Daily Food Journal #27

Breakfast:
+ 1 bowl of shredded wheat
+ 1 cup of soy milk


Morning snack:
+ office home made trail mix (m&m's and salted peanuts only)
+ 1 small box of raisins


Lunch: (again another event on campus, had to eat or would not have eaten until 3 pm)
+ green salad with shredded carrots, chopped egg and light dressing
+ bowtie pasta with cooked broccoli and white cream sauce
+ 1 bread stick


Afternoon snack:
+ office home made trail mix (no raisins this time)



Dinner:
+ 2 slices of whole wheat bread
+ 1 1/2 tablespoon of apple jelly
+ 1 1/2 tablespoon of reduced fat peanut butter


Evening snack:
+ NONE



Water consumption = 60 ounzes (epic failure)
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Vitamins and supplements = Women's One A Day multivitamin, Biotin and Iron
Alcohol = NONE


How do I feel.....like my weight loss goals are slipping away from me. My work schedule is consumption my life, I have no groceries (and am not sure when I will be able to get to the store UNLESS I go at like 10:30 pm at night or toooo early in the morning) and I am so tired, at times I can't get the motivation to work out. Keep me lifted....

Daily Food Journal #26

Well I am on week 3 of the eating program, while the rest of the group is on week 4. I started late due to vacation, and wanted a fresh start. I feel so much better and am ready to take on the eating plan. Again, I have travel two days this week (as usual), but again, I'm pushing the veggies and fruit, so I am convinced I will be ok. Below is today's journal:

Breakfast:
+ shredded wheat cereal (62 grams)
+ 1 cup soy milk

Morning snack:
+ 1 large bannanna

Lunch: (lunch meeting on campus with a colleague)
+ 1 bowl (maybe two servings) of cooked broccoli (i'm sure there was a little butter on it)
+ medium red apple
+ Spinach leaves salad (with chopped eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onions and light vinegarette dressing)

Afternoon snack: (i was really hungry)
+ 1 oz of almonds
+ 2 fiber bars (90 cal each)

Dinner: (campus event, so I only had "appetizer" like items to eat)
+ 2 slices of cheddar cheese
+ 4 tollhouse crackers
+ 3 strawberries
+ 7 red grapes
+ chocolate chip cookies


Water consumption = 76 ounzes
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Supplements and Vitamins = 2 Women's One A Day Multivitamin, Biotin and Iron
Alcohol = NONE


How do I feel:
LIke I can conquer the world....and these last 5 pounds that I agreed to loose. I'm still a little nervous for we are nearing the end of the 40 days...but I am confident that I will make Coach Johnson proud. Lol.

No work out today due to personal issues...but I will be back on it by Thursday. Be blessed!

Daily Food Journal #23

Breakfast:
+ 1 1/2 cup shredded wheat
+ 6 oz soy milk
+ 1 small green apple

Morning snack:
+ 1 fiber bar
+ 1 pk twizzler nibbs

Lunch:
+ green salad from Schnucks (spinach leaves, chopped broccoli, green peppers, onions, chopped eggs, shredded carrots, chopped cucumbers, green pees and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds)
+ raspberry dressing

Evening snack:
+ two recees butter cups (:()

Dinner:
+ 1 small salmon fillet
+ salad (romaine lettuce, red onion, fetta cheese and a sprinkle of walnuts)


Water consuption = 80 ounzes
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Supplements and vitamins = Women's One a Day Multivitamin, Biotin, Iron
Alcohol = 4 oz of St. James white wine

Daily Food Journal #22

Breakfast
+ 3 egg whites
+ 2 cups of spinach leaves
+ apple


Morning Snack:
+ 1 oz almonds
+ 1 small orange


Lunch:
+ 4 slices of cheese pizza


Afternoon Snack:
+ NONE


Dinner:
+ 2 small fillets of baked fish
+ 1/2 cup of green cooked pees
+ 1/2 cup of cooked corn
+ 2 chocolate chip cookies

Water consumption = 72 oz
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Supplements and Vitamins = 2 Women's One A Day Multivitamin, B12, Biotin and Iron
Alcohol = NONE




How do I feel......a failure somewhat. School functions cause me to work threw lunch and dinner and instead of skipping a meal, I try to satisfy my hunger and eat as best as I can. I admit, I shouldn've had 4 slices of pizza, but it was plan cheese pizza. The evening meal was again another student event. I don't think I did to bad, but should not have eaten the cookies since I had pizza earlier.



