Sunday, Week 25 (With Progress Update)

This has been a decent fitness week overall for maintenance. Unfortunately, my ear infection or whatever it is has not healed yet. In fact, in a lot of ways it's gotten worse. Mornings are pretty good. Afternoons are ok. But by nighttime... It's no fun at all. Last night I just couldn't find a way to get some relief. I wound up munching a lot. Luckily, we didn't have anything really unhealthy in the house, but that's why my weigh-in was artificially high. But, 113.6 is still a good weight for me.

This past week I've kept up with most of my workouts. I did my pilates, running several days, and I did my trapeze class yesterday. Today I'm going to do a Tae Bo video. Weights the day after trapeze class is not a good idea. I'll do my weights probably on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Progress:
Weight: 113.6lbs (goal weight 110-115)
Waist: 25.5 inches (goal 24 - 27)
Below Waist: 27.25 inches (goal (26 - 29)

Trapeze Private Lesson

I'm on such a high right now. My private lesson this morning was amazing! I was able to do my routine 3 times through, with my husband video taping it. Plus, my instructor taught me how to do my front pull-over trick correctly. I was missing pulling up with my arms. That combined with keeping my legs straight the whole time did the trick. She also taught me how to make a smooth transition sliding down the ropes into the free handed hammock trick. And, I learned a new trick - an Arabesque - that I'm adding right before my forward roll. I also got some good tips regarding my styles, and they improved as well.

The 3rd take was the best. We'll be posting the video soon. I have a semi-private lesson next Saturday morning. I'm going to have my husband do video again for me, and I'm going to see if another friend can come take still pictures.

Mornings are typically pretty good for me. I don't usually feel too bad until later in the day. Luckily, even with being upside down and everything, I didn't get light-headed. I really hope that I can beat this without surgery. I would love to continue on to the level 2 trapeze class. Time will tell, though.

Sunday, Week 24 (with Progress Update)

This week has been a good transition into a maintenance phase. My body really has done well with the more reasonable range of calories. I will definitely continue the target of 1500-1800 calories/100+ grams of protein per day.

Regarding my ear troubles, it still hasn't gone away. Today is my last day of the steroids, but I still have like 4 more days of the antibiotics. Send me good vibes. I really need this infection to clear up.

Progress:
Weight: 111.2lbs (goal weight 110-115)
Waist: 25.25 inches (goal 24 - 27)
Below Waist: 27 inches (goal (26 - 29)

Food:
Breakfast: 3/4 Cup Egg Beater Omelet 130/22, Clementine (50/1)
Snack: 2 Oreo Cookies (160/2), 1 choc covered corn flakes (50/0)
Lunch: Turkey (150/28), Broccoli (60/2), Red Potato (60/6)
Snack: Leek Soup (105/4), Tilapia (100/21)
Dinner: Turkey (150/28), Veggies/Beans (90/5)
Dessert: Angel Food Cake (160/4), Vanilla Ice Cream (150/4.5)
Dessert2: Angel Food Cake (80/2), Vanilla Ice Cream (75/2)

Total Calories: 1570
Total Protein: 131.5

Exercise:
Upper Body Weights - lackluster, but at least I did it, low endurance

Saturday, Week 23

I started off the morning with my run and then some stretching. I just had breakfast and my ear medicine, so I'm pretty worn out now. The antibiotic makes me tired. Unfortunately I have to go out to the bank now to take case of some loose ends. Then, I have a LOT of work to do. I have a deadline in the coming week, and there's still so much left to do for it. It's going to be a difficult weekend. I already don't feel good, and it's only 9:40am.

Food:
Breakfast: 1/2 Kashi (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Turkey (150/28), Broccoli (60/2), Red Potato (60/6)
Snack: Celery/Carrots (30/1), Choc IsoPure w/ milk (100/20)
Snack: 1/2 Kashi (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Dinner: Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich (375/20), 1 wine (100/0)

Total Calories: 1230 (too low, meant to have dessert, but I fell asleep)
Total Protein: 103.5

Exercise:
Treadmill: 4.1 miles, 40 minutes
Stretching

Friday, Week 23

Today has been good. Work has been busy. And, I still have a lot of work to do over the weekend, too.

