Having trouble getting back into things.

So much for cleaning it up for the rest of the weekend. Lots changed, and I did a final blow out before the start of the next week. Here’s a quick recap of the remaining bad choices, and then my last couple of good days! I won’t be including smartpoints for foods Saturday and Sunday, because most of it was estimates, and I truly just don’t feel like dwelling on it.

Saturday

It started well. I woke up, quickly had a piece of toast with peanut butter and banana, then met Tony at the trails. I did 7 mi in 78 minutes. I had a strawberry cheesecake Quest Bar in the car, and then drove home.

The Glorious Rest Day

The past couple of days have been draining to say the least. I’ve never been very good at rest days, I always feel too inactive and end up working my body (specifically my legs) too much.

Tuesday

I had a later shift on Tuesday, rather than my normal 9 am start, so I had a long time before work. Instead of running before hand, I made the mistake of being lazy. It was raining a lot, so I decided that either way it would be a treadmill run.

In the morning I had eggs with a bit of leftover sweet potatoes, turkey sausage, and a piece of toast with grape spread.

After sitting around and relaxing for a long time, I had to eat lunch and then head to work. I made a quick turkey sandwich with muenster cheese and had Crazy Hot Pop Chips and a clementine on the side. Promptly after I grabbed my granola bar and left for work.

“Snickerdoodle” Waffle kind of morning.

This morning was the same as the usual. I made some waffles with cinnamon sugar and had my coffee while doing my online routine.

After I finished my coffee I got ready for my workout. Halfway done with week 3 of the Women’s Workout Bible, and then the workouts get switched up!

I felt drained afterwards, but still had to fit a run in. I got ready and set off, finished with 4 miles in 43:37 minutes. Not bad, but it doesn’t feel like it is getting any easier.

When I got back I immediately had some yogurt with PB2 and an apple. Then I got my dishes done and showered. Before work I decided to play some Fallout.

I was getting hungry, so I made a sandwich with the small amount of ham left, some chipotle chicken and swiss sandwich and had some popcorn on the side.

It was already time for work, so I grabbed a granola bar and left.  It went by slow at first, then fast at the end, and I left quickly to get home for dinner. I had everything planned out for Tony to make. We had italian dressing seasoned tilapia with quinoa, potatoes, and onions.

It was 9:30 by the time we finished dinner, so I promptly grabbed some ice cream and now we’re watching The Ridiculous 6 on Netflix. Tomorrow is my first day at the library, wish me luck!

Photoshoots, weddings, parties, beer, and salads

After finishing this post last night, I completely forgot to hit publish. So without further adieu:

October 25, 2015
What a long weekend. This is the first time I’ve had a good time to sit and blog!

Friday morning started well. I made us some pumpkin pancakes with pecans and some healthy pumpkin coffee creamer.

After breakfast we relaxed and then got ready to go down to a photo shoot I did for Tony’s dad’s girlfriend’s kids. It was kind of rainy, but they came out great!

Before heading home, we went to a restaurant near their house for lunch. I got a beer and one of the best salads I’ve ever had. I don’t know why I never get steak!

We went home and then picked up my friend to do some shopping for her costume. We went to a couple of thrift stores, and then worked on it some at home while having some beers and Chipotle. We ended up wanting some ice cream, so I of course went and grabbed a pint!

Saturday was a pretty busy day. I made french toast and turkey sausage for breakfast.

Since we took Friday off of running, we were doing a pretty big run. We ended up getting caught in the rain. I am pretty happy with my performance, but I’m pretty sick of not being able to do what I could before.

When I got home I showered and had some greek yogurt with PB2, chia seeds, and an apple.

We ran a couple of errands, and had lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. I was good and got a chicken salad. I have been on a salad kick, and while I’m sure they have a lot of fattening things on them, it’s way better than wanting a burger everywhere. We ended up stopping at Coldstone before going home.

Next up was my childhood friend’s wedding! It was a cute fall backyard ceremony.

After the ceremony we caught up with some people and then headed home. A couple of friends came over, and after some beers we headed to a bar in our neighborhood. My friend was bartending, so we hung out some and got some food. I had a barbecue chicken sandwich, a couple cheese sticks, and cheese fries.

It was finally time for the Halloween party! We got all dressed up and hurried there. We danced and drank and danced and drank. A great night, I’m surprised I’m not sore today!

We ended up not getting home until after 1. This morning was NOT pleasant. I had a bowl of oatmeal and an english muffin with some natural peanut butter for breakfast.

