EP - HAPPY HALLOWE'EN!!!

Well - I had a CRAZY BUSY day yesterday and a BUSY day today!!! :) I threw a big hallowe'en party for my daughter by inviting family (hubby's clan) - and it was soooooooooo fun. However - yesterday was a minimum of 12 hours of prepping - I'm a bit of a perfectionist - with tons of decor and RIDICULOUS amounts of food and dessert (we have dinner to feed another 20 people - NOT exaggerating. Our freezer is PACKED with homemade goodness.) So needless to say - I didn't/couldn't eat dinner - and I didn't work out. I went to bed in the weeee hours of the morning. So no work out & no counting cals. I think I reached 1000 - MAYBE. By 12:30 am I had maybe 500 cals so far in the day...so that tells you how late I went to sleep...lol...

HOWEVER.

Today is a different story :)

I worked out today for 56 minutes - burned 710 cals!!!  That is the fastest I've done in a long time but I didn't have much time so I needed to go fast. It was a good work out. Intense - but it got done :)

Cals? Ummm - WHO is counting cals on Hallowe'en?!!! I am positive I reached my 1200 - 1300 cals - most of the empty cals - lol - but hey - it's Hallowe'en.

I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend - for those of you who follow my blog - I will be posting tons of pics of our very fun day. :)

Happy Hallowe'en!!!

LD • October 29, 2009

O.k. I didn't record my calories today nor did I visit the gym! Well, it was closed due to this massive snow storm we got!! We have soooooo much snow, like 2 feet! And guess what it is still snowing! But, Claudia has school tomorrow... and it is supposed to be 60 by Halloween. I will definitely be going to the gym for sure tomorrow!

Just a little warning I will be indulging in just a few pieces of Halloween candy! I have been craving it so badly! I'm even dreaming about it. Aghhhhhhh! We usually eat a few pieces each as a family. Then Claudia weighs her loot and dad pays her $10.00 a pound, then in the trash it goes or I donate it!!! That's an awesome deal huh! That way it ensures I DO NOT EAT all of it! LOL :D

I hope your Halloween parties are Spooktacular Eujean! What is sweet Sarah going to dress up as? Maggie are you guys celebrating Halloween?

Hugs,

Laura

EP - Thursday, October 29, 2009

Today is a NEW DAY!!! I am going to forget about yesterday - and just focus on TODAY :)

Question: How many Cals am I suppose to eating each day if I am burning between 600 to 720 Cals each day????

New Strategy:
I am going to carry a banana and soynuts (and ofcourse water) with me everywhere I go from now on - so I am NEVER hungry. I am going to go the grocery store as well to pick up MORE veggies and MORE fruits. I'm unfortunately allergic to almost all fruits - sad isn't it? Which is why you don't see much fruit in my diet - if at all. But the ones I CAN eat - I am going to load up on them!

Today I am have a really busy day - so I'm not sure when I will fit in my work out - but no worries. It'll definitely get done.

Work out: I have to say that today was THE most tiring day of all the days so far this week. But I went and worked out anyways - and I am happy to say - that this was the EASIEST day of all the days!!! So weird! I worked out on elliptical - burned 730 cals. I am not even going to check my weight this week - because it's that time of the month just about - and ofcourse - my weight fluctuates like crazy (I am SOOOOOOOOO bloated right now - since Tuesday.) Anyways - I look forward to the scale in another week or so.

Breakfast:
Oatmeal
Blueberry Jam
Protein Shake
 225 Cals

Lunch:
Chicken
Salad
Yogurt
444 Cals

Dinner:
Same as above minus the yogurt
266 Cals

Snacks:
Banana
soynuts
piece of chicken (random)
2 bites of homemade chocolate cupcakes with homemade buttercream icing
365 Cals (I'm guessing about the cupcakes - about 100 cals)

Total: 1300 Cals

LD • October 28, 2009

I did not feel great today either!?! I felt sluggish with a little tummy ache. Although with my little ache I did manage to go just over my calories! Go figure. Tomorrow is a new day :)

I think it's the weather that is making me want to eat, it's a blizzard here.

