Geek Goals

This year is about getting my sanity back. Getting my health my house and my family into a better place by deliberate incremental changes in all areas of my life.

Friday, June 30, 2006

Take off hozer.

Well I'm still getting ready to go, and we need to drive up to get our plane in 4 hours.

Not a good health decision, but a good career decision to get my crap done before I leave town :)

So no posts from me for more than a week, but heck, I'll be hiking 4-6 miles 3 days next week and a wopper 8 mile hike one day, so exercise should be covered. Even if you dont include the "tourist" walking we will do in Anchorage.

Will all of you annonymous posters at least give us a first name, or your initials or something? I wanna know who is dukin it out over dress #2!

Remember for all of these that you can see the undergarmets through the dress that those wont be there. With any luck my belly sticking out in the aforementioned #2 dress wont be there either! I think 15 lbs shaved off and that dress would be HOT!

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Dress Potential #7



I really liked this v-neck halter. From the bustline down it was simple, but it has a little sparkle up top. I like that it gives me a waist. Its one downside is the long-ish train, which could be dealt with by bustling it up right after the ceremony. Posted by Picasa

Dress Pontential #6


This particular dress was too small, but I really liked the tulle over satin. Posted by Picasa

Dress Possibility #5

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Dress Possibility #4


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Dress Possibility #3

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Dress Possibility #2


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Dress Possibility #1


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Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

I hate...

I hate the scale.

I hate the scale.

I hate the scale.

It makes me want to eat ice cream. And not just a little - like 2 pints. :)

How is it stinking possible that I've been working out harder than I have in ... 10 years ... and I gained a lb!?!

Monday, June 19, 2006

Wedding Shiznit...

Ok lady.

Wedding things that you should be pondering - other than the location -

colors
attendents
rough guest list
um - your dress! (we need to go shopping for dresses and rings... girl stuff...)

I'm so in wedding planner mode. Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE this stuff?!?

Get Happy...

I am so sick of not seeing the weight go down! I ran an hour last night. AN HOUR! Only to wake up to the SAME GODDAMN NUMBER@!!!@)#*&$P&

I'm a little bitter.

Goal for the week - 5 workouts. I just about met that last week, I think. I don't honestly remember though because I was sick and had stuff to do... you know... ;)

I keep thinking about the dress and forcing myself to workout more. I'm obsessed. Gotta love it.

Anyway - I'm going to start a post where I'll be in wedding planner mode. There's too much working out going on here and not enough wedding planning.

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Boot Camp

Danielle's 2 week boot camp!

Ok, so I'm not really a boot camp kind of girl, but this is my plan for the next two weeks to increase my cardiovascular abilities before heading to the thin thin air of Alaska.

30 min on our treadmill with a nearly max incline every day that I dont do Volleyball or Hiking.

Yesterday I actually did both! WooHoo!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Keep Salads Healthy

10 Simple Ways to Spruce Up Your Salad
By Jude Buglewicz
Summer means sun, sand, and . . . salads. Besides being great for your figure, eating lots of nutrient-rich vegetables is an excellent way to maintain your health. To keep you filling up the big bowls all season long, we've provided lists of delicious ingredients for you to choose from to add flavor, variety, and a heap of health benefits. So eat up and enjoy!
Remember, dark green, leafy lettuces and red and orange fruits and vegetables provide key nutrients and more disease-fighting antioxidants than paler varieties. Lower-fat cheeses and yogurt provide protein and calcium without the fat. And fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and herring, as well as flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans, and tofu are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation, regulate metabolism and blood sugar, and keep your arteries clear. Finally, fruits, veggies, and legumes are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for maintaining normal blood sugar and cholesterol levels, promoting a feeling of fullness after eating, and keeping you regular!

1. Greens. Arugula, Boston and Bibb lettuce, endive, mustard greens, radicchio, romaine, spinach, watercress

Unfortunately, most Americans choose iceberg lettuce, the least nutritious of the green leafy veggies. Romaine and watercress, though, have almost eight times more beta-carotene and twice the potassium. Mesclun is also a good salad choice. It's a mixture of baby greens such as baby spinach, radicchio, arugula, and mache. If you opt for the convenient prepackaged bags of salad greens, it's a good idea to rinse the leaves before eating, as even some "thrice-washed" varieties have been known to harbor harmful bacteria.

