Thursday, December 29, 2011

Holiday Recap and Ramblings

Hey!  Merry Christmas!  I know I am late, what can I say, its better late than never.  I hope all of you had a great Holiday!

I continued on in my usual holiday tradition, Christmas in Las Vegas with my family. One full week of family time, and time for rest and relaxation.  Where to start. It's always good to go back home and hang with the family.  We are in no way, a perfect group, and we are a functional group, and the family love is always there. Family is hard to talk about sometimes, its usually the ones that you love that most that will drive you up the wall the most.  But nonethe less, the love remains, nothing can ever take that away.

This trip was a first for me.  When I got in my car to leave, I actually started to cry.   There were a few days on that trip my heart was extremely heavy.  I often times get so consumed with my problems and my issues that I forget that others too struggle and often struggle greater than I do.  I can not afford to be self consummed.  I can't let the issues with my car, and my apartment and my finances overtake me.  People are out there hurting, receiving near death news, depressed, and losing loved ones. I had a reality check.  I really did. 

I got to spend some more time with my nephew Alex.  He is such a happy baby, adorable as can be.  He has learned to say my name and we have bonded over Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and BaaBaa black sheep.  My mom has taught him many nursery ryhmes and even though he doesn't know all the words, he trys to sound out the words and its the most adorable thing in the world. 

The Christmas Goodies:
I am very very excited to report that I got a juicer for Christmas!  I was not expecting that!  I have wanted one for some time, just could not afford one.  My mom gave me one.  So if anyone out there happens to read this...I need help.  Email me, some juicing tips.  I have already started to search on the internet for the proper way to do this.  Once I start using it, there will be a product recommendation.

As always my sister always takes care of me.  I got a new purse, new shoes, Bacon Breakfast Buffett, and an overall great time while in town.  I am very proud of my sister, she is moving forward in her life.  Enrolled in school at UNLV..got a grant and is just finding her way in this crazy thing called life.  Big Smiles for my lil sis. 

Friends, co-workers and other loved ones: always bless me, great and small.  I really have nothing to complain about.  I certainly did not have the finances to give as I would have liked to this year.  All I could do is send Christmas cards, and just position myself and my heart to receive whatever came my way. 

So overall a great Christmas and I truly wish everyone's was great.  So here we are 2 days left until 2012 rolls in!  I'm giving myself these last 2 days to re-group...January 1, I'm back on track with my excercising and dieting.  I gotta get the rest of this weight off of me.  It's gotta gotta go and I gotta get it done son!

I'm out...talk to you later.

Kyra
Monday, December 12, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Product Recommendation: Pretzel Chips

Well thanks to the snack sampler at my local Sprouts Farmer's Market, I have found a new delightfully tasty snack!  I am not sure if it is the healthiest snack option, but it sure is yummie!  I took a sample while shopping yesterday at Sprouts.  My sample was so good, I went back for a second sample and had to buy a bag!  So what is the snack you ask?

Snack Factory Pretzel Chips: The Chipotle Cheddar Flavor. 

If you like things with a nice kick to them, then this is definitaley a snack you should try!  The cheddar flavor on the pretzel is not overpowering, so if you are not a cheese lover, you may be able to still handle these.  The bag is 7.02 ounces and it was $2.99 I think.  Kinda pricey.  I will have to shop around for a cheaper price and definately a bigger bag!  

These pretzel chips would be great for dipping, and maybe even with hummus.  But greedy me, just ate them plain.   A serving size is 10 chips, 110 calories.   Not bad in my opinion. 

I am officially hooked on them.  I brought the bag I bought into work and had some of my co-workers try it.  So far everyone loves them!  Especially me!  Ya can't just eat one!

Pretzel Chips are available in other flavors!  I really recommend you try them!  Find out more about the product and where you can buy them online at http://pretzelcrisps.com/.  Enjoy!  I promise you won't be disappointed!

See you next time!
Kyra
Monday, December 5, 2011

December Eat-Fest!

Happy Monday! 

Believe it or not, I was sitting her thinking, man, I have not weighed in a what seems like a very long time.  I need to make it out the store to get another scale.  I just really dislike going into the stores this time of year...but I need a new scale! 

The weekend was rather uneventful.  I didn't to do nearly all I needed to do.  I got to go see the new muppets movie and that was bout it.  Sunday..I couldn't go anywhere, my car was not working.  So I spent all day at home, sad, angry, depressed, frustrated, and all those negative emotions.  By now you know what that means...I had an Eat Fest!   

Since I couldn't go anywhere, I had to have my food delivered...and Pizza Hut was the lucky business of choice!  I have 10 hot wings, a Large Pan Pizza (pepperoni, bacon & black olives), and a 2 Liter Pizza.  Needless to day, by the time 9pm came around the entire pizza, the wings & the 2 Liter Pepsi was all gone!  In all honesty, eating a whole large pizza in a day is a first for me.  I have never done that before!  Hmm...and why am I wishing I had a scale?  Never mind..I can do without a scale for now, I am afraid of what it will read! 

I must say that I am grateful I had entertainment on TV.  I was able to watch several episodes of the Hilarious British comedy...Absolutely Fabulous!  That show cracks me up!  Then I moved into watching Life After, Criminal Minds, Covert Affairs and of course The Good Wife.  I discovered some channels on my TV that I never knew I had...Logo and Clue.  It was a good TV watching day. 

Somewhere along the path of life I picked up an infection.  I think I have an ear infection.  That is my self diagnosis!  My left ear, the side of my face and neck is extremely swollen and very painful.  I've been popping aspiring like crazy and using a heat compress.  Today it is not as painful, but very much still swollen.  I will give this another day or 2 before I seek medical attention.  

That's all for now.  I meant to post my Run Your Butt off Challenge for this week, but I left the book at home.  I will post it later.  Have a great week!

Deuces,

Kyra
Thursday, December 1, 2011

Sweat For A Vet - Finale Picture

Today I got a the finale picture from the Sweat for a Vet event that I participated in on November 12, 2011.  Sweat for a Vet is a fundraising event to help wounded veterans.  Believe it or not this was only the 2nd annual fundraising event!  I had a great time...believe it or not I actually did the whole 3 hours on the spin bike!  I didn't think it was possible..but by George I did it! 

Learn more about Sweat for A Vet:  http://www.sweatforavet.org/

11/12/2011 Sweat for A Vet Fundraising Event

Welcome December!!!

December is officially here!  I am oh oh oh oh so excited.  That means Christmas is right around the corner!

So here is a quick recap of yesterday (November 30, 2011):

Breakfast
     Cup of Coffee

Mid Am Snack
     Almonds

Lunch
     Can of Campbell's Select Harvest Chicken Noodle Soup (I'll comment on this another time!)

Dinner
     Italian Sub & a 20 ounce pepsi! 

So What can I say another bad dinner choice!  This is what happens to me when I don't have stuff preplanned.  It was a dinner selection out of convenience and had no regard for nutritional value!  Bad me!

An attempt at a working out
  It was really late at night, but I still attempted to at least walk my neighborhood for 30 minutes. 
  I felt like I was in the midst of a frickin tornado.  I was so windy last night, I could barely even keep my eyes open.  I think I was outside for maybe a total of 10 minutes and came back home! 

Well Today is gonna be another long day.  Our Annual Company offsite is today.  Long Trip down to Laguna Niguel for a day company gathering about Capital Markets!  Oh yeah the fun the excitement!   Then tonight, I have a Christmas Dinner to attend.   Not looking forward to that either, but I must present myself to these functions...I do need to stay employed. 

That's all for now!  Talk to you later.

Kyra
Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Run Your Butt Off (RYBO) - Intro & Stage One

Howdy!

Are you tickled by the Tickle of this blog entry?  Well It is a title of a book, that I ordered from the Editors of Runner's World. 

Why did I buy the book?  For that little person within me, that has secretly wanted to get back into running or at least jogging.  I ordered the book, and I think it showed up at the house sometime in October.  I spent some time flipping through it and then I finally started to read it.  So now that I am all amped up and ready to start...I'm recording this on teh blog. 