I did however, get fruit and veggies in along with my water intake. That has to count for something huh...
So I will be traveling again this weekend, but decided that I will at least give you all the condensed version of my daily workouts and eating. Tomorrow I plan to get up and do the GF4C DVD again before I head out.

Keep me lifted family....

Daily Food Journal #18

Below is a list of what I ate today:

Breakfast:
+ 3 eggs (pepper, a dash of season salt, green peppers and onions)
+ Spinach leaves
+ mozzarella cheese

Morning Snack:
+ 1 cup nonfat yogurt
+ pineapples


Lunch:
+ 4 oz canned tuna
+ mixed vegetables (2 cups spinach leaves,1 cup steamed green beans)
+ FF ranch dressing


Afternoon Snack:
+ Peanuts (unsalted and roasted)
+ raisins


Dinner:
+ Tortilla chips (entirely to many of these)
+ Queso dip (salsa and cheese)

Water Consumption = 60 oz (I'm slipping on this today)
Vitamins = Women's One A Day Multivitamin, B12,Iron and Biotin
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE


How am I feeling
While today was a great day for me physically and my work out was awesome, my eating was average. I stuck with the plan as best as I could. By the time dinner rolled around, I wasn't really hungry so I didn't cook. While you will see that I had loads of spinach today, my appetite came and went every hour and I found myself just really snacking, rather than eating meals (accept for breakfast).

I am noticing that this is happening once I start drinking the ACV....my appetite disappears. I will have some hunger moments, but my planned meals get off track for I don't eat when I am not hungry. Guess I'm still learning my body, so I will not beat myself up.

Since I did not run today, I plan to do that tomorrow so lots of water and food essentials is key so I can survive it! Lol.

Daily Food Journal #17

I honestly planned to work out today, but due to my schedule, the fact I didn't take a vitamin AND I'm just plain exhausted from all the travel this week, I did not. That puts me at ONLY 3 days of working out. Tomorrow I have already mentally prepared for the my AM cycling class, along with running for 25 minutes. I do have a meeting to be at (that is an hour away may I add) so I will be pushing it, but I will make it work.

In my post yesterday, I mention the frustration and difficulty in sticking to an eating plan and traveling....I will continue to pump that message today in this post, for I still have not found a solution that works for me...BUT at least I am not eating fast food :)

Since I failed so horribly yesterday, I wanted to try day 3 of the eating plan again...I think I did pretty good. See the details below:

Breakfast
+ 3 scrambled egg whites
+ 1 cup of shredded wheat (honey flavor)
+ 6 oz soy milk

Morning Snack
+ 1 small apple
+ twizzlers (my vice is coming back)

Lunch
(I'm a workaholic. I didn't plan to go into today, but worked for 3 hours on my off day......don't judge me...lol.)
+ 4 oz of tofu
+ 1 cup vegetarian baked beans

Afternoon Snack
+ NONE

Evening
+ 1 sweet tomato (with sour cream and raw sugar)
+ 3/4 cup steamed green beans
+ 1 talapia fillet (seasoned with black pepper, ms dash and red pepper)


Water Consumption = 64 oz
Vitamins = 1 Women's One A Day Multivitamin, B12,Iron and Biotin
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE

How I feel

It seems that when I work unexpectedly or when I travel, I skip meals or eat horribly. I need to get that together.

I disappointed in the choices I made today. While I can't beat myself up, it still is frustrating. Tomorrow is a new day and I will do better. I refuse to regain back the 5 pounds I lost. I can not let myself, Coach Johnson and God down....I won't do it.....