Today: 146.5

(I am only weighing myself once a week, on Mondays)
My Height: 5'8"
Goal: To weigh 135-140

Workout: 6mile run

Calories Burnt: 628

Total Daily Calories Allowed: 1,254

~My Food Log~

Breakfast:
• 2 cups of coffee, black (5)

• 2 Whole Grain Waffles (150)

Lunch:

• Leftover Pasta (300)

Dinner:
• Turkey Chili & Cornbread (612)

Snack:

• Pineapple (76)

• Cheese Crackers (140)

Water:

• Lots

Total Calories: 1,268 (15 calories over)

EP - Wednesday, October 28, 2009

I wasn't feeling the greatest today - but I was determined to still go and work out. Unfortunately, I didn't do so well at the gym. - I felt really sick after about 20 minutes and 5 minutes later I started shaking and so I quickly bought a protein bar at the gym (not an expected snack) and gobbled it down quickly. About 10 to 15 minutes later I felt better so I finished working out. I usually get like this before "the time of the month" which is soon - but I'm going to watch myself this week.

I did so well with my meals - until my lovely husband brought out the chips - and I decided to have a handful because I had so much calories left over. Ummm - I quickly went over my caloric intake...lol...oops. Needless to say - the chips are in the garbage.

I did pretty well today with all my other meals and most of my carb intake are from my snacks. Other than that - all my other meals were really healthy.

I worked out the elliptical for 68 minutes and burned 720 Calories today.

Breakfast:
Oatmeal and blueberry jam
Egg Whites (2)
144 Cals

Lunch:
Chicken Caesar Salad
Cheese Nibs
0.5 tbsp chocolate chips
(322 Cals)

Dinner:
Chicken Caesar Salad
Salt & Vinegar Chips
Cucumbers with sweet chili sauce
630 Cals

Snacks:
Cucumbers and sweet chili sauce
Protein Bar
Cheese Nibs (12)
475 Cals

Total: 1572 Cals

LD • October 27, 2009

Today: 146.5

(I am only weighing myself once a week, on Mondays)
My Height: 5'8"
Goal: To weigh 135-140

Workout: 1 hour/gauntlet, Weights: upper body

Calories Burnt: 629 + how ever much I burned lifting :)

Total Daily Calories Allowed: 1,254

~My Food Log~

Breakfast:
• 2 cups of coffee, black (5)

• 1 packet of Cream of Wheat & a sml. banana (193)

Lunch:

• Garbanzo Med Grill (685)

Dinner:
• Chicken Fajitas without tortillas, but w/guac. (375)

Snack:

Water:

• Lots

Total Calories: 1,258 (4 calories over) Oh well :)

EP - Tuesday, October 27, 2009

 **burned an additional 360 cals tonight - a total of 810 cals today on the elliptical.

*update: I went waaaay over my cals - it's because I waited WAY too long to have dinner - we had a super super late dinner tonight - so I was just so hungry. I should have watched my portions better. Oh well. Live and learn. I definitely learned tonight. Am off to work out to get rid of the extra bit I ate today.  

I did something to my knee today while I was walking up the stairs - it seems to be better now - and hopefully it wasn't a big deal.

I joined Spark People again (thanks Laura!). I didn't use it very well the first time I joined - but now that I am counting calories consistently for the last year or more - I am finding it SO valuable! I love it. 

I worked out this morning - but only for 40 minutes. My cutie pie was crying (there were a few kids crying so I guess she joined in) and so I had to leave. I only burned 450 cals so I am going back this evening to do the remaining cals for 30 minutes.

My goal is to burn 620 to 720 Cals a day - and to eat between 1100 to 1250 Cals. 

Breakfast:
Okay - don't laugh - I had some left overs from last night...lol...yes....pasta casserole and crystal light
222 Cals

Lunch:
Light Chicken Caesar Salad w. light parmesan
Tofu (extra firm)
Goldfish Crackers (i love these things...)
crystal light
484 Cals

Dinner:
Roasted Chicken Fajitas (with no skin)
Activia Blueberry Yogurt (as dessert)
737 cals

Snack:
Salt & Vinegar Chips (about 8)
Cucumbers and sweet chili sauce
169 cals

Total: 1612 cals (wooooah I went way over) I am off to work out now (it's just after 8pm) so work off another 450 cals - so hopefully my work out will make up for the cals.

LD • October 26, 2009

I am so excited for today!! I feel like a brand new person :) Even though I did not loose any weight this week. Oh well, I sort of indulged a little this weekend. I ran today and my knee felt fine till the last 1/2 mile then pain set in! I iced it and will take ibeproferin before tomorrows workout. I stuck to just under my calories which is also a A+ and I burned more than 600 calories!! I joined The Biggest Looser Online Club and I LOVE it! because of this my calories are different they also fluctuate depending on my level of exercise. I hope I see results with this program!

