Work it out Biyatch!

2011-04-25T18:52:00.001+10:00

This is a test – hopefully it works so then I can blog from work :P

BFL Day#4 and Day#5

2011-01-08T12:14:00.004+11:00

O.M.G.

I'm starting to get the hang of it, but it's still challenging to find the right portions and percentages to make sure I'm following the program correctly (Aiming for a 40% protein/40% carb/20% fat ratio). I still seem to be finding way too much fat in my diet somehow and I'm not even adding anything full fat!!

Thursday I did my first LBWO (Lower Body workout) and totally killed it on the dumbell lunges and squats. I am serious, they are a serious workout!! It's been over 30 degrees here (finally Summer has arrived) and the gym, while cool to start with got overheated. I found myself with a sharp pain in my head after doing sets and had to rest inbetween as I found myself getting a bit lightheaded. I had eaten about an hour before so I knew I had enough energy and was keeping myself hydrated while working out. I kinda rushed through the Abs and cooldown stretches in the end because I was trying to make it to the 6:30 THUMP class right after.

If you don't know what THUMP is - it stands for THUMPing your ASS!! Actually, it's a high intensity cardio boxing class and man did it kick my butt. I was gone after - probably not the best idea to do it right after a weights session but I felt so good after, even in my sweat drenched t-shirt. I wanted to try it out because it's one of the classes on a regular basis during the week and I was hoping to see if I could incorporate it into my exercise routine. I was exhausted after and conked out - couldn't really be fucked making dinner so I bought some chicken schnitzel (I had a can of tuna and beans in the car after my workout as well) and had that with some salad. Didn't have my last meal but wasn't hungry anyways. I definitely ate way too much on Thursday - need to reduce my portion sizes.

Food for Thursday:

Thursday, 6th January 2011

Daily Summary

Food Energy In: 2029 cals

Exercise Energy Out: 105 mins, -913 cals

Net Energy: 1116 cals

Net Energy Budget: 1300 cals

End Result: 184 Calories Under

Total Fat 69.1g / 27g Over

Total Protein 149.8g / 120g Over

Total Carb. 162.6g / 120g Over

Glasses of Fluid: 0 Under

Steps: 0 Under

Breakfast

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

30 g of Carman's: Brans & Oats: Premium Traditional Oats 115 2.6 3.2 18.3

2 2/3 fl.oz of Coles: Milk, fresh: Coles, Lite 36 1.1 2.6 3.9

1 serving (25g) of Vital Strength: Protein Drinks: Define, Womens High Protein, Average All Flavours, dry 93 1 19.5 1.1

1/2 medium,170g with skin, 16cm/6" (110g) of Fruit, fresh: Banana, raw, edible portion 50 0.1 0.9 10.9

1 serving, 10 raspberries (20g) of Fruit, fresh: Raspberries, raw, edible portion 11 0.1 0.2 1.5

1 teaspoon (5g) of Kraft: Peanut Butter: Nuts, Smooth Light 28 1.9 0.8 1.7

3 g of The Chia Company: Seeds: Chia Seed, Black 14 1 0.6 1.1

30 mL of Coffees: Black Coffee, brewed/percolated 0 0 0 0

30 mL of Coles: Milk, fresh: Coles, Lite 14 0.4 1 1.5

1/2 level teaspoon (4g) of CSR: Sugars: Raw 8 0 0 2

Total 368 8.1g 28.8g 42.1g

Lunch

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

100 g of Lamb: Loin Chop, lean only, grilled 219 11 29 0

90 g of Woolworths: Sausages: Sausages, Chicken, raw 144 8.7 10.9 5.4

1 slice of 700g loaf (37g) of Tip Top: Bread: 9 Grain, Original 92 1.9 4.5 13

10 g of Black Swan: Dips: Skinny, Roasted Capsicum 21 1.3 0.6 1.6

1 cup chopped (101g) of Vegetables, fresh: Celery, raw 15 0.1 0.6 1.2

1 cup, sliced (119g) of Vegetables, fresh: Cucumber, Green, common, raw, peeled 14 0.1 0.5 2.5

Total 505 23.1g 46g 23.7g

Dinner

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

1/2 schnitzel (180g) of Lenard's: Chicken Dishes: Crumbed, Schnitzel, Chicken, uncooked 207 6.3 13.4 22.6

1/2 serving (200g) of Ingham: Chicken Dishes: Crumbed, Breast Schnitzel, fresh 221 9.4 9.8 24

1 slice (21g) of Coon: Cheese: Slice, Light and Tasty 70 5 6.3 0.1

1 half cup (10g) of Vegetables, fresh: Lettuce, Rocket, Arugula, raw 3 0.1 0.3 0.4

3/4 medium whole (150g) of Vegetables, fresh: Tomato, ripe, raw 20 0.1 1.1 2.7

3/4 cup, pared, chopped (133g) of Vegetables, fresh: Cucumber, Green, common, raw, peeled 12 0.1 0.4 2.1

3/4 small (100g) of Vegetables, fresh: Carrots, raw 24 0.1 0.6 3.8

3/4 cup, chopped (120g) of Vegetables, fresh: Capsicum, Red, raw 23 0.2 1.4 3.2

1 small glass (120mL) of Wine: White, Dry (12% alc.) 84 0 0.2 0.6

Total 664 21.2g 33.5g 59.3g

Snack

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

1 tub (185g) of John West: Fish, packaged: Tuna & Beans, Capsicum, Sweet Corn, Red Kidney Beans & Chilli 285 13.5 23.7 13.3

3 from large egg (50g) (29g) of Eggs: Chicken Egg, white only, boiled or poached 43 0 10.1 0.3

1 muffin (67g) of Tip Top: English Muffins: Muffin, Multigrain 150 2.3 7.4 22.6

7 g of Black Swan: Dips: Skinny, Roasted Capsicum 14 0.9 0.4 1.1

Total 492 16.7g 41.5g 37.5g

Exercise

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

25 mins of Free Weights, vigorous -169 - - -

20 mins of machine, vigorous -135 - - -

60 mins of Boxing -609 - - -

Total -913 - - -

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
30 g of Carman's: Brans & Oats: Premium Traditional Oats	115	2.6	3.2	18.3
2 2/3 fl.oz of Coles: Milk, fresh: Coles, Lite	36	1.1	2.6	3.9
1 serving (25g) of Vital Strength: Protein Drinks: Define, Womens High Protein, Average All Flavours, dry	93	1	19.5	1.1
1/2 medium,170g with skin, 16cm/6" (110g) of Fruit, fresh: Banana, raw, edible portion	50	0.1	0.9	10.9
1 serving, 10 raspberries (20g) of Fruit, fresh: Raspberries, raw, edible portion	11	0.1	0.2	1.5
1 teaspoon (5g) of Kraft: Peanut Butter: Nuts, Smooth Light	28	1.9	0.8	1.7
3 g of The Chia Company: Seeds: Chia Seed, Black	14	1	0.6	1.1
30 mL of Coffees: Black Coffee, brewed/percolated	0	0	0	0
30 mL of Coles: Milk, fresh: Coles, Lite	14	0.4	1	1.5
1/2 level teaspoon (4g) of CSR: Sugars: Raw	8	0	0	2
Total	368	8.1g	28.8g	42.1g

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
100 g of Lamb: Loin Chop, lean only, grilled	219	11	29	0
90 g of Woolworths: Sausages: Sausages, Chicken, raw	144	8.7	10.9	5.4
1 slice of 700g loaf (37g) of Tip Top: Bread: 9 Grain, Original	92	1.9	4.5	13
10 g of Black Swan: Dips: Skinny, Roasted Capsicum	21	1.3	0.6	1.6
1 cup chopped (101g) of Vegetables, fresh: Celery, raw	15	0.1	0.6	1.2
1 cup, sliced (119g) of Vegetables, fresh: Cucumber, Green, common, raw, peeled	14	0.1	0.5	2.5
Total	505	23.1g	46g	23.7g

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
1/2 schnitzel (180g) of Lenard's: Chicken Dishes: Crumbed, Schnitzel, Chicken, uncooked	207	6.3	13.4	22.6
1/2 serving (200g) of Ingham: Chicken Dishes: Crumbed, Breast Schnitzel, fresh	221	9.4	9.8	24
1 slice (21g) of Coon: Cheese: Slice, Light and Tasty	70	5	6.3	0.1
1 half cup (10g) of Vegetables, fresh: Lettuce, Rocket, Arugula, raw	3	0.1	0.3	0.4
3/4 medium whole (150g) of Vegetables, fresh: Tomato, ripe, raw	20	0.1	1.1	2.7
3/4 cup, pared, chopped (133g) of Vegetables, fresh: Cucumber, Green, common, raw, peeled	12	0.1	0.4	2.1
3/4 small (100g) of Vegetables, fresh: Carrots, raw	24	0.1	0.6	3.8
3/4 cup, chopped (120g) of Vegetables, fresh: Capsicum, Red, raw	23	0.2	1.4	3.2
1 small glass (120mL) of Wine: White, Dry (12% alc.)	84	0	0.2	0.6
Total	664	21.2g	33.5g	59.3g

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
1 tub (185g) of John West: Fish, packaged: Tuna & Beans, Capsicum, Sweet Corn, Red Kidney Beans & Chilli	285	13.5	23.7	13.3
3 from large egg (50g) (29g) of Eggs: Chicken Egg, white only, boiled or poached	43	0	10.1	0.3
1 muffin (67g) of Tip Top: English Muffins: Muffin, Multigrain	150	2.3	7.4	22.6
7 g of Black Swan: Dips: Skinny, Roasted Capsicum	14	0.9	0.4	1.1
Total	492	16.7g	41.5g	37.5g

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
25 mins of Free Weights, vigorous	-169	-	-	-
20 mins of machine, vigorous	-135	-	-	-
60 mins of Boxing	-609	-	-	-
Total	-913	-	-	-

Macro breakdown for the day: 32% of the calories are from fat, 33% from protein, 33% from carbs and 2% from alcohol.

Come Friday, I was so sore. To the point I was desperately wishing I had one of those handicap bars in the bathroom because it took me a good ten minutes to get on and off the toilet, I was that sore. I was not looking forward to doing my HIIT cardio in the morning because I was so exhausted and my legs hurt.

I thought I might mix it up a bit and do the Turbofire HIIT DVD class, but 5 minutes into it I couldn't go any further - all the jumps and high energy was too much. I hopped onto the bike instead and while it killed my quads, I was able to slowly increase to the intensity and get a fairly decent workout. Probably not as good as the one on Monday, but it was better than nothing right?

I also decided to be rather clever and defrost the chicken breasts around 3pm and keep them in the fridge. Come 8pm, they were still frozen and again I could not be fucked making dinner. So off we went to the Charcoal Chicken shop. Ohhh....it was pure torture becasue our normal meal from there includes their amazingly spiced chips and a packet of baklava to end the meal, but I had to tear myself away and got roasted free-range chicken and a mixture of Greek salad and Chargrilled vegetables. Evs bought the chips and they mocked me all the way home. :(

But I was ok, once I ate (ok I stole a chip or two!) and the salad was really good. I actually tend to only eat the chips and salad rather than the chicken, but it was good :)

An hour or so later I was a bit peckish, so after trawling the blftracker website, I found a recipe for a protein chocolate lava cake. I had all the ingredients and even though I had eaten my protein quota for the day, I had to try it :D It wasn't bad and all it needed was some whipped crea- NO! It was fine lol.

