Arg!!! I am totally craving a giant, frozen piece of puffed wheat cake and I want to caaaaavvvve [read as a tortured scream]. I caved yesterday and called it a free day. No idea why the jonesing for crap is off the charts in the afternoon. I still have an hour and 15 minutes until I can eat my muffin and yogurt. I need to get some cottage cheese or something else more protein filled than the yog… Maybe that’s my problem. Maybe the old metabolism is starting up again and I’m not quite giving my body the fuel it needs (though why it would revert to crack foods instead of craving a massive steak, I dunno).
In other news, we are too broke for me to join the Tracker challenge. Or, at least, Kurt feels we are too broke - he’s in another panic OHMYGODWE’REINOVERDRAFT!!!! moment that is so very, very annoying. Everyone is in overdraft. It’s the 30something state of financial being. So, I’m kinda pissed at him but yet pretending not to be as I'm trying to be all supportive of his need for security or some such shit. What about my need to be a competitive freak? Huh!?! What about that?!? Bastard...
Oh, I’m also completely swamped at work. Soooo much stuff to do, and no time to get it all done. It is still fabulously exciting and hard and I am having a blast (but, if I could have like an extra day in the week to get caught up, I'd be happy).
General enthusiast of sweaty activities. Cave girl foodie. This is a blog about that. And sometimes cats.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Bloaty McBloatersons
First the positive – I am feeling fracking fantastic and I’m utterly driven. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so focused in a challenge. Seriously, I totally had a complete and utter shift in my thinking and it is amazing how quickly I’ve been able to turn around my behaviours. Tom Venuto is a rock star.
I succeeded in hitting 150 on the scale this Thursday and that was after drinking a liter of water and two cups of coffee right before weigh in. So, I was super excited to finally see a number in the 140s on the weekend and, what happened? Bloat. I packed on five pounds (or more) of water weight over night and now I have to wait for who knows how long before I debloat and am no longer look a squidgy mess. So, far, the measurements have not gone up, which means I’m still shrinking – it’s just not showing. It also means that my end of challenge results and end photos are going to not represent how well I’ve actually done. Yay for being a chick.
As for the challenge itself, I’m totally rocking it. I’m working out HARD and keeping it clean. I’m feeling really good and I’m not having any problems with my movements. A day without any spasms or postures is a good, good day. Just goes to show you how stress has a negative impact on generalized dystonia.
I succeeded in hitting 150 on the scale this Thursday and that was after drinking a liter of water and two cups of coffee right before weigh in. So, I was super excited to finally see a number in the 140s on the weekend and, what happened? Bloat. I packed on five pounds (or more) of water weight over night and now I have to wait for who knows how long before I debloat and am no longer look a squidgy mess. So, far, the measurements have not gone up, which means I’m still shrinking – it’s just not showing. It also means that my end of challenge results and end photos are going to not represent how well I’ve actually done. Yay for being a chick.
As for the challenge itself, I’m totally rocking it. I’m working out HARD and keeping it clean. I’m feeling really good and I’m not having any problems with my movements. A day without any spasms or postures is a good, good day. Just goes to show you how stress has a negative impact on generalized dystonia.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
What would Brian Boitano do?
I had a fabulous lower body work out today. My legs are shaking. My abs are so trashed, it’s hard to suck in the gut. And yesterday I did one hell of an HIIT session. I’m feeling fucking fantastic.
I received this fantastic article in my in-box the other day and it totally flipped a switch in my head. I don’t see myself as fit and, therefore, whenever I get close to looking fit, I sabotage myself. In fact, if I want to be completely honest with myself I sabotage myself in almost every way possible – career, finances, health, friendships. Seriously, aside from how I participate in my relationship with my husband (star crossed lovers, fabulous relationship, a love so strong and sweet diabetics often go into comas near us, blah, blah, blah), I am my own worst enemy.
Anyhoo, here is the article: http://www.ironmagazine.com/article151.html
I lurve Tom Venuto. If I wasn’t married and infertile, I’d totally have his babies.
I received this fantastic article in my in-box the other day and it totally flipped a switch in my head. I don’t see myself as fit and, therefore, whenever I get close to looking fit, I sabotage myself. In fact, if I want to be completely honest with myself I sabotage myself in almost every way possible – career, finances, health, friendships. Seriously, aside from how I participate in my relationship with my husband (star crossed lovers, fabulous relationship, a love so strong and sweet diabetics often go into comas near us, blah, blah, blah), I am my own worst enemy.
Anyhoo, here is the article: http://www.ironmagazine.com/article151.html
I lurve Tom Venuto. If I wasn’t married and infertile, I’d totally have his babies.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Drivelly Goodness with a Side of Whine
I’ve managed to keep up with challenge though it has been living up to its name. After enjoying over two weeks of my dystonia raging out of control, am now starting to regain modicum of ability to control movements again. It is touch and go at present but I’m confident this weekend I should be able to get back to lifting and HIIT as well as get some meals cooked and in the freezer. I have shrunk a wee bit since I first started so, even though it hasn’t been a challenge for the records, it is still something to be proud of.
I had an opportunity to review Afterburn – it looks like an amazingly difficult program but I’m very much looking forward to tackling it for my next challenge. Tracker is holding a spring competition and will be starting next challenge in time to compete – will be very exciting to throw myself wholeheartedly into this and am expecting to kick some serious butt.
The lawsuit against my GP is moving forward. We went through mandatory mediation in early January and examination for discovery is going forward in March. It is turning into a very interesting case – I am one of the first in Canada to go forward with this type of lawsuit for this kind of reaction (tardive generalized dystonia was as a result of an undiagnosed adverse reaction to an antidepressant and would have been preventable if diagnosed earlier). A part of my feels for the doctor in question as this must be a very stressful situation but, at the same time, this is something that I strongly feel I have to do.
I think I’ve come a pretty long way since first being diagnosed but I also think I’ve got a long way to go yet in accepting this. Your life certainly changes. All of a sudden, this future idea that you have created for yourself of your life is completely up in the air. What is possible, now? What isn’t? By accepting new limitations, am I giving up? Or, do I now need to look at more of a balance so I can not just succeed in life but enjoy it? Or are the two now an irresolvable dichotomy? If I give up my plans for myself in terms of career success, can I really be happy? But can I also be happy if my ambition and my work destroy the time I now enjoy to move freely? Stress really does kick up my symptoms. So does burning the candle at both ends. I’m just very torn.
I had an opportunity to review Afterburn – it looks like an amazingly difficult program but I’m very much looking forward to tackling it for my next challenge. Tracker is holding a spring competition and will be starting next challenge in time to compete – will be very exciting to throw myself wholeheartedly into this and am expecting to kick some serious butt.
The lawsuit against my GP is moving forward. We went through mandatory mediation in early January and examination for discovery is going forward in March. It is turning into a very interesting case – I am one of the first in Canada to go forward with this type of lawsuit for this kind of reaction (tardive generalized dystonia was as a result of an undiagnosed adverse reaction to an antidepressant and would have been preventable if diagnosed earlier). A part of my feels for the doctor in question as this must be a very stressful situation but, at the same time, this is something that I strongly feel I have to do.
I think I’ve come a pretty long way since first being diagnosed but I also think I’ve got a long way to go yet in accepting this. Your life certainly changes. All of a sudden, this future idea that you have created for yourself of your life is completely up in the air. What is possible, now? What isn’t? By accepting new limitations, am I giving up? Or, do I now need to look at more of a balance so I can not just succeed in life but enjoy it? Or are the two now an irresolvable dichotomy? If I give up my plans for myself in terms of career success, can I really be happy? But can I also be happy if my ambition and my work destroy the time I now enjoy to move freely? Stress really does kick up my symptoms. So does burning the candle at both ends. I’m just very torn.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Another day, another start of a challenge
So, I'm starting another challenge for the umpteenth time. I'm currently sitting where I was at at week four of my first challenge in terms of size and squishyness. No visable abs by the time I get to Cuba. C'est la vie. This time, it just feels different, though. I don't think I was ready before and just wasn't in the headspace to keep at it. Now, I am and have done all the "Crossing the Abyss" stuff and have it firmly in mind why I'm doing this.
Today is day four and I'm taking my freeday as we're hosting a dinner party and my legs are so trashed I'm walking around like an old man who has shit himself. The legs definitely could use a break before I hit them again with a killer LBWO. So, today is about recovery and tomorrow I'll take a hard wack at it again. Oh, I'm also really pushing the workouts. For the last few attempts I was pussing out on the weight training and being afraid of hitting those 10's. Gotta do it with intensity. So, I'm taking Kerry's adage and putting it into action: Work harder, eat cleaner.
Tracker seems to have mellowed, which is good. I love that site and it always drives me nuts when the board drama keeps me from posting. It's way helpful to be able to talk to other people who're in the midst of a challenge in terms of keeping on track.
Today is day four and I'm taking my freeday as we're hosting a dinner party and my legs are so trashed I'm walking around like an old man who has shit himself. The legs definitely could use a break before I hit them again with a killer LBWO. So, today is about recovery and tomorrow I'll take a hard wack at it again. Oh, I'm also really pushing the workouts. For the last few attempts I was pussing out on the weight training and being afraid of hitting those 10's. Gotta do it with intensity. So, I'm taking Kerry's adage and putting it into action: Work harder, eat cleaner.
Tracker seems to have mellowed, which is good. I love that site and it always drives me nuts when the board drama keeps me from posting. It's way helpful to be able to talk to other people who're in the midst of a challenge in terms of keeping on track.
Friday, November 10, 2006
New BFL Challenge
Today, I started a new Body for Life challenge to get ready for Cuba and help me managed work stress. Took my before photos - waistline has expanded a wee bit and there is a bit more chub to contend with than what I ended my first challenge with.
Oh, visited the BFL Tracker forums this afternoon. Same old shit, it appears. People screaming at each other in all caps because they disagree with someone elses opinion. All caps folks drive me nuts. Don't think I'll be able to go back to posting over there as I will tell one of them to stop being overactionary assholes. And then I'll be banned.
Workout this afternoon was great. I did upper body. Haven't lost that much strength even if I have lost some muscle, as evidenced by the mushier exterior look I've been sporting as of late even though the scale still all friendly to me. Just goes to show you you can't trust the scale. It's like that good friend that doesn't have the heart to tell you your new Miss Sixties make you look like a lumpy, shapeless sack.
Oh, visited the BFL Tracker forums this afternoon. Same old shit, it appears. People screaming at each other in all caps because they disagree with someone elses opinion. All caps folks drive me nuts. Don't think I'll be able to go back to posting over there as I will tell one of them to stop being overactionary assholes. And then I'll be banned.
Workout this afternoon was great. I did upper body. Haven't lost that much strength even if I have lost some muscle, as evidenced by the mushier exterior look I've been sporting as of late even though the scale still all friendly to me. Just goes to show you you can't trust the scale. It's like that good friend that doesn't have the heart to tell you your new Miss Sixties make you look like a lumpy, shapeless sack.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Why I don't love AIs...
I thought I'd go find this and post it here as my ratio of posts about weight loss, fitness and assorted drivel about my body far exceeds most everything else on here and, frankly, that isn't really the order of importance of things in my life.
My trip report from our best vacation to date and our first trip off of an AI (and, if my bro wasn't getting married in Cuba at a megaresort the end of December, we'd never, ever go back to one)
Please note that all comments regarding Ivan the Bug are gross hyperbole. We loved our Bug and will rent from Easyway again. He was a great little car.
