2/29/12 Accountability

HAPPY LEAP DAY!

Today was a really good day in general :) School, exercised, babysat, and got together for dinner and hanging out with friends!

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Almonds, yogurt, strawberries, a little cereal topping for crunch.

Lunch: A nutty snack bar thing and half a turkey and spinach sandwich

Dinner: A little bit of chips and queso, broccoli, and a couple bites of my grilled chicken sandwich from Chili's.

Not a bad day in my book. For some reason, I wasn't really hungry at dinner tonight! I had probably not even a quarter of my grilled chicken sandwich (which was one of the healthiest options on the menu anyway) but I ate all my broccoli. Good thing is, as usual, I have a whole meal for tomorrow with my leftovers! :)

Exercise for the day...

50 minutes Pilates class (it felt really good to get good Pilates again.) and then 3 miles (half an hour) on the elliptical at the school gym. I would have done more, but I had to go to the grocery store and babysit, so I was on a bit of a time crunch.

Like I said earlier, I think it was a pretty good day! I still am wanting to bump up my eating better and exercising better, namely with more vegetables and more intense exercise, to keep getting results.

I'm starting to think about how I will be able to exercise over Spring Break without my gym. There is no way in hell I am letting this all go to waste for a whole week! That'd be a huge set back. I'm thinking for now, I'll ask my friends living in apartments if I could go to their gym a few times over the week and see if anyone wants to do something fun and active, like go play tennis, go hiking, go rowing on Town Lake or something. I will bring my weights, mat, Pilates video, and of course exercise clothes with me so I will at least have those to fall back on. Something will still be done daily while I am at home!

2/28/12 Accountability

Today was a good day exercise-wise, and ok food-wise.

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Piece of bread, almond butter, banana

Lunch: Made a new recipe (not healthy though): Spinach, broccoli quiche puffs

Dinner: Broccoli and leftovers pasta

So, my broccoli and spinach was gonna go bad pretty soon, and I had 3 eggs left. I didn't want to make scrambled eggs, so I brainstormed till I made a DELICIOUS and not so nutritious meal. Broccoli and Spinach quiche puffs! I chopped up a WHOLE lot of spinach and steamed broccoli, mixed in a couple eggs, cooked it on the skillet, then wrapped them up in crescent rolls in the oven. Oh my goodness, DELICIOUS. But, like I said, since they're not so nutritious, and I couldn't find anyone who wanted any, (quiche aint for everyone, especially when it's loaded with spinach and broccoli) I'm just gonna throw the rest out. They're terribly unhealthy for you, so once is enough for me. I'll have to make them for the family when I'm home though.

Exercise for the day...

I did about 45 minutes of different exercises at the apartments (lunges, weights, crunches, stretches, etc.) then went to the gym for the cardio part. The elliptical is out of order, so I tried another one, and I really liked it! It's essentially the elliptical minus the moving handlebars. I did 3.25 miles in 30 minutes on that as usual, but according to the machine, it burned more calories than the elliptical! The elliptical on average is I'd say 230 calories per session, but this one was at 260! (They tell you it's 250 and 280, but most machines over-estimate calories burned, so I just tweak it down a bit.)

Waking up early for a morning workout before school! I'll be there at 7:15!

2/27/12 Accountability

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Cereal, strawberries, almond milk

Lunch: 1/2 spinach and turkey sandwich

Dinner: Asian Chicken Salad and bread from Panera. The salad wasn't that bad. I liked the chicken and stuff, but I don't know if I'd get it again. It was one of the healthier options, but the dressing tasted kind of funky to me. I liked it, but I think I'll try something different (but still healthy) next time.

Exercise for the day...

One hour cardio class and 30 minutes (5.5 miles) on bike afterwards.

2/26/12 Accountability

Ok, so I did stick to my workout plan, and I think I ate ok, but as always, there is need for improvement!

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Strawberries, almonds, yogurt

Lunch: 2 Breakfast Tacos! 2 eggs, turkey, 1/2 red bell pepper, spinach, some cheese

Snack: A salad of spinach, almonds, and strawberries.

Dinner: Leftovers. 1/2 stuffed red pepper and a little bit of the veggies pasta from the restaurant on Thursday.

'Dessert': A banana

The snack was a new discovery meal for me, and I liked it! I didn't eat it so much as a salad, as just finger food. I'd take a couple leaves of spinach and use them to make a taco of a piece of strawberry and almond. It was perfect!

Exercise for the day...

Woke up at 8, had the small breakfast, then exercised for an hour.

- 30 minutes (5 miles) on bike

- 30 minutes of weights and stretches

Not much, but a good way to start the day

Had lunch, got some stuff done, then went to the gym again at 3ish for the 2nd workout of the day.

- 30 minutes elliptical (3.5 miles)

- 30 minutes weights and stretches

I did more lunges and crunches in the afternoon.

I didn't like my afternoon workout so much because the gym was simply crowded. There was one dad there with his kid that kept playing with the equipment and it just really distracted me. Made me think the kid was gonna get hurt at any second! It was just a bit much for me.

For some reason, today was a day I really wanted dessert. It just sounded so good! It's only been 5 days, but hopefully by the end of Lent, my hankering for sugar will have subsided.

New Recipes

I've decided that each week, I will try at least one new recipe, even if it's just something I make up myself. Earlier this week, it was the stuffed peppers (that's a keeper!) and tomorrow the new recipe is a greens casserole (spinach, broccoli, eggs, rice).

The next two recipes I'm gonna make for the week are just basic things I created on my own. Nothing fancy, and hopefully relatively healthy.

Ground chicken cooked with onion, garlic, tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, and brown rice.

Later in the week...

Pretty much just a pasta primavera, to make up for the one I got at a restaurant and didn't like last week.

Grilled chicken (might not even put that in there), broccoli, carrots, peas, steamed spinach, onion, garlic, pasta and some pasta sauce. Just a good 'ol veggies pasta! But this time LOADED with veggies.

Just want to try my hand at cooking actual meals!