Food for Friday:

Friday, 7th January 2011

Daily Summary

Food Energy In: 1655 cals

Exercise Energy Out: 20 mins, -225 cals

Net Energy: 1430 cals

Net Energy Budget: 1300 cals

End Result: 130 Calories Over

Total Fat 55.9g / 27g Over

Total Protein 144.9g / 120g Over

Total Carb. 125.6g / 120g Over

Glasses of Fluid: 0 Under

Steps: 0 Under

Breakfast

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

2 2/3 fl.oz of Coles: Milk, fresh: Coles, Lite 36 1.1 2.6 3.9

30 g of Carman's: Brans & Oats: Premium Traditional Oats 115 2.6 3.2 18.3

1 serving (25g) of Vital Strength: Protein Drinks: Define, Womens High Protein, Average All Flavours, dry 93 1 19.5 1.1

5 g of The Chia Company: Seeds: Chia Seed, Black 23 1.7 1 1.9

1/2 medium,170g with skin, 16cm/6" (110g) of Fruit, fresh: Banana, raw, edible portion 50 0.1 0.9 10.9

2 teaspoon (5g) of Kraft: Peanut Butter: Nuts, Smooth Light 55 3.9 1.5 3.5

1 serving, 1/2 cup (75g) of Fruit, fresh: Blueberries, raw, edible portion 39 0.1 0.5 8.5

30 cup (250mL) of Coffees: Black Coffee, brewed/percolated 30 0 4.5 3

30 mL of Coles: Milk, fresh: Coles, Lite 14 0.4 1 1.5

Total 455 10.7g 34.7g 52.6g

Lunch

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

1 serving, 95g can drained (65g) of Greenseas: Fish, canned: Tuna, Chunks in Springwater, average all sizes, drained 73 0.7 16.4 0

50 g of Jalna: Yoghurt: Fat Free, Natural 27 0.1 2.7 3.7

1 portion (17.5g) of The Laughing Cow: Cheese Spread: The Laughing Cow, Cheese Spread Portions, Light 31 1.9 2.5 0.9

18 g of Sanitarium: Nuts: Almonds, blanched 110 10 3.7 0.7

1/2 medium w. skin & core 150g (138g) of Fruit, fresh: Apple w. skin, edible portion 34 0 0.2 7.3

30 g of Woolworths: Salads: Fresh, Baby Spinach, raw, no dressing 6 0.2 0.7 0.5

1 half cup (10g) of Vegetables, fresh: Lettuce, Rocket, Arugula, raw 3 0.1 0.3 0.4

90 g of Vegetables, fresh: Cucumber, Green, common, raw, peeled 11 0.1 0.4 1.9

3/4 medium whole (150g) of Vegetables, fresh: Tomato, ripe, raw 20 0.1 1.1 2.7

180 g of Edgell: Vegetables, canned: Beans, Four Mix, No Added Salt, drained 225 1.8 13.3 32.4

40 g of Fruit, fresh: Avocado, Hass, raw, edible portion 82 8.5 0.8 0.2

Total 620 23.4g 42g 50.6g

Dinner

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

1 leg quarter of Chicken Roasted or Rotisseried: Chicken (small), Leg Quarter, no skin w. bones, rotisseried 190 9 25 2

1/2 serving, 1/2 cup (120g) of Salads: Deli Style & Home Salads, Greek Salad 75 6.5 1.3 3

Total 265 15.5g 26.3g 5g

Snack

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

100 g of Weight Watchers: Cheese: Cottage 91 2.5 12.5 3.8

50 g of Jalna: Yoghurt: Low Fat, Greek 51 1.5 2.9 4.2

5 small strawberry, 15g (14.5g) of Fruit, fresh: Strawberries, raw, edible portion 16 0.1 1.2 2

5 small strawberry, 15g (14.5g) of Fruit, fresh: Strawberries, raw, edible portion 16 0.1 1.2 2

25 g of Nature's Way: Protein Drinks: Instant Natural Protein Powder, Average All Flavours 98 1 18.8 3.5

1 large egg white (33.4g) of Eggs: Chicken Egg, white only, raw, fresh 16 0 3.7 0.1

1 level tablespoon (8g) of Cocoa Powder: Cocoa Powder, dry 29 1.1 1.5 1.9

Total 315 6.3g 41.9g 17.4g

Exercise

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

20 mins of Spinning -225 - - -

Total -225 -

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
2 2/3 fl.oz of Coles: Milk, fresh: Coles, Lite	36	1.1	2.6	3.9
30 g of Carman's: Brans & Oats: Premium Traditional Oats	115	2.6	3.2	18.3
1 serving (25g) of Vital Strength: Protein Drinks: Define, Womens High Protein, Average All Flavours, dry	93	1	19.5	1.1
5 g of The Chia Company: Seeds: Chia Seed, Black	23	1.7	1	1.9
1/2 medium,170g with skin, 16cm/6" (110g) of Fruit, fresh: Banana, raw, edible portion	50	0.1	0.9	10.9
2 teaspoon (5g) of Kraft: Peanut Butter: Nuts, Smooth Light	55	3.9	1.5	3.5
1 serving, 1/2 cup (75g) of Fruit, fresh: Blueberries, raw, edible portion	39	0.1	0.5	8.5
30 cup (250mL) of Coffees: Black Coffee, brewed/percolated	30	0	4.5	3
30 mL of Coles: Milk, fresh: Coles, Lite	14	0.4	1	1.5
Total	455	10.7g	34.7g	52.6g

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
1 serving, 95g can drained (65g) of Greenseas: Fish, canned: Tuna, Chunks in Springwater, average all sizes, drained	73	0.7	16.4	0
50 g of Jalna: Yoghurt: Fat Free, Natural	27	0.1	2.7	3.7
1 portion (17.5g) of The Laughing Cow: Cheese Spread: The Laughing Cow, Cheese Spread Portions, Light	31	1.9	2.5	0.9
18 g of Sanitarium: Nuts: Almonds, blanched	110	10	3.7	0.7
1/2 medium w. skin & core 150g (138g) of Fruit, fresh: Apple w. skin, edible portion	34	0	0.2	7.3
30 g of Woolworths: Salads: Fresh, Baby Spinach, raw, no dressing	6	0.2	0.7	0.5
1 half cup (10g) of Vegetables, fresh: Lettuce, Rocket, Arugula, raw	3	0.1	0.3	0.4
90 g of Vegetables, fresh: Cucumber, Green, common, raw, peeled	11	0.1	0.4	1.9
3/4 medium whole (150g) of Vegetables, fresh: Tomato, ripe, raw	20	0.1	1.1	2.7
180 g of Edgell: Vegetables, canned: Beans, Four Mix, No Added Salt, drained	225	1.8	13.3	32.4
40 g of Fruit, fresh: Avocado, Hass, raw, edible portion	82	8.5	0.8	0.2
Total	620	23.4g	42g	50.6g

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
1 leg quarter of Chicken Roasted or Rotisseried: Chicken (small), Leg Quarter, no skin w. bones, rotisseried	190	9	25	2
1/2 serving, 1/2 cup (120g) of Salads: Deli Style & Home Salads, Greek Salad	75	6.5	1.3	3
Total	265	15.5g	26.3g	5g

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
100 g of Weight Watchers: Cheese: Cottage	91	2.5	12.5	3.8
50 g of Jalna: Yoghurt: Low Fat, Greek	51	1.5	2.9	4.2
5 small strawberry, 15g (14.5g) of Fruit, fresh: Strawberries, raw, edible portion	16	0.1	1.2	2
5 small strawberry, 15g (14.5g) of Fruit, fresh: Strawberries, raw, edible portion	16	0.1	1.2	2
25 g of Nature's Way: Protein Drinks: Instant Natural Protein Powder, Average All Flavours	98	1	18.8	3.5
1 large egg white (33.4g) of Eggs: Chicken Egg, white only, raw, fresh	16	0	3.7	0.1
1 level tablespoon (8g) of Cocoa Powder: Cocoa Powder, dry	29	1.1	1.5	1.9
Total	315	6.3g	41.9g	17.4g

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
20 mins of Spinning	-225	-	-	-
Total	-225	-

Macro breakdown for the day: 32% of the calories are from fat, 37% from protein, 32% from carbs and 0% from alcohol.

One more day and then a free day!! :D

BFL Day #2 and Day #3

2011-01-06T10:02:00.003+11:00

Ugh. Already falling off the blogging bandwagon. Yesterday was flat out that I had no time at all to sit down and work out my meals and blog. Which also is due to the fact that I didn't eat very clean yesterday as well because of the lack of food choices while I was out and ended up having a more than 3 hour gap between meals which led me to eating a what I initially thought was a healthy burrito but nearly died when I googled the nutritional value and it was nearly 800 calories!! Lucky I only ate half of it and honestly that was enough to keep me going until dinner.

Note to self: Be more prepared when going out!

Tuesday I went to the gym and tried Zumba for the first time. Kinda....disappointed. I'm not sure what I was expecting but I spent the whole class feeling slightly ridiculous and more than a little uncoordinated. Didn't work up a sweat but I did have fun, especially when the instructor decided to deviate from the Latin songs and throw in a bit of Zorba's dance into the mix.

Despite it not feeling like a workout, I took it to be more of a warm up to my first weights for BFL. I was starting with Upper Body Workout (UBWO) and followed the BFL style pyamrid training. Let me tell you the next day I was so sore! I can up the weights for my chest and back but my arms and shoulders were definitely hitting 10's!

Food for Tuesday:

Tuesday, 4th January 2011

Daily Summary

Food Energy In: 2002 cals

Exercise Energy Out: 120 mins, -710 cals

Net Energy: 1292 cals

Net Energy Budget: 1300 cals

End Result: 8 Calories Under

Total Fat 60.3g / 27g Over

Total Protein 137.4g / 120g Over

Total Carb. 185.6g / 120g Over

Glasses of Fluid: 0 Under

Steps: 0 Under

Breakfast

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

1 serving, 1/2 cup (75g) of Fruit, fresh: Blueberries, raw, edible portion 39 0.1 0.5 8.5

1 teaspoon (0.5g) of Splenda: Sugar Substitutes: Granular 2 0 0 0.5

1 serving (45g) of Carman's: Brans & Oats: Premium Traditional Oats 172 3.8 4.7 27.5

1 large (50g with shell) (44g) of Eggs: Chicken Egg, whole, raw, fresh 71 5.3 5.9 0.1

1 teaspoon (0.5g) of Splenda: Sugar Substitutes: Granular 2 0 0 0.5

2 large egg white (33.4g) of Eggs: Chicken Egg, white only, raw, fresh 31 0 7.5 0.3

100 g of Weight Watchers: Cheese: Cottage 91 2.5 12.5 3.8

Total 409 11.7g 31.1g 41.1g

Lunch

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

1 tortilla (43g) of Diego's: Bread: Wrap, Reduced Carb 112 3.5 2.8 11.1

1 serving, 1/2 of 185g can drained (64g) of John West: Fish, canned: Tuna, Light in Springwater, drained 64 0.6 13.8 0.6

30 g of Fruit, fresh: Avocado, Hass, raw, edible portion 62 6.4 0.6 0.2

20 g of Woolworths: Salads: Fresh, Baby Spinach, raw, no dressing 4 0.1 0.5 0.3

1 portion (17.5g) of The Laughing Cow: Cheese Spread: The Laughing Cow, Cheese Spread Portions, Light 31 1.9 2.5 0.9

1 small bunch, 20 medium size, 120g (118g) of Fruit, fresh: Grapes, Green, average all types, raw, edible portion 80 0.1 0.7 18.3

