CTS 5-7 - Lemonade Day #3-5

A quick note family, for I know I am behind. I was with family this past weekend and could not get one via my Blackberry to update my entries.

I am still going strong. Day 3 and 4 of the lemonade was very difficult. So much distraction and temptation around me, but I stuck to my guns. While my family is very supportive, some of our views on eating clash...but I still love them. How did I combat this temptation....I went shopping....lol....seriously don't suggest you do this but it worked.

Today was the usual. Back at work and drinking loads of water. By the way, I use water to break up the juice and its so relieving. Its even helping to keep the coating of the tongue down, which always a good thing.

As for my workout today, I did great. Jogged 2.65 miles on the treadmill, along with doing 1.35 miles on the elliptical. In total, I burned over 400 calories! So proud of myself.

I'm almost to the end family...wish me luck and keep me lifted! Be blessed....

CTS 5 - Lemonade Day #2

Good evening family,

Man....I can't believe it...its actually day 5 on the overall diet plan and day 2 on the lemonade....wow....to think that I have been cleansing my body, mind and soul for a week...very motivating right now.

I have to say implementing the ACV over the cayenne pepper was a great decision. I owe that edition to a great distant friend and adopted big sister, who has been coaching me threwout this entire process. Not only do I feel confident that I will stay consistent on the rest of the diet, but I am so motivated to see this threw to the end.

Today I drove in to see family and just hung out...you know...to get a break AND to attempt to celebrate before I have to go to work....begin to travel again...events/programs, etc and I just wanted to relax. Well, little did I know that I would be surroundede with smells of my fav foods and be tempted to quit and eat them...but I remembered WHY I am doing this diet and the results I will see in the end. That is what kept me focused...that and my handy bottles of water. Lol.

In the end, day 2 on the lemonade was not that bad. I still have 4 more days of the juice to go.... While the substitution of ingriedients helped, the coating of the tongue (from the lemons and maple syrup) is becoming harder and harder to bare. Again, I am dedicated to finish this "mini cleansing" so I can be confident that I can do longer ones in the future.

Until tomorrow family....be blessed!

CTS4 - Lemonade Day #1

Family I am not going to even front....today was uber hard! While I knew that it would be, I guess I didn't REALLY prepare myself for what was to come. I'm not talking about wanting to eat foods, but overall how I feel. Let me explain....

I got up this morning LATE and went to the gym. Did good...ran 2 miles on the treadmill and did 1.37 miles on the elliptical...overall much more than what I've been doing. Today let me know that I can do more than just walking/jogging. Came home afterward and realized that it was almost 11am, and I had not had anything to eat (drink) for breakfast. Due to this, I quickly made my Lemonade Diet.

For my first batch, I have to say that I am proud of myself. It really didn't taste that bad...until i added to much cayenne pepper. Lol. The drink (and my mouth/chest) was literally on fire! But I dranked it....like the G that I am. Again today, I didn't even realize that I had not eaten any solid foods. This makes it so much easier to stay focused and to not cheat (even though there was visions of Twizzlers all around me. lol).

I only started to feel a little nauseated around 2 pm after chugging a gang of the lemonade (I started late so I wanted to catch up....so not a good idea). The light headedness and nausea comes from the toxins moving out of my body. The body starts to feel as something is "wrong" when in actuality its feeling the "norm" (i.e. wanted to eat what you usually eat). Since I already eat decently healthy anyways (push the fruits and veggies), I really didn't experience to much of this. Honestly, I think the majority of it came from the huge amount of pepper I used.

For tomorrow, I plan to replace the cayenne pepper with apple cider vineger (ACV). For those of you who follow my blog, know that I implented this into my diet a few months ago, thanks to Coach Johnson of MVP Fitness. I spoke to "my big sister" (lol) who is well versed on doing the Lemonade Diet, hipped me to this substitution in the juice, who said that it does just as well if not better. PLUS my body is already use to this stuff AND it definitely helps with releasing the toxins daily from the body (movement).

