The last couple of days have been weird. Both nights I've gone to have drinks, and both nights have ended up with weird dinners. Tuesday night, after having 2 1/2 beers and 2 1/2 chicken wings, I decided to get a bowl of Italian Style wedding soup. (yes, this was two different places). The wings were from Austin, where I went for my weekly happy hour, now again with Original Mike, since New Mike is MIA. Then I hung out w/ C-Lo at Stoney's. Stoney's has the best soups, I swear. I was going to get their chili, but it comes with cornbread, and we all know what a disaster that would have been. Turns out that all their soups come with cornbread. Not to worry, I sent it back :-).
Yesterday during the day was largely according to plan, a south beach wrap for breakfast, a peach for a snack, grilled chicken tenders on whole wheat for lunch and then a bowl of cereal of second lunch / afternoon snack. The snack was mainly to keep me from starving because I knew I was going out after work and didn't want to eat TOO much bar food.
It worked, for the most part. Though I was at McGinty's for nearly 3 hours, I managed to have only 14 fries and two drinks. I had a "black velvet" which I recommend, highly. Half Guinness and Half Cider. Now when I left McGinty's I was clearly still hungry, but decided to skip dinner instead of eating crap that late at night.
This morning, I decided to go with cereal instead of another wrap before my workout and chocolate protein w/ milk after. Then at our team meeting, my boss brought DONUGHTS. And not generic chain store doughnuts. These were the real thing from a local bakery. One maple glazed donught later, I was kind of sick. But I made it.
Lunch was a salad at Adega. This time, mixed green salad with pecans, candied pears. There was some sort of dressing on the side, which I only had a bit of. I decided to make today my diet coke day. Had my one for the week. Good times.
Unlike most days, my fear is that I haven't been eating ENOUGH for the last couple of days. After the meeting I just had, I don't think that will be a problem for the next few. My job is making me want carbs..
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
ya dun good
So, I ended yesterday well. I had two servings of trail mix in the afternoon, but that could have gone worse I suppose. This pack has to last me all week to though, so I'd better lay off or amma be strugglin.
The trail mix (along with a good deal of water) did stave off hunger yesterday afternoon - I was fine until I got home at after 9;30. Then it was time to cook.
Even though it was way too late, I had to eat something, so made myself some pan-seared chicken tenders (with a garlic herb marinade) and some steamed winter veggies. A plum as an appetizer. Not a bad dinner. Yesterday was a model.
Today has also not been terrible. I had my oatmeal with peanut butter and raisins (I know, weird). Instead of having second breakfast after lifting (and I lifted pretty hard), I had a protein "shake" which was basically a cup and a half of milk and a scoop of protein powder. I've learned how to mix it properly and have grown accustomed to the taste. I'm spinning it was "Cecil's Famous Hot Chocolate."
A peach served as morning snack (yes I am on a fruit kick. It's part of my eating locally / seasonally - more on that later.) Before I knew it it was after 1pm and time for me to eat my South Beach frozen meal. Today's was Chicken Alfredo a la Roma. I know I always claim this, but this one was REALLY good. If you haven't tried South Beach products, they are amazing.
It's almost 430 and I just had another serving of trail mix. I know that's nuts two times today, which is probably pushing it, but I'll cut it back tomorrow. Today is on track. Let's see how it finishes. I'm wanting a beer. Luckily, I won't be eating tortillas.
The trail mix (along with a good deal of water) did stave off hunger yesterday afternoon - I was fine until I got home at after 9;30. Then it was time to cook.
Even though it was way too late, I had to eat something, so made myself some pan-seared chicken tenders (with a garlic herb marinade) and some steamed winter veggies. A plum as an appetizer. Not a bad dinner. Yesterday was a model.
Today has also not been terrible. I had my oatmeal with peanut butter and raisins (I know, weird). Instead of having second breakfast after lifting (and I lifted pretty hard), I had a protein "shake" which was basically a cup and a half of milk and a scoop of protein powder. I've learned how to mix it properly and have grown accustomed to the taste. I'm spinning it was "Cecil's Famous Hot Chocolate."