Total 353 12.6g 20.8g 31.4g

Dinner

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

2 kebab (90g) of Steggles: Chicken Raw: Kebab, Satay, fresh, raw 270 12.4 31.5 7.9

1 serving, 1/2 cup (80g) of Rice: Rice, Brown, cooked 122 0.8 2.3 25.4

1/2 serving, 1/3 bag (50g) of Woolworths: Salads: Fresh, Baby Spinach, raw, no dressing 5 0.1 0.6 0.4

1/4 cup, pared, chopped (133g) of Vegetables, fresh: Cucumber, Green, common, raw, peeled 4 0 0.1 0.7

3/4 medium whole (150g) of Vegetables, fresh: Tomato, ripe, raw 20 0.1 1.1 2.7

1/4 cup, chopped (140g) of Vegetables, fresh: Carrots, raw 11 0 0.3 1.8

3/4 serving (30g) of Cheese: Feta, Reduced-Fat 52 3.3 5.8 0

3/4 tablespoon (20mL) of Paul Newman's Own: Salad Dressings: Light Honey Mustard 35 2.2 0.2 3.6

Total 520 19g 41.9g 42.5g

Snack

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

3/4 serving (100g) of Chicken Raw: Mince, raw 107 6.1 13.1 0

3/4 tablespoon (9.3g) of Vegetables, fresh: Capsicum, Red, raw 2 0 0.1 0.2

22 1/2 g of Vegetables, canned: Water Chestnuts, Asian, drained 8 0 0.2 1.5

2 1/4 piece (14g) of Vegetables, fresh: Mushrooms, Button / Common, raw 8 0.1 1 0.1

2 1/4 stick (7g) of Vegetables, fresh: Carrots, raw 5 0 0.1 0.8

3/4 tablespoon (20mL) of Chang's: Sauces: Soy, Light Style 7 0 0.5 1.1

3/4 tablespoon (17g) of Ayam: Sauces: Teriyaki 4 0.1 0.4 0.6

3/4 tablespoon (7.5g) of Vegetables, fresh: Celery, raw 1 0 0 0.1

62 g of Tip Top: Bread: 9 Grain, Original 154 3.1 7.5 21.8

1 serving (45g) of Carman's: Brans & Oats: Premium Traditional Oats 172 3.8 4.7 27.5

100 g of Weight Watchers: Cheese: Cottage 91 2.5 12.5 3.8

1 serving, 1/2 cup (75g) of Fruit, fresh: Blueberries, raw, edible portion 39 0.1 0.5 8.5

1/3 cup (250mL) of Coles: Milk, fresh: Coles, Lite 38 1.2 2.8 4.2

1 small glass (120mL) of Wine: White, Dry (12% alc.) 84 0 0.2 0.6

Total 720 17g 43.6g 70.6g

Exercise

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

30 mins of Free Weights, vigorous -203 - - -

30 mins of machine, vigorous -203 - - -

60 mins of Dancing -304 - - -

Total -710 - - -

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
1 serving, 1/2 cup (75g) of Fruit, fresh: Blueberries, raw, edible portion	39	0.1	0.5	8.5
1 teaspoon (0.5g) of Splenda: Sugar Substitutes: Granular	2	0	0	0.5
1 serving (45g) of Carman's: Brans & Oats: Premium Traditional Oats	172	3.8	4.7	27.5
1 large (50g with shell) (44g) of Eggs: Chicken Egg, whole, raw, fresh	71	5.3	5.9	0.1
1 teaspoon (0.5g) of Splenda: Sugar Substitutes: Granular	2	0	0	0.5
2 large egg white (33.4g) of Eggs: Chicken Egg, white only, raw, fresh	31	0	7.5	0.3
100 g of Weight Watchers: Cheese: Cottage	91	2.5	12.5	3.8
Total	409	11.7g	31.1g	41.1g

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
1 tortilla (43g) of Diego's: Bread: Wrap, Reduced Carb	112	3.5	2.8	11.1
1 serving, 1/2 of 185g can drained (64g) of John West: Fish, canned: Tuna, Light in Springwater, drained	64	0.6	13.8	0.6
30 g of Fruit, fresh: Avocado, Hass, raw, edible portion	62	6.4	0.6	0.2
20 g of Woolworths: Salads: Fresh, Baby Spinach, raw, no dressing	4	0.1	0.5	0.3
1 portion (17.5g) of The Laughing Cow: Cheese Spread: The Laughing Cow, Cheese Spread Portions, Light	31	1.9	2.5	0.9
1 small bunch, 20 medium size, 120g (118g) of Fruit, fresh: Grapes, Green, average all types, raw, edible portion	80	0.1	0.7	18.3
Total	353	12.6g	20.8g	31.4g

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
2 kebab (90g) of Steggles: Chicken Raw: Kebab, Satay, fresh, raw	270	12.4	31.5	7.9
1 serving, 1/2 cup (80g) of Rice: Rice, Brown, cooked	122	0.8	2.3	25.4
1/2 serving, 1/3 bag (50g) of Woolworths: Salads: Fresh, Baby Spinach, raw, no dressing	5	0.1	0.6	0.4
1/4 cup, pared, chopped (133g) of Vegetables, fresh: Cucumber, Green, common, raw, peeled	4	0	0.1	0.7
3/4 medium whole (150g) of Vegetables, fresh: Tomato, ripe, raw	20	0.1	1.1	2.7
1/4 cup, chopped (140g) of Vegetables, fresh: Carrots, raw	11	0	0.3	1.8
3/4 serving (30g) of Cheese: Feta, Reduced-Fat	52	3.3	5.8	0
3/4 tablespoon (20mL) of Paul Newman's Own: Salad Dressings: Light Honey Mustard	35	2.2	0.2	3.6
Total	520	19g	41.9g	42.5g

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
3/4 serving (100g) of Chicken Raw: Mince, raw	107	6.1	13.1	0
3/4 tablespoon (9.3g) of Vegetables, fresh: Capsicum, Red, raw	2	0	0.1	0.2
22 1/2 g of Vegetables, canned: Water Chestnuts, Asian, drained	8	0	0.2	1.5
2 1/4 piece (14g) of Vegetables, fresh: Mushrooms, Button / Common, raw	8	0.1	1	0.1
2 1/4 stick (7g) of Vegetables, fresh: Carrots, raw	5	0	0.1	0.8
3/4 tablespoon (20mL) of Chang's: Sauces: Soy, Light Style	7	0	0.5	1.1
3/4 tablespoon (17g) of Ayam: Sauces: Teriyaki	4	0.1	0.4	0.6
3/4 tablespoon (7.5g) of Vegetables, fresh: Celery, raw	1	0	0	0.1
62 g of Tip Top: Bread: 9 Grain, Original	154	3.1	7.5	21.8
1 serving (45g) of Carman's: Brans & Oats: Premium Traditional Oats	172	3.8	4.7	27.5
100 g of Weight Watchers: Cheese: Cottage	91	2.5	12.5	3.8
1 serving, 1/2 cup (75g) of Fruit, fresh: Blueberries, raw, edible portion	39	0.1	0.5	8.5
1/3 cup (250mL) of Coles: Milk, fresh: Coles, Lite	38	1.2	2.8	4.2
1 small glass (120mL) of Wine: White, Dry (12% alc.)	84	0	0.2	0.6
Total	720	17g	43.6g	70.6g

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
30 mins of Free Weights, vigorous	-203	-	-	-
30 mins of machine, vigorous	-203	-	-	-
60 mins of Dancing	-304	-	-	-
Total	-710	-	-	-

Macro breakdown for Tuesday was 28% fat/29% protein/39% carbs/4% alcohol

Wednesday was even worse - I am looking after the little brother while he is on school holidays until I go back to work and decided to drive down to the other end of town to my old library to return some books, pay off my fines (again!) and see my sister. Somehow got roped into visiting her in-laws to try and help with a problem with their business which meant I ended up staying for 2 hours and missing lunch. I was starving by the time I finished up and managed to find a muesli bar in my bag that I shared with the little brother.

Food:

Wednesday, 5th January 2011

Daily Summary

Food Energy In: 1437 cals

Exercise Energy Out: 20 mins, -225 cals

Net Energy: 1212 cals

Net Energy Budget: 1300 cals

End Result: 88 Calories Under

Total Fat 31.3g / 27g Over

Total Protein 91.6g / 120g Under

Total Carb. 185.2g / 120g Over

Glasses of Fluid: 0 Under

Steps: 0 Under

Breakfast

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

30 g of Carman's: Brans & Oats: Premium Traditional Oats 115 2.6 3.2 18.3

1 serving (25g) of Vital Strength: Protein Drinks: Define, Womens High Protein, Average All Flavours, dry 93 1 19.5 1.1

1 serving, 10 raspberries (20g) of Fruit, fresh: Raspberries, raw, edible portion 11 0.1 0.2 1.5

5 g of The Chia Company: Seeds: Chia Seed, Black 23 1.7 1 1.9

1/2 medium,170g with skin, 16cm/6" (110g) of Fruit, fresh: Banana, raw, edible portion 50 0.1 0.9 10.9

2 teaspoon (5g) of Kraft: Peanut Butter: Nuts, Smooth Light 55 3.9 1.5 3.5

80 mL of Coles: Milk, fresh: Coles, Lite 37 1.1 2.6 4

Total 384 10.3g 29g 41.1g

Lunch

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

1/2 Salsa's Fajita Burrito 388 10.3 14.9 58.1

Total 388 10.3g 14.9g 58.1g

Dinner

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

77 g of Shellfish - Fresh: Prawn, shelled, raw 69 0.5 15.8 0

100 g of Rice: Rice, Brown, cooked 153 1 2.9 31.8

20 g of Woolworths: Salads: Fresh, Baby Spinach, raw, no dressing 4 0.1 0.5 0.3

50 g of Vegetables, fresh: Cucumber, Green, common, raw, peeled 6 0.1 0.2 1.1

1/2 medium whole (150g) of Vegetables, fresh: Tomato, ripe, raw 14 0.1 0.8 1.8

1/2 medium (140g) of Vegetables, fresh: Carrots, raw 22 0.1 0.6 3.5

1/2 serving (30g) of Cheese: Feta, Reduced-Fat 35 2.2 3.9 0

1/2 tablespoon (20mL) of Paul Newman's Own: Salad Dressings: Light Honey Mustard 23 1.5 0.1 2.4

Total 326 5.4g 24.7g 40.8g

Snack

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

1 bar (32g) of Be Natural: Bars: Trail Bars, 5 Whole Grains, Honey Nut 118 2.7 3.2 18.1

1 small container (220mL) of Coffee Shop: Caffe Latte, Skinny w. skim milk, no added sugar 70 0.2 7 10.1

100 g of Weight Watchers: Cheese: Cottage 91 2.5 12.5 3.8

1 cup, quartered or chopped (125g) of Fruit, fresh: Apple w. skin, edible portion 61 0 0.4 13.3

Total 340 5.4g 23.1g 45.3g

Exercise

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

20 mins of Spinning -225 - - -

Total -225 - - -

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
30 g of Carman's: Brans & Oats: Premium Traditional Oats	115	2.6	3.2	18.3
1 serving (25g) of Vital Strength: Protein Drinks: Define, Womens High Protein, Average All Flavours, dry	93	1	19.5	1.1
1 serving, 10 raspberries (20g) of Fruit, fresh: Raspberries, raw, edible portion	11	0.1	0.2	1.5
5 g of The Chia Company: Seeds: Chia Seed, Black	23	1.7	1	1.9
1/2 medium,170g with skin, 16cm/6" (110g) of Fruit, fresh: Banana, raw, edible portion	50	0.1	0.9	10.9
2 teaspoon (5g) of Kraft: Peanut Butter: Nuts, Smooth Light	55	3.9	1.5	3.5
80 mL of Coles: Milk, fresh: Coles, Lite	37	1.1	2.6	4
Total	384	10.3g	29g	41.1g

Item	Calories	Fat	Protein	Carb.
1/2 Salsa's Fajita Burrito	388	10.3	14.9	58.1
Total	388	10.3g	14.9g	58.1g

Breakdown: 20% fat/26% protein/ 53% carbs

I'm still too heavy on the fats and carbs and need to up my protein. It's actually such a struggle to find enough protein sources, but again it could be because I'm not really planning anything- just going with the flow this week to get a feel for it. I'm doing good on the water front judging by the amount of times I need to go to the bathroom lol.