2. Herbs (fresh). Basil, chervil, chives, cilantro, dill, marjoram, mint, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme

Prepare fresh herbs for eating by thoroughly rinsing off dirt and grit under running water, then pat dry with paper towels. Chop herbs coarsely, removing any hard stems. Remember to buy fresh herbs in small quantities and refrigerate or freeze any leftovers in plastic bags or airtight containers.

3. Fruits. Apples, currants, dried cranberries, grapefruit, kiwis, mandarin oranges, mango, papaya, peaches, pineapple, raisins, raspberries, seedless grapes, strawberries

You can prepare fruit salads without veggies, or add any of the fruits listed to your green salad to boost the nutrient and antioxidant levels and supply more zest and flavor.

4. Veggies. Alfalfa or bean sprouts, asparagus, avocado, beets, bell peppers (red, orange, yellow), broccoli, carrots, celery, corn, cucumbers, fennel, jalape os, jicama, peas (frozen or fresh), radishes, mushrooms, scallions, vine-ripened tomatoes, zucchini

Packing salads with fruits and veggies ensures you're on your way to getting those five recommended daily servings. Opt for mixing different colored veggies to get more phytochemical benefits.

5. Legumes. Black beans, garbanzo beans, green beans, lentils, pinto beans, snow peas, white beans

Typically neglected in Western diets, legumes are popular traditional dishes in the rest of the world. They provide protein (without the saturated fat found in animal protein), and essential vitamins and minerals. Low on the glycemic index scale, they also improve blood glucose levels and give you the sensation of feeling full, so you'll eat less (and lose weight!).

6. Cheeses. Blue, cottage cheese (low-fat), feta (reduced fat), goat, parmesan, ricotta

Crumble a little feta or blue cheese over your salad—or add my personal favorite, nonfat cottage cheese—to increase the calcium and protein content of your meal and help fulfill your recommended three to four daily servings of dairy products.

7. Fish. Anchovies, herring, salmon, sardines, tuna

Omega-3 fatty acids! It's recommended you eat some kind of oily, cold-water fish at least twice a week, and that you include foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid as well (e.g., tofu, walnuts, and flaxseed), as they become omega-3 fatty acids in the body. Omega-3s are heart-healthy and are believed to be important for healthy brain functioning, too.

8. Other proteins. Boiled eggs, broiled tofu cubes, edamame (whole, unprocessed soybean), strips of lean ham, pork, chicken, or turkey

You want to be sure to get enough protein when you're working out and building lean muscle, but you also want to avoid the saturated fat and cholesterol in animal proteins. So, for salads, either choose lean meats or proteins from plant sources, such as tofu or edamame. Adding a couple slices of a boiled egg is also a low-calorie, high-protein way to ramp up the vitamin and mineral content of your meal.

9. Nuts, seeds. Almonds, flaxseeds, pecans, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, soy nuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts

Yeah, yeah, seeds and nuts are high in fat, but it's unsaturated fat (the best kind). They're also good sources of dietary fiber and minerals. Sprinkling a few in your salad will add a nice crunchy texture—much better for you than fattening croutons!

10. Dressings. Balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, extra-virgin olive oil, hummus, lemon juice, lime juice, nonfat or low-fat yogurt, soy sauce

Combine a little lemon or lime juice with herbs and extra-virgin olive oil for a healthy and zesty salad dressing, or blend a little yogurt and herbs with a tablespoon of olive oil for a creamier, more flavorful texture. Honey blended with Dijon mustard and yogurt is also delicious. Just stay away from those high-calorie, high-fat store-bought bottled dressings!

+3 :(

I gained 3 lbs. Look what those evil carbs do to my body! JUST YOU LOOK! They are EVIL, I say!!!

I ran 30 minutes last night. 3.5 miles in 30 minutes isn't too bad, if you ask me. I'm tired. I'm burnt out too... but I'll keep going because I NEED TO LOSE THOSE 3 POUNDS!

