Week 15

I always get to the end of the week with my CSA share and have no idea what to do

This week I decided to make a yummy dinner.  Corn on the cobb, mashed root veggies and chicken.  Turned out pretty tastey,  

Unfortunately, the photo doesn't do it justice.   But always nice to share some fresh grown veggies for dinner with good friends

Week 14

Am embarrassed this week to say that I cancelled not once, but twice for yoga class.  It's not that I don't enjoy the yoga classes.  It's that I'm not sleeping because of the humidity/heat and am too exhausted in the mornings to go.

I am proud to  say that I successfully made a batch of kale chips.

Unfortunately, that is about all I have to be proud of this week.  But time stand up, brush it off and move forward.

Week 13

Crap, realize this should actually be week 14.  Somehow I completely forgot to post last week.  I am finding myself frustrated and not getting any results.  I continue to log my food on My Fitness Pal.  While I maintain a reasonable caloric intake about 1200-1500 calories a day.  I continue to not always make the best decisions in the calories I am consuming.  I find that I am 60% healthy eating and 40% could definitely be better.  I have a crisper full of fresh veggies, yet I have not motivated to attempt any recipes with them.  When it comes to chosing a workout or a a dinner with friends, the dinner wins hands down.  I need to change this mindset.  Would be curious how others got themselves on track.

There has been some good though.  I did see this amazing sunrise.

The benefits of being up early.  

I also signed up for a month of Yoga classes and went to my first beginners flow class.  I really enjoyed it, but am definitely a beginner.  Thankfully they have blocks and props for those of us who can barely bend at the waist.  : ).  I am going to attempt a regular flow class this week.  Got to get those classes in before the month is up.  

Goals for this week.  Use up my CSA veggies.  Get to at least 1 yoga class and continue with goals of previous weeks

Week 12

Happy to say I managed to use up the CSA veggies.  Chopped them up into a big salad and mixed with garbanzo beans, a little olive oil and feta cheese.  Brought it to work for a going away party we had for a coworker.  Have to say I was expecting to take the salad home with all the treats out.  But it went Fast!

 I find myself in a similar predicament today.  While I have used quite a bit of my veggies from last weeks harvest.  I need to use them up today.

I decided to cook them up and make a few veggie burritos.  Ate one for breakfast this morning and put another in the fridge to have later.  It actually ended up tasting much better than I expected.  

Now to attempt to roll this thing!  Plate full of veggies... great way to start the day.

This here was my unknown from the CSA bounty.  Turns out it is called a kohlrabi.  I had never seen one before.  I ended up just chopping it up and cooking it up with other veggies.  Love that I am using vegetables I never would have before.

I did make it to the gym twice this past week although didn't take a class.  I also met Diana in the morning for a walk and went on a nice walk with another friend.  It's really time to start stepping up my game.  

Week 11

I have been on a stretch at work now.  I find it difficult when I work the weekend prior to writing these posts on Monday.  It makes me feel like I haven't done anything positive in the week.  Which in reality isn't true.  It is just that with working 12hr overnight shifts it is difficult to find time to do anything on those days.  That being said, it is always possible to step up my game.  And I plan to do so this week.

Diana and I did make it out for a couple of early morning walks.  Man, that humidity can be real a bitch.  What a difference it makes even at 530 in the moring.  Honestly, may be a positive thing that I don't have a bod right now that I am wanting to show to the world.  Definitely have been tempted to strip out of my clothes more than once and jump into the nearest body of water.  

Here is this weeks bounty from the CSA.  I have worked every single night since we picked it up and have barely touched it.  Crap the next one is in a few days.  Will definitely have to be more cognizant. 

I did not meet either goal I set for last week so I am going to make them my goals again.

Week 10

Oops realized I forgot to post this yesterday.  The high light of this past week is getting my first CSA share.  We are splitting the share 3 ways.  This is just 1/3 of half a share.  Crazy!!!

 I managed pretty well with the task of eating all these veggies.  New batch of vegetables on Wednesday.  Currently I only have the cauliflower left.

Here is a picture of one of the salads I made.  Amazing how tastey a salad is with fresh produce.  Also sauteed and mixed with egg for breakfast.  But, honestly the heat right now is making it hard to turn the stove/oven on.  Having these vegetables is definitely making me conscientious about them and am definitely getting my greens.

The exercise piece was a total fail this week.  I'm going to make sure I start incorportating it back into my life.  Need to start toning up and getting back into shape

Goals this week.  

1.  Get back to tracking 100% on myfitnesspal

2.  Exercise!! take at least one class at the gym and exercise at least 3 times

Week 9

Damn the women Dominated!!! yesterday against Japan.  The amount of time they spend conditioning, preparing, training for each game.  I can't imagine having such focus and passion to spend so much time on one thing.  But, to even just find a fraction of the motivation.  Spend a fraction of the time I'm positive would be beneficial.