The book so far seems to be broken up in weekly segments, but the encourage you to go at your own pace.  So we will see how I Do.  Are you ready? 

Stage 1 Workout
  • Walk for 30 Minutes
  • Total workout time: 30 minutes
  • Do this workout at least 3 or 4 times in a week before moving on to the next stage. 
    Seems easy enough for the first stage huh?  Well I was almost tempted to skip this stage, since I know I can walk 30 minutes.  But I talked myself out of it.  I will make myself go for a walk for at least 30 minutes 3 times this week!  I promise! 

    Interested in finding out more about the book, Run Your Butt Off?  Check it out:  Book: Run your Butt Off

    I'm excited for the new challenge.
    Tuesday, November 22, 2011

    Inspired Yet Again....

    I spent a few hours today browsing various bloggers.  Reading content, looking at designs, widgets, etc.  When I spend time doing that, it always gets my wheels turning.  Even though I say I am keeping this blog as a personal diary for myself, I do want to make it the best it can be. 

    So the wheels are turning...and they are turning rather quickly.  I think 2012 may be the year, I move my blog to its own domain.  I think my blog may need a little out of pocket funding from me to really get it out there. 

    On a personal note, I have a long mental list of goals and aspirations.  I think I want to incorporate that into my blog.  I think a new page?  Maybe I can find a goal board type widget?  Who knows, but as the new year rolls in, I am looking for the new Me to be come forth.  No more holding back.  I am gonna be switching things up next year!  I am so excited. 

    If anyone out there in internet world stumbles upon this blog post, please feel free to make any suggestions that would help improve this blog.  I am open to any and all suggestions. 

    Take Care.

    Kyra
    Friday, November 18, 2011

    Thursday in Review...

    Well Thursday was a fairly decent day.  We had our office Thanksgiving Dinner and I kinda behaved myself.  This years work Thanksgiving Dinner was not as bountiful as it has been in the years past, which for me is a good thing.  Less things to tempt me into eatting to much.   After I left work I really did not feel like going to spin class...but I went ahead a showed up. 

    Breakfast
         Scrambled Eggs
         1 roma Tomato
         2 slices of Ham

    Mid Am Snack
         Perssimon

    Lunch
        Ham, Turkey, Yams, Collard Greens & a slice of Pumpkin pie, & a slice of Cream cheese cake
        Can of Coke

    Dinner (exactly 1 hr before spin class)
         99c cheeseburger from Wendys
         small frosty
    **Note to self: this was the worst thing to eat before going to spin class.

    Workout
         1 hour of Spin Class @ 24 Hr Fitness
    Thursday, November 17, 2011

    Recap of Wednesday...

    Well I know I posted earlier I was making my way back, and since then I have not posted anything.  I already get an F.  So yesterday, was not a great eat day.  I indulged in some Taco Bell...why o why?  I was doing so well up until the Taco Bell indulgence.

    Wednesday was a pretty lull day.  Work was busy, which is probably for my best right now, it helps keep my mind off of things.  I meet up with a old co-worker from Citi National Bank.  She was over in Century City for a meeting and came and had coffee with me.  I also found out one of my other former CNB co-workers  now works across the lot from me!  I am excited!

    Okay here are the eats for the day:

    Breakfast
         White Chocolate Latte
        
    Mid Am Snack
         Apple

    Lunch
         Kale Salad w/ 1 slice of toast

    Mid Afternoon Snack
         Beef jerky

    Dinner
         3 tacos & a quesadilla from Taco Bell

    I was supposed to go to spin class last night but didn't.  I was go heavy & lazy after consumming all my taco bell, I couldn't work out!  LOL. I need help...pray for me people!
    Tuesday, November 15, 2011

    Making my way back...

    Hey gang...Well it has been a rough 3-4 weeks here personally.  I can't remember how much I "blogged" about my apartment issues.  But just to keep the story short, I have been living out of boxes for 2 weeks, Sleeping on an air matress for about a month now.  It was a hard transition, a vast mix of emotions, alot of heart ache, pain, and tears. 

    Over the weekend, I decided its time to get back to a routine.  Now that I am slowing unpacking my apartment, I now have access to my pots & pans, cups, my oven, its time to cook at home and stop eating out, which is such an expensive thing to do.  Even with the best of intentions of eating healthy while dining out, it is rather hard to do, when I can't tell how things are really being.  Things that sound healthy at places, aren't necessarily heatlhy.  Salads as we all know can be a death trap of calories with all the stuff they add to it! 

    So yesterday, was my first day of back to preparing my own food and getting my tail outside to get some workouts in.  Does anyone else struggle with working out in the winter?  The cold just adds a whole other hurdle to overcome in excercising!   

    In True Form, here is my recap of what I ate on Monday Nov 14th..not a perfect food day...

    Breakfast
         Cup of Coffee

    Mid Am Snack
         2 Tomatoes
         Mushroom Cap (I love mushrooms)

    Lunch
         Kale Salad (Oh how I missed eating you)  It was delish!

    Afternoon Snack (b-day celebration @ work)
         Slice of Strawberry shortcake

    Dinner
         Chicken
         1 tomato
         pepsi

    Now that I have logged this, for some odd reason, I have been craving tomatoes.  Hmm!  But I do love the little boogers.

    Workout
         45 min Neighborhood Walk

    On another note I wanna share my victory over this past weekend.  I had signed up for a charity spinnning event called Sweat for A Vet.  I signed up to spin for 3 hours...and I successfully completed it!  It was hard!  The 3rd hour was by far the hardest and I almost felt like I was gonna pass out.  But I completed all 3 hours!  Yeah Me!

    Talk you guys later!
    Sunday, October 30, 2011

    Dressing Room Confessional

    Howdy.

    So here it is...there needs to seriously be an overhaul in the fashion industry.  Whomever is making our clothes these days, they suck!  I took advantage of a sale this weekend at the Avenue.  My main objective was to buy underwear and bras, but while I was there I tried on some jeans and some capri and some other items just to see what I could fit into.

    So my rant steams from me currently owning and wearing an Avenue Jean in size 22, and when I tried this on this weekend, I couldn't fit a size 22!  WTH?  I don't understand?  It is rather frustrating!  I didn't buy any jeans cause I refuse at this stage to buy a size 24 jeans!

    I am happy to report that progress I have made in the underwear department.  At the beginning of my journey.  I was wearing a size 48DD (or sometimes DDD, depending on the cut).  This weekend, as I played trail and error with the size I needed...I was able to get into a 44D!  Yah Me!   Then in the underwear department..I used to buy a 26/28 underwear and this weekend...18/20!   Yah Me! 

    Yah Me! I am getting closer and closer to my first milestone...which is to get under 300!  I can't wait!

    See ya later.

    Kyra
    Friday, October 28, 2011

    Truly the Grace of God...

    I just wanted to take a quick moment out of my workday to say a little something on my blog.  It has been over 2 weeks now! 

    Things have been challenging for me the last couple of weeks.  I'm okay I am happy to report though the storms of life have arrived and though they have tried to overtake me....I truly am at peace!  Things happen unexpectedly in life, we all know that, but people always say its how to react to them that affect how they effect you.  LOL!  That's quite the tongue twister I typed!  HaHa! 

    I don't deserve the grace of God, nor do I deserve the Favor of God. But because I am a child of God, he gives grace, mercry and favor overabundantly in my life.  I am truly grateful.  I know I don't pray as often as I should, I don't spend the time with Him as I should...but still, My God is yet with me, yet covering me, yet protecting me, yet giving me peace that has truly surpassed ALL OF MY understanding.  This God that I serve is truly a gracious, loving God.  To Him and Him only do I belong.  The storm is not over, I am still in the middle of yet, but its okay for the storm lasts another day, another month, or another 3 months.  I really am cool.  I welcome the opportunity to struggle...I am not gonna say suffer, Jesus Suffered.  He was beaten many times, nailed, spit on, etc, I can't call what I am going through suffering, I am only struggling.  But this struggle is really showing me more of the Heart of my Creator.   This, if nothing else, is a humbling experience.
    Wednesday, October 12, 2011

    Absolutely Astonished!

