Ramadan

No, I'm not suddenly Muslim. But I am, however, joining the outskirts of this holiday. With the encouragement of the community and my friend Nadia I've decided to do some fasting of my own. During these thirty days, not just sun up to sun down, I will be fasting from these four things:

1. Coffee--caffeine technically
2. Deep fried foods
3. Procrastination
4. Swearing

So far so good. I actually gave up coffee on Monday so I'm a day or so ahead and it's no fun. I am on day two of head and neck aches. However the procrastination is getting better. I'm getting things done that need to be done.

Unfortunately I've had FIVE slip ups in the swearing department. This one will definitely take more brain power for me. Four of the slips were last night and one today. I'm making progress.

I'm also on day four of working out. Feeling so much better already and liking the way my clothes are fitting better. Yay!

What Was I Thinking?

I totally wasn't in the right frame of mind to begin another 30 Day Shred. But now I am. And it's even Sunday today! I may switch things up a bit to not get too bored. I have the P90X Cardio disc and the Biggest Loser Last Chance Workout. I like having options.

Today was officially day one for me. Which means, the day before the first day of school, I will have completed 30 days. Sounds good to me, except the going back to work part. Where's my vacation gone?

This is week two of the grocery budget and planning. We're on a $60.00 a week budget and I am making myself make a weekly menu so that when I go grocery shopping I'm not aimlessly throwing things in the cart.

This week's menu: Chicken nachos, buffalo chicken salad, turkey burgers, ribs, homemade pizza.

Tomorrow I begin my slow return to work also. I'll only be putting my room in order and getting in cleaned up. And then I'll start thinking about what I'm teaching this year.

Happy second week of August!

Squidgy, Again

I'm not full on squidgy but I'm definitely getting soft around the edges. I started going to yoga class back in June and I love it. Problem is, it's not super workout yoga. Compound that with the fact that I've cut waaaay back on doing the Shred and I'm bound to gain a few back.

So, I'm back here again--ready to face 30 intense days of the Shred again. This is now the second cycle since the miscarriage that I have not conceived so what better to do than to get my body svelte? Okay, so it won't really get svelte, but it may get more toned.

I think I'm going to drag myself upstairs to the scale right now. I may or may not share the number I see. I'm guessing it's back over 200, sadly. But at the same time, if I've gained 5-10 pounds, it's my own fault.

So, wish me luck. And happy Shredding--if you do that sort of thing.

**Post Edit**
Okay, scratch that. I'm not in the 200s (whew) and I haven't even gained weight. Technically, since the last time I weighed, I've lost. I'm now at -31.2.
HOWEVER, knowing that I'm softer around the edges, I realize I have lost some muscle and since muscle weighs more than fat, I think I haven't really lost weight. So, time to get back on the wagon!

Something's Just Not Right

Ever get that feeling? You can't put your finger on it exactly but you feel "off". Yesterday I started out really tired. Like, burning eye tired. Then in the afternoon I started feeling 'just not right'. My muscles/joints felt sore or achy but I wasn't sure if that was just from yoga so I pushed through my evening workout--despite not getting home until 7:30ish. And that's where I really noticed the sore/achy feeling. But I didn't really feel sick. Just not right.

Then all last night I kept thinking, "This must be the flu, dangit." So I slept like crud and when it came time to get up I could barely muster the energy.

The entire day was almost a bust as I spent it mostly doubled over with stomach pains (ebbing and flowing) and trying to keep my eyes open. Why didn't I just go home? Because it would have been way more work than it's worth. Teachers can't just go home. Unfortunately.

This afternoon I figured I'd have to throw in the towel. There would be no workout today. I even consulted a coworker--someone I look up to. She's kind of like my work mom. And I was expecting her to say, "Yes, you need to rest. Take it easy one day." And instead she said, "Noooo, you can't stop now!"

Um, crud.

I had an after school coffee-planning meeting with a friend that I was not going to cancel so I went and tried to be chipper and feeling good. And really, around 4 I did start to feel better, not good, but better.

So, when I got home this evening I had to face the demon. Meet Jillian for a shredding rendezvous or take a nap?

Heck, I've come this far...25 minutes isn't going to do me in. So Shred I did.

Is it bedtime now?

Is It Enough?

