Monday, October 13th, 2008

Meal One
Zucchini omelette (1 1/2 eggs)
Red bell pepper sliced
6 cashew nuts

Meal Two
1 slice E. bread
2 oz tuna salad
1/2 orange bell pepper
1 green olive (large)

Meal Three
Blueberry smoothie w/protein powder and milk and frozen blueberries

Meal four
3 oz homemade burger
1 slice E. bread
1/2 teaspoon mayo
Lettuce, tomato, pickles
1 teaspoon ketchup



Yummy recipe for omelette, for 3 or 4 people:
Heat on low: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Lightly dash these spices over the hot oil: course salt, garlic powder or fresh, pepper, paprika
Dice one medium zucchini into thin slices
Dice three scallions thinly
Heat scallions with oil and spices until well mixed
Place slices of zucchini into pan creating single layer of zucchinis covering the whole pan
Heat zucchini for 30 seconds then gently turn each one over with spatula and rearrange to cover pan again in single layer.
Scramble 5- 6 eggs
Slowly pour egg mixture into pan and cover with lid
Cook on med-low heat for about 6 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on moisture build up on lid and drain water in sink periodically to prevent from dripping into omelette.
After omelette is cooked fully on the sides and bubbles are building up from center, cut omelette into four slices. (If you can't "cut" omelette, it needs to cook longer.) Place spatula inside cut slices to turn over each quarter individually, (this will help keep the zucchinis flat and in their place).
Cook another 5 minutes, uncovered.
Watch not to under or over cook omelette, as your stove will determine the time it takes within a few minutes positive or negative the time I give.

Serve with sliced tomatoes and red bell peppers! My kids gobbled this up :-)

Tuesday, October 7th 2008

Meal One
1 1/2 scrambled eggs
1/4 cup salsa
2 tablespoons avocado
1 green olive

Not a lot of carbs today...

Monday, October 6th, 2008

Meal One
2 scrambled eggs
Banana bread

Meal Two
3 oz grilled burger (homemade)
1/2 slice cheddar cheese
1 slice Ezekiel bread
1/2 roma tomato
1/4 cucumber sliced
1 t. mayo
1 t. ketchup

Friday, October 3rd, 2008

Meal One
1 scrambled egg
1/2 oz. raw cheese
4 oz milk w/instant coffee
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 apple

Meal Two
Chicken salad at Panera Bread
Dressing on the side to measure 1 tablespoon

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

Meal One
Breakfast smoothie:
8 oz whole milk
1/2 scoop protein powder (strawberry)
1/2 banana
1/2 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon olive oil

Meal Two
2 oz tuna salad w/ 1/4 diced apple w/peel
salad: baby spinach, tomatoes, black olives, yellow bell peppers, olive oil, garlic, sea salt, pepper

Meal Three
"snack"
tall misto at Starbucks w/whole milk (coffee w/steamed milk)

Meal Four
"Dinner with the girls"--no measuring or zoning!
Chicken Sahi Korma (sp?)
Chicken
rice
naan
white hot chocolate



Today is my sister-in-law's birthday! Julie and I met when we were just 12 years old. She and I were best buddies for years before we lost touch with each other. Then we were reunited when I started to date her older brother, Eric! 10 years ago today I flew her out to Santa Fe, NM to hang out with me and my new boyfriend and who happened to be her big brother! What a small world we live in. Thanks, Julie for being such an awesome sister and friend! I love you! Happy Birthday!

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2008

Meal One
2 small scrambled eggs w/bell peppers and 1/2 of raw cheese
4 oz milk w/ instant coffee
5 strawberries

Meal Two
3 oz tuna salad w/lime and 1 teaspoon olive oil
1 Red bell pepper
5 black olives
Handful baby spinach

Meal Three
2 oz chicken breast
Salad plate: baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, parmesan cheese grated, olive oil, red wine vinegar

Meal Four
Green curry soup (for family of 4) w/grilled chicken: pureed bell peppers(2), onion (1/2 large), cilantro (bunch)
Saute in pan with coconut oil (2 tablespoons), olive oil (1 tablespoon), fresh garlic (2 cloves), sea salt (1 teaspoon)
Cook for 10 minutes (covered) then add coconut milk(1 cup) & some green curry paste (2 tablespoons),
Cut up head of broccoli and add to soup;
Cut up left over grilled chicken breasts (3); add to soup at the last minute after broccoli is tender
Place handful of baby spinach (raw) at the bottom of four bowls,
Then ladle hot soup on top of spinach and serve!

This recipe was soooooo delicious I had to post it for others to try! Email me if you have any questions; I kind of typed it up in a hurry!

Wod: 100 BB OS
100 BB FS
100 BB BS
Time: 21:58

Tuesday, September 30th 2008

Meal One
2 hard boiled eggs (crushed and mixed w/ garlic, onion, salt and pepper & 1 teaspoon mayo)
1/2 orange bell pepper
1/4 cup measured pancake batter cooked to a 3 inch pancake

Meal Two
"Snack"
Misto coffee & milk (6 oz of each)

Meal Three
2 oz grilled chicken
baby spinach w/ bell pepper diced and (8) cherry tomatoes, (5) black olives
red vinegar, (1 teaspoon) olive oil, oregano and garlic, salt, pepper

Meal Four
Protein smoothie
6 oz milk
1/2 scoop protein powder
1/2 banana
2 tablespoons coconut milk

Monday, September 29th, 2008

Meal One
2 small scrambled eggs w/ 1 teaspoon butter
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 medium banana

Meal Two
Protein Smoothie
6 oz whole milk
1/2 scoop protein powder
2 teaspoons coconut milk
stevia
ice

Meal Three
2 oz grilled chicken
Salad: baby spinach, orange bell pepper, black olives (7), cherry tomatoes (8) w/ 2 teaspoons asian sesame dressing (homemade: olive oil, pureed onion, crushed garlic, crushed fresh cilantro, soy sauce, fresh lime, dash of salt)

Meal Four
"snack"
8 oz raw whole milk
1 teaspoon instant coffee

Meal Five
2 oz raw cheese
4 strawberries
1/2 red bell pepper

Sunday, September 28th, 2008

Meal One
2 small hard boiled eggs (mixed with 1/2 teaspoon mayo)
1/4 cup muesli
1/4 whole milk

Meal Two
3 oz chicken w/garlic and diced tomatoes
Salad w/scallions, romaine lettuce, pine nuts, tomatoes, Caesar dressing
1 chocolate chip cookie

Meal Three"snack"
8 oz whole milk
scoop instant coffee

Meal Four "snack"
2 oz raw cheese
1/2 apple w/peel


Workout was 5 mile run at Turkey Mountain

These pics are from a short workout on the Glute Ham Developer: 21-15-9, back extensions and sit- ups. Time was 4:09. Computer is slow...will download tomorrow.

Saturday, September 27th, 2008

Meal One
Misto coffee w/whole milk (6 oz)

Meal Two
2 small scrambled eggs (in olive oil)
1/2 bell pepper

Meal Three
Chicken Salad at Chipotle's (ate 1/2)

Meal Four
Chicken salad from Chipotle's (other 1/2)

Workout was Fight Gone Bad, score was 216.