I had to help out at a studio that was just a little over an hour away, all highway. I felt like crap, but the manager there is my old assistant manager. She’s lucky I love her.

It went by pretty fast. We were so busy. I ate a banana and Kashi bar sometime in a blur. It was finally time to come home.

Tony got dinner ready while I was on my way. I got home and jumped in the shower. Best feeling ever. We had pulled chicken sandwiches with gouda and sweet potato fries.

Now we have just been relaxing. I’m glad today is over, and I’m actually looking forward to a calm (hopefully) week. Now to munch on a Reese’s Klondike bar and read some Goosebumps!

Last far work day!

I woke up 3 different times today. Finally getting out of bed I poured my coffee and relaxed. I then had to rush to put my lunch together and make/eat breakfast at the same time. I ate som pancakes made from Kodiak Cakes and PB2 with blueberries and PB2 and syrup on top. Very good. It’s been awhile since I’ve used the mix!

After I rushed around and got ready I put my lunch together and headed out the door with more coffee.

I had an appointment first thing, then the other one from my first half cancelled. I did some workouts here and there between reading. I ate a Kashi granola bar and apple for a snack.

At lunch I walked around the store and grabbed workout shirts for both Tony and I. I found lots of things that I can get whenever I have a good coupon next!

I got back and ate my ham sandwich and beanitos. I wanted so much more, but I couldn’t waste my snacks. I hate being out of the house all day!

I had another appointment when my lunch was over. Once I finished with them I did some more sitting. I went and worked out when I felt like it. I ended up doing lots of burpees, dips, and sumo squats! I ate my pretzels and caramel rice cake without taking pictures, and listened to a podcast and scrolled through Pinterest for a good amount of the rest.

It came time to run as fast as I could out of that place. It was my last week working there! I was SO HUNGRY driving home, and it seemed to take forever, even though it was the same hour that it takes every. single. time.

When I got home, Tony had dinner ready as planned! He made chicken fajitas with refried beans and his own elotes! I made my tortilla into a bowl and started with beans, added the corn, then lettuce, the chicken and peppers, and topped it off with Valentina! It was VERY spicy, which is just how I like it!

I was determined to take a walk after dinner, after being stationary for so long. Tony suggested walking to the ice cream shop, and I of course can’t turn that down! We walked 1.71 miles round trip. I ordered ONE SCOOP of no sugar added butter pecan on a cake cone (although that waffle cone always called my name). It was seriously AMAZING. I am happy with my choice.

We got home and I now we are watching some TV while I blog. Today while at work I tracked the food I ate Sunday through today, and without tracking I’ve still done a good job! I have consumed more, but not over the amount I should! I am still a bit nervous about this, but I will go back to not tracking again now!

New hair always helps.

I slept for almost a full 9 hours last night, and it was phenomenal. I definitely needed that to catch up from this weekend.

I got out of bed, poured some coffee, and started breakfast. Today I had one egg and one egg white on two pieces of toast with green onion and ham. Very good and filling!

I sat around a bit and decided it was time to get my hair cut and dyed finally. I called and made an appointment and then did some dishes and cleaned until it was time to go! It felt like it took forever… because it did. I am not used to getting my hair dyed anymore, let alone in a salon!

I love how it came out! I wanted burgundy peek-a-boo highlights, but they really didn’t come out as much as I’d like. Next time I’ll have her add more. I don’t have a great picture of it yet, so I’ll just put one from my run.

That’s a dye smudge, not a hickey…

I hadn’t eaten since breakfast, and I still had to go shopping. I found a stand of Luna Bars at Target and couldn’t help but eat one before even ringing out! I grabbed all of the other things I needed and it was finally time to go home.

Tony got home soon after (THANK GOD HE’S ON DAYS AGAIN). For lunch I made a turkey sandwich with spinach and sriracha, some baked bbq lays, and an apple. After my food settled, we went for a run! We did 4.52 miles in 50:35 minutes, a fairly good amount of walking after the long break. It felt nice to be back out!

We got back home and folded the laundry, TOGETHER! I am loving this! I was starting to get too hungry, so we decided it was time for dinner. Last night my mom made poorboys for by brother’s birthday dinner and we couldn’t make it, so she gave them to Tony when he picked the laundry up! While I heated dinner, I snacked on some pretzels. We shared one and a double baked potato instead of having one each. I had a salad with fat free thousand island dressing and croutons!

