Serves me right... I was sore today. I haven't lifted for a while and it's all coming back to me now... those muscles that I thought were extinct. Now they're just sore. I also did something I haven't done since I started this... I ate a bowl of cereal after 8pm. Sometimes I crave Fruitloops. The problem is that I ate as soon as I got home instead of just having a snack after school and eating dinner at 6. So I ate a meatloaf sandwhich on whole wheat about 4:30 and by 8:00 my stomach was saying "feed me" and I did. It was 150 calories so it's not the end of the world, but timing is definitely important to our healthy eating habits and I do not want to start eating late.
I did read somewhere that it's important that we stay up and moving or at least sitting up for two hours after we eat. I guess we kind of tell our digestive system to stop if we go to bed and all that sugar, fat, etc. just sits there and goes to bad places making wonderful fat when we eat and just go to bed.
I had the yogurt for breakfast but I need to go buy some gratefruit. I like grapefruit, so I need to do that. I had my frozen healthy choice dinner for lunch (I never eat the dessert in it though) so the whole dinner's probably 250 without the dessert. For snacks I had pretzels and some of Sherri's homemade peanut butter. You can have 24 pretzels for 55 calories so it's a good deal even dipping it in homemade peanut butter. I took the bag of pretzels and the PB to the teachers' lounge to share. Thank you Sherri-- it was delicious and everyone loved it. I drank quite a bit of water today, so that was good. I did some Tai Chi because I was too sore to do much else. Even the Wiggles Workout would have killed me tonight. Sad.
Okay, what's really sad is that one of my former players called about midnight last night. She was upset and discouraged. She's at college on a soccer scholarship and she tore her ACL playing a league game (bball). To make matters worse, she doesn't have insurance to pay for the surgery. She was torn about decisions and sad at the thought of not playing her final season. She knows though that whenever a door closes, a window opens somewhere else. She knows it'll work out and that sports are only one area of her life. She has strong family support too, so she will start this new chapter of her life with a cheering section of a different sort.
We all need a cheering section.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
DAY FORTY- February 9, 2010
So it occurred to me that I did not weigh in last week during my illness. I confess that I did think about it on Saturday, but wasn't at school to weigh on the scale and I honestly have never owned a scale. I knew I didn't exercise last week too much being sick, so if I just maintained, I would be good with that. After my 20 minute shootaround in the gym this morning I had to go to the weight room (thanks to coach Jac) and I remembered. I did the lunges (thank you for lowering it to 20) and I did some of the weights, but the weight room was full of football players, so I didn't want to show off too much.... yeah right. I went in and weighed in and had the coach record my weight (it does make a difference when you make yourself accountable in writing to someone else who watches you weigh in and writes it down). I'm at 155! I have officially lost 10 pounds. Funny thing is-- I don't really notice much difference other than my stomach muscles are firmer.
Okay, so I have to share the 20 minute workout thing. My two freshmen came in and I was already part way through my workout. I showed them what to do and how simple it was and when they hit the 15 minute mark-- they were dying on me. The have added respect for their "old" coach now. :) I don't know if they'll be back on Thursday though. I bet they will though because they miss it already. I love basketball, so it's a good fit for me as far as a cardio workout. I also think it's good for them to see that simply doing that is a workout and not just running to run. Now if you're in track, that's a different story... Track... it's just around the corner. And my knees and hip can thank that wonderful part of my life for why I have the worn body parts there already. Too many miles on country roads, dusty hills, and cinder tracks. I just drive everywhere now... which is why I am trying to lose weight!
I was going to do the yogurt breakfast this morning but got to school and my yogurt that I keep in the fridge was VERY obviously expired. I'm spewing right now at the memory of that horrid first bite. Always check the expiration date. Another thing-- I do not tolerate splenda, aspertane, any artificial sweetners at all. In fact my tongue instantly bumps up. My family can verify this. I defaulted to my oatmeal and blackberries. For lunch I did have the chicken salad as directed. For dinner, I was set to cook it, but my daughter had cooked some pinwheel pasta dish. She even threw in tomatoes although she doesn't like them. I had some 9 grain toast with it because I needed the fiber or something. I craved the whole wheat, so I ate it. No dessert tonight. I did try some quaker rice snacks. I felt like I was eating puffy cardboard with sugar spray on it. That's all I can say about it. They may be low-cal, but honestly... what's the point in eating that. I'd rather have one chocolate covered cherry and enjoy it if I'm going to eat just to eat!
So enough about fat and food! I loved Jac's quote for today: "Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision." It's perfect timing. Why not believe? Believing is a choice too. And as a coach, I see what happens when a team believes. In life, I've seen what happens when there is belief. Believe in each other, in love, in the eternal prospect of life, in the goodness in people, in the positives in life, in the possibilities in life. It's a great reminder to focus more on what we have instead of what we don't have and what we're doing about it (like believing) instead of whining. Great quote.