The night was not so good. My ear and entire right side of my face was hurting. We got food from Chili's to go and ate at home. The glass of wine helped, though. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not.

Food:
Breakfast: 1/2 Cereal and Milk (110/10.5)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Chicken (150/27), Celery/Carrots (30/1)
Snack: Clementine (50/1), Salad w/ 2 turkey (45/9.5)
Dinner: Chili's Guiltless Grill Salmon (minus cheese and pico de galla) 460/52
Beverage: 1 wine (100/0)
Dessert: Angel Food Cake (160/4), Vanilla Ice Cream (180/2), Small Choc Corn Flakes (40/0)

Total Calories: 1460
Total Protein: 112.5

Exercise:
Rest Day

11th Trapeze Class

My trapeze class went quite well. Although I was on my ear medicine, I was able to do my routine 3 times all the way through to my music. I also practiced my entrance and exit. My instructor gave me some really good ideas for that. Now, I just have to practice being graceful with it. I feel myself trying to force the gracefulness, but instead I think I'm stiff. It will come, though. This was only my first real attempt at it. I took ballet when I was much younger. Maybe I can remember the feel from that training a long time ago.

I'm definitely progressing with my routine. I'm not rushing the tricks quite as much as before, which actually makes them smoother and ironically faster overall. My transitions are much smoother and more graceful. I'm definitely getting the hang of moving my hands apart when I come out of the catcher's hang, too, which is something I had been struggling with. My music is actually a perfect length. I have plenty of time for a nice entrance and exit. Last time it seemed like my music was going to be too short. But, I suppose I was taking a longer time in my transitions - going from one trick to another.

The thing I need the most work on now (besides my entrance and exit) is the very first trick - the front pullover. I keep "cheating" by using my feet against the ropes to make sure I make it up and over the bar. I did get it correct once (during the 2nd time doing my routine). Unfortunately, that was the time I was practicing on my own. So, my instructor didn't see. I would have made it the 3rd time, too, except she pushed me to give me a bit more momentum - so I made it, but with her help. Then, I tried to do it again after I had finished my routine, but I was worn out.

I'm looking forward to my private lesson on the 27th. That should be a big help. Plus, while I'm resting, I can work on my entrance and exit. Also, I may do a semi-private lesson with one of my classmates - the ballet one, one of the days after New Year's. Then, I wouldn't be missing any of the weeks. It's great to know, though, that even when I'm not at my physical peak (worn down from the ear medication) that I can still do my trapeze routine. I'm determined to have an amazing night performing on Jan 17th.

Thursday, Week 23

Today has been ok so far health-wise, although the antibiotic wiped me out this morning. I have my trapeze class tonight, so I'll have to see how I do while on these meds. The ear doctor said no activity restrictions, so I'll just have to be conservative and do only what I can do safely.

I weighed 111.6 lbs again this morning. I think my body is liking the extra calories. Who knew that adding Angel Food cake and vanilla ice cream could actually lower my weight level? (Just joking, sort of.) It is nice, though, to have some desserts.

Food:
Breakfast: 3/4 Kashi Cereal (110/10), 3/4 Milk (60/6)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: WW Thai Chicken and Rice Noodles (260/14), Celery/Carrots (30/1), Small Brownie (50/1)
Snack: Salad w/ 2 turkey (45/9.5), South Beach Bar (140/10)
Post-Trapeze: IsoPure (75/18.5), Brownie (100/1)
Dinner: Mesquitte Grilled Chicken (170/30), Veggies (60/2)
Dessert: Angel Food Cake (160/4), Vanilla Ice Cream (180/4), Small Choc Corn Flakes (40/0)

