The Shred-Day 4 and a little yoga with that

Can’t believe another Friday has come and almost gone……

I am happy that the local forecast calls for low to mid 90′s starting today through next week.  The weather has been a lot cooler lately and I was fearing that fall was making its arrival already.  So, I get to enjoy hot weather for at least another week or so.

I did do The Shred today (day 4).  It’s difficult but I feel like I really got a workout even though the workout itself (level one) is only 22 minutes long plus a warm-up and cool down.  I know it says a 20 minute workout, but I timed it and it’s more like 22 minutes not including warm-up/cool down.

I’m working out my push-up issues.  I’m still doing them “girly” style (using my knees) but the form is better and I can feel I’m getting a little better at them.  Hopefully by the end of the 30 days I can at least do a couple of military style push-ups (regular ones).

While I still had my exercise “high” I decided to pop in another dvd before it faded away.

amazon.com

Yes, Ali McGraw-Yoga Mind & Body.  I haven’t done this dvd for a long long time.  I have done yoga poses recently but not a 45 minute routine.  And, as I realized……there is a huge difference!!  It was harder than I remember, but then again I was in better shape last time I attempted it.  Although I had a hard time doing a couple of things, I did finish it and that makes me happy.  My body feels better and I know that I will definitely be doing this routine again….and on a more regular basis.

So, I weighed myself this morning.  I wasn’t going to but thought, why not??  Let’s find out where I’m at for the week.  Well, so far I’ve lost 2 lbs this week.  I was surprised and very very very very happy!!!!  Can you tell I’m happy??!! lol

As for what I’ve eaten today:

breakfast: 2 Pop Tart pastries (woke up late) and Venti sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce Latte

lunch: whole grain spaghetti w/ grated parmesan cheese

dinner: 1 turkey burger (2.25 oz), 1 cup grilled eggplant/squash, whole grain spaghetti w/parmesan cheese

dessert: 1 cup Breyer’s Snickers ice cream (yes, I caved)

I am no longer ravenous and only eat when I’m actually feeling hungry.  I’m trying to keep myself very busy so I don’t start grazing–that’s where the problems start!

As for water I have been SO thirsty today.  I drank 4 cups by this afternoon, which is like the old me!!  I have gotten to my 8 cup goal and hopefully I’ll get in another cup before bedtime. Now THIS makes me so very happy!!

Finished reading The Carrie Diaries.  I’ll post a review tomorrow.  I’ll give you a hint……it’s mostly positive.

I started reading another book today….Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin.  So far I like it.  Although I’m only through Chapter 2, a lot has happened and I am already hooked.  It was hard to put it down but I really had a lot to do today.  So, can’t wait to read a little more tonight.  I know I’ll be done with it by tomorrow.  Then I’ll start Something Blue…..yes, I have both books.  I checked them out of the library.  I was on a wait list for both, as well as The Carrie Diaries.  I’m reading them before all of the other books because I know I won’t be able to renew them if I can’t get through them by their due date.

Actually checking books out of the library, rather than buying them, has been a good thing for me (especially when I’ve gotten them after being wait listed) since I know there’s a deadline and if I can’t finish by that date……too damn bad for me!!  I have tons of books all over my house that I’ve purchased over the years waiting and begging to be read.  But since I own them, I know I’ll eventually get around to them……or will I???

Well, the San Francisco Giants baseball game just ended….they lost to the San Diego Padres and I am exhausted!  I really hate Friday night TV because there is nothing on except Say Yes To The Dress on A&E.  So, that’s what I’m going to watch until bedtime.  And, maybe do a little reading….

And, of course, the movie I have been waiting for has finally opened:

I will definitely be seeing it this weekend….probably tomorrow.  And, in the meantime, Oprah is re-airing the Eat Pray Love show with Julia Roberts today.  Well, I missed it this afternoon, but it’s on again in about 20 minutes on a local Sacramento channel and then again at 1:00 am on ABC.  Yes, I already saw it……but I just have to see it again before I go see the movie!!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

San Francisco Giants, Reality TV & Me

Let me start by saying that I am so happy that the San Francisco Giants won tonight.  I was worried because they almost lost to the Chicago Cubs!!  But, luckily, the Giants prevailed and I am a happy girl.