I am also going to buy the book Jac and let you know what I think (but I know we like many of the same books, so I'm anxious to read it). "The Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks. Tomorrow is coach Jackie.. we fondly call her whacky Jackie (love you Jackie)... not to be confused with Jac (different person). Jackie has gone down a pant size, while I just seem to "comfortable" in my clothes again. I have faith... I believe.... that I am going to lose more weight and continue to find food and fitness that can be a normal part of my lifestyle. :)
Okay, so I have to share the 20 minute workout thing. My two freshmen came in and I was already part way through my workout. I showed them what to do and how simple it was and when they hit the 15 minute mark-- they were dying on me. The have added respect for their "old" coach now. :) I don't know if they'll be back on Thursday though. I bet they will though because they miss it already. I love basketball, so it's a good fit for me as far as a cardio workout. I also think it's good for them to see that simply doing that is a workout and not just running to run. Now if you're in track, that's a different story... Track... it's just around the corner. And my knees and hip can thank that wonderful part of my life for why I have the worn body parts there already. Too many miles on country roads, dusty hills, and cinder tracks. I just drive everywhere now... which is why I am trying to lose weight!
I was going to do the yogurt breakfast this morning but got to school and my yogurt that I keep in the fridge was VERY obviously expired. I'm spewing right now at the memory of that horrid first bite. Always check the expiration date. Another thing-- I do not tolerate splenda, aspertane, any artificial sweetners at all. In fact my tongue instantly bumps up. My family can verify this. I defaulted to my oatmeal and blackberries. For lunch I did have the chicken salad as directed. For dinner, I was set to cook it, but my daughter had cooked some pinwheel pasta dish. She even threw in tomatoes although she doesn't like them. I had some 9 grain toast with it because I needed the fiber or something. I craved the whole wheat, so I ate it. No dessert tonight. I did try some quaker rice snacks. I felt like I was eating puffy cardboard with sugar spray on it. That's all I can say about it. They may be low-cal, but honestly... what's the point in eating that. I'd rather have one chocolate covered cherry and enjoy it if I'm going to eat just to eat!
So enough about fat and food! I loved Jac's quote for today: "Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision." It's perfect timing. Why not believe? Believing is a choice too. And as a coach, I see what happens when a team believes. In life, I've seen what happens when there is belief. Believe in each other, in love, in the eternal prospect of life, in the goodness in people, in the positives in life, in the possibilities in life. It's a great reminder to focus more on what we have instead of what we don't have and what we're doing about it (like believing) instead of whining. Great quote.
I am also going to buy the book Jac and let you know what I think (but I know we like many of the same books, so I'm anxious to read it). "The Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks. Tomorrow is coach Jackie.. we fondly call her whacky Jackie (love you Jackie)... not to be confused with Jac (different person). Jackie has gone down a pant size, while I just seem to "comfortable" in my clothes again. I have faith... I believe.... that I am going to lose more weight and continue to find food and fitness that can be a normal part of my lifestyle. :)
Monday, February 8, 2010
DAY THIRTY NINE- February 8, 2010
I thought of Coach Raundee throughout the day. I needed to eat something green, eat some grains and carbs, and eat some healthy fat. Then I added my own needs-- fruit and veggies every day. For breakfast I had my oatmeal (no milk) mixed with blackberries so that the berries are just little bits, not whole. For a snack I had 1/2 cup of cottage cheese with 1/2 peach. For lunch I had one cup of potato soup (my carbs). Kali was not happy with me, but that's all I had and I did 90 crunches tonight besides my Tai Chi, so I'm good with my cup of soup. For dinner I grilled my 4 oz. salmon fillet in this cool cast iron frying pan my daughter has that has raised grids built into the bottom of it so it gives you the actual grill effect. I know.... I'm easily amused. I cooked it in a tblsp. of orange juice and when I turned it over I sprinkled the Grillmaster lemon pepper. That's it. It's was yummy.
I also cooked up fresh veggies: zucchini, spinach leaves, yellow squash, mushrooms, red pepper, and tomatoes. I steamed the asparagus because I don't like it soggy. A lot of fresh veggies though. I still made my best shot at healthy meatloaf for my daughter and her husband. I made it with egg, oatmeal, a little mustard, spinach (threw fresh leaves in there, and a little salsa and garlic. My daughter tasted it and asked what happened to the topping I usually put on top. I usually put ketchup and sprinkle brown sugar on top. Then I add a few strips of bacon. Not today. She complained, but I told her it was better for her and she ate it. Her hubby said it was good (of course what else would you tell your mother-in-law). My daughter made a pumpkin cheesecake. I checked the calories and pumpkin is great for low calorie. Cream cheese isn't bad either. I had a small slice. Yum! I'd never had that.
Between Kali giving me the smackdown on my soup and having the little piece of cheesecake I decided to do both the Tai Chi and my crunches. I did 90 crunches (3 sets of 30) during commercials. I'm telling you the bed exercising is great. I used to hate commercials and I watch two shows a week-- don't have time for much else, but I also catch HGTV right before I go to sleep. I've gotten in the habit of commercial= crunches or elbow to knee cycling. It's pretty easy and I can tell a difference in my stomach. It's also a lot easier on my bad hip. I did a few Pilates on the floor tonight and switched to Tai Chi because I could feel the hip pulling.