    I am posting early today, I want to be done with all my chores so I can watch Criminal Minds without any interruptions. I just got home from spin class. I could not make my 3:30p personal training session with Jen, so I had to at least get some cardio in.

    Today is one of those days I look back on and say, wow, how did I do it? I am sure you heard to talk about how intense spin class is. But can you believe I did 2 sessions today? I actually got up early, and hit the 5:30am class. Went about my day, and made a late evening session, and made it through both! I don't know how though...getting through one class is hard enough. Nonetheless, I am grateful!

    So here is today's eats:

    Breakfast: Coffee and an apple

    Lunch: Salad (spring mix, tomato, cucumber,chicken lemon juice for dressing)

    Dinner: Same as lunch, with a piece of melba toast.

    Workouts
    • 40 minutes of early morning spinning @ 24 hour fitness - Hawthorne
    • 60 minutes of evening spinning @ 24 hour fintess - Hawthorne
    Nothing else to really report today. It was my usual unevenful busy day. I did start working on website project for a friend. That was kind of cool. That is my new creative outlet. Well that is all for now, going to hit the shower, put on my jammies and get ready for Criminal Minds.

    See you Lighter!
    Tuesday, October 11, 2011

    Tuesday Hodgepdoge

    I couldn't think of anything to label today. But what a day it was. Well I want to start off with my 2 purchases today. My first purchase was a printer from Target. The cool thing is that Target didn't have it advertised as being on sale, I only found it as I wondered aimlessly through the store. They were kinda of hidden. I got an Epson Printer, that prints, scan, and photo copies. It was a whopping $29.99! Can you believe it?

    My second purchase, I got a mirror for my apartment. It has a pretty bronzy looking metallic frame. I bought it at Big Lots for $25. Now I just need to find some artwork that I like for the living room and I think I will be set.

    So let's get to food and excercise stuff, is that cool?

    Breakfast: Coffee
    Mid AM Snack: Gala Apple
    Lunch: Salad (Romaine Lettuce, Cucumbers, tomatoes) lemon juice for dressing
    Dinner: Same as lunch

    Workouts
    That is it for today.  The workout today with Jen was tough.  Gonna watch NCIS at 8 and go to bed!  Catch you lighter! :)

    Kyra
    Monday, October 10, 2011

    And the Omron Scale Says...70 years old!!!

    Well today I went in for first week assessment with Alain @ Abs Club LA. He was pretty darn excited today. Why? He has this Omron HBF-514 scale that measures body fat, viseral fat, my weight, my body age and BMI. Well for hte longest time, I was too heavy for the machine. I would never give me a reading. Hopefull Alain, had me get on the Omron Scale again today to see if it would read, and boy george...IT DID! He was really happy, like little kid at Christmas Happy.

    So the machine was able to give me my weight, my body fat, BMI, and my body age! Unfortunately, I didn't remember all the numbers, but the one number I remember is the body Age. The Omron scale told me my body age was 70! Wowzers!

    Despite the surprising 70 year old reading. I am actually very impressed with this scale. The model that Alain uses is the Omron HBF-514, and I think at some point I may have to invest in one.


    http://www.omronhealthcare.com/products/hbf-514c/

    Kyra

    Scale Whisperer...

    Here we are another Monday! Time to face the dreaded scale!

    10/10/2011 319.0
    10/3/2011: 326.6
    9/27/2011: 326.7
    9/19/2011: 325.6
    9/12/2011: 329.9
    9/5/2011: Skipped (out of town)
    8/29/2011: 333.3 (Can you see my jaw on the floor?)
    8/22/2011: 328.8
    8/15/2011: 331.8
    8/8/2011: 336.7
    7/25/2011: 337.7
    7/18/2011: 343.0
    7/11/2011: 342.2
    7/5/2011: 349.8
    6/27/2011: 352.8
    6/20/2011: 363.5
    6/13/2011: 368.7
    6/8/2011: 371
    Weekly Weight Loss: 7.6 lbs
    Total Weight Loss: 52.0 lbs
    Sunday, October 9, 2011

    Weekend Recap

    Howdy Partners. I woke up this morning thinking, I have not blogged in a few days. So even though my day is far from being over I figured, I better get on here and keep myself accountable.

    I am happy to report that I am officially on vacation! WoooHooo! Friday was my last day in the office and I won't have to return for 2 more weeks. I wish I could just party it on up! The weekend started off good. Stayed on my food plan on Friday. Worked out with Jen afterwork. Did lots of stretch and cardio. It actually felt good, I needed it.

    Saturday...Kept myself busy. Church in the morning, laundry, errands, got my hair done...etc. Didn't work out:0(

    Sunday...I was motivated to go to the gym. I didn't do much just hopped on the treadmill did about 40 minutes (burned burned 405 calories) and left. The weather will be nice this weekend, So I think I will have to make a few neighborhood walks and a couple of trips to the beach.

    Went to one of my favorite places today...Soupplantation! I loving making salads at that place. Then went to go see the movie Abduction. It was a good movie! Well that is all I have for now. Check back later.
    Thursday, October 6, 2011

    Blah Blah Blah

    I'm kinda in an unmotived funk.  I was talking about my unmotivation with my trainer Jen today, and she said it's probably because of the weather.  Yesterday here in California, he had rain most of the day and it was so cold.  We got an early taste of fall/winter in October.  Today was a bit windy, still a chill in the air, but by the time I left work, it was actually very nice outside.

    This has been hell week it seems like.  Everything that could possibly go wrong at work, seems to be going wrong.  We had auditors in the office for hte last 2 weeks so that is adding to my stress and headaches.  Thankfully, today was his last day, and he has left us. 

    So unto the boring food stuff.  I had a good eat day.  I have not had dinner yet, but I am not feeling hungry so I may just have some water and eat a piece of fruit.

    Breakfast:     Coffee

    Mid Am Snack:  1/2 of Grapefruit

    Lunch:   Salad with Salmon, lemon juice for dressing

    Mid Afternoon Snack:  Melba Toast

    Dinner: Questionable at this point.

    Workouts:
    • 30 minutes with Personal Trainer Jen
    • 23 minutes...1.17 mile walk.  I actually made it out for a walk today!  It's been such a long time since I have gone out for a stroll.  I needed it.  It relaxes me and clears my head!  Went to a new park called Carl Neilsen Youth Park and walked the perimeter of the park.  
    Here is a quick map route of where I walked, courtesy of the Endomondo app.


    That's all for now.  Gonna hit the shower and make my lunch for tomorrow.
    Tuesday, October 4, 2011

    Oh Me oh My...

    That's what I am thinking right at this moment. Oh Me Oh My.  I got home a little while ago from my workout with Jen.  I am beat..and was light headed after we got done.  She worked to me tonight.  Here is a quick recap of the day...as I attempt to watch NCIS!  I love that show!

    Breakfast:  Cup of Coffee

    AM snack:  Granny Smith Apple

    Lunch:  Salad (iceberg lettuce, carrots, cabbage), salmon, juice of 1/2 of a lemon for dressing

    Dinner:  Salad (same as above)  chicken, juice of 1/2 of a lemon for dressing.

    Workout:  30 minutes with Personal Trainer Jen.

    I know its a boring post...it was a boring, yet very stressful day.  I will chat with you later.
    Monday, October 3, 2011

    What a Monday...

    Monday Monday Monday!
    Why! Monday!
    Mondays are so hard, so unkind, so unloving!
    Really struggled today and had the Monday Blues!

    Today not the best eat day, but I knew going in it wouldn't be.  We had our new hire luncheon today, and like a bad girl, I ate pizza!  But that is all I ate today with the except of an apple.  Drank lots of water cause I did get hungry at about 7pm.  But I told myself I could not afford to eat anything else.

