I'm alive....I swear

Hi All,
so i'm finally back from the living dead. And biology didn't kill me...thank goodness.

I had to let pretty much everything "fun" take a back seat while i learned all there is to know about the cell....ok not quite but i did have to learn a bit.

So now that i'm back I figured i'd post todays work out
Warm up 1.5 miles on treadmill. I varied speed and hill a bit.....finished in around 15 min. (not sure cause didn't look.

Next was ads.
set of 20 pilates style inclined sit ups (used 10lb weight instead of pilates ring)
10 each side...ad twists
10 straight leged hanging leg lifts
20 back extensions.....
did 2 rounds total

Next did arms
10 tricept dips with feet on ball
15 bench presses *45lb bar*
10 shoulder presses...used both 15 and 10 lb weights
15 bent over standing rows (40lb bar)
did three rounds all together

lastly was legs....oh yeh...those.
30 over the tops on a bosu
15 squats (20kg)
15/leg lungs (10kg plate held in front)
15 dead lifts *20kg*

i did two rounds of that...
then i was about ready to die so i went home...
all in all a very sucessful work out.


gonna try a new yoga class tomorrow since in theory i'll be too sore to do much else

later peps

Power perfect

I thought now would be a perfect time to update since I'm waiting for something to dissolve. If you think your life is interesting try waiting for something to dissolve for 2hrs....and it hasn't even happened yet.

So I'm officially in the second week of classes for my pre-recs for PT school. And I'm already feeling it. The biggest concern is finding enough time to work out, and focusing on nutrition enough to counter act any....need to sit on my ass all day and study biology so i can get an A days.

So far its been OK. I managed 1 trip to the gym on Saturday (because we got out early from bio lab) my mom and i did a circuit of my own making.
3 sets
Assisted pull ups
bicep curls
bench press
straight leg dead lifts
standing rows with triceps kick back
1 legged super man extensions - (side note: haven't done those in awhile and they killed...its funny cause you think something like taking your arms above our head and 1 leg out wouldn't be that hard...think of forming a T with your body...but holy moly....its not a position my body likes)

And Yesterday I went to group power with Laura. Awesome as usual and since it was an old release i was able to challenge myself a bit because the routine was not quite as familiar.

The hard part has been with the nutrition. I will admit to anyone that I am an emotion eater. I eat when I'm stress, and we aren't talking carrot sticks people. Though i feel that for everyday life i have managed to work through my cravings and problems with food and managed to reach a happy medium. I haven't been under this homework doing / have to work stress in awhile so its not something I've practiced. I've decided I'm just going to take it a day at a time and try to make the best choices for that day..stressed or not. but if i slip...which has happened (I'm thinking of the large dent in the cookies from this weekend) I'm not going to freak out about it and just try to do better next time.

I will say...the one great thing about having GI issues is when i do have a slip I end up paying for it for a few days. This one involved 2 full days...now 3 days later and finally feeling relatively normal...and not completely disgusting and in pain...and i way less motivated to turn to large quantities of sweets. Because i don't want two more days of hell. Hey, whatever works....

tactics for this week...
don't be near the kitchen while studying.
Don't let yourself get too hungry....this doesn't help even under good circumstances.

that's all for now.

And so it begins

I had a wonderful labor day weekend. Spent most of it trying to downsize a bit from the recent move and figure out where everything needs to go. I am feeling good about the downsizing and definitely need to continue to work on that. No one needs 20 tee-shirts....even if i want them. I'm actually excited that the weather is turning cold cause then i can get rid of the summer shirts that i like but are technically really worn out or sort of out of style. Makes it easier when i know i won't want to wear them for 6months. As apposed to if next week.

In addition to resetting my life i cooked (see previous post) and did two work outs.
I did a small one on saturday -- only 1 circuit (i know, i'm slipping)

10 min warm up jog
3 rounds of 10 reps
- abs twist
- shoulder pull downs
- push ups --- with some variations
- weighted squats
- bosu squats

It was good but some days I just am not feeling it and i figured it was better to just stop then try and hurt myself out of a funk.

Then on monday i took group kick at forever fit with renee. Can i just say i love renee....there are few people that can pull off overly caffenated at 9:30am but she can and makes it fun.