As I thought getting to the gym this past week was difficult.  With the way my work schedule lined up and the holiday I did not get to any classes.  But, I did do a lot of walking around the city.  There is an art installation project down by the greenway that we wandered over to see.  No, not exactly a heart pounding, sweat dripping workout, but better than other options that could be done with my free time

Difficult to get a picture, but it changes colors

This week I had fourth of July and a friends birthday celebrations.  Which  meant two days that I ate meals that were not the best option.  Overall thought the eating was not horrific.  I opted for veggie and lean meat options

And even agreed to sign up for a CSA share with a friend.  

Excited about this new healthy option in my neighborhood.  Fruit juices, variety of salads, a way to go out, be social, but still be healthy

My goals this week: No ordering in at work, at least one lean protein a day, 2 servings of veggies a day,  

Week 8

Wowza! Seriously, need to get control over this thing again.  My g-d I was slothenly this week. Don't even want to know how many episodes of "Naked and Afraid" I watched.  How the hell did I get sucked into that one?  The grey is not at all helping. I have been feeling so worn out and fatigued.    Unfortunately, I did not make it to any of the classes.  I did manage to get out for a morning walk with Diana and walked a bit after work heading home one morning.  Although I have to admit not because I was motivated, but because I was tired, ended up on the wrong train and didn't realize it until it was too late. F my life.  I will still take it though

Not sure why  it is so difficult to find my rhythm.  Guess ya just got to "fake it til you make it" Ok getting back in the game.  I know that with my work schedule the next few days and it being a holiday weekend classes at the gym are going to be hard to do.  But, I am going to stay focused on eating healthy.  My plan for the rest of the week is 1500cal/day of healthy options including lean meats, veggies, fruits, grains.  Plan to look at EatingWell or CookingLight or some other cooking magazine website and see what they suggest for meal plans.  When I do it on my own it just ends up being to scattered.  And I find that my calories are not spread equally throughout the day.
Time to get up, brush the dirt off and take control.

Week 7

Ugh, I'm embarrassed to even post this week.  Completely lost sight of my goals- ate to much, didn't exercise enough, really was not a good week on the health and fitness front.  The week was split half in AZ.  Traveling around to various spots visiting friends and family and then half back in Boston working.  A couple of positive points are that I did not order out Chinese food with my co-workers,  and I do get some exercise at work running around caring for pts.  It is hard to not go hit up my favorite places when I am back home.  But thanks to Kala and her love of cooking I did eat some delicious at home meals.

 She made a variety of burgers with different meats and veggies cooked right in to them

Thankful I spent most of my time in the cool part of AZ.  Ok can't let this past week completely get me down.  Back to the grind.

Goals for the week-3 classes at the gym, at least 2 vegetables daily, walk again with Diana

Week 6

This week has been an interesting one.   The first half was spent in North Carolina and the second in Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) Mexico. We did a lot of walking around Charlotte.  Had almost 20,000 steps both days.  Which they say is an average of about 10miles.  Sure it wasn't that we were jogging, or really increasing our heart rates but we were constantly moving all day.  Exploring the sites and such.  And really didn't go crazy with what we ate.  Basically just ate at appropriate meal times

 

I did do my best to be conscientious on vacation that I was not out of control with my eating and such.  Not saying that I didn't indulge a little.  Enjoyed some tostadas at La Vaca Chenta in Mexico

Definitely can't get them this good in Boston.  Which is probably a good thing.


On a positive note though I did only have one margarita while in Mexico and no other beer or other alcohol.  Know that alcohol calories can add up quickly, so figure it must count for something

 Mexico was not quite as active as North Carolina.  Sure we were having fun playing in the water, but there was definitely a lot of lounging

Hitting up the bakery for goodies is always part of the Mexico tradition.  I do have a sweet tooth and did enjoy some pastries, but would just have part of one when feeling inclined instead of the entire thing.

 We rented a house so had a kitchen available which helped with watching what I was eating.  Enjoyed some shrimp, cooked up eggs and sausage for breakfast, made some tostadas at home.  Giving me more control of the amount of oils, fats, cheeses etc that went in to my food.

 Now in the last part of the vacation in AZ.  Will continue to do my best to eat healthy and get out and get some exercise.  Will get back to setting more structured goals when I get home from vacation

Week 5

Doing my best to keep myself in check this week.  Unfortunately, never made it to a class at the gym.  I knew getting there was going to be difficult.  Since I worked a stretch of days and then took off on vacation.  Diana and I made it out for one morning walk.  Vacation though does mean a lot of walking around an exploring.  According to Audra's pedometer got almost 16,000 steps yesterday wandering around the Biltmore Estate

 Biltmore Estate.  Definitely felt it in my calves after walking up this hill.  I swear the picture does not give it justice. 

