Being Happy with Maintaining

A couple of weeks ago I was complaining to Patrick about being on a long, long plateau for weight-loss.  I lost so much in such a short time, between December and March, but since then I have slowed almost to a stop.  It can be really frustrating when I still have so much to lose and when I am still working out almost every day.  If I am completely honest I know why it has happened.  In the beginning of this life change I was really, really strict about what I ate.  I logged Everything!  Tracked calories and tracked all exercise.  I am still making healthy choices but I am not tracking and I will eat a few carbs here and there. (still not dessert!)  So to start seeing the big movements on the scale I know that I need to go back to tracking and to not eating carbs.  But here is the positive spin....

I have maintained a 70 pound weight loss for 5 months!  For anyone that has been "on a diet" and lost weight...you know that keeping it off is the hard part.  Luckily for me I am not on a diet.  I have made a life-style change.  For life!  It's important that I am able to lead a regular life (not tracking every bite) and still be healthy and active.

Losing weight is exciting and getting positive feedback is great!  The feeling of accomplishment in weight loss is easy.  The hard part is realizing that maintaining is just as big of an accomplishment.  And it is!

So I will keep on moving and keep on making good choices and keep being happy!

Love, Laura

I'm Back!!!!

It's been awhile!  but I'm back.  I'm back on the blog and I am back to running!  Injuries are NO FUN!  I have been through some minor set-ups on this road to health but this was a major roadblock!  Major.  I strained a ligament in my knee that sidelined me from even walking!  It was torture.  and I gained 6 pounds in about 8 weeks.

Well those pounds are gone...again.  and yesterday...I ran!!  The PT said that I would know when I could run again.  and I did.  He advised to start back on the c25k program again.  I did...on week 3.  and my knee felt great!  and today...it still feels great!!  Yes, it still gets a little stiff when I sit too long.  But it has come a long way!

What did I learn from this latest adventure?  To stretch!  A lot!  and that I can do this.  I can be healthy and make the right choices for life.  This is not some diet that has an end.  I am not working out until I lose X amount of pounds.  No, this is me.  This is my new life and I am loving it!

Love, Laura :)

WWLD? and Bathing Suit Shopping(yuck!)

My sister, Beth, is having a challenging month in the Virgin Islands.  I won't go into details but suffice to say working out has not been easy.  We hadn't touched base for a few days so I decided to call and check up on her...not knowing that my sister, Dolly, called her in the same day.  The next day I received a voice mail from Beth that, basically, said "Your good cop/bad cop routine worked and I am back to exercising."  This is what happened...Beth had similar phone calls with each of us.  Dolly (the obviously nicer sister) was very understanding about the difficulties in finding a way to exercise.  My conversation went more like this "well, have you tried..." "or what about this..." "Can you go here...?" "Can you do this...".  So Beth has decided when she runs into obstacles finding a way to exercise she thinks...What would Laura do? (WWLD) and finds a way.  I am so happy to report that she ran, in place - it was the only way!, for 20 minutes straight.  Major accomplishment!  and done even with numerous obstacles!  I find it amusing that I am an inspiration for anyone concerning exercise.  I am still trying to figure this all out for myself.  Right now I am just doing something,...every day.  On non-exercise days...I still walk about 3 miles.  So that leads me to yesterday and the dreaded bathing suit shopping.  UGH!

6 months of eating healthy and exercising every day is great for your self-esteem.  10 minutes in the dressing room trying on bathing suits and it's all shot to hell.  Do you know that they have mirrors that reflect every angle?  Do you know that the lights are really bright?  Do you know that you are not as fit as you think you are? (at least I am not)  It was horrid!  And the suits!  They are either made for someone that has never birthed and breastfed kids or someone that has fake boobs.(or both)  No support, at all.  It was humorous to have the kids bring over suits in my size...that were 2 tiny pieces of triangular material...hahaha yeah, right.  So, I was successful...at Macy's...finally.  and on sale!  The name of my suit?  "My Cup Runneth Over" I really wish that I was kidding.  But I am not.  The important thing is that it fit...and nothing hangs out that shouldn't.  and I was able to take the kids swimming yesterday...and have fun and exercise!

Hope that you are doing the same!

Love,

Laura

oh, and if you are waiting for a picture of me...in my suit.  Don't hold your breath!

Staying Healthy While Working Full-time

I started a full-time job on June 1st.  Not only am I working from 8am until 5pm but I am commuting "over-the-hill" to Santa Cruz.  I leave the house at 7am and get home at 6pm.  Monday through Friday.

This is a big change for me and I really had to be creative to keep my work-out routine going.

Exercise

I was right in the middle of a bootcamp session,  Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30am until 6:30am, and I didn't want to stop going.  I wake up at 4am and do things around the house, pick an outfit, make my lunch and made sure that everything is ready to go.  Leave bootcamp 10 minutes early...arrive home at 6:30am and am on 85 showered, dressed and with 7-11 coffee in hand by 6:55am.  That is fast!  .  Is it a little crazy between 6:30 and 7am?  yes, but so worth it!  I love my bootcamp class and don't ever want to give it up.

On Tuesday and Thursday I try to go to the gym at 5am, workout until 6am and start over.  I have to admit that I took a couple of those mornings off.  I have been pretty exhausted.

The good news is that I found a great walking path at work.  I am able to get in a 2 mile walk (with hills!) at lunch...every day.

Bootcamp is officially over until August 1st  (our coach has summer commitments)  BUT a group of us have committed to meeting at a local park every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (same time!) Our wonderful coach (thank you, Lisa!) is giving us exercise plans.  I am very, very happy to keep up this M, W, F morning routine.  I do start to fade at about 3pm and have to take a little walk outside and drink a lot of water.  I am trying to stay with my one cup of caffeine a day.  Which leads me to...

Nutrition

I am using the fact that I work in an office that does not have any easily accessible food to bring only healthy options every day.  I have found (by trial and error - coming home really hungry) that it is best if I eat 3 snacks while at work and include a protein.  So around 10am I have something like carrots and hummus, 12:30 or 1pm I will have something like salad or veggie soup and then about 3; apple and nuts.  I get home from work at about 6pm and Patrick and the girls usually have dinner ready (awesome of them!)