Since last Monday I have done the Shred (alternating Levels 1 & 3) and The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga. Every day. I've been watching what I eat like normal. Well, until this weekend...or more specifically today--I think I may have eaten too much at lunch. So I made some adjustments today/tonight.

First, I purchased 1/2% milk for myself instead of the normal 2%. That's saving me fat and calories every serving. For dinner I enjoyed some Honey Nut Cheerios and that milk instead of the pot roast my dad and hubby ate.

As with most weekends, I did the Last Chance Workout today. After I finished that I took it outside. Granted, I didn't do anything amazing but I did something new. I jogged (or, as I like to call my version of jogging--yogging) around our block once. Yes, only once...I'm not sure how big our block is--a city block. Does that make sense?

When I came back in I took off my shoes and socks and headed back to the front room for yoga. Literally at 8 minutes in I almost gave up. I was < > this close. But I finished and I'm so glad I did. There are some parts that are really a challenge for me, like all the plank things...holding plank (hello shake), lowering halfway down (shake shake), lowering all the way down (shaaaaake). But it's a good thing. I'm looking forward to getting more comfortable with level one and then progressing to level 2.

I have about 2 weeks before spring break. I really (REALLY) want to be under 200 by vacation but I'm not sure if it will happen. Tomorrow I get on the scale to see how this past week went. I know I worked harder but I don't know if I burned enough. We shall see.

Oh, I'm having a massive attack of baby itch. It's not good. We're conception-ally challenged (going on about 2 years) and we both recently decided we would not try for a little while. A combination of factors--a lot to do with me losing weight--but darn, why all the urge now?!

So, wish me luck tomorrow morning. I have 7.4 pounds to lose to get to that first goal. Anyone care to take a few pounds from me? (o:

Shake Shake Shake Senora

Yes, I love you Bob. I still love you Jillian and your level 3 Shred. But crud, it's day two of my new yoga routine and I was shaking unbelievably. This is to be expected, of course. I have to get my mind right and remember that this too shall pass.

I am really liking doing the yoga still, um on day two. Ha. I can't wait until I am able to do all the moves by really extending myself. I can't wait for the flexibility. I'm even more excited for the toned muscles-that's the one that really got me last time.

I'm wondering in my head though...do we think I'll gain this week? I'm being very good calorie wise but since I'm awakening new muscles (or neglected muscles anyway) they could add some poundage. I don't want to gain but if it means I will be leaner in the long run and stronger then I'll take it.

Tomorrow I won't be teaching. Instead I have a full day in-service which means I'll be sitting all day. Crud. And then there will either be lunch brought in or we'll all go out. Double crud. I can make good choices and I will follow through.

On the news this morning they showed a line outside of a local bar around 6:30. Are you kidding me? Even the Irish don't get up to drink that early!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Pictureless Posts

I've been neglecting my camera lately. I apologize. If I were to take a picture for this post it would be of my new hand weights. I finally located some 8 lb weights in a nice shade of green. And while I was about to pass out, oh I mean working out yesterday I realized--the weights I'm now lifting are what I've lost. I know those 16 pounds are from all over my body (um, or were my boobs) but lifting those weights in my hands is incredible. I can't believe how heavy they feel.

I have 17 days until spring break and 7.4 pounds to lose. I'm not so sure I can make this happen. If it doesn't, no big deal. I'm still working hard and it will come off soon enough. But in an effort to make this closer to reality I picked up another video. I was in search of Jillian Michael's new yoga dvd but after 5 stores of no luck I gave up today and picked up Bob's instead. While I was deciding on this purchase I realized it's probably a good move for me to take a break from Jillian anyway.

So I Shredded this afternoon (yes it was around 6 but it was super light out so that's afternoon!) and then did yoga. It literally felt like I was home. As hokey as that sounds yoga is me. When I was into it a long while ago--it pains me to think of how long ago it's been--it was the most fit I had ever been in my life. And it literally fit the bicycle analogy. I got on that mat and yoga-ed like I used to. And it felt good. So thanks Bob!

My plan now includes me doing two videos a day and subtracting a few more calories here and there. As lame as it sounds I've eaten Special K for dinner two nights in a row. But I LOVE cereal. Love it. So it really doesn't feel like I'm sacrificing.