Thank you for your motivation girls! You two ROCK!! :D

Today: 146.5

(I am only weighing myself once a week, on Mondays)
My Height: 5'8"
Goal: To weigh 135-140

Workout: 6 mile run

Calories Burnt: 658 :)

Total Daily Calories Allowed: 1,263

~My Food Log~

Breakfast:
• 2 cups of coffee, black (2)

• 2 Whole Grain Waffles (149)

Lunch:

• 1 piece of whole grain bread with 1 tablespoon peanut butter (195)

• Green Giant broccoli in cheese flavored sauce (45)

Dinner:
• 2 cups Pasta w/ white beans, spinach and chicken sausage (600)

Snack:

• 1 small banana (93)

• 1 cup of grapes (114)

Water:

• Lots

Total Calories: 1,202 (61 under)

EP - Monday, October 26, 2009

*update: I worked out tonight from 8pm till 9:10pm or so. I burned 710 cals in 1 hour and 6 minutes and I did the elliptical. I ate a small caesar salad with grilled chicken along with a small bowl of pasta. I think I had around 1100 cals in total today. I didn't count - but I ate pretty well (minus the gold fish crackers...I cannot eat those darn things - once I start I can't stop! lol) Overall - today was a good day. I feel so excited and happy again about working out and trying to get more fit. Thanks to you girls for the motivation, inspiration and honesty. Thank you!

Alright ladies - it's Monday! I am so excited for this week - and I weighed myself this morning and it happily read 142.8. What?! So - I guess the good habits are starting to come back.

Today I woke up at 6:30 and did a new morning routine - getting breakfast and lunch and dinner ready! All in one morning?!!! Well - I made breakfast - I made lunch - and I prepped for most of dinner. I love early mornings.

For breakfast I had steelcut oatmeal with blueberry jam. Organic. Ofcourse :) And for lunch I had goldfish for snacks (you know I'm a mom when.....) and had tofu and about 1/3 cup of basmati rice. Delish!

For dinner tonight - I am about to make a light chicken caesar salad. Then I am going for my workout from 6:30 till 8pm tonight. It's all planned out - and I am ready to kiiill the fat :)

I am excited to see what this "new" week and "new" beginning will bring! I think all three of us girls are super excited and rejuvinated. We can do it ladies! I'm going to borrow what Mags wrote - JUST DO IT. And lets be FIERCE while doing it :)

Cheers!

MM - Oct 25/09

Weight: 204 (I've been as low as 203 this week...but the scale said, 204 today).
Workout - Bellydance - 4.5 hrs (I was at a workshop this weekend)
Water - 3L so far

8am - yogurt & berries, chocolate chip cookie
2pm - turkey bacon club sandwich, french onion soup (ewww...not good)
6pm - 10 triscuits w/ cheese and salsa

I've been "off" for the last two weeks. It's amazing how easy it is to fall back into old, destructive habits - especially when you've been sick. Here are my goals for this week:

• Get in my "CALORIE BURN" DAILY - no matter what! Remember I'm racing the Miami Half-Marathon in January?!?!
• Reduce Diet Dr. Peppers to 1 x/day
  
• Try Hot Yoga! A new studio opened up in town and they're offering free classes this week
• Take more time for ME. Just do it.
  

EP - Thursday, October 22, 2009

THANK YOU LAURA~!!!! You do not understand how much you have helped me!!! You said exactly what I needed to hear and I feel so much support - THANK YOU!!!

Wow. What you wrote was a HUGE eye opener. REALLY? Seriously? So I need to burn 600 calories a day if I work out 6 times a week - and 700 cals if I work out 5 times a week.

I am totally with you - I have to write this week OFF. I have been doing a lot of thinking about this week about myself - and about losing weight - about my journey so far - and WHY I keep going around and around in this vicious circle. WHY can't I LOSE weight and KEEP IT OFF? Why do I keep jumping around?!!

I have realized it's because of a few things.

1) I need to remember that losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise.
I need to be careful about what I put IN to my body. That led me to number 2.

2) I need to PLAN my menu.
I have realized that the reason I eat bad food is because I don't always plan. Life happens right? That's reality. Life is busy especially as a mom - HOWEVER - I CAN control what I take in by doing number 3

3) I need to PREP my food.
If it means I prep 4 meals in one night for the next few lunches and dinners - then that is what needs to happen.

4) I need to go to sleep EARLY.
I eat the WORST foods at night. When my mouth just wants to nibble on something and I just want a little extra sweet or even worse - I want something salty.