Going forward

I am starting to train for a 10K - that means I have to fit running into my schedule.  My plan is to run at 5:30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays and for a longer period one of the weekend days.  I am looking forward to running in my new shoes!!  yay!

About my shoes!

For the first time, I went to a real running store and was fitted for real running shoes! I have walked (and run) miles and miles in my old shoes and it was past time.  Running Revolution in Campbell was recommended to me months ago but I had been procrastinating.  Part of the reason was money (of course) but the main reason is that I was intimidated to go into a "runner's store".  A store where everyone is super-fit and would wonder why I was there.  I finally could not stand my old shoes another day and went to the store.  It was wonderful.  I was greeted as soon as I entered and received excellent service.  I stood on some kind of device that measured my arch height, shoe size and how I stood.  Then I was fitted with shoes with no support and was video taped running on a treadmill.  I set my own pace (12:20) and the sales person said "That is my pace, too.  We could run together!"  umm..yeah probably her pace when she does Iron Man...but it was nice of her to say. :)  I found out that I am neutral..I don't tilt! :)  I was fitted with several different shoes and each time would take a little jog outside.  Yes, they have you actually run outside in the shoes.  When I tried on MY shoes...I knew.  Immediately.  They are perfect.  They put a bounce in my step and I am going to hate taking them off.  I may petition a dress-code change at work.  Business casual and super-cool running shoes OK! 

So the point of this loquacious post?

You can work full-time (or fill-in with whatever excuse you have) and still exercise and eat right.  Remember, if I can do...you can do it!

and get thee to a running shoe store...if you are local...go here

http://www.runningrevolution.com/

Thanks for reading!

Love, Laura

My First 5K!

I did it! I just ran my first 5K!  Well ran may be a little strong.  More like jog.  But I didn't walk!  My goal was to just finish...and not be last.  But then I started running...and just kept running some more.  I was telling myself...I don't want to tell people that I ran part of a 5K...so I need to stop running at a marker.  I came to the 1/2 mile mark...and that was too soon.  So I decided to run to the turn-around..1/2 way.  Then I could say I ran 1/2 of a 5K.  but then I ran around the cones and kept going.  One more song on the iPod.  To that next street.  I even looked at the cross streets and thought "If I stop here...I can drive back with the car later and mile mark it"  but by the time I thought that...I was still running.  Then I made a friend.  We decided that we could Both make it!  Sometimes she ran in front of me...and sometimes I ran in front of her.  and we both made it!

I almost cried when I crossed the finish line.  6 months ago I was happy on days when I walked 2 miles, and that would wear me out.  Today I ran.  I ran a 5K!

If I can do it...so can you!!!

Love, Laura

this is the race...
See Jane Run 

Choosing to be Happy!

This blog is about happiness!  Yay for happy!  Yay for optimism!

I am, mostly, a happy person.  Is my life perfect?  Hell, no!  But that doesn't mean that I have to dwell on the negative.  I choose to be happy.  And you can too.

Happiness is an emotion and therefore completely under our own personal control.  Too many people depend on outside influences to control their own happiness.  "If he calls, I will be happy", "If I get the job, I will be happy", "If that guy gets voted off Idol, I will be happy" (I don't watch the show...is there even voting?)  Anyway!  the point is that you cannot count on something (or someone) outside of yourself to make you happy.  People and events will disappoint us and if you are dependent upon these people and/or events for your happiness...guess what?  You will be sad and disappointed.  Don't do it!

If you don't believe me...listen to the Dalai Lama

Happiness is determined more by the state of one’s mind than by one’s external conditions, circumstances, or events—at least once one’s basic survival needs are met. 

This is from the wonderful book...

And because this blog is about living healthy...being happy is good for your health!  I have been doing some reading on this topic and have read that happy people have healthier hearts and immune systems.

How to get Happy

I like the old adage "fake it until you make it".  Sure there are times when I am crabby, sad, and/or irritated but instead of staying with these yuck feelings I try to pretend that I am happy.  Your body doesn't really know the difference and you can fake it out.  try it!

I did some reading about How to get Happy and like the following ideas:

1.  Strike a Yoga pose.  Yoga and meditation - love them both and they make me happy!

2.  Talk to a friend

3.  Go for a walk (even better while talking to a friend!)

4.  Listen to upbeat music and dance if that makes you happy

5.  Do something for someone else (no, not the laundry or all the things that we do every day!  something new and someone new...like give a sandwich to a homeless person...I buy an extra coffee and give it to a woman whenever I see her on my walk to get coffee.  It makes me happy and it makes her happy and she even likes the vanilla cream that I use!)

6.  Whatever makes YOU happy.  A hot shower, sex, writing in a journal, painting.  You know you own personal happy place.  Go there.  Often!

To end I have a great quote from my sister-in-law, Tabra

Never be dependent outside of yourself for your own self-esteem

Self-esteem = happiness?  I think so.

Go out and be happy my friends! (oh and go for a walk!)

With Love and Happiness,

Laura

Focus on the Positive!

This blog is a lesson that I need to learn myself.  I'll start with a quote from my wonderful bootcamp coach, Lisa Jacobs

Sometimes we can be our own biggest critics. I don't know about you but sometimes the negative mantra tape plays over and over in my head "You aren't good enough, fast enough,cute enough, you don't try hard, I'm disappointed in you, why couldn't you do that etc"...
I hope you will start to change the words played over and over in your head this weekend to something like "I did it. I improved. I am proud. I am strong. I am powerful. I am wonderful. I am created exactly how I am suppose to be. I took the challenge and stepped up. I feel good" Tell someone in your life about what you did this past week and instead of saying "Yeah, but I was the slowest, sweatiest, biggest, worst etc" Say "I am proud of my hard work." Period.  See how it feels!

The idea for this blog came after having a conversation with Patrick (my husband) about body image.  I had just come in from the gym (at 6:45AM) and he said "Do you even realize how thin you are getting?"  and I immediately said "But look at my stomach! and my inner-thighs! and my butt!".  We continued the conversation while I was getting undressed and he asked me to say what I like about myself.  This is how the conversation went..."I like my stomach but only these exact 3 inches.  I like my legs OK...they are strong now but I hate this part.  My butt isn't bad...except for this part"  I could not say anything nice about myself without including an exception.    I didn't focus on my new muscles! or my increased stamina! or my smaller jean size!  or my better overall health!  We discussed how I need to make sure that I am not saying these things in front of the kids.  So that made me think about what I should be saying in front of my daughters. and to myself!  I could use some help with this!  But this is what I have come up with so far...

