CTS Day #3 (100% orange juice, maple syrup, water)

Today was a little tough....well at least in the morning. While I slept GREAT last night and awoken enerigized and ready to conquer the world, I did have a slight headache around 9am. They say that when you have the "hunger pains" (which in my case is the headache), you are to "take a shot" of your juice. So that is what I did....SHOTS FOR EVERYONE!!!! Lol. To also help "fill me up", I chased the orange juice (remixed) with purified water. This not only helped to take the headache away, but I am also staying hydrated as well.

For those who may not know, when I consume to much citrus (especially oranges) my face starts to break out. Some of you may experience the same, but many I know are not effected at all my to much citrus in there system. Me don't likey that...lol...but I feel the water as a chaser will help to keep me silky smooth...lol

I was a little confused on actually how much of the juice I was suppose to consume for today. If you look back at the link I provided for the information on the diet (click here), it doesn't really say how much on day 3 of the "ease in" phase you are suppose to consume...but 2 liters has been a consistent measurement throughout this entire process, so that is what I am trying to stick with. To be honest with you all, by the time I got to 9:30 am this morning, I only had 12ounzes of my first liter to finish....so I took a break and started on the water..that helped me a lot.

To switch things up a little (for my metabolism was on fire last night), I decided to go do my work out during my lunch time versus after work. This way, when I returned to work, I'm keeping myself busy as my body begs to be fed. I actually did 2.71 miles of JOGGING on the treadmill! Yaaay me!!!!! I have to definitely keep this progress up.

At around 4:30 pm today, I experience my "downer" moment. This is when my body started to get tired and wanted to sleep ASAP. To combat this (and a slight case of tongue coating from the juice...yuk!), I started drinking some purified water to fill me up and wake me up. That seem to get me back on track to finish strong at work and then to be productive for the evening.

Right now, I feel ok. I am tired, not weak, and just want to go to sleep. I definitely got my 2 liters of juice in....even though I am craving one of my homemade juiced fruit...but I will get threw it. Tomorrow starts the actually lemonade diet...and on NYE at that...lol. But I am sure I will be ok. Up until now, my body is use to not eating all my fav foods (like twizzlers, chips and salsa or pretzels and cheese.....I mean I can go on and on family...lol).

Day 3...out of the way...BRING ON THE LEMONADE. Lol. Be blessed family!

Be The Best You Can Be

Family I received this Daily Word on my usual spiritual email listing. This is an original posting by Mr. Don Rice, a very anointed brother.

It really hit home for me, especially as I continue with my weight loss goals. Hope this blessed you as it did me....be encouraged all!


BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE

By: Don Rice


God has created you to live a full and healthy life. Within this full and healthy life are opportunities that will propel and promote you to new and exciting places. Each opportunity causes you to grow and expand as a person. God who has a plan for us then desires one thing from that and us is to be the best we can be.

Being the best we can be means that with consistency we give God our absolute all. We strive each day to live above the negative and the nasty by focusing on our relationship with Jesus Christ. We yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit and fulfill the mandate of Jesus Christ to obey his word and follow his teachings. Being our best is about living a life that pleases God. Be your best then. Work at life and work at satisfying God’s heart. Give your all and watch God through your life do the most amazing things. Today be the best you can be!

Read Colossians 3:17

November Activity Plan

And I'm back family......

For those who know me or follow me on Twitter @efficient1, I like to switch up my workout regimen. I totally believe in tricking the body so it doesn't get complacent and stop burning fat (dropping unwanted pounds). Most health professionals will agree that switching up your routine every 4-6 weeks helps to restart the body so it will continue to burn fat and develop muscle. Also, it helps with keep your blood pressure regular and reduces your risk of heart attacks/strokes.

As I continue with my healthy living goals (and as I prepare for my international trip), I decided to implement a special exercise regimen for the month of November. Since this is the first month since August that I am not traveling all over the country(lol), I figure I could make some headway on my weight loss and body toning initiatives.