    I can't believe how time is flying.  Another night at the Arthritis Foundation, and I can't believe that Mireya will be on maternity leave soon!  So much to do, and so little time.  We had a good night though, tossed back and forth some ideas, worked out some plans, and now I think we have a better idea of what needs to get done in the next 4 weeks.  Then reality set in,  Next Saturday, I have to be at an Expo for the Foundation...by myself!  Mireya will not be with me, there is a training class that day so we are spllitting duties!  AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!  I hope things go well!

    Not much else happened today.  I download my L.A. Fair pictures, and below is the one I decided to share!  I think its cute and yet rather hilarious! 

    LA County Fair, Oct 1, 2011

    Just checking In!

    Wow Last week was not a good blog week for me.  I was missing in action most of the week!  I had a really stressful week.  It was a bad eat week.  I am shocked I didn't gain anything.  I pretty much stayed the same.   I am recommitting myself to my goals.  I still want to lose 40-50 more pounds before the end of the year.   I need to get serious now becuase once Thanksgiving gets here, I know it will hard to resist all the wonderful food.  So I getting back at it....after today's BJ Pizza for lunch!  LOL! 

    I had an enjoyable weekend!  The weather was perfect, I spent Saturday at the L.A. County Fair.  That was my first time ever going!  It was cool, I will have to make that an annual event.  I have some pictures from the fair, but they are on my home computer so I will have to share them later.  Other than that, I don't have much to report, so that's it. 

    See ya lighter!

    The Scale Whisperer...

    10/3/2011: 326.6
    9/27/2011: 326.7
    9/19/2011: 325.6
    9/12/2011: 329.9
    9/5/2011:  Skipped (out of town)
    8/29/2011: 333.3  (Can you see my jaw on the floor?)
    8/22/2011:  328.8
    8/15/2011: 331.8
    8/8/2011: 336.7
    7/25/2011: 337.7
    7/18/2011: 343.0
    7/11/2011: 342.2
    7/5/2011: 349.8
    6/27/2011: 352.8
    6/20/2011: 363.5
    6/13/2011: 368.7
    6/8/2011: 371
    Weekly Weight Loss: - .1  lbs
    Total Weight Loss:  44.3 lbs
    Thursday, September 29, 2011

    A Whole Different Kind of Sick....

    I am paying a heavy price right now for a bad decision made on Wednesday.  Someone at work made this dish called Posole.  She took it upon herself to make me this huge bowl of hte stuff without checking with me first.  So unfortunately, I was forced to be nice and eat the stuff. 

    I got home on Wednesday and was so sick!  It was terrible...really terrible.  Even today, not doing so well, my stomach is not back to normal.  Believe me when I tell ya...Never again!  I tried to not eat so much today, so I could give my stomach a rest, but that so didn't happen!

    Breakfast:  Wheat Bagel w/ Cream Cheese, White Chocolate Latte

    Lunch:  Pomegranate Paradise Smoothie from Jamba Juice

    Mid Afternoon Snack:  Isopure Chocolate Protein Shake

    Dinner:  Rally's Cheeseburger w/ French Fries & a pepsi! 

    I know..another F today!  Bad eating choices!

    Workout:  30 mins w/ Jen.  Lots of heavy weight lifting!  Oh wee...
    Wednesday, September 28, 2011

    Terrible Tuesday...

    Yesterday was one of the hardest days I have had in a while.  I know I am hard on myself..but I fell face first off the bandwagon.  THe day started bad and ended bad.  I can't think of anything good that happened yesterday, except for the fact that I survived the day!

    The first Irritant of the Day:  WORK!
    I know this will sound petty, but I get to work 6:30am.  I log into my computer..get into my email, ya know the normal morning routine.  As I am checking my email, I have an email from my boss, saying Client X called and wanted to know the amount of her distribution.  He ends the email with, can you check on that and call them back to clarify.  Now, this is 2011 and everything is electronic and automated, with the stroke of maybe 10 keys he could have looked up the distribution amount and told it to the client.  Are we really that incompetent? 

    When we need transactions and things completed at work we have to enter what we call a case.  I had entered a case to change a fee on an account.  THen out of the blue another trust officer from NY called asking me about my case.  I am stunned cause I'm thinking why is it that she even knows about my case, is she checking the items I submit?  But anyways, she continues to tell me my case is incorrect and that I need to do something else.  Mind you 2 weeks ago I submitted the same type of case on another account the same way and had no issues. 

    The issues at worked continued all day!  It was none stop. It just made all those feelings of hating my job resurface.  I really dislike being there, and I wish I did not have to be.  

    Next Irritant of the Day:  Lunch
    Today was a co-worker (Bill) birthday.  We decided to treat him to lunch and got some pies for hte office.  So off Israel & I go to pick up the food from Apple Pan down near Pico/Westwood.  We get to the restaurant they are still putting the food together, the handed us the 3 pies and a big old box full of stuff.  So off we go back to the office.  We start unpacking all the food and my order is missing and so is Bills!  So Israel gets on the phone and tells them we are missing 2 orders.  So back into the car we go retrieve our missing lunches.  Got back to the office with my food...it was the most disappionting burger and the fries were nasty!  I needed comfort food and I was so hoping that the burger and fries would have hit the spot, but no such luck!

    Sidebar:  As I write this I am reminded of one good thing, My dear friend at work Iris, brought me Pico De Gallo

    I got home, and I just felt so so defeated.  I hated work, hated that I even had to go back.  I sat on the couch and even though I knew I should be changing to go to spin class @ 5:30p, I just didn't want to do it.  I just wanted to wallow in my sadness and I did.  At about 7pm I told myself to go get a pedicure.  Pedicures to me are very relaxing.  I like the massage chairs at the salon I go to.  So that was my relaxation for the evening.

    Next Irritant of the Day:  Water
    On my way to the salon I stopped at 7-11 to get cash and I wanted a drink, so I got a 1-liter bottle of water.  I at some point, did not screw the top of the water bottle back on, and guess what, the whole bottle of water spilled in my car!  Everything was soaked! 

    All in all a bad day for me.  Glad it over, and I hope today has something better in store for me.
    Tuesday, September 27, 2011

    Monday Mania!

    Yesterday was such a long day for me.  I am glad, yet very surprised I made it through the day!  Went to work, went to the Arthritis Foundation and had a workout with Jen....totalled up as a total of 16 hours!  There really is not enough hours in the day!

    Breakfast:     Scrambled eggs, scrambled with Spinach & mushrooms

    Mid Am Snack:  Gala Apple

    Lunch:  Kale Salad

    Mid Afternoon Snack:   Isopure Vanilla Protein Shake

    Dinner:  I think it was a southwest Salad (it was provided @ the Arthritis Foundation)  & a can of sprite

    Workout:  30 minute with Jen

    And then lastly I finished the day, with much need sleep!  :0)

    That's all for now, catch ya later!

    Scale Whisperer...

    Sorry I am late, posting.  I overslept on Monday and did not even think about getting on the scale! 

    9/20/2011: 326.7
    9/19/2011: 325.6
    9/12/2011: 329.9
    9/5/2011:  Skipped (out of town)
    8/29/2011: 333.3  (Can you see my jaw on the floor?)
    8/22/2011:  328.8
    8/15/2011: 331.8
    8/8/2011: 336.7
    7/25/2011: 337.7
    7/18/2011: 343.0
    7/11/2011: 342.2
    7/5/2011: 349.8
    6/27/2011: 352.8
    6/20/2011: 363.5
    6/13/2011: 368.7
    6/8/2011: 371
    Weekly Weight Loss: +1.1  lbs
    Total Weight Loss:  44.3 lbs
    Friday, September 23, 2011

    For the Love of Fridays!!!!!!

    I don't know about you, but Friday is my favorite day of the week.  I had a very hard time getting out of bed and making it into work.  The fall weather is rolling in, here in Los Angeles.  It has been darn and extremely fogging in the morning.  The fog makes it cooler in the morning, and the cool air makes me sleepy and the fog makes me wanna stay in bed.  Such a struggle to get going this morning.