"I feel so strong!"  "I love to run" "Wasn't it fun to run down all those hills in San Francisco?" "Eating healthy makes me feel so good!" "I did about 40 push ups today!  Want to try some together?"

So my advice (from someone that is still learning...every day!) is to focus on your positive!  What would your biggest supporter say to you?  about you?  Turn off that negative voice!

and today....MOVE IT!  Just go.  Do anything. walk, run, dance, skip (yes. you can!  We do it in bootcamp and it is kinda fun...especially if you say 'lalalala" while you are skipping!)  You will thank me (and yourself) later!  really.  and please post a comment and tell me about it! 

and by the way, you look fabulous!

with love,

Laura

Recipes!!

I have been posting recipes on Facebook but thought that I would share them here...

I have been trying all kinds of new vegetarian and vegan dishes.  I usually post the recipe as it was given to me and then note any changes that I made.  Enjoy!!

Patrick's Homemade Veggie Soup

8 cups water -you can also use 4 cups of veggie broth and 4 cups of water but watch out for sodium
2 - 4 potatoes - diced
2 cups carrots - chopped
1 zucchini - diced
1 yellow squash - diced
a handful of fresh green beans chopped
1 can of kidney beans with juice
1 can petite diced tomatoes with juice
1 can sweet peas with juice
1 can of corn with juice drained
4 tablespoons of medium salsa

Boil the carrots and potatoes first. When they are cooked throw everything else in and simmer for awhile. You will be able to tell when it's done.

Laura notes: I don't use corn and rarely peas because I prefer everything fresh. I will use corn when it comes in season and we have left over cobs. I buy organic canned beans. The non-organic have extra disgusting crap. I have also used dry but you need to start the night before and soak them over night. It also makes about a billion beans. (I guess that I could freeze them?)

When I don't have salsa, I use cayenne pepper. I don't measure anything, (not even the list above - I just guessed for the benefit of the recipe) so I just sprinkle the pepper in. maybe a tsp?

I like things spicy (Patrick doesn't) so his recipe says 4 tablespoons. I use 8. at least.

I like potatoes but you could make it with less.

I think that's it.

Enjoy!!

Love, Laura

Pumpkin Spice Bread

From Vicky- thanks!

Here is the original recipe.

3 tbs ground flaxseed
1/2 c water
1 1/2 cups turbinado sugar
1/2 cu applesauce
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups fresh pumpkin puree
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp each cinnamon, fresh nutmeg, and ground ginger
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup walnuts

sprinkles of oats for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together the flaxseed and water until thickened. Combine flax mixture in a large bowl with sugar, applesauce, oil and pumpkin. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, spices, baking soda, powder and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet. Fold in the walnuts. Lightly grease loaf pans. Divide into two regular 8 inch pans or four mini. If desired, sprinkel with oats or sugar. Bake large loaves for about 55 min and smaller for about 40. Let site for 20 minutes before removing from pan.

Here is how I changed it. I doubled the recipe. I used a rectangular cake pan. I used whole grain whole flaxseeds, raw sugar, double the applesauce and no oil, canned plain pumpkin and no nuts. I did not double salt.

It was very good!

Patrick's Mush Loaf

Makes a fairly small loaf. Need to double for the whole family.

1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup water
1 egg
1/2 pack of onion soup mix
15 oz package of mushrooms

Combine all except mushrooms in bowl and mix. Dice mushrooms finely, then add and mix thoroughly into dough-ish blob. Make into loaf, place in small pan. Cook at 350 for about 30 minutes.

Tonight I added my salsa to my serving and it was great.

Whole Wheat Pancakes

 1 cup whole wheat flour (I use Gold Medal all-natural)
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar or raw sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon of nutritional brewers yeast (I bought it at whole foods - it adds protein)
1 beaten egg
1 cup skim milk
2 heaping tablespoons applesauce

I stir with a hand whisk until just mixed and cook.

that's it!

The kids eat them without syrup. We only let them have it on their birthdays and Christmas so they have learned to not need it. :)

Madeline does not like blueberries and Mekiah does so I add a few blueberries to some of the pancakes right after I plop them in the pan.

and not sure if it makes a difference but I make them on the small side.

Paella

Paella is the quintessential Spanish dish traditionally made with tons of seafood. But as a vegan cashews become the protein. You still get to enjoy the incredible depth of the flavor that goes along with the dish. Use a decent white wine here. When you're cooking with wine the flavor actually gets more intense rather than the opposite so take that into account when you're dumping Franzia into the dish.

1 large Vidalia onion, chopped
4 tbsp organic olive oil
12 oz organic brown rice
1 large carton organic vegetable stock
6 oz dry white wine
1 16 oz can organic chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato puree
½ tsp dried tarragon
1 tsp dried basil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp oregano
1 red pepper, chopped
3 sticks celery, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, whatever is locally available, chopped
½ cup frozen peas
¼ cup broken cashew nuts
Sea salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. In a large, heavy saucepan fry the onion in 4 tbsp olive oil.

2. Add rice to the pot.

3. Add vegetable stock, wine, tomatoes, tomato puree, tarragon, basil, garlic, and oregano to the pot.

4. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Add peppers, celery, and mushrooms and cook for another 30 minutes until the rice is cooked.

5. Add peas, cashew nuts, salt, and pepper.

6. Heat through until peas are ready and serve.

I made this and it was good. Loved the tarragon flavor. Some changes...I cooked the rice ahead of time and I would add spinach and more veggies. and I have a question for my chef friends...I hate when the color cooks out of food. How do I keep the peas green and the peppers red but still have everything cooked?

Eggplant Musakka

(from my sister-in-law, Tabra - thanks!) 

