Whoever brought Godiva chocolates to my store is in big trouble. And now so am I.
It doesn't help that tomorrow is Valentines Day either.
Sad stuff right there. Peace be with my poor scale on Monday.
Posted from my iPhone.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
squeels of joy
Two blogs in one day, NOW WE'RE TALKIN!
I feel like a little kid who is going to Disney Land tomorrow! I can't sleep, I'm too full of excitement! And why all the excitement, you ask? Because I go back to work tomorrow!
Okay, you probably think I'm crazy. And I probably am. But a whole seven days away from work is TORTURE for me! I'm a work-a-holic, and I can't help it. Nothing has ever been given to me, I've had to work hard for everything I have! And I love that feeling. The feeling of accomplishing a goal or getting results. It's so satisfying. I'm addicted to it. I actually prefer being given NOTHING and making it into something great. So I love to work. It's fun. It's challenging at times. It's rewarding.
This really has nothing to do with weight loss (besides the fact that I am going to work hard to achieve the results I want). I just needed to write about how excited I am!!!
Good thing I'm closing, because at this rate there's no way I could wake up early!
Posted from my iPhone.
I feel like a little kid who is going to Disney Land tomorrow! I can't sleep, I'm too full of excitement! And why all the excitement, you ask? Because I go back to work tomorrow!
Okay, you probably think I'm crazy. And I probably am. But a whole seven days away from work is TORTURE for me! I'm a work-a-holic, and I can't help it. Nothing has ever been given to me, I've had to work hard for everything I have! And I love that feeling. The feeling of accomplishing a goal or getting results. It's so satisfying. I'm addicted to it. I actually prefer being given NOTHING and making it into something great. So I love to work. It's fun. It's challenging at times. It's rewarding.
This really has nothing to do with weight loss (besides the fact that I am going to work hard to achieve the results I want). I just needed to write about how excited I am!!!
Good thing I'm closing, because at this rate there's no way I could wake up early!
Posted from my iPhone.
THE MIRACLE OF GREEN TEA
I took this straight from this site http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011400a.htm
----
"Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." -Ancient Chinese Proverb
Is any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.
Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
To sum up, here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful:
cancer
rheumatoid arthritis
high cholesterol levels
cariovascular disease
infection
impaired immune function
WHAT MAKES GREEN TEA SO SPECIAL?
The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.
Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.
Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.
OTHER BENEFITS
New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.
HARMFUL EFFECTS?
To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.
----
So start drinking that green tea at work ya'll! it's some amazing stuff! Let's drink our way to healthy!
----
"Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." -Ancient Chinese Proverb
Is any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.
Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
To sum up, here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful:
cancer
rheumatoid arthritis
high cholesterol levels
cariovascular disease
infection
impaired immune function
WHAT MAKES GREEN TEA SO SPECIAL?
The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.
Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.
Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.
OTHER BENEFITS
New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.
HARMFUL EFFECTS?
To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.
----
So start drinking that green tea at work ya'll! it's some amazing stuff! Let's drink our way to healthy!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Vacation!
Today I learned that men naturally have 10%-15% higher metabolism than women. And that after the age of 20, metabolism slows by 2% per decade. And 4% per decade after 40!!! This can, of course, be completely different based on our individual diets and exercise plans and even genetics.
Still running. My legs feel like they're going to fall off. Chito let me walk today so I could let my muscles heal so that I'd be ready for... yes, longer runs. I'm aiming for 5 miles.
It was my birthday on Saturday. I only had ONE slice of cake! Oh and maybe 3 or 8 too many drinks. I DON'T REMEMBER. I was hoping they'd make their way up and out but they didn't, but I ran them off either way the next day.
Can't wait to get back to work, I'm bored! I'm grateful though for the opportunity to relax and be able to focus on my health these past few days.
Been reading a lot about green tea, which is my only beverage other than water. And beer. And tequila. It's an amazing thing that I'll save for my next blog!
If anyone is interested in going for a walk or jog let me know. I don't always have a partner to run with and it's so boring I want to give up sometimes.
Posted from my iPhone.
Still running. My legs feel like they're going to fall off. Chito let me walk today so I could let my muscles heal so that I'd be ready for... yes, longer runs. I'm aiming for 5 miles.
It was my birthday on Saturday. I only had ONE slice of cake! Oh and maybe 3 or 8 too many drinks. I DON'T REMEMBER. I was hoping they'd make their way up and out but they didn't, but I ran them off either way the next day.
Can't wait to get back to work, I'm bored! I'm grateful though for the opportunity to relax and be able to focus on my health these past few days.
