (5 min). Ummm...yeah. This DVD KICKED OUR ASSES! I mean, it was a tough 20 minutes to begin with, but then to tack on the extra 10 was a KILLER!. But I was determined to make it through. I was sweating bullets by the end!

Food:
I don't cook, usually, but somehow I agreed to make a dish for Thanksgiving. Picking the most innocuous (and the one with 4 ingredients or less!) I chose green bean casserole. I was cooking this for 17 people, so I needed double the amount of everything. I ended up buying 98% fat-free soup and 1/2 the cans of beans I used (french cut green beans, of course) were no sodium. Also, I cut the amount of milk and soy sauce it called for by 2/3. We only put a sprinkle of fried onions on top. It was hardly necessary! The casserole was flavorful and 1/2 the fat and sodium!

Beginning of the night:
I drank water all night. Everyone was drinking wine and really enjoying the chips, cheese, crackers, and shrimp with cocktail sauce set out for the appetizers! I did not partake in anything but the raw veggies and 2 naked shrimp (no cocktail sauce). And I didn't dip the veggies in the delectable looking spinach dip! Too tempting!

Dinner:
I filled my plate with all the fixings I wanted, adding about a cup of the salad and about 1/8 - 1/4 of a cup of everything else. Seriously, I had "bite-sized" tastings of food. And I did NOT go back for seconds. I also didn't have any turkey (I'm a pescatarian) so I ate mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, salad, and stuffing. It was DELICIOUS and I SO could have gotten more but I was really strict about it.

Dessert:
My sister-in-law went to culinary school and bakes the most delicious cakes, sweets, cookies, etc. you've ever tasted. She made 2 amazing desserts. I stuck my fork in the lemon meringue pie that Jon had and it was UNREAL! So good. But that was all I had, with the exception of a mug of green chai tea and a splash of fat free organic milk.

The strangest part of the night was asking my family to support me in my challenge. I got mostly supportive responses. Although I was asked to reveal my current weight and the weight I'm striving for. I did NOT do that. I simply explained I was looking forward to losing 10 pounds in 8 weeks and another 10 pounds before June 19. It was bizarre! We spent a good deal of the evening discussing "the cardio question" and I found myself having to justify my decisions to eat as little as I wanted to and to workout in the manner that I was. My father kept saying, "Don't you think this is too strict a diet"? I explained that I would probably be less strict in the future after I reached my goal weight and was able to begin maintaining. But to GET there I needed to be very strict, at first.

Sigh. I guess it's all a process and a journey for everyone.

I made a guess on the calories I ate tonight and I think I over-estimated but it's better than under-estimating I suppose.

Goal Achieved: To conquer Thanksgiving and NOT be too tempted but still get to eat the food! = Success!

Calories Consumed: 1164 (approximately)

Workout: Cardio (laid out above), 100 regular crunches, 100 reverse crunches, 100 obliques (each side), 100 regular squats (8 lbs), 100 regular pulsed squats (8 lbs), 100 plie squats (8 lbs), 100 pulsed plie squats (8 lbs)

Tomorrow: FIRST WEIGH-IN!!!! :)