I borrowed Tosca Reno's book "The Eat-Clean Diet" from the library and it actually made a lot of sense - most of it's principles are directly aligned with BFL, but BFL has the flexibility to relax once in a while. (i.e. the free days and having coffee/alcohol). There's a few ideas in there that I can use. I think honestly, I am struggling a bit with the food because I am thinking too much about it. When I start work next week, I'll have planned my meals and won't have a chance or choice to over analyse or change my meals.

Last night I kept dreaming of food and trying to see if it was a BFL approved meal or not!! Ok, obsessed much? Tomorrow is a brand new day and let's see if I can nail it this time.

BFL Day #1

2011-01-04T10:44:00.004+11:00

The first day went by fairly uneventfully. I guess in part it has to do with the fact that I still have a few precious days of holidays before heading back into work next week so my sleeping schedule has been all over the place (I partly blame Evs for keeping me up at night. Haha. I just realised how that sounded. I was going to add by roping me into playing Lego Indiana Jones with him lol).

I've actually switched the days for exercises around starting off the program and my week with the cardio rather than the weights. This is mainly because I wrangled a group class timetable at the gym (the website is a bit shocking) and worked out my BFL exercises in with the classes that I want to do for the week.

So...HIIT.

HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. I've read so much about how effective it is for fat blasting and the fact that you only need to do it for 20 mins (but giving it your all) is right up my alley. I'm still a lazy girl at heart (evidenced by the fact I woke up at 9:00 am this morning!) and HIIT is ideal.

We have this stationary bike sitting up in our spare room where most of the other things in the house that don't really belong anywhere have been relegated to and I decided to follow the BFL style HIIT workout on the bike. A few weeks earlier I had attempted to do a bit of a workout on the bike and was dying within minutes. AT THE LOWEST SETTING. My thighs were quivering and my legs shaking (and not in the good way) and my butt was sore. But - I had to try.

The workout went well - I still died and thus reached my level 10 (the highest RPE) and I felt rejuvenated after a quick shower. The rest of the day was spent meal planning, blog reading, shopping for said meal plan, playing a bit of tennis (I am so rusty!), taking the dogs for a walk (I had to run part way with Toby - our German Shorthaired Pointer - he has endless energy!) and playing computer games. All in all a good day.

Because I woke up so late, I only managed to fit in 5 meals instead of 6 and wasn't hungry at all. But for some reason I had a few hunger pangs before I went to bed but had a glass of water and it was all good. I also got in my 8 glasses of water - Go me!

Man...I'm wondering how boring I sound with all of this. Sigh. Well I'm not here to win any literary awards. Just want to get it all down....

Ok food - First Day's meals (I'm using Calorie King to track my intake of food/exercise/water):

Monday, 3rd January 2011

Daily Summary

Food Energy In: 1259 cals

Exercise Energy Out: 70 mins, -478 cals

Net Energy: 781 cals

Net Energy Budget: 1300 cals

End Result: 519 Calories Under

Total Fat 36.1g / 27g Over

Total Protein 105.8g / 120g Under

Total Carb. 114.7g / 120g Under

Glasses of Fluid: 8

Steps: 0 Under

Breakfast

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

2 2/3 fl.oz of Coles: Milk, fresh: Coles, Lite 36 1.1 2.6 3.9

5 g of The Chia Company: Seeds: Chia Seed, Black 23 1.7 1 1.9

30 g of Carman's: Brans & Oats: Premium Traditional Oats 115 2.6 3.2 18.3

2 teaspoon (5g) of Kraft: Peanut Butter: Nuts, Smooth Light 55 3.9 1.5 3.5

1/2 medium,170g with skin, 16cm/6" (110g) of Fruit, fresh: Banana, raw, edible portion 50 0.1 0.9 10.9

1 serving, 10 raspberries (20g) of Fruit, fresh: Raspberries, raw, edible portion 11 0.1 0.2 1.5

1 serving (25g) of Vital Strength: Protein Drinks: Define, Womens High Protein, Average All Flavours, dry 93 1 19.5 1.1

Total 383 10.3g 29g 41g

Lunch

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

1 tortilla (43g) of Diego's: Bread: Wrap, Reduced Carb 112 3.5 2.8 11.1

1 serving, 1/2 of 185g can drained (64g) of John West: Fish, canned: Tuna, Light in Springwater, drained 64 0.6 13.8 0.6

1 portion (17.5g) of The Laughing Cow: Cheese Spread: The Laughing Cow, Cheese Spread Portions, Light 31 1.9 2.5 0.9

1 tablespoon, mashed (20g) of Fruit, fresh: Avocado, Hass, raw, edible portion 41 4.2 0.4 0.1

Total 248 10.3g 19.4g 12.8g

Dinner

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

1 serving (100g) of Chicken Raw: Mince, raw 143 8.1 17.4 0

1 tablespoon (9.3g) of Vegetables, fresh: Capsicum, Red, raw 2 0 0.1 0.3

1 tablespoon (7.5g) of Vegetables, fresh: Celery, raw 1 0 0 0.1

3 stick (7g) of Vegetables, fresh: Carrots, raw 7 0 0.2 1.1

30 g of Vegetables, canned: Water Chestnuts, Asian, drained 10 0 0.3 2

3 piece (14g) of Vegetables, fresh: Mushrooms, Button / Common, raw 11 0.1 1.4 0.1

1 tablespoon (20mL) of Chang's: Sauces: Soy, Light Style 9 0 0.6 1.5

1 tablespoon (17g) of Ayam: Sauces: Teriyaki 6 0.1 0.5 0.8

Total 188 8.4g 20.6g 5.9g

Snack

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

1/2 small container (220mL) of Coffee Shop: Caffe Latte, Skinny w. skim milk, no added sugar 35 0.1 3.5 5.1

1 serving of Green Monster #1 240 4.4 15.4 33.8

100 g of Weight Watchers: Cheese: Cottage 91 2.5 12.5 3.8

1/2 serving (200g) of Jalna: Yoghurt: Fat Free, Natural 53 0.1 5.3 7.4

1 level teaspoon (6g) of Capilano: Honey: Honey 20 0 0 5

Total 439 7.1g 36.8g 55.1g

Exercise

Item Calories Fat Protein Carb.

20 mins of Spinning -225 - - -

30 mins of Walking 4 kph -95 - - -

20 mins of Tennis, singles -158 - - -

Total

I kinda estimated my exercise calories but not too fussed either way. Also reminds me, I need Evs to take some "Before" shots of me as well....sigh.

Body for Life - A new 2011

2011-01-02T11:16:00.003+11:00

So another year, another resolution.

Somehow, like every year I managed to yo-yo in between losing the same 5 kilos - I'd start off the year at my heaviest weight - lose 5 kilos by the middle of the year and then like a miracle manage to pack it all in again by the end of the year. However, I could never get back to that elusive weight I was before I started to pack on the pounds like it was nobody's business.

So...I decided I was sick of it. I hate the feeling of being feeling heavy, sluggish and just.....fat. I look pregnant and keep scaring my mother lol (she really wants grandkids soon).

I needed to do something about it and if I was being totally honest with myself then I had to REALLY make the effort to stick with it. I like new things. I'm very enthusiastic about new things. So much that I pour my heart and soul into a new project, a new client or new THING...until I get bored and the next shiny, new thing comes along. So - you can say I am not a finisher.

BUT, a slight obsession with reading "Healthy Living" blogs (and I only put that in quotation marks because one person's idea of healthy coluld be vastly different to another, however, all of these blogs promote natural, healthy, active lifestyles which is what I keep coming back for. And the OMFG revelation that oatmeal is!!!) brought me to a blog where I saw the most amazing transformation.

She looked....amazing. Abs, toned arms, ABS (I have to mention them twice because Holy Mother, I don't think I can remember the last time I had a flat stomach - maybe when I was 12??) and a lean, toned physique.

Now, I have a predesposition to have anything go straight to my butt. That and my thighs. And I can't forget like many women before me and like my mother not-so-subtly says I have "childbearing hips". So what I am proposing is a complete restructure of my body.

I don't know if it can be done, but if there is anything that I have learnt is that I need to just stay active. I've done the research, I've read the magazines, the blogs and the articles and I think BFL will work for me.

For those who don't know what BFL is - here's a quick rundown (you can also go to the official link for more detailed info).

But basically - 6 small meals a day (a carb/protein combination) along with 6 days a week of exercise alternating between days of cardio (20 min HIIT work) and weights (alternate upper body and then lower body workouts).

And there's a FREE day once a week where all the rules are thrown out the window. :D

My challenges will be getting enough protein in my diet - I've bought some protein powder as a last resort kinda thing but I prefer to try and get my protein through whole foods. And as I am a vegetarian in my heart, I am going to try and limit my meat intake as much as I can (good luck with that though lol...mmmm chicken).

To help me, I joined the gym on a 3-month summer special they had and it allows me access to the gym, group classes (go Les Mills!!) and the pool/spa/sauna. Not a bad deal at all. I plan to do my cardio (HIIT) at home using the stationary bike we have and a TurboFire HIIT DVD that has already kicked my butt once or twice (seriously there is no way I am going to be able to be at the gym by 6am and I am ok with that). I am also going to try and do some of the extra classes at the gym - mainly things like Pilates and also try and run outside at least 2-3 times a week (I also have lofty ambitions of running a half-marathon later this year, but one step at a time).

I went today as well to get a bit of a feel of the place (since I had not been to this particular gym since I was at uni!) and get a health assessment. The gym looked ok, nothing fancy and full of hot, sweaty men hunched over the weights. Gross. But, I am just saying that because my last gym was a women's only one and we had a dedicated room for weights. For us WOMEN. Don't worry I'll learn to share :P

So...my health assessment. The fitness person (I really don't have any other name to call her because she was kinda useless) took my measurements and looked at me blankly when I joked that I had purged all my lunch just for her. Jeez. Seriously, just joking. And she then proceeded to still stare at me blankly when I tried to assure her that my open heart surgery would not affect me to doing cardio. And blankly again when I told her about BFL. She then told me she was leaving back for China in a month. Okkkk then....

Anyways, I thought since I will be baring my soul here hopefully only a daily basis, I'd scare most of you away with my starting measurements.

Weight: 60.4 kg (BUT, taken after lunch and with all my clothes on. No way was I getting nekkid there for her. I'm still in denial)

Height: 5'2.5" (155.5cm - I'm a shawty. Wait that's something different isn't it? Coz I always thought they were talking about me and other short people in hip hop songs - Go shawty, it's your birthday..)

BMI: 25.1 (Jeez...that kinda shocked me - one because I thought I was taller than I was and two...that's borderline overweight!!)