Total Calories: 1615
Total Protein: 118.5

Exercise:
90 minute trapeze class

Wednesday, Week 23

Today has started out alright. The antibiotic that I took this morning is making me a bit drowsy. I didn't notice that side-effect last night. I even did my running after I had taken it. I think that my maintenance level calorie range of 1500-1800 is working out pretty well. Actually this morning my weight was the lowest it's been (111.6 lbs). And, the steroid for my ear is actually supposed to make me retain water (which would mean that my weight should go up for a while until I'm finished with them). It's nice to have some flexibility in my food now. I don't have to be quite so bare-bones with it. My body must have been starving at the calorie levels I had been doing. I'm actually going to have to add in some kind of snack to get me in range. 1410 is too low. I'll have to figure that out over the course of the day.

Food:
Breakfast: 1/2 Cereal and Milk (110/10.5), Yogurt and Apple (135/5.5)
Snack: Salad w/ 2 turkey (45/9.5)
Lunch: Chicken (150/27), Celery/Carrots (30/1)
Snack: Clementine (50/1), Small Brownie from Food Day (150,1)
Post-Cardio: Choc IsoPure w/ Milk (65/13.5)
Dinner: 2 Tilapia (200/42), Red Potato (60/4), Veggies (60/2)
Dessert: Angel Food Cake (220/2), Vanilla Ice Cream (200/4)

Total Calories: 1560
Total Protein: 121

Exercise:
Morning: 20 pushups, 20 V-Crunches, Light Stretching
Cardio: 32 minutes Elliptical to finish the Biggest Loser Finale

Tuesday, Week 23

Today turned out to be a decent day. I got some hopeful news from the ear doctor. He said that I definitely have some fluid in my middle ear (so, I have a middle ear infection). He prescribed an antibiotic and a steroid for me to take. It's still certainly possible that there's more going on in there. I'll go back to see him on Jan 6th. If everything has cleared up, then that would be awesome. Otherwise, he'll want to go in and take a closer look (i.e. surgery), and he would probably put a tube in my ear as well during the surgery. Regardless, I should still be fine to do my trapeze performance on Jan 17th, since they wouldn't be able to schedule the surgery that fast anyway. One extra week or so wouldn't make a difference.

I started my medication after I got home from work, so I'm hoping it will start working soon.

Food:
Breakfast: Choc IsoPure w/ Milk (90/20), Yogurt and Apple (135/5.5)
Snack: Salad w/ 2 turkey (45/9.5)
Lunch: Chicken (150/27), Celery/Carrots (30/1)
Snack: Clementine (50/1)
Dinner: Subway Foot Long Chicken (710/52)
Dessert (post-run): Angel Food Cake (220/2), Vanilla Ice Cream (200/4)

Total Calories: 1630
Total Protein: 122

Exercise:
45 minute Yoga Class
Treadmill: 34 mins, 3.25 mi, with incline
Stretching

Sunday, Week 23 (With Progress Update)

This week has been a good transition into maintenance. I've boosted my calories quite a bit and have allowed myself a number of splurges throughout the week. However, my weight remains stable (I actually weight less than last week). My goal is to remain between 112 - 115 lbs, with a waist of 25 - 27 inches, and below waist of 27 - 29 inches. I think these are all very healthy stats for me to try to maintain.

Progress:
Weight: 113.4lbs
Waist: 25.5 inches
Below Waist: 27.5 inches

Here are some of the fitness highlights from the past week:
Monday: 7 mile run in 67 minutes and upper body weights (all after my stomach had settled down)
Tuesday: Stair Climbing Challenge at work, Yoga class, and Last ice skating class
Wednesday: Stair Climbing Challenge at work, 4.57 mile run in 45 minutes
Thursday: Trapeze Class (did my entire routine twice)
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 4.05 mile run in 38 minutes