5) I need to wake EARLY to prep my foods and plan for the day.
Lunch should be ready by the time I am out the door at 8:45 am. And when will I work out? Which leads to number 6.

6) I need to work out 6 times a week.
At least 1 hour a day. And I am going to do what Laura said - burn my cals!!!

So those are the 6 things I have been thinking about - and have decided is my solution. In order for this to work - I need to make these 6 things a HABIT. Habits don't form quickly - but I am going to try to do these next week - and report on how it goes.

I'm going to join you Laura. I will start on Monday. This week is a write off. Start fresh. I was feeling SO down before I read your post - but seeing your motivation and enthusiasm is rubbing off on me. I CAN DO THIS!!! I am determined to do it. Thank you.

LETS DO THIS LADIES!!! and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!! I am going to burn 3500 calories a week - 600 to 700 cals a day!!! :)

Hugs,
Eujean

The Article :)

To be inserted in the middle of my ramblings :) Sorry Ugh stupid Blogger!

"i echo all that has been said about the fact that the Bigges Loser people have personal trainers and dieticians available 24/7 and their only job on the show is to workout and eat right and lose weight. not that it's an easy task...but if you had the time to put into it like they do, you could probably lose as much as they do...but that's not realistic b/c eventually you HAVE to go back to regular life where you don't have 6 hours a day to workout and a professional advisor telling you how much you've eaten and what to eat.

I would also add that losing 1-2 pounds a week is GREAT progress. Every pound of body mass is equally to 3500 calories. In order to lose 1 pound a week you must burn 3500 more calories than you take in, which averages to 500 a day. We all burn a minimal amount of calories just by being living, breathing, beings, so depending on your weight you will burn a certain amount of calories in every 24 hour period just by being alive. The heavier you are now, the more you burn for ANY activity, which includes sitting, breathing, standing, walking, etc. Then you burn more for activities. If you google "calories burned" you should be able to come up with a site that will tell you how many calories your body uses everyday, just by virtue of being alive. It is always slightly less for sleeping. Then consider what you are burning with cardio and other activities and see what you are taking in. For example, my body burns around 80 calories for just being awake, and I'm up 16 hours a day so that is 1280 calories I'm burning. While asleep it is like 70 calories which is 8 hours of the day, so there is another 560. That is 1840 total with NO activity. Because I do have to walk around the house, walk to my car to go to school, walk to class, etc. I would guess that I probably burn around 2000 a day total. This is kind of where they get daily value percentages from on the back of food labels. If I want to lose a pound a week, I have to eat 1500 or less calories each day so that I am burning 500 more calories than I eat per day and 3500 extra total calories each week. If I wanted to lose 2 pounds per week, I could still eat 1500, but burn 3500 more each week through extra activity (exercise)-that would be 500 calories a day in exercise, which isn't that easy!

This is long, and I'm sorry if you already know this...but if you don't it was a real eye opener for me a few years ago when I lost weight for the first time in my life. You really have to work hard to get that 3500 extra calories burned each week for one pound of weight loss. Now, imagine what it would take to get some of those numbers we see on the biggest loser! You really would have to workout to burn about 5,000 calories a day...which is a LOT of exercise, and still maintain a low calorie intake!"

LD • October 22, 2009

I hear you Eujean!!! This journey is so difficult, and when you do not see progress... it really sucks and is very discouraging! DO NOT GIVE UP! You can do this, we all can do this!!

I am not sure if the two of you watch the t.v. show The Biggest Looser? It is one of my favorite shows purely for the motivation! My husband hates the show because they are always so emotional, and crying all the time. I told him the reason they are crying is because they are HUNGRY! LOL :D

Anyway... I always hear Jillian (one of the trainers) talk about... "did you get your calorie burn in today" to the contestants. It was driving me crazy, what is "calorie burn"? So I googled it. :)

This is what I found...

"So while watching the Biggest Loser last night I listened to Jillian say that they needed to burn 6000 calories and only eat 1200 calories. I assume the 6000 calories is over a 24 hour period. That is a mega deficit. Did I hear it right or am I missing something? Any thoughts?"

You heard it - 6000 for women & 8000 for men. Shay asked Julio what his burn was & he asked her what he was supposed to hit & she said "8 if you're a guy" That's an INSANE deficit.

This is insane!!! But you have to remember these people are extremely overweight, and need major results for the show. Then I found this response and it totally hit home!