Daily Food Journal #16

Below is today's food journal entry:

Breakfast
+ 2 hard boiled eggs
+ 1 cup of shredded wheat
+ 4 oz of soy milk

Morning snack
+ 1 small (home grown) apple

Lunch = Subway
+ 1 foot long whole grain bread
+ turkey breast
+ Veggies (spinach, green peppers, cucumbers, onions)
+ Bananna peppers
+ american cheese (i think I tasted that)
+ light mayo
+ chocolate cookie

Afternoon Snack (was eating 4 hours after lunch)
+ Protein Drink
+ 14 almonds

Dinner
+ 2 cups spinach
+ 4 oz of tuna (in water)
+ 1/4 cup chopped onion
+ 1/4 mozerella cheese
+ brown rice (3/4 cup)

Water consumption = 64 ounzes
ACV = 1 tablespooon
Supplements and Vitamins = 1 Women's One A Day, Biotin, B12 and Iron
Alcohol = NONE


How Am I Feeling:
Family this week was crazy and ended in me being sooo exhausted today. There is no exercise log for today, for I literally had to motivate myself to leave my office to drive home...sad I know....lesson learned, don't ever let antyhing get more important than myself! In order for God to use me to do his work, I have to have ENERGY to fulfill his will.

Lunch was a semi flop...due to back to back meetings, I could not go home AND if my student worker didn't go to get me Subway..I've wouldn't ate. While I didn't realize that there was turkey on my sanwhich..until after the fact (because I was scarfing it down...bad I know.....need to take my time), it was still filling. I had to scarf down my lunch in literally 10 minutes for I had yet another meeting in the afternoon to attend.

Make sure you are putting yourself first family...no one (but the Lord himself) is more important than YOU.

Be blessed

Daily Food Journal #14 - VERY LATE POST

Below is my food journal from two days ago (i'm going to get it together promise)

Oh family...I am empowered and motivated today....why you may ask...because I weighed in for the first time while on the "Get Fit 4 Christ" program! I am officially 5 lbs down in less than 3 weeks! That is so awesome and I thank God again for this opportunity and leading Coach Johnson to selecting me for this journey.

While it is a struggle to eat on the plan (and well at that) while on the road working, I'm making it work. Coach Johnson has given me some tips to stay on track when I can't cook and/or have to work threw a meal (like today). Its all about learning, restructuring and implementing in my mind. No...I am not perfect and can't stick to the plan like th others to the T...but I can give it my all, ask God for guidance and continued strength and STOP MAKING EXCUSES! If I do all the above, I will be fine....and that is how I dropped that amount of pounds in a short amount of time.

Below is an account of what I ate today:

Breakfast

+ 1 1/2 cup of honey nut cheerios

+ 1 bananna

+ 1 ginger snap cookie (don't ask...had a weak moment...and it was delish!)

Morning Snack

+ 1 box of raisins

+ trail mix (peanuts, cashews, alomonds, raisins and chocolat pieces)

Lunch

+ the rest of the trail mix I could eat

Evening Snack

+ 16 red grapes

+ yogurt parfait (found this in my lodging fridge...its was good)

Dinner (went out to celebrate my sis getting a promotion)

+ 2 slices of cheese pizza

+ 1 soft pretzel w/cheese


Water Consuption: 56 ounzes
ACV: NONE
Supplements and Vitamins: 1 Women's One A Day, Biotin, B12 and Iron
Alcohol: 1 lemon drop martini, 1 long ice land ice tea

How I feel:

Recently, Coach Johnson called me to check in to see how I was doing. While we played phone tage, he didn't have to take the time to see how I was doing, but he did. His kind words was to keep up the good work and congratulations on what I have accomplished thus far. It felt good to know that I had at least one person on my side.

I want to pay it forward the kindness he showed me. I'm hear to encourage all participants and those who follow me to keep up the good work and don't give in. Pray over EVERTHING and that includes your weight loss goals. God is the answer to everything and when you think your alone, you have him AND me :). Stay encouraged, read your bible daily, surround yourself with like minded individuals, take can't, won't and NO out of your vocabulary and replace them with CAN, WILL, SUCCESS and YES to reach your goals. I believe in you and can attest that it takes time and effort on this journey.

I want to leave you all with this scripture - "the race is not given to the swift, but those who endureth to the end". Remember that you don't have to rush to get to the finish line..its about what you've learned during the race that will assist in your completion. For so long I wanted my last 20 lbs off....and I wanted it done like in 2 months...lol...and while some have done it, my race is different. Its me and the Lord and I am competing against no one but myself (in a positive way). My outlook on life while on this journey has changed significantly and because of it, I will come out stronger. Take a few minutes to read, reflect and get moving family. Be blessed!