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

Meal One
Veggie omelette
1/2 english muffin
2 tablespoons of diced potatoes

Meal Two
2 oz egg salad
1 slice Ezekiel bread
Spinach, tomatoe, avocado salad

Meal Three
2 oz chicken
1/2 cup sauteed zucchini
Salad: spinach, cucumber, celery, mushrooms, bell peppers

Did I mention that Eric and I are having our 10 year wedding anniversary? We are going to New Mexico to renew our vows and Sophia and Sebastian will be our witnesses! I have 71 days left to zone and prepare to look my best. I will be wearing the same dress I wore when we had our wedding celebration in August of '99. Pretty cool, huh?

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

Meal One
2 scrambled eggs
1 slice Ezek. bread w/butter and jam

Meal Two
Salad at Jason's deli from salad bar: spinach, mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, two hard boiled eggs, italian dressing.
1/2 cup ice cream

Meal Three
Mexican dinner: ground beef w/ salad, sour cream & salsa

Tuesday, September 23rd 2008

2 scrambled eggs with sauteed veggies: green peppers, onions, mushrooms
1/2 whole wheat pancake w/butter and honey

Meal Two
2 oz chicken breast
plate of salad: lettuce, baby spinach, cucumbers, green peppers, celery, tomato
8 oz homemade cocoa smoothie: milk, cocoa, banana, coconut milk, stevia, brown sugar

Meal Three
misto coffee from starbucks (whole milk steamed w/bold coffee)

Meal Four
Salad plate at Mazzio's
3 small slices of cheese pizza w/thin crust

I ran some sprints at La Fortune Park with some other crossfitters and I wanted to post some of my favorites because to me I look like a "real" athlete! It was fun to do the sprints with a group, and I look forward to the next La Fortune workout.

I'll upload the pics tomorrow, computer is really slow right now...

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

This was taken in February of 2008

This was taken a few weeks ago in September of 2008.

Meal One
2 scrambled eggs
1/2 zucchini sliced and sauteed
1/4 gala apple w/skin

Meal Two
1/2 chicken breast
1/2 cup steamed broccoli w/butter and salt
1/4 cup sweet potato

Meal Three
3 oz steak strips (sauteed in coconut oil, coconut milk, cumin, pureed onions, crushed garlic, cilantro, pepper)
Large fresh salad: baby spinach, green leaf lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, celery, bell peppers

I did not eat a lot today because I was not feeling good after a weekend of staying up too late for three consecutive nights. But, I did take a nap and worked out at the end of the day. I feel even better after my hubby showed me these before and after photos he found on his hard drive. It's amazing to me how my body is still changing after a month of missing the zone. Crossfit by itself seems to be reshaping my body. The "before" photo was taken February 25th of 2008. I started zoning seriously in April. I saw amazing results really quick. Then, I had about three out of town trips that threw me off my routine of preparing my meals for the month of August and September. This "after" photo was taken in September. The workout pants are exactly the same, but my jacket is covering the little white logo...the color of the pants look different because the lighting is radically different in the winter versus summer, and the pants look grey instead of black.

Anyway, it is very encouraging to know that every effort is not lost. Even though my eating has been off, I did not stop exercising. I am even more motivated to eat better and keep pursuing a lifestyle of health and fitness. I just have to re-program my self-image. I seem to see myself bigger and more out of shape. And this is self-defeating. I need to focus on the victories and not on the losses. When I add up all the times I made the right choices, the result is evident. That is something to celebrate! I can't be perfect everyday in eating or in my workouts, but I can be victorious as I look back at nine months of great effort.

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

Meal One
2 fried eggs (w/one teaspoon butter-organic)
1 slice Ezekiel bread (in the freezer section of most grocery stores, a sprouted grain...easier to digest)
1 cup of Earl Grey Tea w/honey and cream

Meal Two
2 oz grilled burger
1 oz gouda cheese
1 slice E. Bread w/mayo and mustard and ketchup

Meal Three
Tall Caramel Macchiato at Starbucks (yuck!)

Meal Four
2oz grilled chicken
1 cup steamed broccoli
1 oz cheddar cheese
1 green bell pepper diced

I was working out today while my hubby was timing my WOD; and it really surprised me how well I did considering I haven't really been zoning the last few weeks (too many cheat meals!); and I've been fighting a little bug or cold the last few days.

Then my wonderful hubby reminded me of my amazing potential as an athlete and my opportunity to influence others with how I treat myself! It's easy in the busy-ness of life to forget these things.

We are also renewing our wedding vows this December on our 10th wedding anniversary! I have my dress from my wedding day 9 years ago (yes, we got married twice!)! And I am resolved to wear the beautiful white piece of fluff! I am excited to post photos of that when December blogs arrive.

Thank you to all of you who struggle as I do, to stay in a state of health and fitness through disciplined eating choices and crossfit!

Tuesday, September 9th 2008

Meal One
1 cup whole milk w/coffee and honey

Meal Two
Banana smoothie w/cocoa and milk and avocado and stevia

Meal Three
3 oz grilled orange roughy
1/4 cup sweet potato

Meal Four
2 oz grilled burger
1 oz gouda cheese
1 slice Ezekiel bread w/ mayo and ketchup and mustard

Monday, September 8th, 2008

Meal One (went for craving, not the zone!)
1 cup Earl Grey tea
1 slice of Ezekiel bread
2 table spoons peanut butter
1/2 banana
1 teaspoon honey

Meal Two
2 oz grilled burger
1 slice ezekiel bread
1 teaspoon mayo and ketchup and mustard
1/2 cup red grapes

Meal Three
3 oz beef brisket
1 cup sauteed mushrooms and onions
1/4 cup brown rice
1/4 cup steamed broccoli

Meal Four
Smoothie
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/2 banana
stevia

A little off the zone today, but I tried to keep it to small meals spread throughout the day. I did prepare for the week, however. Meats are grilled, veggies are cut and prepped, and menu is set for the week. It's pretty non-glamorous; but it's easy to implement!

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

Meal One
2 scrambled eggs
1 slice toast w/butter and jam (organic, no sugar added)

Meal Two
2 oz grilled burger
1 cup sauteed onions and mushrooms
1 slice Ezekiel bread w/mayo and ketchup

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008

Meal One
1 1/2 scrambled eggs
1/2 cup cantaloupe
2 mini 1" muffins (organics brand made at home)
Earl grey tea w/ 1/2 and 1/2 and honey

Meal Two
2 oz tuna salad
1 slice Ezekiel bread
1/2 cup red grapes

Meal Three
3 oz orange roughy grilled
1 red bell pepper
1 cup sauteed onions and mushrooms

Meal Four
Protein shake
w/ coconut milk and strawberry protein powder

Tuesday, September 2nd 2008

Meal One
2 scrambled eggs
1 slice cantaloupe
1 slice Ezekiel bread w/organic butter

Meal Two
2 oz grilled chicken
1 cup sauteed mushrooms and onions
1 cup strawberries
6 cashews

Meal Three
(Snack)
1 oz grilled burger
1/2 cup grapes
1/4 slice Ezekiel bread

Meal Four
2 oz grilled london broil
1/4 cup sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
1 cup sauteed mushrooms and onions

Just a reminder! If you want to make it easy for yourself to eat in the zone, prepare your meals in advance. These are the steps I recommend:

1. Write your menu for the week on a sheet of paper.
2. Make a shopping list based on your menu.
3. Buy your groceries using the shopping list.
4. Grill your chicken, steak, and fish in advance.
5. Cut up veggies in a advance.
6. Weigh and portion amounts in advance using ziplock bags and tupperware.
7. Eat your food; try not to eat out.