10 Italian eggplant, sliced - I used 1 regular eggplant because I couldn't Italian (Chinese, Indian and Japanese - but not Italian)
4 to 5 Roma tomatoes sliced
1/2 cup fresh sliced parsley
1 cups sliced onions - I used a purple onion (they are pretty!) and diced it
1/4 cup sliced garlic
1 15 or 16 oz can chick peas (I used 2 cans organic)
1 serrano or jalapeno chopped and no seeds (I used a chili pepper)
3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs (I used regular)
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1 16 oz can plain tomato sauce (I didn't love this part of it...may just leave out next time and use more tomatoes)
olive oil
salt
black pepper

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Toss sliced eggplant with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tsp salt, spread on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Heat a saute pan and add 3 tablespoons olive oil, then add onions and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, next add chick peas and cook for another 5 minutes, set aside. In a deep baking dish begin layers the vegetables, sprinkle bottom of the dish with 2 tables spoons of the bread crumbs then a layer of eggplant, next a layer of tomatoes, sprinkle with parsley, add a layer of the onion mix and then a couple tablespoons of tomato sauce, season layer with 1/2 tsp salt and some black pepper, then repeat layer and top with tomato sauce and chopped chili. Mix remainder of bread crumbs and Romano cheese and sprinkle on top of baking dish. Place in a preheated oven at 450 degrees and cook for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for 15 minutes before serving. Serve by itself or with grilled chicken or steak.

Next time: I am going to double the eggplant and add spinach and mushroom. Leave out the tomato sauce.

I ate this as my main dish. Patrick said that he would have liked it as a side dish and would have added rice. he picked the beans out of his portion and the kids did not like it at all. *sigh*

A healthy lifestyle...do it for yourself!

I heard this rather sad story from a friend.  She has an acquaintance that weighed over 400lbs and was constantly berated by her husband for being so heavy.  She had some type of weight loss surgery (gastric bypass or something similar) and lost a lot of weight.  She then had plastic surgery nips and tucks and now weighs 130lbs and can wear a bikini.  Is her husband happy now?  No!  Now he is upset because she is getting attention from other men.  He, now, constantly berates her for how she dresses and wants her to cover up her new body.  What a jerk.  I really hope that she continues her healthy lifestyle and ignores him.  or leaves him if that is needed.

The moral of the story is that you need to do this for yourself.  You can't rely on positive attention from other people or even the hope that "once I lose weight he/she will love me more or treat me better".  Cause it ain't (necessarily) gonna happen.

I am very lucky to have a large net of supportive family and friends but I, also, have people in my life that are negative and not supportive.  It would be very easy to listen to these negative voices and just give up.  "You are right, I can't do this"  "It's too hard" "I am being too restrictive...it will never work"  IF I was doing it for them.  I'm not.  I am being healthy for me.  I love the way that I feel.  I love being able to run (OK slow jog). and I love just being healthy.

So get out there and move!  Give up something unhealthy in your life.  Start with something small...like soda.  Just give it up cold turkey...you don't need it!  and once you accomplish that you will see that you can do anything.  You can choose to not have dessert.  You can choose to not eat crappy fast food.  It's not worth it!  But you are...you are worth the little bit of extra effort it takes to eat and move in a healthy way.  You will love yourself and the good people in your life will love you still.

Don't wait for Monday to start a "diet".  Just go for a walk today.  Eat healthy today.  Don't wait.

I know that you can do it.  and so do you!

Coming Out of the Closet

The other day I was talking with my sister.  Not the sister that has a blog and is not afraid to "put it all out there".  No, the other sister...the one that has quietly lost XX pounds.  XX pounds while working full-time and taking care of 3 boys, including a baby.  This sister gets up very early and works out before driving an hour to work a full day.  And she has made other significant life-style changes.  On her own...quietly. (the XX is because she really does not want to say how much she has lost)

This is what we were discussing.  Do we tell people how much weight that we have lost? 

But if we tell them...then they will know how much we used to weigh...and/or they will look at us and think "wow..xx pounds lost and she is still huge!" (that one is mine)  I think about this all of time.  Do I post the size of my new jeans? (but some people will think that is still huge!) Do I admit to how much I have lost? or worse..to how much I still want to lose?

I was walking for my coffee treat this morning and thinking about this dilemma.  I tried to think about what I would tell a friend if she did not want to tell the blog world how much she has lost because people will think "Wow! That much and she is still huge!".  

This is what I told me...First, you are not huge.  (I almost believe it!).  Second, what you have done is a major accomplishment!  You should be proud and you should be telling the world.  and finally, anyone that reads your blog is your friend and they wish you well. In fact, most of them are cheering for you.  On your wall, to your face or quietly to themselves.  Any one that is reading your blog that is not your friend...well who cares what they think!  and what are they doing here anyway?

So here is the latest update...from me anyway...I have lost 60lbs. If you want to know any other details...just ask...I will probably tell you.

If you want the update from my sister...you will have to ask her to come out of the weight loss closet!

Shit Happens

Cars die, husbands go out of town, people get sick, pets run away, hearts get broken...

Life just happens.  Not every day will be perfect.  You will hit speed bumps on your road to health.  You will have your resolved tested.  You will be sad or mad or depressed or all three.  You will feel like staying in bed all day (even though you can't sleep), you will feel like eating an entire bag of chocolate somethings.

You will just feel like giving up. period.

Don't!  Just Don't.  Nike tells us to "Just Do It"  Well I say...Just Don't Do It!  Just don't give up.  You can do this.  You can be healthy.  You can exercise and you can feel great.  You deserve it.  And you need to do it for you.

This has been a trying week for me.  One craptastic thing after another.  Seriously.  I feel like the Universe is testing me...and I am failing.  Miserably.  I haven't been to the gym in a week.  I have walked every day but not more than 2 or 3 miles.  I eat popcorn for dinner!  I haven't been sleeping...I have been crying.  In short...it suuuucks!

But it's time to snap out of it!  I'm going to pull up my big girl panties and deal!  This week will end...things will return to some semblance of order...or not.  But whatever happens I am not going to take it sitting down!

To quote my good friend, Whitney Pintello...

I am the shit, the bomb, the queen. In case you needed to know.

Yes, Whitney, you are!  and so am I and no one can tell us differently. 

So...gym, my love, I will see you tomorrow!

What I Do...

This is a quick blog post for those that have been asking about what I do, exercise-wise.