A peach served as morning snack (yes I am on a fruit kick. It's part of my eating locally / seasonally - more on that later.) Before I knew it it was after 1pm and time for me to eat my South Beach frozen meal. Today's was Chicken Alfredo a la Roma. I know I always claim this, but this one was REALLY good. If you haven't tried South Beach products, they are amazing.
It's almost 430 and I just had another serving of trail mix. I know that's nuts two times today, which is probably pushing it, but I'll cut it back tomorrow. Today is on track. Let's see how it finishes. I'm wanting a beer. Luckily, I won't be eating tortillas.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Jesus can you hold two wheels at once?
Boy this weekend was not good. It wasn't quite a spiral, but it was definitely a curve, on what feels like a larger , slower, month-long spiral. I feel like not flogging is the problem. I am therefore back. I've got family reunion coming up in two weeks and I will NOT have my people talking about me (too bad). So I've got to lose at five lbs in two weeks. Not sure how that's going to go, but anyway it's a goal. In order to accomplish it, I've given up refined carbohydrates for the duration. We'll see how that goes. We all know I love a good slice of pizza.
Today has been pretty good so far. Had a bowl of my shredded wheat and bran for breakfast. No sausage this time, b/c I was too lazy to go to the grocery. Instead of having a full-blown second-breakfast, I had a plum instead. That held me over until lunch, shockingly enough. It being Monday I went Lebanese, where I had a chicken schwarma sandwich with Jerusalem salad. I ate the filling out of the sandwich and left the bread there. I also had some iced tea as I was not in the mood for water today.
Let's see how the rest of it goes.
A couple of announcements:
1) I am officially eliminating death triangles (aka tortilla chips) from my diet.
2) I have decided that there is no such thing as "good fat."
Today has been pretty good so far. Had a bowl of my shredded wheat and bran for breakfast. No sausage this time, b/c I was too lazy to go to the grocery. Instead of having a full-blown second-breakfast, I had a plum instead. That held me over until lunch, shockingly enough. It being Monday I went Lebanese, where I had a chicken schwarma sandwich with Jerusalem salad. I ate the filling out of the sandwich and left the bread there. I also had some iced tea as I was not in the mood for water today.
Let's see how the rest of it goes.
A couple of announcements:
1) I am officially eliminating death triangles (aka tortilla chips) from my diet.
2) I have decided that there is no such thing as "good fat."
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
now dip, baby, dip
Yesterday could have gone really well. I had a good workout, avoided sweets for the most part, ate several small meals, and and even brought my lunch.
Then I went to a party..
First of all, I don't know whose idea a Tuesday party was, but it was brilliant and should be done every week.
Equally brilliant was the food at the party. All chips and dip! One "redneck dip" which was creme cheese and hot sauce and then some sort of cheese, butter, cream dip thing with spices. And of course, guacamole, because you've gotta get your "good fats." Sadly enough I had just read two articles yesterday that mentioned the fact that "good fat" is still fat. In no way did that stop me from participating. At various times throughout the night, I employed my ten-foot rule and T was there to say "careful" and to make flogging noises at me if I veered too close. Then, someone else came along eating them and I sorta went for it. My guess is that between the chips, the dips(s) and the three beers I had, I must have taken in at least an extra 1000 calories, so way to ruin a day of progress.
On a positive note - I've decided that slightly warm YuengLing in a can might be my new favorite beer. Last night, for the first time, I understand how it became the official acceptable cheap beer of our generation.
Then I went to a party..
First of all, I don't know whose idea a Tuesday party was, but it was brilliant and should be done every week.
Equally brilliant was the food at the party. All chips and dip! One "redneck dip" which was creme cheese and hot sauce and then some sort of cheese, butter, cream dip thing with spices. And of course, guacamole, because you've gotta get your "good fats." Sadly enough I had just read two articles yesterday that mentioned the fact that "good fat" is still fat. In no way did that stop me from participating. At various times throughout the night, I employed my ten-foot rule and T was there to say "careful" and to make flogging noises at me if I veered too close. Then, someone else came along eating them and I sorta went for it. My guess is that between the chips, the dips(s) and the three beers I had, I must have taken in at least an extra 1000 calories, so way to ruin a day of progress.