Overall, I felt pretty good about trying to hit Raundee's main points of eating healthy. My stomach was a little bloated tonight though, so I think I need to take it easy on too many veggies at once. The whole listen to your body thing again. Well I have a couple players who want to shoot around with me in the morning.... early... so I better get to bed. I'm going to make them do my 20 minutes- no stopping the feet workout with me and we'll see how they do. They're just freshmen so the fact they asked to come that early is impressive in itself, so I might take it easy on them.... nah. :)
Jac is the coach tomorrow. She always makes me do those lunges-- killin' me Jac. And she made me hit the weight room (paybacks I know). I will do that right after the 20 minutes of shooting, but I may modify... but I WILL try. Just for you Jac because I love ya.
I also cooked up fresh veggies: zucchini, spinach leaves, yellow squash, mushrooms, red pepper, and tomatoes. I steamed the asparagus because I don't like it soggy. A lot of fresh veggies though. I still made my best shot at healthy meatloaf for my daughter and her husband. I made it with egg, oatmeal, a little mustard, spinach (threw fresh leaves in there, and a little salsa and garlic. My daughter tasted it and asked what happened to the topping I usually put on top. I usually put ketchup and sprinkle brown sugar on top. Then I add a few strips of bacon. Not today. She complained, but I told her it was better for her and she ate it. Her hubby said it was good (of course what else would you tell your mother-in-law). My daughter made a pumpkin cheesecake. I checked the calories and pumpkin is great for low calorie. Cream cheese isn't bad either. I had a small slice. Yum! I'd never had that.
Between Kali giving me the smackdown on my soup and having the little piece of cheesecake I decided to do both the Tai Chi and my crunches. I did 90 crunches (3 sets of 30) during commercials. I'm telling you the bed exercising is great. I used to hate commercials and I watch two shows a week-- don't have time for much else, but I also catch HGTV right before I go to sleep. I've gotten in the habit of commercial= crunches or elbow to knee cycling. It's pretty easy and I can tell a difference in my stomach. It's also a lot easier on my bad hip. I did a few Pilates on the floor tonight and switched to Tai Chi because I could feel the hip pulling.
Overall, I felt pretty good about trying to hit Raundee's main points of eating healthy. My stomach was a little bloated tonight though, so I think I need to take it easy on too many veggies at once. The whole listen to your body thing again. Well I have a couple players who want to shoot around with me in the morning.... early... so I better get to bed. I'm going to make them do my 20 minutes- no stopping the feet workout with me and we'll see how they do. They're just freshmen so the fact they asked to come that early is impressive in itself, so I might take it easy on them.... nah. :)
Jac is the coach tomorrow. She always makes me do those lunges-- killin' me Jac. And she made me hit the weight room (paybacks I know). I will do that right after the 20 minutes of shooting, but I may modify... but I WILL try. Just for you Jac because I love ya.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
DAY THIRTY EIGHT- February 7, 2010
Sundays need to be a day of rest for many reasons: We need to rest our bodies and minds. We need to have time to reflect. We need to have time that is not overly planned. We also need to just sit and enjoy our families. I love my family and being with them. Sometimes I look at my grown children and honestly think "How on earth did they turn out so wonderful." I say that because our poor children are projects without manuals and we raise them by trial and error and in ignorance and bliss. That makes them miracles. So...I look at each of them and know that they are simply gifts in my life and that they turned out in spite of me and not because of me. Today I sat in church with all three of them and that was simply a mom moment in itself to see them all married and with their own children. My mom and dad were there too (and coach Jackie:) and it was just nice to be with family. Nothing is better.
Okay FOOD TALK: The more I do this healthy changes thing, the more I am learning to listen to my body. My body really kind of throws a fit, for example, if I try to eat foods that are too heavy. I also can't eat as much anymore and I can't eat fried foods too many times in a week. I'm fine if I use the spray instead of the oil, or if I just grill it (can't wait until BBQ season), but even then, I have to watch the "heavy" foods. You can tell what they are. Listen to your body.