Daily Food Journal/Exercise Log #13

Yesterday's post is late I know, but better late than never family. I was super busy with work has to eat two meals outside of the meal plan...unplanned. This is the ways of my job, but I am excited to report that I am making good choices.

I'm feeling a little better on this day, then the day before. I have to stay focus and keep praying and reading so God stays the focus of my life. I'm so very blessed and gracious for Coach Johnson choosing me to be apart of this program. I want to make him proud, but also inspire my followers to try some of his techniques as well. I hope I won't let you down Lyle!

Please see below for my meals and workout routine for today:


Breakfast
+hard boiled eggs
Morning Snack:
+ 1 cup vanilla non fat yogurt
+ carrot sticks
Lunch (portions are estimation)
+ mexican rice (1 cup)
+ refied beans (1/4)
+ 1 cheese enchillada
+ salsa (1 teaspoon)

Lunch Snack (was like 3 hours later)
+ frosted flakes
+ soy milk
Dinner (was at AppleBee's with a work client)
+ Cajun Lime Talapia meal w/all broccoli (no rice)
Water Consuption: 64 ounzes
ACV: 1 tablespoon
Supplements and Vitamins: 1 Women's One A Day, Biotin, B12 and Iron
Alcohol: 1 pomegranite margarita



Workouts:

+ MVP Fitness Dumbell Blast circuit (2x) = 8 minutes

+ MVP Fitness Abs from Hell circuit (2x) = 8 minutes
+ Tabe Bo Basic Boot Camp = 35 minutes

Daily Food Journal #8 (late post)

Today was my last day in town for work. I think overall I did good with sticking with the plan considering the constraints of eating on the go when you can't cook. Grocery shopping for my home happened tonight so I am set and ready to go for the next few weeks. I have to warn you, I did not eat full meals and snacks. You may see a dab of candy in there to (i know horrible). Below are the details of what I ate today:

Breakfast
+ 3 egg whites
+ 1/4 cup cooked broccoli
+ 1/4 mozerella cheese
+ 1 cup (8 oz) of 100% white grape juice (160 cal/2 fruit servings)

Morning Snack
+ 3 table spoon cottage cheese
+ 1 oz carrot chips

Lunch
+ 1 Hershey Milk Chocolate bar (210 cal) - this was a gift from a counselor I was visiting...I was so hungry and did not have any of my foods on me :(


Dinner
+ Spinach and artichoke dip, peta bread
+ Water
I was so disappointed at this. I waited to late to eat and was getting headaches. As always, another evening student event and my body needed food.


Water consumption = over 70 ounces
Supplements and vitamins = 1 Women's One A Day Multivitamin, 1 Trader Joe's Multivitamin, B12, 1 Biotin and Iron
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE


How I Feel
Honestly, I felt like crap on this today. I was so disappointed in the food choices that I made and was beating myself up for it. I was somewhat depressed for the rest of the night, gave myself a headache and went to be early. Tomorrow's post should be better, but again, I have a traveling lunch (food provided at a lunch meeting) event tomorrow and I have no idea of what is on the menu. I keep telling myself "fruits and veggies will set you free" lol. It would be rude to bring my own since its 2 hours away.

Soon I will post on strategies to healthy eating while traveling...for I am learning threw trial and error. I am confident that God will guide me and I have been equipped with the necessary strength, courage and wisdom needed to battle this monster....overeating. Keep me lifted fam....

Daily Food Journal/Exercise Log #7

Today I was really busy family so I decided to take the day off from working out. This entry will serve as both my daily food journal and exercise log.

While very productive with working remotely from another location, I decided to pre pack my snacks and lunch so I can get my food in. I did miss my afternoon snack and reorganized some foods in the meals since I did not have them at the lodge I was staying at. Also, since I'm heading home tomorrow, I wanted to have one more slice of the carmel cake (to tie me over till thanksgiving, for that is when it will make its next cameo...lol). Below is a break down of what I ate today:

Breakfast
+ 2 egg white omelet
+ 1 cup spinach
+ 1 pk apple cinnamon oatmeal
+ 5 strawberries