So far so good family! I look forward to progressing threw. OH I FORGOT TO TELL YOU ALL....I also weighed myself today and I've already lost 4lbs! Keep in mind, that I am not even in the middle part of the lemonade phase yet. This is uber excited all....really.

As always, I wil keep you all posted of my experience and findings.....be blessed all and Happy New Year!!!!

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!

Cleansing the Soul (CTS) Day 1

A very quick check in from me tonight family. So far, day went great! No cheating and I stucked to my eating plan (click back to previous post). I will say that I did start to get headaches around 3:45 ish tonight, but I decided that maybe it was time for me to eat (lol), and I had dinner, water and some sugar free gum. In order to help conquer this (mind over matter), I actually stopped and said a small prayer to refocus me on what I was doing (folding clothes..BTW) and soon the headache was gone.

I wanted to share with you a neat thing I did with my veggies today. I steamed some corn and green peas. Threw both in a mixing bowl and added some chopped tomatoes...and discovered a delicious healthy dish. I only used pepper (black) and a hint of Mrs. Dash (no salt, butter, etc were used). The tomatoes gave the veggies some kick and added sweetner to help coat them to taste. After this is all over, I must try this again. I ate on this for lunch and dinner. I also warmed up some vegetarian broth and had as a snack..the morning was a little difficult so I had this in my stash.

Tomorrow is all juice. Fruit and veggies have to be in liquid form. Since I do not have a juicer, I have taken out ALL my frozen fruit and plan to blend it with some water to "juicify" (yes I just made up a word) it. Instead of the herbal laxative tea, I actually continued on with my ACV to help with daily toxin release until I start fully on liquids...then the tea will come into play.

Originally, I had planned to work out, but since I was up uber early for work, I decided to pass. Tomorrow, however, I plan to do 2-4 miles on the treadmill (walking...no runnin). I decided to take my work out down a bit for I know how my adrenaline gets pumping, and heavily desires food afterwards...but I will be on total liquids and water so that is a no go. Lol. I guess we will see.

As for vitamins, I was suggested to not take any, but I did take my allergy meds and some of my all natural supplements (joints, etc). This will all cease by Wednesday of this week.

Until tomorrow family...the orAKAle has spoken......

Recap of GF4C program and current regimen

TGIF Family!

How have you all been? I know I"ve been MIA, but I hope that you all have been continuing your wellness regimens and seeing positive results. Remember we have to stay motivated daily and inspire not only ourselves but also those around us. Have you done that today?

As for me, I completed the Get Fit 4 Christ plan, but was a little disappointed. I'm not sure if the plan is conducive (and this is just my opinion Coach Johnson) to a distant or online person (if not located in the area with the MVP Fitness studio). I found it very difficult to stick to the plan as someone who travels heavily in my life. Fresh fruit, green veggies, grilling and baking are not as feasible (sometimes) when your in and out of airports and hotels. While it was easier to get apples, oranges and bananas at times, fish and or tuna (since I don't eat the other meats) was very difficult. I found myself trying so hard to get all my protein in to stay on track. I did however loose about 8 lbs, which is not bad for someone who was not at home for the month of October. Lol. For those in the STL area, I highly suggest you look at Coach Johnson's website for his boot camps and weight management programs. I believe they do work if you have access to him and his fitness studio. Find out more information by clicking here.


My Current Regimen:
As of right now, I have implemented my own wellness "rules" and a heavy work out regimen to keep up my good works. Below is a list of things I have implemented DAILY into my wellness regimen:

- 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Multivitamin, Biotin, B12, Iron, Glucosamine (for bone strengthening since I have a severe arthritis)
- 80+ ounces of water
- Herbal tea or DECAF coffee (I tried Stevia as my sweetener, but we didn't get along...so I use pure raw sugar)
- Fruits (fresh) and Veggies (green), at least 2-3 servings
- Carbohydrate intake is between 20-30 grams (trying my best to keep it under 30)
- No meat EXCEPT for fish, tofu and tuna
- Minimum of 4 workouts (2 being strength training sessions)
- Alcohol = limited to white wine only (2x/month maximum). No more than 2/sitting If I absolutely have to have a martini, one a month.
- Between 6.5-7.5 hours a sleep a night


Well I hope this information is useful for you and thanks to all who showed love and support while on my program. Be blessed family!