Here are some of the nutrition recaps from the past week:
-Yogurt and Apple every morning
-IsoPure Protein Supplementation every day
-Kashi Lean Cereal most mornings
-Raw Veggies (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery) cooked slightly in microwave
-Cabbage
-Subway Chicken Sandwich on whole wheat bread with provolone cheese, lettuce, spinach, and green pepper (awesome!) w/ Baked Lays Potato Chips
-BK Butterfinger Pie (awesome, 360/4, but loaded with fat - definitely a splurge)
-Wine in moderation
-Pork, 1/2 Sweet Potato, Veggies last night for dinner (I haven't had sweet potato in years - it was actually pretty good. I think my problems with them in the past were all the junk people cook it with. It was good plain - just microwaved.)
-Pear/Clementine/other fruit most days (in addition to the apple every day)
-Sole, Salmon, Tilapia
-Muscle Punch Smoothie from Smoothie King yesterday (these have gotten expensive, but I had a coupon for a free small if you buy a medium)

Mainly, I'm trying to allow for a bit more flexibility in my nutrition. I have a goal range of 1400 - 1800 calories per day, with 100+ grams of protein. I'm not looking to necessarily build more muscle, but I do want to preserve the muscle that I have. Likewise, I don't feel the need to lose additional fat. I think I'm at a good level now. But, I don't really want to gain more.

My ear problems have continued, and I'm glad that I have my doctor's appointment on Tuesday. It will be good to find out what's going on. If the cholesteatoma is growing back, I need to get it taken care of. Surgery is easier the sooner it's caught. Last time he had to reconstruct a lot of my middle ear. Hopefully, this time it will be less of a problem. If I do have to have surgery, I will be banned from all exercise for several weeks (any excess pressure could blow the ear packing). But, I'll try to keep on track with nutrition. It will be more difficult, though. There might be nausea, and I won't be able to cook as much especially during the initial recovery. At least things like my Kashi Cereal are easy. I won't even be able to shake up my protein drinks, though. I'll have to rely on hubby for that. It will really be no fun if that's the way it goes.

Today for exercise I'm going to do upper body weights. I'm going to change up my format to only 3 sets of each exercise to shorten the session. Later today I might do the elliptical machine or a Tae Bo DVD. And, as always stretching.

Celery

We had leftovers from our work Christmas party yesterday. One thing that I discovered that I really liked is plain celery, microwaved for about a minute. This makes it warm and not quite so tough - but still a little crunchy. Try it if you get a chance. I'm going to buy a bunch of it this weekend at the grocery store for easy snacks to munch on.

Update

Although I haven't been posting this week, that doesn't mean that I haven't been working. This week I've been trying to figure out how to transition into maintenance mode. I'm satisfied with my body composition. I think my fat level is low enough, and I have enough strength and endurance for my trapeze performance. My cardiovascular health is good, too. I've can even run 7 mile stretches now.

Currently, I'm working on figuring out how much I need to eat to simply maintain. I read online that even if I eat 1600 calories per day, I might still lose weight. So, I've been trying to up my calorie intake to get my body used to a metabolizing a more normal calorie level. I want to maintain a weight between 112 - 115 lbs. I think that's probably a very healthy level for me.

There has been a bit of potential bad news, though. My right ear has started acting up, and I've started getting headaches again. It's very possible that the cholesteatoma is growing back yet again. My ear and head feel the same as they did last time around. Way back in my first fitness post on this blog, I mentioned that recurring ear problems could be something that could derail my efforts. It's likely that this is happening. I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, so maybe I'll know more after that. I'll probably need to have another CT scan. And, I won't be surprised if I have to have surgery yet again.

I'm hoping that the potential surgery can wait until after my trapeze performance. Yesterday was a bad day regarding headaches and such, but I still went to trapeze class. I was still able to do my routine twice all the way through (although the performance quality was lack-luster, I'm sure). Regardless, if I do need to get the surgery sooner, I'm going to have my husband come to one of my practices - or possibly my private lesson on Dec 27th to tape me doing my routine. I can do it with the music and with my costume, so it would be like the real performance - just sooner and without an audience. But, hopefully my performance won't be impacted.

It's very frustrating to seemingly be doing everything right but yet have something out of your control come and block you. Hopefully, I'm just being paranoid and it's not really back. But, I've gotten pretty good at knowing my body - especially my ear. And, this feels exactly like it did a year ago.