A map of the estate.  The grounds were gorgeous with both natural landscape and structured gardens.  Between the gardens and house we walked for several hours.

Other days we walked around Asheville.  Even opted to skip taking the bus and walked a few miles to the River Arts District. 

 A good thing that we did since we decided to sample some brews from one of the local breweries Wedge. 

The hotel we are staying at offers a complimentary breakfast.  Doing my best to choose some healthier options including scrambled eggs and a piece of fruit.  Being in the South and on vacation it is a must to indulge in some BBQ. 

 Pulled pork with a side of coleslaw, mac and cheese, and hushpuppies.  I wasn't wild about the mac or hushpuppies and didn't eat.  The coleslaw was tasty.  The meat was also very good, but only ate about half

 

Luella's Yum!

 

Haven't kept 100% on track this week, but have been cognizant that I don't go completely crazy with what I'm eating.

 

Goal this week.  Continue to have fun on vacation and keep myself in check to not completely  negate this past months efforts

Week 4

"I put that sh*t on Everything!"  Seriously, the lady in the commercial does not lie.  I do put it on everything and always have a backup bottle.

Honestly, though there are worse things for me out there and with the warm weather I have a feeling my over use will probably start to dissapate.  

This week I did really good except for one off day that we can just pretend never happened, right? Really wish it was that simple.  Once again I skipped ordering in food at work.  I did for the most part just eat salads.  Didn't order in with my co-workers and did my best to stay on track while there.  Unfortunately, was not 100% loyal to this and did indulge in a cup of mac and cheese and caved one morning and had a glazed donut.  

That being said though I did have some healthy meals.

This weeks groceries.  Doing my best to have a variety of food to choose from.  And healthier options for go to snacks.  One goal to set for myself is to prep healthy options as snacks to grab.  Does anyone do this? Any ideas besides cutting up vegetables and fruit?  

The use of my oven is on heavy decline with the warm weather now, but I did bake myself up this yummy meal ( actually lasted for 3 meals)

Ok, so it didn't photograph that well.  But it ended up being very tastey.  Spaghetti squash stuffed with mushrooms, onions, yellow squash, pepper, all kinds of yummy veggies and baked in the oven.

For exercise I got my behind to "Flex" class which is good for me since I am always at a loss with what to do with weights and typically end up doing the same exercises over and over. And definitely do not put the appropriate amount of time in.  I also managed to get back out for another attempt at a jog and did go for a few walks.  Although I'm pretty sure that the majority of my exercise has been lugging my laundry down the street since I have been sans washing machine for a month.  

Sites like this make it easier to get motivated in the mornings

Have a lot of stuff to get done this week so my goal is going to be one exercise class and maintain at my alloted myfitnesspal calorie amount for the week. 

Week 3

 Happy Memorial Day-

Beautiful days and sights like this are definitley making being outside, walking about and moving my body easier.   I wandered over to see the flags one morning after work.  Which meant more walking at that time than I usually do.  I love it when exercise happens naturally.

But I also enjoy taking classes and how they force me to push myself.  Once again I only made it to 1 class, but I attempted 2 others that ended up canceled when I got there.  UGH!!! Super frustrating.  I was completely motivated to do back to back Balletone and Zumba as mentioned in the previous post.  Happy I showed up for the earlier (Balletone) class because Zumba was cancelled.  Bummer.  Then went on Saturday to attempt Zumba again and they had moved the class up an hour without changing schedule online so I missed it again. DOH.

Diana and I met for a couple of walks this week.  I am really enjoying our morning adventures.

There is something that I find to be peaceful and grounding about geting out  before the hustle of the day starts.  We walked up Summit one morning as part of our walk,  A street that has a pretty steep incline and definitely reminded me of some forgotten muscles.  Feel that burn.

I did manage to get myself out for a jog.   I managed a mile and when I say jog, well lets just say my pace is painfully slow.  When I tried to track the activity on Myfitnesspal it wouldn't even recognize it as a jog.  Thanks.  Way to crush my spirit.  : )  But who can be too upset when you see this cute family

The positive though is I did it.  We all start somewhere and managing a mile after not jogging for several months is decent.  I can't expect to on my first run to be 3miles in under 30mins.  That just doesn't happen.  I have to want it.  To work for it.

My eating continues to be my biggest hurdle.  Overall I did good this week.  I made some smoothies with the nurtribullet, ate a lot of veggies and did my best to have balance in my diet.  I skipped ordering in food at work.  However, I was not perfect.  I do have to admit I did have one piece of veggie pizza.  Yes, I caved after having pizzas available all week.  I was going strong, but after one busy night and  no time to eat I had a slice around 5am.  Also went to Fajitas and Ritas and endulged on some nachos and cape cod ritas.  But, those things don't negate a whole week of healthy decisions.  Part of this process is finding a balance.  All in moderation as they say.