Fasting to Clear My Body

Since the Get Fit 4 Christ program is coming to a close, I wanted to fast to restart my body again for my new way of eating. I actually have a few individuals who are doing it with me and others interested specifically on what it entails. I've inclulded the plan below:

+ Grilled chicken or tuna (this is totally plain protein. NO SEASONING OR SAUCES)
+ Cucumber (eat it how ever you want as long as its NOT SEASONED)
+ Water (of course)
+ 1-2 teaspoon of ACV (if you find yourself getting light headed, reduce it even more)

Thanks to one of my lovely Sorors for passing on this plan to me. She use to be an NFL cheerleader and use to do this type of fast to drop water weight quick and to jump start her body to eating CLEAN foods.

I plan to do this fasting plan until Wednesday, October 14th at noon. After that, I will be pushing the protein, veggies and fruit and limiting my carbohydrate intake to 40 grams/day. The ultimate goal is to reduce that number to 30 grams/day but I must take baby steps. Lol. Whose going to join us? Remember, you can ONLY EAT the foods above for the next 4 days (for I started today). You can eat as much as you want as well family....so chow down.

As for exercise (and yes you still have to get moving), the work out plan can be of your choice, but for me I plan to walk/jog at least 3 days of the 4 day fast. I know my body and how I work, and limiting myself to only these foods will be tough initially on me. I can't over exert myself to much for my body won't have enough food essentials to burn. BUT I do plan to keep moving. Lol.

What am I trying to accomplish....dropping 5lbs by this coming Friday, clearing out my system and restarting my eating plan. I'm excited for Paris is winding down and its time to get serious.

Be blessed family!!!

Daily Food Journal 32 (LATE EDITION)

Sorry for the late post family. Below is a depiction of yesterday's meals. I will let you know up front, I am only spending 4 days in my home this month due to work travel. That means cooking and preparation is very very limited if out the question. Due to this, I did not go grocery shopping for the food (parishable items) would .....well....parish. Lol.



I will be in and out of hotels, the greater STL areas AND the state of Missouri now until October 31st. I am still taking the healthy tip from Coach Johnson on really eating and pushing the fruit and veggies while traveling. I also eat fruit snacks as a way to curve my sugar or carb cravings as well. They are 100% made with fruit AND can totally kick that craving. Keep me lifted family, for traveling and continuing my healthy regimen poses some difficulty me still:



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



Morning snack:
+ 1 cup of apple sauce



Lunch:
+ 1 salmon fillet (baked)
+ 1 cup cooked brown rice (with olive oil margerine and dash of season salt)
+ 1 cup of steamed cooked mixed veggies



Afternoon Snack:
+ 1/2 cup of trail mix (peanuts, almonds, cashews, raisins and chocolate pieces)



Dinner:
+ 1 fiber one bar
+ tortilla chips and queso




Water Consumption = 68.5 ounzes
ACV= NONE
Supplements and Vitamins = 2 Women's One a Day Multivitamin, Biotin and Iron
Alcohol= NONE

Daily Food Journal/ Exercise Log #31

Today's work out was the Get Fit 4 Christ DVD only. I had originally planned to do a 20 minute DVD partnered with it, but I ran out of time. Tomorrow, I plan to get up and do the GF4C DVD and the 20 minute Turbo Jam. I have to work tomorrow and want to make sure my bible reading and work out comes FIRST before I give "the man" my day. Lol. Below is today's food journal:

Breakfast:
+ 2 pieces of whole wheat toast
+ 2 table spoon of reduced fat peanut butter
+ 2 tablespoon apple jelly
+ 4-5 ounces of herbal tea (with raw sugar for sweetening)