Okay, it's time for bed. Have a wonderful St. Patty's Day everyone!

The Shred Part Two-Day 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

Whoa slacker. But not in the workout department. I still am staying strong and working out every day.

Today I felt a cold or something coming on. Sore throat...tired eyes...and generally tired all over. I got home and definitely didn't feel like working out. The hubs mentioned dinner...and I knew what I had to do. So, I met Jillian for Level 3, finally.

I even did better tonight than I think I've ever done on Level 3. So, despite not wanting to get moving it worked out really well.

This Monday was disappointing as I gained a pound and a half )o: However, I sat down almost all Saturday long and the same thing on Sunday with the baby shower I went to. Then there was cake. Didn't I write a post about not eating out of politeness? Oh, yeah...I totally did. And I totally did eat a piece of cake this weekend. I can only imagine how many calories were packed into that cake. Sigh. Moving on.

I have another meeting after work tomorrow (just like today) which means I won't get home until later. And now conferences are on the horizon. Literally next week. Guess what I'll be doing this weekend? Writing report cards. Oh another fun weekend.

There's no way I'm going to recount all the meals I've missed posting but here's today's:
Green Tea with mixed berry
Fat free Greek yogurt with honey and Honey Bunches of Oats

Banana

Grilled chicken sandwich-baby greens and mustard
Whipped orange cream yogurt
Pineapples and mandarin oranges

Banana

Leftover chili turned into chili mac-regular and whole wheat spaghetti noodles
Two bites of a homemade cupcake. (o:

Small Obsession

Okay, so I may have more than one. What's your obsession? Mine is yellow. Although, my favorite color is peach...peach like a Push-Up Pop. Isn't that such a delicious color?

Speaking of food, tonight I made veggie burgers. They were okay but that's entirely my own fault. I added way too much ginger.
"Mmm, I love ginger."
Scrape, scrape, scrape. (That's my microplaner)
Scrape, scrape, scrape.
Scrape, scrape, scrape.
Scrape, scrape, scrape.

Yeah, they're ginger-y.

In retrospect, I think I'd also smooth out the patty mixture more thoroughly next time. These were rather chunky and while I appreciate a good chunk, tonight wasn't the night.

I liked having the english muffin to cushion the burger, baby greens, and my yellow obsession.

These probably would have been much better grilled but well, it's been snowing the ENTIRE day, all day long. I'm not about to stand outside and grill in the snow. I'm fine with my lovely pan for frying.

My obsession? This isn't the half of it.

After a couple of bites, I flipped it over and covered the bottom side with mustard too. I've always loved mustard. Always.


Now onto the non-food talk. I Shredded tonight. I tried doing some of the lunges but very gently...um, bad idea. My poor knees. I will remember this.

Today I had-
Green tea with mixed berry-only a little
Small black coffee
Fat free Greek yogurt with honey and HBoOs (see the rest of the week)

Leftover turkey quinoa burger
Pineapple, mandarin oranges, whipped strawberry yogurt

Veggie burger
English muffin
Baby greens

All right, I'm tired, the pup has already gone to bed, and I have to get up early in the morning. Ciao!

P.S. I think I may have a small crush on Apolo Ohno. It may be that facial hair...or his composure. He's about to race right now...it's hard to concentrate!
But shhh, don't tell my husband.

The Shred Part Two-Day 16

Level 2 Shred tonight. I was way not as motivated as normal. Long day...had an after school meeting until 6 which of course wasn't really 6 when I left but 6:30. Got home, spent a bit of time with the hubs and pup and by the time I Shredded it was 7:30. Oh well.

Today I ate:
Green tea with mixed berry
Fat free Greek yogurt with honey and Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Pecan Clusters

Banana

Quinoa burger with mustard
Steamed spinach

3 Strawberries
1 apple

Chili (made by the hubs-so nice!)
2 bites of a brownie
1 bite of a square cookie

Both the sweets were from the Market my students held today. I really wanted to try them so I did. And I took little bites. The brownie was de-lish and the cookie was okay...but I ate that bite after the brownie so it didn't seem so spectacular.

I'm typing in bed because my day was that late. The hubs is waiting for me to stop typing. It surely is noisy when that's the only noise in the room.
Good night!