Maybe next time, I'll make good breakfasts that can be easy for quick mornings? Times like these, I wish I had a blender for breakfast smoothies. (Birthday present, maybe?) "Hey parents! Give me a blender for my margaritas and milksh- uh, I mean healthy and nutritious smoothies!" :P

2/25/12 Accountability

Today was quite a busy day! I woke up at 7 to get ready for the day, left at 7:45 to take the THEA at 9am at UTA. Didn't actually even start the test till 10, and left at 2:30. It took forever! I think I did well on all the sections, but the essay was really tough. It was about TELEMARKETERS. That has got to be one of the most boring and pointless subjects I have ever heard of. Had a bit of an awkward moment too. At about 12:30 or so, I must have started getting hungry (at that point it had been 5 hours since breakfast, I guess.) and my stomach started growling. I mean MAJOR stomach growling here. And what sucks is you can't do anything about it to stop it, ya know?? So we're just in a dead-silent testing room and, *grumblegrumblegrumble.* Yep, it was great. Finally got to have a snack when the test was over at 2:30! Afterwards went to Target to relax and got some good stuff! A fabulous wallet and some much needed sunglasses.

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Almond butter and banana sandwich on the way to the test

Lunch: Cliff trail mix bar after the test (I did NOT like this one!)

Dinner: Mexican Stuffed Peppers leftovers from last night. They still taste really good, if not better, as leftovers!

Exercise for the day...

I was really tired after the test. Walking out, my legs hurt and I swear, my brain was sore :P I brought my workout clothes with me in the car thinking I'd just go to the Rec Center afterwards, but I needed to relax first. So I went to the gym later when I was home.

- 3.5 miles on the elliptical

- Weights and stretches

Not much, but better than nothing. And I've decided on trying out a new routine, at least for this week. Exercising for 45 minutes-1 hr before school. I figured if I get up at 6:45 (not too bad), get dressed and get to the gym by 7:10-7:15, then I'll be able to squeeze in some exercise to start the day! That way, no matter how tired I am after a long day at school, I will still have at least done something.

Workout regiment for the week:

Monday: Morning workout at the apartment (7:15-8:15), Cardio class at the gym (12-1:00), exercise after class at the school gym (1:30-2:45) ( >3 hours total)

Tuesday: " " , evening workout at apartment gym (4:30-6:00) (possible jog in park if still sore from cardio class.) (>2 hours total)

Wednesday: " " Pilates class at gym, exercise after class at school gym (>3 hours total)

Thursday: " ", Evening workout at gym (>2 hours total)

Friday: " " , Group Strength class at gym, exercise after class at school gym. (>3 hours total)

This is gonna happen. If I want to be healthier and get results, I need to stick to my goals.

2/24/12 Accountability

Wow it's already almost the end of February! When did that happen?

Made a new recipe tonight, and I really like it!

Food Journal...

Breakfast: yogurt, banana, almonds

Lunch: almonds, half spinach, turkey sandwich

After workout snack: blueberry nut bar

Dinner: Mexican Stuffed Peppers! brown rice, chicken, black beans, spinach, garlic and onion!

I was missing 'dessert' so I had a little bit of cereal. Can't make a habit of that.

Exercise for the day...

- 1 hour exercise class

- 20 minutes on bike

- 20 minutes rowing

- weights

- 1 mile on bike

Step It UP

I have decided I need to step up my game! No more of these walks/jogs in the park unless they are supplementary to a previous workout in the gym. I'm not moving along like I hoped I would be, so it's time to really kick it in gear! Work out in the gym every day, and be sure to mix it up so my body doesn't get used to all the same exercises.

Just had to throw that out there while it was on my mind.

2/23/12 Accountability

Mehhh... today wasn't the best of days. I had a 'cheat meal' and it totally wasn't even worth it.

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Cereal, strawberries, almond milk

After Work-Out Snack: Piece of bread with almond butter

Lunch: Soup and leftover salad from yesterday

Dinner: Pasta that I didn't even enjoy. I didn't eat much of it. Really regret ordering that :(

Exercise for the day...

- 3 mile walk/jog in the park

That's it :(

Maybe toda will be my off day? I'll just kick it up a notch the next few days.

Ash Wednesday 2012

Today's Ash Wednesday, meaning the beginning of Lent. The past few days, I have been hearing mixed reviews about giving things up for Lent. Is it superficial? Is it just an excuse to feel good about ourselves for 40 days (that is, if we stick to it.) What is the meaning behind it? Is it even in the Bible?

I've thought about it, and at least for me, personally, my 'giving up' for Lent will help me get closer to my goals, which I think is God's intent for me. I do believe that God wants me to live to the best potential, even when it comes to my health. By giving up these bad foods and exercising better, I will hopefully be able to achieve my goals I am so determined to.

So, for 40 days, I am giving up...

- Desserts of any kind (Ice Cream, Cake, Cookies, Pie, etc.)

- Pastries (Muffins, Donuts, Croissants, Kolaches, etc.)

- Pop Tarts (I put this in specifically so I wouldn't have them for desserts.)

- Peanut Butter (Almond butter is healthier, but will still be consumed sparingly.)

- Pizza

- Mac N Cheese (My weakness quick-food to make on weekends)

- Burgers

- Fries/Tots/Onion Rings

- Soda (This isn't really that big a deal, since I have one twice a month or so anyway)

I am not going to mention this to people unless specifically asked about it. This "sacrifice" is not meant to be bragged about or given attention. That totally defeats the purpose. I am not going to say that I am going on a diet or anything, because in my mind, I'm not. I will just be making wiser decisions about what I eat because essentially, if I exercise all I want and still eat these things, then it will all be for nothing!

Some terms I have realized I do not like...

1. Diet: It's not about going on a "diet." The focus should be on eating foods that are beneficial to your body.

2. Work Out: For some reason, and I have NO idea why, I just simply hate using this term! It sounds high and mighty to me, and I seriously haven't the slightest idea where that came from. I just prefer to say exercise.

This kind of evolved into a whole different blog post, but the point I'm trying to make is simply that I want to be healthier. I don't want to become a gym-rat obsessed with counting and burning off calories, I just want to be sensible. You can't expect to drink soda and eat fried food constantly and still be healthy. There may be some people who can do that, not exercise, and look healthy on the outside, but internally, their body is saying, "STOP STOP STOP!" (At least, I think that's what happens. I'm by no means any expert.)