On a positive note - I've decided that slightly warm YuengLing in a can might be my new favorite beer. Last night, for the first time, I understand how it became the official acceptable cheap beer of our generation.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
better late than never
So it looks like it's going to be once a day. I had a weird eating day today. Breakfast was normal enough - oatmeal with peanut butter and two turkey sausages.
I read through my ABS Diet workouts today and designed a new abs workout for myself today. that went really well - I could really feel the difference by doing new exercises. Followed that up w/ some cardio.
Today, instead of eating the lunch I brought, I went to Negril w/ the old Research gang. I suppose it was something of a going away lunch for a colleague. Another one escaped! I got the jerk-chicken sandwich. Ate half the coco bread and all the chicken, just to be safe. That was especially important since I had to buy a cookie to make my total more than $5 so that old lady would let me use a credit card. She has the most attitude, I swear! It's like..hello, you're out of the way even for silver spring. be glad i'm here!
The afternoon got pretty bad. Even though I'd already had a cookie, I decided that more animal crackers would be a good idea. (Oh and before that I had a mini Mr. Goodbar) Someone brought them (animal crackers) to our meeting. I did have a cheese wedge with them, just to balance out the carbs a bit. I think that helped me to eat fewer of them.
It was my plan to eat the lunch I brought for dinner, while waiting for Anna, so we could go see Hairspray. But she changed her mind about the gym, so we grabbed a quick slice of pizza from Z. Had I not had a small veggie tray early this morning, that would have been a whole day w/o veggies. I can't keep doing that.
Anyway, Hairspray - cute. It is the third of the movie musicals I've seen. While they are entertaining, there is somethin subdued about them. For one thing, the actors they pick are never the strongest singers. They tend to cast big names, so the studio can justify doing it in the first place. Hairspray suffered from that big time. In my opinion, the singing was just awful. Happily, a few of the songs were good enough to make up for it. Also, the overall message was positive enough that even the heavy-handed treatment it received here didn't ruin it. I came away secretly wanting to dance (with fully choreographed backup dancers) , which is what any good musical should do, I think. $10 well-spent.
After the movie, natch, I had seriously like 8 green beans (because I had them available) and a peach. And with that..I am going to bed.
I read through my ABS Diet workouts today and designed a new abs workout for myself today. that went really well - I could really feel the difference by doing new exercises. Followed that up w/ some cardio.
Today, instead of eating the lunch I brought, I went to Negril w/ the old Research gang. I suppose it was something of a going away lunch for a colleague. Another one escaped! I got the jerk-chicken sandwich. Ate half the coco bread and all the chicken, just to be safe. That was especially important since I had to buy a cookie to make my total more than $5 so that old lady would let me use a credit card. She has the most attitude, I swear! It's like..hello, you're out of the way even for silver spring. be glad i'm here!
The afternoon got pretty bad. Even though I'd already had a cookie, I decided that more animal crackers would be a good idea. (Oh and before that I had a mini Mr. Goodbar) Someone brought them (animal crackers) to our meeting. I did have a cheese wedge with them, just to balance out the carbs a bit. I think that helped me to eat fewer of them.
It was my plan to eat the lunch I brought for dinner, while waiting for Anna, so we could go see Hairspray. But she changed her mind about the gym, so we grabbed a quick slice of pizza from Z. Had I not had a small veggie tray early this morning, that would have been a whole day w/o veggies. I can't keep doing that.
Anyway, Hairspray - cute. It is the third of the movie musicals I've seen. While they are entertaining, there is somethin subdued about them. For one thing, the actors they pick are never the strongest singers. They tend to cast big names, so the studio can justify doing it in the first place. Hairspray suffered from that big time. In my opinion, the singing was just awful. Happily, a few of the songs were good enough to make up for it. Also, the overall message was positive enough that even the heavy-handed treatment it received here didn't ruin it. I came away secretly wanting to dance (with fully choreographed backup dancers) , which is what any good musical should do, I think. $10 well-spent.
After the movie, natch, I had seriously like 8 green beans (because I had them available) and a peach. And with that..I am going to bed.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Whatever it takes
Somebody told me I was looking thin, today. Now, I clearly wasn't, but I appreciated the sentiment all the same. I didn't return it, for fear that it would seem disingenuous. Oh, life!