Meal One
1 1/2 scrambled eggs
1/2 red bell pepper
1/4 cup salsa

Meal Two
1/2 cup coffee w/milk and honey
1 slice e. bread w/cheddar cheese
1/2 cup broccoli w/organic butter and sea salt

Tuesday, August 26th 2008

Meal One
1 hard boiled egg
1/4 cup homemade salsa
1/2 slice ezekiel bread

Meal Two
2 oz tuna salad homemade
1/2 slice bread
lettuce
mushrooms raw
1/2 cup red grapes

Friday, August 22nd, 2008

O.k., I am back. Since my trip to California, I've been on a roller coaster ride to catch up with my meal planning! Suffice to say, I have NOT been zoning since I left for my trip! Today, I grilled my chicken, steak and some turkey sausages. Tomorrow, I will cut up a bunch of fresh veggies and buy some fresh fruit. By Monday morning, I will be back on track. I am actually going back on the zone and I am teaming up with a girlfriend. We are going to eat the same menu for the next 30 days and track our progress together. It should be fun and the daily accountability will be very helpful as I wean myself off of insulin highs (yuck!)

This is my menu starting next week: (Basically, I'll eat the same thing every day, and I'll mix the meals up either by switching out the protein or type of fruit or type of meat. I will also use lots of fresh lime squeezed over the food and pepper and garlic to taste. I may also make some tuna or chicken salads towards the end of the week and use coconut milk and avocado instead of mayo)

Breakfast:
2 eggs (any style) or 1 turkey sausage link
1/2 cup salsa (pre-made at home in bulk)
fresh cut veggies (pre-cut in tupperware)

Snack
1 cup of veggies
1 oz grilled chicken
1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
5 small green olives

Lunch
2 oz steak
2 cups veggies
1/2 avocado

Dinner
2oz orange roughy grilled
2 cups veggies
1/2 avocado

Snack (optional)
7 oz whole milk raw
7g worth protein powder
6 cashew nuts
1/2 cup berries

Monday, August 4th, 2008

Meal One
Latte w/whole milk
Stonyfield vanilla yogurt w/strawberry protein powder (stevia sweetened)

Meal Two
2 oz homemade chix salad
1 bell pepper
small handful cashews & raisins
1/2 cup cauliflower puree ("mashed potatoes"!)

Meal Three
1 hardboiled egg
1/2 cup raspberries
small handful cashews

I am traveling to California tomorrow morning. I will be visiting with my mom and sister, and I'll have the kids in tow. I am hoping to continue zoning while on the road. But, I may not have access to a computer every day...I'll try and write down my meals and post them as soon as I can steal time on the internet.

Saturday, August 2nd 2008

Meal One
2 scrambled eggs
2 roma tomatoes sauteed in olive oil and spices
1 whole avocado

Meal Two
1 oz grilled chicken w/curry sauce homemade
couple slices of green pepper

Meal Three
Red Curry dish at Lanna Thai w/chicken and vegetables and coconut milk (delicious and spicy)!

Friday, August 1st 2008

Meal One
1/2 order of the fitness low-carb omelette at Mimi's cafe
1/2 cup orange juice

Meal Two
2 oz chicken grilled at home
1 cup broccoli
1/2 avocado

Meal Three (totally fell off the paleo/zone wagon on this meal!!!!)
Potluck at a friend's house
3 oz grilled chicken
1 oz baked beans
1 oz potato salad
1 oz rice
1 meatball
1/2 cup ice cream
2 one inch pieces of some kind of cake like white brownie dessert?
1/2 cup of decaf coffee

Well, there goes my goal of trying this new diet! I guess I just didn't want it bad enough. I preferred eating some "fun" things instead of sticking to my experiment. What do I do now? I think after trying this for two weeks, I am going to go back to the Zone. With the zone, I am still able to eat some "fun" foods in moderation and keep my insulin levels balanced. I do however, believe that I needed to cut back on some of the "fun" foods. And I believe that cutting back even on the Ezekiel bread helped me to have more energy and lose three more pounds. I am heading to California next week, so my goal then is to keep everything in a Zone friendly ratio, and keep the "fun" foods to one to two table spoon servings!

Thursday, July 31st 2008

Meal One
snack before 7am WOD
handful of cherries

Meal Two
8 oz latte w/whole milk (no sweeteners)

Meal Three
1 1/2 scrambled eggs
1 medium tomato sauteed in olive oil and spices
1/2 cup sauteed mushroooms

Meal Four
2 oz grilled hamburger (homemade)
1 green pepper
handful of cherries
1/2 avocado

Meal Five
2oz grilled orange roughy
1 cup pineapple freshly diced
12 almonds

Wednesday, July 30th 2008

Meal One
Snack before WOD at 6am
handful of cherries

Meal Two
2 scrambled eggs
Sauteed mushrooms and medium tomato diced
olive oil for cooking

Meal Three
3 oz grilled burger homemade
1/2 green bell pepper
1/2 medium tomato
1/4 cup blueberries
6 almonds

Meal Four
3 oz grilled orange roughy
handful of cherries

I have not been getting enough sleep this last week. I can tell a huge difference in my insulin levels. When I am running on little sleep I have more cravings for desserts and fried food. Fortunately, I decided to stay home today; I don't have any of those foods here to choose from during meal times.
1/4 peach
handful of almonds

Tuesday, July 29th 2008

Meal One
2 scrambled eggs
one slice Ezekiel Bread (not Paleo)
one peach

Meal Two
Snack
dried apricots
mixed roasted nuts
latte w/whole milk (milk not paleo)

Meal Three
Salad Bar at Ruby Tuesday's
3 oz sirloin steak

Meal Four
3 oz grilled orange roughy
1 cup steamed broccoli
1 slice cantaloupe
almonds

Monday, July 28th 2008

Meal One
2 hard boiled eggs (no yolks)
1/2 cup fresh cherries
1/2 red bell pepper
6 almonds

Meal Two
Seared tuna w/wasabi dressing
fresh greens
strawberries
1/2 avocado sliced

Meal Three
snack (during grocery shopping spree)
1 slice turkey
1 slice cheese

Meal Four
2 hard boiled eggs (no yolk)
1/2 cup cherries
2 green olives
few cashews

Today has been a super busy day: covering classes at the gym starting at 6am, getting kids to play dates, meeting client for lunch, and rushing kids to Spanish class, and getting all the groceries done for clients. Now to pick up the kids at Spanish and start grilling, slicing and packaging meals...

This is why my meals have been so boring and unappetizing today!

Saturday, July 26th 2008

Meal One
2 hard boiled eggs minus the yolks
1 cup fresh pineapple
cashews

Meal Two
Snack
1 hard boiled egg minus the yolk
strawberries
cashews
raisins

Meal Three
grilled salmon
grilled asparagus
strawberries
avocado

Friday, July 25th 2008

Meal One
2 scrambled eggs
1 cup mushrooms sauteed in olive oil
1/4 cup salsa

Meal Two
3 oz of roast beef homemade
1 cup steamed broccoli w/butter and sea salt
1/4 cup raisins and cashews
3 strawberries
1/2 cup green grapes

Meal Three
fruit smoothie: pineapple, banana, avocado, mango
2 hard boiled eggs minus the yolks

Thursday, July 24th 2008

Meal One
1 1/2 scrambled eggs
sauteed handful of mushrooms and baby spinach
handful of strawberries
several cashews

Meal Two
3 oz roast beef homemade
1/2 red pepper
1 cup steamed broccoli
1/4 cup diced cantaloupe
several cashews and raisins

Meal Three
Snack
1/2 cup pure applesauce
1 thin slice of block cheddar cheese (not allowed!)