So now, it is simply time for a change. I have been wanting this since I was 16, and after 5 years, it's time to make the dream a reality. It's my own responsibility, and no one can make this happen but me. As my blog is called, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." There are so many times when I see kids, or people in general that just seem so unhealthy, and how can I teach to a class of children about being healthy without practicing what I preach? I need to be an example to them, and for everyone, I suppose. I'm just really hoping this all won't be in vain. I know that if I put my mind to it, I can achieve my goals no matter what! It'll take time, but that is fine with me!

2/22/12 Accountability

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Oatmeal, apple, almonds

Lunch: Protein bar and a few almonds

Dinner: 1/2 a salad from Chipotle (Salad, chicken, black beans, pico de gallo, corn salsa, a little cheese, dressing)

"Dessert": 1 slice of 9-grain bread with a bit of almond butter

I kind of went on almond overload today, huh! I really didn't have that much in either meal, just garnish really. I have to say, I am not impressed with the oatmeal I got from Sprouts. It's REALLY sticky, and after a while, I feel like it's just some kind of gruel that would be served at an old orphanage or something. I add in the apple pieces and almonds just to give it something extra/necessary. Now I know to just go ahead and buy the Quaker oatmeal. I had only half the salad from Chipotle, so I can use the rest of it for lunch tomorrow! I'll just add some of the spinach I already have to give it a bit more sustenance. Besides, I prefer spinach to the lettuce they use in Chipotle's salads anyway.

Exercise for the day...

- 5 miles (45 minutes) on the Elliptical

- 45 minutes of weights and stretches

I did the most I've ever done on the Elliptical today, and I like it! I usually do 3-3.5 miles for 30 minutes, but today I was just kind of like, "Hey, I'm not even tired yet- let's keep going!" The last 5 minutes were getting pretty hard, but I'm glad I can go that far now! I'll try to do that every time, or at least go to 4 miles instead of 3. No, I did not go to Pilates today, but that's ok. I still got some other stuff in, and that's what counts!

2/21/12 Accountability

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Spinach and tomatoes in scrambled eggs

Lunch: Some soup and steamed broccoli and carrots

Snack: almonds, plan yogurt, strawberries

Dinner: The 'last supper' as it were, before Lent. DQ. Chicken Strips and got a small blizzard for my last dessert.

Do I regret that dinner? No. Only because it's the last 'bad' thing I'll have for quite some time.

Exercise for the day...

I was still feeling pretty sore from yesterday, but I pushed myself anyway, and really enjoyed it.

I did a 5 mile power walk/jog around the park this afternoon. I made it longer by going up some steep side streets that added some more to the walk. It was nice! I felt sore again later in the afternoon, so I took some advil so I wouldn't be feeling terrible tomorrow. I've got my Pilates class and gym time!

Hilarious story though. So, I take a shower after exercising (for some reason, I don't like using the term 'work out.' 'Exercise' seems much more sensible.) and I look down at my legs and notice a ridiculous tan line! Not even a good one, but funny! My feet are pasty white, my legs up to my mid-thigh are tan, and the rest is just white again. It looks pretty ridiculous. I think I'm gonna have to go to the pool Thursday afternoon to balance out this tan a bit. Should be lovely weather! 80 degrees I think! So tomorrow, Pilates class and gym. Thursday will either be another time to exercise in the park, or I might even be in the mood for the apartment gym. As of right now, I'm leaning more toward that option.

Goodbye, Ice Cream! I think I'll miss you most of all :P

2/20/12 Accountability

Pretty good day today, except for dinner. That did NOT agree with me. But now I know better! :)

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Strawberry pancake leftovers from the weekend

Lunch: Spinach and leftover chicken from last night wrapped in a whole-grain tortilla

Snack: Had some almonds with me that I snacked on before and after work-out

Dinner: Chicken cesar salad sandwich and tomato basil from La Madeline

Ok, let me first off say that dinner and lunch were both kind of a failure. Not to self: Baked chicken needs to be consumed that night. It does NOT make for leftovers. Had to learn the hard way when my wrap tasted gross. Ended up pretty much just eating lettuce and bread.

Dinner didn't work out as well as I would have hoped either. I felt so sick afterwards but had to just tough it out during my night class. Now I know just to stick to the soup, salad and quiche at La Madeline. I usually go to Panera on Mondays before my night class, but I just wanted to mix it up a little.

Exercise for the day...

Did a lot today, I think!

- 50 minutes Cardio class. (Ultimate Conditioning)

- 2.5 miles on the track

- 15 minutes rowing

- weights, stretches, medicine ball crunches

Wow- that cardio class really kicks BUTT!! I was SO tired and sore afterwards, but it felt good! There were only 6 people in the class today, which was kind of nice. My last Pilates class had probably 20 people, and it was a bit crowded. Didn't really matter though.

2/19/12 Accountability

This day has just flown right by! And yet I still feel like I have more and more to get done. Ready to face another school week!

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Cereal, Strawberries, Almond Milk

Lunch: Spinach and lunch chicken wrap, pretzels

Dinner: Baked chicken strips, steamed fresh broccoli and carrots

Exercise for the day...

30 minutes of Pilates and weights/stretches like yesterday.

I was gonna go on a walk/jog, but it got a bit chilly later in the day :P Lame excuse, I know. But the weather is supposed to be perfect this week! No excuses there.

More motivation

Just did 30 minutes of Pilates, gonna do some weights and stretches and possibly go to the gym later tonight. I'm really thankful Lent is coming up, because I think it's really going to make a difference on getting me to my goal. I'll have a healthier lifestyle, be more focused on God, and with 40 days of that (and who knows, maybe more if I like the new habits I created!) there is nothing but good that can come out of it. It's not gonna be easy, but it's gonna be worth it.

Isn't this cute? It's a good visual reminder for my goals, I think. I'm going to go to the Dollar Tree sometime in the next few days, if not tonight, to make this! I already have the stickers and decorations for the jars, just need the jars and marbles. I'm gonna make it super cute! One more way to add motivation in my life :)

2/18/12 Accountability

A cold, dreary Saturday with much to get done.