Tonight my plan is to take Group Power (for the first time in 2months almost...i think i might cry) Because tomorrow school starts at mass bay...YIKES!!! I start with 3 hrs of statistics....woooo and then on saturday i have 8hrs of bio double woooooo. It should be interesting to see what sort of things i have to do, and kind of nervous about fitting it all in....

stay tuned... if i have any amazing time saving insights i'll let you know....

same goes for you people out there....suggestions welcome :0)

Dinner try

The final product

I tried something new tonight in the dinner department.

I got the idea off of this blog

http://www.thefrontburnerblog.com/

She has some really interesting food ideas and highly recommend checking it out. For tonight i tried my version of the zuchinni pasta.

Mine contained

Zuchinni

Lean Ground turkey

Onion

pepper

a can of diced tomatos

oregeno, garlic, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, paprika, black pepper, and a little salt.

To make the sauce you combine everything is a pan and cook it down. I added the seedy part of the zuchinni to the sauce too.....why not add some extra.

Everything cooking away

To make the "pasta" i used a veggie peeler to make strips of zuchinni, then cooked them on low for about 5 min in a wok.

Came out really good, though the next time i would make it a bit more saucey...to coat the pasta bettter so it would feel more pasta like :)

Wicked Wednesdays

I had an awesome night last night with friend C. We met at BSC central square after work. And did a work out.



Details :

Started with trying to do 30 second sprints. I ended up going about 10min (around 1mile). Might I add I haven't actually run in awhile (2+months )so it wasn't pretty. At one point I actually managed to flick my ipod about a yard off the treadmill. It fell out of the case which went flying in opposite directions, and made a lovely noise.



It wasn't long after the ipod incident that i decided weights was a better idea.



I went for a couple short circuits cause i didn't really plan anything and its too hard to think up more then 2 or 3 exercises in a row.



#1 (10 reps of each X 3 rounds)

Kettle bell swings

bosu push ups


V - crunches on bosu --- side note : if you try these be prepared to tip over at least once. I did a couple times. You end up feeling foolish, but isn't engaging the core worth it. I think so.

leg on bosu round part squats with weights


#2 ( 10 reps of each X 3 rounds)
weighted Abs twist with cable machine
thrusters

#3 ( 10 reps of each X 3 rounds)
box jumps (mid size )
standing rows

I was ready for some eats afterward.
So me and C headed to berryline in Harvard sq to get some "dinner". Yes i had frozen yogurt for dinner and not ashamed to admit it :0)
And let me tell you. It was totally perfect and hit the spot. Its been so hot here that I can't believe it. Its SEPTEMBER for christ sake!!!!

Anyways.. back to the yogurt. The thing i love about berryline is the fact that the yogurt tastes like Greek yogurt (tangy) and they have the best toppings. Yesterday was a strawberry kiwi gummy bear day. A perfect combo after a work out.

The only problem is now of course i want it again....shoot that wasn't supposed to happen.
i'll live :0)
bye for now

I might be crazy but don't really care

Hi all
So i thought i'd do a quick post about my new obsesssion in the food world. And i have to say it might be the closest thing to a full post workout meal (if only it wasn't so small)

its actually babyfood (sort of ) I am minorly obsessed with stonyfield farms yo baby 3 in 1

http://www.stonyfield.com/yobaby/whole_milk_yogurt/3_in_1_meals/apple_&_sweet_potato/index.jsp


It does have an odd consistency at first but it actually tastes pretty good, and get multiple food groups in a small amount of food. Probably tastes good too because its a bit less paired down (aka...artifically sweetened ) then most adult yogurts since its not like we should be giving that shit to our kids (not that i have any)

Have only tried the apple and sweet potato one thus far. Want to try the green bean pear... won't probably ever try the peach one cause i don't like peachs but you should go for it

Back from vacation

Hi everyone
so its been another long hiatous in the blog front. I was on vacation in aruba. It was fabulous though not much actual working out occured. Surprisingly enough actually just playing in the water (ocean) was a pretty good workout. It was very salty (or so it seemed) and as easy to tread water. Which of course works the arms and legs a bit. And just with the movement of the water you have to work to stay in one place. But it was fabulous.

Unfortunatly i can report much about the food. It was overall ok, but nothing to write home about.

Anyways. I've been back for a few days and getting back into the gym hitting.