Day One - Skyservice, Easy Way, Cabanas La Conchita, Zamas
Direct charter flight (Skyservice) Regina to Cancun. On time, all good. Pilot lands "creatively" and we fishtail down the runway. Freaky. Plane comes to complete stop. Stopped is good. Breath sigh of relief.
Get through customs (green light), grab luggage, Kurt is snared by timeshare dude (they are like the proverbial fat kid on a smartie). Extricate husband and see Easyway dude with our name on a sign! Yay! Quick smoke, get into the car and we are off.
Pick up car at Easyway (purple Bug), are told not to smoke in car but are highly encouraged to have sex in it. Look at backseat and determine neither of us are acrobats and decide not to follow their directions. Leave rental place and turn the wrong direction and head into the hotel zone. Determine all other drivers have just been released from mental institution. Get directions, turn around and we are off!
307 is crazy. Lots of traffic. Kurt doesn't believe me when I tell him to get into the paved shoulder to let other cars pass. Escape head on collision with a cab and he learns pretty quick how to drive in Mexico. Arrive in Tulum, shaken, stirred. Get lost trying to find hotel zone. Eventually arrive at destination - Cabanas La Conchita.
La Conchita is bloody gorgeous. Room is very romantic, sand is like talcum powder and the landscaping is pretty. Ocean is that amazing colour of turqoise. We're here! We're in QRoo! Life is good! Check in, get changed and head to Zamas for supper.
Zamas is pretty and right on the beach. Kurt has chicken in a chili mole sauce. I have chicken tortillas in green tomato sauce. Both are yummy. We head back to La Conchita to fall asleep to the sound of the surf.
Day Two - La Conchita, Tulum Pueblo, Charlies, Don Cafetos
La Conchita has great breakfasts and strong coffee - heaven. Lovely! Morning is spent on the beach at La Conchita. It is situated in a cove with rocky outcroppings on either side. Azulik is to the left and other small cabana style resort to the right. The surf is pretty strong so Kurt decides to boogey board. I swim for a bit and accidentally moon a guy from Brooklyn as a wave attempts to take off my bottoms. Afternoon is spent in Tulum peublo to get money and have lunch at Charlies (excellent food and very pretty - highly recommend). While we're relaxing in the restaurant, out front we hear pops and crackles and see sparks flying everywhere. A cute little Brit girl at the table next to us freaks, thinking someone is shooting at us. Nope - the power lines are just freaking out a little. We sit for about an hour until the cops let us out of the restaurant. We aren't electrocuted. So far, it's been a good day.
Back at La Conchita, I test out the hammock and Kurt has a nap. Dinner is at Don Cafetos. The food is good but the ambiance is even better. As we're eating, a band from Cuba takes the stage and everyone gets up to dance. Lots of fun!
Day Three - Snorkelling Akumal Main Bay, Nacho's
Mmmm. Breakfast at La Conchita. Again, so very yummy. We head to the Akumal main bay to snorkel all day. We see lots of pretty fish, including two the size of platters and two really big turtles. The beach is gorgeous. Great day! Heading back to Tulum, we're nearly T-boned at the 307 intersection as the throttle sticks and we shoot into on-coming traffic. Good times! We make it back to La Conchita and hang out on the beach until supper. Throttle, again, sticks as we make a u-turn on the highway to park beside Nacho's. First, we hurtle into the jungle. Then we hurtle towards the iron shore cliff. Finally we stop. Stopped is good. Dinner is worth it. For 160 pesos a piece, we have grilled lobster. I cry as it is so yummy. Then we have bananas flambe. It is so good. This was probably the best restaurant we ate at and it was usually empty. This is a must do when you are at Tulum.
Day Four - Grand Cenote, Nachos Redux
The morning is spent relaxing on the beach at La Conchita and then we again head to Akumal main bay to snorkel some more. Again, the fish are pretty. After, we head to Grand Cenote to snorkel some more. The water is so clear. The stalagmites and stalagtites are spectacular and it is, in places, very deep. It attaches to hundreds of kilometres of underground rivers and they have diving excursions to explore them. We head back to La Conchita for some quality hammock time and then to Nachos again for throttle-sticking U-turn action and lobster.
Day Five - Mayan Beach Garden, El Placer
After our last amaxing La Conchita breakfast and a relaxing moment on the beach, we pack our gear, get into our Bug and take off south down the 307 around the Sian Kaan Biosphere. The road is one-lane with no paved shoulder but it is pretty much deserted - not a lot of traffic. Driving is nice and relaxed. Emailed directions from LG end shortly afer Limones, but we follow the signs to El Placer and, after a few military checkpoints, a jungle road and a very bumpy beach road we see Marcia (MBG owner along with her hubby Kim - so nice!) at the store. next to Mayan Beach Garden. We're here. Our car didn't die. It is beautiful! We check in and are shown to our cabana.
Mayan Beach Garden has six cabanas of cement construction, in two vertical rows facing the beach. They are staggered so, from each one, you have a gorgeous view from your patio of the turquoise water and white sand. The cabanas, themselves, are spacious and pretty with solar lights, bathroom with hand painted sink and shower with good water pressure and hand made furniture. The main building where the library, dining room and screened porch are is away from the water behind the cabanas. The beach is white sand and the bay, which is very comparable to the Akumal main bay 30 years ago, is protected by an interior reef. Dinner is eaten at a long table with all of the other guests so you really get to know the other guests. MBG provides breakfast, lunch and supper - all of which was delicious with never a bad meal. They also offer a lot of diversity so you don't get bored of the food.
After getting checked in, we take a walk down the beach. The ocean current brings with it a lot of plastic garbage dumped inot the ocean in Belize and also from the cruise ships. The bay is beautiful and empty but the beaches that front empty lots hadn't been raked in a few months so had human detrious strewn about. It was heartbreaking to see such a beautiful and natural area punished by human consuption. It made me want to grab a rake, clean the beach and then wack everyone who had ever thrown crap into the ocean over the head.
Kurt then threw on his snorkel gear and went out to check the reef. While the beaches beside MBG showed evidence of humanity, the reef and coral were pristine and vibrant and alive with life. After meeting the other guests and having a delicous dinner, we all went to bed only to be woken up at 2:00 a.m. by a magnificent thunderstorm. Lightening must have struck the ocean right out front because one clap of thunder had everyone leaping out of bed (or into bed, depending on where they were standing) in a mass freakout.
Day Six
While the thunder and lightening ended, the rain stuck around so, after breakfast, we drove to the Kohunlich ruins (500 A.D. to 1100 A.D.). In the way, one of our windshield wipers fell off but no other car trouble was experienced. The site is big and it took us almost three hours to go through it. Much of it is well preserved and impressive. The main temple features beautiful mask carvings with much of the red-coloured stucco intact. Spectacular. We were the only ones at the site, so it was pretty amazing to go through the place alone. While we were at the ballcourt, I heard rustling in the trees. Then I heard a low, gutteral growl. And then more growls. And then lots of growls. Freaked, we finished up our tour and went back to the car. Turns out it was howler monkeys! Happily, no monkey poo was thrown at us.
Most of our drive back was in the dark, which was kind of cool. While on the jungle road, we saw an ocelot (wild cat) crossing the highway. Happily, we had no car trouble 'cause I wasn't getting out to walk for help!
Day Seven
Day seven dawned hot and humid. Morning is spent on the beach and, in the afternoon Marcia walks everyone to point to go snorkelling. I found it a bit difficult, being a novice, negotiating the coral channels (I am the chicken of the sea), so I head back to do some beachcombing. Everyone returned in about an hour, save Kurt and Marcia who headed past the interior reef. My husband is crazy. One time he had to be air rescued off the side of a mountain in Banff after he decided to go climbing alone, without gear, and no training. Looking around our spot, I noticed that Marcia didn't have any stuff on the beach. She didn't need to come back here. Kurt could be out there alone! Immediately, I assume he was dead. About an hour and two panic attacks later, he wanders up the beach. I break down. Marcia had, at my request, stuck to him like glue and kept him safe. Yay! I wasn't a widow. Again, the snorkelling was amazing with bright, living coral and amazing wildlife.
Day Eight - Sian Kaan Shipwreck
We're still at Mayan Beach Garden, located outside the hamlet of El Placer, about 30 kms north of Mahahual. Marcia kindly draws us a map to locations filled with fun and adventure in the Sian Kaan. Off we go in our trusty bug (these vehicles should include WD40 and duct tape along with the spare tire in the trunk), with plans to snorkel a shipwreck. Past another army check point (big guns and they don't speak English and the only Spanish I know is from the road signs on the highway but they're friendly if not confused as to our plans) and into the Biosphere. The road turns pretty bumpy but it isn't washed out so we're feeling pretty good. Landscape turns from marshy stuff to dense tropical foliage with tall palms and the occaisional glimpse of white sand and turqoise water. The road is deserted and so is the park entrance. After about half an hour of bumping and thumping of the non-backseat variety, we see a park dude on a moped. He takes our name and whatnot and waives the park fee. We take off again and see a small fishing shack with a blue tarp roof with a shipwreck partially submerged in the ocean off to the left.
Parking in the dude's front sand dune that passes for a yard (no need for landscaping - it's pretty on it's own), we head out to find a good approach. Less garbage on the beach is noticed and we learn later that the Friends of the Carribean raked the shores clean before we came. Thanks Friends!
We find a pretty, sandy spot and Kurt gears up for a snorkel, while I start beachcombing the area and just enjoying being the only darn person on a perfect beach that stretches for miles and miles and miles and miles. Every so often, when he found a sandy spot, Kurt would stand up and let me know he was alive and keep me from repeating yesterday's abbreviated widowhood.
About an hour later, as I was floating in a tide pool, he came in raving about clown fish, angel fish, damsel fish, parrot fish, urchins, aenomes and bright, vibrant coral. Apparently, he'd stumbled into the filming of Finding Nemo II: The Akward Adolecent Years. It was the best snorkel he'd ever had. We lazed in the sun for a bit longer to dry off and I showed him my impressive abandoned conch shell collection (forced relocation program for sealife - fishermen just toss 'em on the beach after extricating the inhabitants).
With my contraband shells in tow, we take off. Now, I'm a bit uncomfortable taking them past the guys with the big, shiny guns no matter how friendly they are. So, we decide to take the beach road back, through Uevero to El Placer. This is the part of the story that we didn't tell Easyway.
To call the beach road a road at all is an insult to all other roads. Its more of a rutted path that is intermittently mixed with large deposits of coral, piles of coconuts, piles of limestone and deep, cenote-like puddles. Sometimes, there wasn't a road or path or anything at all as it had all tumbled into the sea. But our trusty bug rose to occaision, gloriously bouncing away through the jungle, the throtle, for once, behaving itself. The wildlife also joined in to make the beach "road" a special experience. Occaisionally we had to stop to move aside small turtles and hermit crabs trying out new occupations as road topes. Howler monkeys growled at us. Dogs chased us.
Finally, after about an hour of driving, we made our way to Uevero, where we promptly bombed up to the jungle road and back to Mayan Beach Garden. The rest of the afternoon was spent in a hammock reading a book (each cabana comes equipped with a lovely selection of beach reads - no need to waste your allowable weight for your luggage on books as they are provided).