Spent all day at home, but had things to occupy my time like cleaning and doing homework. Pretty uneventful, but sometimes that's just fine!

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Plain non-fat yogurt, apple, almonds

Lunch: Black bean and veggie soup, a Salad made of spinach, tomatoes and avocado

Snack: Almonds and pretzels

Dinner: Strawberry Pancakes! I know this isn't a healthy meal, but it was just a cold, rainy night, and that sounded perfect.

Exercise for the day...

I am re-updating this post because, like I thought I would, I went ahead and did some exercise tonight! Not much, but you rather want a little than nothing at all.

Pilates for 25 minutes, and weights/stretches like crunches, lunges with weights, and bicep curls for 20 or so more minutes. I just need to be consistent. Do something DAILY even if it's something small. It will make a difference in the end. I think I've been doing alright so far? But I do need to step up my game.

2/17/12

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Plain oatmeal, strawberries, almonds

Lunch: Black bean and veggie soup (YUM!) and a tortilla

Snack: Almonds with some plain, nonfat yogurt

Dinner: A REALLY yummy wrap! Spinach, tomatoes, chicken and avocado.

Dessert: One last brownie. The rest were all given to friends :)

Exercise for the day...

- A friend and I met up to talk and hang out for the afternoon, so we went on the usual walk I like around Overton Park. She clocked it at 3.7 miles, and since I walk to the park from the apartment, I'd say that I end up doing at least 4 miles on that walk, maybe even 4.5! It was nice to spend time together.

Thank goodness the weekend's here! I want to make it a productive (and exercise-filled) one too. Thinking Pilates tomorrow perhaps?

2/16/12 Accountability

Woops! I forgot about yesterday's! Here goes...

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and tomatoes

Lunch: Spinach, tomatoes, chicken lunch meat salad

Dinner: Chicken sandwich and fries (last ones till after lent!) from Chick Fil A

Dessert: Baked brownies for friends, and since it was a new recipe that I was tweaking a bit, I did a taste test. Turned out pretty delish!

Exercise for the day...

- 5 miles on the bike in 30 minutes

- different stretches and weights. I really like using the medicine ball when doing crunches! It's the sort of side-crunches thing. Kinda hard to describe, but I like it.

A little rant and revelation

So, I just thought of something, and immediately was like, "WHAT?! I need to get this out!"

I have been really into Pinterest lately, especially the home decor section. It's really fun to dream up ideas for your future home with your family and everything. I thought, "It'll be even more fun when I can REGISTER for these things! People get all kinds of crap and family heirlooms when they get married! They get piles upon piles of amazing keepsakes that they normally would NEVER be able to buy on their own. It's a way to start their new life!" And then I had the revelation...

What if you just never get married???

What if you are a very successful woman with a steady job and wonderful home, but you didn't have an excuse to get all these wonderful additions for your home? You're just on your own?? When you get married, you get great things like...

- China

- Bedding

- Furniture (maybe)

- Kitchen Appliances

- Home decor

- Fun momentos and family heirlooms

- Etcetera, etcetera...

But what if you simply don't get married? You don't get all these great things like everyone else? You just have to scrimp and save to hope you can possibly afford one set of China, let alone 4! (China is a big deal in my family.) And just troll around Craigslist hoping to find some fabulous furniture that you buy on your own, but has probably been through it's own wear and tear in the past. You just have to settle for the appliances you can afford at the time, not the gorgeous Kitchenaide blender you've always wanted or the beautiful glass bowl for the table!

My point being, why do you have to miss out on this great opportunity if y

ou never get married? I can't be like, "Hey! I graduated from college and am starting my whole new life on my own- here's my registry to Macy's and Target to get me started!" It doesn't work that way. When you are asked THE question, or vice versa, you get EVERYTHING: The ring, the man, the dress, the wedding, the presents, the life you always wanted! But if that never happens, then what? I really have no idea why this idea came up into my head, it just is really disturbing to me! You get all or nothing. No reason to celebrate. No momentous occasions to look forward too. It just seems like a whole different life- which of course, it is! All on your own. Independent. And possibly, lonely? Your life is what you make of it, so who knows.

I guess this whole idea just made me think about the future, that's all. This next decade is supposed to be it! You know, "First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage!" Life just seems pretty uneventful without those.

Pinterest just gets me dreaming, I suppose. Which is how I found my 'dream registry' items (sad, I know, but I don't care!)

First comes Love... dream ring.

Then comes marriage... dream china.

Then comes the baby bedding! (A girl of course, duh.) Is this not super precious? I love it so much because it's girly, but not too cutesy. And it seems very natural to me, which is nice. (Hey, just dreaming here!!!)

Fin.

These darn dreams again

My dreams were SO vivid last night! Vivid and weird.

But of course, as has been the pattern recently, one was about love. Sweet, innocent puppy love. And as usual, waking up is a huge disappointment. It just felt really nice and safe and comforting and it was a dream come true! The dream was so sweet and carefree and blissful. (Why is there always cuddling in my dreams, I don't get it!) I swear, it really does remind me of a scene in 'Sleeping Beauty.'

Aurora talking with the forest animals...

"Well he's tall and handsome and, and so romantic! Oh we walk together and talk together, and just before we say goodbye, he takes me in his arms and then I wake up. Yes, it's only in my dreams. But they say if you dream a thing more than once, it's sure to come true! And I've seen him so many times."

Yep, my thoughts exactly, Sleeping Beauty!

and then of course,

"A dream is a wish your heart makes when you're fast asleep."

No words could be truer, Cinderella!

I guess I'm turning into a hopeless romantic here. I can't tell if waking up from these dreams makes it an amazing morning or a crappy morning? More just contemplative, I guess.

2/15/12 Accountability

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Strawberries, cereal, almond milk

Lunch: Luna bar, trail mix, pretzels

Dinner: Spaghetti, chicken, tomato sauce with family after babysitting :)

Dessert: We all had some Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream afterwards (my favorite!)

I figure only one week left of desserts, indulge a little. It truly is my Achilles heel.

Exercise for the day...