Body Fat %: 33.6% (Ok...scream in horror/laugh. I'm telling you half of that is my boobs and butt alone)

My aim is to lose 8-10 kilos in the 12 weeks and lose at least 8-10% of my body fat as well. I don't have massive expectations, because I honestly don't know what my body will do and is capable of. All I CAN do is try and follow the program as much as I can and hopefully the results will come....

So - I've started. January 3rd, 2011. Which means my 12 week challenge will finish at the end of March.

30 Day Shred - Level 1 - Day 1

2010-07-27T17:57:00.006+10:00

I've been over indulging over the last couple of weeks - winter treats like melt-in-your-mouth Brie on crackers and toasted baguette, creme caramel and lots and lots of red wine.

Sigh. It kind of hit me when I tentatively weighed myself on the scales and it was almost back at 57 kilos again. I was so close!! Just a few weeks ago I was down to my lowest I had been since I got married (54.9kgs) and the end goal was in sight. I was feeling better in my clothes, felt a lot more confident and was...happy.

Now, the thought that I had made it that far made me lose my focus and my concentration and I let it slide. Winter blues, damn you. Add to that a dusty gym membership (that I finally cancelled!) and no motivation at all to move from the warmth of my home-made Snuggee on the couch, I was done.

But now, despite my time-of-the-month bloatiness and painful lower back symptoms, I am attempting to get back into shape.

Evs has been killing it on the fitness front. To the point where he has lost so much weight that my parents are genuinely concerned with his health (didn't they know that by marrying their daughter he was signing up for a lifetime of love-induced pining???). His motivation has been to attempt the half-marathon this October. Plus, I just realised that signing up for the 10km run for the Melbourne Marathon (which happens to be a day after Evs' birthday and was done purely as a misguided attempt to support him) means I actually have to go through with running 10 k's and hopefully finishing.

But he has hot abs now...not that he didn't have a hot body before, but dude, this guy is TONED :P *Droooool*

So....Jillian Michael's '30 Day Shred' is something I came across just recently and instantly piqued my interest. A workout DVD that will help you melt away the inches in only 20 minutes a day?? I was sold.

Went kind of going into it with a huge mountainful of salt, because I wasn't so convinced that 20 minutes would be enough to move that stubborn love handles that have so lovingly made my hips, thighs and ass their home, even it WAS Jillian Michaels. But the scary looking picture of her ripped and toned on the DVD cover made me determined to try it.

The 30 Day shred works like this - 10 days at 3 different Levels of workouts to make 30 days. You lose inches, you feel great and...you probably want to kill Jillian by the end of it.

So Day 1, Level 1 now complete.

I surprisingly built up a sweat, my arms felt like they were getting a good workout (yay to cans of chickpeas for weights!) and my legs felt like jelly after doing those torturous lunges with bicep curls. I have atrocious balance and even when I was Body Pumping on a regular basis, the lunges would always get to me. My calves are quite sore and my abs feel like they have been stretched.

It's an interesting concept, for each level is further broken down into 3 circuits with a few minutes each of strength, cardio and ab-work. I quite like it because it's short but intense, and for someone like me who has a notoriously short attention span - it kept me focused and interested.

The only thing will be I have to do this same Level 1 workout for the next 9 days, so THAT may get a bit boring but as long as I am working out, I think I can handle it for 20 minutes.

I am also simultaneously cutting back on my diet - reducing the carbs, reducing the portions and cutting down on the wine (*sob*).

7-Day Challenge - Completed!!

2009-04-08T17:08:00.001+10:00

It’s over.

It’s finally OVER.

I bet you’re all eager to hear the results then hey??

In a minute.

Let’s go back a week when I decided to partake in this 7-day challenge and live like a Neanderthal by cutting out one of life’s precious gifts – carbs in the form of grains/rice/potatoes. To make life even more miserable I also had to cut out sugar, processed food, alcohol (*sob* this was like a knife wrenching in my heart) and make the commitment to workout everyday until my legs, arms and other appendages firmed up or fell off.

I decided I would chronicle my eating habits and thoughts as I went along, and was mildly alarmed to see that yeah, THAT kinda died after a day or so. I was still counting my calories through Calorie King which gave me this almost perverse sorta pleasure to see day after day that I was UNDER my recommended calorie intake.

With the no-carbs rule, I struggled like a bound-up Mummy with no room to move (or eat as it was in this case) with every food I could see suddenly sprouting the forbidden nutrients. I managed to limit my fruit intake (although I have to be honest – there WERE days when I had an extra piece of fruit.) and up my protein intake by scouring the seas and eating every fish I laid my eyes on. Ok so it wasn’t that bad, as I had fish maybe 2-3 times during that week, lamb once and then the rest were veggie meals. I discovered that daal was my friend and found a recipe that my DAD used to lovingly prepare a daal with green beans meal for me while the rest of the family stuffed themselves with Pav Bhaji.

I drank lots and lots of water and chewed through a packet of gum every couple of days to keep the hunger away. It worked. Most of the time. But instead of giving into my sugar cravings as 3pm came around I ate a handful of nuts. Don’t be dirty peoples – I mean ALMONDS.

Oh and I cheated.

Ahem.

Monday night – the night where I went out for dinner and to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and laughed so hard that I almost peed my pants (saw Danny Bhoy if you are interested. Funny AND hot!! Plus he’s half Indian :P) – I was confronted with the plate of bruschetta in front of me.

And I had one. I started off by saying to myself that I’ll only eat the tomatoes on top of the crunchy bread…but then they were all gone and the piece of crusty, oil-drizzled, herb-infused bread invaded my senses (plus I was starving and the mains were taking ages!). So I ate it. And LOVED it :D

My workout routine stayed pretty much the same as it did before I started the challenge. I was at the gym three times a week doing high-intensity cardio classes or high-intensity strength training. The days I took off, I walked the dog for an average of 2.5km (~20mins to an hour all up) over a varied inclined route. For those days that Melbourne decided to bare her soul and let her tears fall (heavily with angry storms), I attempted to do some working out at home. But as we are being 100% honest here, it wasn’t much. The weekend was the hardest as the days were both packed with things to do that exercising seemed to be the last thing on my mind.

Now…fast-forward one week and with the added insight of my update post I can now give you the full picture.

Drum roll please….

Start Weight: 58.0kg
…
…
…

End Weight: 56.9kg!!!!

I lost 1.1 kilos in that one week. You have NO idea how triumphant that makes me feel! For months of trying to lose weight that has only slowly shifted two kilos over that time - to lose this much in a week is so, so encouraging.

As you may have read before – for the first time IN OVER A YEAR, I braved public scorn and ridicule and wore pants. No more hiding under skirts or dresses – I was HAPPY that I could venture out and look…decent. And all this happiness in just a one kilo loss!!

I FEEL better – not only because my body is now getting used to NOT eating carbs and exercising regularly, but because this small victory is all I needed to get motivated again.

I would like to just add the following advice:

You CAN have carbs so you are NOT going to go hungry. When I say this I mean carbs in the form of beans (kidney beans, chickpeas) and lentils. Also with fruit which will also satisfy your sugar cravings.
This IS a hard challenge to do if you are vegetarian or at least don’t know how to cook varied vegetarian foods. Because I found that most veg food contains the forbidden carbs in some form or another – potatoes/rice/grains. I found it a bit hard to think of stuff to eat that is filling and tasty (and not salads!!). HOWEVER, all is not lost – eat normally as you would WITHOUT the carbs. So make a veg subzi and just eat that with a daal. Make a salad and make it more filling by adding canned chickpeas to it. I am sure there are many, many resources available to help out.
Be active everyday if you can. This challenge really does follow the most sensible way to lose weight – healthy food and regular exercise and it shows.
PLAN your meals. It’s easy to get home and the added worry of having to think of food when you’re tired is annoying. Which means you might skip meals – DON’T!! Make more than normal so you can take it for lunch the next day!
The 18-hour fast. I did it. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be as it was basically was like a skipping one meal. Just be sure that it isn’t breakfast like me lol. I was STARVING by the time I had to finish. Have a big meal beforehand if you can. Also…I am still not 100% sure of the actual reasoning of doing the fast but that since I did on the last day of the challenge, I believe it was the thing that pushed over those last couple of hundred grams.

So all in all – it worked well for me. I think that I am going to continue on this plan but not be as strict with the carbs – in the sense I am going to look for carb alternatives but if there is no other choice then I am not going to feel guilty over it.

As you can see, I didn’t do this challenge perfectly but I did it in a way that I was happy. While the affects of this will vary from person to person I definitely think that is something worth doing – just as a challenge to see if you can do it. It’s only one week (granted the LONGEST week in my life :P).

The weight loss will be the benefit.

**Cross posted at FF

7 Day challenge - Day 2

2009-04-03T08:49:00.002+11:00

I can’t believe that I haven’t posted as yet! I was meaning to do this all day yesterday when some unforseen circumstances forced me to do other stuff (more on this later).

Day 2 (if I can remember it now!!) went fine. I was working for home for the most part which for me is bad. Really bad. Because I tend to get a lot more hungrier than if I was in the office and there is so much food at my disposal that I quite often over-snack and then skip lunch on the pretence that it doesn’t matter.

I woke up late on Day 2, actually late enough that what I had first thing in the morning could quite well be considered….brunch. I had the time and the inclination to make something substantial (after my banana breakfast the day before) and whipped up a really yummy omelette. Which was fine…until I got hungry an hour later. Aren’t eggs meant to fill you up???

I had a banana - which I know, I KNOW are full of sugar/carbs but I knew that if I had this now that I’d be fine until lunchtime. And I was. To the point that due to my heavy-ish meal before and the fact that I had been drinking water like a fish I only ended up eating a can of red salmon.

It was the first time I was eating salmon out of a can and to be honest – it wasn’t bad. I’ve noticed that I can eat as many fruits as needed and I never realised that (and I should have – duh – having a chemistry degree!!) that the natural sugars in the fruits are also carbs. And as I have a sweet tooth as it is I naturally gravitate towards fruits to be my sweet fix and think I’m eating healthier.

This challenge has challenged me to be more aware of the fruits I’m eating (only allowed three serves a day) which has been surprisingly hard to do. I’m the type who’ll pop some grapes into my mouth as I rummage through the fridge or snack on a plum between meals or have strawberries with my breakfast. So it was a bit of an effort to cut them down.

Since I was at home, I was able to make to it to the 5:30 Pilates class at the gym. I have always wanted to get into Pilates but since my gym only offers one class per week and at a time that is impossible to get to when working full-time, I don’t usually get the chance. So I rocked up, a little nervous, not knowing how hard the instructor would push us. I still had a spin class right after to get through.

The instructor walked in and I was left gaping with my mouth open. She was…in a word…HOT! Long, lean limbs…beautiful tanned skin…and the tiniest, perkiest butt you have ever seen. I was already half in-love with her before she even started. My adoration for fine physique quickly took a bit of a nosedive as she took us through torturous (well for me!! I have the grace of an elephant!!) exercises that made me realise that while I may have buns of steel, I also have some abdominal muscles hidden away. And the goddamn tricep push-ups she made us do!!! I hobbled out and sat my very sore butt cheeks onto the spin bike. I huffed and puffed my way through hills and races and felt my legs start to burn.

Evs had very kindly decided to make a Thai Chicken Curry for dinner and I was looking forward to having something tasty after a day of well…nuts and berries pretty much :P But since I couldn’t have rice, I ate the Chicken Curry as it was (it had LITE coconut milk in it – just a dash – which I am not sure means that I have totally stuffed up the diet but oh well…:P). I gobbled that down and stared wistfully as Evs clearly relished his meal WITH the fragrant basmati rice. Damn him.