Day Nine - Mahahual
Up at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise over the ocean. Take prerequisite sunrise photo. I go get coffee and let sleeping beauty catch a few more Z's. The coffee here is really good - hot, strong and made in a French Press. It is also ready by 6:30 a.m. every day. I love Mayan Beach Garden.
After a spectacular sun rise, the sky clouded over and it got windy and a bit cool so we decided to spend the day bumming around. The morning was spent reading and visiting with some of the other guests and, in the afternoon, we decided to go to the monkey preserve just before the turn off to Mahahual. Unfortunately, the gates were closed so, stuck with nothing to do and no desire to drive very far, we headed into town. Driving in, we passed the docks to see two behemouth ships. Today was a cruise ship day. Usually, Mahahual is a sleepy little town with very few permanent buildings. Since the dock was put in, many people have come to the area to sell touristy type stuff to the shipper crowd. Since the ships were getting ready to depart, most of the cruisers were trying to find cabs back and most of the shops were being taken down. Literally. Most of them are tents and other temporary structures so, at the end of the day, all evidence of them are removed and taken back to the merchant shanty area and then set up anew the next day. We chatted with some of the folks who mentioned that business has been crazy since the hurricane. Before, they would get maybe three ships a week. Lately, they've been getting two or three a day.
We made our way back to the Bug and headed back to Mayan Beach Garden. We were chatting with another couple when someone pointed out the two huge ships sailing past our reef. It was quite a sight. Supper followed and an early evening reading in the cabana.
Day Ten - BEST DAY EVER
Morning promised to offer a perfect day and it did. This day was, literally, the best day of my life. The sky was blue, the ocean was turqoise and calm, there was a bit of a breeze and the sun was hot. The entire day was spent laying on the beach, reading books until it was time for a swim and a float in the ocean and then a quick return to the lounger for more reading and laying in the sun. Looking around the bay, aside from the few other couples staying at Mayan Beach Garden, the whole bay was deserted save a few dudes at the north end working of salvaging a small boat. 10 people on a 1.5 km stretch of sand. Amazing!
At lunch, Marcia told us to make the most of the beach as the weather was set to turn tomorrow and become cool, windy and rainy again. She also printed off information about the blizzard hitting the eastern seaboard.
Kurt took off for a snorkel in the afternoon and visibility was very good. He saw quite a few fish and rays, including a very rare fish that is hard to spot (it's fins look like wings and it can change colour to hide itself - when Kurt saw it, it was turqoise blue like the ocean). At about 3:00, we headed back to our cabana to read and lay in the hammock with a drink. We had a nice hot shower and then a delicious supper. All of the guests had been there for a while and we had gotten to know each other really well. We all laughed and visited with each other and Kim and had a great time, sharing stories about past trips and our lives at home and making fun of each other. Marcia wasn't able to eat with us as her regular cook was ill so she had to supervise the kitchen staff. She did make sure to come and visit with folks both at breakfast and lunch, though, so we had a chance to get to know her as well. They really are a very nice couple.
Day Eleven - Hunting for the Zocolo, Becan
The weather forecasters were right. The sky was clouded over and the temperature, at dawn, was a balmy 10 degees C. After a hot breakfast, hot coffee and a hot shower, we decided to take off to the Becan ruin site. Along the way, we planned to stop at a bank machine as we were running low on pesos and needed to get gas. You'd think you'd be able to find an ATM in Mahahual but the cruise ship industry has bribed the banks to keep the machines out of the town, with the only one being at the pier and not accessable to non-passengers. Marcia kindly drew up a map of Bacalar, noting that the bank machine was at the Zocolo.
Taking off in our car, now called Ivan the Bug after my 94 year old uncle Ivan who has, periodically, been on death's door since the 70's and, every time you count him out, he gets better and lives life to the fullest for another couple of years (he still golfs and went to the Roo last year for a week - amazing!). Ivan's throttle was again a bit sticky but, after the beach "road" we knew that nothing could stop him.
Arriving an hour later in Bacalar, we used the map to locate the mythic Zocolo. Now, please remember, I speak no spanish aside from saying hello, ordering food and telling you not to put rocks on the highway (there is a sign for that, seriously, I have a photo of it!). We searched that entire town and, while we saw many things including the town square that was hosting a kid's fair, we didn't see a Zocolo. Finally, we stopped across from the square and asked for directions to "the Zocolo". The lady laughed and pointed across the street. We were very embarassed. The word "zocolo" is spanish for "town square". Kurt went to use the bank machine and, all excited about actually finding the darn thing, forgot his bank card in the machine.
Off we went to Becan, which was another two hours away. Arriving at the ruins at about 1:30, we had some time to explore. There were very few people around, which was nice. The site, again, is quite old, dating from 400 A.D. to 1200 A.D. The style of the architecture was quite different from Kohunlich as it was influenced by the Rio Bec style and Kohunlich looks more like the sites in Guatemala. Everything was quite ornate, which much carving.
After a few hours of poking around, we decided to head back so we wouldn't be driving in the dark. Arriving just in time for supper, we sat down, met a few new people who had arrived in our absence and, now feeling like family, spent the supper debating politics with Kim, to the consternation of the other guests.
Day Twelve - Akumal
I didn't want to go. I wanted to stay. It felt like our trip was over and we were only going as far as Akumal. As we were packing up, I couldn't find the key. Kurt said he had left it on the breakfast table. As we were packing up the car, I told him to go get it and give it to Kim but he was all lazy and didn't want to check so he told me he had already turned it in.
Before leaving the area, we stopped one last time at the wildlife preserve. They were open so we got to see a variety of different creatures (spidermonkeys, a badgerish dude called the Fonz, wild boars, a hawk and an alligator) that were all once pets but are now being integreated back to the wild (who on this Earth would EVER think a badger would make a good pet? - yeah, he's sweet and cute and friendly but it's still a badger). It all runs on donations, so make sure you have something to give.
Sad, we got into the Bug and drove back to Akumal. The trip was quiet and uneventful. Pulling up to the arches was good, though, as I really love the area. Seeing lots of people and cars and everything was a bit shocking as we'd just spent the last seven days on what felt like a deserted island paradise. We checked into Vista Del Mar and Kurt turned on the TV.
*sigh*
I swear, TV is like crack. You know it isn't good for you. But you still crave it even though it doesn't really make you feel good and it would be much preferable to live your life not as a crack head. So I turned the darn thing off and we headed down to the beach.
Kurt decided to head out for a quick snorkel as the bay was pretty calm. He said that it was very pretty and there were many fish but it was sad to see the coral so damaged and the sea fans broken. It was pretty cool so we decided to head back to our room to change and go for something to eat. We made our way to La Buena Vida for a plate of very yummy tortillas and fixings. After eating, we headed back to our room to watch TV (arg!) and fall asleep.
As we were getting ready for bed, I opened up the suitcase and found... they key.
A key isn't a big deal right? Actually the darn thing is attached to a custom hand carved block of wood. For the next three days, I run around all over trying to find a way to get it back to Mayan Beach Garden. It makes up for my decision to take the beach road back from Sian Kaan.
Day Thirteen - Yal Ku Lagoon, Pink Party
Finally, the weather decided to return to normal and, while it was a bit cooler than average, it was a great day. While the rooms at Vista Del Mar are rather economical in scope and price, you really can't beat the view from the 3rd floor. The sunrise was gorgeous and our self-brewed coffee was quite tasty (I actually brought my coffee grinder and gourmet beans from home - crazy, I know). We quickly got showered and dressed in bathing suits and went to Turtle Bay Cafe for breakfast.
So. Darn. Good.
After our food (Kurt had the french toast with pecan maple syrup and I had the Ranchero Omelette - yum), we went to YAL Ku lagoon to snorkel. It was really pretty and there is an amazing variety of fish but, on the day we went, the clarity wasn't great. Still, I saw all manner of fish (so pretty), including parrot fish, a huge school of little white fish and two baracuda.
After, we headed to the main bay in Akumal to spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach and laying in the warm sun.
At about 3:30, we headed back to the room to shower and make our way to the Pink Party. I was wearing this ridiculous skirt that kept blowing open so we weren't there long before I went back to change out of the only pink item I owned. The party was quite fun and it was great meeting so many posters as well as Kay and Gary!
We then took off to Cuevo Pescadore (I just butchered the spelling) for our only not good meal of our trip. It was kind of dissapointing. C'est la vie!
Day Fourteen - Shopping in Akumal, Charlies in Tulum
Our last day in paradise dawns hot and humid and otherwise perfect. After coffee and a shower, we go to Turtle Bay Cafe again for breakfast and spend the morning running around after that darn key (as well as buying gifts for folks). There is no courier in Akumal. Also, the mail office at the CEA closes at 9:30. Also, very few people mail stuff there as few people knew where to find the post office.
Oh, when in Akumal, check out Oshun. The jewelry is all handmade by the owner and her husband and they are artists (when there, look up and see her conch shell chandelier - gorgeous!). The pieces are beautiful and one of a kind. She will also make custom pieces if you ask (I requested a turqoise pendant to match a bracelet that I bought from her). I also thought that the prices were very reasonable and she has pieces in every price range.
The afternoon was spent on the beach, relaxing and enjoying our last warm weather and sunshine until May or June (whenever summer decides to appear). Kurt decided to go for a snorkel without me and promised to go with me later. He took off into the water and I watched him for a bit until I lost sight of him as a large group of people walked in front of my line of sight. After they moved on, he was gone. What I didn't realize until later was that he was fighting to keep being sucked out to sea by a rip current (he scoffed at the flag until a wave smashed him down to the sea floor, which was about 15 feet deep...). Luckily, he had read up on them and kept his head and swam at an angle and, with each succesive wave gained a few feet more than he was sucked out). It took him half an hour to make it back and ended up pulling a leg muscle. Its a good thing that the rip current wasn't a bit stronger or the floor a bit shallower or he would have been killed. He decided not to tell me about this until we had eaten supper...
After he got back, we layed on the beach a bit longer and then showered and changed and headed south on the 307 one last time to go to Charlie's in Tulum pueblo for supper. The food was great and was all washed down with a side of rightous anger on my part that he had almost killed himself.
Day Fifteen
The day we flew out was rainy and humid but warm. We packed up, feeling melacholy that we had to go home. We had one last breakfast at Turtle Bay Cafe and then headed North on the 307 towards Cancun. Traffic was backed up as there was a big accident outside of Xpu-Ha involving a Copacabana bus. Hopefully no one was hurt but I'm doubtful as it looked awful. It started raining hard just outside of Cancun but we managed to get Ivan filled with gas and back to Easyway, minus a windshield wiper, still featuring a sticky throttle but otherwise unscathed. The odometer noted that we'd put on 2300 kms... Happily, the rain washed off all the dirt, mud and gunk and Ivan actually looked almost spiffy as we turned him in.
Easyway dropped us at the airport where we were delayed for about an hour by the rain and the President of Mexico departing the airport.
The flight was uneventful and we landed in Regina, which was enjoying -46 C weather, including the windchill. We weren't flagged at customs (they need to do the red light, green light game - so much more fun than being assigned a code).
It really was a fantastic trip and I can't wait to go back! With all that we saw and did, there is so much more to explore in the area.