Been reading a lot about green tea, which is my only beverage other than water. And beer. And tequila. It's an amazing thing that I'll save for my next blog!
If anyone is interested in going for a walk or jog let me know. I don't always have a partner to run with and it's so boring I want to give up sometimes.
Posted from my iPhone.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
running
My whole body hurts! I've been running every day since I've been on vacation. Considering not running for a day or so to let my poor muscles relax.
I'm surprised at how well I can run though. I used go dread running in school, one mile would kick my butt. I ran 2 miles straight yesterday, and even though I thought I was gonna barf I loved it!!!
Posted from my iPhone.
I'm surprised at how well I can run though. I used go dread running in school, one mile would kick my butt. I ran 2 miles straight yesterday, and even though I thought I was gonna barf I loved it!!!
Posted from my iPhone.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
???
I don't know what the eff is going on. I've been so busy this week, sometimes I'm eating way too much and sometimes I'm not eating at all!
I lost 3 pounds last week so I was pretty stoked about that. I don't even know what the scale is going to tell me on Monday though. I'm hoping I lose, but at the same time I don't want it to be because I skipped lunch a few too many times. I Started my vacation today, so hopefully my brain and body will be well rested so I can get back on track.
My boo wants me to start running & doing hot box yoga with him, we're starring tomorrow! I'm excited but I don't wanna get left behind when we run. He does marathons, I... call the line?
Hopefuly you guys are all taking good care of yourselves. Will update more soon.
Posted from my iPhone.
I lost 3 pounds last week so I was pretty stoked about that. I don't even know what the scale is going to tell me on Monday though. I'm hoping I lose, but at the same time I don't want it to be because I skipped lunch a few too many times. I Started my vacation today, so hopefully my brain and body will be well rested so I can get back on track.
My boo wants me to start running & doing hot box yoga with him, we're starring tomorrow! I'm excited but I don't wanna get left behind when we run. He does marathons, I... call the line?
Hopefuly you guys are all taking good care of yourselves. Will update more soon.
Posted from my iPhone.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
JUEVES
Today was such a great day in general. I want to celebrate with something big and greasy but I'm going to resist so that I can have even more to be excited about later.
Nothing else really to say tonight. I've been consistent so far this week and am happy with my choices. I can't wait to see results on Monday. I'll see if I need to tweak anything after that.
Hope everyone's having a great week so far. Keep moving forward!
Posted from my iPhone.
Nothing else really to say tonight. I've been consistent so far this week and am happy with my choices. I can't wait to see results on Monday. I'll see if I need to tweak anything after that.
Hope everyone's having a great week so far. Keep moving forward!
Posted from my iPhone.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
tuna melts and mac & cheese
I REFUSE to count calories, I count enough things during the day at work!
Today I've consumed:
7:00am - banana
9:00am - oatmeal with brown sugar and nuts
11:30am - tuna melt
3:00pm - a fruit cup
6:00pm - chicken breast, salad, and a small side of home made mac & cheese
I've also only had water and unsweetened green tea throughout the day as far as beverages go.
And to be completely honest, I'm perfectly SATISFIED and GUILT FREE with everything I've eaten today. I don't feel bad about the tuna melt OR the mac & cheese. Of course, I could have left those out and found something a bit healthier, but I'm trying to be REALISTIC here: tuna melts and mac & cheese exist in the world, and as long as I'm alive I cannot tell myself that I'll NEVER eat them. Did I binge on this things? No. Will I eat them for every meal, every day? No. So what's the problem? There isn't one. Millions of people eat these things all the time, and not all of them have weight to lose. They eat these things in the right proportions and do not over-induldge. It's completely normal and natural.
Today Beth and I talked about finding a "happy weight", something you can achieve and live with and maintain. Sure, I could eat the healthiest, lowest calorie, most nutritious and organic things out there to lose weight... but would I do it forever? Would I be happy? I see all these people get gastric bypass or do liquid only diets and get amazing results. But those results are temporary, and they have not learned to change their eating habits permanently. Do I want to teach myself healthy eating habits, or do I want to feel miserable but be able to count my ribs?
So I'm not counting calories. I'm not going to feel bad if I eat mac & cheese or tuna melts. I'm going to eat them in moderation whenever I feel like it, and I AM going to lose weight AND maintain it.
Today I've consumed:
7:00am - banana
9:00am - oatmeal with brown sugar and nuts
11:30am - tuna melt
3:00pm - a fruit cup
6:00pm - chicken breast, salad, and a small side of home made mac & cheese
I've also only had water and unsweetened green tea throughout the day as far as beverages go.