A few weeks ago I posted my current healthy living regimen (click here) that was inclusive of eating, spiritualitg and exercising (and a few other things). I'm still following those tips, but I wanted to be more detailed in the actual activities to get my heart pumping on a weekly basis. See below for this month's plan:


Workouts
Julian Micheals "30 Day Shred"
Beach Body's "Turbo Jam" and "Hip Hop Abs"
Gym regimen - 3m run on treadmill, row machine & stair climber/bike

Frequency
4-6x's a week ( a minimum of 4 is a must)

So what is your regimen this month family? Do you actually sit and plan out how you will get up and moving daily? Have you been wanting to try something different to spice up your workout life? WELL TODAY IS THE DAY!!!! I challenge all of you all to post your regimens this month on either your blogs, youtube, facebook, twitter, etc. Feel free to put them in the comment section below as well. We are all in this together. Be blessed....

I'm Still Here

HEY ALL,

I'm still here. I know I've been absent, but my travel and work schedule is out of control this month (remember I warned you...). Anywho, I wanted to at least give you an update on my weight loss journey and the GF4C plan...

The marathon is this weekend and due to work commitments, I was not able to participate...but I will be there in spirit. If its any constillation, I am up to running 3 miles and over, so I definitely accomplished that goal.

While I've tried my best to eat on the eating plan, its been very difficult due to me not being at home and living in and out of hotels (which are always fun right.....:(). I've been pushing the water excessively and focusing on fruits and veggies (fresh as much as possible). I've limited or eliminated carbs in my daily meals (to have some self control) and I exercise as much as I can.

Recently, my knee has been very achy and sor so I've been taking it easy. This week thus far I've only worked out two days. When I'me exhausted, I take it easy so I don't get burned out. I originally planed to work out today, but I literally just got into my area of work and want to sleep. The goal is to work out at least Saturday and possible tomorrow so I can have 3-4 days work out this week.

When I weighed myself with Coach Johnson half way threw the program, I lost 5 lbs. While I felt like I was heavier, I was actually lighter (technically). Now, I feel as though my mid section is out of control but everything else is getting smaller. I can definitely see a little of the toning definition in my body and my clothes still fit loose, but that tummy.....I guess we will see huh...

Life happens you know...this is my current employment and October is crazy for me. But I am staying prayed up and positive even if the outcome is not what I want it to be. I ask that you all keep me lifted as I continue on my journey towards getting fitter for the Lord.

Be blessed!

Exercise Log #32

I'm very excited about my day today. I actually had to work for 3 hours today, but got a great work out in...and I went to the gym. HA...haven't been there in awhile. Below is today's work out:


+ Stationary bike = 12 minutes (100 calories)

+ Ab work/knee strength training (bad knee) = 10 minutes

+ Elliptical machine = 20 minutes (300 calories...and yes I did that many calories in such a short time)

+ Treadmill (jog/run) = 15 minutes (200 calories)


My goal today was to do a work out under 60 minutes (kinda went over), and to hit a 600+ calorie burn...and I did. See what happens when your motivated and determined to hit a short term goal?

I'm a firm believer in setting short term goals to achieve your long term goals. Simple daily exercise goals in your healthy regimen can work wonders. So proud of myself today.....now I'm off to ice my knee AND use icy hot for my "special knee" is fatigue and I'm in pain. Lol

Until later family....

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....

Exercise Log 23

I'm really getting into this whole getting up at 5:30 am to work out family! Lol. For those who follow me on twitter, you know that I use to do this daily and would post what I did after wards....even had a few followers "joining me" in the mornings to work out.

The first day I felt like I felt like I was dragging my butt out of bed, but today it was by habit. That is one thing I've always said, once you start you can't stop. While I had I couldn't run yesterday due to time constraints, doing these morning work out guarantee that a 50 minute work out gets in daily.

My joints are a little sore and again I am trying to determine if they are just fatiqued or that is actual PAIN. I may not run until next week to give my knees time to seriously heal (and to check to make sure I haven't injured it). Below is the workouts I did today:



Morning (5:30 am)
+ MVP Fitness "Get Fit 4 Christ" workout DVD
+ Turbo Jam "20 Minute Blast" workout DVD
(total time about 50 minutes)

Exercise Log 18

Aaaaaaw shoot....I'm switched up the font AND color on your family...must be a good sign for today's workout. LOL. You would be right.

