And yes, even after consuming junk food and alcohol last weekend I was able to somehow keep my weight down. Advocare may have been the best $200 I've ever spent.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Verdict
It's been a full week after I officially gave up on my diet, and apparently I'm still losing weight! I just wanted this to show how portion controls and healthy choices have helped me in my quest for my goal weight, even without supplements.
And yes, even after consuming junk food and alcohol last weekend I was able to somehow keep my weight down. Advocare may have been the best $200 I've ever spent.
And yes, even after consuming junk food and alcohol last weekend I was able to somehow keep my weight down. Advocare may have been the best $200 I've ever spent.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Fail
As you may have noticed, my Advocare posts have gone from consistent, to inconsistent, and now are nonexistent. Let me explain.
I had a rough day my second day of work, and took my frustration out with a bag of chips. And well, it worked. I felt so much better immediately after! But then I felt horrible when I thought about how I ruined my diet. For a second, I even considered that if I threw up I could still salvage my nearly clean diet-slate. But no, I didn't vomit.
I continued on with the diet routine, but a few days later I noticed that I was having diarrhea every morning. On the third day, I figured something must be really wrong with me! It was also getting really annoying. I texted my coach and she told me to stop taking the probiotic supplement. I did, and it worked. I stopped having the juicy poops!
Finally, what did me in was the curse of all womankind. My period. A few days after the probiotic fiasco, I knew my period was coming because 1) the calendar date, and 2) the cravings. I simply cannot control my eating right before my period - it's like my body knows I'm going to lose blood and is trying to make up for it in advance!
Anyway, this past weekend we went to Portland for Moonlight Masquerade and that's where the diet truly ended. It's four days later now, I'm still 5 lbs under my original weight, and I'm still very happy with my results. I also did slim down a lot before the rave, which was basically why I timed it this way! So I wouldn't have a spare tire over my tutu =P
Over the past few days, I've noticed that I continue to eat small meals every 2-3 hours each day, even though I'm not sticking to the Advocare diet plan anymore. I also can control my portion sizes and know to stop myself before getting second servings. And most importantly, I've started liking healthier snacks! Like a spoonful of peanut butter, or a handful of raw almonds. I've even continued to eat fruit for my snacks! These are incredibly valuable lessons, and because they've improved my eating habits I think that the diet was a great success.
And I mean really, who thought that I was going to last the full 24 days? I didn't. :)
I had a rough day my second day of work, and took my frustration out with a bag of chips. And well, it worked. I felt so much better immediately after! But then I felt horrible when I thought about how I ruined my diet. For a second, I even considered that if I threw up I could still salvage my nearly clean diet-slate. But no, I didn't vomit.
I continued on with the diet routine, but a few days later I noticed that I was having diarrhea every morning. On the third day, I figured something must be really wrong with me! It was also getting really annoying. I texted my coach and she told me to stop taking the probiotic supplement. I did, and it worked. I stopped having the juicy poops!
Finally, what did me in was the curse of all womankind. My period. A few days after the probiotic fiasco, I knew my period was coming because 1) the calendar date, and 2) the cravings. I simply cannot control my eating right before my period - it's like my body knows I'm going to lose blood and is trying to make up for it in advance!
Anyway, this past weekend we went to Portland for Moonlight Masquerade and that's where the diet truly ended. It's four days later now, I'm still 5 lbs under my original weight, and I'm still very happy with my results. I also did slim down a lot before the rave, which was basically why I timed it this way! So I wouldn't have a spare tire over my tutu =P
Over the past few days, I've noticed that I continue to eat small meals every 2-3 hours each day, even though I'm not sticking to the Advocare diet plan anymore. I also can control my portion sizes and know to stop myself before getting second servings. And most importantly, I've started liking healthier snacks! Like a spoonful of peanut butter, or a handful of raw almonds. I've even continued to eat fruit for my snacks! These are incredibly valuable lessons, and because they've improved my eating habits I think that the diet was a great success.
And I mean really, who thought that I was going to last the full 24 days? I didn't. :)
Monday, October 8, 2012
Another First Day
The first day of work is probably one of the most confusing and stressful recurring occasions of my life. I'm always nervous about waking up on time, running into horrific traffic, and doing something disastrous to my outfit (like food stains or ripping my pants, LOL).
So far so good though, today was another pleasant first day. I wish I was better at remembering people, I only remember my boss from today even though I met 20+ coworkers. GOODNESS! My new employer reminds me a whole lot of DA, I guess it makes sense because they were both tech 'start ups' and have been grown into successes.