    Breakfast:     Omelette (cheese, mushroom, spinach), 3 pieces of bacon

    Mid Am Snack:  Granny Smith Apple

    Lunch:  Kale Salad, Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar,

    Dinner:  Salad (Lettuce, tomato, corn, salsa, chicken)  Italian dressing

    After Dinner Snack:  1/2 Cucumber

    Workout:  30 min Personal Training with Jen.  Today I jogged up a little hill!  What a challenge, but in all honesty, things are getting easier for me to do. As I was working out with Jen, we got to talking about things I would really enjoy doing.  So I told her about my aspirations of going on a hike, and rowing on the water.  She said she would help me get there! 

    Oh the release of Killer Elite is out tonight!  I have been waiting so long for this movie and I am gonna go see it tonight.  This is why I am posting this early.  Fret not my friends...no popcorn, or candy...just gonna watch the movie.  Tata!

    Kyra
    Thursday, September 22, 2011

    Metabolism 101

    Morning After Pill for Workouts....I need one!

    Recap of Wed Sept 21!
    Wow...what a day!  I have decided that there needs to be another Morning After Pill out on the market.  You know a pill you can take in the morning after a grusome workout.  The workout that has you so sore, you can't bend your legs, waist arms, to get yourself out of bed.  Have you been there?  Are you feeling my pain right now?  If you have any connections to any of the major drug companies...please pitch the idea!  I will be a life long customer, if they make such a pill! 


    Breakfast:  Coffee, Bagel w/ Cream Cheese

    Mid Am Snack:  1 Roma Tomato

    Lunch:  Salmon & Kale Salad (Kale, cucumbers, tomato, Feta Cheese, Dill weed, Avocado, Braggs ACV, Juice of 1 lemon, dash of salt & Pepper) 

    Mid Afternoon Snack:  Cucumber w/ salsa

    Dinner:  Chicken (more chicken than I should have probably eaten)

    Workout:  60 minutes Indoor Cycling...24 hour fitness in Hawthorne!!! What What! 
    First Class in like 2 weeks.  This was an unplanned workout.  I had a meeting until about 7pm today, but the schedule changed and I became free as a bird!  Then I was torn...should I train with Jen @ 6 or should I go to Cycling?  Decisions Decisions! I chose Cycling!

    My Miscellaneous Rant:  It was the Season Premier of Criminal Minds!  One of my favorite shows on TV to watch.  It was so so so good!  I love the the BAU team is back together, JJ, & Prentiss have returned and the group is staying together...Hooray! 
    Tuesday, September 20, 2011

    A Day I Celebrate a victory

    Two weeks of being sick and not eating like I should be eating was enough to just throw my body into shock I guess.  Today...I was really really back on track.  Back on track with my eating and back on track with excercising.    Mid morning I was just starving, even after I ate my Mid AM Snack.  I was HUNGRY!  I just kept chugging away at my water to fill up my tummy.  Things were better once I ate lunch.  It felt really good (yet painful) to be back working out with my Trainer Jen.  I have 4 months until year end...and I would absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to lose 50 more pounds by then. 

    Breakfast:  Scrambled eggs with mushroom, coffee

    Mid Am Snack:  Granny Smith Apple

    Lunch:  Rotisserre Chicken with Veggies

    Mid Afternoon Snack:  1/2 Cucumber

    Dinner:  1 slice of Cheese White Pizza (no tomato sauce)

    Workout:  30 Min Personal Training with Jenny Rockets!  It was a rough workout!

    So my victory celebration...I was able to wear my favorite royal blue blouse!  I had bought the blouse over 3 years ago.  I have not worn it in 2 years cause I had put on so much weight!  Today I wore it proudly!  It really is my favorite blouse!

    September 20, 2011

    Well that is all for tonight.  See ya tomorrow!

    Kyra

    A Late Posting...Recap of Monday Sept 19

    Wow, I feel asleep on my love seat shortly after I was done washing & flat ironing my hair!  All I remember is finishing up my hair, turning off the flat iron and sitting back to watch a little of Dancing with Stars.  I can't even remember if I saw anyone dance!  So sad!

    Monday is an okay day...made a bad food choice for dinner, but this is what happens when I don't take the time to prep my meals on the weekends.  I wanted to hit the gym, but that didn't happen!

    Breakfast:  Coffee, 2 hard boiled eggs, Applegate Organic ham

    Lunch:  Kale Salad (kale, feta cheese, cucumbers, tomato, dill, braggs apple cider vinger, juice of 1 lemon)  Good stuff!  I really love Kale!

    Dinner:  An Italian Sub from Togo's.

    Why I ate it?  I have no clue..but it sure was tasty!

    I made my Sprout's Farmers Market run after work.  Stocked up on My Kale, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Spinach....you get the point.  I'm back to eating my fresh produce!  Oh how I miss it!

    Nothing to eventful today,  but here is a picture of me at work.  Blouse was purchased over the weekend at Kohls.  I'm bargain shopping until my weight stablizes.  The black slacks are old...had them for years, but they are from Lane Bryant, I was finally able to get back into them about a month ago! 

    September 19, 2011
    Now if I may critique myself...I would love from my hips to be smaller, my upper belly fat that hangs over to go away, and definately gotta get rid of the arm fat!  I am very pleased that I now have a waist..I never had any definition in my mid section before.  But I am still a work in progress...Stay tuned! 
    Monday, September 19, 2011

    99% Recooperated...ready to get back at it

    I know I have been silent all weekend.  It was a busy and tiring weekend!  Saturday I spent all day with a friend for her birthday.  Good times were had.  We had lunch, did a little shopping, watched a movie!  Sigh...its the most I have done since I got sick!   So it was a bit tiring for me, I must admit. 

    So let me talking about my shopping....I got a skirt and a pair of tall boots from the avenue!    I was gonna show you pictures, but the Avenue website is not allowing me to steal the pictures so here are the links:

    Boots: Purchased in Black 
    http://www.avenue.com/clothing/Tina-Slouch-Buckle-Boot.aspx?PfId=245553&DeptId=19963&ProductTypeId=1

    Skirt:  Purchased in Gray
    http://www.avenue.com/clothing/Crosshatch-Paneled-Skirt.aspx?PfId=237421&DeptId=19953&ProductTypeId=1

    I also got a nice turquoise top from Kohl's!  I am loving Turquoise.  I was very surprised, I was able to get into a size 1X!  

    While I was Avenue I feel in love with a coat.  $80...but I loved it!  So I am going to use the coat as a motivator.  When I lose 25 more pounds, I will treat myself to the coat!

    Now that I am almost 100% over my cold.  Its time to buckle back down with my eating and my workout schedule.  Tuesday will be my first day back with Jen, I will look at teh 24hr Group Class schedule and see what I can get myself into this week.  Expect to see my workout calendar updated by the end of the day!

    Well that is all I have to share right now, gotta get back to work!  Tata!

    Scale Whisperer...4.3 lbs lost

    Celebrating every victory...great and small! 

    9/19/2011: 325.6
    9/12/2011: 329.9
    9/5/2011:  Skipped (out of town)
    8/29/2011: 333.3  (Can you see my jaw on the floor?)
    8/22/2011:  328.8
    8/15/2011: 331.8
    8/8/2011: 336.7
    7/25/2011: 337.7
    7/18/2011: 343.0
    7/11/2011: 342.2
    7/5/2011: 349.8
    6/27/2011: 352.8
    6/20/2011: 363.5
    6/13/2011: 368.7
    6/8/2011: 371
    Weekly Weight Loss: 4.3  lbs
    Total Weight Loss:  45.4 lbs
    Friday, September 16, 2011

    Thursday Recap....

    Well gang...another mundane daily reporting!  I am really beginning to miss being outside walking and being out of the house doing things!  Darn summer cold just ruins everything!  I want to enjoy the last month we'll probably have of warm weather in California! 

    Breakfast:     White Chocolate Latte

    Mid Am Snack:     Gala Apple

    Lunch:     Cobb Salad

    Mid Afternoon Snack:  Granny Smith Apple

    Dinner:  I'm ashamed to say....Wingstop lemon pepper wings!  :0( 

    That was it...I got home, ate, changed my clothes and I took some decongestant and feel asleep. 
    Thursday, September 15, 2011

    An unexpected Incidental!