•Blogger is acting up so I will post this little article in a separate post•

So the bottom line is, we all have to burn more calories than we eat or it totally defeats the purpose of working out! We all can still enjoy yummy foods from time to time. But I agree with you Eujean it's a life changer, choosing healthier options is so much better for all of us in the long run and those choices will soon become habit! Think of the great examples we are setting for our children too :) Loosing weight is a slow process, but it can be done. One hour of rigorous cardio a day is all we really need to meet our individual "calorie burn" We can do that!! Oh ya and eat healthy !

With all of that being said, I have had a terrible week this week! My runs have been awful. I have had no energy and they are painful! My body hurts. Not fun!! I think I have hit a little running plateau.

No worries, right? I keep telling myself this. I am going to write this week off completely, and start fresh Monday morning! I am going to hit my "calorie burn" every day and eat healthy! Lets see where it takes me. Hopefully I have positive results. :)

I hope this helps, sorry to ramble.

Big Hugs

Laura

EP - Wednesday, October 21, 2009

I had a really long and busy day - and the next 1.5 weeks will be super busy with Hallowe'en around the corner - I am throwing 2 Hallowe'en parties - one for church and one for family - so I am going to try to eat super healthy and work out - but as life usually does - it gets pretty busy and it's not always possible.

I am definitely dissapointed in myself as it's now almost November and I am about the same weight as when I started this blog. I have learned a lot though and I wouldn't have learned all this without being on this journey.  I honestly need a serious "life change" and be consistent with it - not just for a week or 3 weeks or 1 month - but consistently forever. I really need to work out replacing the bad habits and honestly form solid good ones. I think I just need to face the facts - that I shouldn't be having "cookies" and "cheeses" as a "good for you" treat - I really need to cut those out and just make them a rare (very rare) treat that happens once in a blue moon.

Anyways - that's a quick update. I only have 2.5 months (less than that actually) to work on my weight and form new (good) habits to replace the old (bad) habits.

I will try my best to post here the next 2 weeks - but I know that due to my schedule, I won't be able to everyday - but I'll try :)

I also didn't count my calories today - but I don't think I did the greatest. I would say I ate between 1200 to 1500 calories. I think on the lower end - but I really don't know.

Work out:
Over 1 hour - around 575 cals burned on elliptical. I was not working out intensely though - I am soooo tired.

Breakfast:
skipped

Lunch:
Rice with asian radish soup

Dinner:
Pad Thai

Snacks:
popcorn
korean chips

EP - Tuesday October 20, 2009

Work out:
Elliptical for 35 minutes burned 380 cals

Breakfast:
organic oatmeal and organic blueberry jam and splenda
(130 cals)

Lunch:
Rice Tortillas with Black Forest Ham
(400 cals)

Dinner:
Chicken Fajitas
(250 Cals)

Snack:
(450 cals)

Total:a
1230 cals

EP - Monday, October 19, 2009

Well - I didn't count my calories to a T today but I ate pretty well. Over the weekend we celebrated my Grandma's birthday - and I am happy to say that I ate REALLY well all weekend! I didn't work out today either - but I promise to do it tomorrow! I had a restless sleep last night because of my little one - hopefully tonight is better! :)

LD • October 19, 2009

Eaaakkk! I gained a 1/2 a pound! No fun, and then I went over my calories today! Not good. :(

Today: 146.5

(I am only weighing myself once a week, on Mondays)
My Height: 5'8"
Goal: To weigh 135-140

Workout: 4 mile run

Calories Burnt: 466

Total Daily Calories Allowed: 1,049

~My Food Log~

Breakfast:
• 2 cups of coffee, black (2)

• Whole Grain Waffles (149)

Lunch:

• Blackberry Izzy (130)

Dinner:
• Chicken Tacos (680)

Snack:

• Frozen yogurt (225)

• Blueberries (30)

Water:

• Lots

Total Calories: 1,216 (168 over)

MM - Oct 16, 2009

Hi ladies! Do you miss me? I MISS ME! It's been a crazy, hectic week! Here's a quick recap:

1. My cold came to a head (literally, my head!) this morning, and alas, I had to call in sick today. Not good. At all. I hate being sick. I worked from home today (lying on the couch in my jammies with my criminal code and laptop is fun!).

2. My parents moved this week too, so it's been busy helping them get settled in.

3. I have tendonitis in my knee and foot - on my bad leg, of course!

4. I haven't really stuck to my diet, but I haven't gone crazy either.

5. It's SO cold here! I had to buy a new winter coat!! YAY!

Weight: 204
Water: not enough - maybe 2L today
Workout: ya right!