Yesterday I did a crossfit style workout of the day (aka WOD) and i can feel it today

Format was
10 rounds of
10 thrusters and 10 pushups (for time...which i didn't do)
which i did (with some modifications when it became clear i wasn't gonna make it)
I probably did about 40 real push ups and then did modications in various forms (both on a incline and on knees)
For the thrusters I did 1 round with 55lbs bar (that i knew wasn't gonna happen again)
3 rounds with 45 lbs bar
6 rounds with 35 lbs bar

- i wanted to the 40 lb bar but i couldn't find it...damn disorganized bsc davis.

Its was good though. Then i cooled down with ~10 min walk/ jog on the treadmill. And today. Shoulders and back surprisingly not back...quads on FIRE
but good on fire.

Tonight i'm planning to go to spinning, so the quad problem could be interesting. But i love beths class so i'm going. Tough shit quads.

Hope you enjoy your tuesday

Ok, so i lazed out for awhile

Hello world,
So i admit it. I got lazy with the posting. I didn't all of sudden die or anything but trying to get back on the horse (so to speak) so here we go.

In an attempt to cut back on my finances I had to pretty much give up trainer C, but he might be making some guest apperances now and again because i'll full admit to having alittle personal training addiction :0)

Anyways, yesterdays work out.

Warm up - 5 min jog on treadmill

First Circuit (abs of death) (3 rounds)
"pilates" crunchs set of 10 w/ 10lb med ball instead of ring (also done on inclined bench )
side to side twists set of 20 total (10 per side) w/ 10lb med ball (also on incline)
8 piked leg lifts from hanging position
10 (not sure what to call them but the thing for your back that makes you look like an upsidedown V)

Second Circuit (3 rounds)
1 leg bosu push ups ( 5 per leg)
kettle bell sq (aka prisoner squats) 40lb kettle bell (15 reps)
bicep curl to shoulder press while standing on bosu round side (12.5lbs, set of 10)

third circuit (3 rounds)
Chest flies on stability ball (12.5lbs , set of 10)
kettle bell swings ( ~20lbs...don't remember...set of 10)

cool down...hill walk on treadmill

It was a good one...and feeling it today. Word to the wise the whole thing especially the abs is very back heavy...so just be careful and listen to your body. But the end my back was telling me to stop so i did... and definitely feeling it today.

anyhoo

thats it for now...promise it won't be a month before my next one

Hot yoga on a hot day

Howdy,
so its been awhile since posted.
Had a lovely day yesterday at hot yoga. I tried a new yoga class. It was at Baron baptiste yoga institute. The teachers name was troy or something. It was really good and i liked the vibe of the place. Its funny some classes i've been too are alittle too serious and "hard core". Which i find a bit ridiculous. Its yoga not nuclear physics. And its hard when they are serious about the poses and stuff. I like to have a little giggle when in down dog. I mean yoga flow is hard enough don't need the extra baggage. Might have to go back and try a different teacher. Heard from one of the people that gregoire was good too.

will report back later

Jumped the gun

Hey
So in the previous post i was a bit high strung about not getting my paycheck direct deposit. Turns out did get paid...just the old fashioned way. The check was at the parental house....oops. Maybe need to chill out, maybe (just a little)

But anyways in other news had another workout with trainer C yesterday and my butt is still talking today.
Circuit 1 (3 times)
Squats ~ 100lbs
Walking Lungs
Stiff legged dead lifts
Crunchs on ball
arm and leg ball cruntchs on weight bench

Circuit 2 (2 times ....i think)
initally he wanted renagade rows (i was too tired)
so standing rows
push ups
biscep curls
tricep dips

I was dead..and then i met with the groove girls to practice (or run through the new release) so lets just say i was ready to pass out by the end. but always feels good to be pushed to the brink like that on occation.

I'm definitely going to enjoy the night off with the roomie and our "favorite" show...Bachelorette baby :0)

Sooooo pissed

So i just figured out i didn't get paid this week cause my boss was slow. Little does he know i'm gonna get really annouying about the pay check approval from now on. Arg!!!!

Had some interesting work outs since I last wrote.

Yesterday with trainer C did some killer stuff.
Started with abs circuit
then did 10,9,8,7,6,5 of dead lifts and burpee box jumps

then did a variation of a filty fifty
50 air squats
25 push ups
25 jump pull ups
50 second row
25 wall balls w/ 8lbs ball

(the theoretical point was to go through it mare then once but didn't have time in the session)
i was dead at the end. Went to boston burger co on the way home...delish :0)

Today did something different (it was a light day but liked the circuit i did)
Sqauts with kettle bell
Kettle bell swing and toss with one hand
bicycle crunchs

did it three times....it was good


and haven't done this one yet but i thought of a really good circuit to try
1 min sprint row
abs exercise of choice
30 air squats
bicept curls

and repeat - could be good

anyways...off to cambridge commons for dinner with some girls

Mod murph

So i'm a few days late, and i need to make this quick.
This past sunday trainer C challenged me to do a modified murph challenge for our session.