Morning snack:
+ NONE

Lunch:
+ 1 salmon fillet (cooked with olive oil margerine, peppar and onion powder)
+ 1 cup of mixed steamed veggies
+ 1 cup apple sauce

Afternoon Snack:
+ 1 fiber 1 bar

Dinner:
+ Subway sandwhich (green veggies, provolone cheese, light mayo)

Evening snack:
+ NONE

Water consumption = 64 ounzes
ACV= 2 teaspoon
Vitamin and Supplements = 2 women's one a day multivitamin, Biotin and Iron
Alcohol = NONE


How do I feel:
I finally ran out of my Bragg's ACV, and decided to try a new one...Eden Organic. Its not that bad, if ACV can have a different taste from brand to brand. Lol. It was more economical AND the salespeople at the health food store suggested for me to try it as well. So far so good....as long as it keeps doing its job.

I have a few days at home this weekend, but next week I am traveling the entire tine. I plan to implement the veggie and fruit system of overloading myself so I don't over eat. As for snacks, I have fiber 1 bars and trail mix. I'm nervous for the last few weeks on the plan I am traveling in and out of town, but that is my life right now. I am confident that 5 lbs will continue to shed off by the end.

I've learned threw this journey that life happens...but we can't beat ourselves up about it. We must forge ahead and do the best we can with the decisions we've made. I am ok with the decisions that I make daily...I can do better, but I am not ashamed. Please remember this family. You will fall short sometimes, but you have to get back up.

I'm now trying to be healthy, not necessarily to drop a bunch of pounds. I want to continue to get fit for God so he can use me as he see fit. He can't use me if I have no energy, I'm not hydrated, I'm not getting sleep, my stress level is up, my blood pressure and cholesterol is up, etc. This is my motivation to take the good and bad and make the best of the situation. I hope you will do the same.

Keep me lifted family....

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/Exercise Log #11

New week, new days, new GOALS that I will stick too. While there were many unforeseen eating out meals this past weekend, that is life...that is my life and I've decided that I will not keep apologizing or make excuses for it. It is what it is and I will have to work with what I got. lol. Eating and socializing is part of my current career path and personal life. You can still eat well, exercise and be successful at loosing weight, even if a few meals are consumed outside of your house. Its about ME and the choices I make that makes the difference. Another points I've learned as I continue this journey.

No exercising today, but I did do a 45 minute cycling class yesterday then ran 1.8 miles all under 90 minutes. That puts me at 4 days of work out last week. This week I WILL clock a minimum of 5 days with 3 days of weight training. Below is what I ate today:


Breakfast:
+ 1 pack of instant oatmeal (mable and brown sugar)
+ 2 hard boiled eggs (w/pepper and a sprinkle of salt)

Morning Snack:
+ NONE


Lunch:
+ Trail mix (peanuts, almonds, cashews, raisins and chocolate pieces)


Afternoon Snack:
+ NONE


Dinner:
+ Salad (w/7 carrot chips, chopped onions and green peppers and 3 tablespoon FF italian dressing)
+ 1 baked talapia fillet
+ 1 cup mixed veggies (corn, green beans ad carrots

Water Consumption = 80 oz
Vitamins = B12,Iron and Biotin (second day of no multivitamin)
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE

How am I feeling
Blessed and highly favored family, highly appreciative of all my blessings and all that I"ve achieved thus far. The road gets tough and at times I want to fall down and NOT get back up...but reality is I have to get back up. Period. Lol.

No fruit today EXCEPT for the raisins and I ate entirely to late for dinner. Oh yeah, I missed a meal and snacks....yeah I'm on track aint I? I hope the rest of the participants in the program, Coach Johnson and those following my journey don't think negatively of me, for as you can read It is hard to stick with the eating plan BUT I think I am doing better. Baby steps as I mentioned before.