I like that there are a million kitchens on one floor, my cube is near the bathroom and also next to one of the printers, AND the view is gorgeous. I can people watch from any of the windows on my lunch break because there's so much to look at! I don't like the parking situation, I really wish I could have convenient parking. I like the free sodas, milk, and other beverages but it makes me sad that I can't drink of any them.
Speaking of diet, no update for today because I'm not at home with the scale. I did spice up my diet life a bit today though, dipped bell peppers into fresh hot salsa for my dinnertime veggie serving. YUM!
So far so good though, today was another pleasant first day. I wish I was better at remembering people, I only remember my boss from today even though I met 20+ coworkers. GOODNESS! My new employer reminds me a whole lot of DA, I guess it makes sense because they were both tech 'start ups' and have been grown into successes.
I like that there are a million kitchens on one floor, my cube is near the bathroom and also next to one of the printers, AND the view is gorgeous. I can people watch from any of the windows on my lunch break because there's so much to look at! I don't like the parking situation, I really wish I could have convenient parking. I like the free sodas, milk, and other beverages but it makes me sad that I can't drink of any them.
Speaking of diet, no update for today because I'm not at home with the scale. I did spice up my diet life a bit today though, dipped bell peppers into fresh hot salsa for my dinnertime veggie serving. YUM!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 14
With ten days left in the challenge, I already have excellent news. I fit my tight pants again and am very close to my target weight!
I've decided to continue the challenge even if I drop below 120 before the 24 days are up. My coach said I may gain some weight while I'm shaping and toning my body with cardio workouts. Grilling chicken and vegetables has helped me immensely, because I can still eat delicious things without frying and also without unhealthy sauces. Herbs, salt, and pepper have been doing wonders for me - I never knew how tasty basic seasonings could be!
My mid-section is looking more familiar, I'm getting my body back! I still have a small muffin top when I sit down, but it's more of a bicycle tire than a motorcycle tire now, HAHA.
I started toasting my smoked salmon in the toaster oven until crispy then sprinkling bits over my salad - it's actually better than bacon bits and adds an enjoyable texture.
I also started running with the Nike+ Android app. It's surprisingly accurate, and it's pretty interesting to look back on later.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 12
I'm getting better at portion sizes! Doing my best to keep my greedy eyes in check. I also am continuing to lose weight, even though I just started exercising today. It actually feels good to be back at the gym, I don't know why I was fighting it so hard.
I'm so over raw tomatoes, so now I broil them with my chicken. WAY better!
Tonight I baked my chicken in a covered glass plate with water to keep the meat moist. Seasoned with rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. I will definitely be doing this again.
I am now weighing in between 122.8 and 123.2. Just a few more pounds to drop to hit my 10 lb goal!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 10
Today was my last day of the cleanse phase, and my weight seems to have stabilized around 124 lbs. This means I will start exercising tomorrow to see if I can burn those last 4 lbs and get to my goal!
I bought these little plastic baggies at Dollar Tree a few months ago, it was like a pack of 100 for $1 and I just KNEW they would come in handy! Before this I was using them for disposable ear plugs from value packs and spare earring backings, but they have been super useful for separating out servings of Omegaplex.
I'm pretty happy the Fiber 10 drinks are REALLY over. I have a feeling the Meal Replacement Shakes are going to taste a million times better, I won't find out until tomorrow morning though.
I've been weighing in between 124.3 and 124.9 the past few days, so this is probably my naturally healthy weight with balanced diet and no exercise.
I'm noticing that the fat below my rib cage is disappearing, which is nice.
Of course losing the fat below my rib cage makes my spare tire more defined. Gym it is.
I also cheated today. I went to Fran's Chocolates (my fave) to pick out a gift, and as I was walking in I told myself I must REFUSE any samples. But lo' and behold, the chocolatier offers me a salted chocolate thin and it looks SO HARMLESS! My brain said no but my hand said yes. So much for willpower...
I also cheated today. I went to Fran's Chocolates (my fave) to pick out a gift, and as I was walking in I told myself I must REFUSE any samples. But lo' and behold, the chocolatier offers me a salted chocolate thin and it looks SO HARMLESS! My brain said no but my hand said yes. So much for willpower...
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 8
No progress on the weight loss since the last post. Today I resumed taking the Fiber 10 drink (days 8-10 of the cleanse) so maybe that'll take a couple of additional pounds off!