The Shred Part Two-Day 15

Level 1 tonight. Rocked it. I'm watching the Bachelor right now. I'm distracted.

I ate:
Green Tea with mixed berry
Breakfast burrito-spicy turkey sausage, egg, cheese, Red Hot, avocado

Shredded Wheat with Vanilla and Almond

Turkey and Quinoa burger
Steamed Spinach

Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Pecan Bunches
Fat free vanilla honey Greek yogurt

And that's all she wrote.

The Shred Part Two-Day 14

Again, not the Shred yet the Last Chance Workout and, yes I said and, Leslie Sansone's Fast Walk. I literally felt guilty for how lazy I was this weekend (and how I had eaten) so I talked myself into doing more.

The LCW tonight was good. It was the actual last chance workout, unlike last night's that was upper body sculpt and lower body tone. I used five and three pound weights on some things tonight. I really need to invest in eight pound weights. And then, I got a bug in my bonnet (is that the phrase?) and decided to pick up the five pound weights for the ENTIRE Fast Walk program. Yes, for an entire half hour I carried, pumped, lifted, raised...ten extra pounds. Had I realized in the beginning it was going to be thirty minutes long (I seriously thought it was 20 mins total) I may have only picked up the three pounds-or no weights.

Tomorrow morning I'm hopping on the scale again. Although, hopping might break the darn thing, I'll step on it slowly. Wish me luck. I've been working hard I just hope I've been working hard enough.

Today's meals-
Green tea with ginger and peach (blech)
1 big pancake with Smart Balance and a little syrup. I tried dunking the pancake instead of pouring syrup on and I did not like the taste of that. Strange eh?

Raisin Bran

Cheddar Chex Mix

Strawberry Whipped Yogurt

3 hard shell tacos-ground beef, a little cheese, and avocado

I had all of our meals planned for this week, but in no particular order:
Barbecue chicken salad
Chicken and wild rice soup
Tacos
Bison burgers
Turkey and quinoa burgers
Chicken fajitas

So I went grocery shopping tonight and guess what? They had NO boneless skinless chicken breasts. NONE. Oh, and they only order the Bison every once in a while so last week when they had it but I couldn't afford it was the week.

How many meals can I make then? Oh, tacos and turkey and quinoa burgers. All that planning...

Anyway, have a great week! Our weather service is calling for lots of snowfall again. I am not holding my breath for a snow day as it's 10 pm and it hasn't started yet.

The Shred Part Two-Day 13

Except, I didn't Shred today.

I did the Last Chance Workout instead. And it was good. I'm completely weaned from my knees in planks (sounds weird huh?). My core is strengthening and it feels good. Where I do still use my knees is in push-ups. Will I ever be able to do big girl push-ups?

The hubs and I went to Grand Rapids today. Every stinkin' time we go I get nostalgic about it. It's where I went to college, where I lived for 5 years, and it's where the hubs and I met. Besides all of that, it's a much more charming place than where I live now. I miss it terribly. When we first moved where we are now I cried for weeks. Hubs and I had just met-were only dating (but it didn't matter because we just knew) but he got a job over on this side of the state. And that was that. I think I've just gotten over it all and now just get on with life because I'm sure we'll never move back. However, it's not that far away so I can get my fix when I want.

And that's one thing we did today, got our fix for lunch. I'll blog about that after dinner tonight.

Speaking of dinner, what did I eat today?

Green tea with mixed berry

Tex Mex taco
1/2 a Green All-Meat (more explanation to come later)

Bowl of Corn Flakes with Honey
Dark Chocolate Chex
I was starving this afternoon--I totally caved. Although, it could have been worse.

One piece of sesame chicken rolled in rice
One bite of a crab rangoon
This was hubs' dinner and I just wanted a taste

I'm having homemade french bread pizza
French baguette, marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella

Til later!

The Shred Part Two-Day 11 & 12

Days eleven and twelve done! Last night got so late-and frankly I got so tired-I could barely even get into the shower let alone blog.

Last night was level 2 while tonight was level 3. And gosh darn, what do I have to do to yearn for working out? Every night it's the same thing.

"C'mon Holly, it's only 20 minutes."
"Do it now and then eat."
"If you keep procrastinating it just means it's going to be later when you're done."
"Put the computer down, you can blog/FB/tweet (or is it twit?) later."