My trip report from our best vacation to date and our first trip off of an AI (and, if my bro wasn't getting married in Cuba at a megaresort the end of December, we'd never, ever go back to one)
Please note that all comments regarding Ivan the Bug are gross hyperbole. We loved our Bug and will rent from Easyway again. He was a great little car.
Day One - Skyservice, Easy Way, Cabanas La Conchita, Zamas
Direct charter flight (Skyservice) Regina to Cancun. On time, all good. Pilot lands "creatively" and we fishtail down the runway. Freaky. Plane comes to complete stop. Stopped is good. Breath sigh of relief.
Get through customs (green light), grab luggage, Kurt is snared by timeshare dude (they are like the proverbial fat kid on a smartie). Extricate husband and see Easyway dude with our name on a sign! Yay! Quick smoke, get into the car and we are off.
Pick up car at Easyway (purple Bug), are told not to smoke in car but are highly encouraged to have sex in it. Look at backseat and determine neither of us are acrobats and decide not to follow their directions. Leave rental place and turn the wrong direction and head into the hotel zone. Determine all other drivers have just been released from mental institution. Get directions, turn around and we are off!
307 is crazy. Lots of traffic. Kurt doesn't believe me when I tell him to get into the paved shoulder to let other cars pass. Escape head on collision with a cab and he learns pretty quick how to drive in Mexico. Arrive in Tulum, shaken, stirred. Get lost trying to find hotel zone. Eventually arrive at destination - Cabanas La Conchita.
La Conchita is bloody gorgeous. Room is very romantic, sand is like talcum powder and the landscaping is pretty. Ocean is that amazing colour of turqoise. We're here! We're in QRoo! Life is good! Check in, get changed and head to Zamas for supper.
Zamas is pretty and right on the beach. Kurt has chicken in a chili mole sauce. I have chicken tortillas in green tomato sauce. Both are yummy. We head back to La Conchita to fall asleep to the sound of the surf.
Day Two - La Conchita, Tulum Pueblo, Charlies, Don Cafetos
La Conchita has great breakfasts and strong coffee - heaven. Lovely! Morning is spent on the beach at La Conchita. It is situated in a cove with rocky outcroppings on either side. Azulik is to the left and other small cabana style resort to the right. The surf is pretty strong so Kurt decides to boogey board. I swim for a bit and accidentally moon a guy from Brooklyn as a wave attempts to take off my bottoms. Afternoon is spent in Tulum peublo to get money and have lunch at Charlies (excellent food and very pretty - highly recommend). While we're relaxing in the restaurant, out front we hear pops and crackles and see sparks flying everywhere. A cute little Brit girl at the table next to us freaks, thinking someone is shooting at us. Nope - the power lines are just freaking out a little. We sit for about an hour until the cops let us out of the restaurant. We aren't electrocuted. So far, it's been a good day.
Back at La Conchita, I test out the hammock and Kurt has a nap. Dinner is at Don Cafetos. The food is good but the ambiance is even better. As we're eating, a band from Cuba takes the stage and everyone gets up to dance. Lots of fun!
Day Three - Snorkelling Akumal Main Bay, Nacho's
Mmmm. Breakfast at La Conchita. Again, so very yummy. We head to the Akumal main bay to snorkel all day. We see lots of pretty fish, including two the size of platters and two really big turtles. The beach is gorgeous. Great day! Heading back to Tulum, we're nearly T-boned at the 307 intersection as the throttle sticks and we shoot into on-coming traffic. Good times! We make it back to La Conchita and hang out on the beach until supper. Throttle, again, sticks as we make a u-turn on the highway to park beside Nacho's. First, we hurtle into the jungle. Then we hurtle towards the iron shore cliff. Finally we stop. Stopped is good. Dinner is worth it. For 160 pesos a piece, we have grilled lobster. I cry as it is so yummy. Then we have bananas flambe. It is so good. This was probably the best restaurant we ate at and it was usually empty. This is a must do when you are at Tulum.
Day Four - Grand Cenote, Nachos Redux
The morning is spent relaxing on the beach at La Conchita and then we again head to Akumal main bay to snorkel some more. Again, the fish are pretty. After, we head to Grand Cenote to snorkel some more. The water is so clear. The stalagmites and stalagtites are spectacular and it is, in places, very deep. It attaches to hundreds of kilometres of underground rivers and they have diving excursions to explore them. We head back to La Conchita for some quality hammock time and then to Nachos again for throttle-sticking U-turn action and lobster.
Day Five - Mayan Beach Garden, El Placer
After our last amaxing La Conchita breakfast and a relaxing moment on the beach, we pack our gear, get into our Bug and take off south down the 307 around the Sian Kaan Biosphere. The road is one-lane with no paved shoulder but it is pretty much deserted - not a lot of traffic. Driving is nice and relaxed. Emailed directions from LG end shortly afer Limones, but we follow the signs to El Placer and, after a few military checkpoints, a jungle road and a very bumpy beach road we see Marcia (MBG owner along with her hubby Kim - so nice!) at the store. next to Mayan Beach Garden. We're here. Our car didn't die. It is beautiful! We check in and are shown to our cabana.
Mayan Beach Garden has six cabanas of cement construction, in two vertical rows facing the beach. They are staggered so, from each one, you have a gorgeous view from your patio of the turquoise water and white sand. The cabanas, themselves, are spacious and pretty with solar lights, bathroom with hand painted sink and shower with good water pressure and hand made furniture. The main building where the library, dining room and screened porch are is away from the water behind the cabanas. The beach is white sand and the bay, which is very comparable to the Akumal main bay 30 years ago, is protected by an interior reef. Dinner is eaten at a long table with all of the other guests so you really get to know the other guests. MBG provides breakfast, lunch and supper - all of which was delicious with never a bad meal. They also offer a lot of diversity so you don't get bored of the food.
After getting checked in, we take a walk down the beach. The ocean current brings with it a lot of plastic garbage dumped inot the ocean in Belize and also from the cruise ships. The bay is beautiful and empty but the beaches that front empty lots hadn't been raked in a few months so had human detrious strewn about. It was heartbreaking to see such a beautiful and natural area punished by human consuption. It made me want to grab a rake, clean the beach and then wack everyone who had ever thrown crap into the ocean over the head.
Kurt then threw on his snorkel gear and went out to check the reef. While the beaches beside MBG showed evidence of humanity, the reef and coral were pristine and vibrant and alive with life. After meeting the other guests and having a delicous dinner, we all went to bed only to be woken up at 2:00 a.m. by a magnificent thunderstorm. Lightening must have struck the ocean right out front because one clap of thunder had everyone leaping out of bed (or into bed, depending on where they were standing) in a mass freakout.
Day Six
While the thunder and lightening ended, the rain stuck around so, after breakfast, we drove to the Kohunlich ruins (500 A.D. to 1100 A.D.). In the way, one of our windshield wipers fell off but no other car trouble was experienced. The site is big and it took us almost three hours to go through it. Much of it is well preserved and impressive. The main temple features beautiful mask carvings with much of the red-coloured stucco intact. Spectacular. We were the only ones at the site, so it was pretty amazing to go through the place alone. While we were at the ballcourt, I heard rustling in the trees. Then I heard a low, gutteral growl. And then more growls. And then lots of growls. Freaked, we finished up our tour and went back to the car. Turns out it was howler monkeys! Happily, no monkey poo was thrown at us.
Most of our drive back was in the dark, which was kind of cool. While on the jungle road, we saw an ocelot (wild cat) crossing the highway. Happily, we had no car trouble 'cause I wasn't getting out to walk for help!
Day Seven
Day seven dawned hot and humid. Morning is spent on the beach and, in the afternoon Marcia walks everyone to point to go snorkelling. I found it a bit difficult, being a novice, negotiating the coral channels (I am the chicken of the sea), so I head back to do some beachcombing. Everyone returned in about an hour, save Kurt and Marcia who headed past the interior reef. My husband is crazy. One time he had to be air rescued off the side of a mountain in Banff after he decided to go climbing alone, without gear, and no training. Looking around our spot, I noticed that Marcia didn't have any stuff on the beach. She didn't need to come back here. Kurt could be out there alone! Immediately, I assume he was dead. About an hour and two panic attacks later, he wanders up the beach. I break down. Marcia had, at my request, stuck to him like glue and kept him safe. Yay! I wasn't a widow. Again, the snorkelling was amazing with bright, living coral and amazing wildlife.
Day Eight - Sian Kaan Shipwreck
We're still at Mayan Beach Garden, located outside the hamlet of El Placer, about 30 kms north of Mahahual. Marcia kindly draws us a map to locations filled with fun and adventure in the Sian Kaan. Off we go in our trusty bug (these vehicles should include WD40 and duct tape along with the spare tire in the trunk), with plans to snorkel a shipwreck. Past another army check point (big guns and they don't speak English and the only Spanish I know is from the road signs on the highway but they're friendly if not confused as to our plans) and into the Biosphere. The road turns pretty bumpy but it isn't washed out so we're feeling pretty good. Landscape turns from marshy stuff to dense tropical foliage with tall palms and the occaisional glimpse of white sand and turqoise water. The road is deserted and so is the park entrance. After about half an hour of bumping and thumping of the non-backseat variety, we see a park dude on a moped. He takes our name and whatnot and waives the park fee. We take off again and see a small fishing shack with a blue tarp roof with a shipwreck partially submerged in the ocean off to the left.
Parking in the dude's front sand dune that passes for a yard (no need for landscaping - it's pretty on it's own), we head out to find a good approach. Less garbage on the beach is noticed and we learn later that the Friends of the Carribean raked the shores clean before we came. Thanks Friends!
We find a pretty, sandy spot and Kurt gears up for a snorkel, while I start beachcombing the area and just enjoying being the only darn person on a perfect beach that stretches for miles and miles and miles and miles. Every so often, when he found a sandy spot, Kurt would stand up and let me know he was alive and keep me from repeating yesterday's abbreviated widowhood.
About an hour later, as I was floating in a tide pool, he came in raving about clown fish, angel fish, damsel fish, parrot fish, urchins, aenomes and bright, vibrant coral. Apparently, he'd stumbled into the filming of Finding Nemo II: The Akward Adolecent Years. It was the best snorkel he'd ever had. We lazed in the sun for a bit longer to dry off and I showed him my impressive abandoned conch shell collection (forced relocation program for sealife - fishermen just toss 'em on the beach after extricating the inhabitants).
With my contraband shells in tow, we take off. Now, I'm a bit uncomfortable taking them past the guys with the big, shiny guns no matter how friendly they are. So, we decide to take the beach road back, through Uevero to El Placer. This is the part of the story that we didn't tell Easyway.
To call the beach road a road at all is an insult to all other roads. Its more of a rutted path that is intermittently mixed with large deposits of coral, piles of coconuts, piles of limestone and deep, cenote-like puddles. Sometimes, there wasn't a road or path or anything at all as it had all tumbled into the sea. But our trusty bug rose to occaision, gloriously bouncing away through the jungle, the throtle, for once, behaving itself. The wildlife also joined in to make the beach "road" a special experience. Occaisionally we had to stop to move aside small turtles and hermit crabs trying out new occupations as road topes. Howler monkeys growled at us. Dogs chased us.
Finally, after about an hour of driving, we made our way to Uevero, where we promptly bombed up to the jungle road and back to Mayan Beach Garden. The rest of the afternoon was spent in a hammock reading a book (each cabana comes equipped with a lovely selection of beach reads - no need to waste your allowable weight for your luggage on books as they are provided).
