Week two is under my belt; I'm more than one third of the way through! I just got back from the third cleanse meeting, which I prefer calling my support group. I got some fresh ideas to help pull me through the final week. One is a new dressing to add a little more flavor to my salad and the other is a sugar free chocolate milk which will hopefully cure my evening craving. It uses almond milk, cacao, and agave.
It's confession time, though--I had a bite of chocolate cake today. I was at Marketday pickup, and the woman who helps me brought samples for the upcoming fundraiser. The boys each had a piece and told me we had to buy this cake next month. I couldn't very well spend money on a cake I had never tried! What if it tasted horrible??? I can't afford to waste money like that! Let's just say it's a good thing my sugar fast will be over soon.
One of the best discoveries of this challenge has been deep stretch yoga. I've attended two of the Wednesday evening classes, and both times, I spent the rest of those nights luxuriating in a semi-comatosed state of relaxation. I'm definitely going to make this class a part of my weekly routine!
Now, to finish off our third week, as if I haven't deprived myself enough, our teacher threw out a final challenge to end the last two days with a fruit cleanse. I've never tried anything like that, so why not? Although I haven't sounded all that positive about my eating restrictions, I have to admit that I feel great. My energy level is up and I'm motivated to continue some of these as life changes.
I'm off to enjoy the start of my long weekend. I WILL FINISH THE FOUNTAINHEAD! Season one of New Girl arrived from Netflix tonight, too, so I'm envisioning a laughter-filled afternoon with my girl, Zooey!
Happy Thursday!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Must...eat...food
You never realize how much food is a part of your daily life until you can't eat what you really want. I don't think I've thought so much about food in my entire life as I have in the past 10 days. When I'm not eating, I'm thinking about when I'm going to eat. When I'm eating, I'm thinking about what I'm eating (and what I'm not eating). It has made me realize how horribly I usually eat...OK, I guess I always knew but didn't want to inconvenience my life-style enough to make the change.
So, check out what I found in my gluten-free crackers today! I was sitting at my desk, minding my own business, taking what pleasure I could from a dry, saltless wafer of cardboard (OK, they aren't really that bad), and I noticed this crazy thing! I wanted to take it as a sign that I should just chuck the bag and go grab a box of Ritz crackers, but I realized that was completely unreasonable--my hunger speaking. I thought about writing a letter and sending this to the company hoping they'd send me a free box...then I though about it...do I really want to eat these again???
I'm ashamed to admit that I backed out of the challenging yoga class tonight, but I'm getting ready for my 8:30 walk. Anything is better than nothing, right? You would think that after an entire weekend, I'd be all caught up on my grading, but that is not the case! I made a pretty good dent, though, so I think it's time for some me time!
Laters!
I'm ashamed to admit that I backed out of the challenging yoga class tonight, but I'm getting ready for my 8:30 walk. Anything is better than nothing, right? You would think that after an entire weekend, I'd be all caught up on my grading, but that is not the case! I made a pretty good dent, though, so I think it's time for some me time!
Laters!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Renewed Motivation
I'm sitting in a blessedly quiet house. I miss the boys, who are spending the night at Grandma's tonight. I'm so thankful they haven't gotten to "cool" to spend the weekend there! Although, what's not to love? I hear they made home-made donuts tonight which I will not be able to enjoy when they come home tomorrow!
Anyways, the blessed part of my quiet house is that Brian is GONE! He's been so hyped up all day about the OSU game that he was driving me crazy! He was walking around the house shouting like he was actually in the locker room getting psyched up for the game and kept smacking me on the butt saying, "Good game!" I was so happy when it was time to drop him at his brother's for the game. I'm finally able to get caught up on my DVR'ed shows--the ones I never get to watch because it's never my turn to watch TV and I'm usually too busy to watch anyways.
I finally had time to actually cook today. I wanted something that I could use for a quick dinner and pack for lunch, too, so I made chicken vegetable noodle soup.
vegetable stock
1 small can of tomato sauce (Hunt's is SUGAR FREE!)
carrots, baby white potatoes, peas
chicken (I baked a couple of Market Day chicken steaks with garlic salt)
gluten free spaghetti noodles
With a cucumber-tomato salad and some gluten-free crackers, it was pretty decent!