Lets start with the regular murph......its a crossfit thing if you're out there thinking who the heck is murph
1 mile run
10 rounds of
10 pull ups
20 push ups
30 airsquats
1 mile run

my head started to hurt even thinking about it
my murph challenge ended up being
30 burpees
9 rounds of
10 jumping pull ups
20 push ups (in a variety of forms...started on ground then worked up to off raised bar)
30 airsquats
1 mile run

lets just say its tuesday and my shoulders are still feeling it.

but man...makes you feel bad ass

Exhausted

For some reason yesterday I was so sleepy, so going to the gym was interesting.

First I had physical therapy and the weirdest thing happened. The PT put the stem (i think that's what its called) machine on. Granted this is something I've had done a bunch and it doesn't exactly feel good but it feels amazing after. Its like an ultra deep tissue massage with electricity. Your feet twitch uncontrollably and things tingle a lot. Fortunately its not as bad as the first time which actually kind of hurt. But anyways, I digress. So she put it on and somehow i managed to get a knot from it. Its like the machine started to work a knot out and didn't finish so it just became more pronounced. How annoying is that? I guess I'll just occupy myself at C's graduation by stretching :0) Not too bad.

After PT i had a workout with trainer C. It was good, really good. Especially since i was still kind of sore from Sunday. I'm honestly surprised i can move today.

2 rounds (legs)
- moving lungs with bicep curl and press above head
- squat thrusters
-squat jumps
-back presses
- reach across crunches on medicine ball

1 set - 1 legged dead lift squats (cause my calf's were still in knots at this point as didn't want to push it)

2 rounds
- renegade rows
- bur pee dead lifts (essentially bur pees with weights)

2 - 1 min sprints (250 meters +) on the row machine (I've definitely decided i like the row machine better then the treadmill for sprints in general. Obviously a completely differently target but not nearly as painful and really works the buns)

1 round
extended leg lifts off end of weight bench
extended ball crunches (did these Sunday too) off end of weight bench
sideways abs rotation using cable weights
ax choppers with cable weights

I was completely exhausted after that, so i went home and had some chicken burgers....yum. Wish i hadn't thrown away the packaging...bought them at BJs. No clue what they are called brand wise but tasty

Killer Circuit

OMG! I had a killer training session with trainer C. Still feeling it this morning while sitting at work. Which I always like but makes you not want to move AT ALL.

Went something like this.
Warm up -
cow pose ab crunches
and some other stuff which my brain is not wanting to remember...but if you wanted to repeat it just do a small warm up of sorts....maybe 10min. This is case in point why I should always blog the day of doing something.

Circuit
Walking two handed kettle bell swings
Jump pull ups (jump up on bar and let self down as slow as you can)
Squat presses (Rest weighted bar in hands on chest, squat down, on up motion press bar over head, repeat)
Leg lifts on back (legs fully extended
Ab full crunches (extend both arms and legs flat, crunch into little ball, release and repeat)
Side crunches while doing opposite leg lifts (leg extended)
(2) 1min sprints on rowing machine. Target at least 250 meters, resistance between 8 and 10.

Did that twice and almost had to do it a third time, but got tricked and stopped after the jump pull ups

instead did.....
single leg squats w/ weights
knee tuck curl crunches with stability ball
stability ball V passes (for abs)
plank.

and then i went home to pass out. But it was fabulous. I like doing new circuit combos cause it gives me ideas for when I'm on my own. I do wish that the gym had kettle bells to use on your own since a lot of my favorite exercises use them...but c'est la vie.

not sure what I'm going to do today but we'll see. Might have a dinner post tonight...since its the bachelorette tonight :0) later

Friday night fab

Hi all
I had another fabulous workout with trainer C yesterday.