We watched SNL with Miley Cyrus, and then did our ab video! After it was time for dessert! I had an ice cream cone, but after I was hungry still so I had strawberries and a banana with some fat-free whipped cream. I also snuck some Annie’s snickerdoodle bunnies!

Not tracking is feeling great. I will weigh in Friday morning and see what effects it’s having on my weight loss. I’m sure I’ve gained since this weekend was a mess, but otherwise I am doing good and will keep working out!

More city, more food, more beer, more bad choices (that make me happy)!

Excuse me while I post the overused Mean Girls picture. 
Once again, this morning my body woke me up before 8! I don’t mind this, I really like fitting more into my day.

Everyone went to sleep later than me for the most part, so I didn’t expect to see them getting up anytime soon. I hopped on my computer and read some blog (big surprise). I was going to run this morning, but decided instead to take yet another break, and make sure we do lots of walking later!

I was starving, so I grabbed a handful of Kashi cereal, and then went in the bathroom to wash my hair because I couldn’t stand it anymore. This loud chain of events caused everyone to wake up. Exactly while I waited until later to do it all.

We all got ready and left for the French Market. So many delicious smells and pastries. We stopped at FliP Crepes and I got a Mushi Mushi crepe. It had eggs, mushrooms, onions, and a sauce of some sort. I tried getting egg whites, but they didn’t have them, but it was still a better choice than some things. We stopped and grabbed coffees at a different stand. I first got a double shot of espresso with brown sugar and cinnamon in it. It was SO good, but I was left wanting a coffee to sip on, so on the way out I grabbed a pumpkin pie latte. It was the best pumpkin flavored coffee I’ve ever had, and tasted like I was drinking pumpkin puree and spices!
We got back to the apartment and watched some TV and videos. At around one someone OTHER THAN ME said “So are we getting afternoon drunk, or what?”. I of course didn’t decline, and we grabbed some beers. Our other friend came to the city to hang out today as well.

We headed off for a walk to avoid being to lazy or bored. It felt good to be active, although my Fitbit died yesterday so it’s all going untracked. We walked all over the loop and then headed back for some food. We went to Jefferson Tap & Grill. I ordered a beer and a chipotle chicken sandwich with waffle fries. Yum!

We got back and decided to go grab our car on the north side and park it in the lot for the rest of the night/possibly overnight. We stopped at 7 Eleven on the way back in for some strawberry cheesecake ice cream and oreos!

Next came a Property Brothers drinking game! Yep, probably sleeping over again. Work at 10:30 tomorrow. I’ll just leave you with that…

When you binge on- Pizza, sweets, Netflix, and blogs.

On Saturday I woke up before my alarm, thanks to Dexter walking on me. I finally got out of bed and wasn’t very hungry so I just put some coffee on and started making dinner for the next few nights so that Tony could take it to work with him.

After awhile I wanted just a little breakfast. I grabbed a bowl of cereal and then kept adding little things on, and before I knew it I had a normal breakfast of cereal and an english muffin with cream cheese and preserves and strawberries! 5 points+.

We sat around for a long time. I didn’t want to be a complete slob on my day off of running so we went on a walk… to the ice cream shop. I got 2 scoops of no sugar added and/or fat free strawberry vanilla in a waffle cone. I’m estimating this to be around 9 points+. Our walk was 38 minutes long and went 2.14 miles.

We got home and you guessed it, more sitting! Once it was time for him to have lunch we finally got to open a beer that he brewed weeks ago to taste! It came out great, and I’m excited for him to make more!

After that he headed off to work and then I went with my parents to the store. I grabbed some beer and hung out with them for the night. I never really did eat lunch, but snacked on a few chips and then later a fat free tuna salad kit.

Lots of beer later, we ordered a pizza, which I ate entirely too much of. Feeling stuffed, I went home and relaxed watching a movie, and then again eating every sweet food I could find in my house.

My goals this week ended fairly well. I ran 20.7 miles, completed my upper, lower, and full body workouts (STILL SORE), did 4/5 ab workouts, 2/4 yoga workouts, and ate WAY too much dessert. I went over a ridiculous amount of points, and I need to kick it in to gear so that I can reach my goal and stop tracking (but still use everything I’ve learned).

Today I woke up feeling lazy. I regretted all the sweets (as usual) and just wanted to take it back, but of course it’s too late for that. I didn’t get motivated to run before work today, so I just sipped some coffee and eventually made some breakfast.