    Hmmm...not sure how to start of talking about this topic of the day.  So Let me start with my eats.

    Pre-Breakfast Eats:     Druid Detox Drink from Leaf Organics

    Breakfast:    Asiago Bagel from Panera Bread; Black Coffee w/ cream

    Lunch:     Chicken Noodle Soup from Saboral in the Century City Mall

    Dinner:      Chicken (a whole lot of chicken)

    Again, no workouts or physical activity.  Which in all honesty seems to be the best.  When I get home I take my meds and get to bed and I am resting very well! 

    So the unexpected incidental!  After having breakfast, and just to point it out, I was at work.  All of a sudden, I had to "go"  It came some quickly I had to run rapidly to the bathroom, which unfortuantely is on the other side of the building!  So I had an incident at the office!  Thankfully, no one was in the restroom, so I could clean up myself and the bathroom stall! 

    So after 2 days of detox drinks from Leaf Organics...believe me when I tell ya...They Work! 
    Tuesday, September 13, 2011

    Quiet day of reflection...

    Still under the weather not many exciting things to report.  But I do have some things that caught me off gaurd that just put me in a place to reflect and be happy.

    Oddly enough I got into the office this morning, sat at my cubicle and one of the office doors in front of me was open.  I looked in the office, out the window and the sky and the cloud pattern was remarkably beautiful to me!  I tried to capture it on my phone, not sure the picture captures the beauty I saw, but it brought just a sense of peace and relaxation to me!




    Breakfast:  Lively Lemonade Detox Drink from Leaf Organics

    Lunch:  Cobb Salad w/ Bleu Cheese Dressing

    Dinner:  5 piece Hot Wing & Potato Wedges

    Late Night Drink:     Druid Detox Drink from Leaf Organics

    I made a pit stop to ABS Club LA to visit Jen.  I was going to attempt to go to Group Training tonight, but Jen & Alain said no and that I should wait until I am feeling better. So no training for me today either.  I never thought I would ever utter these words, but I miss my workouts, I miss spin class! 

    Well tonight I was browsing old pictures of myself.  Looking at where I was, where I am now, and where I desire to be.  It's very nostalgic!  It's such a relief ... I don't know how else to explain it.  I life long struggle, a life long battle, that I continually lost..I'm finally showing some signs of victory, some signs of progress.  Makes me very emotional, makes me very humble and makes me extremely grateful!  To all things there really is a season.  After all the times of trying...who knew this would be the time?  I sit..astonished! 
    Monday, September 12, 2011

    Scale Whisperer...

    Back on my weekly routine!  Here are the results:

    9/12/2011: 329.9
    9/5/2011:  Skipped (out of town)
    8/29/2011: 333.3  (Can you see my jaw on the floor?)
    8/22/2011:  328.8
    8/15/2011: 331.8
    8/8/2011: 336.7
    7/25/2011: 337.7
    7/18/2011: 343.0
    7/11/2011: 342.2
    7/5/2011: 349.8
    6/27/2011: 352.8
    6/20/2011: 363.5
    6/13/2011: 368.7
    6/8/2011: 371
    Weekly Weight Loss: 3.4 lbs
    Total Weight Loss:  41.1 lbs
    Sunday, September 11, 2011

    Hmmm...90%

    Man what a week.  A summer cold bad enought to knock me off my feet for a week.  I am almost back to feeling normal.  I still have a bad cough, runny nose, sneezing, etc.  But I do have some strength to myself.  I made it out of the house on Saturday to have lunch with 2 friends.  It was nice to catch up with them.  I have not seem one of them in like 2 years.   

    We ate at a place in Pasadena called, La Grande Orange.  Cute little place, nice atmosphere, great food!  I love when I can go to a restaurant and get grass fed beef items!  I absolutely love it!   Well tomorrow is Monday, and I plan on facing the dreaded scale since I missed last Monday's weigh in.  Hope to see you all tomorrow.

    And here are some pictures of me in my white dress @ lunch on Saturday!



    I feel like the freakin'  jolly green giant.  When I look at myself next to them I just seem so huge!  Note to self:  Don't take pictures with skinny petite people!  HA HA!

    Good night all!
    Thursday, September 8, 2011

    Still Under the Weather...

    Man..I really hate being sick. This all started on Tuesday and has progressed to something really bad.  Today I feel absolutely horrible.  When I got out of the bed this morning I was light headed & dizzy, I could barely make it into the restroom to take a shower.  So I went back into bed.  Sent a text message to work that I would be late.  I really had a rough time this morning, I rolled out of bed at 9am and made myself come to work.

    So sorry to any or all of my real and or imaginary blog readers, I have nothing to really report.  I have not been to my personal training sessions, have not been to spin class, I just don't have the strength or energy to workout.  I have very little appetite, I've been drinking tea, orange juice, water, soup and that is about it. 

    Today though I think a visit to the doctor is in order cause I fell horrible, and I mean horrible.  I am not much of a doctor person, I really don't go to doctors, but I really feel that bad. 
    Wednesday, September 7, 2011

    Labor Day Weekend Recap

    Hey Gang!  I know it's been a few days, actually more than a few days, but I went out of town.  So I will just give you a quick update. 

    I went to Las Vegas, NV memorial day weekend!  It was so hot, but I had much fun.  Saturday night, My sister and I went to see Sade in Concert at the MGM Grand.  It was a fantastic concert!  I really enjoyed it.  As always, my sister and I did our normal breakfast buffet @ Santa Fe Hotel & Casino, where I consume all the bacon I can possibly eat!  I love bacon! 

    We did  a little shopping..shoe shopping that is.  I got 2 new pairs of shoes.  One a wedge sandal, the other is a Madden Girl shoe.  I already have the shoe in Pewter, I bought one in black this weekend.  I absolutely love this Madden Girl shoe.  I bought the Pewter one for a wedding I had in April, and feel in love with it then! 

    And the bad stuff....as always my good intentions went astray.  Before I left town, I had planned to still go to spin class while I was in Vegas, and that did not happen!  My parents have a treadmill in the house and I said I would get on that and I didn't!  So I went 4 days with no excercise!  

    I got back to Los Angeles yesterday (Tuesday), a little under the weather.  I some how managed to catch a cold.  Not sure how that is possible in 100 degree weather, but it happened!  So after my drive in yesterday, I took some cough medicine and went to bed.  Still feeling a little under the weather..but I will push through. 
    Thursday, September 1, 2011

    One of my Better Days...workouts, small victories, Defect

    Well gang..this is one of the better days I have had in a few weeks.  I kinda have alot I want to blog about not sure where to start!

    SMALL VICTORIES
    I went for a pedicure today.  Today, I was able to fit in the seat with both arms down!  Normally I have to keep on of hte chair arms down cause my hips didn't fit in the chair!

    DEFECT
    Well I made it to spin class today. First class in about 2 weeks.  As I was on the bike spinning my little heart out.  The pedal broke!  Yes the Pedal broke!  I heard a crack and next thing I knew hte pedal was on the floor!  At first I thought I broke it cause I was too fat, but after talking to my sister, I decided maybe its a defect on the bike!  Either way..it was not a pleasant feeling!

    WORKOUTS
    I did well today..3 workouts in!
    • Spin Class @ 24 Hour Fitness in Hawthorne.  Cindy was late.  But I am liking her as an instructor!
    • 45 minutes w/ Jen (personal trainer)
    • Neighborhood walk - 2 miles approx 38 minutes (Workout Info from Endomondo:  http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/t9lP68Gtci8

    So on to the boring uneventful things:

    Breakfast
    •      2 hard boiled eggs w/ cucumbers & Pico De Gallo

    Lunch
    • Kale Salad: Kale, eggs, tomato, chicken, cucumber, Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar, Olive Oil
    Mid Afternoon Snack
    • Isopure Zero Carb Vanilla Protein shake (mixed w/ non fat milk)
    Dinner
    • 2 chicken breasts

    Hump Day .... in retrospect

    Recap of Wednesday August 31st

    Breakfast
    •      Isopure Zero Carb Vanilla Protein Shake (mixed w/ nonfat milk)

    Mid AM Snack
    •      about a cup of left over Kale salad
    Lunch
    •     Greek Salad from The Stand  (used my Walden Farms Italian Dressing & juice of 1 lime)

    Mid Afternoon Snack
    • Green Apple
    Dinner (horrible choice)
    • Italian Sub from Togo's

    Well gang, Wednesday I was really struggling with getting a workout in.  I kept thinking and saying to myself, I should go workout.  But in all honest, I just didn't feel like it.  I think I am in a workout rut that I quickly need to get myself out of. Help!