Day Nine - Mahahual
Up at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise over the ocean. Take prerequisite sunrise photo. I go get coffee and let sleeping beauty catch a few more Z's. The coffee here is really good - hot, strong and made in a French Press. It is also ready by 6:30 a.m. every day. I love Mayan Beach Garden.
After a spectacular sun rise, the sky clouded over and it got windy and a bit cool so we decided to spend the day bumming around. The morning was spent reading and visiting with some of the other guests and, in the afternoon, we decided to go to the monkey preserve just before the turn off to Mahahual. Unfortunately, the gates were closed so, stuck with nothing to do and no desire to drive very far, we headed into town. Driving in, we passed the docks to see two behemouth ships. Today was a cruise ship day. Usually, Mahahual is a sleepy little town with very few permanent buildings. Since the dock was put in, many people have come to the area to sell touristy type stuff to the shipper crowd. Since the ships were getting ready to depart, most of the cruisers were trying to find cabs back and most of the shops were being taken down. Literally. Most of them are tents and other temporary structures so, at the end of the day, all evidence of them are removed and taken back to the merchant shanty area and then set up anew the next day. We chatted with some of the folks who mentioned that business has been crazy since the hurricane. Before, they would get maybe three ships a week. Lately, they've been getting two or three a day.
We made our way back to the Bug and headed back to Mayan Beach Garden. We were chatting with another couple when someone pointed out the two huge ships sailing past our reef. It was quite a sight. Supper followed and an early evening reading in the cabana.
Day Ten - BEST DAY EVER
Morning promised to offer a perfect day and it did. This day was, literally, the best day of my life. The sky was blue, the ocean was turqoise and calm, there was a bit of a breeze and the sun was hot. The entire day was spent laying on the beach, reading books until it was time for a swim and a float in the ocean and then a quick return to the lounger for more reading and laying in the sun. Looking around the bay, aside from the few other couples staying at Mayan Beach Garden, the whole bay was deserted save a few dudes at the north end working of salvaging a small boat. 10 people on a 1.5 km stretch of sand. Amazing!
At lunch, Marcia told us to make the most of the beach as the weather was set to turn tomorrow and become cool, windy and rainy again. She also printed off information about the blizzard hitting the eastern seaboard.
Kurt took off for a snorkel in the afternoon and visibility was very good. He saw quite a few fish and rays, including a very rare fish that is hard to spot (it's fins look like wings and it can change colour to hide itself - when Kurt saw it, it was turqoise blue like the ocean). At about 3:00, we headed back to our cabana to read and lay in the hammock with a drink. We had a nice hot shower and then a delicious supper. All of the guests had been there for a while and we had gotten to know each other really well. We all laughed and visited with each other and Kim and had a great time, sharing stories about past trips and our lives at home and making fun of each other. Marcia wasn't able to eat with us as her regular cook was ill so she had to supervise the kitchen staff. She did make sure to come and visit with folks both at breakfast and lunch, though, so we had a chance to get to know her as well. They really are a very nice couple.
Day Eleven - Hunting for the Zocolo, Becan
The weather forecasters were right. The sky was clouded over and the temperature, at dawn, was a balmy 10 degees C. After a hot breakfast, hot coffee and a hot shower, we decided to take off to the Becan ruin site. Along the way, we planned to stop at a bank machine as we were running low on pesos and needed to get gas. You'd think you'd be able to find an ATM in Mahahual but the cruise ship industry has bribed the banks to keep the machines out of the town, with the only one being at the pier and not accessable to non-passengers. Marcia kindly drew up a map of Bacalar, noting that the bank machine was at the Zocolo.
Taking off in our car, now called Ivan the Bug after my 94 year old uncle Ivan who has, periodically, been on death's door since the 70's and, every time you count him out, he gets better and lives life to the fullest for another couple of years (he still golfs and went to the Roo last year for a week - amazing!). Ivan's throttle was again a bit sticky but, after the beach "road" we knew that nothing could stop him.
Arriving an hour later in Bacalar, we used the map to locate the mythic Zocolo. Now, please remember, I speak no spanish aside from saying hello, ordering food and telling you not to put rocks on the highway (there is a sign for that, seriously, I have a photo of it!). We searched that entire town and, while we saw many things including the town square that was hosting a kid's fair, we didn't see a Zocolo. Finally, we stopped across from the square and asked for directions to "the Zocolo". The lady laughed and pointed across the street. We were very embarassed. The word "zocolo" is spanish for "town square". Kurt went to use the bank machine and, all excited about actually finding the darn thing, forgot his bank card in the machine.
Off we went to Becan, which was another two hours away. Arriving at the ruins at about 1:30, we had some time to explore. There were very few people around, which was nice. The site, again, is quite old, dating from 400 A.D. to 1200 A.D. The style of the architecture was quite different from Kohunlich as it was influenced by the Rio Bec style and Kohunlich looks more like the sites in Guatemala. Everything was quite ornate, which much carving.
After a few hours of poking around, we decided to head back so we wouldn't be driving in the dark. Arriving just in time for supper, we sat down, met a few new people who had arrived in our absence and, now feeling like family, spent the supper debating politics with Kim, to the consternation of the other guests.
Day Twelve - Akumal
I didn't want to go. I wanted to stay. It felt like our trip was over and we were only going as far as Akumal. As we were packing up, I couldn't find the key. Kurt said he had left it on the breakfast table. As we were packing up the car, I told him to go get it and give it to Kim but he was all lazy and didn't want to check so he told me he had already turned it in.
Before leaving the area, we stopped one last time at the wildlife preserve. They were open so we got to see a variety of different creatures (spidermonkeys, a badgerish dude called the Fonz, wild boars, a hawk and an alligator) that were all once pets but are now being integreated back to the wild (who on this Earth would EVER think a badger would make a good pet? - yeah, he's sweet and cute and friendly but it's still a badger). It all runs on donations, so make sure you have something to give.
Sad, we got into the Bug and drove back to Akumal. The trip was quiet and uneventful. Pulling up to the arches was good, though, as I really love the area. Seeing lots of people and cars and everything was a bit shocking as we'd just spent the last seven days on what felt like a deserted island paradise. We checked into Vista Del Mar and Kurt turned on the TV.
*sigh*
I swear, TV is like crack. You know it isn't good for you. But you still crave it even though it doesn't really make you feel good and it would be much preferable to live your life not as a crack head. So I turned the darn thing off and we headed down to the beach.
Kurt decided to head out for a quick snorkel as the bay was pretty calm. He said that it was very pretty and there were many fish but it was sad to see the coral so damaged and the sea fans broken. It was pretty cool so we decided to head back to our room to change and go for something to eat. We made our way to La Buena Vida for a plate of very yummy tortillas and fixings. After eating, we headed back to our room to watch TV (arg!) and fall asleep.
As we were getting ready for bed, I opened up the suitcase and found... they key.
A key isn't a big deal right? Actually the darn thing is attached to a custom hand carved block of wood. For the next three days, I run around all over trying to find a way to get it back to Mayan Beach Garden. It makes up for my decision to take the beach road back from Sian Kaan.
Day Thirteen - Yal Ku Lagoon, Pink Party
Finally, the weather decided to return to normal and, while it was a bit cooler than average, it was a great day. While the rooms at Vista Del Mar are rather economical in scope and price, you really can't beat the view from the 3rd floor. The sunrise was gorgeous and our self-brewed coffee was quite tasty (I actually brought my coffee grinder and gourmet beans from home - crazy, I know). We quickly got showered and dressed in bathing suits and went to Turtle Bay Cafe for breakfast.
So. Darn. Good.
After our food (Kurt had the french toast with pecan maple syrup and I had the Ranchero Omelette - yum), we went to YAL Ku lagoon to snorkel. It was really pretty and there is an amazing variety of fish but, on the day we went, the clarity wasn't great. Still, I saw all manner of fish (so pretty), including parrot fish, a huge school of little white fish and two baracuda.
After, we headed to the main bay in Akumal to spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach and laying in the warm sun.
At about 3:30, we headed back to the room to shower and make our way to the Pink Party. I was wearing this ridiculous skirt that kept blowing open so we weren't there long before I went back to change out of the only pink item I owned. The party was quite fun and it was great meeting so many posters as well as Kay and Gary!
We then took off to Cuevo Pescadore (I just butchered the spelling) for our only not good meal of our trip. It was kind of dissapointing. C'est la vie!
Day Fourteen - Shopping in Akumal, Charlies in Tulum
Our last day in paradise dawns hot and humid and otherwise perfect. After coffee and a shower, we go to Turtle Bay Cafe again for breakfast and spend the morning running around after that darn key (as well as buying gifts for folks). There is no courier in Akumal. Also, the mail office at the CEA closes at 9:30. Also, very few people mail stuff there as few people knew where to find the post office.
Oh, when in Akumal, check out Oshun. The jewelry is all handmade by the owner and her husband and they are artists (when there, look up and see her conch shell chandelier - gorgeous!). The pieces are beautiful and one of a kind. She will also make custom pieces if you ask (I requested a turqoise pendant to match a bracelet that I bought from her). I also thought that the prices were very reasonable and she has pieces in every price range.
The afternoon was spent on the beach, relaxing and enjoying our last warm weather and sunshine until May or June (whenever summer decides to appear). Kurt decided to go for a snorkel without me and promised to go with me later. He took off into the water and I watched him for a bit until I lost sight of him as a large group of people walked in front of my line of sight. After they moved on, he was gone. What I didn't realize until later was that he was fighting to keep being sucked out to sea by a rip current (he scoffed at the flag until a wave smashed him down to the sea floor, which was about 15 feet deep...). Luckily, he had read up on them and kept his head and swam at an angle and, with each succesive wave gained a few feet more than he was sucked out). It took him half an hour to make it back and ended up pulling a leg muscle. Its a good thing that the rip current wasn't a bit stronger or the floor a bit shallower or he would have been killed. He decided not to tell me about this until we had eaten supper...
After he got back, we layed on the beach a bit longer and then showered and changed and headed south on the 307 one last time to go to Charlie's in Tulum pueblo for supper. The food was great and was all washed down with a side of rightous anger on my part that he had almost killed himself.
Day Fifteen
The day we flew out was rainy and humid but warm. We packed up, feeling melacholy that we had to go home. We had one last breakfast at Turtle Bay Cafe and then headed North on the 307 towards Cancun. Traffic was backed up as there was a big accident outside of Xpu-Ha involving a Copacabana bus. Hopefully no one was hurt but I'm doubtful as it looked awful. It started raining hard just outside of Cancun but we managed to get Ivan filled with gas and back to Easyway, minus a windshield wiper, still featuring a sticky throttle but otherwise unscathed. The odometer noted that we'd put on 2300 kms... Happily, the rain washed off all the dirt, mud and gunk and Ivan actually looked almost spiffy as we turned him in.
Easyway dropped us at the airport where we were delayed for about an hour by the rain and the President of Mexico departing the airport.
The flight was uneventful and we landed in Regina, which was enjoying -46 C weather, including the windchill. We weren't flagged at customs (they need to do the red light, green light game - so much more fun than being assigned a code).