Went to lunch with Menie yesterday, and I had to make the best out of a restaurant menu. I chose to get the Salmon Kebab entrée with Greek Salad (and no cheese). I think that was the safest bet, even though it probably wasn't Advocare approved. And of course, I didn't eat any of the white sauce. Even still, it was REALLY DELICIOUS!
And more grilled chicken with blanched vegetables. Grilled chicken is more work than broiled chicken, but is definitely juicier and more delicious.
My Advocare instructions don't say I have to only eat white meat (it just says chicken or turkey meat, not fried) but I may further limit myself to white meat during the second phase. I'd like to lose just a little bit more weight!
Went to lunch with Menie yesterday, and I had to make the best out of a restaurant menu. I chose to get the Salmon Kebab entrée with Greek Salad (and no cheese). I think that was the safest bet, even though it probably wasn't Advocare approved. And of course, I didn't eat any of the white sauce. Even still, it was REALLY DELICIOUS!
And more grilled chicken with blanched vegetables. Grilled chicken is more work than broiled chicken, but is definitely juicier and more delicious.
My Advocare instructions don't say I have to only eat white meat (it just says chicken or turkey meat, not fried) but I may further limit myself to white meat during the second phase. I'd like to lose just a little bit more weight!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 6
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 4
As each day passes, I'm getting better and better at this whole diet thing.
I'm trying to make my meals more interesting by adding things like grilled chicken.
The Spark drink is actually replacing coffee just fine, I thought I would be a zombie at work from not getting my caffeine fix. Turns out I'm not an addict!
I'm loving the yam part, I can eat yams for days. I think it's the only sweet non-fruit item that I've had since I started. I also made lemon pepper broiled chicken breast for dinner today. It was delicious!
And finally my current weight. When I first started, I was weighing anywhere between 127 and 130 (fluctations throughout the day) and today I weighed in between 123 and 125. Progress is an excellent form of motivation, and I can't wait to see how much more I can lose in the next 20 days!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 2
Preparing meals has been a challenge for me, and I'm finding it highly stressful. Staying at my boyfriend's house every other night means that I have to plan meals two days in advance, not just one.
Another challenge is drinking the Fiber 10 drink. IT IS ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. I feel like vomiting WHILE I'm trying my best to chug the shake. The best way to describe the consistency is probably coagulating fat, with dirt floating in it. Luckily it's the first thing that I drink in the morning, so I'm still half asleep. I can't wait until the fiber shake part is over.
Do I feel slimmer yet? No, I feel bloated from drinking boatloads of water. I also feel like I'm starving because I can't eat at night any more - I used to eat a majority of my food after dinner (tsk tsk, I know). I miss coffee, and alcohol, and eating bbq. But this will all be worth it. I'm already down to 125.5lbs!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 0
So, you know all of those awesome food pictures that I've been posting since I moved to Seattle? Every one of those plates has been catching up to me, as has age. My weight fluctuates between 127 and 130 throughout the day, and that is certainly the heaviest I've ever been.
I've decided to give the 24 Day Challenge from Advocare a shot. If I can't get back into shape now, I'll be hopeless in a few years! Also, I've accepted a job offer very recently and will be starting in a few weeks. I definitely want to look my best so I can feel my best, and win everyone over! It's a contract-to-hire opportunity, so the key here is to get hired. Who doesn't love an upbeat, healthy, glowing, hard-working temp?
My goals:
- To fit comfortably into the jeans that I wore when I first moved to Seattle
- To have more energy from a balanced diet
- To feel healthy again, no more muffin top creases when I sit down
If I could lose 10 pounds in the next 24 days, I would be thrilled! I'm actually not expecting to lose more than 10 pounds because that's lower than my average weight. Realistically, I'll be satisfied if I lose 5 pounds. The more valuable gain here is learning how to control my portions and make healthier eating choices.
I've read the instruction sheets at least 10 times per page, and started divvying up the supplements and separating them by assigned days. I have an Excel sheet with meal plans ready but I'm still anxious about getting it right. Halloween is just around the corner, and I'd really like to trim down a bit before then. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
I've decided to give the 24 Day Challenge from Advocare a shot. If I can't get back into shape now, I'll be hopeless in a few years! Also, I've accepted a job offer very recently and will be starting in a few weeks. I definitely want to look my best so I can feel my best, and win everyone over! It's a contract-to-hire opportunity, so the key here is to get hired. Who doesn't love an upbeat, healthy, glowing, hard-working temp?