So this morning, I was all excited about how I was going to make a Turkey sandwich to bring to work today for lunch. I made the Turkey sandwich (on flat-out), and even got breakfast in (3/4 serving SW and 2 turkey sausage links). I was feeling very proud of myself until I got to work and realized that in my haste, I'd forgotten to pack gym gym clothes. Brilliant, I thought. Well of course, I had to go shower, anyway, so I figured I'd just head over there, shower, and then go have some coffee. Then when I got to the gym, I realized that they sell clothes there! My boy at the front desk let me get a whole outfit for 20 bucks. I am not going to ask what the nature of this discount was, but I do know I gave him cash, so, I'm sure that ended up being lunch money or something. He probably thinks I'm a total nut-job now as I took about 10 minutes to pick out a shirt and pair of shorts with suitable style and in the right size. Oh well, I had a hell of a workout and even finished my workout on time.
I took a looong time mixing up my protein and skim milk this morning. It was decently smooth and tasted good.
Even though I brought lunch, somehow I let Robert talk me into going to Lebanese taverna, because its cheap on Mondays. I was all ready to eat that. When we get there his "crew" announced that they weren't eating there because suddenly it's "gross" even though we've eaten there 3x/month for the last 3-4 months. Anyway, he of course, decided to go with the (they're his crew, right?) and so I, totally over, walked to whole foods w/ Monz to get a tiny salad to go with my sandwich. It was truly tiny -- only $1.44 at whole foods prices :-) That and my turkey wrap made for a good lunch.
The vendor who came to present at 3 brought chocolates and Tori totally let me eat two Hershey's miniatures special darks. Delicious, but of course I had heartburn. And then I was hungry again. So, I decided to have a cheese wedge. Not having any crackers, I decided that animal crackers would do. After all, do I not like cheese on nilla wafers? It's the same thing, right? Wrong. It was gross. The animal crackers in our vending machine should be burned. The taste is vaguely lemony, too sweet and has none of the subtle flavors of "name brand" animal crackers. We're done!
So this morning, I was all excited about how I was going to make a Turkey sandwich to bring to work today for lunch. I made the Turkey sandwich (on flat-out), and even got breakfast in (3/4 serving SW and 2 turkey sausage links). I was feeling very proud of myself until I got to work and realized that in my haste, I'd forgotten to pack gym gym clothes. Brilliant, I thought. Well of course, I had to go shower, anyway, so I figured I'd just head over there, shower, and then go have some coffee. Then when I got to the gym, I realized that they sell clothes there! My boy at the front desk let me get a whole outfit for 20 bucks. I am not going to ask what the nature of this discount was, but I do know I gave him cash, so, I'm sure that ended up being lunch money or something. He probably thinks I'm a total nut-job now as I took about 10 minutes to pick out a shirt and pair of shorts with suitable style and in the right size. Oh well, I had a hell of a workout and even finished my workout on time.
I took a looong time mixing up my protein and skim milk this morning. It was decently smooth and tasted good.
Even though I brought lunch, somehow I let Robert talk me into going to Lebanese taverna, because its cheap on Mondays. I was all ready to eat that. When we get there his "crew" announced that they weren't eating there because suddenly it's "gross" even though we've eaten there 3x/month for the last 3-4 months. Anyway, he of course, decided to go with the (they're his crew, right?) and so I, totally over, walked to whole foods w/ Monz to get a tiny salad to go with my sandwich. It was truly tiny -- only $1.44 at whole foods prices :-) That and my turkey wrap made for a good lunch.
The vendor who came to present at 3 brought chocolates and Tori totally let me eat two Hershey's miniatures special darks. Delicious, but of course I had heartburn. And then I was hungry again. So, I decided to have a cheese wedge. Not having any crackers, I decided that animal crackers would do. After all, do I not like cheese on nilla wafers? It's the same thing, right? Wrong. It was gross. The animal crackers in our vending machine should be burned. The taste is vaguely lemony, too sweet and has none of the subtle flavors of "name brand" animal crackers. We're done!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Strugglin
Even though I got about 7 hours last night, I was REALLY strugglin this morning. Again, I had to grab a south beach wrap on the way out the door, because I was running late. It didn't help that the FIRST thing I heard this morning was the death toll from a bridge collapse. NPR can be depressing in the morning, sometimes.