So I decided to look up the healthiest foods and was pleasantly surprised as I love almost every one of them: SALMON-("Salmon is a tasty fish that's chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial fats that can improve heart health. Salmon is also protein-rich."), SPINACH-("Research has shown that spinach aids in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, some cancers and cardiovascular disease") , OATMEAL-(The fiber in oats lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, or the bad type of cholesterol.") HONEY-(Honey acts as an antioxidant, a substance that can prevent the effects of free radicals, which we're exposed to from environmental toxins such as tobacco smoke or radiation and which can contribute to disease. Honey also contains oligosaccharides, which increase the number of good bacteria in the colon. The color of honey is relevant: the darker the honey the more antioxidants it contains." BLUEBERRIES- ("Some research has shown blueberries can slow degenerative diseases associated with aging and improve motor skills. Still other studies have shown the fruit to improve urinary tract health.") WALNUTS- (Walnuts are the only nuts that contain a significant amount of omega-3s, and are known for their high antioxidant activity." I just have to say though that I eat them sparingly as they make my mouth sore). http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/super-foods-44030408#ixzz0eukMGQBn
I was surprised to learn that the darker the honey the better. I knew that about lettuce, but I didn't know that about honey. You just have to make sure it's not the cheap honey mix even if it's dark. Another thing I have learned is that you should simply try to eat fresh fruit and veggies every day. I'm going to make my salmon tomorrow and grill it in Pam spray (not oil) with a little orange juice and zesty Italian and a drizzle of lemon juice. I like to sprinkle some parsley on it and I think I'll throw some spinach leaves in too. I have to laugh sometimes when I look at the recipes on some of these "healty" web sites. For example, the salmon recipe I read today called for teriyaki (2500 mg of sodium--how is that healthy). My husband I have been checking the sodium content and Soy Sauce and teriyaki are FULL of sodium. My mom pointed out the cottage cheese has quite a bit in it too which surprised me. I'm not giving up the cottage cheese, but I can live without soy sauce and teriyaki. I am going to try to plan better this week including cooking my lunch in the morning (the salmon) so I can enjoy it later. I'm also going to try to cook a "healthy meatloaf" for the pregnant daughter who needs more than 300 calories per meal (has not been gaining enough per doctor). Wish me luck with that. I am following Raundee's eating "template" and putting what I've learned into it. I need to do a better job of exercising this week as I'm on the healing side of my cold. May the force be with me.
Okay FOOD TALK: The more I do this healthy changes thing, the more I am learning to listen to my body. My body really kind of throws a fit, for example, if I try to eat foods that are too heavy. I also can't eat as much anymore and I can't eat fried foods too many times in a week. I'm fine if I use the spray instead of the oil, or if I just grill it (can't wait until BBQ season), but even then, I have to watch the "heavy" foods. You can tell what they are. Listen to your body.
So I decided to look up the healthiest foods and was pleasantly surprised as I love almost every one of them: SALMON-("Salmon is a tasty fish that's chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial fats that can improve heart health. Salmon is also protein-rich."), SPINACH-("Research has shown that spinach aids in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, some cancers and cardiovascular disease") , OATMEAL-(The fiber in oats lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, or the bad type of cholesterol.") HONEY-(Honey acts as an antioxidant, a substance that can prevent the effects of free radicals, which we're exposed to from environmental toxins such as tobacco smoke or radiation and which can contribute to disease. Honey also contains oligosaccharides, which increase the number of good bacteria in the colon. The color of honey is relevant: the darker the honey the more antioxidants it contains." BLUEBERRIES- ("Some research has shown blueberries can slow degenerative diseases associated with aging and improve motor skills. Still other studies have shown the fruit to improve urinary tract health.") WALNUTS- (Walnuts are the only nuts that contain a significant amount of omega-3s, and are known for their high antioxidant activity." I just have to say though that I eat them sparingly as they make my mouth sore). http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/super-foods-44030408#ixzz0eukMGQBn
I was surprised to learn that the darker the honey the better. I knew that about lettuce, but I didn't know that about honey. You just have to make sure it's not the cheap honey mix even if it's dark. Another thing I have learned is that you should simply try to eat fresh fruit and veggies every day. I'm going to make my salmon tomorrow and grill it in Pam spray (not oil) with a little orange juice and zesty Italian and a drizzle of lemon juice. I like to sprinkle some parsley on it and I think I'll throw some spinach leaves in too. I have to laugh sometimes when I look at the recipes on some of these "healty" web sites. For example, the salmon recipe I read today called for teriyaki (2500 mg of sodium--how is that healthy). My husband I have been checking the sodium content and Soy Sauce and teriyaki are FULL of sodium. My mom pointed out the cottage cheese has quite a bit in it too which surprised me. I'm not giving up the cottage cheese, but I can live without soy sauce and teriyaki. I am going to try to plan better this week including cooking my lunch in the morning (the salmon) so I can enjoy it later. I'm also going to try to cook a "healthy meatloaf" for the pregnant daughter who needs more than 300 calories per meal (has not been gaining enough per doctor). Wish me luck with that. I am following Raundee's eating "template" and putting what I've learned into it. I need to do a better job of exercising this week as I'm on the healing side of my cold. May the force be with me.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
DAY THIRTY SEVEN- February 6, 2010
Sometimes it's hard to let go of certain things in your life, but when you do, something else steps right in and fills it up. Life's funny like that. This weekend is over after tomorrow and it feels like it never happened. That's called... TOO BUSY. On the upside, my throat did not feel like I was swallowing tacks today. The gargling finally paid off. I didn't run a temperature once today-- in fact I was cold. I'm also hungry again. Fixed a big breakfast since the grandkids all spent the night. It's easy to watch portion control when so many hungry people are eating. In fact, you have to grab your food quickly or there won't be any left! :)
Lunch was different. We were at an annual community auction and they have the real basque chorizos there. Yum! Had to have one. Nothing else... but had to have one. My husband bought a homemade peach pie too. I decided... fruit.. yes! Healthy dinner. Okay, I was bad today. I shared a bag of concession popcorn at the game with my husband and had the pie for dessert. That was my whole dinner. Not healthy, but it could be worse. Poor planning is often the culprit for my unhealthy eating.