Meal Four
3 oz chicken salad homemade w/coconut milk, avocado, mayo (expeller pressed), and curry
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 cup melon
1/4 cup raisins and cashews

Wednesday, July 23rd 2008

Meal One
2 scrambled eggs
handful of fresh strawberries
handful of raw cashews

Meal Two
3 oz of grilled salmon
1/4 cup cashews
1 cup strawberries

Meal Three
4 oz tuna salad w/lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded carrots, diced pickles and celery
the mayo was pretty heavy...this is what I ordered a restaurant called Nibbles.

Meal Four
4 oz meatball stew
1/4 cup cashews
1/4 cup raisins

Meal Five
Meatball stew w/chuck roast
fresh mushrooms
fresh baby spinach thrown in w/ stew

Very busy day today. Again, I did not have any mood swings. I was bombarded with a lot of different potentially high-stress inducing events today. But, I was able to deal with everything that came at me with self-control and peace. I actually had a wonderful day, and I was very productive. I still have a million things to do; but I feel like I accomplished a lot and this feeling was not robbed from me despite all the work left undone due to only having 24 hours in a day :-)

Tuesday, July 22th 2008

Meal One
handful of fresh raspberries before working out at 6am

Meal Two
1 1/2 eggs w/mushrooms, red bell peppers
handful of raspberries
handful of strawberries
finger full of cashews raw

Meal Three
grilled orange roughy homemade
asparagus
red bell pepper diced
cashew nuts

Meal Four
snacked on a few teaspoons of coconut milk chilled

Meal Five
grilled salmon homemade
about a cup of pineapple diced, fresh
red bell pepper sliced


I was feeling the effects of the sugar withdrawal yesterday. But, I seem to be recovering pretty quickly. Last night I felt great. I was very alert and I had a ton of energy. This is unusual for me late at night, after chasing two kids around all day. Today, I am still craving some kind of sugar. I feel like I should be eating bread or oatmeal or something like that. I almost caved in when serving my kids fresh hot oatmeal for breakfast!

Tomorrow I have to take Sophia and her friend Luca out for lunch. I keep thinking that I have to disconnect my emotions from food. It is helping. Food is so deeply rooted in how I feel, especially in social situations.

Eric took my body fat measurements today. I am at about 20% bodyfat, which is the lowest I've been since before I had my kids. My lean body mass is 95lbs. And my weight with clothes and shoes on is 119. I am curious how this diet is going to affect my body fat and lean body mass as well. I am eating whenever I am hungry. But, I am only eating meats, veggies, nuts, seeds, and fruit. I am not eating any sugar, processed foods, or grains (this includes legumes).

I will post some photos soon to compare before and after.

I am still feeling pretty good. I was also able to deal with a lot of stress today without succumbing to anxiety. It was great. I didn't feel like a slave to any mood swings. And as a result, I didn't say things that I regretted or wished I could take back.

I did a feel a little tired around 6pm; but I think this is because I hadn't eaten dinner yet. The last meal was lunch around 12pm. I do notice that I can go for 4 to 5 hours without any real feelings of hunger. Sometimes I want to eat more out of habit or being momentarily bored or stressed.

I said no to fresh homemade coffee (offered by my hubby), chocolate chips (offered by my kiddos), cheese and crackers (offered by a friend at the kids' playdate), and don't forget saying no to the delicious homemade oatmeal I fed my kids for breakfast!

I hope tomorrow, I can succeed again. It is much easier to resist temptation when I disconnect my emotions from the food in front of me. It is amazing how food can "talk"! But, when I take the emotions away, the food loses its voice.

Monday, July 21th 2008

Today I am starting on a new diet I was exposed to during the Crossfit Level I Nutrition Certification in San Francisco this past weekend. It is basically a diet that consists of eating only the following:

meat
vegetables
nuts
seeds
fruit

No sugar
No grains
No processed foods

This means that for the next 30 days, my life is going to take an interesting turn. I am not going to worry about being in the Zone since I want to focus more on the quality of food I am eating versus the quantity of food I am eating. But, I am going to pay attention to the portions I consume based on how hungry I feel. If I am hungry, I am going to eat from the list mentioned above: meat, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fruit. I am going to have to give up some of my favorite foods for the next 30 days: raw honey, dairy, protein shakes, and even Ezekiel bread. I want to experiment with this diet mainly to see how much insulin resistance I am dealing with even after eating a fairly steady diet of zone favorable meals.
Also, I am going to measure my body fat percentage today and at the end of 30 days. Thirty days from now is...August 19th. I am not sure I have the will power to do this experiment, but I will try.

Meal One
1/3 mango
1/2 avocado
small handful of nuts

Meal Two
eggs
mushrooms
olive oil
red peppers
salt, pepper, garlic, onion, ginger to taste

Snack
Handful of cashew nuts (raw)
bottle of water

Meal Three
about 3 oz of tuna w/mayo
handful of strawberries
handful of green grapes

Meal Five
1/2 chicken breast sauteed in olive oil and spices
1/2 cup sauteed baby spinach in olive oil and spices
1 cup broccoli w/butter and salt
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper raw

I have to get groceries today; I did not eat meat because I am out of eggs, and I opted out of cottage cheese since it is a dairy product. Here are some photos of my trip.

O.K. I got the groceries: vegetables, fruit, nuts, and chicken and fish. I ate like a queen today. I took the time to cook everything with much love and tenderness. It was a wonderful day as far as eating. As far as my physical body, it wasn't so good. I felt the cravings for sweets and bread. I know this is mostly coming off of a crazy weekend traveling to San Fran. And I almost threw up during my work out. It was nasty. But, tonight I feel much better. I am sooooo glad I made it through the first day without "cheating". I will try again tomorrow: stick to a daily intake of meat, veggies, nuts, seeds, fruit; and I will try not to have even one milligram of sugar, processed foods, grains or dairy. The longest I've ever gone without my faves: bread, desserts, honey, coffee, etc. is two weeks. Can I go a full 30 days without cheating? Let's just take it one day at a time...

Tuesday, July 15th 2008

Meal One
1/4 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup strawberries
6 oz whole milk w/ instant coffee
1/2 teaspoon honey

Meal Two
2 oz sliced turkey
1 slice baby swiss
1 slice Ezekiel bread
1 teaspoon mayo expeller pressed
1/2 cup blueberries

Meal Three
2 oz grilled hamburger homemade
1 slice Ezekiel bread
1 teaspoon mayo
1/2 tomato sliced (small)
1/2 cup raw veggies (bell peppers, spinach)
1/4 cup sauteed mushrooms and onions

Meal Four
1/4 scoop protein powder (Sci-Fit)
6 oz Naked protein drink

I have been swamped with kids' activities this week and preparing meals for a MyFoodNanny.com client. I haven't had a lot of time to journal other than jot down my meals. But, I would like to take some time tomorrow and go over step by step, the grilling process.