I wanted to keep it especially healthy today. I made some Better’n eggs with spinach and cheese, turkey sausage, and one piece of toast with low sugar jelly. It came to 5 points+ still, but much less calories and carbs than the 3 pieces of french toast that I really wanted.

I finished getting ready for work and grabbed pretzels, an apple, and an english muffin with Better’n Butter for some snacks. I got to work and we were on and off busy for the whole day. I ate my pretzels and apple pretty early on for 2 points+.

I finally got to leave at around 3:15 and while eating my english muffin (3 points) went straight to the path to run. Before I even went a mile my legs started to hurt in a way I’ve never felt. I figured I have just been pushing myself too hard, so I did A LOT of walking. This time for a reason. I don’t want to completely ruin running for myself like I did with my 100 mile month. I ended up doing a walk/run for 4.25 miles in 46 minutes.

After running I went home and showered and went over to my mom’s for dinner. She made pulled chicken and Alexia sweet potato fries. I ate mine without a bun and had just a partial serving of fries, all for 7 points+.

I went home and immediately got lazy. I wanted to do yoga, but first I finished the movie I started last night. Eventually I got enough energy to do 10 minutes of a stretching yoga routine, and then cleaned up the house.

For a while I binge read my newly found favorite blog, Simply Taralynn. After a bit I made a quesadilla with WW cheese, lunch meat turkey, Valentina, and some salsa. On the side I had chips and more salsa. 6 points+.

I continued to binge read, watch movies on Netflix, and using the heating pad on my calves. Eventually I wanted something sweet so I popped some kettle corn and sprinkled cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice on it. 2 points+.

I know I say this every single week, but I need to get into gear, for real. I am getting better at not doing all day all out binges when the weekends come, but I am still over doing it. I need to stop and think about my choices, and not act on impulses so much. I know it is going to be hard, especially when I am drinking, but I will do it. I will get back on track.

Mondays aren’t so bad.

I started my day with yoga, which I stopped after 5 minutes because I realized I had to get dinner in the crock pot before it was too late since Tony had school today and would be leaving earlier. I wasn’t feeling doing yoga after that, so I just got my coffee and started making some pancakes. I used The Weight of my Weight’s pumpkin pancake recipe, and made 3 servings of it, accidentally using about half of the egg whites that she uses. They turned out yummy still, and 5 points+ since I had 1.5 servings.

We finished breakfast and ran out the door to get some errands done. I started some laundry and then we had to go get him dress pants since his that we just got in April were too big and he needed them for an interview and I finished my outfits for the upcoming weddings. We also had to stop at the grocery store to fill water jugs and pick up some things they didn’t have when I went last night.

We finally got home and I portioned out our dinner and Tony headed off to school. I was already hungry for lunch so I had an english muffin with Better’n Butter and low sugar jelly for a snack. 3 points+.

Although by this point I was feeling pretty lazy I had lots to do still. Since today was my main day off I wanted to do a long run, at least 4.5 miles. I mapped it out first to make sure I wouldn’t cut myself short and then headed off to the path! The route I pre-planned was under 5 but over 4.5 and when I got back to the parking lot I decided to run just a bit more to get to 5. I accidentally paused my workout so I had to come home and edit the workout online. I am pretty certain I ended at 5.06 miles in just about 47 minutes. It was a beautiful day for a run and I am so happy with my accomplishments! I’ve never done 5 miles other than on the treadmill. It feels so good to be back.

I had to stop at my mother in law’s to grab some things we left at her cookout, and then I had to head to my mom’s to grab my laundry. I finally got home and made some lunch. I made some scrambled eggs with ham, swiss, mushrooms, spinach, and green onion. On the side I had an apple. All together 3 points+.

After relaxing for too long I finally kicked my butt into gear and did XHIT’s Jennifer Laurence legs and Jessica Alba abs videos. (I was in the mood for something new, and the celebrity videos are all that I never do. I finally showered, and then did some cleaning I needed to do around the house. It came time for a snack, so I had some strawberries with a coconut vanilla yogurt and vanilla almond Special K for 4 points+.

I folded the clothes and relaxed while watching some TV and drinking some caramel coconut tea. After finally putting all of the clothes away I did some dishes and relaxed for just a bit more before getting my dinner together. This morning I threw 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs) into the crock pot with about 3/4 a jar of Classico spicy tomato and basil sauce, onions, and 2 tbsp of parmesan cheese. 4 hours later I shredded the chicken and added it back for just a bit more. When it came time to eat, I sprayed some bread with cooking spray and sprinkled garlic and italian seasoning on top and threw it in the oven just until crispy. Meanwhile I microwaved the chicken and made a quick salad. I put the chicken on one slice of the bread and topped it with ultra thin provolone and put it under the broiler for a minute. I had some pretzels with the sandwich. It was great and 8 points+ all together!