Morning Snack
+ 1/2 cup cottage cheese
+ carrot chips
+ 1 small apple

Lunch
+ 1 salmon fillet
+ steamed asparagus

Afternoon Snack
+ none


Evening
+ Salad w/:
= 2 cups of spinach leaves
= 4 oz of canned tuna in water
= less than a 1/4 cup of cottage cheese
= less than 1/4 cup of cooked corn
= 1/4 cup of cooked broccoli
= 2 tbsp of light italian dressing
+ 1/2 cup of green beans
+ 1 generous slice of homemade carmel cake (last time of eating until thanksgiving)

Evening Snack
+ 1 small orange (since I didn't eat it at lunch)


Water Consumption = 71 oz
Vitamins = 2 Women's One A Day Multivitamin, B12 and Iron
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE

How I feel

I am actually really surprised that I am not that sore from yesterday's boot camp. Due to scheduling, I plan to participate in tomorrow's AM boot camp so I can get two sessions in before heading out. Now...lets see if I can get up tomorrow morning at 5:30 am to make it on time. Lol.

As you can see, for dinner I loaded up on the veggies and really pushed my fruit today so I could have a piece of cake. I am really trying my best to stay on the eating plan. It makes it easier if I have the food in my house, but since I'm in town on business, its difficult to stick totally with the plan. I have to admit that I am proud of myself, for I think I am doing well. This eating plan has forced me to step out of my comfort zone and eat new foods (ie sweet tomatoes and egg whites). I think this is a good start for incorporating new healthier foods into my diet. I guess we will see once its time for me to weigh in.

Like I've said before, the daily bible reading really helps to keep me grounded. When I get tempted OR my old thinking tries to come into my daily routine, I know I can turn to the Word but now I can relate and even retain what I am reading. This has been a long time goal for me and I thank God that he used those around me (and basic accessible resources) to bring me closer to him. I will admit that I get discouraged, for I feel that I'm not getting anywhere, am physically getting bigger or beat myself up for eating something on the "bad list". But you know what family, its one day at a time. I have to struggle somewhat on my journey to a healthier and more spiritual me in order to receive that great blessing (success in my goals) at the end. At times I think that we can be our own monsters/mountains with the way we think and treat ourselves.

In Luke 9:25 the word tells us "for what is a man advantaged, if he gains the whole world and lose himself or be cast away". This scripture really hit me last night as I was reading. I don't want to obtain any and everything, to in turn lose who I AM. If weight management was so easy as turning on a light, lol, what would be the lesson? What struggle is there to make me a stronger person? How can I go into battle for the Lord if I've experience no resistance? I don't want to do any and everything, in the process selling myself out and hurting others, to get what I want (success on all ends). Think about that tonight family and meditate on the scripture if you haven't read it. It will change your life.

Stay encouraged and be blessed....

Daily Food Journal #6 (late edition)

Disclaimer - I had wireless connection issues so I apologize for the tardy post!

While the rest of the participants are well into the eating plan given to us by Coach Johnson, ya girl is just starting day one. Lol. Slacker you may say...not even. I was not able to eat according to the meal plan (click here for details) due to vacation and not having a kitchen. But today is the day and I must say that I did well. I was a little full at lunch, but got all the foods in. While they were hard to eat together, I forced it down my throat. Below is a break down of what I ate today:

Breakfast
+ 3 egg whites
+ 2 cups spinach leaves
+ 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese
+ 1 slice of whole wheat toast (with a pat of whipped butter and 1 tbspn of strawberry jelly)

Morning Snack
+ 1 hard boiled egg
+ 1 small green apple

Lunch
+ 1 can of tuna in water (4 oz total) - added pepper, ms. dash and 2 drops of light italian dressing) + 2 slices of whole wheat bread + 10 stalks of steamed asparagus + 1/2 cup of apple sauce

Afternoon Snack
+ Carrot chips
+ Orange

Evening
(I got out of boot camp at 7:50 pm so I decided to do a combo with my evening snack and dinner)
+ 1 sweet potato (with sour cream, raw sugar and a dab of whipped natural butter)
+ broccoli
+ strawberries
+ Cottage cheese
+ slices of turkey leg (so while I was going to try to force myself to eat the chicken, I couldn't stomach it. Since turkey is the last meat that I weeded myself off of while going pescatarian, my father told me to bite the bullet and try his smoked turkey...which I did and liked! This was my way of compromising for I did not have any salmon to substitute. Will have some tonight though)



Water Consumption = over 65 oz
Vitamins = Trader Joe's Women's Multivitamin, B12 and Iron
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE

How I feel

I had so many opportunities to cheat today. There is left over food EVERYWHERE from the holiday, but I must stay strong. I think this is one of those times were Coach Johnson was referring too about "praying for weight loss", because I needed the Lord today. I truly feel its mind over matter. And like another participant blogged, its about "free will" and taking some control and being accountable for your actions. I don't have to go to the kitchen and get the popcorn, instead I can drink water and or go read my bible...and that is what I did.