Monday, Week 22

I woke up this morning and was feeling completely sick to my stomach. I'm assuming it's due to the pizza that I ate. I feel so ill that I'm working from home today. I have a feeling I'll be in the restroom off and on for a good portion of the day.

In case anyone is actually reading this, I'm going to take a break from blogging this week. I'll be back on Sunday for a progress update, and then I'll decide what to do with my blog after that.

Sunday, Week 22 (with Progress Update)

I'm not thrilled with what I've eaten at night the past 2 nights. It definitely showed for the weigh in this morning. But, at least I can say that I did really well with exercising this past week, so at least that's something.

Progress:
Weight: 114.2lbs (137.8 baseline, 114.2 last week, same as last week)
Waist: 25.5 inches (31.5 baseline, 25.5 last week, same as last week)
Below Waist: 27.5 inches (33.25 baseline, 27.5 last same as last week)

Food:
Breakfast: Leek Soup (105/4)
Lunch: Qdoba Chicken Burrito (910/45)
Snack: Leek Soup (105/4)
Dinner: Pizza (?/?)

Total Calories: A Lot
Total Protein: ?

Exercise:
Skipped Ice Hockey Class, not feeling well

Saturday, Week 21

I had a nice influx of calories yesterday, so my metabolism should be kicked up. Today I'm going to focus on cardio. Also, we're going to decorate the Christmas tree tonight, so I'm not sure exactly the whole plan for tonight. I'm going to go to the grocery store, and maybe I can make my leek soup. That would be nice to have.

Food:
Pre-Post Run: Choc IsoPure (80/18.75)
Breakfast: 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4), Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Turkey (170/25) w/ 1 Asiago Cheese (80/5), 1 Bread (45/3), Leek Soup (105/4)
Snack: Choc IsoPure (55/12.5)
Dinner: Thai Jasmine - Pad Broccoli w/ Chicken + broccoli cooked at home (350/28), 2 Wine (200/0)
Snack: BK Hershey Sundae Pie (300/3), MCD Hot Fudge Sundae (330/8)

Total Calories: 1960
Total Protein: 123.25

Exercise:
20 4-Point Crunches, 10 Obliques
Treadmill: 6.2 mi (10K!), 60 minutes - while watching the Secret Millionaire
Stretching
55 min Tae Bo Dedication DVD

10th Trapeze Class

Getting back to the trapeze was awesome. After warming up and stretching a lot, we each ran through our routines to our music. I was able to do my entire routine - even the strength-intensive LadyBug trick at the end. Granted, I have a lot to improve upon, but I was able to do all the tricks in the proper order. Endurance and strength was absolutely no problem. My music is exactly the right length, and it looks like I'm going to use all 4:28 of it. If I run over, they'll just loop it, which wouldn't be ideal. But, hopefully as I get more used to the routine, it will flow well with the music.

One thing I need to think about is my entrance. We have to come out from behind the curtains and make our way over to the trapeze. So, I need to figure out what I'm going to do for that. Luckily, my music starts off in such a way that I should be able to come up with something good. I need to make it brief, though, since I need a lot of music for the trapeze routine.

So, during class, I ran through my routine twice with my instructor and once on my own (with another student reading out my list of tricks to me if I would forget what to do next). And, then I worked on the beginning of my routine on my own as well. The part I need to work on the most is coming out of the Catcher's Hang into the beat to move my hands apart. I need to figure out how to get both hands to slide apart at the same time in one movement. Only then will it look really graceful. So far, I've only been able to do 1 hand and then the other.

But, there is lots of progress. I feel completely comfortable with the shoulder stand and the Forward Roll, which are my most difficult tricks. And, I don't think that I'm going to fall off. So, now I really have to work on making everything flow together. Also, I need to get my routine memorized. Now that I've actually done the entire routine in a row a couple of times, I can start some mental visualization practice to help me memorize it. I should really do that every day. I think there was a study where they took a group of basketball players and made 1 group stop playing for a period of time. A second group practiced. And, then a 3rd group did mental visualization of practicing. After few weeks or so of the study were up they tested the players. The whole study was geared around free throws (so that's what they practiced and visualized). The first group had declined, but the 2nd and 3rd groups had both improved. So, I think there's something to it. Regardless, it will be the best way for me to memorize my routine.