I was exhausted after that workout but we managed to rouse ourselves and take Dex for a walk as well – nothing too long – just to my parent’s place and back (totalling 20-25 minutes return as we strolled) where they made more of a fuss over Dex than they ever have for me.

After the day’s work I noticed that I had more fat (38%) and protein (28%) in my diet compared to carbs (35%) overall. Interesting. Don't know if that's good or bad but we'll see at the end of the week.

Wednesday, 1st April 2009

Daily Summary

Food Energy In: 1137 cals

Exercise Energy Out: 90 mins, -647 cals

Net Energy: 490 cals

Net Energy Budget: 1300 cals

End Result: 810 Calories Under

Glasses of Fluid: 8

Steps: 0 Under

Breakfast

Item Calories kJs

10 slice (6g) of Vegetables, fresh: Mushrooms, raw 13 55

1/3 cup, chopped or sliced (180g) of Vegetables, fresh: Tomato, ripe, raw 11 45

1/4 pepper (45g) of Vegetables, fresh: Chilli Peppers, Red 5 19

1 serving (30g) of Cheese: Feta, Reduced-Fat 70 294

1 medium,170g with skin, 16cm/6" (110g) of Fruit, fresh: Banana, raw, edible portion 108 451

2 extra large (59g with shell) (53g) of Eggs: Chicken Egg, whole, raw, fresh, edible portion 152 634

Total 358 1498

Lunch

Item Calories kJs

1 serving, 105g can drained (79g) of John West: Fish, canned: Red Salmon, drained 137 575

Total 137 575

Dinner

Item Calories kJs

1/3 serving (14g) of Asia at Home: Pastes: Concentrate, Red Curry 7 31

1/3 serving (60mL) of Trident: Coconut Milk, fluid: Lite 17 72

1/2 cup, chopped or diced (140g) of Chicken Dishes: Breast, meat w. skin, boiled / steamed 138 578

1 tub (150g) of Vaalia: Yoghurt: Low-Fat, Passionfruit 155 644

Total 317 1324

Snack

Item Calories kJs

1 medium (100g) of Fruit, fresh: Plum, average all types, raw, edible portion 46 192

25 almond (1.2g) of Nuts: Almonds, raw, w. skin, edible portion 173 722

1 rounded teaspoon (1.8g) of Coffees: Coffee, Instant, Granulated, Ground (Regular or Decaffeinated), dry 4 18

1/3 cup (250mL) of So Good: Soy Drinks: Soymilk, Fat Free, Chilled and UHT 30 125

1 medium (138g) of Fruit, fresh: Apple w. skin 72 300

Total 325 1358

Exercise

Item Calories kJs

45 mins of Spinning -519 -2172

45 mins of Pilates -128 -536

Total -647 -2707

7-Day Challenge: Day 1

2009-03-31T21:52:00.008+11:00

The first day of this challenge and it's been ok. Nothing interesting really. I was actually a little disappointed that I didn't faint, suffer from massive hunger pains or die during the day.

I woke up feeling like something had hit me over the head and left a gaping hole in my stomach. Now usually I'd have a bowl of muesli or Special K with strawberries or my recent discovery - liquid breakfast (as gross as that sounds I'm always up for something that is quick and convenient) - tetra packs of Up & Go that I can have on my way to work. But since I wasn't allowed grains this made breakfast a little tough to figure out. I finally settled on a banana as I battled my way through peak hour traffic (who would have thought when heading AWAY from the city??).

As soon as I got in I knew I need caffeine. And fast. I'd inject it if I had to but luckily for me the coffee machine produced a half-decent skinny milk latte which I had without sugar.

So far so good.

I found that I was a lot more thirsty than I normally would be and drank quite a bit. Which is awesome because I always have trouble drinking enough water. I had my almonds and my fruit before lunch which kept me going.

Lunch was rajma - Evs had made some brown rice to go with it but again with the no grains/rice rule I had to forgo the brown ricey goodness. But I could still have the rajma.

Problem no.1 - there was no microwave at the client. And trust my luck to be at a place so high on security that I almost needed an escort for the loos. The only microwave was in a place so ,so far away that I wasn't going to risk my lunchbreak finding it. So I ate my rajma cold. Wasn't bad :D

The rest of the day went pretty fast - i wasn't as hungry as I thought I would be - it might have had something to do with the second coffee I had around 3pm.

Then I got stuck at the client because they all decided to disappear while we waitied to conduct our exit meeting and get out of there. I was getting impatient because while I knew the meeting was important (I wasn't planning on driving all the way back for a 15 minute briefing) every minute that ticked away was making it harder and harder for me to try and get to my Body Step class in time. FINALLY they showed up and I was out of there by 5:45pm. My class was at 6:30pm and I still had to drive across the suburbs in peak hour traffic, get changed and nab aspot near the fans.

This is important because it's a very popular class, to the point that it gets OVER-crowded and I usually end up feeling extramely faint and have to leave to gulp in some fresh air before I collapse. I think Lady Luck was on my side. Except for one...err...slight incident where I cut an angry motorist off (not my fault!!!) I zoomed my way there (adhering to the speed limits of course. Sorta :P) and made it in time.

Two hours later and a gruelling session of Body Step and Body Pump where my legs were all wobbly and arms aching, I was done. Dinner was simple - just some corn cobs and a green salad and I was full.

Day 1 was over.

Summary:

Tuesday, 31st March 2009

Daily Summary

Food Energy In: 897 cals

Exercise Energy Out: 90 mins, -830 cals

Net Energy: 67 cals

Net Energy Budget: 1300 cals

End Result: 1233 Calories Under

Glasses of Fluid: 8

Steps: 0 Under

Breakfast

Item Calories kJs

1 medium,170g with skin, 16cm/6" (110g) of Fruit, fresh: Banana, raw, edible portion 108 451

1 small container (220mL) of Coffee Shop: Caffe Latte, Skinny w. skim milk, no added sugar 70 297

Total 178 748

Lunch

Item Calories kJs

1 1 serving (197g) of Rajma Curry: Red Kidney Beans 230 961

Total 230 961

Dinner

Item Calories kJs

1 kernels from 1 ear (77g) of Vegetables, cooked: Sweetcorn, boiled 83 348

1/2 tablespoon (20mL) of Kraft: Salad Dressings: 100% Fat Free, Italian 5 23

1 serving (30g) of Cheese: Feta, Reduced-Fat 70 294

1 salad of Meals: Salads, Garden / Side Salad, small 100 420

Total 259 1085

Snack

Item Calories kJs

20 almond (1.2g) of Nuts: Almonds, raw, w. skin, edible portion 138 578

1 medium (100g) of Fruit, fresh: Plum, average all types, raw, edible portion 46 192

1 medium (100g) of Fruit, fresh: Plum, average all types, raw, edible portion 46 192

Total 230 962

Exercise

Item Calories kJs

45 mins of Body Pump -415 -1737

45 mins of Body Step -415 -1737

Total -830 -3475

7 days...challenge?

2009-03-30T21:37:00.002+11:00

Uhhh....

Why am I doing this??? I've tried Rad's challenge before and miserably failed. So what makes me think that I can do this??

Well, for one thing - I have done this before. Evs and I trialled a detox diet a few weeks ago that follows pretty much the same rules. This one is a little bit different with a few major changes:

One week, starting tomorrow (Tuesday 31st March) to the next Tuesday. Okay, done. March 30th Thru April 06
No sugars. That's easily done - don't have sugar with my coffee anyways and it's really only through fruit
No Alcohol. Noooooo!!! Hahahah this'll be easy - wait....what about Friday night drinks...??*sob*
No Grains. Nooooooo!!! Ahem. I love my carbs. Which is what has probably gotten me into this mess in the first place. I did it before with the detox diet but man was it HARD. No wheat or rice. We had to eat gluten free for the whole time....yech.
No processed foods. Yup, this can be done.
Not eat out at all. Dammit - I just promised to go to lunch tomorrow with some friends. I'm sure a salad will be ok :D
Workout everyday. Will try this one - I go three times a week as it is so the other days going to go for at least an hour walk (~3km)
Eat veggies. Done
Eat Fruits. Oh so done.
Eat meat and eggs. Woohoo - at least I don't have to starve!! :D
Fast for 18 hours. Oh what??!!! This will be the toughest I think.....

I am going to try and blog about my progress with this every day - either here on on Twitter (you know for those updates when I want to scream or about to faint :P).

Ok....here's the vital stats:

Start weight - err.....58 kilos (*in a small voice*)

Goal weight....hmm....let's hope for a 1kg loss shall we?? I haven't had much luck with the weight dropping off as fast as it should be so a 1kg loss is a realistic and hopeful goal. If this works - it might be something to continue.

Wish me luck!!!

New Year Countdown - Day 24

2009-01-08T11:53:00.003+11:00

Ahem. Yes I'm back doing this again.

It didn't quite work for the last one did it?? But hey - we all make mistakes and besides, it's the new year. A new start, a new beginning.

So, one of my resolutions goals for this year was to lose the 8 kilos that I have piled on since the beginning of 2008. More specifically since I got married. And since I never thought that I would ever gain weight (Pfft. Me go all auntie-shaped??) this realization after a long year has been one that has haunted me and made me despair at the same time.

My current aim is to lose 3 kilos by the 22nd of February, with a check in at the end of January. Why this date? - it's my birthday and I think that if I can look and feel fabulous by then, I'll be on my way to losing the rest of the weight.

Like Rads did with her countdown - I am going to list the foods that I ate and the exercise I did for that day. According to Calorie King I should be eating around 1200 calories a day and doing 30mins of exercise if I want to see results. I usually go over and don't exercise enough, so that's something I want to change. Right now I am more focused on changing my diet and exercising regularly that I'm not too fussed if I go over a bit. Plus we all need treats now and then :P

But here's to a new start:

Wednesday, 7th January 2009

Daily Summary

Food Energy In:	1471 cals
Exercise Energy Out:	85 mins, -591 cals
Net Energy:	880 cals
Net Energy Budget:	1200 cals
End Result:	320 Calories Under

Glasses of Fluid:	4	Under
Steps:	0	Under

Breakfast

Total	226	943
Item	Calories	kJs
3/4 cup (55g) of Muesli: Muesli, toasted	161	674
1/3 serving (200g) of Gippsland: Yoghurt: Organic, Fat Free Natural	35	147
3 medium strawberry (30g) of Fruit, fresh: Strawberries, raw, edible portion	30	122

Lunch

Total	333	1394
Item	Calories	kJs
1 medium (120g) of Fruit, fresh: Nectarine, raw, edible portion	53	222
1 medium,170g with skin, 16cm/6" (110g) of Fruit, fresh: Banana, raw, edible portion	108	451
1 serving, 20 medium (30g) of Nuts: Cashews, dry roasted w. salt	173	721

Dinner

Total	485	2028
Item	Calories	kJs
1 serving (200g) of Ingham: Chicken Dishes: Crumbed, Breast Schnitzel, Fresh	282	1180
1 serving, 1/10 packet (100g) of McCain: Vegetables, frozen: Potato, Superfries, Extra Long French Fries	142	592
1 teaspoon (5g) of Continental: Stock Powder: Chicken, dry	15	61
1/2 serving (25g) of Coon: Cheese: Shredded, Light & Tasty	42	174
10 g of Five Brothers: Pasta Sauces: Oven Roasted Onion & Garlic w. Wine	5	21

Snack

Total	426	1787
Item	Calories	kJs
1 rounded teaspoon (1.8g) of Coffees: Coffee, Instant, Granulated, Ground (Regular or Decaffeinated), dry	4	18
15 mL of Dairy Farmers: Milk, fresh: Skim	5	22
1 1/2 level teaspoon (4g) of Sugars: White	24	102
1 medium (300g) of Fruit, fresh: Mango, raw, peeled, edible portion	165	690
1 serving (70g) of Gelati Italia: Ice Confections: Sorbet, Lemon	82	343
2 teaspoon (5g) of Cadbury: Chocolate Powder: Bournville Cocoa, dry	32	132
1 cup (250mL) of Dairy Farmers: Milk, fresh: Skim	88	370
1/2 miniatures (10g) of Cadbury: Chocolates: Block, Dairy Milk	26	110

Exercise

Total	-591	-2473
Item	Calories	kJs
40 mins of Spinning	-461	-1930
45 mins of Pilates	-130	-543

Looking at that, I still need to drink more water and cut down on the sugar. And I snacked heaps. It was hot and I had a craving for something sweet so I had some lemon sorbet :P And it's mango season - how could I not??? And then in the evening, Evs made a delicious hot chocolate.