8am - Mini Wheats & oj
11am - 2 whole wheat melba toast
1pm - dry toast
8pm - mango chicken & rice

EP - Friday, October 16, 2009

So my hubby gets to work from home today and most of next week - as a lot of his team is in Paris - so he is just working from home. Sweet! So we splurged last night and ate popcorn and watched CSI (via pvr or I think they call it tvo in the States?) Anyways - so you can add an additional 200 calories to my day yesterday - plus I pigged out on cucumbers and some sweet chili sauce - so probably another 60 cals or so? (I had a lot of the sweet chili sauce...lol)

Today I am working out in the afternoon - then meeting up with Maggie tonight!
Wish you could join us Laura :( We absolutely adore you!!!

Breakfast:
Organic Oatmeal with Organic Blueberry Jam (and splenda)
(150 cals)

Lunch: (i am guessing the calories for my lunch today - rounding up a little just in case)
Pad Thai
(380 cals)
1/2 small tofu taco
(80 cals)

Dinner:

LD • October 15, 2009

Hello ladies :) I have been so busy lately, so I haven't been posting regularly. I have been running. My body is so sore though so I have decided to completely rest on my days off, so I did not work out today.

Today: 146

(I am only weighing myself once a week, on Mondays)
My Height: 5'8"
Goal: To weigh 135-140

Workout: none

Calories Burnt: 0

Total Daily Calories Allowed: 1,049

~My Food Log~

Breakfast:
• 2 cups of coffee, black (2)

• Egg and Cheese Sandwich (340)

Lunch:

• Crackers (156)

Dinner:
• Pizza (273)

Snack:

• Frozen yogurt (180)

• Kiwi (23)

• Blueberries (23)

Water:

• Lots

Total Calories: 989 (59 under)

EP - Thursday, October 15, 2009

I decided not to work out today since I wasn't feeling the greatest last night. Today is my day of rest - because I don't want to push too hard and get sick - again. So no work out for me today.

Breakfast:
skipped (really busy morning today)

Lunch:
Tofu Taco
(around 350 to 400 cals)

Dinner:
Lentil Soup and Basmati Rice
(500 cals)

EP - Wednesday, October 14, 2009

I woke up this morning at 5:45am and did the 6am run to the gym. I did the elliptical this morning for over an hour and burned over 650 calories. I had a really really really long day yesterday - so I was super tired this morning - but I am determined to keep at it.

Workout: gym - elliptical - over 1 hour - burned over 650 cals

Breakfast:
organic oatmeal and 1 TBorganic blueberry jam
(180 cals)

Lunch:
Tuna Salad
(150 cals)
Tilapia
(180 cals)

Dinner:

Snacks:

EP - Tuesday October 13, 2009

Well - I ran for an hour today from 6:25 to 7:25am. I woke up just before 6 am and pulled myself out and just did it :) I feel soooooooo good. I hope to work out tonight (if my hubby is home early-ish)

I didn't weigh myself today - and I have decided not to weigh myself till next week - because I know I've gained some weight back - and I know I can get rid of it as well by the end of this week - so why worry myself and get upset about nothing? :) My focus this week - is getting back into my routine.

It is honestly hard to keep a routine because my daughter gets sick very often. Especially during the fall and winter...which is why my weight fluctuates up and down. But I am determined not to get discouraged and just keep on trying my best.

I have ordered the book "Hungry Girl 200 under 200" by Lisa Lillien and I have started using it. I love that I can make lots of different dishes for under 200 calories :) So far I have just been making the salads. So far - so good.

*i might work out tonight if I get the chance to :)

Work out: On elliptical for 1 hour - burned 700 calories

Breakfast:
1.5 protein shakes (not quite 2 shakes)
(270 cals)

Snack:
Egg white salad
(180 cals)

Lunch:
Tikka Masala w. Rice (a few bites)
(150 cals)
Tuna Salad (a few bites)
(30 cals)

Dinner:
Tuna Salad (that's what I am packing up for dinner!)
150 cals
Tikka Masala w. Rice (again a few bites)
150 cals

Snack:
Girl guide cookies.... :)
(480cals)

Total: 1410 cals

LD • October 12, 2009

Today is weigh in day and I lost 1 pound! I wasn't expecting to loose any so I am happy :D

Time to get back on track with counting my calories, EEEAAAK I WENT WAY OVER!!