First - I lost 30 lbs doing nothing but walking.  Lots and lots of walking.  I wear this pedometer everyday:
Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer  and I currently log between 7 - 10 miles most days.  When I started, I was happy to walk 2 miles.

I walk every chance I get.  Kids to the park, Farmer's Market, to the store for coffee. When the kids were in school I would leave an hour early to pick them up and take the long way (4 miles).  My favorite is to walk and talk with friends! (and then get coffee!)

I hit a plateau after 30 lbs and decided to join a gym.  I signed up for the least expensive place around ($12/month) and it works fine for me.

My normal schedule is:
4am -  I get up and do things (facebook) around the house like laundry (facebook) or dishes (facebook) or catch-up on work email. (facebook)

5am - gym every single weekday. (7am on Saturday and 8am on Sunday.) I walk on the treadmill for 60 minutes at a 3.3 speed and the hill setting level 14.  It goes up and down.
Every other day I add circuit weights.
I would like to say that I do crunches on the ball every day...I try!

I get about 3 miles on the treadmill so the other 4 - 6 is coming from walking outside.

I take Yoga on Wednesday nights and I just started Zumba on Monday nights.

For the past 2 weeks, I changed my routine and took a boot camp on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 6am.  (skipped gym those days)

That's it.  It's not difficult.  I just do it.  everyday.  and I love it.  It's my therapy and my escape.

I'm happy to answer any questions and I am always happy to walk - just ask!

Laura

What I eat...

A few people have asked me what diet I am following, do I count points, do I count calories?  Just what in the heck do you eat?

So I thought that I would write a quick blog.  I wish that I had a better report.  If you want to see really healthy eating read my sister's blog.  But here is my typical day. 

First - I use a site called www.sparkpeople.com to track my calories and exercise.  If you join look for me
laurajg1 and we can connect.


Breakfast - a small bowl of Kashi GoLean. (for the protein and the fiber)  I don't measure.  I should, I know..but I just use a really small bowl.  and skim milk.  If I wake up early enough I eat before the gym so that is about 4am.  If not, I eat after at about 7am.  I, also drink a large glass of water and take a Glucosamine pill.  Sometimes I don't feel like cereal so I just have a banana.

Treat - I walk to the store and buy 1 cup of coffee with vanilla flavored no-fat cream.  This is my sugar for the day and I love it!  The first sip of that coffee is better than sex. no lie. This is at about 8am.
 
Snacks - I eat cheese sticks.  (I know..so high in fat.  But I don't eat meat and need the protein.) or carrots or both. this is about 10am.

Lunch - sometimes homemade veggie soup. sometimes (I admit) salt-free chips and homemade salsa. (YUM!) sometimes salad.  sometimes leftover whatever was for dinner.  sometimes just cheese if I didn't have it for snack.

Dinner - this is tricky because no one in my house eats the same thing.  Patrick eats meat, none of the rest of us do.  I will eat any kind of funky vegetarian thing and any kind of veggie.  The kids will not.  Mekiah and Morgan like tofu..Madeline doesn't.

I have cut WAY back on carbs but we make pasta a lot.  and lasagna.  Neither of which I will eat...so I eat salad.  lots of salad.  My favorite is Mexican salad.  with brown rice, black bean and (yes) chips.  Sometimes (tonight) I just eat carrots.  I would really love to be eating more fun veg dishes but it's exhausting to think about making something that no one else will eat.  That's bad.  I should be making those dishes for myself.

Another favorite is roast veggies!  Love this!  I try all kinds of veggies and different fresh herbs.  Protein is a problem.  I don't want to eat cheese as much as I do but I don't like peanut butter.  It's on my list to research recipes and options for protein.

I am so jealous of my sister!  Her wife has been researching nutrition and making all kinds of great recipes.  I may move to the Virgin Islands and live with them!

So in general.  I have cut out all sweets.  Not even one GS cookie.  have cut way back on carbs.  No bread. and I have cut portions way down.

I drink water all day.  Nothing but water.  No diet coke.  (I miss you diet coke!)

and I take a multitude of vitamins.

BUT...if I have the opportunity to eat really good bread...I will.  I am just not going to waste calories on something that is not really really good.  I have also cut out alcohol for the same reason.  Too many calories and not worth 60 minutes on the treadmill.

Tomorrow I will post what I do!

Being Healthy in the Age of Social Networking (and confessions!)

I love Facebook!  I mean..love like committed to you forever, love Facebook!  I have reconnected with my sister, Beth.  (so happy about that!) and am able to keep in touch with family and have been reunited with old friends. (so happy about that, as well!)  It's great for sharing photos and updates and so much!  It is, also, wonderful for keeping me on track for my health journey.  Posting about walks and boot camps and dates with my lover, Gym, all motivates me to keep going.  I want to come home and let everyone know that I made it through boot camp.  I don't want to post "Skipped the gym this AM..eating donuts"  ugh!  So thank you to everyone that reads and comments on my never-ending posts...you help to motivate me and I could not do it without you!

Social networking has also been great for sharing ideas, remedies (ice those joints!), recipes and inspiration!  I know of 2 people (Beth and Donna!) that are running and/or exercising because of items I have posted.  That is so great!  And it helps me.  If they are exercising because of me, how can I stop??

Confessions!
My own - the scale moved 5 more pounds since I lost Mekiah and then stopped.  Has not budged in 2 weeks.  ugh!  But, surprisingly,  I went down another 2 jean sizes.  Go figure.  Maybe boot camp is adding muscle?  and more importantly I feel great!

Other people - I walk to the store to buy my daily coffee.  Every day.  They know me there.  Every time one cashier sees me...she tells about what exercise she has been doing. "Haven't done anything today but tomorrow I am going to walk!" 
and
at a different store..there is also a cashier that knows me.  She always tells me how much weight she has lost.  and asks me if I have lost any more.  And looks me up and down!  seriously! 

I am the Priest of Diet and Exercise!

Ignore me...no makeup and crazy hair.  But checkout the jeans.  In back, I wore in December.  In front are my new jeans.  and Yes, they fit!  

Compliments

I love them!  I need them!  I appreciate, discuss and mentally catalog every one.  Thank you!