Went to the gym for 2 hours. Since I am still at home for this week, I was able to make the weekly Pilates class. Shame it's on not on later or more often. Today I actually feel a lot better and I'm lot more aware of my posture :)

Spin class always makes me sweat and getting back into it after the holiday break, I pushed myself a little harder. I find that the girl who takes the Monday class works us harder than the Wednesday class.

Tomorrow will be a better day :)

Day 20

2008-12-12T09:34:00.003+11:00

Ok - so this is going to be really tough.

With all the Christmas parties and amount of work I have to get done before the Annual Firm Shutdown (where we are "encouraged" to take Annual Leave) - I am eating pretty crappily and not exercising as much as I was about a few weeks ago.

So yesterday's tally:

1. 1 2-egg omlette with tomato, fetta, chilli and spring onions
2. 1 glass of breakfast juice
3. 1 cup of instant coffee with skim milk, 1 sugar
4. 1st glass of water
5. ~30g Lindt dark chocolate with orange
6. 2nd glass of water
7. 1/2 katoree mattar paneer
8. 3rd glass of water

At the Christmas BBQ at one of the Partner's houses. (this is where it went downhill)

9. Handful of maltesers
10. 4th glass of water
11. 1/2 can coke
12. 1/2 sausage in a white bread roll, buttered and with American mustard
13. 50g Ceasar salad
14. 60g Roast lamb salad (with pumkin, beetroot, baby spinach, walnuts)
15. 1 Heaven ice-cream (Caramel flavoured).
16. 5th glass of water.

Didn't exercise either - got home and was too knackered from getting lost in the suburbs when my GPS decided to fail to find a signal and reulted in me doing circles. But - does playing with the dog for 20 minutes count???

Still - not enough water and too much sugar in my diet. The Ceasar salad while it sounds healthy, wasn't, but I only had a little bit and more of the lamb salad which was much nicer.

I didn't have any alcohol while I was there (because I was driving) and while tempted to have a nice cold glass of white wine, I was pretty happy with the water I was drinking. The Coke was way too sugary - this is after switching to Coke Zero for quite a while now - but had no other choice. Didn't have much lunch as I was going to this BBQ - but I was working from home in the morning and I remembered I had some paneer in the fridge that I had bought in the thought I'd make mattar paneer.

Since, however, I have been out for dinner more often this week than at home, I wasn't sure when I'd get the chance to make it. Plus, after catching the cooking bug before I was itching to try to make this. I had attempted this before while I was living with my in-laws and it didn't turn out so well. So I determined to do better.

And...yes it was great!!

One thing I find though - I have signed up to the this Calorie Counting website that it hand to work out the % of nutrients I am getting from my diet and see exactly how many calories are in the food we eat. However, it's hard to calculate how many calories there would be in an Indian dish like mattar paneer.

The site tells me that I should aim for 1200 calories a day and I often get there or over by a bit and have found my diet is too full of fat and carbs. So - that's some food for thought.

Tonight is the Firmwide Xmas party - a Venetian masked ball theme. No sit-down dinner but finger food and PLENTY of alcohol. So this is going to be an interesting night.

More tomorrow.

The wagon keeps moving

2008-12-10T11:48:00.004+11:00

After reading Rad's successful attempts to lose weight by really not doing too much at all - I am inspired to get back on the wagon.

My goal is still the same - actually it's gone up - so let's just say it's 8 kilos. Rads goes about by listing all the food she eats at the end of the day, making sure she has her 8 glasses of water. She does about 30 minutes of exercise a day and in about 2 weeks she has lost 4.1 pounds (1.89 kilos)!!.

That is a fantastic result!!

So my goal time is 31st December - just in time for this year to end. My goal is to lose 2.5 kilos in that time (5.5 pounds). I think it's doable. 3 weeks exactly - an average of 0.83 kilos a week.

This is going to be hard because I have parties and functions throughout this period, and will be eating like shit but a goal is a goal.

Sigh.

So let's do it.

Day 21 - dinner with the Girls tonight

1. 1 medium Granny Smith Apple
2. Large Skinny latte (400mL/skim milk) with no sugar
3. 1st nectarine
4. 1st glass of water
5. ~8 Arnotts Chicken Crimpy biscuits (they were there!!)
6. 1 sachet (40g) of Sunbeam Natural Fruit and Nut mix (sultanas, raw - peanuts, almonds, cashews)
7. 1 cup of daal-chawal (toor daal, no tadka and white rice)
8. 2nd glass of water
9. 2nd nectarine
10. 1 peach
11. 1 cup peppermint tea
12. 1/2 small lemon custard tart (met up with Yogi)
13. 3rd glass of water
14. 4th glass of water
15. Lamb with broad beans and this filo pastry thing
16. 1/2 Honey and date cheesecake (it was tiny - so not worth the price!)
17. 1/4 slice of chocolate cake (that Mike fed me at Yogi's place!!)

Exercise - all up about 45 mins of walking at ~ 4 kmph

So not quite the start I was looking for...but it's there.

Less sugar, less carbs, more exercise.

Guess who's back!

2008-10-07T10:22:00.008+11:00

Yeah guess who's back.

Not Slim Shady (which would be ironic both in the nature of the name and the rumours that he has ballooned since his last album) but MOI.

It has been...how long since I last blogged here?? March....to....October. That's like 7 months! Almost to the day as well.

Yeah well. Got busy.

In that time my weight has gone up another 2.5 kilos and I have nobody to blame but...the Melbourne weather. Primarily the onset of Winter and the carb-loaded goodness that one tends to eat while freezing their ass off.

Settling into full-time work has also brought a new set of challenges but am dealing. Not buying lunch every day like many of the people here do - but have the luxury of a husband who can get ready in 20 minutes and thus has the time to create a gourmet sandwich for my eating pleasure.

We bought a new house and moved out of the parental home, also signifying the ends of an eating era. Gone would be the dinners swimming in butter and cream (courtesy of Ev's Dad's chef skills being flourished before us) and we would start to create meals of our own - some reminiscent of the food that Ev's Dad would cook and some that we made ourselves.

My wholesome Indian vegetarian food that my mother made while I was living at home has taken a back burner - I have many of the ingredients to cook it but a laksa always wins. Plus I'm lazy when I have a fully-functional husband to deal with the cooking stuff :P

The biggest thing so far in the midst of all the moving, settling and putting on more weight was that I rejoined the gym. *cue dramatic music*

Yes I did! Currently am on a trial membership that allows me to have a taste of all what the gym has to offer without having to fork out the moolah-lah.

And...I have to say - I love it!!!

It's a great gym - about 10-15 minutes from home and the train station meaning that there is no excuse for me to NOT go past it and then stop by. It is a women's only gym - something that I wasn't actively looking for but appreciate all the same. Because there is nothing to hide there. Women of all ages, all body shapes come there and nobody takes a second look. Well - maybe if there was a Megan Fox lookalike but there isn't. We are all, convincingly normal. (Except for the woman that was there that was literally pounding the machines like they had wronged her not only in THIS life but 3 more before this)

I walked in feeling a bit nervous. As you do when venturing into a place that was once so familiar to you (I sound like I had an intimate relationship with...say...the Stepping machine. Oh I did. I HATED it like nothing before.)

But this time I was determined to get the butt wiggling and thighs jiggling and I was sure that the poundage would just drop off. PLUS - the best thing about this gym is that they had Spinning Classes. If you don't know what that is - let me enlighten you.

Spin classes are the upgraded, turbocharged, Version 5.0 of the exercise bike routine. A semi-circle of these funky bikes are in a room while a peppy, lithe instructor (also known as the Torturer) will be at the front of the class. She will usually speak in bursts of sweetness and military-style yelling to get you all going through flats and hills and won't even break a sweat while you almost drown in the puddle at your feet. It is like torture in a classroom. Why women would voluntarily sign up for this torture is because you see and get results - fast.

And that's what I want.

But this time I was going to take it a little slow so I didn't drop dead soon after running, and just hit the treadmills with enthusiasm. And what treadmills they were! I was swooning when I saw them - high-tech machines that gleamed under the lights just CALLING me to use them. They each had a TV screen IN the machine so I could watch Friends while keeping an eye out on the number of calories I was burning. I walked and even took it up to a steady jog for about 20 minutes before the image of the Pussycat Dolls on MAX started to blur as the sweat dripped into my eyes.

I took one of the complimentary wet towels and wiped myself and the machine off while I caught my breath. As I was heaving and potentially about to heave up a lung, I saw on the timetable board that the next class was Body Balance - a mixture of Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates and Meditation. Sounded like just what I needed after a long day at work and I slipped into the classroom just as the instructor told us all to go into "Down Dog" position.

A What-Dog position?? I looked around to see whether I was in the right class and not the Fit For The Bedroom session and saw to my relief that it wasn't what I was thinking at all. We stretched and twisted and balanced (By the way - I SUCK at balance. I fell over so many times that the instructor just told me to stand still) and then finished with the Happy-Baby position. By the time the class was over I could do the Down Dog, Up Dog, Happy Baby, Twisted Lotus, Salute the Sun and something that I like to think in most humans would be impossible.

I left the gym feeling refreshed and happy that I had made the effort to come once again.

Now let's just see if I can stick with it.

2008-03-08T16:45:00.003+11:00

Ok - so it's been a while since I posted here - my weight loss obsession fluctuated from extreme (crying in my walk-in closet for hours) to nonchalant (Daaaym - I still don't look- half-bad so why obsess?) along with many of my blog readers insisting that I wasn't fat. They are right - I don't LOOK fat - I just FEEL fat. And without the clothes - it's a different story. Cellulite and wobbly bits everywhere.

The only thing I like about my body is my breasts. I used to like my waist but that is slowly disappearing.

Anyways - since starting full-time work my eating habits are slightly better - the only thing is I haven't had the chance to exercise much. And while at training - they provide lunch and it's always these little sandwiches and fruit which are so yummy but thank-god healthy so I've been doing ok.

But I did decide to do something drastic.

The Lemon Detox Diet.

It's the one that Beyonce swears by having lost 10 kg's in 2 weeks for her role in Dreamgirls and it's the one that Tania Zaetta promotes and now it's the one I am going to try.

I have never been on a diet before and this is going to take effort.