It really was a fantastic trip and I can't wait to go back! With all that we saw and did, there is so much more to explore in the area.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
An overdue update
Well, in March, I decided I needed to get up off my ass and start weight training. The diet-only thing had come to an end and the scale wasn't moving. Also, I couldn't use dystonia as an excuse, since I wasn't having too many problems with it. In April, I started Body for Life - this program rocks! Its basically body building for noobs.
So far, I've lost almost 30 inches and have gone from a size 14 down to a six. A six! Yeah, yeah, vanity sizing, blah, blah, blah. I know. Even if I'm really an eight, its still way smaller than a 14. And it's nowhere near the size 16 I was back in October. Woo!
I'm nearing the end of my first challenge and I'm pretty happy with how I've done and I'm planning on starting another one as soon as this one is done.
So, my exciting meal plan for today...
Whey shake with strawberries
Banana Walnut muffin (recipe below)
1/2 cup cottage cheese
Chicken, vegetable and wild rice soup (I think I've posted this recipe before)
Non fat yogurt
Banana Walnut muffin
1/2 cup cottage cheese
BBQ Ginger Garlic Beef kebabs with 2 cups peppers, tomatos and mushrooms
Brown and wild rice
Whey shake with strawberries
I have to admit that I'm getting sick of cottage cheese. I need to look for some other, convenient sources of protein that are portable.
Banana Walnut Muffins (HAF: SE)
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups rolled oats
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup crushed walnuts
8 tbsp cocoa powder
Combine, make a well and set aside.
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp non hyudrogenated vegetable oil
1 cup plain, nonfat yogurt
4 overripe bananas
1/2 cup skim milk
2 tsp real vanilla
3 tbsp melted honey
Combine, pour into dry ingredients, mix, pour into lined muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees until tops are firm. Makes 24.
I figured out the macros but I can't find where I put it. Calories came in at around 140/muffin.
So far, I've lost almost 30 inches and have gone from a size 14 down to a six. A six! Yeah, yeah, vanity sizing, blah, blah, blah. I know. Even if I'm really an eight, its still way smaller than a 14. And it's nowhere near the size 16 I was back in October. Woo!
I'm nearing the end of my first challenge and I'm pretty happy with how I've done and I'm planning on starting another one as soon as this one is done.
So, my exciting meal plan for today...
Whey shake with strawberries
Banana Walnut muffin (recipe below)
1/2 cup cottage cheese
Chicken, vegetable and wild rice soup (I think I've posted this recipe before)
Non fat yogurt
Banana Walnut muffin
1/2 cup cottage cheese
BBQ Ginger Garlic Beef kebabs with 2 cups peppers, tomatos and mushrooms
Brown and wild rice
Whey shake with strawberries
I have to admit that I'm getting sick of cottage cheese. I need to look for some other, convenient sources of protein that are portable.
Banana Walnut Muffins (HAF: SE)
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups rolled oats
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup crushed walnuts
8 tbsp cocoa powder
Combine, make a well and set aside.
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp non hyudrogenated vegetable oil
1 cup plain, nonfat yogurt
4 overripe bananas
1/2 cup skim milk
2 tsp real vanilla
3 tbsp melted honey
Combine, pour into dry ingredients, mix, pour into lined muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees until tops are firm. Makes 24.
I figured out the macros but I can't find where I put it. Calories came in at around 140/muffin.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Post-Christmas Wagon Chasing - Does this count as cardio?
Well, after a crazy holiday season, I am hoping back on the wagon and working hard so I don’t look like a beached whale in Mexico. I have yet to step on a scale to discover the damage, but I am sure it is significant. My mom and I added up the food bill from December 21st through to January 1st. We had an average of 12 people per meal from the 23rd to the 27th, with 30 people the evening of the 27th. We then dropped down to six people per meal, culminating in a fondue for nine on the 31st (and, unlike what my cousin Chris snarked mid-munching on a piece of t-bone steak, it was not cheap – asshole!).
Here is the list, in all of its glory:
1 – 22 pound turkey
3 hams
2 pork roasts
5 pork chops
5 pounds bacon
4 t-bone steaks
6 breasts of chicken
1 bag of jumbo shrimp
2 pounds breakfast sausage
2 shrimp rings
1 large lasagna
4 large home-made pizzas
40 cabbage rolls
50 perogies
2 containers of peanut oil
6 liters of milk
2 liters of cream
3 liters of eggnog
1 pound of butter
2 pounds of cream cheese
2 liters of sour cream
4 pounds hard cheese
3 dozen eggs
2 pounds brie
1 pound brown sugar
1.5 bags white flour
5 loaves home-made bread
2 loaves French bread
3 baguettes
3 loaves stollen (icing coated sweet bread)
4 boxes of crackers
1 Christmas pudding
1 Christmas cake
1 chocolate cake
4 boxes of chocolate truffles
1.5 pounds chocolate chips
2 pie crusts
50 mincemeat tarts
1 pan Nanaimo bars
30 Mexican wedding cake balls
50 shortbread cookies
1 box red river porridge
1.5 jars of peanut butter
2 boxes of tea
3 bags of coffee
2 bottles of sun dried tomatoes in oil
2 large containers spring mix
2 packages of mushrooms
10 red bell peppers
3 bags of carrots
60 potatoes
3 bunches of green onions
3 boxes of oranges
1 box strawberries
8 kiwis
2 pineapples
1 mango
Reading over that list kinda makes me feel dirty. I am a dirty eater along with my entire extended family. Oh well, it was good but I am very glad to be done with rich food for a while. Now that the New Year is here with its usual resolutions for better behavior, there are a few good deals for your average dieter.
Sparkpeople.com is offering free memberships to the first million people that sign up. It’s a pretty good little site and offers some great resources for calorie counting, meal planning, shopping guides, recipes and fitness/activity support. Also, Gold’s Gym, which is opening in March, is offering some pretty decent deals for membership that I would like to check out. I think that a spinning class, which is something they will be offering, might be kind of fun and an activity that I could do even with dystonia. So, I am going to check it out.
So, for today, my calorie consumption goal is 1300. As we’ve yet to go grocery shopping for the next few weeks and I have no healthy food (or, really, any food at all left in my house), my day’s meal plan isn’t overly balanced and a bit high on the carbs (at least it’s all whole grain). Hopefully, tonight I’ll be able to hit Superstore to stock up on healthy vittles.
Anyways, tomorrow morning I will face the scale for the first time in weeks and report on the damage. The last scale visit I made, I was at 178 pounds. I am guessing I will be at least 185. At least it will be temporary.
Here is the list, in all of its glory:
1 – 22 pound turkey
3 hams
2 pork roasts
5 pork chops
5 pounds bacon
4 t-bone steaks
6 breasts of chicken
1 bag of jumbo shrimp
2 pounds breakfast sausage
2 shrimp rings
1 large lasagna
4 large home-made pizzas
40 cabbage rolls
50 perogies
2 containers of peanut oil
6 liters of milk
2 liters of cream
3 liters of eggnog
1 pound of butter
2 pounds of cream cheese
2 liters of sour cream
4 pounds hard cheese
3 dozen eggs
2 pounds brie
1 pound brown sugar
1.5 bags white flour
5 loaves home-made bread
2 loaves French bread
3 baguettes
3 loaves stollen (icing coated sweet bread)
4 boxes of crackers
1 Christmas pudding
1 Christmas cake
1 chocolate cake
4 boxes of chocolate truffles
1.5 pounds chocolate chips
2 pie crusts
50 mincemeat tarts
1 pan Nanaimo bars
30 Mexican wedding cake balls
50 shortbread cookies
1 box red river porridge
1.5 jars of peanut butter
2 boxes of tea
3 bags of coffee
2 bottles of sun dried tomatoes in oil
2 large containers spring mix
2 packages of mushrooms
10 red bell peppers
3 bags of carrots
60 potatoes
3 bunches of green onions
3 boxes of oranges
1 box strawberries
8 kiwis
2 pineapples
1 mango
Reading over that list kinda makes me feel dirty. I am a dirty eater along with my entire extended family. Oh well, it was good but I am very glad to be done with rich food for a while. Now that the New Year is here with its usual resolutions for better behavior, there are a few good deals for your average dieter.
Sparkpeople.com is offering free memberships to the first million people that sign up. It’s a pretty good little site and offers some great resources for calorie counting, meal planning, shopping guides, recipes and fitness/activity support. Also, Gold’s Gym, which is opening in March, is offering some pretty decent deals for membership that I would like to check out. I think that a spinning class, which is something they will be offering, might be kind of fun and an activity that I could do even with dystonia. So, I am going to check it out.
So, for today, my calorie consumption goal is 1300. As we’ve yet to go grocery shopping for the next few weeks and I have no healthy food (or, really, any food at all left in my house), my day’s meal plan isn’t overly balanced and a bit high on the carbs (at least it’s all whole grain). Hopefully, tonight I’ll be able to hit Superstore to stock up on healthy vittles.
Anyways, tomorrow morning I will face the scale for the first time in weeks and report on the damage. The last scale visit I made, I was at 178 pounds. I am guessing I will be at least 185. At least it will be temporary.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
The Pre-Christmas Push
Well, after a bit of a break from calorie counting and dieting for the last couple of weeks I am getting back on track. This morning, I weighed in at 180, for a total loss of 11 pounds. I also am proud to say that I got my period for the first time in five years without taking birth control pills to force it (which also explains the break from the diet – insane cravings for the last two weeks). It seems like calorie reduction and replacing refined carbohydrates with whole grains is working fairly well.
My plan now is to calorie count and work hard at loosing weight from now until December 24th. For the first week, I’ll aim for 1500 calories per day. The second, I’ll drop to 1400 calories and the third to 1350. Then, from the 24th to the 2nd, I’ll take a break and aim for 2000 calories per day and then start up again in the New Year until I head to Mexico on February 2nd. My goal is to get on the plane weighing 160 pounds.
It seems like my body can only handle a calorie deficit for three to four weeks before needing to return to a break-even point with calories for a while. It’s slower but it seems to be what my body wants to do. And, let’s face it, I didn’t get to weigh 191 pounds over night. It’s okay if it takes me a while to loose and if this is what I need to do to stay the course, so be it. Perhaps later my body will decide something else is better and I’ll modify at that time.
So, the plan for today is as follows:
9:00: 1 percent milk, multivitamin and folic acid
11:00: Source yogurt and a whole wheat muffin
1:00: Chicken and wild rice soup
3:30: Whole wheat muffin
4:30: Source yogurt
6:00: Roasted potatoes, mixed greens with pecans in an apricot vinaigrette and chicken with an apricot and white wine reduction
8:00: TREAT: Cookie and tea while out for coffee
Calories for the day come in around 1500.
My plan now is to calorie count and work hard at loosing weight from now until December 24th. For the first week, I’ll aim for 1500 calories per day. The second, I’ll drop to 1400 calories and the third to 1350. Then, from the 24th to the 2nd, I’ll take a break and aim for 2000 calories per day and then start up again in the New Year until I head to Mexico on February 2nd. My goal is to get on the plane weighing 160 pounds.
It seems like my body can only handle a calorie deficit for three to four weeks before needing to return to a break-even point with calories for a while. It’s slower but it seems to be what my body wants to do. And, let’s face it, I didn’t get to weigh 191 pounds over night. It’s okay if it takes me a while to loose and if this is what I need to do to stay the course, so be it. Perhaps later my body will decide something else is better and I’ll modify at that time.