I did have the presence of mind pack a scoop of chocolate protein powder before leaving home this morning. I had that, when I finished lifting, this time using skim milk instead of water. While that makes the stuff TASTE a lot better, I swear it just won't dissolve. Anyway, I drank that in two gulps. I had a glass of water, again , instead of my morning coffee.
I was supposed to go to lunch with my crew, but I had to work on a press thing! So, I guzzled down a mini Atkins bar, b/c I was starving.
When Monica finally did get back with my Salad from Adega, I ate half of it before dashing off to another meeting. This salad was DA BOMB. It's the tofu salad with chicken. Basically enough food for two meals.
Which was good b/c I definitely ate the other half around 4 when I got done with that meeting.
At some point today I also had an apple jolly rancher. As I mentioned yesterday, someone brought a ton of them to work. Have you ever smelled a jolly rancher bouquet? It's heavenly. Just open a bag and sniff one day. Both your troubles and the enamel on your teeth seem to melt right away.
Housewarming Happy Hour at Dawn's tonight. We'll see how it goes.
I did have the presence of mind pack a scoop of chocolate protein powder before leaving home this morning. I had that, when I finished lifting, this time using skim milk instead of water. While that makes the stuff TASTE a lot better, I swear it just won't dissolve. Anyway, I drank that in two gulps. I had a glass of water, again , instead of my morning coffee.
I was supposed to go to lunch with my crew, but I had to work on a press thing! So, I guzzled down a mini Atkins bar, b/c I was starving.
When Monica finally did get back with my Salad from Adega, I ate half of it before dashing off to another meeting. This salad was DA BOMB. It's the tofu salad with chicken. Basically enough food for two meals.
Which was good b/c I definitely ate the other half around 4 when I got done with that meeting.
At some point today I also had an apple jolly rancher. As I mentioned yesterday, someone brought a ton of them to work. Have you ever smelled a jolly rancher bouquet? It's heavenly. Just open a bag and sniff one day. Both your troubles and the enamel on your teeth seem to melt right away.
Housewarming Happy Hour at Dawn's tonight. We'll see how it goes.
Chicken Sahny
So, I decided to invite R Mike to have "a pint" after work. My original intention was to go to Eggspectations and grab one of those huge mugs they have for like $4 between 4 and 8. But, he wanted to go quarry house and I think it was a wise decision. I knew there would be beer, and just so it didn't hit my stomach too hard, I decided to go ahead and eat.
Thankfully, I resisted both the burgers and the tots (tots!) and ordered myself a grilled chicken salad. Unfortunately, the waiter heard, "grilled chicken WITH salad" so he brought me a sandwich with a side side. It was fine, but I'd rather not have had the white bread and mayo that came w/ it. Nonetheless, it was delicious. Surprisingly fresh tasting too, for quarry house.
I also got a chance to try two beers from Louisiana. "Abita" I want to say. First I had a Turbo Dog, b/c I read that it was dark and I like dark beers. Something about it was a little flat though. Then for my second I had a Purple Haze, which while not horrible, but was a bet much in the raspberry flavoring department. It honestly tasted like someone squoze fake raspberries into a decent wheat beer. Anyway, you never know until you try 'em right?
Thankfully, I resisted both the burgers and the tots (tots!) and ordered myself a grilled chicken salad. Unfortunately, the waiter heard, "grilled chicken WITH salad" so he brought me a sandwich with a side side. It was fine, but I'd rather not have had the white bread and mayo that came w/ it. Nonetheless, it was delicious. Surprisingly fresh tasting too, for quarry house.
I also got a chance to try two beers from Louisiana. "Abita" I want to say. First I had a Turbo Dog, b/c I read that it was dark and I like dark beers. Something about it was a little flat though. Then for my second I had a Purple Haze, which while not horrible, but was a bet much in the raspberry flavoring department. It honestly tasted like someone squoze fake raspberries into a decent wheat beer. Anyway, you never know until you try 'em right?