- Pilates for one hour at the UTA Rec Center

Today was a really fun day! Went to class, gym, and did grocery shopping. Babysat with one of my favorite families and the kids invited me to stay over for supper :) It was delicious, and so heartwarming to have a family dinner. It does the soul good.

A little change up with food. I'm tired of having things like cereal and granola bars, that kind of thing. Instead I will have things like oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, scrambled eggs with veggies (only 2 times a week because of the cholesterol) for breakfast. For lunch, I'll try to do more healthy options than bars and snack stuff. Salad wraps probably, and more vegetables in general.

2/14/12 Accountability

Happy Valentine's Day! I resisted the temptation and did not have chocolate or sweets of any kind for the occasion. Strawberries with breakfast could maybe just have been my celebratory treat. They're festive looking, no?

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Strawberries, granola, yogurt

Lunch and Dinner: Lunch and dinner was kind of a combo tonight. I slept in and had breakfast at 10, so I had 'lunch' at about 3. Steamed carrots, green beans and pasta. But since I had such a late lunch, I wasn't hungry at dinner time or anything.

Exercise for the day...

Nice weather today, so I went on an hour or so walk/jog around the neighborhood. I'd guesstimate 3 miles?

I have decided on that whole 'eating healthier' for Lent thing. It's gonna happen.

I have posted a list on my bulletein board stating the foods that shall not be consumed for 40 days starting next Wednesday:

- Desserts

- Candy

- Pastries

- Peanut Butter

- Pop Tarts

- Pizza

- Unhealthy pastas (like fettucini alfredo, stuffed pastas and mac n cheese)

- Burgers

- French Fries

You might be thinking, "Why add some random stuff like peanut butter and Pop Tarts?" Well I'll tell you. I worry that if I eliminate desserts but not those two additions, I'll just replace dessert with say peanut butter and honey or sugary Pop Tarts. I've been thinking how it IS healthy to have peanut butter with say apples or an occasional sandwich or something, but I just don't want that temptation. And Pop Tarts, well, they're sugary deliciousness is an obvious substitute for dessert since it practically is one. It's just processed flour with sugar icing and filling, right? It's a pastry, and that falls into the pastry and desserts category.

I will have some rare exceptions over lent though. I will allow myself a birthday treat when having my Birthday dinner with my family and friends. Only two though, one at each. I'm sure I'll have a birthday party with my family over Spring Break, and then I will be able to have a piece of birthday cake. The same goes when I have my actual BIRTHDAY party on the 24th with my friends in Fort Worth. I won't be having a birthday party with my friends over Spring Break, because it'll simply be too early, and silly in my mind, to celebrate. So, with that being said, two allowed desserts over Lent.

I know to some people, it is said that Sundays are days you can break what you have up for Lent, but I don't think I'd do that. I never grew up with that, so I don't see it necessary to do now.

One more week!

Lent coming up

Mardi Gras is one week away.

Meaning I need to start thinking about what to give up.

I'm thinking maybe I'll make a list of 5-10 foods to give up, or I could just go all out and say, "No sugar!" or "No desserts, and maybe I will.

And also, it's not that Lent has to be about giving up foods or anything, I'm just trying to see what I can do to help Lent also be about helping me reach my goals, not just about reflection on Christ.

1 option for giving up is...

1. Giving up my favorite 'bad' foods:

- Pizza

- Macaroni and Cheese

- Ice Cream

- Cookies

- Burgers and French Fries

Some things I have done for Lent in the past...

Gave up meat, exercised more often, gave up desserts (this just led to eating more Poptarts and dessert 'alternatives' instead), read the bible every day.

I think giving up these things could help? I have a week to think about it, and see if there's a better solution. Like maybe I really should just give up sugary foods in general (things like cake, cookies, ice cream, etc.) I think I put ice cream and cookies in the suggested list, because those are the most common things to get. I mean, if one buys dessert at the store, it will probably be cookies and ice cream, right? I really probably should just go all out and give up desserts just to be safe. I feel like it'd be really hard, and that i'd just find some other alternative just as bad! My friend and I gave up dessert a couple years ago together, and we'd talk about how instead we had more peanut butter and stuff just to get around it :P Maybe that IS better though. But where is the line drawn?

If I gave up dessert, here are the things I would question...

- Do things like graham crackers or Poptarts count? Technically, they wouldn't be found on a dessert menu, but they might as well be desserts, right? Or what about muffins and breads? Is a lemon-poppyseed muffin dessert? I would say yes, because really it's just the same thing as say, a lemon-poppyseed pound cake or something.

Maybe there should be rules like this...

If the food is found in the

- Bakery section of the store

- Same aisle as cookies and treats

- found on a dessert menu

Then the answer is no.

I don't know, just thinking about it sounds like it could be really hard, but also really beneficial too. And my birthday falls during Lent. I do think that maybe there would be an exception for a birthday celebration, but that's it.

But then people have said that people can have what they gave up on Sundays during Lent. Maybe that's true? Who knows, maybe that's the best thing to do. After all, one small dessert a week is better than 3 or so times a week. Obviously, this post has evolved from just giving up comfort foods to giving up all sugar. And maybe after thinking about it, I'll decide to do both or something. Like give up desserts, and my favorite comfort foods (mac n cheese, pizza, burgers and fries). I actually think that might be what I do!

It all sounds so easy and fun now, but it would quite honestly be tough to give that up for 40 days. I'd have to brush out the kinks of it. Like saying that fettucini alfredo counts as mac n cheese, because let's face it- it's totally the same thing. But a grilled chicken sandwich from Dutch's doesn't count. (I think that's fair. Chicken is healthier than beef.) I'll think it over and see what I think in a week.

2/13/12 Accountability

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Cereal, banana, strawberries and almond milk

Lunch: Luna bar, pretzels and trail mix

Dinner: Spinach, chicken and cheese quesadilla

Exercise for the day...

I was feeling super tired today from lack of sleep from staying up studying so much lately. But I knew I wanted to at least TRY to get a little exercise in.

Not nearly enough, but I was feeling so tired it's all I could do until tomorrow...