So, the plan for today is as follows:
9:00: 1 percent milk, multivitamin and folic acid
11:00: Source yogurt and a whole wheat muffin
1:00: Chicken and wild rice soup
3:30: Whole wheat muffin
4:30: Source yogurt
6:00: Roasted potatoes, mixed greens with pecans in an apricot vinaigrette and chicken with an apricot and white wine reduction
8:00: TREAT: Cookie and tea while out for coffee
Calories for the day come in around 1500.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Well, that’s more like it. Today, the scale and I are getting along again and I weighed in at 182 pounds for a total loss of nine since I started and a temporary set back of one pound. It certainly is a lot better than the 185 number I saw yesterday.
I just got back from the doctor’s and everything checked out pretty normal in terms of blood sugar so, “hurrah” for not having diabetes or insulin resistance. I also have freakishly low cholesterol, so that is kinda cool. They are booking me in for an ultrasound to check for lumpy ovaries and I have to retest in a few months for thyroid as it was a bit low.
The plan for today is:
8:00 – milk
10:00 – muffin
11:45 – yogurt
12:45 – curry beef lentil soup
1:45 muffin
3:30 – yogurt
5:45 – whole wheat pasta and sauce
8:00 – fudgesicle (I just can’t say “no” to these)
In all, it’s about 1300 calories so I am back on the wagon after a weekend of not doing so well.
Today, aside from poking and prodding at said doctor’s appointment, I’m off to attempt debt consolidation and other CIBC-related extrications (bloody CIBC and their bloody surcharges, user fees and whatnot can kiss my white heiny) and I’m also making that darn appointment with the lawyer. I don’t know why I’m so nervous about the lawsuit – I guess a part of me still feels like it isn’t the nicest thing to do… Really, it’ll just be a settlement and her insurance fees will go up a tad. C’est la vie.
Christie’s Awesomely Yummy Shrimp and Butternut Squash in Coconut Milk Broth
¾ cup chicken broth
1 ½ tsp brown sugar
1 tsp sea salt
2 tsp tomato paste
¼ tsp crushed red pepper
¼ tsp fresh ground pepper
1 (14 oz) can light coconut milk
2 sups cubed and peeled butternut squash
1 cup red bell pepper strips
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ cup fresh lime juice
3 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
2 cups hot, cooked basmati rice
Combine the first seven ingredients. Add squash and peppers and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until the squash is soft. Add shrimp and, when pink (about 3 minutes), add lime juice, rice and cilantro then serve. Serves 4. Calories per serving: 291.
I just got back from the doctor’s and everything checked out pretty normal in terms of blood sugar so, “hurrah” for not having diabetes or insulin resistance. I also have freakishly low cholesterol, so that is kinda cool. They are booking me in for an ultrasound to check for lumpy ovaries and I have to retest in a few months for thyroid as it was a bit low.
The plan for today is:
8:00 – milk
10:00 – muffin
11:45 – yogurt
12:45 – curry beef lentil soup
1:45 muffin
3:30 – yogurt
5:45 – whole wheat pasta and sauce
8:00 – fudgesicle (I just can’t say “no” to these)
In all, it’s about 1300 calories so I am back on the wagon after a weekend of not doing so well.
Today, aside from poking and prodding at said doctor’s appointment, I’m off to attempt debt consolidation and other CIBC-related extrications (bloody CIBC and their bloody surcharges, user fees and whatnot can kiss my white heiny) and I’m also making that darn appointment with the lawyer. I don’t know why I’m so nervous about the lawsuit – I guess a part of me still feels like it isn’t the nicest thing to do… Really, it’ll just be a settlement and her insurance fees will go up a tad. C’est la vie.
Christie’s Awesomely Yummy Shrimp and Butternut Squash in Coconut Milk Broth
¾ cup chicken broth
1 ½ tsp brown sugar
1 tsp sea salt
2 tsp tomato paste
¼ tsp crushed red pepper
¼ tsp fresh ground pepper
1 (14 oz) can light coconut milk
2 sups cubed and peeled butternut squash
1 cup red bell pepper strips
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ cup fresh lime juice
3 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
2 cups hot, cooked basmati rice
Combine the first seven ingredients. Add squash and peppers and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until the squash is soft. Add shrimp and, when pink (about 3 minutes), add lime juice, rice and cilantro then serve. Serves 4. Calories per serving: 291.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Lies My Scale Told Me
Last night was fun but I’m paying for it with a bit of a hangover and the scale was not my friend. I’m not too sure why I stepped on it because I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty (wow, who knew that beer, wine, pizza, brownies and mayonnaise-coated crab cakes aren’t good for you… shocker). I was all set not to step on the scale and then, when I had a shower, there it was, calling me… the siren song of the scale.
“Step on me, Leya. You know you want to. C’mon, I’ll be nice. I bet you’ve even lost weight. Yeah, all that dancing and you’re dehydrated, it won’t be bad at all. As a matter of fact, I think you look great – skinny even. Just one more step… SUCKER!!!! PIZZA AND BEER WILL MAKE YOU FAT!!!! HA HA HA!!!!”
Oh well, I guess it helps to keep me accountable when I throw calorie counting out the window.
As a bit of an update to the last post, yesterday I was down to 181 with a total loss this week of about 1 pound. I’ve really slowed down but, aside from today, I’ve been feeling really good with lots of energy so I must be doing okay.
Today is going to be a lazy day spent on the couch with a trashy novel and plenty of water. I will also be a good kid and count my calories and go back to healthy eating.
“Step on me, Leya. You know you want to. C’mon, I’ll be nice. I bet you’ve even lost weight. Yeah, all that dancing and you’re dehydrated, it won’t be bad at all. As a matter of fact, I think you look great – skinny even. Just one more step… SUCKER!!!! PIZZA AND BEER WILL MAKE YOU FAT!!!! HA HA HA!!!!”
Oh well, I guess it helps to keep me accountable when I throw calorie counting out the window.
As a bit of an update to the last post, yesterday I was down to 181 with a total loss this week of about 1 pound. I’ve really slowed down but, aside from today, I’ve been feeling really good with lots of energy so I must be doing okay.
Today is going to be a lazy day spent on the couch with a trashy novel and plenty of water. I will also be a good kid and count my calories and go back to healthy eating.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
WTF?!?!?!
As of this morning, I m 183. Yeah, 183. The last time I saw the number 183 was November 4th. I have no idea what the **** is going on. My calories have been low. I've been exercising every day. I've been drinking my darn water. And I'm gaining?!?! This is so incredibly screwed up. GRRR!!!!!
- Leya
- Leya
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Double Header
I was putting together my post yesterday but Kurt had to take the laptop as it had some list on it and we don’t have a printer. So, I emailed it to myself at work and thought I would put it up at lunch.
I’m still not eligible for my necklace as the scale refused to budge this morning for no reason I can figure out. I ate well yesterday and even worked out for 40 minutes in the evening plus walked to work. I drank all my water. I forget where I read it and it could be complete bunk but I think our muscles retain water to aid in repairing so it could just be from working out. Who knows…?
Today’s plan looks exactly the same as yesterday’s plan except I am having whole wheat pasta and homemade sauce tonight instead. Total calories come in at 1380. I am also taking a night off from aerobics as my muscles are cranky and stiff today and in need of an evening to recover. I was a good kid this morning, though, and trudged to work through the snow (yucky!).
For some reason, I’m feeling all tired and logy today and all I want to do is curl up in a blanket somewhere with a hot cup of tea and a book. Oh well, the beginning of my four day long weekend is only a day and a half away. I can make it though. Today has been nice and busy. I have four speeches to crunch through (one and a half down, two and a half to go) and, thankfully, a meeting was cancelled so I should have time to get everything done. It will make the day fly by (I can’t believe it is already lunch time!).
Recipe of the Day
Chicken Stuffed with Ham and Swiss
8- 5 ounce (raw weight) boneless, skinless breasts of chicken
1 package reduced fat, shaved ham
1 package swiss cheese slices (not processed)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp sage
Combine the spice mix and set aside.
In between two pieces of waxed paper, place a breast of chicken. With a meat mallet, pound the chicken until the breast is flattened and about ¼” thick. Sprinkle a small amount of the spice mix onto the breast. Place one eighth of the package of ham with one slice of cheese on one end of the chicken and roll up, tucking in the ends. Repeat with each breast of chicken.
4 large fresh tomatos
¼ cup white wine
1 tbsp parsley
2 tsp sage
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper
sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Spoon over rolled chicken breasts. Place either in freezer friendly containers or in a covered oven-safe dish. If you are baking right away, place in the oven at at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Calories per serving: 295 per breast
HAF: FO
Anyhow, I’m done my soup so it is back to speechifying.
Monday’s Post: Carrot on a Stick
Well, I’ve lost another pound since my last post. Score! That puts me at a total loss of 9.5 pounds. Only .5 pounds more until I reach my first mini goal of 10 pounds! My reward is a new necklace. When I first started, I set out a list of mini rewards for myself based on 10 percent losses. I thought that this would be an excellent incentive to continue loosing as well as a way of keeping myself out of the cheesecake (my usual way of rewarding myself – and in the past I rewarded myself far too often). They are as follows:
10 pounds – new necklace
19 pounds - $100 shopping spree
28 pounds – facial and manicure
36 pounds - $200 shopping spree
44 pounds – a beautiful, new dress
51 pounds - $300 shopping spree
58 pounds – facial, pedicure and spray tan
64 pounds - $500 shopping spree
At the end of this, I will be at a healthy BMI (I have fine bones so I should be in the middle of the range) and, really, the last time I had regular periods was about 64 pounds ago so, hopefully, my PCOS will be under control and, ideally, Kurt and I should be able to have a baby without fertility treatments. I’m not feeling keen on having to take medication for ANYTHING as my neuro even gets pissy at the idea of putting me on the pill. I’m guessing he wouldn’t be too cool with Clomid and Metformin… For a reasonably healthy girl, I sure do have a lot of medical crap to deal with.
Oh, I like my strippersize so far though I have yet to hop around provocatively (damn!). The DVD is really well set up with a 40 minute cardio routine and then strippersize add-ons so you can tailor your work out as your skill and fitness levels increase. Since I am a couch potato with no lung capacity, I’ve been sticking with the 40 minute basic routine and will add in stripper moves when I’m ready. Also, because I am exercising today as well as also having walked to work, I get an extra 100 calories. So, my total is 1400 and is as follows:
8:00 – 1 cup 1% milk and a multivitamin and folic acid
9:30 – 1 small chocolate banana raspberry muffin
11:00 – 100g Source yogurt
12:15 – chicken and wild rice soup and an apple
1:45 – 100g Source yogurt
3:15 – 1 small chocolate banana raspberry muffin
4:45 – 100 g Source yogurt
6:15 – chicken stuffed with ham and swiss cheese in a piquant tomato sauce
roasted red pepper and wild rice pilaf
mixed greens with pecans in an apricot vinaigrette
8:00 – 1 Fudgesicle
Recipe of the Day
Chicken with Wild Rice Soup
1 precooked chicken (most grocery stores have hot rotisserie chicken for about $7.00)
4 cups water
Remove the meat from the bones and set aside. Place bones and skin in a dutch oven or large pot with water, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer on the stove for 45 minutes. Place a sieve or colander over a large mixing bowl and pour out broth. Throw out the bones and return the broth to the pot.