Monday, July 14th 2008

Meal One
1/4 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup fresh strawberries
1/2 slice ezekiel bread w/butter
3 cashew nuts
Water w/multi vitamin

Meal Two
2 Scrambled eggs
1 cup zucchini, mushrooms and onions
1 medium tomato
cilantro

Meal Three
8 oz whole milk
w/ coffee

Meal Four
1/2 Naked Protein Drink
1/4 scoop protein powder
1/2 slice ezekiel bread w/butter

Meal Five
2 oz grilled burger
1 cup raw veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, baby spinach)
1 teaspoon mayo
1 tablespoon ketchup

Friday, July 11th 2008

Meal One
1 hard boiled egg
1/4 cup salsa
3 raw almonds

WOD (6am)
Nancy
400 meter run
15 overhead squats (55lbs)
5 rounds for time

Meal Two
1 1/2 scrambled eggs w/ 1/4 cup salsa
1 small pancake (Bob's Red Mill Brand)
4 oz whole milk w/instant coffee

Meal Three
2 oz chicken
1 cup of steamed broccoli w/butter and salt
1/2 oz of raw cheese

Meal Four
1/2 slice cheese pizza from Uncle Vinny's Pizza
2 oz side order of grilled BBQ chicken from Uncle Vinny's
Water

Meal Five
2 oz grilled chicken homemade
2 tablespoons Claude's BBQ sauce
1 whole red bell pepper
6 cashew nuts
1/4 Kashi Blueberry waffle

Ever since that Dallas trip I haven't been able to get into my groove. I am going to have to go back to square one.
So here are my steps for getting into the Zone and staying on it:

1. Choose a menu for the week
2. Make a shopping list based on the menu
3. Grill meats to have ready by Monday morning
4. Cut up veggies and put in tupperware ready to serve
5. Prepare salsa to eat for breakfast
6. Have ready supply of tupperware and ziplocks bags for to-go meals
7. Get at least 8 hours of sleep--lack of sleep makes me crave coffee and sweets
8. Get at least 2 5k runs in the week (5k's help me recover quicker from the Crossfit wods)
9. Drink lots of water, and remember to take my vitamins.

This is my plan for this weekend. Then by Monday I'll be ready go get in the zone and be strict. Hopefully, life will not throw too many fast balls at me!

O.k., I got my groceries, menu, and my meats thawing...
First curve ball: I've got a girls' night out tonight, and it's to celebrate a friend's birthday. We're going to a concert first and then out for a light snack and dessert. I will have to do some careful navigating to be able to stay in the zone. I'll post the results tomorrow or Sunday!

Thursday, July 10th 2008

Meal One
2 scrambled eggs
1/4 cup salsa
1/4 cup sweet potatoes

Meal Two
8oz latte w/whole milk

Meal Three
8 oz whole milk
1/2 scoop protein powder
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon raw pumpkin seeds

Meal Four
Quizno's sub
4" Turkey sub w/veggies
8 oz raspberry lemonade

Meal Five
1 zone bar

Meal Six
8 oz whole milk
1/4 protein powder

I was so sore today. I thought I had rhabdo. I felt like I had a fever. I was weak and I ached all over. I took two naps. I think I was sore from the kettlebell workout since I rarely workout with kettlebells. Being so weak made it even harder to eat well. Ironically, today is probably a day when I needed to eat good foods more than any other day. I did not work out and I went to bed at 8:30pm. I am writing this on Friday, and I can say I feel much better today. All I needed was some rest and some good zone meals to help me recover. Nothing compares to 9 solid hours of sleep!

Wednesday, July 9th 2008

Meal One
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup strawberries
Earl Grey Tea w/ one teaspoon honey and cream

Meal Two
Lunch w/friends at Riverwalk Italian restaurant
2 oz grilled chicken
plate of greens, zucchini, asparagus
6 kalamata olives
Balsamic Dressing

Meal Three
Latte w/whole milk (8 oz)
No sweetener

Meal Five
Left over salad from lunch

Meal Six
8 oz whole milk
1/4 scoop protein powder (7g protein)
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon raw pumpkin seeds

WOD (refer to www.nextgenerationcrossfit.com)
One round of each:
Helen
Kelly
Annie
19:08

The last few weeks I have been trying to stick with the zone as much as possible. I haven't been super strict; but I hope to get back to a more strict menu from now on...

Tuesday, July 9th 2008

Meal One
Breakfast at Mimi's Cafe w/kids
1/2 fitness omelette w/yolks, swiss cheese, and substitute broccoli for green peppers
2 tablespoons salsa
2 small bites of kids' pancakes w/syrup
4 oz orange juice
1/4 slice wheat toast

Meal Two
8 oz whole milk w/esspresso
1 teaspoon honey

Meal Three
Left over omelette from Mimi's
1/4 cup salsa made at home

Meal Four
2 oz grilled chicken homemade
1/2 cup sweet potatoes, baked at home

Meal Five
8 oz whole milk raw
protein powder (7g of protein)
1/2 cup blueberries
1/4 avocado
6 cashew nuts

Monday, July 7th 2008

Meal One
1 hard boiled egg
1/2 slice Ezekiel bread
6 cashew nuts
1 slice cantaloupe

Meal Two
2 oz chicken salad from Whole Foods
2 oz tomatoes and mozzarella salad from Whole Foods

Meal Three
8 oz whole raw milk
1/2 scoop protein powder
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon pumpkin seeds raw

Meal Four
1 Kashi cookie
1 8oz glass of milk w/ protein isolate

Saturday, July 5th 2008

Meal One
1 hard boiled egg
1 slice cantaloupe
1/4 cup oatmeal (measured dry)
1/2 cup whole milk

Friday, July 4th 2008

Meal One
Several green grapes before a WOD

Meal Two
2 scrambled eggs
1 pancake homemade (Bob's Red Mill brand)
1 slice of cantaloupe

Meal Three
8 oz whole milk
Peets coffee on French Press at home
1 teaspoon honey

Meal Four
2 oz tuna solid white
1 teaspoon mayo expeller pressed
1 cucumber sliced
1/2 slice Ezekiel bread

Meal Five- Cheat Meal
Pepperoni Pizza from Dominoes
Thin crust
Added hamburger meat and mushrooms from home
1 homemade brownie

I have neglected to include my workouts this last week. This morning I completed a WOD named the Filthy Fifty. My time was 36:36

Thursday, July 3rd 2008

Meal One
1 slice Ezekiel bread
1 oz raw cheese
1/4 cup orange juice
1 hard boiled egg white

Meal Two
Chocolate banana protein shake:
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
5 teaspoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1/3 banana
1/3 scoop protein powder

Meal Three
1/2 slice Ezekiel bread
1 oz tuna
1/2 table spoon mayo expeller pressed
1/2 cucumber sliced
1/4 cup green grapes

Meal Four--Cheat Meal
(At Braum's Ice Cream store with my kids)
1 scoop of Brownie Batter ice cream in waffle cone
1 cheese burger

I wish I would have stopped after the ice cream. The burger sent me over the edge. I thought I was going to throw up and I couldn't finish half of it. But, I admit I enjoyed the ice cream and waffle cone!