My body has recouperated all. My knee is not hurting as much AND my muscles are not super sore. Because of this, I took full advantage of today and working out. Below is a description of today's workout:

MVP Fitness - "Get Fit 4 Christ" Workout DVD
+ 5 four minute circuits in total
+ strength, abs, cardio and full body workouts rolled ALL INTO ONE
+ 3 spiritual messages (breaks in workouts) by Pastor Winan
+ 30-40 minute total time

While it may not seem like much, it was kicking my butt. I was soaking wet as if I just came back from running. Coach Johnson's method works family. If my body is perspiring in such a short amount of time (and I'm fatigued and muscles are burning), that means I am pushing my body in a short amount of time....and I love.

I don't know you about you family, but I have a busy life. Getting a quick 30-60 workout into my schedule is a challenge..but feasible. Thanks to Coach Johnson, the strength from God and MY OWN SELF DETERMINATION TO GET INTO SHAPE I'm making the time and making it work.

Today is a new day family! Be persistent, positive and proactive!!! Do not sit and make excuses for yourself. Whether you need to loose 100 lbs or 10 lbs you too can get fit for the Lord.

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!

Exercise Log 14

I was on it today family! Coach Johnson was able to fit me into his busy schedule and I am so appreciative. Now I don't feel like the step child of the "Get Fit 4 Christ" program. Lol.

At the studio, I did multiple circuits from his work out DVD (which can be order by clicking here). While I felt like I was in there for a long time...and the exercises kept going FOREVER...lol...I actually was not there that long. I think in total I was there for 30 minutes. In that time, I did strength training (using weights and my body), cardio and ab work. That is the type of workout I'm talking about...straight to the point.

I'm so encouraged right now since I've lost 5 lbs. I knew walking into the studio today Coach Johnson was going to want to weigh me..lol..I mentally prepared myself..but stop and remembered that God told us that "no weapon shall form against you" and so I stop worrying about if "fat/pounds" (my giants) were going to win and conquer over me today. See its a lot of mental self control too family...you have to speak positive words into existence over your life. Do not allow the status quo or your past faults keep you in bondage (mental and physical) from achieving what God has in stored.

While my joints still ache (sp), I am still pushing threw SAFELY for I believe in the power of prayer and I serve a healing God. So I guess we will see. Tomorrow is boot camp with other program participants. Keep me lifted family....

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

Exercise Log Day 6 (late edition)

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

Every day I am so thankful that God gives me yet another day to be active and to get physically in shape. Through out my day I see many people who are either wheelchair bound or need some sort of assistance to do daily things. That is my motivation for given God all glory and taking advantage of the opportunity, to participate in this program, to train for a 5k.

Last night I participated in the MVP Boot Camp (info can be found here) for the first time in over a month. Coach Johnson never lets us down with those sessions. Lol. It was very invigorating and felt good to get back into my activities. Waking up this morning I felt sore, which is always a good sign.

Today I plan to run 2.5 miles straight to continue the training for the October 5k. I am confident that I will be able to complete it under 45 minutes (that is my goal).

Until later family....

Exercise Log Day 5

While I know Coach Johnson sent out the DVD work outs via you tube link, I have not had the chance to do them...yet another thing I plan to start tomorrow. Considering its the holiday, I am proud that I was able to get to the gym today. Below is a detail of what I did:

+ Warm up - Upright bike for 20 minutes (level 5-10) + 30 minutes on the ARC trainer (legs and arms moving...strides = running). This was the "fat burner setting)

+ Ab work out (laid on matt, held sisters ankles and she random threw my legs from rt/lft and center). Very difficult exercise. Did two reps of these

I plan to do better tomorrow for I will FINALLY get to attend the evening boot camp. I hear its more advance and am very excited.

How do I feel
While at times I feel at a disadvantage, I like the fact that I am altering the program as needed, as an online person. I feel I have a good work out regimen at home, so I have been incorporating that into my GF4C program as I go. Instead of complaining or looking for ways that I am NOT receiving, I'm instead given God all honor and praises that I get up every morning and can actually work out daily.