Just finished watching Top Chef.  It’s the Restaurant Wars episode.  It was hard to watch and I was NOT happy at the outcome.  My favorite contestant this season–Kenny– went home tonight  and that makes me mad.  There are 3-4 what I call “floaters” left in this competition (and he wasn’t one of them).  You know,  people who are not “executive chef” material, more like sous chefs.  This season’s contestants are totally sub-par compared to last season.  Last year I wanted Kevin to win.  But, I think Tom Colicchio wanted one of the Voltaggio brothers to win and he always gets what he wants.  I’m not such a huge fan of Tom C.  I think he’s totally over-rated.  But that’s just my opinion.

Anywho, I am now watching the season finale of Work of Art.  I wasn’t sure that I was going to like this series but I have really come to enjoy it.  I have always loved art and wished I were blessed with artistic talent.  There are many artistic people in our family, maybe it’s just a matter of my not working hard enough to figure out what my talent might be?! Hmmm, something to think about!!

Even though the judges have exacerbated me sometimes this season, I think they got the right three people in the finale.  My favorites this season from the start have been Abdi and Peregrine.  Miles is talented, but a tad over-rated, in my opinion.  He takes the “tortured artist” thing to the extreme.  I don’t have a lot of tolerance for those types of people.

On to what I ate today:

breakfast: Herb and Gorgonzola Frittata and 1 whole wheat english muffin with 2 pats of butter

lunch: Venti sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce Latte

snack: bowl of watermelon (it was soooo yummy!!)

dinner: 2 turkey burgers (about 5.34 oz total), grilled crookneck squash & eggplant, and a dinner salad w/balsamic vinegar & EVOO

dessert: chocolate milk (12 oz 1% milk and 2 Tbsp Nestles Quik) I ended up not having this…too busy blogging and watching my shows.

So far I have had 6 cups of water today.  I will have 2 more before I go to bed tonight, for a total of 8 cups.  Yay—finally!!

I didn’t exercise today, but I did do a p.m. yoga routine.  My body is really tight and I’m having a hard time just doing regular everyday things due to my inflexibility.  And, even though I haven’t been running one of my ankles seems to be a little on the swollen side.  It doesn’t hurt at all and I am walking fine.  Actually I would have never known if I hadn’t been looking.   It concerns me a lot because I know I will want to start running again soon so I need to figure it out now.  I am hoping doing the yoga and becoming more flexible and pliable again will do the trick.  We shall see…..

That’s it for now.  Can’t believe it’s Hump Day Wednesday.  Hope everyone is having a great day.   Just think, the weekend is just around the corner!

Baseball, Reality TV & Tuesday’s meals

I’m sitting here watching my San Francisco Giants lose to the Chicago Cubs 6-2 top of the 5th inning.  Our ace pitcher, Tim Lincecum has been horrible tonight.  The worst I think I’ve ever seen him pitch.  Luckily there are other things to watch to take my mind off this terrible game!!

Right now I’m also watching the season finale of Hell’s Kitchen.  Who else watches this show?  I hope Jay wins, only because I didn’t think Holly was all that great.  This seasons group, in my opinion, is probably the weakest I’ve seen.  I wasn’t overly enthused about any of the contestants.  Especially since they’ll be taking over as executive chef of the world famous Savoy in London England!!  I’ve watched this show since the very first season it was on as I’m a big fan of Gordon Ramsey.  I was planning on watching his new show Master Chef’s, but there were too many things on TV and I never got the chance to watch.  Maybe I’ll check OnDemand to see if I can watch the past shows and catch up?!

Tonight is the season premiere of Flipping Out.   It’s the 4th season, I believe.  I only started watching this show last year when I was working in Colorado Springs, CO and instantly fell in love!  I think Jeff Lewis is great and I’ve been able to see most of the previous seasons episodes thanks to reruns by Bravo.  Actually, Bravo had a marathon today of last season’s Flipping Out and the finale is on right now.  I’m watching it as well as the Giants game as well as Hell’s Kitchen finale.