Tomorrow everyone is coming for the baby blessing. Now I have to think healthy in bulk. You can't have sandwiches on Sunday.... I will sleep on it... after I do my 60 cruches (had to add 30 for the pie). Next week I will be doing a different coach again for each day, so if you haven't taken a turn in a while.... email me.
Lunch was different. We were at an annual community auction and they have the real basque chorizos there. Yum! Had to have one. Nothing else... but had to have one. My husband bought a homemade peach pie too. I decided... fruit.. yes! Healthy dinner. Okay, I was bad today. I shared a bag of concession popcorn at the game with my husband and had the pie for dessert. That was my whole dinner. Not healthy, but it could be worse. Poor planning is often the culprit for my unhealthy eating.
Tomorrow everyone is coming for the baby blessing. Now I have to think healthy in bulk. You can't have sandwiches on Sunday.... I will sleep on it... after I do my 60 cruches (had to add 30 for the pie). Next week I will be doing a different coach again for each day, so if you haven't taken a turn in a while.... email me.
Friday, February 5, 2010
DAY THIRTY SIX- February 5, 2010
So did anyone try the Wiggles Workout? We really have to find ways to make exercise a more natural part of our life. I really have little desire to go to a weight room anymore. I've done that long enough. Some soup cans in my room are as much as I care to lift anymore. I do like biking and swimming (which are both hard in the winter), but even then, I like doing those with family or alone-- not in a group or as public exhibition. We all have to find what works for us. I think I went up and down the stairs 20 times (no exaggeration) chasing grandkids today. Now if I had told myself to do 10 sets of stairs... UGH-- not happening-- especially when I'm just starting to feel better.
I still like the Yoga and Tai Chi (with music) and I really do like to go for a walk or just do some exercises a couple times a week (in my room). I like to shoot around or even play team sports with people my age, but I don't like to make it the focus of my life. I just want it to happen because it's what I like to do. Now I sound lazy, but I'm not so that's why I can be picky. If you're lazy and you just like to sit around.... Get up... put down the big gulp... turn off the TV... and go help someone else if you can't help yourself. Or.... get someone to help you. I did!
Breakfast-- I made my daughter try the eggs w/spinach and she was turning up her nose and calling it gross, but she ate it. And guess what... she liked it. The throat is still recovering so I'm not eating salad yet. I had a sandwich and 1/2 cup of yogurt for lunch. For supper my husband wanted mashed potatoes and hamburger gravy so I cooked him some. I've always used evaporated milk in my gravy because it has good flavor and makes it thicker, but the calories are 450 a cup compared to 120 with reg. milk . Something to think about. And now I can't add flour to anything without thinking aobut 455 calories per cup. So, easy on the flour, use skim milk, and use lean meat. The mashed potatoes were easy on my throat.
On the way home from watching one of my students perform we stopped and picked up a few groceries since we have family coming into town this weekend for a baby blessing. My husband started throwing stuff in the cart and the first thing was his kettle cooked chips. I started to lecture about the calories and grabbed a bag of Lays and Clover Club to show him the difference. I was the one who had egg on my face (where does that expression come from)when we finished. 18 Chips and 140 calories for Kettle Cooked (0Trans fats too), 15 chips at 150 calories for Lays and Clover Club was even more! He was quite smug as he chomped on his noisy chips (if you've had Kettle Cooked you know what I mean) on the way home... and it was after 9pm. He did stop at 18 though since we had discussed amounts in the store, so I guess that's progress??
My final thought of the night is about John Wooden (go figure-- my basketball hero). I like to buy the socks for my players and give them the Wooden "sock story" to go with them. It is such a lesson for me every time I read it. He always started each season by teaching his players how to put their socks on properly. Some thought he was a crazy old man, but by the end of the season... or sooner... they got it. It's the little things that show we strive for excellence. It's the little things that make champions champions. From the time they step into the locker room and start putting on their socks, they are focused. It doesn't start with the blow of the whistle. Life is like that as well. As we strive to do the little things right, even when we hit obstacles, we are prepared and we do our best. We live in such a rushed time and such an egocentric society-- sometimes we need to go back to the fundamentals of life and living. Thanks Wooden.
I still like the Yoga and Tai Chi (with music) and I really do like to go for a walk or just do some exercises a couple times a week (in my room). I like to shoot around or even play team sports with people my age, but I don't like to make it the focus of my life. I just want it to happen because it's what I like to do. Now I sound lazy, but I'm not so that's why I can be picky. If you're lazy and you just like to sit around.... Get up... put down the big gulp... turn off the TV... and go help someone else if you can't help yourself. Or.... get someone to help you. I did!