And to be completely honest, I'm perfectly SATISFIED and GUILT FREE with everything I've eaten today. I don't feel bad about the tuna melt OR the mac & cheese. Of course, I could have left those out and found something a bit healthier, but I'm trying to be REALISTIC here: tuna melts and mac & cheese exist in the world, and as long as I'm alive I cannot tell myself that I'll NEVER eat them. Did I binge on this things? No. Will I eat them for every meal, every day? No. So what's the problem? There isn't one. Millions of people eat these things all the time, and not all of them have weight to lose. They eat these things in the right proportions and do not over-induldge. It's completely normal and natural.
Today Beth and I talked about finding a "happy weight", something you can achieve and live with and maintain. Sure, I could eat the healthiest, lowest calorie, most nutritious and organic things out there to lose weight... but would I do it forever? Would I be happy? I see all these people get gastric bypass or do liquid only diets and get amazing results. But those results are temporary, and they have not learned to change their eating habits permanently. Do I want to teach myself healthy eating habits, or do I want to feel miserable but be able to count my ribs?
So I'm not counting calories. I'm not going to feel bad if I eat mac & cheese or tuna melts. I'm going to eat them in moderation whenever I feel like it, and I AM going to lose weight AND maintain it.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Rewards
I just downloaded an app for my iPhone that should hopefully let me blog on the go! This should be great, because otherwise I may not have the time to blog very often - I'm NEVER home!
Today I considered signing up for the gym, but decided against it. Running, swimming (in the summer... it's too dang cold outside right now), jump roping, and push ups are completely free and can be done in the convenience of your own home! Not only that, but you don't have to let other people see you sweat... GROSS!!!
With all the money saved from not going to the gym (or Taco Bell) I'm going to buy something rewarding for myself like new clothes or a massage! It's always good to remind yourself when you've done a good job.
Speaking of rewarding ourselves, I think it's important not to reward ourselves with food! Using food as a reward or incentive makes it way too easy to give in to unhealthy cravings and binge on those foods that do BAD things to our poor thighs!
I hope all my peers are making good choices so far and are excited to see the results of their choices soon. I know that I'M excited for EVERYONE!!
Posted from my iPhone
Today I considered signing up for the gym, but decided against it. Running, swimming (in the summer... it's too dang cold outside right now), jump roping, and push ups are completely free and can be done in the convenience of your own home! Not only that, but you don't have to let other people see you sweat... GROSS!!!
With all the money saved from not going to the gym (or Taco Bell) I'm going to buy something rewarding for myself like new clothes or a massage! It's always good to remind yourself when you've done a good job.
Speaking of rewarding ourselves, I think it's important not to reward ourselves with food! Using food as a reward or incentive makes it way too easy to give in to unhealthy cravings and binge on those foods that do BAD things to our poor thighs!
I hope all my peers are making good choices so far and are excited to see the results of their choices soon. I know that I'M excited for EVERYONE!!
Posted from my iPhone
Monday, January 25, 2010
BREAKFAST!
DON'T SKIP BREAKFAST FOLKS!!! I know we're all busy, but there's a ton of reasons why you should never skip breakfast... EVER!
Our bodies don't metabolize very well unless we give them something to metabolize! Eating within an hour of waking up gets our metabolism jump started for the day.
Not only does breakfast get our metabolism started, but it gets us started too! Eating breakfast improves our concentration and performance, two things that are VERY important during the morning rush! It also gives us more strength and endurance for physical acticity.
And to top it all off, eating breakfast helps us not over eat at lunch time. Adding lean proteins and whole grains help even more - egg whites and oatmeal are both filling and guilt free! DROP THAT SPECIAL-K BAR, IT WILL DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD!
So please ya'll, make the time in your morning to eat some freaking BREAKFAST!!!
Our bodies don't metabolize very well unless we give them something to metabolize! Eating within an hour of waking up gets our metabolism jump started for the day.
Not only does breakfast get our metabolism started, but it gets us started too! Eating breakfast improves our concentration and performance, two things that are VERY important during the morning rush! It also gives us more strength and endurance for physical acticity.
And to top it all off, eating breakfast helps us not over eat at lunch time. Adding lean proteins and whole grains help even more - egg whites and oatmeal are both filling and guilt free! DROP THAT SPECIAL-K BAR, IT WILL DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD!
So please ya'll, make the time in your morning to eat some freaking BREAKFAST!!!
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