Monday, June 12, 2006

WHERE ARE YOU!?!?

Are you giving up just because I'm working out and you're not? ;)

Post already child!

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Sweet Mary, Mother of Joseph! :)

I lost 7 lbs this week! Now who can complain about that? :)

I even ate badly this weekend while I was out of town for my audition. Not usually as badly as I would, since the man was with me to police me, but I still ate badly. I took Friday & Saturday off from working out since we were on the road both days. Today I start again.

Goals for the week:

Drop 2 lbs.
Workout 5x.

That should be attainable. I'm already seeing results. The upper body workout that I did last week is quite visible in my pecs. Of course, they are still damn sore... LOL

Oh well. This too shall pass.

Friday, June 09, 2006

I met my goal!

3 workouts this week.

Last night was 20 minutes cardio - 10 elliptical & 10 bike. Then 40 minutes of weights. I AM SORE!

Lost 5 lbs this week. :)

HALLELUJAH!!

Thursday, June 08, 2006

7.5 MPH. Really. I can do it.

I ran 2.5 miles last night in 20 minutes. Ok, so it was on the elliptical (and damnit, how DO you spell that word? Is that right!?), but I did it! I CANNOT BELIEVE I CAN RUN SO FAST!

After 6 months off from working out, my body didn't revolt at the thought of working out as hard as it was previously. Now, I think that it's SORE -- I mean, I AM sore, but it's such a good feeling!!! I adore it!

I am sick. ;)

I've lost 4 lbs this week. :) SWEET! The man says that it's not possible, but I'm eating under 2000 calories a day, drinking a TON of water (which is the key, I think) and I've cut out most of my carbs. I know, I know... low carb is bad. However, I know my body. It hords carbs. The minute I start eating too many of them is when I start to gain weight. So, they are pretty much gone out of my diet again. Don't get me wrong, I ate a ButterBurger last night for dinner, so they aren't COMPLETELY gone, but mostly. :)

Goodness, I still can't believe that I ran 7.5 mph -- and I didn't pass out or die or anything. I think tonight is going to be a strength training night. OR maybe 20 minutes on the elliptical and then strength training? Annie is going with me, so we'll see...

So far so good on those goals for the week. :)

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Workout #1 - successful! :)

Yep. Went to the gym last night for an hour. 4 miles on the ellpitical and 9 miles on the recumbent bike! YAY! I'm not even sore today.

Goal for the week: Workout 3 times. This should be easy since I already got 1 in. :) The tough part will be this weekend when I'm out of town for an audition.

:)

On that note -- here's an interesting article about changing the way you think about food.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Focus Focus Focus!

June 5th starts a week that is exactly 4 away from my Alaska Hiking trip.

The bull stops here! I may need to modify my 3x a week workout goals, but only because some other activities which are also a great workout, are already planned into my week. Trying for more of a points system, with a total possible of 20 for the week (added in a bonus point to make it even).

1) 2x a week Cardio
2) 2x a week Weights
3) 1x a week Volleyball
4) 1x a week (at least) Hiking practice.
5) Fruit with every breakfast 5x
6) Pack a lunch or have a salad 3x in a week
7) Healthy snack options with me at work for cravings 5x
8) 1 bonus point for a special exercise session

Monday
1 1/2 an Orange for breakfast
1 Hiking practice
1 Packed lunch
1 special exercise session

Monday, June 05, 2006

Cocktails anyone?

The 5 Best and 5 Worst Cocktails By Steve Edwards

Across the board, studies keep telling us that a bit of alcohol in your diet enhances health and lengthens life span. But last time you hit the bar, you woke up feeling like someone was using a rototiller on your brain, leaving you to wonder, "How can this have been good for me?"
The truth is—it isn't. A hangover means you've done damage that needs to be reversed. Unfortunately, a common remedy is a greasy meal, which further damages your system and hinders all weight loss plans. But there's no doubt that a drink every now and then can help lift your spirits and diminish stress. But all cocktails are not created equal. Just like making smart choices with the foods you eat, imbibing with a plan can be the difference between extending your life and getting to know your Domino's guy on a first-name basis.