2 rounds (40lbs first round / weight taken off after lungs and added for clean and press second round )
Step back lungs
Side step squats
Pulse squats (1st round) pulse bosu squats (2nd round)
Clean and press

2 rounds
Chest flies on blue ball
Chest presses on blue ball
burpees

2 rounds
standing slanted rows
V standing back presses
chest lifts a la super man
dead lifts

It was fab....shoulders on fire today

weekend workout

Hi Everyone...happy post memorial day :)
So not much to report. Have been meaning to put up this circuit i did on saturday (clearly I'm a few days behind....ooops)
So here we go
LEGS (3 rounds total)
5 min warm up arc machine (after first round did 2 min intervals)
Squats on nautilus
box jumps (10)
Glute lifts

ARMS (3 rounds total)
Biscep curls on bosu (15lb weight) (15reps)
Shoulder press ups on bosu (10lbs) (15 reps)
- both done standing on round side of bosu
Push ups on bosu (10 reps)
Sissor legs while sitting on bosu (not an arm excerise but i couldn't think of something else I wanted to do)

Abs (1.5 rounds total...sort of pooped out at the end....shit happens)
regular crunches feet on floor (20)
Crab crunchs (20)
Bicycles (40)
regular plank (personal count of 40)
side planks one for each (personal count of 30)

then i died. I find i tend to plan too much and then don't quite make it when i do stuff only on my own. any tips on planning a better overall workout? One thing i did do that was good was planned it on a sticky before i got to the gym. Definitely get alittle confused/ overwhelmed / tired when i have to plan as i go....not a good plan :0)

Have a good day!

First day at healthworks

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday I started my three day free pass at Healthworks in Porter Square, and I really liked it. Its a very nice club (clean, well stocked and really nice staff) I also liked the fact they have a whirl pool, which i didn't try yet but might try either today or tomorrow (cause thats always a nice thing)

Just did a workout on my own yesterday. Started with 20 min / 2miles on the eliptical.

Then did some weights

Did three rounds of

Bosu squats w/ 15lbs (15 reps)

Bosu lungs no weights (20 total)

Kettle bell dead lifts w/ 20lbs (15 reps)

Next three rounds

Bosu push ups (10 reps)

Chest flies on blue ball w/ 15lbs (15 reps)

Renagade push ups w/ tricep kick backs w/7.5lbs (10 reps total)

next three rounds

shoulder pull downs (15 reps)

kettle bell swings (20 total)

ok....i'm totally blanking on what else i did next...darn it!

finished off using the arc machine for 10 min. That thing kicks your butt

all i can say is I was burned when i was done.

later :O)

Awesome day

Hi everyone,
just wrapping up a great day outside with E. Went hiking at Blue Hills Reservation in Milton ma.

It was a beutiful day to go and it was a great intro...or re-intro in hiking since it was pretty flat. I bought these lovely boots last year and am now determined to use them to their fullest...so at least now i can chonicle my comings and goings :0)

We ended up going for about 2 hrs so we were pretty hungry and tired when it was all said and done. So we came back to somerville and went to Chipotle. Which is always tasty. Had a burrito bowl for the first time. So much easier to eat then the burrito since you don't have to spend the entire time making sure it doesn't fall on your lap.

After lunch we decided to take a trip to lush in harvard square. For those that aren't familiar with Lush, it is the most fabulous and adictive store in the world. I use their face wash, among other things daily (angles on bare skin) I love the store because its semi - natural materials in the soap and it works well. They are also adictive because they frequently have deals which prompt you to purchase even more....and get free stuff in the process. (i'm such a sucker) Today was a low purchase day for me though...just bought soap (sea vegatable and porriage (which i haven't tried yet)) But cause E bought more now have a chocolate cupcake face mask to try....probably will get adicted to yet another product but oh well (i don't really mind)

Below is a picture of sea vegatable soap....isn't it pretty?????

also just finished making chocolate covered coconut bananas....can you say mmmmmm?

thank you ohsheglows.com for all the fabulous food ideas.

http://ohsheglows.com/2010/05/11/10-easy-steps-to-frozen-chocolate-banana-coconut-bliss/

Fridays......

Hello world
happy friday. I had quite the busy day at work and then went off to the gym to team teach groove with D. I love teaching with D cause a) don't have to kill yourself for a whole class b) its just fun c) teaching is about 100 times more of a workout then just taking class.

Got home late after that and made veggie burger and zuchinni squash mix. Can i say i'm offically in love with my mandolin....makes veggies so much easier. Just baked them with paprika, cumin and pepper. The veggie burgers were blue mango brand and they are amazing http://www.bluemangofoods.com/ I don't know whats in them but they are really thick and hearty. Just right with a little bbq sauce on top.



