Tuesday Morning...Getting back in the Groove

It is really amazing. I can feel my hip bones. A part of my body that used to stick out so much that I would be embarrassed. Please let me be that embarrassed again.

I am in a groove. When I was on vacation and I would not eat so well, I felt horrible. I like clean eating now. This is a term that my friend and I use. I feel so much better when I am eating healthy combinations.

Yesterday was my birthday and I was overwhelmed with work after being on vacation. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth taking vacation for you work yourself to death before you leave and upon returning. Then you need another vacation from being overworked.

Today, back on track I will plan my meals. I love eating six times a day. Then head to the grocery store at some point to replenish the refrigerator and pantry.

I am looking so forward to continued success. I am really starting to myself again...

Til tomorrow....keep on smiling... even when it rains sunshine follows

Reflection

Today, I have to hit the floor running for work. It was a great last few days off so I was at work early. It is odd that I really feel guilty that I did not get up earlier to run. I really did not think I would feel this way.

Tomorrow I start back at OBC. I am so ready. I have really pushed myself while on vacation from OBC but I miss the friendships. I look forward now to seeing my instructors and co-campers. I really want someone to check my food journal...:-)

I am taking a brief moment from work to write to you. I look at my shoulders (which I will go sleeveless now) and see the strength that is developing. I can tell how I am not as puffy in my upper chest area. And today I am wearing a skirt to show off my calves that I am liking again.

I hope that you had a chance to check out the website I sent you yesterday. I cooked yesterday for the holiday and all the foods were simple and clean. It is amazing how we add too much sauces to our food. Though I truly enjoy some of these, I am realizing how we camouflage what we are cooking by overdressing it. This time of the year, we have farmer markets near. It is great to grill fresh vegetables only adding some fresh herbs and slight olive oil. And the fruits that are available right now are so sweet and juicy. It makes me want to grow a garden, except where I live it will have to be in the community garden in town.

This is the Iron Flat Steak recipe I grilled yesterday:

1 lb. flat iron steak
fresh cracked black pepper (amount based on your personal taste)
1 tsp. cumin


First, rub fresh cracked black pepper into both sides of the steak. Mix fresh cracked black pepper and cumin together. Sprinkle this mixture over both sides of the meat. Let marinate for 4 hours. Place on grill until the desired temperature you prefer. Remove steak from grill and let it rest before slicing.

Refrigerate any leftovers and place some of the sliced leftovers over a salad.
You might want to look at Cooking Light's website for salad dressing recipes.

Bon Apetit...til tomorrow

Second Week of Operation Weight Loss and Fitness

Good Morning at all readers,

The weekend was tough. I have to be honest, I exercised only on Saturday. After my exercise program I went to the local farmer's market to purchase organic locally grown vegetables. I was very fortunate that one booth consisted of organic, all natural and low fat hummus and a three bean salad. I even went out to eat and to a party and did very well. Sunday though, I did not exercise. I told myself I would at the cool of the day but I did not. The only person I hurt was me. Why did I do it? Am I really that lazy?

This morning I was up bright and early, 4:30am, before the alarm went off. I was dressed, out the door and early to OBC. My really thin instructor is not there, so I am thinking that today I am off the hook with the food journal. The instructor that worked with me on Saturday is the first to arrive at the journals. "Good" I think to myself, "she was so much easier on Saturday". But she picks up another attendee's journal first. Okay, next another instructor comes up the stairs and he picks up a different journal. And then, the really thin instructor mounts the stairs to our post and the next journal is mine. So much for that thought. Okay God, is this a conspiracy?

She walks over and smiles ever so sweetly. "I went to the WOMETEC meeting on Friday and I was hoping I would see you there" she says to me. "I had a prior meeting I had to attend" I respond. She is really very nice and her thinness both intimidates and inspires me. "You did good, it looks as you need to add more fruits in and ... what is the apple muffin" she asks. Busted again.

The exercise program begins with a different routine. I am glad I do not have to run that hill, I hate that hill! We run, though, but down and up stairs. At least my lungs are giving me air. I am the last to finish. My fellow attendees that fall into the run last category are missing today. Where are your friends when you need them the most?

We quickly move to our warm up stretches. Then run again to our workout field. We are paired with a partner to encourage each other. We move to our "square", I am paired with a man. A man, can you believe it? I am not strong enough to workout with a man, my brain is screaming. I am telling myself I am really going to look bad today. But I understand as we begin, we are both in the same shape, thank goodness. We are working in the areas of strength which I can stay with the group. Then in between every three different sets, we run. Which, do I need to state again, I am horrible. I am doing pretty good today. Then last set, run again and now to our cool down. At this point, once again I am the last. I am really tired of being last.

Cool down is great day, we are using yoga positions. I really do love yoga. Why am I not doing yoga at home in the downstairs???? If I had been doing yoga all these years I would not be in this shape and having to do this. I am so angry with myself.

Class is over and I head home to begin my day. I really hope I can get this food journal right! I realize that this 30 day jump start I thought would be the key is going to need to be a few months. I really have alot of bad habits to change. Maybe I should be an instructor I happily think. My brain brings me back to reality "let's just work on today eating right". Okay brain I was just dreaming :-).

Till tomorrow. I should have more healthful hints for you.

And by the way, thanks for reading and sharing this journey with me.