Friday, Week 22

It's been a good fitness week overall. Tonight, I'm hoping to relax and have some fun. The plan is to eat out at LongHorn for steak and then get Narnia - Prince Caspian and watch that at home. The only hiccup to the plan could be if my husband has to work late. If that happens, I'll just wind up eating at home, and maybe I'll even do some exercising. My muscles aren't too bad off from the trapeze class. So, there is some flex in the daily plan.

Food:
Breakfast: IsoPure (50/12.5) w/ Milk (10/1), 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Salad (25/0), 1 Turkey (20/4.25), Chicken (150/27)
Snack: Clementine (50/1), Soy Beans (100/8)
Dinner: LongHorn - Bites of Appetizer (100/4), Salad (50/0), 7 oz Sirloin (350/45), Broccoli (100/2), 1 red wine (100/0)
Snack: Oberweis Choc Marsh Ice Cream Double Scoop (800/10)

Total Calories: 2150
Total Protein: 130.75

Exercise:
Walk during lunch
Rest Day!

Trapeze Performance Date/Time Change!!!!

Breaking News! My trapeze performance date/time has changed! It is now Saturday, January 17th at 8:00pm. There were too many performances on Friday, so my instructor broke out our class into our own show on Saturday night.

This is actually better for me. It will give a rest day in between the dress rehearsal on Thursday and the actual performance. Also, it's an hour earlier, so that's good. 9:00pm was a bit late.

Thursday, Week 21

Yesterday was an even-keeled day. It got very busy at work from mid-day all the way through to the end of the day. At night, I was able to do a LOT on the treadmill while watching the Biggest Loser. Today my muscles feel great, and I'm all set for my trapeze class tonight!

Food:
Breakfast: Choc IsoPure (80/18.75) w/ Milk (10/1), 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Salad (25/0), 1 Turkey (20/4.25), Chicken (150/27)
Snack: Clementine (50/1), South Beach Bar (140/10)
Post-Trapeze: IsoPure (75/18.75)
Dinner: Salmon (140/23), Red Potato (60/3), Cabbage (70/1)
Snack: Pudding (60/2), Jello (10/1)

Total Calories: 1135
Total Protein: 126.75

Exercise:
90 minute Trapeze Class

Wednesday, Week 21

While yesterday during the day was difficult temptation-wise at work, I avoided eating the Fun Size packs of M&Ms and Peanut M&Ms. Last night was busy. I got home just in time to head out to ice skating class, and then it was dinner time and then time to go to sleep a few hours later.

Today is starting off easier. I'm not craving anything, and my appetite seems more settled. I'm going to do another lighter calorie day, and then tomorrow I'll go a bit higher to sustain me through trapeze class. It seems like such a long time since I've been to trapeze class. The class was cancelled last week for Thanksgiving, but it seems longer than just 1 class missed. I can't wait to get back to it. I'm going to try to set up a private lesson over the Christmas/New Years week. Missing 2 weeks in a row would be bad, especially when it's getting so close to the performance.

Food:
Breakfast: IsoPure (50/12.5), 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Salad (25/0), 1 Turkey (20/4.25), Chicken (150/27)
Snack: Clementine (50/1), Pear (100/0)
Pre/Post-Cardio: Choc IsoPure (80/18.75) w/ Milk (20/2)
Dinner: Misquette Chicken (170/30), Broccoli (60/2), Cabbage (70/1)
Snack: Sweet Freedom Fudge Bar (35/2), 1/4 IsoPure (25/6.25)

Total Calories: 1100
Total Protein: 122.75

Exercise:
Treadmill - 60:00, 5.75mi, Cardio to the Biggest Loser
Stretching

Tuesday, Week 21

Last night had the potential for disaster food-wise. We left work a bit late, and I wanted to get started on my homemade mashed potato creation. Plus, I knew the meat would take 30 minutes to cook, so I didn't want to be eating too late. So, I decided to eat before my run.