There have been a couple of discussions around compliments in our home recently.  I received a compliment from a local friend "You are looking good" and from a friend that I had not seen since December "Wow!  How much weight have you lost?"  Both of these friends are male.

Patrick's response was that, as a married male, he is not allowed to compliment women.  His example was that if my friend came in and he liked her shirt, it would be creepy if he said so.  I disagreed and said that of course he can compliment women.  Well...if I know them...and if it's not about a body part...and it doesn't sound creepy.  I mean, he can't just go up to some young woman that we don't know and say "nice legs"! :)  What do you all think?

The other discussion was prompted by a visit from my good friend, Mark.  We had not seen each other since November.  About 15 minutes after he arrived, I mentioned my Blog and he confessed that he had never read it.  So I said "Oh, then you don't know about me losing Mekiah!"  and he said that he knew (from facebook) that I was working out and that I looked thinner but he didn't know if he should say anything.  I can understand...you are not sure if people want the attention.  (I do!)  So I assured him that yes, he could say whatever he likes...and he said "Where is your butt?"  ha!  Great compliment!

In conclusion, compliments motivate me.  Maybe they are not for everyone...do you like them?

Temptation!

All of my girls were born in the spring.  March 5th, 31st and April 7th.  Even the dog is an April baby.  You might think that this is cute.  And how fun to have so many birthdays at once.  What it means, in reality, is that my home is filled with cake.  For 2 months. (and then with Easter chocolate!)

We had a little cake for Mekiah's actual birthday on Friday.  Then we had a cake for her little party on Saturday.

So there are currently 2 1/2 eaten cakes in the kitchen.  One of them is chocolate.  (Did I mention the Girl Scout cookies?)

My strategy is to just avoid all sweets.  (and to give away pieces at every chance!)

So far, it's working.  I know that some people can "eat just one".  I can't.  If I try one Thin Mint I can easily eat the entire box. 

So, get back all of you terrible temptations! I will avoid you and keep my eye on the prize!  and my mind on anything else.  and my butt at the gym.  and I will make it through the season of cakes.

Injury update!

Felt Great yesterday!  Walking around feeling like a 30 year old.  Then I tried to jog a few steps and my hip tried to make me feel 80.  ugh.  back to square one.  My plan is to just keep moving.  but walking and biking.  Will hold off on the running, for now.  It's too bad...I was starting to like it.

I've Lost Mekiah!

I wasn't going to post anything about weight loss...until I had a nice round number again.  Like 50!  But the other day I realized that I was 3 pounds away from 50!  47 pounds!  I told Patrick and Brian (one of my very BFFs!) about the loss and Brian asked "Hey, how much does Mekiah weigh?"  I wasn't sure so I stuck her on the scale later that day.  47.5!  ha!  So I have lost Mekiah!  She thought that was very funny.  It makes me very happy.

I haven't blogged for days!  I have an excuse.  We started homeschooling the 2 youngest kids.  We were just not busy enough and so thought "Hey let's start homeschooling!"  Should I write about it here?  Do you want to know more?  I guess that it would help give me content.  It's bumpy but we are figuring it out.  Madeline is doing a lot of reading...which she loves.  Mekiah is doing a lot of math, art and story writing.  We went on a field trip today...tour of city hall.  The Mayor's policy analyst gave the private tour.  It was very nice.  I'll have to think about how much to include about this subject in later blogs.

I am still able to exercise.  I go very early.  I am still going to the gym every other day.  and running at the track every other day.  On Sunday my hip started hurting after my run.  Such a bummer!  I like to walk fast and this having a hip like an old lady is not cutting it!  I actually skipped my run this AM  (sadly!!) and did not go to the gym.  First time since December.  But was able to get a quick 2 mile walk in between dinner and Girl Scouts.  and I could walk!  For 1.5 miles - I walked fast!  yay!  and then hit the last 1/2 mile and OW!  not sure what happened....the hip just woke up, I guess.  So now I am back to limping around.  I will not give up the gym tomorrow.  I wonder if I should try biking for a day?  Steps make it worse.  Patrick wants me to take tomorrow off...he is worried about me having an injury.  I am worried that I will wake up in 2 days 50 pounds heavier.  No..I will not stop.

Last night I made roasted veggies for dinner.  It was great.  Here is the "recipe".  Quotes because I do not really follow one.  I don't really measure.  Just guestimate.  It works for me!

OVEN - ROASTED VEGETABLES

1 lb. new potatoes 1 lb. yams 3 lg. carrots 2 med. onions 1 lg. green pepper 1 med. red pepper 1 bunch radishes 2 tbsp. olive or vegetable oil 1 tsp. thyme 1 tsp. oregano Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut potatoes into 1 inch pieces. Peel yams, cut into 1 inch pieces. Cut carrots into 1 inch pieces. Cut onions into 1/2 inch wedges. Cut peppers into 1 inch pieces. Trim ends from radishes. In roasting pan, toss vegetables with oil and herbs. Roast 1 hour until tender, stirring occasionally.

and this is what I did.  I used white potatoes, sweet potatoes, real carrots, asparagus, red onion, garlic, red pepper, mushrooms and zucchini. I cut everything into chunks.  Except the potatoes...I sliced those.   I par-boiled the potatoes and the carrots.  I spread the potatoes on a cookie sheet (with sides) and sprinkled with Italian seasoning and garlic.  I drizzled olive oil.  I then added a few branches of fresh Rosemary.

I put the rest of the veggies in a roasting pan and did the same thing. (oil, seasoning and rosemary)

I put them both in the oven for about 45 minutes.  

What I would change for next time.

Not use as many veggies.  Quantity-wise.  There was a lot. (but we did only end up with 1 medium container of leftovers)  I would add yellow squash.  Morgan commented that every color was represented...except yellow.  and I would skip the Rosemary!  Now...I did use WAY too much.  In fact, I pulled it all off after about 15 minutes in the oven.  (my eyes were burning!)  but I really do not think that it adds anything.  at least not anything good.  I would love ideas of other fresh herbs to use.

i have photos of the veggies...will add later!

and now it's 11pm and I get up at 4am tomorrow.  Gym should be fun.  :)  Going to download some new music for the iPod.  Looking forward to it!

Thanks for reading!