Today: 146

(I am only weighing myself once a week, on Mondays)
My Height: 5'8"
Goal: To weigh 135-140

Workout: 6 mile run

Calories Burnt: 664

Total Daily Calories Allowed: 1,049

~My Food Log~

Breakfast:
• 2 cups of coffee, black (2)

Lunch:

• Turkey Reuben Sandwich (400)

Dinner:
• Mahi Mahi Buritto (700) & 1 Shrimp Taco (270)w/ chips (160)

Snack:

• Chocolate (165)

Water:

• Lots

Total Calories: 1695 (654 OVER!)

EP - weekend update for me too :)

Well - it was Thanksgiving here in Canada - and I definitely ate all the weight that I lost over the weekend :) Oh well. It was a wonderful weekend with family - lots of goodness and lots of love. My husband comes from a big family so it was fun to be around noise, love and lots of kids.

This week is going to be CRAZY busy for me. I have lots of appointments and I will be out of town a lot - but I am going to remain positive - and just keep trying my best :)

Hugs!

MM - Weekend Update

Well I think this goes without saying, but I haven't exactly been counting calories this weekend. Adair made our big Thanksgiving feast this weekend, and tried to incorporate healthy options - but unsurprisingly, pumpkin pie got the best of us all.

I'll be back on track tomorrow, or maybe even today...

~Happy Thanksgiving Day~

my

Canadian

friends

hugs,

Laura

EP - Wednesday October 7, 2009

UGH!!!! SUCH A BAD DAY TODAY!!!!! And I think overall it's been a bad week. I am just going to scratch this week off - and start fresh next week :(

I won't be back till Monday. Sorry - but it's just been a hard week.

See you in a few days.

Hugs,
Eujean

LD •Day 58• Saturday October 6, 2009

Hello ladies I have not kept my calories in a couple of days. I have had a very stressful week. One of my daughters friends committed suicide on Sunday morning, it has been a big shock to our family. We were close to the whole family and no one really saw this coming! Very tragic and sad.

I did weigh myself on Monday and I am at 147 so I did loose 2 pounds. :) I also ran 5 miles on Monday. I did not work out today because of the funeral.

Big hugs and please give your babies extra big hugs tonight.

Laura

EP - Tuesday October 6, 2009

I was at a hospital yesterday for about 6 hours yesterday - nothing serious - but my little one had an appointment downtown - so it was a LOOOOOOOOOONG day. I barely woke up this morning - my daughter and I slept in - as we were EXHAUSTED from yesterday's incredibly long trip. We have another one of these next week - it's going to be another long day.

So I didn't work out yesterday and I didn't eat very well either.

Today I weighed myself I was back to 144 - but I'm not worried about it. It's still that "time of the month" and I know I haven't been eating very well the last few days - so it'll take a few days for my body to detox and the water retention to go down from my high intake of carbs.

This coming weekend is also our Thanksgiving weekend (eeek!) so wish me LOTS of luck :)

Work out - hopefully tonight :)

Breakfast:
Organic Oatmeal w. organic blueberries and organic banana
(200 cals)

Lunch:
Extra Lean Black Forest Ham Sandwich
(270 cals)

Dinner:
1.5 slice of pizza
(450 cals)

Snack:
Hot chocolate (2 cups)
(250 cals)

Total: 1220 cals

MM - Oct 5, 2009

Weight: 206 (so SICK of seeing this #)
Water: 4.5L
Workout: 2 hrs of bellydance

8am - yogurt and berries
1:30pm - grilled chicken caesar salad
6pm - chicken breast and 1 tsp bbq sauce
11pm - air-popped popcorn

EP - Monday, October 5, 2009

Well - I didn't have the greatest weekend - and yesterday definitely wasn't a good "eating" day. Honestly - it is finally "that time of the month" and I can't seem to stop stuffing my face with my sweet cravings. I feel bloated, fat and gross. *sigh* I am not planning to weigh myself this week since my weight is fluctuated about 3-5 lbs (and I'm not sure) so I'll weigh myself next week (and try to do my best this week :)

Today I am not able to go to the gym - so I promised myself that I would do my Tracy Anderson DVD - the mat workout. Wish me luck! :)

Breakfast:
oatmeal

Lunch:
california rolls
3 bites of pizza

Dinner:
toast (4 pieces...lol)

snack:
rice chips

LD •Day 55• Saturday October 3, 2009

Tonight is our friends 20th wedding anniversary! I am so excited to get dressed up and go out with the hubs :) I barely ate today to save for tonight!! I did cheat and weighed myself again this morning and I am at 147!!! Woohoo :D Really... I have never had this much success with weight loss before! Thank you for the motivation ladies!