And then of course when I'm done I'm so glad I did it. It's just the getting to it part.

Anyhow, today I consumed:
Green tea with mixed berry
Fat free Greek yogurt with honey and granola

6 Multigrain Wheat Thins with 6 cubes of cheese-small cubes (I love cheese)

Turkey lasagna--but not the whole thing this time. The Wheat Thins put me over the edge

Banana

I scoped out MckMama's post today about lunch and decided to make it for dinner. I've been craving pizza like mad but couldn't bring myself to eat it--way too much of a splurge. But this I can handle. Smaller size and I'm controlling what all's going into it. Thanks MckMama!
So mini pizza pockets and a salad with mixed baby greens, spinach, egg, toasted cashews, and uber light ranch. (o:

Oh, and I totally ate one slice of the fresh mozzarella while I was making the salad. I couldn't help it and it was delicious!

Happy Friday night. The hubs and I have an appointment at the Apple store tomorrow. New trackpad for the MacBook. Poor little MacBook. But before then we're having lunch with the hubs' best friend (best man in our wedding) at their favorite--and I mean favorite spot. I'll give more details tomorrow.

The Shred Part Two-Day 10

Had hubby not come home so quickly I was going to bust out the LCW. Since he showed up (it's all dinner pending) I put in the Shred. I never thought I'd see the day when I thought the Shred was 'easy'. I say that very lightly, especially since it was Level 1, but what I really mean is I can do the entire thing and I'm looking for ways to make it tougher. I need to get myself some 8 lb weights. I'm still adding the pelvic thrust at the end (with a glut squeeze!). Next, heavier weights. And I'm now all Natalie-with the exception of the lunges. No way. After I started taking it easier on myself with the lunges my knees felt infinitely better.

But on to the most important thing today, dinner. YUM. It was a salad, but not just any salad.
Baby greens, romaine, spinach with grilled chicken with barbecue sauce, toasted cashews, sliced hard boiled egg, topped with ranch dressing. Hrm...is that really healthy? YES! The chicken was light on sauce, I used less than one serving of cashews on each salad. Only one hard boiled egg. Then there's the dressing-how can that be good for you?

So, have you seen those yogurt dressings? It got me to thinking...yogurt, like my Greek yogurt...100 calories and no fat....hrm....What if I mixed one of those ranch packets into the yogurt? Holy shamoley, it was great. I told hubs I could eat the entire thing of dressing and not feel guilty. But I wouldn't do that, because that's disgusting.

I'm no longer a dressing ON the salad kind of gal. Instead, it's on the side and I use it to dip in. I'm using waaaay less. So, anyway, try the dressing, even the hubs liked it!

What else did I eat?

Green tea with mixed berry
Fat free Greek yogurt with honey and granola (next week--err this weekend--I might try to find a lower cal replacement for this granola)

Leftover skirt steak sandwich (3 strips of steak) packed with spinach and topped with mustard.
Green grapes and mandarin oranges

Banana

Tomorrow I've packed the salad for lunch!

Happy Shredding!

The Shred Part Two-Day 9

First day of the work week and it's Tuesday. Very nice. I met Jillian for level three tonight. Amazingly I did (or should I say "did"?) the rockstars at the end. The planks on the weights with the leg lift are still very hard for me. So I did some Natalie and the rest Anita. Some day soon I'll rock only Natalie.

So, the amazing thing to me today was Aunt Flo's arrival. How's that amazing? Well, I still lost weight yesterday....that's unheard of when she's in town. Back in my Weight Watchers days (when I was very fastidious about my food journaling and working out) it was a guarantee that I would add on 4 pounds of water weight during that visit. Every. Single. Time. So frustrating. So me actually losing weight this week makes me feel great. I hope I can do the same next week.

I'm already trying to plan Thursday's workout this week. I'm helping out at an after school function that won't get me home until almost 9. This means I will have to eat an early dinner (5ish), to drink lots and lots of water during the night, possibly snag an apple or banana on the way home, then workout in the moonlight.

This weekend when my parents were here I gave my mom some of the turkey lasagna and today she ate it. The review? She loved it and said if I didn't tell her it was turkey she wouldn't have known. (o:

So, what did I eat today?
Green tea with mixed bery
Fat free Greek yogurt, honey, and granola

Leftover chicken, potato, asparagus
Apple

Banana

Grilled pork chop
Steamed spinach
Leftover potato

One bite of hub's cheesecake--and it was a little bite.