The Rachel Zoe Project started last week and I was so excited!!  Because of this show I’ve gotten my “fashion mojo” back.  Also, for the first time–because of Rachel Zoe– I have a new-found love for jewelry, especially vintage.  Thank you Rachel!!   And, my mom thanks you! lol

I’m actually happy that Taylor is no longer with the company.  She was so incredibly negative and no fun.  I would have hated to work with her!!  She is definitely a “Debbie Downer”.  Brad has really grown on me and does an excellent job.  I can’t wait to see how the new girl does.  Thank goodness Rachel has her husband, Rodger, to take care of things.  I really am a big fan of Rodger’s!!

Also, Cupcake Wars is on tonight on Food Network.  Lately a ton of cupcake shows have come out, but I really love this competitive show.  And, really, who doesn’t love cupcakes?!

I didn’t exercise today—I’m going to blame it on Flipping Out marathon on Bravo! haha  But I am going to do a yoga routine after this blog while I am watching my shows.  My body is feeling a little tight.

Today this is what I’ve eaten:

Breakfast: Herb & Gorgonzola Cheese Frittata and 2 slices of Russian Rye toast w/2 pats of butter

Lunch: Tuna Sandwich on Russian Rye w/horseradish & mustard

Dinner: Whole Wheat Spaghetti w/ fresh grated Parmesan Cheese and grilled eggplant & crookneck squash

Dessert: 2 scoops Baskin Robbins ice cream: 1 scoop Snickers and 1 scoop Rocky Road

Still haven’t had enough water.  As of right now, I’ve had 5 cups of water.  Hoping by the time I go to bed I will drink 3 more cups to equal 8.  Fingers crossed!!

Day 2 of 30 Day Shred

First off, I will admit that I took the weekend off from exercise and watching what I ate.  But I’m over it now, felt a little guilty and have started fresh this Monday.

I actually woke up this morning and did The Shred.  Yes, it’s shocking since I truly dislike getting up and exercising in the a.m.  My body hurt and I was still partly asleep when I did the routine.  But, I am happy to say, that I did complete it and my body didn’t hurt afterward.  It actually felt better.

The push-ups still suck, but I’ll eventually get over it and master them!!  Well, that’s my plan anyway.  My knee’s hurt at the beginning of the routine when I had to do the jumping jacks (both in the warm-up and in the 1st part of the workout).  But, by the end of the routine (the last circuit of cardio) when I had to do the jumping jacks again, my knee’s were fine.

I don’t know why, but I am not really wanting to run so much at this time.  I did the same thing at around the same time last year.  I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but running doesn’t interest me.  But I know it’s only temporary so I’m just going with it and doing what I feel like doing.  So, right now I will concentrate on Jillian Michael’s 30-Day Shred and getting back into a regular yoga practice.  Then I will add things when I feel up to it.

Today I’ve eaten only when hungry:

breakfast: Shredded Wheat with 1% milk

lunch: Venti sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce Latte (actually this was going to be a snack, but I was full after I drank it–around lunchtime–and am now only getting hungry again!)

***I haven’t eaten dinner yet. Below is what I’ll be eating***

dinner: Turkey meatloaf, Summer Squash, and dinner salad.

dessert: watermelon (yummy!!) and maybe an It’s It ice cream sandwich during the SFGiants game?!

I haven’t decided on the It’s It, yet.  Depends on whether I finish my To Do List for today.

I still need to drink more water.  I think that’s why I’ve been getting headaches and haven’t really felt well.  I’m dehydrated, yet again.

Sleeping hasn’t been an issue, although I have had 1 night of insomnia recently.  Overall, I’ve been getting 6-7 hours of sleep a night with a couple of 8 hours thrown in.  And that’s straight through the night, which is awesome for me!!

Well, off to work on my patio and get dinner ready.  Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend and a Happy Monday!!

Monday’s run, but no 30 Day Shred

Normally I try to run Tuesdays/Thursdays/Saturday or Sunday.  However, I haven’t been very consistent with my running lately….a little laziness maybe??  Anyway, I also looked up the weather forecast for this week and made the decision to do something different.  Instead of waiting until Tuesday, I decided to start my week of with a run.