One of the things I contemplated today was how to pray for weight loss. At our first intro meeting, Coach Johnson mentioned being careful for what you pray for (we've all heard that), so I have been very intentionally about how and what I say in my daily prayer. I want guidance and continued strength, but also I want to do my part. We can not expect some wand to be waved and BAM.....30 lbs gone (oh if it was only that easy)...and honestly, I don't want anything that easy. I like challenges hence my reasoning for doing this program.

My inspirational message for today is to stay encouraged and remember its a life style change..not a 40 day only change. This program is the beginning to a new you and you will have to practice patience to achieve your SMART goals. I'll keep you lifted family and I ask you will do for me.....be blessed

9/5/09 Meal Plan Update

As I mentioned before, I am on vacay for the holiday. Have a great time by the way :)
Its been a challenge to participate in the meal plan that Coach Johnson sent us, that started yesterday, but I think I have done well with what I had to work with here. While I am ashamed at some fo the decisions I made (see lunch), I am a work in progress and know that with determination and continued prayer, I can over come bad food choices and/or over eating. This is not an excuse, but a reminder that this is a learning journey, and we all fall short. How you move on from it, determines part of how you will succeed in the end. I do not have a fridge or kitchen so I have to eat out, but I believe that you can still eat healthy while not cooking. Below is my detail list of my meal plan today:

Breakfast
+ 2 egg white omelet w/green peppers, onions and provolone cheese (they did not have mozarella)
+ 2 slices of whole grain wheat toast, parkay magerine, and strawberry jelly (they did not have apple)
+ 16 oz of orange juice

Lunch
+ 1/2 of a funnel cake with glaze (yeah...this was bad, but I couldn't resist)

Dinner
Ruby Tuesday's salad bar
+ 2 1/2 cups of green lettuce w/cucumber slices, red onion slices, lima beans, green peppers, 4 baby tomatoes, bracolli shears, blue cheese crumbles, regular ranch dressing
+ 10 seedless red grapes

Water consumption = over 50.5 oz (need to step it up tomorrow)
Supplements/Vitamins = Multivitamin, B12, Iron
ACV = none
Alcohol - white wine


How I feel
We decided to go to Wal Mart to get some non parishable such as bottled water, tortilla chips and salsa. The salsa can serve as a vegetable if I can't get all my servings in, and the chips will serve as my low calorie NON TRANSFAT carb snack (which will also satisfy my carb craving).

We did visit the winery so I did have a few glasses of wine. This is an area that I have come to terms needs a change. I don't drink daily or during the week at that. But I have notice that when around friends or visiting in town, I have been drinkign more wine than usual. I personally feel that is directly related to past weight gain and also a difference in the stomach area.....but I have to make the decision to reduce or remove my alcohol consumption if I want to see a difference. No excuses....

While I was nervous about my vacy, I am really proud of myself. I have been wating my water consumption, getting veggies and pushing away from the table when full. That is a difference that I have seen with me. I plan to start the MVP Fitness Meal Plan on Tuesday. This way I have my groceries and I am not tempted. Lol.

Keep me lifted family!

Daily Food Journal #3

As the days go on, I become more and more comfortable with writing down everything (that is everything) i eat in a day. Lol. I am not embarrassed anymore....that my followers will judge me. Below is a break down of what I ate today:

Breakfast
+ 1 1/4 cup of frosted flakes
+ 3 oz of frozen fruit (peaches, pineapples and strawberry slices)

Morning Snack
+ 20 seedless red grapes
+ Special K bar (90 cal)

Lunch
+ 6 squares of left over Imo's (i know horrible...and is probably why my tummy feels the way it is)
+ 2 cups of spring mix (salad)
+ 3 tablespoons of FF italian dressing
+ 1/4 cup of chopped red onion