Breakfast-- I made my daughter try the eggs w/spinach and she was turning up her nose and calling it gross, but she ate it. And guess what... she liked it. The throat is still recovering so I'm not eating salad yet. I had a sandwich and 1/2 cup of yogurt for lunch. For supper my husband wanted mashed potatoes and hamburger gravy so I cooked him some. I've always used evaporated milk in my gravy because it has good flavor and makes it thicker, but the calories are 450 a cup compared to 120 with reg. milk . Something to think about. And now I can't add flour to anything without thinking aobut 455 calories per cup. So, easy on the flour, use skim milk, and use lean meat. The mashed potatoes were easy on my throat.
On the way home from watching one of my students perform we stopped and picked up a few groceries since we have family coming into town this weekend for a baby blessing. My husband started throwing stuff in the cart and the first thing was his kettle cooked chips. I started to lecture about the calories and grabbed a bag of Lays and Clover Club to show him the difference. I was the one who had egg on my face (where does that expression come from)when we finished. 18 Chips and 140 calories for Kettle Cooked (0Trans fats too), 15 chips at 150 calories for Lays and Clover Club was even more! He was quite smug as he chomped on his noisy chips (if you've had Kettle Cooked you know what I mean) on the way home... and it was after 9pm. He did stop at 18 though since we had discussed amounts in the store, so I guess that's progress??
My final thought of the night is about John Wooden (go figure-- my basketball hero). I like to buy the socks for my players and give them the Wooden "sock story" to go with them. It is such a lesson for me every time I read it. He always started each season by teaching his players how to put their socks on properly. Some thought he was a crazy old man, but by the end of the season... or sooner... they got it. It's the little things that show we strive for excellence. It's the little things that make champions champions. From the time they step into the locker room and start putting on their socks, they are focused. It doesn't start with the blow of the whistle. Life is like that as well. As we strive to do the little things right, even when we hit obstacles, we are prepared and we do our best. We live in such a rushed time and such an egocentric society-- sometimes we need to go back to the fundamentals of life and living. Thanks Wooden.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
DAY THIRTY FIVE- February 4, 2010
Are we there yet? My throat is tingling so much I know it can't be good. My voice is better-- my throat is worse. I've gotta go to the doctor tomorrow. I don't want to get any of the grandbabies sick and my throat hasnn't hurt this bad in a very long time. Okay, I'll quit whining.
I mixed my warm oatmeal (no milk) with the fresh, large blackberries for breakfast and stirred it all together so the berries weren't whole (easier to swallow). It was really good and felt good on my throat. No snack because I just didn't feel like it, but bad move again, because even though I'm sick I was "starving" again at lunch. I had a soft grilled cheese on wheat bread (no crust because I don't like crust) 250 calories, and a bag of baked chips- 120 calories-- for lunch. I remembered my water bottle. I had to meet the grandkids in town. Stopped at Wendy's and had the chili for dinner. Not a super healthy day but a "normal" day. I'm still watching the calories and getting in fruit and veggies. The biggest mistake though is that I didn't eat anything green today. I try to eat green every day. Something to remember. I am not exercising today plain and simple.
Well tomorrow is Friday and I should be excited, but I just want to swallow normal. What a whiner. I'm going to bed.
I mixed my warm oatmeal (no milk) with the fresh, large blackberries for breakfast and stirred it all together so the berries weren't whole (easier to swallow). It was really good and felt good on my throat. No snack because I just didn't feel like it, but bad move again, because even though I'm sick I was "starving" again at lunch. I had a soft grilled cheese on wheat bread (no crust because I don't like crust) 250 calories, and a bag of baked chips- 120 calories-- for lunch. I remembered my water bottle. I had to meet the grandkids in town. Stopped at Wendy's and had the chili for dinner. Not a super healthy day but a "normal" day. I'm still watching the calories and getting in fruit and veggies. The biggest mistake though is that I didn't eat anything green today. I try to eat green every day. Something to remember. I am not exercising today plain and simple.
Well tomorrow is Friday and I should be excited, but I just want to swallow normal. What a whiner. I'm going to bed.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER BY SHERRI
Have you ever gone to Winco and bought the peanut or almond butter that you can grind yourself? Well, this is kind of what I did...we buy the mixed nuts from Costco and throw them in the Vitamix...until it is smooth. I didn't add any oil or butter or honey...but I know you can. It was tasty--especially when mixed with some creamed spun honey (the white thick kind) on bread...I'm not sure how long it will last--but we only make what we can eat right up.
DAY THIRTY FOUR- February 3, 2010
I can't believe it snowed today.... big flakes even. I feel like I'm back home. I told my daughter she brought the weather with her. It was good to get back to work today but you always have twice the work to return to. It does take your mind off of being sick though. You don't have time to think about it. I just had a banana for breakfast because my throat is still not so hot. I'm going to do the warm lemonade again tonight, but we were missing lemon juice when we got it all unpacked so the daughter is out getting some as we speak... blog... whatever.