    Wednesday, August 31, 2011

    AT LAST: Breakthrough in Weight Loss

    Just sharing a funny post I saw I today! Thought it was funny!
     
     
    AT LAST: Breakthrough in Weight Loss

    I finally figured out why I'm overweight...

    It's the shampoo I use in the shower!

    When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body, and (duh!) printed very clearly on the shampoo label is this warning:

    "FOR EXTRA VOLUME AND BODY."

    NO wonder I have been gaining weight!!!

    Well, no more of that for me! I have gotten rid of that shampoo and I am going to start using Dawn dish soap instead.

    Its label clearly reads, "DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE."

    Problem solved!

    If I don't answer the phone... I'll be in the shower!
    Tuesday, August 30, 2011

    Re-enlisting, Re-Commiting, Ready, Set , Go!!

    Alrighty, I think all the birthday festivies are officially over!  As you can see there was too many birthday festivities that I have gained weight this week.  So this week is my time to re-enlist, re-commit and get ready for war!  I mean weight loss!  :0) 

    Breakfast
    • Scrambled Eggs w/ kale
    • cup of french vanilla coffee
    Mid Am Snack
    • Isopure Zero Carb Vanilla Protein shake 


    Lunch
    • Kale Salad: Kale, tomato, cucumber, salmon, Apple cider vinegar, olive oil


    Mid Afternoon Snack
    • Green Apple
    • 3ounce Beef Jerky
    Dinner
    • 2 hard boiled eggs
    • cheddar cheese & saltine crackers
    Workout
         30 minutes w/ Personal Trainer.  Good workout!

    Drank 144 ounces of water!  Woohoo!

    Scale Whisperer...

    A very late, post, but here are the results from yesterdays weigh in...

    Starting Weight 6/8/2011: 371lbs

    8/29/2011: 333.3  (Can you see my jaw on the floor?)
    8/22/2011:  328.8
    8/15/2011: 331.8
    8/8/2011: 336.7
    7/25/2011: 337.7
    7/18/2011: 343.0
    7/11/2011: 342.2
    7/5/2011: 349.8
    6/27/2011: 352.8
    6/20/2011: 363.5
    6/13/2011: 368.7
    6/8/2011: 371

    Weekly Weight loss +4.5 (birthdays are bad for dieting)
    Total Weight Loss:  37.7
    Okay so this week concentrating on getting back to hitting my 40lbs weight loss!

    Thursday, August 25, 2011

    Food Cravings are starting to subside

    The food cravings are getting better today, which is surprising since my little monthly visitor has decided to visit.  I made a point today to get back on my water drinking routine.  So maybe that helped with the hunger and temptations.  I also noticed I am retaining water and bloating.  I am puffy in my legs and in my wrists.  Today I drank close to 100 ounces of water, but I think I need more.  Gonna have to do better tomorrow and throughout the weekend. 

    Breakfast
         3 scrambled eggs w/ spinach & cheese
         cup of white chocolate latte

    Mid Am Snack
         1/2 cup of Nancy's Low Fat cottage cheese
         blueberries

    Lunch
         Roast Beef Sandwich
         spear of dill pickle



    Dinner
         3 pieces of chicken
         1/2 cucumber

    Workout
         30 min personal training with Jen
         I didn't go to spin class tonight.  :0( But I'll be there on Sunday, I promise. 

    So that my friends is the end of my day.  All I am going to do for the night is finish doing the dishes,   Make a cup of tea and take 2 pain killers and hit the sack.  I'm thinking I wanna get up earlier tomorrow and hit the gym since  I had to reschedule my Friday workout with Jen.  I will be w/o my beloved car tomorrow, it must be serviced.  Every warning light you can think of is on!  I am really hoping for the best cause I can only fix one thing at a time.  Gonna try to remain positive and hopeful.

    A Little Thursday Morning Humor...

    Okay this was just the funniest thing to me this morning.  I was scrolling through my Facebook wall and Michael Jr. Comedy made this post:

    If you're a twin and you decide to do an extreme diet, tell the other twin. Nobody want to be your "before picture". ~Michael Jr Facebook Status August 25, 2011!
    I am in no way shape or form affiliated w/ Michael Jr. Comedy, but I did have the opportunity to see him perform @ the Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach.  He is a funny guy!  Check out his website, he has some funny videos!  http://michaeljr.com/entertainment/
    Wednesday, August 24, 2011

    Taming the Beast, Part 2

    I had a weekend full of indulgences, and today I am back to trying to get back on my eating regime, and boy it's a struggle.  I can't seem to satisfy my appetite today.  But I tried to the best of my ability to eat healthy.  Is it possible that my system after 6 days have already forgotten its love for veggies & fruit? I am so gassy today, you would its been more than 6 days since I ate any veggies!  I can't imagine what else could be upsetting my stomach. 

    Breakfast
        White Chocolate Latte from Coffee Bean
         2 slices of wheat toast

    Lunch
         Salad: Lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, Walden Farms Italian Dressing, juice of 1/2 lemon, Dill Weed
         1 piece of melba toast

    Mid Afterrnoon Snack
         Granny Smith Apple
         1/2 cucumber

    Dinner
         Chicken & a small side Salad

















    Other Miscellaneous Snacks
         2 snack size kit kat bars

    Workout
         30 minutes personal Training
         We did an outdoor working heavy on cardio, about 10 mins of weight training.  She made me jog!

    And here for your amusment an unflattering workout picture! 

    Weight Training session 8/24/2011

    Product Review: Walden Farms Italian Dressing

    Have you heard the Buzz yet?  The Buzz about the Zero Calories, Fat, Carbs, Gluten or Sugars of any kind salad dressing?  Well believe it or not there is such a thing.  Its made by a company called Walden Farms.  I have tried the dressing now over the last 2 weeks so its time for my review.  My personal trainer Jenny Rockets informed me of this great product.

    A tidbit on the Company:  The company makes various, Zero Cal, Fat, Carb & Sugar products, but I think people know them mostly for the salad dressings.  Here is a link to the company website:  Waldens Farm Website

    So the product I tried is the Walden Farms Italian Dressing
    • Taste  In all honesty, its bland.  Doesn't taste like anything. So each person will have to decide for themself whether or not they stick with it. Before my switch to all things Organic, I was a Wishbone Italian Dressing Girl, and if you have tried it, Wishbone Italian had some flavor and a nice punch to it.  My Recommended Flavor Kick Ups:  Lemon Juice & Fresh Dill Weed.  Try some dried or fresh herbs
    • Price:  So far I find the price on the Walden Farms website is high.  I was able to find the dressing in my Local Sprouts Famer's Market store for $3.65 or something like that
    • Texture/Consistency  The texture of the dressing is good.  It has the same consistency of regular dressing
    • Aftertaste?  I honestly, didn't taste any aftertastes.
    • Would I buy it again?  Absolutely, when I finish my current bottle, I do want to try the Zesty Italian.  Maybe that one will be more flavorful.
    I do recommend the product for all those trying to cut back on calories, just be prepared to add something to it if you want some flavor .  I honestly don't know if the product is organic, but I am okay with it not being certified organic.  The ingredient list seems pretty basic, but I have to do some further research. 

    Hope this helps you!  If you have any other questions, feel free to make a comment or email me directly
    Tuesday, August 23, 2011

    Tuesday Tribulations...