Afternoon Snack
+ 8 almonds
+ 1 pack of microwave popcorn w/butter (used two single packs of salt to season)

Evening
(note this week has been an ongoing evening event. Since I don't have groceries still, I've been eating
Panera Bread
+ Tuna fish sandwich on sourdough, lettuce, tomatoe and mayo
+ 1 slice FF american cheese (i added this from my fridge)
+ 1 oatmeal cookie
+ bag of panera chips (i shouldn've ate these...feel so guilty...but it was good)



Water Consumption = 72 oz ( i was slacking today family)
Vitamins = Trader Joe's Women's Multivitamin, B12 and Iron

How I feel

Not sure if there is a fluke in the matrix, but today I felt extra bloated. Let me explain...its like I'm full or stuffed...but I haven't eaten...its really weird. I chalked it up as if my body is adjusting to the ACV maybe....I don't know. I don't feel sick, but I feel uncomfortable when I sit for it feels like my tummy is super huge...I don't know what it is...but I will keep you posted.

I believe in the power of prayer and the bible tells us "ask and you shall receive"....so I am asking for my tummy to be healed if I am in fact "sick". Lol. Please keep me lifted family.

6 Essential Flat-Belly Foods

I came across this great post on Women's Health on good foods to reduce your belly fat. I eat a few of these products already, but I figured we could use the information to try something new. Enjoy!

Quinoa

Per ¼ cup:
170 calories
2.5 g fat
7 g protein
3 g fiber

For starters, anytime you choose a whole-grain product over one made from nutrient-stripped white flour, you wage war against belly fat. Penn State researchers found that dieters who ate whole-grains lost twice as much belly fat as those who stuck to white-flour products—even though they'd consumed the same number of calories. What's more, quinoa contains twice the belly-filling protein as regular cereal grains, fewer glucose-raising carbohydrates, and even a handful of healthy fats. So start your day off with a cup of cooked quinoa combined with a ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of blueberries—microwave for 60 seconds, and you have a delicious (and slimming) alternative to your traditional oatmeal. Bob's Red Mill Organic Quinoa won "Best Grain" in Men's Health's Best Foods Awards 2009.

Green Tea

0 calories

Catechins, the powerful antioxidants found in green tea, are known to increase metabolism. A study by Japanese researchers found that participants who consumed 690 milligrams of catechins from green tea daily had significantly lower body mass indexes and smaller waist measurements than those in a control group. It's safe to say that green tea is one of the best beverages for your health—a stark contrast to any of these 20 unhealthiest drinks in America. Avoid those belt-buckling drinks at all costs.

Kefir

Per cup:
174 calories
2 g fat
14 g protein
3 g fiber

Think of kefir as drinkable yogurt, or an extra-thick, protein-packed smoothie. In either case, this delicious dairy product is a belly-blasting essential. Beyond the satiety-inducing protein, the probiotics in kefir may also speed weight loss. British scientists found that these active organisms boosted the breakdown of fat molecules in mice, preventing the rodents from gaining weight. The researchers still need to prove the finding in humans, but there's no danger in downing probiotic-packed products. We like Lifeway Lowfat Blueberry Kefir - it contains L. casei, the same probiotic used in the study.

Avocado

Per avocado:
322 calories
29 g fat (4 g saturated, 20 g monounsaturated)
13 g fiber
4 g protein

Never fear this full-fat Mediterranean-diet staple: It's teeming with healthy monounsaturated fats (also found in olive oil), which have been linked to lowered LDL cholesterol levels and weight loss. In fact, a recent longitudinal study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the healthy-fat Mediterranean diet was more effective than a diet that avoided fats altogether - so go ahead and indulge!

Eggs

Per 1 large scrambled egg:
102 calories
7 g fat (2 g saturated)
7 g protein

A British study found that people who increased the percentage of protein-based calories in their diet burned 71 more calories a day (that's 7.4 pounds a year!). Jumpstart your metabolism as soon as you wake up with a protein-rich breakfast of scrambled eggs.

Grapefruit

Per grapefruit:
104 calories
4 g fiber
2 g protein

A grapefruit a day in addition to your regular meals can speed weight loss. The fruit's acidity slows digestion, meaning it takes longer to move through your system, and you'll end up feeling fuller, and more satisfied, for longer. And the vitamin C-packed grapefruit works to lower cholesterol and decrease risk of stroke, heart disease, and some types of cancer.