Meal Five
Same as Meal Three (I couldn't eat all my food since I was still satisfied from the protein shake)

My workout today:
Deadlift (115 lbs)
HSPU
Vertical Jump
15-12-9-6-3
Time: 24:30

Wednesday, July 2nd 2008

Meal One
1/2 grapefruit (before 6am workout)

Meal Two
1 1/2 scrambled eggs
1/3 pancake
1/2 cup milk w/ instant coffee

Meal Three
1 slice Ezekiel Bread
1 oz raw cheese
1 hard boiled egg white
1/2 cup of raw veggies: broccoli, tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, cucumbers

Meal Four
1/2 zone bar
1/2 cup raw whole milk

Snack
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt, organic, whole
1/2 scoop protein powder

Snack
1/2 banana
1 mozzarella cheese stick

Meal Five
2 oz grilled chicken homemade
1 bell pepper
6 cashew nuts

Snack
1/2 zone bar
1/2 cup milk

Last night, I ran three miles after completing "Black Jack" a WOD from Crossfit One World. When I was done running, I got into my car and imagined eating some ice cream. A few minutes later, I got a video from Blockbuster. Again, upon entering my car, I imagined going to the neighborhood Walmart and buying some Ben and Jerry's. I realized that thinking about comfort foods is a habit I have developed over the years. When did it all begin? Somewhere along the last 36 years, I have trained myself to eat ice cream after a hot bout of exercise and after renting a movie. Is this typical for most people? I don't know. Then, this made me think about all the other actions and routines which upon completion involve attaining some kind of "treat".

Now if I am going to survive the next oh, I don't know, potentially 74 years...(36 + 74 = 100), I think I better start to form some new "treats" that don't involve empty calories. What if every time I complete a 5K, I get myself a manicure, or put money towards a vacation or a new dress, or whatever. Something has got to give. I do not want to be a slave to cravings or bad habits. What are some other things I can indulge in that do not take a lot of time (like scarfing down a brownie), and give me comfort? Feel free to add to my list...

Things to indulge in that do not have negative side effects:
1. A good book
2. A good article/magazine
3. A visit with a new/old friend
4. A nap
5. A visit to a museum
6. Write a letter by hand
7. Devotions
8. A stroll through beautiful garden
9. A long walk with my husband
10. A manicure/pedicure
11. A massage
12. A road trip
13. A random act of kindness (especially anonymous)
14. Tickling my children until the giggles roll
15. Watching my children sleep
16. A Jane Austin novel
17. Writing a short story
18. Writing a poem
19. A leisure swim in the pool in the cool morning and hot sun
20. Burying my feet in a sandy Florida beach
21. A long distance phone call with my sister
22. A date with my husband

My workout today:
Rowing Sprints
500 meters
5 rounds for time each
Times ranged from 2:11 to 2:18

Tuesday, July 1st 2008

Meal One
1/4 cup muesli
1/2 cup milk
1 hard boiled egg
2 tablespoons soy protein

Meal Two
1 cup milk
6 cashews
1/2 scoop protein powder

Meal Three
2 scrambled eggs
1/2 pancake homemade
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon butter

Meal Four
Protein shake: protein powder, 1/2 cup blueberries, milk, kale, ice, stevia

Meal Five
2 oz shredded roast beef homemade
1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
1 whole bell pepper
6 cashew nuts



I have not been eating in the zone as well as I should the last week because I have been really off schedule with my grocery shopping and grilling. Therefore, I have been short on fresh fruit and vegetables and fresh grilled meats. Today I got my groceries done, and I marinaded a bunch of chicken and steaks. Eric agreed to grill on Thursday. I hope to be back on a strict zone program in the next day or two.

My workout today was Black Jack (series of pushups and sit ups) and a three mile run outside.
Time for the run was 33:45, time for Black Jack was somewhere under 30 minutes.

Monday, June 30th 2008

Meal One
1 1/2 scrambled eggs
1/4 cup salsa
1 pepper sliced

Meal Two
Big salad at Whole Foods:
mixed greens, mushrooms, bell peppers, cranberries, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, hearts of palm, olives, strawberries, blueberries, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, shredded chicken, hard boiled egg.

Meal Three
2 oz shredded roast beef homemade
1/4 cup rice
1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
1 teaspoon raw pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoon honey

Meal Four
2 oz hamburger patty homemade
1 slice ezekiel bread
1 teaspoon mayo expeller pressed
1 tablespoon ketchup, mustard
1 oz raw cheese

Sunday, June 29th 2008

I haven't started my meals yet today. Actually it's 39 minutes past midnight and I should be in bed resting for Sunday. But, I wanted to journal about something my children said the day before yesterday (Friday) which I thought was so precious. Over the years, I wish I would have written down some of the wonderful quotes they have spoken in innocence, wonder and intellect beyond their years.

When we were driving to our gym for the 11am WOD (workout of the day), a short thunder storm passed over us. The rain was coming down pretty hard and there was thunder and lightning. I was pretty focused and distracted since we were running late. Soon my countenance softened as I listened to Sophia and Sebastian's conversation...

Sophia said, "Wow, look at all this rain. I wonder what this rain is like to God? I think God is using a sprinkler to water the earth." Sebastian remarks, "No, I know! The rain means God is playing with the sprinkler toy. God is playing in the sprinkler with Danielle, Logan and Rock!"

I was stunned by my little boy's image of God playing...and that God was playing with our loved ones who have died and are now in heaven. I wish I could bottle his innocence and wonder. And I look forward to one day playing in the sprinkler with God too!

For those of you who may not know or remember, Danielle, is my sister who was killed in a car accident, Logan was our wonderful German Shepherd we had to put to sleep a year later, and Rock was a dog who belonged to one of my best friends who had to be put to sleep as well.

O.k., going to bed now. Goodnight.

Meal One
2 scrambled eggs
1/4 cup salsa homemade
1 slice Ezekiel bread w/butter

Meal Two
Protein powder
1/3 cup blueberries
1/4 avocado
ice
water

Meal Three
2 oz grilled steak homemade
1/2 cup broccoli w/butter
1/4 cup brown rice

Saturday, June 28th 2008

Meal One
1 1/2 scrambled eggs
1/2 slice Ezekiel Bread w/butter and jam
1/4 cup salsa homemade

Meal Two
Food I chose to eat at baby shower (over the course of two hours)
2 deviled eggs w/ four green olives
1/2 brownie
2 slices or chunks of each: mango, pineapple, kiwi, honeydew melon
2 slices celery
handful of raw broccoli
1/4 cup chicken salad
1/2 croissant
1/4 cup juice

Meal Three
Qdoba Mexican Restaurant w/hubby and kids
Steak naked burrito (burrito w/o tortilla shell)
w/ one scoop rice, one scoop black beans
w/ one scoop quacamole
w/ one scoop sour cream
w/ one scoop shredded cheese
w/ one scoop diced tomatoes
w/ one scoop steak
w/ two scoops lettuce
w/ one scoop fajita veggies (bell peppers and onions)


Meal Four
Date night w/hubby at sushi restaurant
Four pieces of a roll made w/rice, sea weed paper, salmon, tuna, cucumber, asparagus, avocado
Bowl of miso soup
Few bites of mixed greens salad w/chicken
Four pieces of a roll made w/salmon, tuna, asparagus tempura, avocado
2 4oz glasses of red wine


I am heading to a friend's baby shower. Let's see what wonderful goodies can tempt me there! But, it will be wonderful to be around some wonderful friends :-)



What a wonderful day today turned out to be. I enjoyed a delightful morning being around lovely friends catching up on life since we last met, and meeting a new people with friendly faces and hearts!