My goals:
- To fit comfortably into the jeans that I wore when I first moved to Seattle
- To have more energy from a balanced diet
- To feel healthy again, no more muffin top creases when I sit down
If I could lose 10 pounds in the next 24 days, I would be thrilled! I'm actually not expecting to lose more than 10 pounds because that's lower than my average weight. Realistically, I'll be satisfied if I lose 5 pounds. The more valuable gain here is learning how to control my portions and make healthier eating choices.
I've read the instruction sheets at least 10 times per page, and started divvying up the supplements and separating them by assigned days. I have an Excel sheet with meal plans ready but I'm still anxious about getting it right. Halloween is just around the corner, and I'd really like to trim down a bit before then. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Rock The Bells & Reno Rubfest
Summer has been INSANE - a vicious cycle of anxious planning, being really busy, and then ending up absolutely exhausted!
The job search is still ongoing, I had a resume workshop with a professional and learned a ton about how to better customize each application. Although he assured me that my content was solid, I definitely feel that the advice he gave me on the delivery will help me tremendously. And so I apply, and wait, and apply, and wait again.
I've also been working remotely nights and weekends again. Thankfully, my assignments have conveniently fallen between big events so I haven't had to choose.
The weekend before last, I went to Rock the Bells in Mountain View! Salt 'N Pepa was wildly entertaining, with the baby daddy and the husband on stage - I love their dynamic! I also thoroughly enjoyed Ice Cube, he is an AWESOME entertainer. The way he transitioned from one hit to another kept us on edge, and he always dropped the beat at the perfect moment. Watching DMX was pretty great also, until he started preaching about God. I don't mind that he's deeply religious, but I didn't pay to see that. DJ Quik and Bone Thugs were good, but I wish E40 and Too Short were there - they would have completed by perfect RTB lineup. Overall, it was an amazing weekend. We stayed over at Hiep's friend's house in Mountain View on Saturday night and had a giant sleepover. SO FUN! <3 br="">
This past weekend, for Labor Day, Charles, Victor, and I went to the Rib Cookoff in Reno (dubbed the rubfest per miscommunication between Alex and myself, LOL). The ribs were excellent as always, and I'm glad this has become an annual tradition. Charles was cracking me up the entire trip, from the airplane rides, to the ridiculous comments he made throughout the weekend, and his overall loveable personality. I'm glad Charles and Victor made the trip this year, I think everyone enjoyed the company through and through. We went to a new club in Reno called Rise, and it totally blew our minds. The venue was definitely on part with San Francisco clubs, maybe even on the same level as LA clubs! Beautiful, open spaces with easy access to drinks and awesome music. We had such a blast dancing our butts off!
For September, I think I'll be taking it easy. I've got two remote work assignments the next few weeks, and I'm going to start a 24 Day Challenge (diet) mid-month. I'm trying to slim down before Moonlight Masquerade on 10/13, and definitely before FreakNight! All of this yummy food and experimental cooking has given me a nice, juicy, spare tire. Not cute.
The job search is still ongoing, I had a resume workshop with a professional and learned a ton about how to better customize each application. Although he assured me that my content was solid, I definitely feel that the advice he gave me on the delivery will help me tremendously. And so I apply, and wait, and apply, and wait again.
I've also been working remotely nights and weekends again. Thankfully, my assignments have conveniently fallen between big events so I haven't had to choose.
The weekend before last, I went to Rock the Bells in Mountain View! Salt 'N Pepa was wildly entertaining, with the baby daddy and the husband on stage - I love their dynamic! I also thoroughly enjoyed Ice Cube, he is an AWESOME entertainer. The way he transitioned from one hit to another kept us on edge, and he always dropped the beat at the perfect moment. Watching DMX was pretty great also, until he started preaching about God. I don't mind that he's deeply religious, but I didn't pay to see that. DJ Quik and Bone Thugs were good, but I wish E40 and Too Short were there - they would have completed by perfect RTB lineup. Overall, it was an amazing weekend. We stayed over at Hiep's friend's house in Mountain View on Saturday night and had a giant sleepover. SO FUN! <3 br="">
This past weekend, for Labor Day, Charles, Victor, and I went to the Rib Cookoff in Reno (dubbed the rubfest per miscommunication between Alex and myself, LOL). The ribs were excellent as always, and I'm glad this has become an annual tradition. Charles was cracking me up the entire trip, from the airplane rides, to the ridiculous comments he made throughout the weekend, and his overall loveable personality. I'm glad Charles and Victor made the trip this year, I think everyone enjoyed the company through and through. We went to a new club in Reno called Rise, and it totally blew our minds. The venue was definitely on part with San Francisco clubs, maybe even on the same level as LA clubs! Beautiful, open spaces with easy access to drinks and awesome music. We had such a blast dancing our butts off!