The Best
1. Red wine. Much has been written about its high antioxidant content and how wine drinkers are the healthiest sect of those who imbibe regularly. The difference between red and white wines is the grapes' skins. Whites don't have 'em, and they also contain more residual sugar, and sugar and alcohol is a bad combination.
Downside . . . The sulfates in red wine affect many people poorly, often leading to an inability to sleep. And if you can't sleep, you're offsetting all of the positive effects.

2. Light beer. Beer is a blend of barley and hops and, essentially, fairly healthy. It has some food value and its alcohol content is low. Light beer has about a third fewer calories than regular beer; a bottle generally contains less than 100. It's not a terrible snack by any means.
Downside . . . It's hard to drink just one. Because it's mainly water, it's not uncommon to see light beer drinkers wielding a 12-pack after work and 1,200 calories of beer will ruin anyone's diet.

3. Guinness stout. In Ireland, the saying goes that Guinness is food. And, sure enough, it tastes like it. Thick, rich, and syrupy, one Guinness can feel as satisfying as a case of Bud Light. However, it's not all that high in calories or alcohol and has a high iron count.
Downside . . . It can be addicting. When one doesn't do the trick anymore, you can quickly pile on calories. "Food" as it may be, most of beer's calories still comes from alcohol.

4. Top-shelf alcohol of any kind. Straight, on the rocks, or with water. The means of producing hard alcohol ensure that you're getting what you pay for. Cheap stuff isn't made with a high-quality distillation process, leaving it with all sorts of impurities and a taste that renders its main use to be mixed with non-alcoholic, and usually highly caloric, substances. Top-shelf stuff, whether it's bourbon, vodka, or even rum, is made to be consumed alone, or with water. Slowly savoring your drink is a great way to make sure that you don't overdo it. Cost is another. It's much better to slowly relish a glass of Blanton's than to power down a fifth of Old Granddad and Coke.
Downside . . . The cost of providing for your top-shelf-only habit could lead to enough extra stress down at the office to offset the stress you're relieving with your drink.

5. Vodka soda. Vodka is the purest of the hard alcohols and soda is mainly water. Add a couple of limes and you've got a clean and refreshing cocktail with very few calories.
Downside . . . It's so clean and refreshing, it's hard to be restrained. If you have four of these, you might as well have just had that strawberry margarita you wanted in the first place.

The Worst
1. Scorpion. Or just about anything you'll find at the Kon Tiki, Trader Vic's, or any place where drink is referred to as "grog." If there's anything worse than mixing a lot of sugar-based alcohols together, it's mixing them with a bunch of sugary juices in a bowl that's big enough for six. Drink one of these and be prepared to skip the entire drunken process and head straight to the hangover.

2. Long Island Iced Tea. Forget the word "tea." There are no antioxidants to be found in this concoction of five different alcohols, sweet and sour mix, and Coke. A few of these and you might as well put in a wake-up call to Domino's.

3. Red Bull and vodka. If you want to be a supercharged drunk, here ya go. One of the main offenders of the hangover is your inability to sleep well after a night on the town. Nothing enhances the chance of seeing dawn's early light like a couple of these. The only positive is that maybe you'll dance all night and work off the calories. Hopefully, you don't have to work the next day.

4. Jack and Coke. You might as well just mainline your whiskey. Nothing's better than Coke at creating a sugar rush. Adding alcohol to this mix creates the perfect atmosphere for a bar fight. The only saving grace is that being drunk impairs your reflexes. Losing a couple of late-night melees could lead to some restraint.

5. PiƱa Colada. The only thing more densely caloric than alcohol is fat and this baby combines the two, along with all the sugar you need to guarantee a hangover. The result is a virtually nutrition-free milk shake that contains half of your daily caloric requirement. The only possible bright side is that you're only likely to feel comfortable drinking one of these on an island where you have ample opportunity to shed the pounds you gained the night before.

Check Steve Edwards' Mailbag for his responses to reader comments. If you'd like to ask a question or comment on a newsletter article, just email us at mailto:mailbag@beachbody.com?subject=5%20Best%20and%20Worst%20Cocktails.
For Steve's views on fitness, nutrition, and outdoor sports, read his blog, The Straight Dope.