- 20 minutes rowing

- 1 mile on the track

- weights

I seriously was so exhausted today that I just went home, made dinner, took a shower, and am now lounging while watching 'Marie Antoinette.' Tomorrow I will be well rested to get back on exercise!

2/12/12 Accountability

Well folks, looks like school once again prevailed over exercise. But not to worry, Tuesday I will be back in the saddle again, and even more pumped up than before! One test tomorrow at 11 and another at 3. I'll be going to a work out class from 12-1, and while I'd usually continue with another hour or so workout afterwards, I think I might have to keep studying for Biology for the next couple of hours instead. But like I said, Tuesday... it is ON!

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Plain non-fat yogurt, banana, granola

Lunch: Spinach wrap with sliced chicken, trail mix and pretzels

Afternoon Snack: A lemon Luna bar at about 3ish.

Dinner: Since I enjoyed that spinach wrap so much at lunch, I made one again for dinner, but this time with a pork chop and steamed fresh broccoli and carrots on the side. (Steamed fresh veggies taste amazing! Especially the carrots and broccoli. Kind of my fav!)

Oh, and I've been trying to be better about drinking more water! I have a 24 oz water bottle, and so far today, I've drunk a little over 2. That's about 52 oz, so almost to the daily goal of 64-72! It'll help me be healthier, AND so I've heard, water helps with the skin, which we all know I could use, haha :P

Exercise for the day...

Like I said before, I realized that studying really needed to take precedence for the day. Next time, I'll study more properly in advance so I'll have time to exercise, but it just didn't happen this time. I wore my workout outfit all day so that when I had the chance, I could just get up and go, but I never got that chance. I'm still studying this very minute, and probably will be till midnight. But I am very excited to get back to exercising after my tests are done!

I am really trying my darndest to stick to my goals, but I still need to keep raising the bar and pushing myself. This isn't going to be easy work, but I want to do something that I can be really proud of myself for- to really show people I've accomplished something. And every day I remind myself, this really isn't about me, it's about God. He gave me this body to take care of and give it's full potential, and I haven't been doing that. What's the passage, "Our body is like a temple?" or something like that. With God's help, all things are possible. The time is now, and I'm not going to wait any longer to make a change.

What I Want

So, I saw a friend post this kind of 'list' of ideals in the perfect guy :P It might sound totally silly, and it probably is, but with Valentine's Day coming up, I just feel like pouring out some cheesy/bottled up emotions.

What I Want...

- Someone who will just hug and hold me when I need them.

- Someone who will let me show all the care and compassion I can for them.

- Someone who will make me laugh, and isn't afraid to be silly with me.

- Someone who is above all else, a gentleman; respectful of others, even when they may not deserve it.

- Someone who will teach me to grow with them in life.

- Someone who I know is the only one for me and I can never live without.

- Someone who is humble and supportive of others.

- Someone who is passionate about life and everything in it.

- Someone who is willing to accept when they are wrong, but also stand up for what they believe in.

Love is Patient, Love is Kind. Maybe this passage can also be twisted around another way. Be patient with love. It will come in time. People might be wondering, "When, when?? Where is he/she? I've been dating since I was 16- where are they?" But remember, be patient with love. There is so much more to life than simply waiting to be with someone else forever. For me anyways, all I can do for now is wait and dream. Literally 'dream' too. I've been having these dreams lately about being in a relationship. These by any means are not 'scandalous' dreams or anything, just simple romance. Not even romance per-say, but just feeling at home and at peace. Knowing that I am there for someone, and someone is there for me. That we are together and nothing and no one can part us. I wake up after these dreams and just stay on cloud 9, hoping and praying that someday these dreams can be a reality. I daydream about cute guys in the movies and magazines, when I really wish I could be pining for someone real.

Patience.

2/11/12 Accountability

My goodness! I need to realize that weekends are NOT a break! Terrible day today. I have two tests coming up I need to be studying for. Instead, I get two babysitting inquiries for today, which I mean is great, I could use the money, but it just kind of threw off my schedule in terms of exercise, health, and school work. Ate terrible because I wasn't at home during meals really, no exercise, and hardly any homework. Yeah, I got money, but BOO.

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Cereal, strawberries, almond milk,

Non-fat caffe latte from Starbucks on the way to babysit (I had to be there at 8am)

Lunch: I was with the kids, and they requested Mac N Cheese for lunch. I made it for them, and while I scoured the pantry for anything really healthy, I came up with just a granola bar (the Quaker Oats one, so it's really NOT healthy) and had Mac N Cheese too. No veggies of any kind :( All they had was just canned.

Dinner: I had a small spinach salad at 5ish before I left to work another babysitting job at 6. I was getting hungry at like 6:30, and they had pizza for me and the little kid. So.... freaking Pizza for dinner

That's right, folks! Today I ate the same meals as 5 year olds. And let me tell ya... it wasn't pretty. And to make it worse, I had NO exercise.

Exercise for the day...

Well, considering the fact that I was babysitting from 8-1 and 6-10, and had two tests to study for (not to mention being exhausted) I did NOT EXERCISE AND I HATE IT.

As terrible as it sounds, with Spring Break only a month away, I really want to work hard. Just to show some improvement in myself when I go home. I have no babysitting tomorrow. So that means, time for a SERIOUS work out! Hopefully the day will go something like this...

8-9: Wake up, breakfast, get ready for the day (HEALTHY)

9-10: Study

10:30-12 : GYM

12:30-1:30 shower and Study

1:30-2:30 break and lunch

I swear, study for the rest of the day!

JUST BEEN A VERY BUSY AND STRESSFUL WEEKEND. I want to be healthy and make a change in my body. Not for appearance, but for health. I can't let this get derailed. Not this time. It's been too long since I've had this goal, and I'm not waiting around any more. I know I will slip up at times, but some things just can't be helped. I can't change who I am or what I like, but I can improve for healthier habits.

And just to add to the general crapiness, I'm starting to pick and bite at my nails again due to stress...

2/10/12 Accountability

Not necessarily the best day in terms of health.

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Cereal, banana, almond milk

Lunch: Left over Pizza

Dinner: Grilled chicken salad at Chili's with no cheese. It was on their healthy part of the menu.