My joints have been holding up well. Considering last week I ran over 2.5 straight, I feel confident that I will be ready for the 5k on October 10th. My issues is will I be 10+ lbs lighter? At a smaller size (but still over weight) it is harder to drop pounds. I've been trying to find ways to trick my body to shock it into dropping lbs and not the muscle i've gained. I guess we will see in four more weeks if its working.

To be continued family....

Exercise Log Day 4

(Wall-E can lift 12 lbs...why can't I)---------------->

I was a slacker today family. The only work out that I did today was the30 Day Shred with Julian Michaels (biggest looser trainer). I do not have the infamous MVP Fitness DVD (wink wink to Coach Johnson) so I have to work with what I got.

This work out is 20 minutes but really gets the heart rate up. You determine the level you want to work out at (1-3) and once you select it, YOU determine the level you want to burn calories. I am always on 100% with pushing myself (lol), but you can be at 50%.


How I feel
Honestly, I am trying to understand how I will get my work outs in while on vacation, but I am determined to get them in. Post may be delayed family, but they will come. Enjoy the holiday all!

Morning Questions.....

I'm am feeling a little discouraged because the eating plan starts on Saturday AND the fasting begins tomorrow...but I will be on vacation for the holiday :(.

Am I setting myself up for failure? Plus, i will not get to work out with coach or do any boot camps (or any of the DVD at that) until i get into the area next week (because I'm distant).....am I at a disadvantage?

I ran out of Crystal Lite on the go's...why is is so hard to drink this Bragg's with regular water? How in the world does Coach Johnson do this daily? Lol.

My fear is that i will get off track and not see the results that I am seeking. I have been praying and staying up on my readings....really makes a difference. Had a talk with God today and he said that "no weapons will form against me"...therefore, I shall be ok.

So really, there is no need to question as I did above, if I the Lord says "those who wait on the Lord will inherit the earth"...God has me covered. See this blogging thing is very therapeutic! Lol.

Water consumption (thus far): less than 16 oz because of the ACV. Lol

Exercise Log Day 3

Since I worked out yesterday, I decided to rest today. Besides, my joints are sore from the rigerous running from yesterday. I have not received my DVD yet, so I am doing my own work out DVD's until I receive it. Below is a list of some DVD's I've incorporated into my work out regimen (and would highly suggest):

30 Day Shred with Julian Michaels (biggest looser trainer)
Biggest Looser - Cardio Max
TaeBo Boot Camps (any of them)
Turbo Jam
Hip Hop Abs
Pilates with Dennis Richardson



How I feel
I'm very relaxed tonight. I feel a little lazy for not working out, but I always feel this way when I don't work out. I actually find myself beating myself up tremendously AND analyzing every little thing I ate the days I don't. I know its one day at a time and I can't come down that hard on me...but I also feel it keeps me grounded in some ways.

You have to remember to not get over obsessed with every little thing, and I am known to take it to another level. I have to remember that tomorrow is a new day, a fresh start and the past is the past. Tomorrow I will do one of my videos AND probably run. This way I am still working towards the 5k run AND getting stronger.

I can't wait to meet with Coach Johnson when I get into town. Lol

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

Mid Day Break #2

John 18-20 The crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ

For today's mid day break, I decided to come home, fix my lunch and continue to read threw today's bible reading (see above). While I've heard the story of Jesus being crucified and arising from the dead, its always been second hand and/or through a movie interpretation. Its so much more moving to read it directly from the Word. I can feel the love that Jesus had for me and why he had to leave this earth and die for me. Knowing this, makes me want to do even better daily as I walk threw life. This is why this program is so awesome and important for me to be apart of it.

My thoughts for you this afternoon family is this, if Jesus was willing to give his life for us, and go threw all that he did with betrayal, contradictions from others and down right hatred (because he loved us)....can't we commit thy ways to the Lord and GET FIT 4 CHRIST? God has so much he wants us to accomplish while on earth, we need to be in good health to do his will. Is that not a reason to get fit, get right and get going..........reflect on this this afternoon family.....

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......