For September, I think I'll be taking it easy. I've got two remote work assignments the next few weeks, and I'm going to start a 24 Day Challenge (diet) mid-month. I'm trying to slim down before Moonlight Masquerade on 10/13, and definitely before FreakNight! All of this yummy food and experimental cooking has given me a nice, juicy, spare tire. Not cute.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Summer Shenanigans
So now that summer is in full force, I've had more going on and less time to update this here blog! This weekend was a pretty productive one - made sangria, planted broccoli and tomato seeds, cooked up a batch of corned beef, went to Jozelle's No Pant's birthday party, grilled lightly seasoned chicken hearts, ordered Vibrams for hiking, made pate, and started watching United States of Tara! PHEW.
Over the past few weeks there was the Capitol Hill Block Party, hanging out at Juanita Beach, bbq at the Zante's house, wing cook-off between myself and Victor (I won, btw) and so much more. I LOVE SUMMER IN SEATTLE!
Over the past few weeks there was the Capitol Hill Block Party, hanging out at Juanita Beach, bbq at the Zante's house, wing cook-off between myself and Victor (I won, btw) and so much more. I LOVE SUMMER IN SEATTLE!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Paracord Mania
Aside from trying to catch up on Breaking Bad, White Collar, and honing my wing marination natural talent, I've picked up a new hobby!!!
My first paracord bracelet:
And my first multi-color paracord! Made these two for my Al Pals <3
I hope that one day my bracelets will help people survive. These will make great additions to survival kits for my fellow NERTS!
And I made brunch over the weekend. Proof :)
My first paracord bracelet:
And my first multi-color paracord! Made these two for my Al Pals <3
I hope that one day my bracelets will help people survive. These will make great additions to survival kits for my fellow NERTS!
And I made brunch over the weekend. Proof :)
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Celebrating July 4th
So this year, Independence Day awkwardly fell on a Wednesday!
This, of course meant, partying on Tuesday night. And where better than See Sound Lounge?? It was night of mayhem, as it should have been, but unfortunately for me I was suffering through a stomach ache. I was so uncomfortable that I remained completely sober the entire night even though I was drinking quite a bit. That's definitely no bueno. The night did lighten up for me toward the end though and I started to feel a bit better. I met some new people, got to dance briefly, and in the end the night wasn't a total bust.
Wednesday I felt much better! Victor and I did a seafood boil at the house and even though I invited people no one else showed up. OH WELL! More food for us =)
We got a bunch of food from Central Market in Shoreline, which is like the coolest market I've ever been to. I was so impressed that I took a picture. Kind of weird, right?
The first round of seafood boil was a bit bland. The second one was better, and by the third round we had it almost perfected with just the right amount of salt!
We thought it was still slightly lacking flavor though, and we decided to throw in some beer because half of the water had evaporated. We made the mistake of adding apricot beer (seemed like a good idea at the time!) and there wasn't even a fourth round. It was okay though, we were stuffed!
Later that night for dinner we decided to do something fun with the clams, so we kind of threw together some olive oil, white wine, clam juice, and tomatoes. It came out beautifully! And I got to eat it while I watched the Seattle fireworks on TV. July 4th this year was more tame than usual, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This, of course meant, partying on Tuesday night. And where better than See Sound Lounge?? It was night of mayhem, as it should have been, but unfortunately for me I was suffering through a stomach ache. I was so uncomfortable that I remained completely sober the entire night even though I was drinking quite a bit. That's definitely no bueno. The night did lighten up for me toward the end though and I started to feel a bit better. I met some new people, got to dance briefly, and in the end the night wasn't a total bust.
Wednesday I felt much better! Victor and I did a seafood boil at the house and even though I invited people no one else showed up. OH WELL! More food for us =)
We got a bunch of food from Central Market in Shoreline, which is like the coolest market I've ever been to. I was so impressed that I took a picture. Kind of weird, right?
The first round of seafood boil was a bit bland. The second one was better, and by the third round we had it almost perfected with just the right amount of salt!
We thought it was still slightly lacking flavor though, and we decided to throw in some beer because half of the water had evaporated. We made the mistake of adding apricot beer (seemed like a good idea at the time!) and there wasn't even a fourth round. It was okay though, we were stuffed!
Later that night for dinner we decided to do something fun with the clams, so we kind of threw together some olive oil, white wine, clam juice, and tomatoes. It came out beautifully! And I got to eat it while I watched the Seattle fireworks on TV. July 4th this year was more tame than usual, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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