I watched some more TV and had all intentions to just eat some kettle corn tonight, but instead since I had a good day I had a giant ice cream cone with mint cookie crunch AND double fudge brownie slow churned ice cream for 5 points+, capping my night off right at my 26 points.

Time to relax and get to bed as soon as possible if I plan on getting up early to run just a bit before my long Tuesday helping at the other studio again! Let’s see how I feel about that tomorrow!

Labor Day Lapse/Long Work Day

It was September 7, 2015. The day started like any other.

I woke up, stretched, got Tony out of bed, and we headed off to the path to run. It was a GREAT but slightly short run. 3.2 miles in 31 minutes. It feels good to do under a 10 minute mile again!

When I got home I started making a waffle for breakfast. I mixed in half a mashed banana to my Kodiak Cake mix and added vanilla, cinnamon, pecans, and blueberries! All for 5 points+, but not very filling.

I relaxed and finished my coffee, and then did my lower body workouts. We were going to go on a hike, but decided against it. That was the first mistake of the day. I showered got ready and off we were to downtown Downers Grove for lunch.

Our first choice wasn’t open due to a late start for the holiday, so we went to a diner across the street. I got a wardorf chicken salad melt with chicken noodle soup and sweet potato fries. I only had half, and figured it all to be 19 points+.

After lunch, most everything was closed downtown, so Tony took me to his work which was nearby and showed me around for the first time after working there for close to 3(?) years. After that we wanted ice cream, so we sure did find it. I had a giant homemade waffle cone with cake batter and cookie dough ice cream AND a part of a butter rum muffin. I’m guessing that to be around 24 points+.

We drove home, skipped the walk we were going to take (although I did already make my steps while walking all around his work building), and started some relaxing time. This is where things went downhill even more. I ate my other half of my sandwich (9 points+) Then we watched a movie and then decided we wanted grilling food and we went and got chicken sausages, baked beans, beer, and macaroni salad from the store. When we got home we cooked dinner. I estimate everything being 20 points+.

We drank and watched another movie, and meanwhile I made some 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies. They were peanut butter, sugar, and egg. I’m guessing it was around 6 points+.

After, I ate a ton of graham crackers that I didn’t really keep track of. AFTER THAT I had a large bowl of cereal for 6 points+. With the beer and all the snacking I estimate 27 points+ for after dinner.

I didn’t do abs, I didn’t do yoga, I went over somewhere in the ballpark of 85 points… when I was on track to end up with a good deficit this week. Mistakes happen, but I need to stay on track for awhile if I want to lose 5 lbs this month.

Today went much better. I woke up and had to work early in a studio an hour away, so I didn’t run right away. I drank coffee, ate, got ready, and headed off. For breakfast I had high fiber maple brown sugar oatmeal with blueberries, and an english muffin with low sugar jelly. 6 points+.

I went off to work and started my day. It was VERY slow until late in the evening. I had an apple cobbler Kashi bar (3 points+) as a snack in the morning. For lunch I packed a ham sandwich with cheddar Special K chips for 5 points+.

Later I had an apple and then my appointments started showing up! After what felt like forever I was out the door and snacking on my pretzel sticks (2 points+) on the drive home.

I finally got home at 8:30, and since I couldn’t run before work, I HAD TO RUN. To stay on track I needed 2 miles, so that’s just what I did and in only 17:46 minutes! I really did miss treadmill runs.

I changed into comfortable clothes and started warming my dinner up as quickly as possible. Tonight we had chicken fajitas. I made my shells into little bowls and had refried beans, and on top some homemade pico de gallo that Tony made. It was SO GOOD. Pretty satisfying and only 7 points+.

I did abs right away and then made up a makeshift dessert. I used 1 frozen banana and made some soft serve. Then crumbled up a caramel corn rice cake and topped it all with peanut butter spread and sugar free chocolate syrup. Only 2 points+.

I used all my points today, but didn’t go over. Other than yesterday’s splurge I am on track and doing all that I am supposed to do for my goals. I need to get back on track like I was at the beginning. As many times as I’ve said it, this time I need to crack down!