I will post pics of tonight on here and fb :) Sooooo excited! Hehe

Hugs,

Laura

EP - Saturday October 3, 2009

Well - I didn't eat the greatest last night - I have my beautiful aunt visiting me from Korea so last night - we laughed, ate and laughed a ton more :)

I hope I can work out today - but we'll see.

Breakfast:
skipped (busy morning)

Lunch:
2 sammies (my hubby's sandwiches)
popcorn
(550 cals - guessing)

Dinner:

MM - Weekend Update

Ick. That's how I feel. It's that time of the month. Not used to feeling this way. Bloated, unmotivated, achey, mucky. I don't think ever been so on edge in my life. I just kept telling off people yesterday. Major PMS Diva! O well! I think I can get away with it sometimes ;)

I'm hopeful today is better. I didn't get a workout in yesterday - no time and too tired. I didn't eat well either. I think that part of how to lose weight and keep it off is knowing how to balance exercise and eating. If you can't exercise, you eat less and more healthy. I need to internalize that. My instinct is to go for a cheeseburger if I can't exercise. Need to change my mind-set!

My hubsy and I are determined to make October our healthiest month ever, between planning healthy meals and increasing our fitness level. The Miami Half-marathon is looming - not in a bad way. I also need to look better in bellydance costumes. I bought a new royal blue bedlah (sequined, beaded, and bling-y bra and belt) yesterday and I'm buying another costume this weekend! Running and bellydance are my motivation!

EP - Friday, October 2, 2009

Well - I finally got up at 6a.m this morning and went to the gym and did a 40 minute work out! YAY! I burned only 400 cals but I am planning on going again tonight. I am going to try to go both morning and evenings on days that I can :)

Breakfast:
scrambled egg whites
1 piece of rice toast
(245 cals)

Lunch:
Tilapia
rice bread
(250 cals)

Dinner:
Korean Food :)
(200 cals)

Snacks:
French Pastry (Kouign Amann)
Cheetos (couldn't resist a few)
600 cals

Total Cals: 1400 cals or so?

MM - Oct 1, 2009

I had another "episode" today. Second day in a row. Boo. I need to make another appt with my doctor so he can tell me that everything's ok :) and this is not as bad as it seems. Whatever!

Weight: 206 - major sucky!
Water: 3.5 L
Workout: I taught two 1 hr bellydance classes tonight, but no formal workout and no run

11am - pineapples (yup, pretty sure this is what made me ill)
1:30pm - 1/2 slice pizza
4pm - tiny slice of delicious chocolate mousse cake - it was my bestie's b-day

wow. that's it. i think my belly is still a little sensitive because of today's "episode". i'm totally afraid to eat anything.

on a positive note, i'm officially registered for the Miami Half-marathon in January 2010!!! Now I can't get pregnant or sick or injured!

LD •Day 53• Wednesday October 1, 2009

I forgot to post again yesterday! I was in my calories though and I did an hour on the gauntlet, burning 630 calories. :)

I ran 12 miles today! I weighed myself afterwards and I lost 2 pounds!! I hope it stays off :)

Today: 149

(I am only weighing myself once a week, on Mondays)
My Height: 5'8"
Goal: To weigh 135-140

Workout: 12 mile run

Calories Burnt: 1419

Total Daily Calories Allowed: 1,068

~My Food Log~

Breakfast:
• 2 cups of coffee, black (2)

• 3 Blueberry Pancakes (200)

Lunch:

• Big Salad (400)

Dinner:
• Turkey Nachos (350) I wish I did not eat these now I have a stomach ache!

Snack:

• Blueberry Gummy Bears (100)

Water:

• Lots

Total Calories: 1052 (16 calories under)

EP - Thursday, October 1, 2009

Well - I wasn't able to go work out yesterday and I am not sure if I'll be able to go today either. I have been having a kind of "blah" week - so I will just continue to try to eat well and keep within my calories. :)

*update: no work out for me today. :( sadness. Hopefully tomorrow!!!

Breakfast:
scrambled egg whites
(100 cals)

Lunch:
Salad
(250 cals)

Dinner:
Mac & Cheese
(400 cals)

Snack:
Popcorn
(200 cals)
Crystal Light
(20 cals)
Tea
(30 cals)

Total: 1000 cals