Laura

Motivation and Nay-sayers!

The other day my friends and I had a Facebook comment discussion about motivation and negativity.

I'll start with the positive (of course!)
Here is a great quote from my friend, Donna L...

...I love visualizing my end result as I plod around the track at the Y! I keep thinking "eyes on the prize, girl! eyes on the prize!!!"

I love this!  and when I ran yesterday (Yes, I am back to running!) I thought about this quote and tried to visualize the finish line of a race.  I will get there!  I will get there!  It helped!  Yesterday I jumped into week 2 day 1 even though I slacked for a few days last week.  It was OK.  The extra 30 seconds on the individual runs  felt long but the entire routine went faster.  I would really really love to figure out how to make my own soundtrack with the audio indicators of when to run and when to walk.  I am so over the techno stuff on the podcast!

So what else can motivate you?  I know that a lot of people lose weight for an event.  Reunion, wedding...seeing someone that hasn't seen them for a long time...

But why not pretend that you have an event...even if you don't?  When you are making food choices mentally think about whatever event or person will motivate you.  I know that the big picture is overwhelming but everyday that you make better choices is a good one.  I hesitate to say "one day at a time" but that is really true.  Even if you have a large amount of weight to lose just getting started...the small victories...will make you feel better!  and, yes, one day you too will love going to the gym!  and even running if that is what you want to do.

I would love to hear what motivates other people!  Please share!

On to the negative...the nay-sayers...
I am so so lucky to not have encountered this myself.  Or it could be that I live in my own little fantasy world and just don't hear them!

Here is another quote from the wise Donna...

I am NOT letting the naysayers and poo pooers of my past get me down. I've discovered that my first reaction to anyone saying anything negative to me about my 5K quest is to think "I can't do it". SO...I've decided that fingers in my ears and a "I can't hear you...lalalallalal" attitude is in order for anyone who says a negative word to me!!!!

You go, Donna! I cannot believe that anyone is giving Donna negative feedback! She is the nicest person and already looks great!  Of course she can do a 5K! 

I feel very lucky to have positive people around me, in person and on Facebook.  You all motivate and inspire me every day!  I am so appreciative to anyone that has ever walked or run with me!  Told me about an affordable gym!  Given me recipes.  So so much support on sparkpeople.com and facebook.  and the positive comments.  Thank you!  I mentally log every comment that I receive and that is what I think about while on the treadmill!

So the next time that you see anyone exercising or trying to be healthy...give them any kind of high-five.  We love it!

Thanks!
Laura

"I've got a feeling...

that tonight's gonna to be a good night!"

I love listening to my iPod while on the treadmill...or anytime that I am exercising alone. (or alone with the hoards of people at the gym! blocks the BBs!)

And then I usually end up with a song in my head.  All day!  :)  and not always a song that I listen to any other time except when I am on the treadmill!

Today it was Bad Romance by Lady Gaga. "I want your love and your lover's revenge..."

This was my playlist this morning...

Pump Up the Jam

Tik Tok

Fergalicious

Life is a Highway

Bad Romance

Just Dance

Ice Ice Baby

Fat Bottomed Girls (inspiring!)

Don't Cha

Single Ladies

Grace Kelly

The Way You Make Me Feel

Those are some of the songs that I listened to today!

I would love recommendations!

Just took a break from blogging to walk!  Thanks, Vickie and Ryan!

Just a few more notes today.  I made it to the doctor (actually for this uninsured girl it was the skeevy urgent care - yay!) and now have a refill on my meds!  AND immediately lost all 7 of the pounds that I gained.  That is a lot of water.  Sometimes it's hard to be a woman!  But anyway...glad that it's gone!

Also, I am having a weird foot thing.  I walk for hours outside with no issues but when I walk on the treadmill my foot falls asleep at about 45 minutes.  It's very annoying.  I changed to better socks.  (love them!)

DeFeet AirEator 2.5in We Cycle 2 Cycling/Running Socks - AIRWEC (XL) 

and that helped with the blisters on the tips of my toes.  But still have weird foot sleeping.  And I Don't want to be a treadmill foot dragger!  I hate that noise!

I have been treadmilling long enough that I can now listen to music and text while walking.  Thanks to everyone that keeps me company via text!

And that's it...except for a small confession...I have not been running. :(  I stopped when I was out of my medication.  And I have not started back up yet.  I feel especially guilty because there are people that I have inspired that ARE running.  I am a fraud!  ugh!  OK, OK...I will start again tomorrow!

Until next time!

Laura

Today was a bad day. :(

I have been thinking about what to write all day.  I tend to be a very happy, optimistic person and I don't like to dwell on the bad stuff.  But if my blog is going to be honest I need to write about the bad and the good.  So here it goes...

I gained 7 pounds.  7!  In one week!  I got on the scale today.  Said "what the hell?!?"  got off...moved the scale...got on again...did it again.  Still the same number.  WTH??  In a week?  I am upset and shocked and pissed.  Now, those of you who do not know me are thinking "I guess that she didn't really hit the gym everyday"  or "Must have been some good donuts!"  But no!  I did hit the gym.  and I ran.  Every day!  and I skipped all the brownies and goodies...and even chips!!  The one thing that is different this week is that my prescription for hydrothiazide doesn't have any refills left.  I need to make an appointment to see a doctor to get a refill and I just haven't.  So I stopped taking the pills about a week ago.  So water retention...maybe...but 7 pounds??

If I am going to gain 7 pounds I wish that I could have enjoyed it!  I want to go back to yesterday and have a brownie...à la mode!

So after a nice pep talk from my sister (thanks, Beth!)  I pulled up my big-girl panties and tried to have a normal day.  I did have to work at Girl Scout cookie central from 7:30am until 10:15am (yes, loading up a million boxes of cookies) and then pick up a van full of boxes for my own Girl Scouts.  But I did get to the gym eventually.  Still did my 60 minutes of hilly treadmill and 30 minutes of weights.  Still ate healthy (NO COOKIES!) and I am trying to suck it up.  Still grumpy, though.

I'm sorry - this blog is boring me!  So I will leave it with bra talk!  I am loving my new sports bras!  They do a fantastic job! (and it's a big job!)  Here is my bra (well not MY bra but the one I use)

Enell-3-White 

If you want to know the size that I wear in regular bras and the size I bought in an Enell send me an email or hit me up on Facebook.  I am not publishing that!