Unlike others, I don't need to loose 40 pounds plus...honestly I could loose 20 and be healthy and in range (BMI, weight to height, etc).....but just like those who have a more dire need to drop pounds fast, I struggle as well YES to get those measly last few pounds off. While looking at me it may see that I am doing fine, I still struggle like the next person. I don't know, maybe its just me.....lol

I've included a slide show below of my up to date weight loss success. Tell me what you think....be blessed

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

Daily Food Journal #5

Since I was on vacation, I decided to start the meal plan tomorrow. I am pretty proud of how I ate on the holiday. Below are the details of what I ate today:

Breakfast
+ Tortilla chips

Lunch
+ Popcorn mix (carmel and cheddar)


Dinner
I loaded up on the veggies like Coach Johnson's trainer Holly Rigsby mentions in the post "Labor Day Fitness Tips" found here.
+ Green beans (with onion and tomatoes mixed in)
+ Mixed veggies (brocolli, cauliflower and onions)
+ Corn (had onions and a hint of chopped tomatoes as well)
+ Salmon fillet (was marinated)

Dessert
+ 1 slice of homemade carmel cake made with splenda (aunt makes this every holiday gathering and i HAVE to have a piece)

Water consumption = 78.5 (if I calculated correctly)
Supplements and vitamins = Multivitamin, B12 and Iron
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE


How I Feel
I feel like I've conquered a beast today family! Like I mentioned above, my aunt bakes the best carmel cake (the icing is carmel made with splenda) and we usually tear it up. Today, I had a piece but only one slice. I am proud of myself.

Part of my weight management philosophy is that I refuse to deny my body the foods I like...but I have to learn to eat portion sizes and control urges. Instead of having two really huge slices, I had one regular one. Luckily, my aunt cooks all her desserts with splenda to make them healthier for the family.

Usually I drink my other aunts famous Sangria and/or wine, but I decided to not drink today. Considering we dranked wine on the vacay, I figures my body needed a break.

So motivated to start the eating plan tomorrow. I went grocery shopping and everything, so I guess we will see. Since I'm a pescatarian (no meat except for fish), I will have to get creative in substituting for the lean beaf, chicken and turkey mentioned on the meal plan.

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 #4

Its so not a game right now...I need groceries. Lol. I used up the last 1/4 cup of oatmeal this morning...that's a sign you need to go grocery shopping. Lol. Thank goodness for Coach Johnson and the eating list. I can now have some direction. I need to get it together. Below is a break down of what I ate today:

Breakfast
+ less than a 1/4 cup of plan oatmeal (1 pack of raw sugar used)
+ 5 grapes
+ 3/4 cup of dry frosted flakes (can you tell that I have no food in my house)

Morning Snack
+ 1 cup of FF and sugar free chocolate pudding

Lunch
+ Panera Bread (yes again)
~ small classic salad (3 cucumber slices, 5 onion slices, 4 tomato wedge slices and green lettuce)
~ 1 small cup of black bean soup (yummy :))
~ 1 chocolate chip cookie (i couldn't resist, but this is the last time I promise)


Afternoon Snack
+ 1 cup of Walmart potato salad (it was nasty...shouldn't ate it)

Evening
(this is the last night of the event so I will be eating healthier dinners)
+ 1/2 cup of white sticky rice
+ 1 grilled salmon w/teriyaki (sp) sauce (one fillet)
+ salad (lettuce, ginger and oil dressing)


Water Consumption = 64 oz ( i was slacking today family)
Vitamins = Trader Joe's Women's Multivitamin, B12 and Iron
ACV consumed = 2 teaspoons

How I feel

Yesterday I spoke about my tummy and feeling bloated or "stuffed". I am happy to report that I feel so much better today. I know that I am self conscious in some of my clothing and in general, but I think the ACV is helping to cleanse my system. I appreciate that .

Usually I would be 2 chapters away from completing today's bible reading, but due to my schedule I am behind (according to my standards). I will get it together, but I must say that the reading has been very helpful and it has stirred up something new in me. I can make time for God...more than I thought and I WANT TOO. This program has been a God sent and I'm excited to see the end results.

As for the fasting, I'm a little nervous for I'm use to eating on a schedule, but with God for me, who can be against me.

Nighty night family!