Now watching the lovely bones and contemplating having a piece of chocolate :0) Perfect way to finish off a friday

Off to hike the blue hills tomorrow. Pictures to follow

Adventures with a mandolin part 2

Hi everyone,

After group step tonight and came home and a hankering for zucchini chips. Pictured above. Completely simple and tasty.

Turn oven on the 400

spray baking sheet with pam

use mandolin to cut zucchini

spread out on baking sheet sprinkle with paprika and pepper

bake for ~30 min...depending on amount and thickness

super tasty and healthy way to get the veggies.....

teaching groove tomorrow with D :0)

so off to bed :0)

Wednesday night ass kicking

Hi all,
just got back from workout with trainer C. It was a goody.
Here we go:
Before we met did some leg stretches and 5 min on the elliptical (low intensity setting)
then the fun begins
started with squats on slanted squat machine (no weights....though the machine is pretty heavy anyways)
-2 min on giant stairs medium setting
back to squats with some weight
squats with feet together (worked the outside of the butt...don't know name of muscle....but fabulous workout)
-2 min on giant stairs (started medium setting went to high for 30 seconds....lowered setting then did every other set for 1 min)
squat with feet wide to work inner thigh
moved to back lift machine worked butt and hamstring (trick is to round back.... takes pressure off back and lower to hamstrings)
from table top position pushed leg backward using hamstring machine for weight
then back to previous
moved to mat repeat set twice --- bridge pose (aka hip thrusters)
alternating side crunch twist and leg lift with straight leg
bicycle crunches
plank for 1 min

on to upper body
on stability ball
chest presses
chest fly

assisted chin ups
single leg ups on bench (going from lung position to balanced on one leg one bench with knee up)

back to chest presses / fly / assisted chin ups
regular squat jumps

shoulder presses
side shoulder raises
burpees
supported push ups

shoulder presses
side shoulder raises
front shoulder raises
burpees


ok.... i think i got it all. Clearly its good that I'm writing this down cause otherwise there is no way I'd remember it (i mean who would remember that) Hope it made sense.... not good with the technical names (obviously) so feel free to ask if unclear

now that I've enjoyed my post workout odwalla super protein chocolate smoothie....time to make some broccoli

nite

Rainy days

Hi Everyone
Its been a couple days since i last wrote. Did not feel the need to update much since i tend to eat the same thing monday thru fri...talk about a boring read.

I am here now to tell you I actually changed it up (alittle). Today for lunch had my usual salad but added flax, chia and raw cocoa nibs. It was a interesting experience and i could definitely taste it. I bought the chia seeds because i'd been hearing about the awesome health benifits (http://www.living-foods.com/articles/chia.html) and raw cocoa nibs was a whim. But now that i have them i'm kind of excited. So todays use was salade

You can't really see them there but here is a close up.

It was an interesting combination and smelled kind of odd...but was tastey none the less.

As for workouts as of late I did Group Kick (m) and Group Power (t). For those that aren't familiar with the BTS (http://www.bodytrainingsystems.com/). All the classes that i've taken are super fun and a really REALLY easy way to get some sort of work out in. I'm even certified in group groove (cause i like to shake my shimmy). They are great fun and if your fitness club has them...get thy butt to a class.

Meeting with trainer C tonight...will report back later on workout :0)

Monday morning smoothie fail

Hello
welcome to mondays. So far today has been an ok work day. Just got back from my lunch (the usual was had....giant salad with can of tuna on top and balsamic vinegar)...so i'm in a pretty good mood.

This morning was marked by a giant green monster fail...well not completely since i did drink it. Something about the following didn't sit well.
Almond milk
Spinach
small scoop mixed berries
few pieces of catalope

I think it was the almond milk. This is a new product for me and i think the underlying taste was that (also used ALOT of spinach so was alittle to grainy). I'm not sure how i feel about almond milk. Tried it in an attempt to lower my dairy intake (a la paleo diet) But might just go back to milk after i finish this carton (and the one i bought last night :0( ) At least it works well in my chocolate protein smoothies (or i didn't notice the taste nearly as much)

Anyone have thoughts on almond milk? Or dairy substitutes...much appreciate

Don't forget the fingers

Evening to all
So concert was good... though feel good to be sort of done for the season. Went to trader joes and spent more then usual but got every veg and fruit i could want and now i'm ready for the week.