My only problem now is the sugar cravings I get at right about this time every night. My substitute treat is tortilla chips with a bean dip I made. It's very tasty, but it's definitely no cookie! When the 21-Day Challenge is over, I do plan on making sure I limit my gluten and sugar, and I already have a cookie in mind. It uses evaporated cane sugar and honey as sweeteners...from what I've read, evaporated cane sugar contains the same amount of sucrose but goes through less refining than regular sugar. So as far as sugar goes, it's still in there, but if you're good at making justifications like I am, it's better for you.
How about an update on my goals?
Oh! I almost forgot! I lost a couple pounds when I stepped on the scale this morning, hence the renewed motivation (I've noticed that the hardest part of blogging is coming up with a creative/catchy/relevant title each time!).
Have a great weekend--I know I will!
Anyways, the blessed part of my quiet house is that Brian is GONE! He's been so hyped up all day about the OSU game that he was driving me crazy! He was walking around the house shouting like he was actually in the locker room getting psyched up for the game and kept smacking me on the butt saying, "Good game!" I was so happy when it was time to drop him at his brother's for the game. I'm finally able to get caught up on my DVR'ed shows--the ones I never get to watch because it's never my turn to watch TV and I'm usually too busy to watch anyways.
I finally had time to actually cook today. I wanted something that I could use for a quick dinner and pack for lunch, too, so I made chicken vegetable noodle soup.
vegetable stock
1 small can of tomato sauce (Hunt's is SUGAR FREE!)
carrots, baby white potatoes, peas
chicken (I baked a couple of Market Day chicken steaks with garlic salt)
gluten free spaghetti noodles
With a cucumber-tomato salad and some gluten-free crackers, it was pretty decent!
How about an update on my goals?
- running 2-3 times a week (in training for my 1/2 marathon? still not sure about that!)
- haven't cut my hair yet
- made a new recipe this week
- blogging = journaling
- reading...well, grading seems to be getting in the way of that, but as soon as I'm done with tonight's post, I'll be curling up with my Nook to wade further through The Fountainhead
- shoes NOT in the closet - FAIL
- I have been entering foods into My Fitness Pal, which has helped a lot.
- I have been drinking PLENTY of water
- haunted hayride on schedule for next weekend
- still biting nails - FAIL
- Words with Friends - a little inconsistent there, but I'm trying to play my words when I'm blow-drying my hair in the morning
Oh! I almost forgot! I lost a couple pounds when I stepped on the scale this morning, hence the renewed motivation (I've noticed that the hardest part of blogging is coming up with a creative/catchy/relevant title each time!).
Have a great weekend--I know I will!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
7 Days Coke-Free
I just got home from my second 21-Day Challenge meeting feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the next 14 days. I'm seven days Coke-free and feelin' fine! My only frustration at this point is that I haven't lost a single pound. Weight-loss was definitely not my goal when I started this, but seriously...I've given up all sugar and gluten. No pop, no Wonder white bread, no Frosted Flakes. One pound is all it would take to give me that little bit of motivation I need when Brian is sitting next to me drinking a Coke and eating cookies.
I have to say how wonderfully supportive all of my friends have been in encouraging me and providing me with healthy alternatives to all of the foods I crave. Suzanne made these wonderful corn muffins and is bringing me my first home-made smoothie tomorrow. Christy introduced me to these all-natural carrot cookies which have just enough natural sweetness in them to satisfy my between-classes cravings.
I know, or at least I think I know, it is not realistic to believe that after this is over I'm going to be able to maintain this sugar and gluten-free life-style. Caffeine--no problem. Alcohol--never been a problem. So as I reflect on this experience, I don't want it to be for nothing. I feel good which must be a result of having a healthier body and mind, so there are definitely changes that I see being able to make. (Oh my...could I have a less supportive husband??? He just opened a Coke right in my face and loudly gulped about half of it down. What a pig!)
Anyways...
1. eating smaller portions -- nothing new, I know, but I've actually been putting it into practice and noticing that I'm just as satisfied after lunch and dinner.
2. wait 15 minutes after eating to decide if I'm still hungry -- sometimes I eat just because food tastes so darned good! Fifteen minutes later, I'm regretting taking seconds, so I'm going to make a concerted effort to eat only what I put on my plate.
3. Caffeine-free Coke at meals -- one of my biggest struggles is drinking only water. I need something with a little bit of taste for when I'm eating. That being said, I know I'll be back on pop on day #22. Instead of buying a 16-ounce Pepsi at school, though, I'm going to bring my pop from home to ensure I'm off the caffeine and maxing out at 12 ounces. (Not sure how to curb the Starbucks green tea-lemonade addiction, but I had already cut my sugar down to half with it. Since Starbucks refuses to open in Madison or Concord, it will remain a guilty pleasure when I venture to Mentor and not a daily necessity.)