Dessert: A piece of cheesecake with strawberry from Movie Tavern (where I saw 'The Vow!')

Exercise for the day...

Been/will be very busy the next few days with studying for two tests and babysitting to boot. Didn't do anything today, and who knows, honestly, I don't think I'll have time to do anything either. Babysitting from 8-1 and 6-11. That spare time needs to be put to studying.

2/9/12 Accountability

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Fat free plain yogurt, strawberries, granola

Lunch: Chicken, spinach and cheese quesadilla

Snack: Pretzels and trail mix

Dinner: I need to get rid of this chicken and shredded cheese, so tada! Pizza. It's pretty much just chicken and cheese baked on pizza in the oven. I know, I know, NOT the healthiest thing. But I just had to get rid of this stuff before it went bad! And I am pairing it with spinach salad too, so while I know that doesn't balance it out completely, it helps. Besides, chicken is protein, right?

Exercise for the day...

Not quite totally a lot since I've been busy studying today, but I think it's good enough.

* 30 minutes exercises at home (10 lb weights)

- 25 lunges

- 50 crunches

- 20 bicep curls

- 15 triceps exercises

- 15 pushups

- more various weights exercises

Repeat this all.

* Stretch

* 5 mile walk/jog for about an hour and a half around the neighborhood. I'd honestly say it's probably 25% jogging, 75% walking. One of my goals really is to become a better jogger and runner in general. So obviously it's not there yet, but hopefully some day.

* Stretch when back home

2/8/12 Accountability

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Oatmeal and honey

Lunch: Snacked on a protein bar during the day

Dinner: 1 pork chop, green beans, carrots, lima beans

Dessert: A little plain yogurt and granola

Exercise for the day...

* 50 minutes of Pilates class

* 1.5 miles on the track to warm up (walking, jogging)

* 5 miles (25 minutes) on bike

* 10 minutes weights

* 15 minutes rowing

* 1 lap around track and stretching to cool off

Went to the store today and got, in my opinion, pretty healthy food. I know there might be a couple meals this week that might not be the healthiest, but I will always pair them with lots of vegetables to make it a little better.

Already looking forward to the weekend :)

2/7/12 Accountability

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Whole-grain bagel from Panera, peanut butter and honey for the spread

Lunch: Peas and Ramen (Ok, I know the whole Ramen thing is totally bad, but seriously, it was the only food in my pantry. I NEED to go to the store tomorrow!)

Dinner: Peas and Sweet Potato. I'm starting to get tired of sweet potato though. I have it probably once a week at least.

I forgot, I did have one bad snack though, and I did feel bad afterwards. The potato chips from Panera yesterday. Yep, not getting chips like that anymore. Seriously, those things are just little grease bombs.

Exercise for the day...

Alot again, which is a good thing!

At the apartment gym...

- 3 miles, 30 minutes on elliptical

- 30 minutes weights, crunch, stretches and such

- 3 miles, 30 minutes on elliptical

- stretched back at the apartment

later in the day...

- Walked (or power walked, I guess. I walked fast.) to Walgreens down the road to pick up my prescription. I think the total walking to and from there is, I would say, 1 mile.

Tomorrow I am going to the store and here's the list, pretty much. I hope it's healthy?

- Fruit (blueberries, strawberries)

- Veggies (asparagus, broccoli, frozen green beans)

- Lunch meat (Turkey or Chicken)

- Some kind of dinner meat to cook (probably chicken)

- Granola

- Healthy Yogurt

- Almond Milk

- Cereal

- Pretzels

- Almonds

- Some Luna Bars or something for quick lunches at school

- Whole wheat tortillas for lunch wraps

- Lettuce

Tada! I usually am pretty good about sticking to the list. I might get a little small something or other for a treat if I am absolutely craving sugar. I mean, tonight I had a peppermint for dessert, but maybe I'll get like some kind of small, all-natural, somewhat healthy 'dessert?' Maybe, we'll see.

Oh, AND no more peanut butter! I'm cutting it out for a while. I threw away the jar because it is not a kind of food that can help me be healthier.

2/6/12 Accountability

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Cheerios and a banana

Lunch: Just kind of snacked during the school day. A nutrigrain bar and a protein bar, since I really need to go to the store.

Dinner: Chicken noodle soup bread bowl from Panera.

Exercise for the day...

Alot! One hour intense-cardio class called 'Ultimate Conditioning.' I was sweating buckets by the end of it! (Every Monday and Friday I'll go to that class.) After taking a 30 minute break, I did some more exercise at the gym, but not much because I was SO tired after waking up at 6am to drive from Austin and then having the exercise class. I did 2 miles power walking on the track, some weights, and rowing. I tried jogging, but like I said, I hardly did any because I was so tired.

I'd say a good day! Not perfect, but not bad.

2/5/12 Accountability

A nice little Sunday break at home. Might not have been the most productive day, health wise, but was still fun.

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Cheerios and a banana

Lunch: Magnolia Cafe with Kaity! 1 steamed spinach, potato and cheese breakfast taco (minus the eggs) with a side of strawberries

Dinner: Just kind of snacked at the house during the Super Bowl. Not very healthily I might add. Some cookies, a few chips and queso and guacamole.

Exercise for the day...

No exercise for the day...

I was really busy seeing friends and watching the Super Bowl. That means that there is NO break day this week. I already had breaks on Friday and Sunday, so no excuse for me the next week.

2/4/12 Accountability

Got back from 'Cats' last night at about 1am , so needless to say, the blog would NOT be updated that nigh. I had such a marvelous time though! It was amazing!! I wasn't really expecting all that much, because Cats isn't one of my huge favorites, but I absolutely loved it.

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Small Strawberry Banana smoothie, a little bit of cereal

Lunch: Piece of quiche leftovers

Dinner: Taco Salad (lettuce, tomatoes, chicken, onions, guacamole)

Drink: Tall Caffe Latte at Starbucks before the show

Exercise for the day...

3 mile walk/jog in the afternoon

2/3/12 Accountability

Oh yeah, almost forgot for today!

Food Journal...

Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs, tortilla, apple

Lunch: Grilled chicken sandwich from Whataburger

Dinner: Quiche and grapes

(BAD DESSERT): Yes... we have Thin Mints at the house, and I had 3...