Then, I met my husband and children at Cherry Street for an outdoor lunch at Qdoba Mexican Grill. We ate like ravenous wolves (not me since I was still full from the shower), and we laughed and soaked up the warm afternoon sunshine under the table-size umbrella. After our meal we took a leisurely walk through Utica Square and dreamed of things we could buy at Restoration Hardware once our kids turn 18 or move out of the house!



Our wonderful babysitter agreed to watch our kids tonight. And I was even more fortunate to end my day on a date with my sexy husband. We got all dressed up and arrived at the sushi restaurant just before the Saturday night crowd. Our food was delicious, and the services was outstanding! Thanks to Rorie and Jen for taking such good care of us!

Friday, June 27th 2008

Meal One
2 scrambled eggs
1/2 cup sauteed asparagus
1/4 cup sauteed mushrooms
1/4 cup salsa homemade
1/2 slice Ezekiel bread w/ butter and jam

Meal Two
2 oz grilled burger homemade
1/2 slice baby swiss cheese
1/2 slice Ezekiel bread
1/2 teaspoon mayo expeller pressed
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 cup sauteed mushrooms
1/4 cucumber sliced
1 teaspoon raw honey w/1 teaspoon raw pumpkin seeds

Meal Three
2 oz grilled chicken homemade
1/4 cup sweet potato
1 cup steamed broccoli w/butter and salt
1/4 cucumber sliced

Meal Four
This meal was a snack at a friend's house
1/4 cup lentil stew
2 table spoons cream cheese
1 cup of coffee w/ 1/2 cup milk and 2 teaspoons raw honey

Meal Five
1 boiled egg
1/2 Kashi granola bar


Here I am a week later, Friday. Friday is the day I want to lay down my guard and just relax as the weekend approaches. I don't really want to think about portions and rules. I really want to have fun and refrain from thinking any negative thoughts. But, today, I am not going to do what I WANT. Instead, I am going to do what is necessary to achieve the results I want right now, but takes weeks or months to obtain. If every day gets me that much closer to those results, why am I going to let some mere feelings get in my way? And that is all that eating right boils down to: feelings. It feels good to eat whatever I want, whenever I want. But, it only feels good during the moment the food or drink is on my tongue. It is such a fleeting sensation; it never seems to satisfy for more than an hour or so. On the other hand, eating right feels good too. It may not have the ecstatic measure of pleasure, but it is a lasting pleasure. I feel good when I eat vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats in small portions every three to four hours. I feel good in my head, I feel good in my stomach, my bowels work normally, I don't feel tired or cranky throughout the day, and I don't have real highs or real lows. I feel stable. I also feel very strong during my cardio and weight training workouts. The short and long of it is, that it feels good to eat whatever I want, but only for a few minutes; it feels good to eat what I should, and I feel good for hours and hours and even days and months when I stick to the program long term.

I do want to clarify for anyone reading this who may not know a little of my history. The results I am experiencing now come after a month of weaning myself off of sugar, processed sugar, bread, pasta, rice, french fries, greasy food, large portions, etc. That month of weaning entailed much of what I would have considered pain and suffering while going through it. But, now I look back and realize I was chemically dependent on the foods mentioned in the previous sentence. If I couldn't get my "dose" of whatever I craved on any given day, I whined, complained and rebelled until I got my way. Then I blamed everyone else for my misery and fat body. When that didn't work, I made excuse after excuse to justify my actions and accept my fat body, mood swings, and lack of energy. You've heard my excuses: I have kids, the kids are sick, I am too busy, my husband doesn't do this or that, I don't have a car, I don't have the money, I don't have time, I am too tired, I am not good at it, I am too weak, I can't do that, I'll never be able to do that, that's not me, I hate sweating, I hate the cold, I hate this exercise, I hate vegetables, I can't cook, I can't, I won't, I want what I want....

Somewhere along the way, I got really sick. It was when I returned from a Crossfit Cert in Dallas (March). I mean really sick. I had a 105 degree temp., and I thought I was going to die. Then, when the pain wouldn't go away for another three days, I actually prayed to God to let me die. As the fever finally decreased, I got really mad. I got angry with myself and my body. I did not like that my body was broken down and it wouldn't recover. I mean I was sick for three weeks. My kids and husband were sick too and got better after 14 days. I thought: I am 36 years old. This is the only body I've got. I am either going to continue to feed it foods that will accelerate my aging process and inability to fight disease, or I am going to feed it foods that will slow down aging and help fight against disease. I decided excuses were only a disguise for actual and methodical failure. I would not make excuses anymore. I would make decisions. I decided to make a menu. I decided to follow the menu. I decided to decline my cravings. I decided to cry when I felt like crying instead of eating a brownie, to sleep when I felt cranky instead of eating a pizza, to fight against my habit of eating whatever I felt like eating.

That month of getting off the "crack" (what some crossfitters call processed sugars & grains) was very difficult. I failed at times. But, I kept going. The longer I refrained from the empty carbohydrates, the easier it became to say no. And my mood swings got smaller and smaller. I finally stopped crying through my wods! It was hell, I won't lie to you. But, I am so grateful to be on this side. Now when I have a margarita or an ice cream cone, I know what chemical reaction I am causing in my body. I am not numb to the toxicity of sugar and other processed foods. I know what I am choosing to do if I eat things like that. And when I begin the zone meals again, I recover quickly. I love to exercise, I love to feel this good all day long. You should try it. If you want some help with zoning feel free to email me or leave a comment.

Thursday, June 26th 2008

Meal One
2 hard boiled eggs
1/4 cup homemade salsa
1/4 cup sliced green peppers
1/2 cup sauteed asparagus w/ olive oil
1/4 cup sauteed mushrooms
1/2 slice Ezekiel bread w/butter

Meal Two
2 oz roast beef homemade
1/4 cup sweet potatoes baked
1/4 cup sauteed mushrooms w/ olive oil
1/4 cucumber sliced
1 tablespoon BBQ sauce

Meal Three
2 oz grilled chicken homemade
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes w/basil and olive oil
1/4 cup of green peppers
1/4 cucumber sliced
10 black olives

Wednesday, June 25th 2008

Meal One
1 1/2 eggs
1/4 cup homemade salsa (tomatoes, cilantro, fresh garlic, lime, salt, onion powder, pepper)
1/4 cup green peppers
1/4 avocado

Meal Two
2 oz grilled chicken (homemade)
1 slice watermelon
1/4 cucumber sliced
10 black olives

Snack (@ movies w/kids--not a Zone meal since I had no protein blocks)
1 cup air popped popcorn from home
1/4 cucumber sliced
4 pieces of chocolate mint candy (about 1 carb block or 8 grams)
1 slice Ezekiel bread w/butter

Meal Three
@Los Cabos Mexican Restaurant
5 chips w/salsa
1 chicken fajita w/cheese no tortilla shell (about 2 oz chicken)
1 tablespoon guacamole
1/4 cup diced tomatoes

Meal Four
3 oz grilled burger homemade
1 slice Ezekiel Bread
2 teaspoons mayo (expeller pressed, organic)
1 teaspoon ketchup

Meal Five
1 scoop protein powder
1/4 cup plain low fat yogurt
1/3 banana
1/3 avocado (small)
water/ice




Well, here I am five days later since my last post. It has been a difficult time for me since this journal represents my accountability forum. It is difficult because I have to admit I failed miserably in the last five days to stay on the zone. But, the good side to all this misery is that my theories in the MyFoodNanny.com are correct for me (maybe even for you): in order to eat healthy you have to plan ahead or you will default to whatever is available or put in front of you (i.e. at a restaurant or with a crowd of people). More on my trip to Dallas later...