I was feeling like really relaxing and indulging during dinner, so I had a glass of wine with my meal. After that, I really felt like a rich dessert. Luckily, we don't really have anything like that in the house. Or, I thought about having more wine. But, I figured I would wait a bit and watch some tv. I wanted to catch up on Desperate Housewives. I made some Oolong tea (which helps with digestion), and had that while I watched tv. There was definitely a cross-roads last night. I barely had the motivation to get dressed to do my run. I went to see my husband, and he said that the was just finishing up his video game. He was thinking of going out to get dessert and then watch tv downstairs. That idea sounded absolutely perfect to me. And, I came so close to going that way. But, something clicked in my head that I was already off track for the day, but I didn't have to make it worse. I could get back on track right now. So, I went downstairs and did my run. After that, I didn't feel like having dessert or anything else to eat. Perhaps it was the endorphines kicking in. Or maybe it was psychological, seeing the number of calories burned on the treadmill. Regardless, it got me back on track for the night.

Today I'm going to go easy on the calories, and I'm going to eat cleanly - lots of veggies with dinner. Plus, I have my ice skating class, so that will get me out of the house, and I'll be less tempted.

Food:
Breakfast: IsoPure (50/12.5), 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Salad (25/0), 1 Turkey (20/4.25), Tyson's Beef Shoulder Filet (203/30.5)
Snack: Boca Burger (70/13), Clementine (50/1)
Pre/Post-Ice Skating: Choc IsoPure (55/12.5)
Dinner: Sole (90/21), Broccoli (60/2), Cabbage (70/1), 1 bite Subway Sandwich (20/0)
Snack: Fudge Bar (50/3)

Total Calories: 1008
Total Protein: 116.75

Exercise:
45 minute Yoga Class
30 minute Ice Skating Lesson

Homemade Mashed Potatoes

The mashed potatoes definitely were an experience. They came out pretty tasty. My husband must have liked them because he had 3 helpings.

I made them as follows: 6 russet potatoes, heated in the microwave for 20 minutes. During that time, I made the other ingredients in a small pan (the one I normally use to make omelets) on the stove on low heat. I combined plain yogurt (I've read it's a decent substitute for heavy cream), skim milk, Smart Balance Butter, extra virgin olive oil, a bit of sour cream, and some spices (salt sense, black pepper, sage, tony cacherie's). Once the potatoes were finished cooking, I peeled them, cut them up, and put them in the blender. I started blending them for a bit, and then I added the other ingredients into the mix. The blender was doing a decent job, but then it started to show strain. Then, I smelled a bit of a burning small, heard a click, and then it stopped. So, I blew out the blender. I figured that was enough mixing of the potatoes, so I put the concoction back into the bowl and mixed it up a bit further. It was a bit thick, so I added some more milk and then some more pepper and salt sense.

Like I said, it came out pretty good. Definitely not your typical mashed potatoes, but it was tasty. I wound up eating more of it than I originally intended. And, my husband had 3 portions, so we wound up finishing it, which it's actually probably good that we don't have any leftovers.

Monday, Week 21

It's back to a full work week. I'm targeting between 1100-1300 calories per day this week, although today I went over that.

Food:
Breakfast: Choc IsoPure (55/12.5), 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Salad (25/0), 1 Turkey (20/4.25), Chicken (150/27), Clementine (50/1)
Snack: Boca Burger (70/13), Pear (100/0)
Dinner: Tyson's Beef Shoulder Filet (203/30.5), Homemade Mashed Pot (300/8), 1/2 cup Creamed Spinach (60/1.5), 1 wine (100/0)

Total Calories: 1378
Total Protein: 112.75

Exercise:
50 minute Pilates Class
Treadmill - 2.5 mi, 25:00, .5 incline
Stretching