    What a Tuesday.  First day back to the office!  Crazy busy, but I made it through.  After this quick post, I'll be going to bed.

    Breakfast
         Cup of Coffee
         Croissant

    Mid AM Snack
         2ounces of Chicken

    Lunch
         CObb Salad
         1/2 of a turkey sandwich

    Dinner
         Cake & Ice Cream

    Workout
         30 minutes with Personal Trainer Jen.  We had a big class today 4 people!  Tough workout.

    After workout eats
         Chips & Salsa

    Another Birthday Down...Many More to Go!

    Recap of Monday August 22nd

    Today was/is my birthday!!  Happy Birthday to me!
    Well today I dropped my brother off at the airport.  So my Family Visit is officially over!  Good times were had, yet I am so tired.  A combination of the company and the excessive amounts of food I ate today!  I spent the rest of the evening on teh couch watching TV and relaxing, and getting myself mentally prepared to return to work.
    Birthday Breakfast
         3 scrambled eggs with diced ham, cheddar cheese, topped with Salsa & a slice of Wheat Toast
         Tall White Chocolate Latte From Coffee Bean


    Mid AM Snack
         Slice of Paradise Cake
         Vanilla Ice Cream
    Paradise Cake from King Hawaiins Bakery













    Lunch @ Red Lobster
         I am sure everyone will agree...you can't go to Red Lobster without partaking of the cheddar biscuits! Yummy!  I can't remember what my dish was called, but it had Fried Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi, and Shrimp Alfredo with Rice Pilaf.  I was utterly amazing!  I washed it all down with a tall glass of sprite! 


    
    Cheddar Biscuits from Red Lobster
    




         Sadly, I did not stop eating there.  I had more cake and Ice cream when I got home, and drank about 2 glasses of Pepsi. I have not drank Pepsi or any Kind of Soda in like 2 months.  That Pepsi had me wired though, I had a hard time falling asleep!  Lesson learned. 
    Monday, August 22, 2011

    Scale Whisperer...A Birthday Miracle!

    Starting Weight 6/8/2011: 371lbs

    8/22/2011:  328.8 (I'm truly amazed!, don't know how that happened!)
    8/15/2011: 331.8
    8/8/2011: 336.7
    7/25/2011: 337.7
    7/18/2011: 343.0
    7/11/2011: 342.2
    7/5/2011: 349.8
    6/27/2011: 352.8
    6/20/2011: 363.5
    6/13/2011: 368.7
    6/8/2011: 371

    Weekly Weight loss 3.0
    Total Weight Loss:  42.2

    I am truly shocked that I still lost weight this week!  I broke the 40lb mark!  I am only 8 pounds away from making it half way to my goal!  50 pound weigh loss here I come! 
    Sunday, August 21, 2011

    Drained, Drained, Drained!

    Day #3 of my Family visit, and I am literally drained and tired.  I slept most of the day!  Every time I sat down I was falling asleep!  I don't have much to blog about today, it was pretty uneventful, but in the spirit of being accountable, here are my eats for the day:

    Breakfast
         Scrambled Eggs
         Canadian Bacon

    Lunch
         Cheese & Crackers

    Dinner
         2 slices of Pepperoni Pizza from Pizza Hut
         1 Slice of Mushroom & Sausage Pizza
    Saturday, August 20, 2011

    Family 5K...Completed

    Hello Gang!  I know I missed a day of blogging.  Family day has definitely taken me off of my schedule.  This morning started off with us (me, my sister, my brother, & my dad) participated in a 5k.  The Jet to Jetty 5k & 10k race.  My dad did the 10k, and the rest of us did the 5k.  It was beautiful weather outside for a race.  Not too hot, and the beach was just awesome to look at as always!

    
    The Racers..
    

    Workout
         Jet to Jetty 5k race - 56 minutes; 3.1 miles completed!
         Endomondo Iphone App Tracking of the race:
         http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/hbHpzFLPaDQ

    Breakfast @ King Hawaiin's Restaurant
         This was definately not a healthy breakfast but it was delish!  This was my first time eating in the restuarant.  I have always just ordered cakes from there.
         I had scrambled eggs, Portugese Sausage, French Toast & Hash Browns; (2) cups of coffee



    Lunch @ Phillips BBQ
         Baby Back Ribs
         Potato Salad

    Birthday Snack
         Slice of Paradise cake
         Vanilla Ice Cream

    That was all the eats for the day!      
    Friday, August 19, 2011

    I'm a Genie on a Bottle ;0)

    In case you are wondering no it's not at typo.  Christina Aguilera was the Genie in a bottle.  I'm the Genie on a bottle! 

    I got a birthday gift from my sister.  It's a bottle of body wash from Philosophy with little me on it.  When I say little me, its a younger picture of me.  So It triggered the Christina Aguilera song! 

    In case you are interested Custom Philosophy products can be bought online at CafePress!  Visit this Link:  Custom Philosophy Products

    Look here I am..on my bottle!  




             
    Throw back jam of the day: Christina Aguilera - Genie in a bottle!



    Family & Birthday Festivies have begun

    This is a recap of Thursday August 18th! 

    My family has officially arrived!  It was a long day, I did not get to bed until after midnight, and here I am at work at my schedule time blogging!  My priorities are a bit out of whack but what the heck.  I am officially the only person in the office!  I won't make this long....

    Breakfast
         2 hard boiled eggs
         canadian bacon
         French Vanilla Coffee

    Mid AM Snack
        Nectarine

    Lunch
         Kale Salad #2, add 2ounces of tuna this time around, and it was still delish!
         Ingredients:  Kale, tomatoes, cucumbers, mozarella cheese, albacore tuna.  Lemon juice, olive oil, Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar



    Workout
         30 minutes with Personal Trainer!  Thanks to Jen for letting me come earlier so I don't miss a workout! 

    Dinner w/ the Family @ BJs
    This was a hard task for me, I love BJs but looking at the menu, so many high calorie options.  I am grateful though, that they listed the caloric values.  I opted for a meal off of the "Enlighted Entrees"...The Chicken A La Fresca.  I like an airhead forgot to take a picture, but here is a snap shot from the BJs website.  BJs Brewhouse Enlightened Entree Menu  It was very tasty..loved the spinach on top, and the other veggies, and the chicken was very tender.  I was impressed!

    BJs Brewery - Chicken A La Fresca
            
    Thursday, August 18, 2011

    Gas: Odorless Vapors!

    Now I am sure everyone is thinking, gas is not an odorless vapor! Oh contrare mofrer! I just spent some time reading the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse and gas is usually odorless! I was suprised, but it begs the question, what makes it stink?

    Gas is made primarily of odorless vapors—carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sometimes methane. The unpleasant odor of flatulence, the gas that passes through the rectum, comes from bacteria in the large intestine that release small amounts of gases containing sulfur.

    Bacteria in the large intenstine...Hmmm!?! My thinking cap is on~gimmie a moment!

    Breakdown of Undigested Foods
    The body does not digest and absorb some carbohydrates—the sugar, starches, and fiber found in many foods—in the small intestine because of a shortage or absence of certain enzymes that aid digestion.

    This undigested food then passes from the small intestine into the large intestine, where normal, harmless bacteria break down the food, producing hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and, in about one-third of all people, methane. Eventually these gases exit through the rectum.

    People who make methane do not necessarily pass more gas or have unique symptoms. A person who produces methane will have stools that consistently float in water. Research has not shown why some people produce methane and others do not.

    Foods that produce gas in one person may not cause gas in another. Some common bacteria in the large intestine can destroy the hydrogen that other bacteria produce. The balance of the two types of bacteria may explain why some people have more gas than others.

    Which foods cause gas?
    Most foods that contain carbohydrates can cause gas. By contrast, fats and proteins cause little gas.

    I have never heard of this before, fats & protein cause little gas, and carbs cause gas!

    Not to bore you with more gas facts, but I am rather gassy today, and I couldn't figure out why, so I googled, what causes gas and found this website http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gas/. Now that I have read the information, I guess that Bleu Cheese & Snickers are to blame for my gassy state?

    Hmm...much food for thought!