Source:Women's Health

Daily Food Journal #2

Today I was hungrier than usual. This hunger was occurring after the lunch period. I almost felt as thought I needed to eat more....what do you all think? Below is a break down of what I ate today:

Breakfast
+ 1/2 cup of plain oatmeal
+ 2 packets of raw sugar

Morning Snack
+ 1 oz of almonds
+ 1 fruit roll up

Lunch
+ 2 tortilla wraps (corn) + tuna in water (4 oz) (light mayo, pepper and mrs. dash added) + 2 slices of FF american cheese
+ 2 cups of spring mix (salad) + 2 tablespoons of light mayo

Afternoon Snack
+ 15 seedless red grapes
+ 15 Triscuit thin crisps
+ 1 pack of microwave popcorn w/butter (this was an ER snack...was starving)

Evening
+ Imo's pizza (cheese and veggie)
+ 1 cup of spring mix (salad)
+ 2 tablespoon of FF italian dressing
(note my dinner tonight was in part of a student program I was at. Still haven't gone grocery shopping...)

Water Consumption = over 64 oz
Vitamins = Trader Joe's Women's Multivitamin, B12 and Iron

How I feel

I felt very bloated today for some reason. I would be hungry but my stomach felt full...I don't know. I don't eat when not hungry, and I do a really good job of not eating just because food is in front of me. Today was a weird day for me. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

What I did differently today was to do some of my bible assignment at lunch. That helped me to not over indulge, which is always good. I plan to continue to do this throughout the 40 day plan.

The ACV is still hard to get down. I am drinking the majority of the 2 teaspoons, but I plan to conquer getting all of it dranked in one day by the end of the week. Baby steps.....lol

Daily Food Journal #1

I have to admit that I am proud of myself today! I did pretty good with eating good foods and logging them into my journal. I did notice some "starvation" periods, but I may bump up some of my meals to help counteract that. Below is a break down of what I ate today:

Breakfast
+ 40 grams of Frosted Flakes
+ 4 oz of FF milk
+ 20 seedless red grapes

Morning Snack
+ 1 oz of almonds

Lunch
+ 3 cups of green spring mix (salad)
+ 1 can (4 oz total) of tuna in water
+ 2 tablespoons of FF Italian dressing

Afternoon Snack
+ 1 fruit roll up
+ 1 pack of Orville Redenbacher's "smart pop" 94% FF Kettle Korn (single serve mini bag)

Evening
+ 1 snack bag of baked lays (plain)
+ Quizno's vegetarian sandwhich
+ 1 cookie
(note my dinner tonight was in part of a student program I was at. I also have not gone grocery shopping but plan to do so really soon).

Water Consumption = over 80 oz
Vitamins = Trader Joe's Women's Multivitamin, B12 and Iron

How I feel

Well I can definitely tell that I'm taking the Apple Cider Vinegar(AVC), for I'm having headaches...again. Lol. Before when I used this supplement, I was getting headaches. I feel this is due part to my appetite being curbed AND getting my body use to it. So, I won't give up on it yet Coach Johnson...but we will see.

Usually in the afternoons, my hunger increases and I get headaches if I don't eat something. I've learned that I need to have healthy snacks at my desk at all times so I won't be tempted to eat the office food (which can be anything these days). I want to try to eat my heaviest meal at lunch and not eat after 7 pm. It gets hard with work and then working out after work...so sometimes it may be not after 8 am. Baby steps I guess.....

I noticed today that with not having many food options at home (due to the lack of groceries in the house), I did not eat as much during the day. Then for dinner, I had that sandwich which should have been my lunch meal (a bigger meal). I will have to do better tomorrow....but at least I hit my activity goal!

I try to keep in mind how gluttony is one of the deadly sins, so I don't want to overeat just to be over eating. In order to do and see everything that God has planned for me, I need to be in the best shape I can be. I love how today's scripture pertains to how we can all inherit the kingdom of God. In order to experience the fullness of his mercy and blessings he has in stored for us, we must be born again. Understanding this will also aid in my weight loss goals and how God has a vital and important part of my success with the program.

I'm very excited to see what is to come in the coming weeks......