O.k., here is the low down on the trip to Dallas. I did not plan enough in advance by packing Zone meals in my cooler. This is a no brainer, but I did not do this. My excuse? Well, I got too caught up with Vacation Bible School, last minute laundry, packing, and play dates. Next time, I will prioritize by getting groceries for the trip and preparing some Zone meals in advance.

We left for Dallas at about 10 am. I had a Zone meal at 6am, and there goes the first mistake. I began the trip on an empty stomach. I was not driving or in control of when or where I was going to eat. In order to be polite and not come across as a psycho Zone eater, I decided to go with the flow and eat whatever was available. My options were to fast several more hours or eat a Kashi bar and some sesame sticks and/or some fruit. I ate all of the above; but I was not satisfied and subsequently felt more hungry every hour that passed.

By the time our party arrived at the restaurant of choice, I was divulged of another wonderful piece of information: a member of our travel party was having a birthday! This is great for enjoying life, but not great for attempting to stay in the zone right before a Crossfit Certification, and after a whole day of being out of the zone. I completely lost all my sensibility and rationale. After a whole week of abstaining from mexican pastries and other temptations of VBS, I dove into margaritas, chips and salsa, enchiladas and tres leches (mexican style cake)! Not only did I eat in the "party zone", I also went to bed late, and had to wake up at the crack of dawn. There you have it: over load of sugar and alcohol, and lack of sleep. The result was that Saturday, Sunday, Monday were three days of fighting insulin withdrawal, depression (not clinical), and getting my mind back in the game. Why did I want to give up? I don't know. I guess I just want to succeed so much. I am frustrated that I can so easily fall back into bad habits. I don't mind doing the celebratory things that come with hanging out with friends and being together on a great road trip. But, why couldn't I wait until a better weekend--like a weekend where I was not required to show up to a two-day, intensive (end expensive) physical fitness certification that required optimum fitness and concentration/focus?

All said, it was an awesome weekend as far as the company and the certification. What was frustrating was my lack of self-control at the beginning of the weekend that set the tone for me physically and emotionally for the rest of the weekend and the following week. Today is Wednesday, and I am back on track. But, I am still feeling the effects of the weekend: alcohol, ice cream, cake, chips, etc. I guess it was worth it to have fun because of the friends we were with; but I wonder if I let them down in some way by not living up to my platform of healthy living.

Hopefully, next time, I will remember that it all starts with something as simple as planning in advance!

Thursday, June 19th 2008

Meal One
2 Hard boiled eggs
1 slice ezekiel bread
1 tablespoon butter
water

Meal Two
Plate full of cut up raw veggies: red peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons cream cheese
water
(This was the only healthful food available today since I didn't pack my own lunch to bring to VBS!)

Meal Three
Lunch at CiCi's Pizza with kids' and their friends:
Salad plate: lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, broccoli
1 tablespoon ranch dressing
Three slices pizza without the dough (scraped the cheese and pepperoni)
Water

WOD (Workout at Next Generation Crossfit)
Michael
Run 800 meters
50 sit ups
50 back extensions
Three rounds for time (23:39)

Meal Four
1/2 scoop protein powder
1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons cream

Meal Five
2 oz grilled steak
1/4 red onion and 1/2 large green pepper (sauteed with olive oil)
1 cup broccoli w/ butter

What a day! I was bombarded with mexican pastries, homemade cinnamon buns, homemade cookies, and pizza! (This week I have been a volunteer at a local church during their Vacation Bible School--VBS). I kept on repeating this quote in my mind: "you have to know what you are going to give up in order to get what you want". I kept thinking about how much more I desire to feel and look healthy, than I desire to eat something sweet. And the battle wages on...I leave for Dallas tomorrow for another Crossfit Certification. I will be traveling with my hubby and another couple. I will try to keep logging on to post my meals to include Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (I don't have a lap top so this will pose a challenge :-) Worst case scenario, I'll post the meals on Monday. This will serve as a great opportunity to show how MFN.com eats on the road!

Wednesday, June 18th 2008

Meal One 8:00 am
1 egg yolk, 2 egg whites
1 slice ezekiel bread
1 tsp. raspberry jam
4 oz milk with 1 tsp. instant coffee
2 tablespoons of cream (in coffee)

Meal Two 12:00 pm
2 oz grilled @home steak
1/2 cup veggies
1/2 cup grapes
6 cashew nuts

Meal Three 4:00 pm
Smoothie:
1/4 avocado
1 tablespoon cream
water
1/2 cup blueberries
1/3 cup yogurt
1/2 scoop protein powder
stevia

Meal Four 7:30 pm
2 oz grilled steak
1 oz mozzarella cheese (skim)
1/4 cup baked sweet potato
1 cup raw mixed veggies & fruit (broccoli, celery, carrots, grapes, cherry tomatoes)
6 almonds




WOD (A Crossfit Workout at Next Generation Crossfit)

Front squat 5-5-5-5

85-80-95-105

Notice the difference in the two photos of my back:

One is before zoning
The second w/the brown dress is after 3 weeks of zoning.

I read this quote from Breck's Crossfit Jenk's website: "you have to know what you have to give up in order to get what you want."
So, all day today as I volunteered in a VBS Missions' theme room with the smell of homemade churros (mexican pastry) wafting up my nose, I repeated the quote in my head: you have to give up sugar in order to get the body you want." It worked! I would rather have a lean healthy physique than the few seconds of pleasure offered by a dessert (which will make me feel tired and bloated for hours too!) And the funny thing about carbs with empty calories is that they are ALWAYS available. There is never a shortage of sweets. Everywhere I turn, someone is offering me or (my kids) pizza, cookies, candy, bread, cake, lollypops, soda, etc. Let's face it, junk food has become a social past time. Eating is a way of making new friends, showing love to family members, and generally participating in the American culture. So the battle to eat healthfully wages on another day...

Tuesday, June 17th 2008

I started a business called MyFoodNanny.com. The basic premise is that I will serve as an eating coach for my clients who want to live a healthier lifestyle by choosing better eating habits.

I started in the month of May by asking some girlfriends to be my test cases. And in the month of June, I started with three new clients. So far it has been an absolute joy. I really think I have found my niche as far as careers are concerned. This business not only compliments our family business (my husband and I own Next Generation Crossfit), but it also gives me the freedom to choose my schedule and continue to do the other million things I love (being with my kids) and hate (washing dishes/cleaning) to do as a mother, wife, business co-owner, and homeschool teacher.

The only thing I've noticed is that while I am coaching others to eat better, I have lost focus in my own eating habits. It is hard to eat well in this world even when you are only taking care of yourself. When you add kids, spouse, and clients into the mix, it gets to be more challenging to remember to eat well for yourself.

My husband gave me the wonderful idea of journaling my meals on a blog. I thought this would be a great way to hold myself accountable, since I will make my eating habits public. And this is also an opportunity to continue coaching my clients as I relate my own daily journey of eating well for myself.

Starting tomorrow morning I will use this blog to journal everything I eat: the good, the bad, and the ugly! Hopefully, the motivation to be a good example to my clients will show more of the "good" and not so much of the "bad/ugly"!

If you are interested in finding out more about my program and services, please check back on my website in the next few weeks.

My website is not up yet, but my web address will be MyFoodNanny.com.