Tomorrow's Wednesday-middle of the week without even trying.

The Shred Part Two-Day 8

It's Monday and I'm feeling much better. My nose may disagree with that statement but at least I've been cushioning the blow with lotion tissues.

I even felt up to Level 2 today and did quite well. I can remember when the plank push-ups and plank jacks scared the crud out of me. Not any more. Anyone who's doing level 2 for the first time, my advice on the push-ups is don't bend your legs and really push through and it will get easier. The first couple of times I did them I let my legs bend and that was that...I couldn't do them. But now I love doing them.

So, today was supposed to be weights and measures. With my dad visiting, jockeying bathroom time was tricky so I only got to weigh myself. Speaking of measures...I may only keep measuring my waist, chest, and add in hips. The calves, thighs, and biceps aren't really that exciting to me anyway.

And I forgot to mention last night with my menu...I ate cheesecake. And it was good. And completely worth having to watch what I ate the rest of the day. My dad's cheesecake is amazing-truly.

What did I eat today?

Green chai tea (ehh, not my favorite)
2 egg tacos-low fat flour tortilla, egg, cheese, leftover steak (one slice each), Red Hot

Bowl of Corn Flakes with Honey

Roasted chicken
Boiled potatoes
Steamed asparagus
A couple tears of bread
I made a recipe from March's issue of Martha-the roasted chicken. It was good but could have used a bit more flavor.
I added no butter to my foods and they were still good (I think I'm in withdrawals and I'm trying to compensate). I used the white balsamic vinegar again tonight. Originally it was for the asparagus but it ended up being quite nice on the chicken too.

I picked up some QD Butter Pecan ice cream last night for the boys and they'd like to have it tonight. I may very well steal one bite.

So, how did the scale treat me this week? 215.0 And that means I lost 5 pounds last week! That's incredible to me. I'm so excited.

Here's to a four day week!

The Shred Part Two-Day 7

Hello Sunday. Today I'm not so anxious you're here. Why? Because I get to sleep in tomorrow. Yes, I'll be celebrating the greatness of Presidents Washington and Lincoln...behind my lids.

Another rough start to the day. You know when you have a cold how in the mornings you feel like you're not going to make it through the day? Yes, day two of that. Once I'm up and moving it's not so bad. I got up, made breakfast, and did some more shopping (all of which was window shopping for me) with my mom. The weather was gorgeous! Sunshine, little wind, some fluffy snowfall.

When we got home we started an early dinner--or a late lunch?--but I could have taken a nap. My eyes burned. When you're sick, are you supposed to give into that? Anyway, finished dinner, played on the computer while my dad and hubby slept (mom had left and puppy slept too!) and of course when the hubs awoke..."What's for dinner?" So I had to run to the store for a couple of additions to their meal and then I finally--FINALLY--convinced myself to work out.

I did Level 1 again and I'm okay with that. I'm kind of on the edge of wondering if I'm pushing it too much right now. I have no idea...I guess if I were getting worse I might back off on things but I seem to have plateaued.

I did add a little bit to Level 1 today. In circuit three strength I added a pelvic thrust when my arms brought the weights up. Hey, I'm sure it had to be working something!

Today's meals-
Green tea with mixed berry
3/4 of a waffle-with Smart Balance and no syrup (and no sausage--but why can't my body see what willpower I have and award me with a few pound loss?!)
Mixed fruit-pineapple, mandarin oranges, apples, kiwi, green grapes


Steamed edamame with Mediterranean sea salt

Marinated and grilled flank steak, steamed spinach with white balsamic vinegar (this is my new replacement for butter), and one slice of sourdough baguette (no butter--and it was good)

Bowl of Raisin bran (this was my dinner)

Tomorrow MacBook is going to the Apple Doctor. And while I'm there I have to take our iPod Touch because the headphone jack doesn't work. (FYI, if you are interested in purchasing a Mac, wait until the summer months. We did this last year and scored a free iPod Touch and Canon printer!)