By noon I was feeling better and had some spaghetti, small helping of green salad and green beans. Forgot the water bottle.. not smart. For supper I warmed up the potatoes and carrots and diced up the roast into it (hash). I had that with some more green salad (added the carrots, craisins, apples, and red peppers). Salad just isn't as good when your throat is sore though. Pudding was sounding good, but I had already used up my calories, so "no". I'm thinking oatmeal and cottage cheese, and yogurt (not all together) will all slide down fairly easy tomorrow.
So having a two year old around again is exercise in itself. Now I remember why it was so easy to stay skinny when I had kids at home! But thanks to little Rello I did come up with a new and unique way to get in your 30 minutes of cardio. I really doubt any of you have tried it, but I could be wrong. I'm calling it GRANDMA'S WIGGLES WORKOUT. Rello loves the Wiggles and I love Youtube for exercising. I googled the Wiggles on Youtube and boy did I come up with a workout. Here's what you do (you younger bloggers can try it with a toddler too-- not just us Grandmas). Get your grandchild (or sibling or neighbor's kid or child) and go to Wiggles on Youtube. Do it in this order. 1) Happy and You Know It (use for a warm up). Don't just stand there. Follow the lead of the kid in the blue shirt-- he keeps the knees bouncing. 2)Five Little Ducks (keep moving-- don't stop-- and if you feel uncoordinated as you try to flap your arms and skip at the same time.... join the crowd!). 3) Hot Potato, Hot Potato (I love the twist dance move), 3) Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (Be as graceful as you can and hope that no one is watching. I felt some Yoga moves going on during this one.) 4) Monkey Dance (if you're calves aren't feeling it by now, you're slacking!) 5) Head Shoulders Knees and Toes (march in between when he's talking-- this video is a little bit of a break :) 6) Pirate Ship 7) End with "Wheels on the Bus" and make up your own moves with you and your little buddy. Now don't roll your eyes or make fun of me until you try it!
Not only is it a good little cardio workout, it's a great way to spend time with your kids/grandkids/siblings and to teach them that exercise can be fun. Let me know how it goes. Some of you young ones need to try it (Whit/Kalli) and tell me what you think too. Don't make fun of me... just tell me if it even made your heartrate go up, or if I'm just easily entertained and old. Jaki, I'm sipping my warm lemonade.
By noon I was feeling better and had some spaghetti, small helping of green salad and green beans. Forgot the water bottle.. not smart. For supper I warmed up the potatoes and carrots and diced up the roast into it (hash). I had that with some more green salad (added the carrots, craisins, apples, and red peppers). Salad just isn't as good when your throat is sore though. Pudding was sounding good, but I had already used up my calories, so "no". I'm thinking oatmeal and cottage cheese, and yogurt (not all together) will all slide down fairly easy tomorrow.
So having a two year old around again is exercise in itself. Now I remember why it was so easy to stay skinny when I had kids at home! But thanks to little Rello I did come up with a new and unique way to get in your 30 minutes of cardio. I really doubt any of you have tried it, but I could be wrong. I'm calling it GRANDMA'S WIGGLES WORKOUT. Rello loves the Wiggles and I love Youtube for exercising. I googled the Wiggles on Youtube and boy did I come up with a workout. Here's what you do (you younger bloggers can try it with a toddler too-- not just us Grandmas). Get your grandchild (or sibling or neighbor's kid or child) and go to Wiggles on Youtube. Do it in this order. 1) Happy and You Know It (use for a warm up). Don't just stand there. Follow the lead of the kid in the blue shirt-- he keeps the knees bouncing. 2)Five Little Ducks (keep moving-- don't stop-- and if you feel uncoordinated as you try to flap your arms and skip at the same time.... join the crowd!). 3) Hot Potato, Hot Potato (I love the twist dance move), 3) Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (Be as graceful as you can and hope that no one is watching. I felt some Yoga moves going on during this one.) 4) Monkey Dance (if you're calves aren't feeling it by now, you're slacking!) 5) Head Shoulders Knees and Toes (march in between when he's talking-- this video is a little bit of a break :) 6) Pirate Ship 7) End with "Wheels on the Bus" and make up your own moves with you and your little buddy. Now don't roll your eyes or make fun of me until you try it!
Not only is it a good little cardio workout, it's a great way to spend time with your kids/grandkids/siblings and to teach them that exercise can be fun. Let me know how it goes. Some of you young ones need to try it (Whit/Kalli) and tell me what you think too. Don't make fun of me... just tell me if it even made your heartrate go up, or if I'm just easily entertained and old. Jaki, I'm sipping my warm lemonade.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
DAY THIRTY THREE- February 2, 2010
Wanted to roll up in my covers and just sleep today only coming out for an occasional cup of warm lemonade to soothe my throat, but it wasn't in the cards. I did sleep in till 7:30am. It was strange not hearing Gma Shorty banging the pans around at 5am (her cue for "are you up yet"), but my body's still used to it so I woke right up even though I could sleep in. I talked myself back to sleep, but had a side ache by 7:30 so had to get up. I'm supposed to take it easy today. I have little voice left after three out of the last four days being basketball games and a cold to boot. I'm sure my players are tired too. I wondered about them all day.