Tomorrow is a new day. I will call the skeevy-people-r-us clinic and make an appointment.  and hopefully have better news next week!

Laura

Horray for Friends!

Yesterday I completed Week1 Day3 (W1D3) of the Couch to 5K running program.  It was easy.   Yes!  It actually was easy!  The main reason is because I had a great running buddy.  (Thanks Trish!)  She is actually able to talk while running (probably because I am so slow!) and makes the time go faster.  So we met at the local high school at 6:30am did the run/walk program and then...

Met for rollerskating in the afternoon.  3 hours of exercise that was just plain fun!  At the end, the kids were asking to leave and I was saying "just one more song!"  Thanks to my friends, Trish,  Janelle and Stevie for coming along and bringing their kids.  It was a fun and healthy afternoon.  And Trish, Janelle and I have decided to have a girls night out at the next Roller Derby match!  Don your green and black and join us! Anyone know where to buy neon green fishnets?  ;) !

Trish is an exercise fiend!  She does boot camp, yoga, step class and I don't even know how many other things...but she posted on Facebook that I help motivate her!  :)  She says that when she sees my early morning (before 5am!) posts about hitting the gym that it motivates her.  Thanks for letting me know, Trish!  and it shows...you look fabulous!

Speaking of the gym...I have to head there now!  A line forms before the 5am opening time.

Today it's 60 minutes on the treadmill, hill level 12 and then the weight machines.  Remind me to tell you about my hamstrings!

Thanks for reading!

Laura

Off the Couchers

People have been telling me that they are being inspired by me.  me!?!  It amazes me.  I started a list on the right for my Off the Couchers.  If you have felt inspired to make healthy life changes recently drop me a line and I will add you to the list.  One person on the list is there because She inspired Me!  Thanks Cheryl!

Today was my gym day.  I did 60 minutes on the treadmill, level 11 hills at 3.3.  To be honest, I could probably do 3.5 but I like to enjoy the walk.  I love listening to my iPod, zoning and thinking.

Today I thought a lot about Facebook.  It has been wonderful for getting back in touch with old friends and for reconnecting with family.  I use it to keep in touch with my NY friends and I love to see everyone's updates and photos!  I have reconnected with my sister, Beth, and discovered that we actually have quite a bit in common.  I have become friends with people that I don't know very well in real life.  Donna!  and found that we have a lot in common!  It has been great!

And now I use it to help me stay accountable for exercising.  If I need motivation to get out the door at 4:45am you can bet one of my east coast friends will give it to me!

Is there a downside to Facebook?  Yes.  I have to confess that even though the name of my blog is Off the Couch that I am rarely On the couch.  Patrick jokes that he is going to name his blog Off the Facebook!

I should have named it Off the Desk Chair!

And is every connection a good one?  At least with Facebook you can "hide" people. 

So far, I have really enjoyed all of my connections, new and old.

Running day tomorrow!  My BFF asked me if I like running.  and I had to say "yes". Yes, I do like it.  and I am very surprised,  and this is big news...I signed up for my first 5K. New Balance Run  On May 15th!  and I would love to sign up for a 1/2 Marathon in June.  It's called See Jane Run and looks very fun.  and adult.  Champagne, Chocolate and a chance to feel Taylor Lautner's abs for all ladies that finish. 

See you there!  :)

Please send me a note if you are an "Off the Coucher"!

Thanks!

Laura

Running - the day after

Yesterday I did W1D1 of the Couch to 5K plan.  It doesn't seem like much in the way of running.  Just 60 secs of running, 90 secs of walking, etc for 20 minutes.

I usually walk up and down hills for 60 minutes on the treadmill so I didn't think this little bit of running would do too much.

Hit the gym this morning after much procrastinating, started my walk on the treadmill and "ow!".  Wow, I am feeling it from yesterday.  And that makes me so happy!  Every other day is run day...so legs - you better suck it up before tomorrow!

Something I learned while on the treadmill today - The song "Shut up and Drive" is not actually about driving.  Who knew?  Is anyone interested in my play lists?  It would be great if I could connect my blog and my iTunes!  anyone know how?

Something that I thought about while on the treadmill today - Why does my razor have a scented handle?  really. If soap is in your eyes, you can still find the right razor? seriously

I am trying 2 new recipes this week.  Sweet Potato Chili and Vegan Pumpkin Spice Bread  (thanks Vicky!)  I will post the recipes after I have tried to make them. :)

Until next time!

Laura

My name is Laura and I am a chip addict

That was the title that I could not remember yesterday!  and it is true.  As healthy as I have been for the past few months I cannot give up tortilla chips.  I make homemade salsa (which is awesome, by the way!) and love it with salt-free tortilla chips.  I have to take the bag away from myself!  I love, love, love them.

An example of my chip issue...Patrick and I celebrated Valentine's Day on Friday night.  We had salad at home so that we could have something good unhealthy later.  We took a long walk around downtown San Jose trying to decide where to eat.  We passed Ben and Jerry's.  I have not had sweets for months.  I LOVE Cherry Garcia (it's the best flavor - don't even try to tell me different!) So Patrick says - "Why not have some ice cream as a Valentine's Day treat?"

I chose nachos from Baha Fresh instead.  So worth it.  So good.  I have a chip issue!

I am still trying to figure out the programming on this blog but I am going to add an off the coucher list!  For example, my sister has started the C25K program!  and of course, my friend Cheri!  She is my original inspiration.  She does spinning - every day!  and lost over 100lbs!  You are awesome Cheryl!

So if you are "getting off the couch" message me.  I will add you to my list!  (when I figure out how to make one!)

One more item - and it's big!  I ran today!!  I started the C25K.com program!  Here is the program Cool Running!
And I did not die!  yay!  Always a plus.  The first minute was tough.  I looked at the stop watch at 20 seconds.  The 6th time was much better.  and day 2 will be even better!  (I will be using a podcast instead of holding and looking at a stop watch!)

Until next time!
Happy Valentine's Day and Happy New Year!

This is what I look like after running...

 

Yeah, totally faking the smile.