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Cancer in a can
Oddly enough, on the day I'd decided to ween myself off soda, Zinger sent me this article. Turns out soda can kill you. Old news, I know, but it's all compiled here for you to see. Most of the warnings are about regular sodas, which, as you know I don't drink. Diet soda is apparently associated with various cancers, though, as I always say you're pretty much guaranteed to die from SOME kind of cancer these days. Might as well live until your doctor tells you which one is yours.
Still, the article is worth a quick read-through. Be sure to take note of WHO is publishing this information. :-)
Still, the article is worth a quick read-through. Be sure to take note of WHO is publishing this information. :-)
Why Wednesday?
So today was supposed to be Why Not Wednesday, but Neela is being lame. Way to go, Neels.
I was determined today was going to be a good day, and I think, so far at least, it has been. I was reasonably productive at work, and even got to the gym for some cardio during lunch. (Remember, Calabash).
Breakfast was some SW and strawberries (the glut continues) and three turkey sausage links. Marketing left about a million bagels and Jolly Ranchers outside my cube. I managed to avoid the bagels, but I did have two mini Jolly Ranchers throughout they day. There was also cantaloupe, of which I ate about one serving, along with a home-made fortune cookie (who makes those??) for second breakfast. I figured I'd need some carbs for lunch.
At the gym, they were giving away these tiny little Atkins bars which I naturally ate as soon as I was done w/ my workout. To have only 1/2 gram of sugar and quite a bit of protein, they're actually pretty tasty. Maybe Atkins wouldn't have been so bad, after all.. maybe next time I'm obese, I'll try that instead.
Having gone to the grocery last night, I was all set with a frozen meal for lunch. I usually go South Beach brand, but this time, healthy choice was on sale for $2, so I figured I'd try it. Brother has to save some money. The Mancicotti meal was quite tasty. Two pieces, with a serving of broccoli and some oatmeal apple cobbler thing. The dessert section puts the calorie count at a slightly high 380, but I'm a grown man, so whatever.
Snack was two cheese wedges and the remaining serving and a half or so of multi-grain all-bran crackers.
I have decided to gradually ween myself off caffeine. I skipped my morning cup of coffee and that was okay. I had some water and that helped me a bit. By about 2pm though, I was starting to feel it and decided to have a diet coke with my lunch. I guess that's a start. Eventually, I figure I'll get down to 2-3 caffeinated beverages per week, instead of 2-3 per DAY like now. Baby steps.
I was determined today was going to be a good day, and I think, so far at least, it has been. I was reasonably productive at work, and even got to the gym for some cardio during lunch. (Remember, Calabash).
Breakfast was some SW and strawberries (the glut continues) and three turkey sausage links. Marketing left about a million bagels and Jolly Ranchers outside my cube. I managed to avoid the bagels, but I did have two mini Jolly Ranchers throughout they day. There was also cantaloupe, of which I ate about one serving, along with a home-made fortune cookie (who makes those??) for second breakfast. I figured I'd need some carbs for lunch.
At the gym, they were giving away these tiny little Atkins bars which I naturally ate as soon as I was done w/ my workout. To have only 1/2 gram of sugar and quite a bit of protein, they're actually pretty tasty. Maybe Atkins wouldn't have been so bad, after all.. maybe next time I'm obese, I'll try that instead.
Having gone to the grocery last night, I was all set with a frozen meal for lunch. I usually go South Beach brand, but this time, healthy choice was on sale for $2, so I figured I'd try it. Brother has to save some money. The Mancicotti meal was quite tasty. Two pieces, with a serving of broccoli and some oatmeal apple cobbler thing. The dessert section puts the calorie count at a slightly high 380, but I'm a grown man, so whatever.
Snack was two cheese wedges and the remaining serving and a half or so of multi-grain all-bran crackers.
I have decided to gradually ween myself off caffeine. I skipped my morning cup of coffee and that was okay. I had some water and that helped me a bit. By about 2pm though, I was starting to feel it and decided to have a diet coke with my lunch. I guess that's a start. Eventually, I figure I'll get down to 2-3 caffeinated beverages per week, instead of 2-3 per DAY like now. Baby steps.
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