 Groceries.  I never know what to buy.

This weeks goals-

With the long weekend and my gym being closed on Monday it is going to be difficult to meet some of the goals this week.  I am going to increase my vegetable serving and say 2 servings a day.  There is literally only 2 classes at the gym I have the potential of making and both are cutting it close with other obligations.  That being said though, I am going to set the positive intention of making it to both.  Zumba Thursday night.  And Flex class Friday morning.  Walks with Diana.  Salads only at work.  and get out for at least one jog. 

Week 2

I was walking down the street the other day and a girl was jogging, mumbling "fuck, fuck, fuck" to herself.  I couldn't help but laugh.  Glad I'm not the only one who jogs that way. 

Each week is a work in progress.  Some days good and others not so much.  While not perfect I an beginning to make the healthier decision.  I hear that after awhile this will become habit and not just a difficult decision to make.  The week was far from ideal as I did enjoy some tastey food brought in by my co-workers. I'm pretty sure there may actually be crack in that cheese dip.  Soo addicting.

Diana and I met several (I believe 4) mornings for walks. Considering switching it up and attempting a jog, but right now, not sure how motivated I am.  I enjoy getting out early and wandering about the neighborhood.  How have I lived here for so many years and still feel like I hardly know it?

 The streets are mostly empty at this time of day.  Besides our morning walks, I also walked a few extra blocks after work one morning.  It was beautiful out and great way to unwind and get some fresh air after a busy night.

sauteed veggies (onion, mushroom, spinach, bellpeppers)

Yummy breakfast one morning.  Baked my bacon in the oven.  Can never seem to get it right on the stove top but this turned out crisp and perfect.  Just set oven to 400 and bake for about 20mins.  Blueberries and onion, mushrrom and feta cheese for quite the eclectic, but tastey start to the day

One of my goals last week was at least one serving of vegetables a day.  I definitely was able to accomplish this one.  I enjoyed some salads, made some coconut thai soup, and sauteed up veggies for my breakfast.  Even made a smoothie with nanners, blueberries, spinach and apple that ended up being pretty tastey.  Overall the week was not horrific dietary wise.  Just needed to stay away from the cheese crack and the cinnamon rolls.

Unfortunately, I did not accomplish my final goal of 2 classes at the gym.  I did however take my first ever Zumba class.  It was not at all what I expected.  I thought it would be a bunch of seductive latin hip shakes and manuevers, but it was different.  I am pretty sure we did some moves from the "Sound of Music" at one point.  Definitely want to go back.  Today they have Balletone and Zumba back to back at the gym.  I really want to take both classes.  Lets see if I have the stamina.  

This week continue my goals from previous weeks- at least 1 serving of veggies a day, 2 classes at the gym, walks with Di.  I am also going to add to increase my water consumption and salads only when buying food at work.  That last one is going to be tough!

Week 1

Today starts the official week one of this blog.   The past few days could have gone better, but overall were not bad.  I definitely could have done better, but maybe its best to take baby steps and not just expect an overnight change.  I did manage to walk home from work one morning, but not the other two.  I was just soo friggin tired and after waiting 25mins for the T, I was also pissed and found it better to just skip and head home.  Some of the pros that I did this week are-  Skipped ordering in at work and opted for a salad instead.  Oh my some fried wontons or a cheeseburger or a pizza all sounded so yummy, but I managed to forgo.  Not that I was all good. It was nurses week and I did eat some cookies that were brought in.

Beautiful weather meant people getting outside and more reason to walk instead of taking the T.  Which also meant not feeling so bad about skipping those morning walks after work.  I'm sure I more than made it up for it.

I also managed to get my butt out of bed for some morning walks with Diana.  Found this random gem wandering about.  What a fun home or building.  Not sure what this is.

My goals for this week.  Morning walks with Diana when possible.  (IE mornings that I'm not getting out of work) Get to the gym for at least 2 classes and eat at least one vegetable a day.

Not to hard to get up in the morning when this is what I'm greeted with

First Post

I am constantly telling myself that I am going to improve my health, eat better, make wiser decisions and take care of me.  Yet, each week goes by and I fail to do so.  I am trusting that by  holding myself accountable to a weekly post of foods that I have eaten, exercises that I have done and fully honest account will keep me on track.   My plan is to post every Monday.  I need to stop with the excuses.  I need to start living my life right.  The grief I have experienced this past year with the loss of my sister is not a reason to allow myself to be unhealthy.  If anything it should be a motivator in the other direction.  I need to be healthy for ME, for my mom and for my other sister.

Ugh I hate how big I look.  But only one way to change that...  My next post will be Monday and my goals until then are to walk a few extra blocks home from work.  The weather is so nice now, how can I not possibly take advantage.  Take Flex class at the gym on Thursday night.  And do some grocery shopping to supply myself with healthy options