That's all I've got tonight, but now that I'm caught up on my grading, I hope to be back on-line more consistently. G'Night!
I have to say how wonderfully supportive all of my friends have been in encouraging me and providing me with healthy alternatives to all of the foods I crave. Suzanne made these wonderful corn muffins and is bringing me my first home-made smoothie tomorrow. Christy introduced me to these all-natural carrot cookies which have just enough natural sweetness in them to satisfy my between-classes cravings.
I know, or at least I think I know, it is not realistic to believe that after this is over I'm going to be able to maintain this sugar and gluten-free life-style. Caffeine--no problem. Alcohol--never been a problem. So as I reflect on this experience, I don't want it to be for nothing. I feel good which must be a result of having a healthier body and mind, so there are definitely changes that I see being able to make. (Oh my...could I have a less supportive husband??? He just opened a Coke right in my face and loudly gulped about half of it down. What a pig!)
Anyways...
1. eating smaller portions -- nothing new, I know, but I've actually been putting it into practice and noticing that I'm just as satisfied after lunch and dinner.
2. wait 15 minutes after eating to decide if I'm still hungry -- sometimes I eat just because food tastes so darned good! Fifteen minutes later, I'm regretting taking seconds, so I'm going to make a concerted effort to eat only what I put on my plate.
3. Caffeine-free Coke at meals -- one of my biggest struggles is drinking only water. I need something with a little bit of taste for when I'm eating. That being said, I know I'll be back on pop on day #22. Instead of buying a 16-ounce Pepsi at school, though, I'm going to bring my pop from home to ensure I'm off the caffeine and maxing out at 12 ounces. (Not sure how to curb the Starbucks green tea-lemonade addiction, but I had already cut my sugar down to half with it. Since Starbucks refuses to open in Madison or Concord, it will remain a guilty pleasure when I venture to Mentor and not a daily necessity.)
That's all I've got tonight, but now that I'm caught up on my grading, I hope to be back on-line more consistently. G'Night!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I'm free!
I only have time for a quick post tonight, but it's been so long that I wanted to make sure I checked in! I've been inundated with grading, and I was DETERMINED to get everything finished tonight. It has been difficult to fit everything in around the challenges of the 21-Day Challenge. Things I wasn't prepared for:
1. Deep Stretch Yoga = 91 degree room holding poses for so long you can't even feel your body. We did a pose called "broken toes"...I'll leave it at that! That was Monday, though. Tonight, we had a different instructor, and I left feeling much more relaxed and refreshed--not quite as challenged, but I like the balance. (Brian is having fun with the whole yoga thing...he talks to me in his Yoda voice whenever I'm leaving or coming home from a class.)
2. To find something that is both gluten and sugar-free is virtually impossible. Just about everything I want to eat has to be made...in the kitchen. I've spent more time in there this week than ever before.
3. HEADACHES! The withdrawal from the caffeine, and maybe the sugar, was pretty rough this weekend. I had a headache from Friday night that didn't completely clear up until Monday. Since then, it's been smoother sailing, other than the limbo I'm living in of perpetual hunger.
I know I'm making this experience sound like a bad thing, but it really has made me so much more self-aware of what I'm eating and how it makes me feel. Overall, I'd have to say that I feel great! Much better than I thought I would at this point; it's hard but certainly not impossible. Thank goodness for my good friend, Christy, who has provided me with so much advice and food alternatives.
I promise to discuss more specifics tomorrow, but Brian is bellowing! It's time for sleep.
1. Deep Stretch Yoga = 91 degree room holding poses for so long you can't even feel your body. We did a pose called "broken toes"...I'll leave it at that! That was Monday, though. Tonight, we had a different instructor, and I left feeling much more relaxed and refreshed--not quite as challenged, but I like the balance. (Brian is having fun with the whole yoga thing...he talks to me in his Yoda voice whenever I'm leaving or coming home from a class.)
2. To find something that is both gluten and sugar-free is virtually impossible. Just about everything I want to eat has to be made...in the kitchen. I've spent more time in there this week than ever before.
3. HEADACHES! The withdrawal from the caffeine, and maybe the sugar, was pretty rough this weekend. I had a headache from Friday night that didn't completely clear up until Monday. Since then, it's been smoother sailing, other than the limbo I'm living in of perpetual hunger.