I also wondered about the rooms that need painted, the carpets that need cleaned, the boxes that need unpacked, the computer that needed set up, etc. Who can rest with so much on their mind. By noon I couldn't take it any longer (I have never been a good sick person) I had to unpack at least the kitchen. I took some tylenol after that and rested. That lasted a short while then I went to town (Home Depot to be specific) and prayed that I would not see anyone considering I look like a sick woman (which I am) and I still had on yesterday's hair and makeup. I did brush my teeth and change my clothes though. I got in-- I got out. I have the paint and outlet covers and window blinds. I don't have the energy to do any of it today, but I can sleep a little easier tonight knowing I can hide in my house now and paint away the remainder of the '70's that still abides in my new abode. Love the space though.
My mom and dad drove over and brought dinner (thank you). She knows me too well. Amidst all the hustle and bustle today I did grab a bowl of cold cereal for breakfast, but forgot lunch completely. The roast and potatoes w/carrots was great. A diet tip here though-- don't skip lunch. You think you're starving by dinner and your stomach isn't as large as your eyes resulting in a heavy stomach afterwards. I will definitely do my crunches tonight. Thank you to all my wonderful children and their spouses for helping us get moved in, get the computer set up, and bringing the grandkids over to fill the rooms with the reason I am here. Championships are great, but families are forever. :)
I also wondered about the rooms that need painted, the carpets that need cleaned, the boxes that need unpacked, the computer that needed set up, etc. Who can rest with so much on their mind. By noon I couldn't take it any longer (I have never been a good sick person) I had to unpack at least the kitchen. I took some tylenol after that and rested. That lasted a short while then I went to town (Home Depot to be specific) and prayed that I would not see anyone considering I look like a sick woman (which I am) and I still had on yesterday's hair and makeup. I did brush my teeth and change my clothes though. I got in-- I got out. I have the paint and outlet covers and window blinds. I don't have the energy to do any of it today, but I can sleep a little easier tonight knowing I can hide in my house now and paint away the remainder of the '70's that still abides in my new abode. Love the space though.
My mom and dad drove over and brought dinner (thank you). She knows me too well. Amidst all the hustle and bustle today I did grab a bowl of cold cereal for breakfast, but forgot lunch completely. The roast and potatoes w/carrots was great. A diet tip here though-- don't skip lunch. You think you're starving by dinner and your stomach isn't as large as your eyes resulting in a heavy stomach afterwards. I will definitely do my crunches tonight. Thank you to all my wonderful children and their spouses for helping us get moved in, get the computer set up, and bringing the grandkids over to fill the rooms with the reason I am here. Championships are great, but families are forever. :)
DAY THIRTY TWO- February 1, 2010
I apologize for the delay. It was a late night. Won the championship, but it was tough. What an awesome group of young ladies and parents. I will miss them. I also slept in the rental for the first night, but you know how it is... boxes, bare walls, new sounds, and exhaustion... especially after an exhausting game and already feeling effects of the flu. Okay, so those are my excuses.
I made the yogurt with granola and berries yesterday. Shared with Kali since she always shares with me. I'll also give you her mom's peanut butter recipe tonight and some other tips she shared with me yesterday. I had one of those Healthy Choice micro-sandwiches and it gets nice and crunchy with chicken and spinach on it for lunch. It was really good. I didn't have much time to eat, so that was it. But... those lovely basketball parents I told you about... they brought me treats and I did partake. I had a Reeses Fastbreak. I ate a hamburger right before the game and nothing else so it wasn't a real healthy eating day, but portion control was there and it could have been worse. I'll do better once I get moved in and unpacked.
Did I mention I love coaching and teaching. It's just warped when you worry about your students when you're home sick. I'm sure they'll be fine till tomorrow. I need to rest. It was a good day despite the challenges and possibly more rewarding because of them.
I made the yogurt with granola and berries yesterday. Shared with Kali since she always shares with me. I'll also give you her mom's peanut butter recipe tonight and some other tips she shared with me yesterday. I had one of those Healthy Choice micro-sandwiches and it gets nice and crunchy with chicken and spinach on it for lunch. It was really good. I didn't have much time to eat, so that was it. But... those lovely basketball parents I told you about... they brought me treats and I did partake. I had a Reeses Fastbreak. I ate a hamburger right before the game and nothing else so it wasn't a real healthy eating day, but portion control was there and it could have been worse. I'll do better once I get moved in and unpacked.
Did I mention I love coaching and teaching. It's just warped when you worry about your students when you're home sick. I'm sure they'll be fine till tomorrow. I need to rest. It was a good day despite the challenges and possibly more rewarding because of them.
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