Exercise for the day...

Unfortunately.... NOTHING. I was even dressed and everything for working out, but I just honestly was way too busy today. Packing and driving home and all. I hate that I didn't do anything.

OBVIOUSLY not the best day for accountability.

2/2/12 Accountability

Food Journal...

Breakfast: Oatmeal, honey, strawberries

Lunch: Turkey and shredded cheese wrap in whole-grain tortilla

Snack: Wheat thins and peanut butter

Dinner: Baked sweet potato and an apple

(BAD DESSERT): It was one of those days I wanted chocolate (I need to get better about desserts) and since I knew I shouldn't just go out to get ice cream or something, I just made a hot chocolate. It actually ended up tasting gross afterwards. Maybe because I felt guilty about it?

Exercise for the day...

* 1.5 hours at the gym (8:45-10:15)

- 3 miles on elliptical

- 30 minutes of weights and lunges

- 2.5 miles on elliptical

Not a totally bad day I guess.

Need MORE vegetables, LESS sugar.

Going home this weekend. I'll go on long walks/jogs, whatever, and do stuff at home, I just gotta be careful about food and drink. At home, there will be things like chips, mexican food, desserts, whole milk, and since it's the Super Bowl un Sunday, who knows what else.

I'll stick to this though, I really will!

2/1/12 Accountability

Guess I might as well start now!

Food journal...

Breakfast: Cereal, blueberries, strawberries and almond milk

Lunch: Banana Nut Cliff Bar

After-School Snack: Plain Pita Chips

Dinner: Steamed broccoli and peas, turkey and a little shredded cheese wrapped in whole-grain tortilla.

Exercise for the day...

* Walk with Sadie for 20 minutes around complex

* Pilates for 50 minutes

* Gym for 1.5 hours

- 2 miles track, weights, 15 minutes rowing, 2 miles elliptical, stretch

* Walk with Sadie for 45 minutes in park

In my mind, today was a successful day. Let's hope there will be more of these to come :)

Sticking to accountabilities

Ok, so to help me stick to my quote unquote "Diet" I'm going to do food and exercise accountability on here. I've already been doing this for a couple weeks on the sticky note app on my laptop, but it couldn't hurt to put it here as well. Every night before I go to bed, I'll type up what I ate and what exercise I did- GOOD OR BAD. If I slip up and have dessert one day, it'll come up on the blog. I'll be held accountable for it, duh. I don't think anyone reads this, but it will be up here for my own benefit.

I'm doing anything here to make sure this happens! I've always been above my desirable weight ever since I feel like, Middle School or something. But now that I'm an adult, it's my responsibility to set this right. I can do it! I just need to be realistic and stick to my goals.

Just another thing to throw in there, I need to drink more water! I don't drink soda or juices really, I just need to drink more water in general. I used to have a TCU tumbler that was I think 24 oz? If I drank at least 2-3 of those a day, then I'd done pretty good. That doesn't include normal glasses of water at meals and stuff. I think I'll ask for a good water bottle when I go home this weekend.

Goodness, lots of blogging tonight!

A bit of a rut.

Ok, so like I said in my last post (or at least I think I did) I haven't been doing as well with the whole 'eating better' thing the past week. I knew this could come up to kick me in the butt, and sure enough it did. The scale doesn't lie, and I'm definitely off track. DARN.

New rules that this lesson has taught me:

- When going out to dinner, or any meal in fact, get one of the healthiest options on the menu! These may be 3 or 4 dollars more expensive, but it's worth it. Instead of seeing going out as a cheat meal, just think of it as, "Hey! I can buy a really healthy and well put together meal that I couldn't do myself." This applies to any and every restaurant I go to. If I get a salad, get an actual HEALTHY salad. None of this "Fried chicken salad with cheese and heavy dressing." No.

- Exercise is NOT enough alone. Eating well (I don't like the term 'diet.' It sounds restrictive and depressing.') is a huge factor.

- Yes, there will be times when I slip up on exercise or eating right, but I can't kick myself for it. I'm only human, and people make mistakes. Just don't make a habit out of it.

I have also learned I have been doing my cardio exercises a little off. I should put the resistance and stuff lower on the eliptical, otherwise I'll build alot of muscle in my calves (which I have been noticing and is annoying). Instead, do the same time (30 minutes, 2 times a day but instead of at say resistance, 5 and 8, do resistance 2 and 4) It will do a better job of leaning the muscle, not building bulk.

I also need to work up on getting better at running and jogging. It's a great way to slim down.

I have PLENTY of time for exercise, so here's what my modified schedule will be.

MONDAY: Ultimate Conditioning Class at UTA 12:00-12:50, exercise in gym 1:30-2:45

TUESDAY: Gym and/or walk for 2 hours a day, possibly one hour exercise in morning and one in evening.

WEDNESDAY: Pilates Class at UTA 12:00-12:50, exercise in gym 1:30-2:45

THURSDAY: Same for Tuesday

FRIDAY: Same for Tuesday and Thursday

SATURDAY: Pilates DVD at home for 30 minutes, gym for 1.5 hours

SUNDAY: Pretty much same as other days at home. Gym and/or walk

There might be one day of rest if I need it, but honestly, this is pretty much what I do every week (or at least have been doing) I just need to focus on the eating better consistently.

The gym workouts at UTA are pretty much this...

- 2 miles on the track to warm up (this is alternating of power walking and jogging)

- Some weights

- Rowing for 20 minutes or so

- 2 or 3 miles on the bike or eliptical, whichever I feel like

- Another mile on the track if I have time

- End with stretching

The gym workouts at the apartment are pretty much the same each time...

- 3 miles on eliptical

- weights for 15 minutes

- lunges and stretches for 15 minutes

- 3 miles on eliptical

- stretch it out when I get home to apartment

For my walks, or jogs or whatever, I walk to/through Overton Park right by the complex. There are two different routes that I've clocked at 2.5 miles or 4 miles. Just depends whichever I feel like for the day, preferably the 4 if I have time.

So, that's my update and little insight into what my routine is. Like I said, exercise isn't the issue, just the eating better!