I know I'm making this experience sound like a bad thing, but it really has made me so much more self-aware of what I'm eating and how it makes me feel. Overall, I'd have to say that I feel great! Much better than I thought I would at this point; it's hard but certainly not impossible. Thank goodness for my good friend, Christy, who has provided me with so much advice and food alternatives.
I promise to discuss more specifics tomorrow, but Brian is bellowing! It's time for sleep.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Challenge Accepted!
It has been so long...I've missed you! What an incredibly long and busy week. I finally made it to my sister's house, ready for a jam-packed weekend of zip-lining, mud-running, and a slow-paced (hopefully) finale at the juvenile diabetes walk at the Ohio State University on Sunday to support our great friend, Riley!
Pretty psyched about the mud run tomorrow. It sounds a lot like the Warrior Dash, but hoping, hoping, hoping it won't be quite as hard. At this point, running a 5-K presents enough of a challenge...I'm not sure how many obstacles I can handle!
Pretty psyched about the mud run tomorrow. It sounds a lot like the Warrior Dash, but hoping, hoping, hoping it won't be quite as hard. At this point, running a 5-K presents enough of a challenge...I'm not sure how many obstacles I can handle!
I have to share what I learned at my first meeting last night for the Twenty-One Day Challenge. First of all, I knew so little about what I was getting into that I had no clue as to why it was 21 days...why not 28 or 30??? Well, that's how long it takes your body to rid itself of the addiction. I am determined to give up just about everything...alcohol (no major challenge there), caffeine (am I INSANE???), sugar, and gluten. Cutting out all animal products does not seem realistic for me, though. My goal is to leave this with some healthier eating habits, so I've decided to cut out all dark meats and animal fats. What would I do without MarketDay chicken steaks??? The sugar is going to be the worst from me, but I'm one day pop-free and fairly lucid right now. The biggest challenge today was making it to the bathroom between classes and a three-hour drive after consuming 48 ounces of water and 30 ounces of green tea. Think I'm over-doing it?
Sooooo....this weekend I'm going to work on compiling some recipes and planning out my week-one meals. I already found a recipe for peanut butter buckwheat-hemp cookies; it substitutes with coconut palm sugar. Quiche sounds good, too, but I'm worried about how that will warm up.
I feel a cold creeping up on me...bad timing. I sure hope it holds off until after tomorrow's run! Hopefully I'll have a pretty muddy picture to post for all of you tomorrow! Until then...
I feel a cold creeping up on me...bad timing. I sure hope it holds off until after tomorrow's run! Hopefully I'll have a pretty muddy picture to post for all of you tomorrow! Until then...
Monday, September 24, 2012
Motivational Monday (I love alliteration!)
This is going to be a great week! It's finally time for the season premiers of my favorite shows: How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, and Modern Family. Watching Brian play Madden Football for the last two weeks is really starting to get on my nerves, so I'm happy my reprieve is finally here! Unfortunately, all these fabulous television shows are going to make it really hard to focus on my schoolwork and 40 goals.
Oh, how I wish my camera phone was quicker! Brian just looked over at me with two pieces of candy corn in his mouth like fangs. When people ask me why I never tried for that little girl, I'd have that picture for my answer!
No new goals today, but I'm going to see my sister this weekend. She and I will hammer out our final goals together...after we go zip-lining and mud-run it! The weekend can't get her quick enough for me.
My week has started off well...I set up my menu for the week (goal #31) and actually cooked dinner tonight. Before cleaning up the kitchen, I got tomorrow's dinner ready so that I just have to pop it in the oven to get us to soccer on time. Finally, I drank my 30-plus ounces of water like a good girl (goal #29) and packed a healthy breakfast and lunch for myself.
Best part of my day: my box of perfumes arrived from Demeter Fragrance, just in time since my students start presenting their Greek god projects tomorrow. The best best part was that I got a free gift (must have ordered enough!), a free ounce of perfume for one of the scents I ordered! Glad I didn't get Earthworm or Dirt just for kicks!
Oh, how I wish my camera phone was quicker! Brian just looked over at me with two pieces of candy corn in his mouth like fangs. When people ask me why I never tried for that little girl, I'd have that picture for my answer!
No new goals today, but I'm going to see my sister this weekend. She and I will hammer out our final goals together...after we go zip-lining and mud-run it! The weekend can't get her quick enough for me.
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