You basically make up this drink which is a combination of water, tree syrup, lemons and cayenne pepper and drink that instead of eating. I am aware enough to know that it is a sort of starvation diet but it isn't bothering me much. Every Tuesday last year I used to fast along with my Dad - eating only fruits and nuts and having only dinner. THAT was torture for me when I first started and I used to CRAVE carbs and sometime sneakily eat some bread or something. But other days I did it on eating that or less. So I have some faith in myself for completing this. It is meant to last about 7 days and it is somewhat of a test on myself as well if I can refrain from not only eating but eating crap.

This first day has been ok - I woke up late (about 10am) because I was exhausted from the 5:30am starts all week and got busy in housework until I realised I hadn't eaten yet. So I made up a day's worth of the drink and decided to have some.

And it's not bad. I love lemons so that iss fine, and the syrup sweetens it. The cayenne pepper gives it a extra zing, a bit of spice and it's not too bad. I have had cravings for food but every time I do, I drink water or have another glass of the Lemon drink. Evs and I also went to play tennis, but due to the bloody heat we stayed only for an hour. But that was good - I got some exercise in as well.

They say that it's the first couple of days that are the worst and I'm bracing myself for tomorrow where I might experience headaches and dizziness. But so far I have been doing ok and if I lose the average 4 kilos that they say you can lose within a week - then it'll be so worth it.

I know I am crazy, but I am going to see if this works. If not - then I will bow down to all the 'I told you so's' that I know I will deserve.

Wish me luck :)

Booya!

2008-02-19T10:33:00.003+11:00

Woohoo!! I weighed myself this morning and I was 54.5 kg!! I have lost 1.5 kg! Not bad at all....

Well, I DID weigh myself before breakfast, but AFTER my workout and shower and fully clothed, so let's take another 500g off, shall we??

54.0kg!!!

*does the happy dance*

Down in the dumps

2008-02-18T13:38:00.003+11:00

It's been a hectic week - I've been keeping count of my calories but failing to lose weight. I'm still the same weight I was a week ago AND I've been exercising at least 2 hours a day. It sucks.

Almost wanting to give up but I'm loving the exhilarating feeling I get after working out. Eating wise - it's been up and down - I'm still eating too much fats and carbs. I've got to cut down on chocolate. That's my weakness.

I've started taking FatBlaster - just to see if it works. It helps you suppress your appetite and increases your metabolism so that you break down food faster. Will see after this week how it goes.

2008-02-11T20:40:00.001+11:00

So today's meal plan - I couldn't find homemade chicken curry on the site so I just used the closest one - I think what I ate had less calories in it.

Went for a walk today as well - didn't have time for tennis and so hopefully we will go tomorrow. But I think I did a lot of exercise today anyways. That's more than enough for a lazy person like me. I'm exhausted. AND I deserved that ice-cream :P

Weekend worries

2008-02-11T12:04:00.000+11:00

Agh! Fallen off the wagon again but it's a new week and I hopped right back on. Evs came home on Friday and with their literally being nothing in the house to eat - it was Mi Goreng noddles for lunch. They are so yummy but my GOD are they fattening. So noodles have to go. Seriously.

Sunday was a bit of an off day too - Evs made pancakes for breakfast then we had KFC for lunch after doing some long hours shopping. We made up for it with a good 1.5 hour workout....uhh...tennis that is :P I have even got Es into this - he is wanting to lose 5 kilos as well (not that he needs to the lucky bastard)

So today - I've been very good. So good that my daily calorie intake is MINUS. Oh yeah!! I think I can do this - if I keep my exercise up and stick to good, healthy food - I'm on my way to myself again!

2008-02-07T19:58:00.000+11:00

Meal plan for today - I just made it under the 1200 calories limit even with doing basically no exercise and eating more than I should have chocolate.

Woohoo!!

Is this how its supposed to work????

Moving along...

2008-02-07T17:55:00.000+11:00

Need to keep moving....

My main way to sticking to my 1200 calorie limit is by restricting the food I eat, rather than not worrying so much and combating the extra calories by exercising. Although, I've gone and screwed it up again by devouring 3 fun sized Violet Crumble chocolates - not all at once, mind you, but throughout the day when I have craved something sweet. Plus my water drinking abilities have lessened today. I still have the rest of the day heheh and I'm thirsty now.

I'll be happy when I'm home tomorrow. I've been pretty lazy at my parent's house here and really, pretending to do Tae Bo is not the same as actually doing it.

My exercise routine for the day will include:

Morning -

30 min jog around the lake
45 minute Tae Bo workout
15 minutes vigourous exercise on bike (if I can be bothered by this time)

Afternoon/evening -

30 minute walk around lake (take dogs for walk)
1 hour singles tennis session with Evs (alternate days)

That should be enough to get me moving :P

Ho hum

2008-02-07T13:32:00.001+11:00

I've been so busy this morning that really all thoughts of eating have flown right out of my head. I never even realized that it was time for lunch until I heard a rumbling coming from the depths of my stomach. Perhaps this keeping busy thing might stop me from thinking about food so much.

So far:

Breakfast:

1 bowl Sultana Bran with the yummy yoghurt covered currants

mid-morning snack:

1 cup of tea, skim milk, 1 tsp sugar
1 rum ball

Lunch:

1 cup of Golden Pumpkin soup
1 salad sandwich - multi grain bread - lettuce, tomato, cheese, little bit 97% fat free mayo

I'm actually quite full after the soup and I still have my sandwich to go. Still struggling to keep drinking water...oh shit - I forgot to take my pill!!!

2008-02-06T20:36:00.001+11:00

Yech.....sticking to calories is harder than I thought, especially when there are delicious little treats that little brothers have made.

But I can see I eat waaaaaaay too much in snacks. I'm a Snacker. And I don't know whether it is because of the extra appetite I am getting because of the pills (dosage down to 1 pill a day now), because I have always been hungry when I have gone to eat. I have even been trying to drink water instead of eating to fill myself up which is how I made the 8 glass target today.

Don't know, don't know.....

I think the only way I can afford to eat like that is if I exercise more and right now I am doing shit all because I am at home and due to the shitty weather. Excuses I know, but there is only so much I can do stuck inside and I left my Tae Bo workout DVD at home.

Tomorrow HAS to be better.

2008-02-06T17:21:00.000+11:00

Being doing ok today....I had a bit of a relapse when little bro came home and insisted on making Rum Balls. I promptly ate 3 of them :( Maybe it's my mood - it's a bit off and my eating is reflecting that a bit.

Here is my eating plan for today using the Calorie King tools - I'm loving it and it's easier to put up a pic instead of updating so much.

Drinking lots of water today which is good and I found out that 45 minute workout of Tae Bo burns off 409 calories!! So that coupled with walking the dogs when I gt back home and maybe some time on the exercise bike - I have my exercise quota down pat. This also doesn't include all the walking that you do in the day - that's still counted!! :P

I'm making dinner tonight and so have ~ 370 calories to play with. I'm hoping my meal comes under that - Thai Chicken Noodles is on the menu :) Yummmmm :)

EDIT: I went over.....goddamn those rum balls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Calorie king!

2008-02-06T09:52:00.001+11:00

Browsing the net as I do and came across this site which looks to be fantastically helpful. Especially targeted at Australia so I can work out the amount of calories in each thing that I eat, and try and stick to an amount that will help me lose weight.

I've made my own profile and they recommend:

1200 calories a day
30 min exercise

to achieve my target weight of 50kg.

That's doable and you can enter in the foods you eat and they calculate exactly how many calories there are in each serving, and what % comes from carbs etc so you can reduce them as needed.

Although they haven't specified how LONG exactly it will take to achieve this goal, but I'm hoping if I can at least stick to these guidelines, I will see something happening.

New Day

2008-02-06T08:59:00.000+11:00

I woke up today feeling ravenous. Also in pain because of this bloody period. But - on the good side my stomach muscles were also a little sore, so not all the pain was bad - I must have worked them a bit if they are smarting today. Weighed in at 55.7 kg. Booya! How I managed to lose 200g is beyond me but not going to get too excited because it's probably just the error margin on the scales. Sigh.

So breakfast:

1 bowl Sultana and Bran with 1/2 cup skim milk

Hunger scale: 8

I will probably have a cup of tea or coffee soon after because I need my caffeine in the morning...

Yesterday I also tried on various items of clothing that I had not touched in about 6 months. You know, just to torture myself to see if I could fit in them again. And surprisingly - I could. It's just that I look like a hot pregnant woman with a protruding stomach and booty than what the effect was after.

Main aims in order -

lose flab from my thighs - they are huge! And I can never find pants that don't make me look horrible.
lose 2 inches off my waist - I want my tiny waist again :(
achieve a flat stomach - I have a major pot belly...ewww.....
tone up my arms - triceps in particular
reduce the size of my butt

2008-02-05T20:56:00.000+11:00

Dinner:

1.5 rotis
1 katoree daal (lol - how much is that?? 250mL I suppose)
pumpkin subzi
I tb light natural yoghurt

After-dinner snack:

4 Apple Sour straps (they are too addictive :P 0.1 g fat yay!)

2008-02-05T18:09:00.000+11:00

It's almost dinner time and I've managed to eat since lunch:

Mid-afternoon snack:

1 nectarine
1 97% fat-free mixed berry baked bar
1 cup tea, 1/2 tsp sugar, skim milk

Mid-mid-afternoon snack:

4 glasses water
Handful of nuts
1 banana

My god....I eat a lot.

Exercise:

1/2 hr playing the Wii - I got pissed off when I kept losing in Tennis. Hmph. Broke a sweat though which is why I am adding this under exercising.

I'm feeling rather fullish, which may be bloating and also kinda edgy because it IS that time of the month, but I'm still kinda hungry.

Time for dinner me thinks.

2008-02-05T13:37:00.000+11:00

Added:

Mid-morning snack: 1 nectarine

Lunch: 2 x Mi goreng noodles,
glass of Sunkist

Still not the healthiest lunch but it is filling and I won't be likely to be hungry until dinner now. I hope.

Exercise: 1/2 hr crunches

I'm going to see if there is any good weight-loss blogs out there, but common sense seems to say to me more exercise, less crap. Perhaps might look into those pharmaceutical weight-loss stuff too - SlimFast etc. I wonder if they do work and whether it is worth having them as a meal replacement. Also on the plate - looking into Detox.

Time to start

2008-02-05T10:13:00.000+11:00

Ok - so I started a new blog.

With all the crazy thoughts that are in my mind, I needed a way to separate some of them. This blog I aim to try and chronicle my never-ending and looking to be hopelessly futile journey into skinnydom (which if I want to be honest with myself is under 50 kgs). At the moment after eating a not-so-healthy breakfast, I'm feeling the pain of the extra kilos I have put on after getting married in November and just want a place to track my progress I guess.

Also to bitch and moan about the lack of progress without making anyone else insane. I wanted something strong and peppy to motivate me, hence the loving message to myself - Work it out, Biyatch!

I am on cortisone pills at the moment for my hair loss which funnily enough was to do with the stress of getting married but has helped to add on an extra 2 kilos since I started them. They finish by the end of Feb, so hopefully I won't gain anymore by then.

So my goals:

I start my first job in a high-flying firm where looking good is paramount to be successful on 3rd March. Which means I have about a month to lose approximately 5 kilos. Or at least be the weight I was (51kg) when I went for my interviews last year.

Start Weight: 55.9 kg (that was really hard to write. I cannot believe I weigh that much)

Breakfast:

1 cup Jasmine Tea
2 Chocolate chip hot cross buns with margarine

Exercise: none yet.

That's it so far. I'm going to go to do some ab work and other small exercises as it its quite gloomy outside and looks like rain. If it doesn't rain within half an hour, I'm going to go take a walk.

This is going to be hard, but I REALLY need to do this.