So, this afternoon I checked the weather, changed my clothes and went running.  The weather was a cool 64*F, but the humidity was 50%, and the winds were 13 mph.  I wore shorts (because of the humidity) but wore a long sleeve cotton shirt (because of the winds).  It ended up being the perfect outfit!!

I ran my usual route but changed it around a little.  Running the neighborhood is 1 mile up and 1 mile back and running around the park trail 3 times equals 1 mile.  Normally I run the neighborhood first and finish up with the park.  However, too often I am finding myself finding excuses to stop before I run the full mile in the park.  So, I ran the 3 laps first and then ran up and back down the main street.  It worked out perfect!!

When I run the neighborhood, it is opposite from where my car is parked so I can’t quit….I have to either walk or run back.  See, sometimes I have to use psychology on myself!!  How sad is that?!  I started my run a little too fast because my legs were exhausted the last 1/4 mile and it took everything I had to run my intervals and finish somewhat strong!

I am continuing my interval schedule from last week: 2 minute run/2 minute walk X 9.  However, since I ran 3 full miles today what I actually ended up running was:  run 2 minutes X 11/walk 2 minutes x 10, + 1:13 min walk.  It was a great run and it put me in a great mood for the week.

Because I ran so late–6:15pm, I have decided not to do my 30 Day Shred workout tonight.  I debated this with myself but decided that whenever I do the workout after my run (usually a few hours) my knee’s are “not right” ( I don’t really know how to describe it, they don’t necessarily hurt, but I can “feel” them).  I would have been doing the workout within a half and hour from when I got home from running.  I don’t want to mess up my knee’s, so I am going to err on the side of caution. Don’t worry, I will be back tomorrow to do Day 10….the last day of level 1!!

Tonight I will do some ab work and a little yoga.  Dancing With The Stars is on tonight as well as the premiere of The Bachelorette.  I have never seen The Bachelor or Bachelorette before…but the girl is from the Bay Area, so I thought I’d check it out.   Besides, Real Housewives of New Jersey is on at 10pm so I probably won’t watch all of it anyway.

Today for breakfast I had a Sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce Latte from Starbucks –no whip.  I know, not the best choice, but it’s better than nothing!  For lunch I had a turkey burger and Summer Squash Medley (leftovers from the other day).  After my run I had a Fuji apple w/2 Tbsp of peanut butter.  For dinner tonight I am going to have whole grain pasta and broccoli. Also, for snack earlier today I had a few walnuts.

I’m still not drinking enough water.  I know I’m dehydrated, even though I don’t really feel like it.  So far today I’ve had 4 cups of water.  I am going to go guzzle some more and maybe I can get to 8 cups by bedtime?? Fingers crossed!!

Monday w/Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred

The weather today in Northern California was terrible! Cold, windy, rainy….I’m sorry, I thought it was May and I lived in Northern California?! The weather should be in the70′s and 80′s with sunny skies!!

I’ve been cold all day so it’s a perfect time to exercise more than once, right?!

I started out doing Ab exercises this morning. I’ve never liked doing ab work and haven’t done any in a few years….and you can tell.  It was hard and frustrating, but I only have myself to blame so I just need to “put up and shut up”.  Well, I got through it and started my day.

Late this afternoon I did the Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred– level one. It’s the third time I’ve done the routine. Yes, it’s still very hard but each time I do it, it gets a little easier! This makes me happy and gives me incentive!!

After I post this I will be doing a short evening yoga routine and then meditate. When I lived in Redding, CA a few years ago I took a History of World Religions course out at Shasta College. The professor had a Buddhist monk from Shasta Abbey come in and teach us how to meditate.  It was only for a few minutes, but I swear, it felt like I had taken a nap I felt so refreshed! I try to meditate when I can, but haven’t done it as often as I’d like, but I’m going to try and make it a part of my regular routine.

As for my eating, I cut down portion size and ate all healthy foods. But tonight I was STARVING and ate more than I planned. Normally I would be hard on myself but looking back I don’t think I ate enough throughout the day….so I won’t beat myself up. I will just adjust tomorrow.