Ventured to the kitchen. Like i said previously made chicken in frying pan.
On top put paprika
garam massala
white pepper
olive oil
came out good (which is good since i'll be having it for dinner for the next couple of days)
Also still in the process of makeing baked zuchinni, yellow squash and carrots. (on top: olive oil, paprika and garam massala) what can i say i pick a flavor and go with it. The veggies were slow going because i was using my brand new mandolin and sliced my finger open pretty bad (side note: typing with 2 bandaids on a finger is hard) So i had to wait awhile to get the injury under control...but they look good in the flipping thats occured. And for dessert : some trader joes chocolate. It was a splurge :-)

word to the wise. don't go to the grocery store hungry. You'll always buy something you don't need or shouldn't eat. Today i did both...chocolate and expandable sponges. I told you. Not good.

Thats all for now. Back to watching greys anatomy back episode and waiting for the veggies

Concert Sundays

Hi Everyone.
today has been quite lazy so far. Playing a concert at 4, so i've just be lazing around the house and watching TV (for a change). Sometimes its nice just to sit around and relax. Something I don't do every often. I usually am up and out early or at least by noon...so i'm having a good time.

I was so not a kitchen wiz this morning. Made bacon and cheese eggs and managed to burn them almost to inedible, (but fortunately not that bad...just a little extra crunchy) For lunch I made minestrone in a can (tasty and not skill necessary), scoop of pb and a fig bar. I'm not going to risk another disaster until this evening. Don't want to tempt fate too much. You'll have to wait and see how i do with the unthawed chicken in my sink.

Pre-concert snack of Omega nut pack from trader joes and i was ready to go.


Yesterday did an awesome gym workout (care of D)
Did three rounds of below...highly recommend it. Awesome and killer

Box jumps (12)
Lungs across floor w/ 5kg plate overhead)
Squats on bosu w/ dumbells (12lbs) (12)
Push ups on Bosu (12)
(Both of these were done with flat part of Bosu facing up)
Lungs forward onto round part of Bosu with Bicep curl (12)
Upright Shoulder Rows standing on round part Bosu (12)
Shoulder Presses on Bosu (12)
Side Lungs over top of bosu (60)
renege rows with triceps kick back
Crunches on Bosu (12)
Scissor on Bosu (24)

Trust me....your legs will thank you after
later

Happy Friday

Goodevening,
What a day. First my computer at work contracted a virus. So i spend most of the day stareing at the way...sounds like fun right? So i had lots of time to think and do fun errands like call my insurance company and set up my voice mail. I did have fun this morning making my food for the day. Here was my morning snack

and breakfast


Which was a variation of the green monster (Biochem chocolate protien powder, scoop of pb, spinach and banana...with almond milk) completely delicious. I always feel like I eat alot of food but looking back on what it is (mostly fruits and veggies)
*folks let me tell me....thus far the easiest way for weight maintainance eat mostly fruits, veggies and protien trust me you'll feel full and statisfied...i bet you an apple :0)

after a bit more of waiting lunch/ snack / and pre-gym meal came and went




Had an awesome session with C at the gym. I was admittedly nervous to start with a new trainer but geez he kicked my ass. Session started with a super set of core with leg extensions, leg lifts, crisscross crunches and back lifts. Then moved to legs. Did interesting thing with doing strength moves (walking lungs) and power moves (lung jumps) It was a really tough way to do it and killed. Will definitely be doing it again. And finished with pushup, body panck pull ups, pull downs and chest flys...wooooh. I'll be feeling it tomorrow. But its so satifying after a really tough workout to look back and go "damn I did that...i'm awesome" so great to feel powerful.

Had dinner with S+P and peps at John Harvards..tasty, good friends and good chatting.

And on that note i'm going to bed before i completely pass out.

Later gaitor

Hello World

For years I have struggled with the hard questions like

"What should I eat?"
How much
How often to exercise...what sort.
how to make healthy meals that work for my body (as an unwilling member of the IBS club)

I finally have started (and believe me I know the road has a way to go)to realize what works for me both nutritionally and physically. So i wanted to document my discoveries in a fun way to look back on later, and maybe share some insights as i find them out myself. And hopefully be able to learn new things from people out in the bloggousphere. (if that's a word)

Anyways, I hope you enjoy following my adventure of self discovery and growth. I know i'll enjoy writing about it.