Tonight, we're watching the Olympics. These people amaze me. Oh, and I'm so sure they eat all the McDonald's that the commercials say they're eating. Really? You're at the Olympics and shooting for gold. What are you going to eat to fuel your body? Chicken Nuggets? I don't think so.

The Shred Part Two-Day 6

Last night was a rough sleeping night. Between wiping my nose and wiping my drool I spent more time searching for tissues than sleeping.
But I did get up and Shred. Again, I did level 1. I was going to do level 2 but I was in a time crunch--which sounds funny but level 2 is like 7 minutes longer and I didn't have that time to spare. As a matter of fact, I was doing the last cardio when my parents arrived.

My mom and I did some shopping today, so lots of walking. When we finally got back home I had to take a nap. I didn't get any actual sleep but just laying down and relaxing felt good.

I didn't make the best choice when I get up though, I wanted something salty. So I grabbed my Sour Cream and Onion Baked Lays. Yes, it could have been worse, but I'm quite sure I ate two or even three servings )o: Being sick is no good.

Oh, and I will be indulging tomorrow. My dad is famous for his cheesecake. I mean, the stuff is unreal. It's what we all request on birthdays. Well, since it was just hubs' birthday, my dad brought up a cheesecake. That stuff is worth the extra fat and calories to work off.

What else did I eat today (so far)?

Green Tea with mixed berry
Breakfast burrito-eggs, sausage, cheese, Red Hot

Kids Deli Turkey sandwich from Panera
Organic blueberry yogurt

Dark Chocolate Chex-sweet fix

We're headed out tonight to watch hubby play. They're playing at an Irish restaurant so we're having dinner there.

The Shred Part Two-Day 5

I started this post about two hours ago...I got the title at least.

Anyway, I started feeling more sluggish yesterday and then last night it hit me. One sinus started to burn and then I knew I was done for. I was hoping it was only a cold and not a sinus infection and I think that's what it is (a cold). Regardless, I'm tired, I have no energy, and my sinus cavity now has a mind of its own.

However, I did the Shred tonight. Now that I think this whole thing through I feel like a dork. I actually felt guilty tonight for doing Level 1 again, as opposed to Level 2 as originally scheduled. Really Holly, self-guilt now for working out? What happened to that month ago when I stuck with one level for ten days? Yeesh, apparently in February that doesn't fly in this house.

I was a lot slower and less coordinated tonight during the Shred. And really, me being less coordinated (how can it get any less?!) should have been my first sign. That either means Aunt Flo is on her way or I'm getting sick. Strange? You betcha.

So now, I'm slumped on the couch thinking fondly of my bed upstairs. My hubby called my dad today to ask him to come work with him next week (construction) and it turns out both mom and dad are headed up tomorrow for the weekend too. Super fun I just hope I don't super suck the life out of everyone. I was really looking forward to sleeping in and now I'll have to get up a bit earlier to get the Shred in. 48 days until spring break.

Oh, and get this. My beloved MacBook suffered an injury tonight. I sat down to check my email while making dinner earlier, got up and put the lasagna in the oven, came back and noticed something was awry. The trackpad on my computer is busted! This Mac isn't even a year old (thank you warranties!) so I had to make an appointment with the Mac store--not until Monday (thank you President's Day/Winter Break weekend). I love my MacBook and I'm so sad it's not feeling well.

Okay, on with the menu:

Green tea with mixed berry
Fat free Greek yogurt with honey and granola. Did anyone else notice the switch to fat free? Yoplait just introduced (at least in our market) their version of the fat free Greek yogurt with double protein! That's right, 14 grams of protein in ONE container of yogurt (6 oz?). It's fantastic.

Spicy chicken soup with Great Northern Beans-It gets better as it melds in the fridge.
Lowfat whipped yogurt, key lime

Turkey lasagna! This turned out really well. I didn't realize I was supposed to have two jars of sauce so I really spread the one jar thinly. But it worked out! I only did two layers of noodles also. A friend of mine uses cottage cheese instead of ricotta so I substituted reduced fat cottage cheese tonight, yum. The best part? I used oven ready lasagna noodles (which, by the way, I always thought they all were-I've never precooked the noodles before!) and because of the low amount of sauce the noodles were al dente. Very delish.

Okay ladies and gents. I'm off to bed. Wish me well! Happy Shredding and happy long weekend!