Add:
3 cups carrot, chopped
2 cups celery, chopped
1 large white onion
4 cups of shredded chicken
1 ½ cups wild rice
3 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
½ cup green onions, chopped
3 cans condensed chicken broth
1 cup hot salsa
2 tbsp parsley
1 tbsp sage
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper
fresh ground pepper and sea salt to taste
Cover pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to one hour. Makes 12 servings and freezes well.
Calories per serving: 214
Calories for the entire pot: 2567
HAF: FO
- Leya
I’m still not eligible for my necklace as the scale refused to budge this morning for no reason I can figure out. I ate well yesterday and even worked out for 40 minutes in the evening plus walked to work. I drank all my water. I forget where I read it and it could be complete bunk but I think our muscles retain water to aid in repairing so it could just be from working out. Who knows…?
Today’s plan looks exactly the same as yesterday’s plan except I am having whole wheat pasta and homemade sauce tonight instead. Total calories come in at 1380. I am also taking a night off from aerobics as my muscles are cranky and stiff today and in need of an evening to recover. I was a good kid this morning, though, and trudged to work through the snow (yucky!).
For some reason, I’m feeling all tired and logy today and all I want to do is curl up in a blanket somewhere with a hot cup of tea and a book. Oh well, the beginning of my four day long weekend is only a day and a half away. I can make it though. Today has been nice and busy. I have four speeches to crunch through (one and a half down, two and a half to go) and, thankfully, a meeting was cancelled so I should have time to get everything done. It will make the day fly by (I can’t believe it is already lunch time!).
Recipe of the Day
Chicken Stuffed with Ham and Swiss
8- 5 ounce (raw weight) boneless, skinless breasts of chicken
1 package reduced fat, shaved ham
1 package swiss cheese slices (not processed)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp sage
Combine the spice mix and set aside.
In between two pieces of waxed paper, place a breast of chicken. With a meat mallet, pound the chicken until the breast is flattened and about ¼” thick. Sprinkle a small amount of the spice mix onto the breast. Place one eighth of the package of ham with one slice of cheese on one end of the chicken and roll up, tucking in the ends. Repeat with each breast of chicken.
4 large fresh tomatos
¼ cup white wine
1 tbsp parsley
2 tsp sage
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper
sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Spoon over rolled chicken breasts. Place either in freezer friendly containers or in a covered oven-safe dish. If you are baking right away, place in the oven at at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Calories per serving: 295 per breast
HAF: FO
Anyhow, I’m done my soup so it is back to speechifying.
Monday’s Post: Carrot on a Stick
Well, I’ve lost another pound since my last post. Score! That puts me at a total loss of 9.5 pounds. Only .5 pounds more until I reach my first mini goal of 10 pounds! My reward is a new necklace. When I first started, I set out a list of mini rewards for myself based on 10 percent losses. I thought that this would be an excellent incentive to continue loosing as well as a way of keeping myself out of the cheesecake (my usual way of rewarding myself – and in the past I rewarded myself far too often). They are as follows:
10 pounds – new necklace
19 pounds - $100 shopping spree
28 pounds – facial and manicure
36 pounds - $200 shopping spree
44 pounds – a beautiful, new dress
51 pounds - $300 shopping spree
58 pounds – facial, pedicure and spray tan
64 pounds - $500 shopping spree
At the end of this, I will be at a healthy BMI (I have fine bones so I should be in the middle of the range) and, really, the last time I had regular periods was about 64 pounds ago so, hopefully, my PCOS will be under control and, ideally, Kurt and I should be able to have a baby without fertility treatments. I’m not feeling keen on having to take medication for ANYTHING as my neuro even gets pissy at the idea of putting me on the pill. I’m guessing he wouldn’t be too cool with Clomid and Metformin… For a reasonably healthy girl, I sure do have a lot of medical crap to deal with.
Oh, I like my strippersize so far though I have yet to hop around provocatively (damn!). The DVD is really well set up with a 40 minute cardio routine and then strippersize add-ons so you can tailor your work out as your skill and fitness levels increase. Since I am a couch potato with no lung capacity, I’ve been sticking with the 40 minute basic routine and will add in stripper moves when I’m ready. Also, because I am exercising today as well as also having walked to work, I get an extra 100 calories. So, my total is 1400 and is as follows:
8:00 – 1 cup 1% milk and a multivitamin and folic acid
9:30 – 1 small chocolate banana raspberry muffin
11:00 – 100g Source yogurt
12:15 – chicken and wild rice soup and an apple
1:45 – 100g Source yogurt
3:15 – 1 small chocolate banana raspberry muffin
4:45 – 100 g Source yogurt
6:15 – chicken stuffed with ham and swiss cheese in a piquant tomato sauce
roasted red pepper and wild rice pilaf
mixed greens with pecans in an apricot vinaigrette
8:00 – 1 Fudgesicle
Recipe of the Day
Chicken with Wild Rice Soup
1 precooked chicken (most grocery stores have hot rotisserie chicken for about $7.00)
4 cups water
Remove the meat from the bones and set aside. Place bones and skin in a dutch oven or large pot with water, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer on the stove for 45 minutes. Place a sieve or colander over a large mixing bowl and pour out broth. Throw out the bones and return the broth to the pot.
Add:
3 cups carrot, chopped
2 cups celery, chopped
1 large white onion
4 cups of shredded chicken
1 ½ cups wild rice
3 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
½ cup green onions, chopped
3 cans condensed chicken broth
1 cup hot salsa
2 tbsp parsley
1 tbsp sage
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper
fresh ground pepper and sea salt to taste
Cover pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to one hour. Makes 12 servings and freezes well.
Calories per serving: 214
Calories for the entire pot: 2567
HAF: FO
- Leya
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Breaking Up is Hard to Do
As I am writing this, some dude is hopping around on our front lawn crying about his broken heart. I'm not particularly sure what our yard has to do with his emotional heart ache and, frankly, I'm not particularly keen on asking him either. We'll just leave him be and hope that, somehow, our landscaping will provide him solace.
Aside from Romeo moaning and groaning outside our front door, this Saturday has been rather quiet. I had bloodwork done this morning to confirm if I have PCOS then went to The Room for a haircut. I firmly believe that every diet should begin with a haircut. It just makes you feel so much better about yourself and, even if everything else goes wrong, at least you have good hair. After said styling, Kurt and I braved Superstore (busy) and then came home and started cooking. I made a very tasty chicken and wild rice soup as well as two dozen chocolate banana raspberry muffins.
This evening, I wandered over to Janelle's for a visit and watched this amazing documentary, Born into Brothels. I highly recommend watching it although it will completely break your heart. It is surprising to see that such beauty can come out of such suffering. And beauty is really the only word I can come up with to describe how these children see the world through the lens of a camera.
As for the diet, things have been going really well. I'm down another 1.5 pounds from my last post, with my total loss now equaling 8.5 pounds. I'm glad to see that it is slowing down a little bit as a pound a day seems a bit much. I also (hurray!) am proud to announce that, as of tomorrow, I will be getting "Fit to Strip," not that I am going to quit my job to persue a new career in exotic dance. I bought that silly Carmen Electra workout based on stripping. So, yes, tomorrow morning, unshowered and in schleppy sweat pants, I will be wiggling my ass off literally while feeling completely and utterly foolish. Personally, I think the whole thing will be quite a lot of fun.
Ciao bellas!
- Leya
Aside from Romeo moaning and groaning outside our front door, this Saturday has been rather quiet. I had bloodwork done this morning to confirm if I have PCOS then went to The Room for a haircut. I firmly believe that every diet should begin with a haircut. It just makes you feel so much better about yourself and, even if everything else goes wrong, at least you have good hair. After said styling, Kurt and I braved Superstore (busy) and then came home and started cooking. I made a very tasty chicken and wild rice soup as well as two dozen chocolate banana raspberry muffins.
This evening, I wandered over to Janelle's for a visit and watched this amazing documentary, Born into Brothels. I highly recommend watching it although it will completely break your heart. It is surprising to see that such beauty can come out of such suffering. And beauty is really the only word I can come up with to describe how these children see the world through the lens of a camera.
As for the diet, things have been going really well. I'm down another 1.5 pounds from my last post, with my total loss now equaling 8.5 pounds. I'm glad to see that it is slowing down a little bit as a pound a day seems a bit much. I also (hurray!) am proud to announce that, as of tomorrow, I will be getting "Fit to Strip," not that I am going to quit my job to persue a new career in exotic dance. I bought that silly Carmen Electra workout based on stripping. So, yes, tomorrow morning, unshowered and in schleppy sweat pants, I will be wiggling my ass off literally while feeling completely and utterly foolish. Personally, I think the whole thing will be quite a lot of fun.
Ciao bellas!
- Leya
Thursday, November 03, 2005
How to get your own username and password
Hi folks,
Some of you have been asking how to get your own username, password and profile. Being a blog virgin (blogin?), I'm kinda just learning how to use this darn thing. But, I think I've figured it out. When I set up the blog a membership email was forwarded to everyone from blogger to become members of dechubbing. Follow the link in the email and sign in as a new user with your own username and password. This should (maybe) set you up with your own user account and then, I think, get your own profile and be able to post under your name. I think.If you don't have this email anymore, let me know and I will have blogger send you a new one.
Hope this works!
- Leya
Some of you have been asking how to get your own username, password and profile. Being a blog virgin (blogin?), I'm kinda just learning how to use this darn thing. But, I think I've figured it out. When I set up the blog a membership email was forwarded to everyone from blogger to become members of dechubbing. Follow the link in the email and sign in as a new user with your own username and password. This should (maybe) set you up with your own user account and then, I think, get your own profile and be able to post under your name. I think.If you don't have this email anymore, let me know and I will have blogger send you a new one.
Hope this works!
- Leya
The HAF
Yay! I am no longer the only poster on the blog! I was laughing yesterday because in the initial post I talk about how there is a group of us and, with only me posting, I looked all multiple-personality disorder laden.
Well, I am happy to say that my changes worked – I not only dropped the .5 pound gain from yesterday but lost a whole pound on top of that for a grand total of 7 pounds lost! Plus, I also drank water like a mad fiend, sucking back 2.5 litres over the course of the day. And I have to say that I am never hungry or dizzy, either, like I usually am with most weight loss eating plans I have tried. Actually, I am feeling really good. I’ve got tons of energy and I feel really happy. I guess that is what happens when I start eating based on my body’s needs and specific way of functioning instead of cutting calories across the board and not necessarily focusing on what my body is trying to tell me.
So, the plan today is as follows:
8:00 1 cup non-fat milk and a multivitamin
9:45 Apple spice whole wheat muffin with bran and oatmeal
11:15 1/3 cup Source yogurt
12:30 Curry beef lentil soup
Apple
1:45 1/3 cup Source yogurt
3:00 Chocolate banana raspberry muffin (recipe below)
4:30 1/3 cup Source yogurt
6:30 Athenian chicken (recipe below)
Roasted Greek potatoes
Mixed Greens with 1/8 cup Pecans and Raspberry vinaigrette
Recipes of the Day
Apple Spice Muffins
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup All Bran cereal
1 cup rolled oats
¼ cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cloves
Combine dry ingredients, make a well and set aside. In a separate bowl:
1 egg
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Beat with a beater, then add:
1 cup non-fat, plain yogurt
1 cup apple sauce
4 small, cored, grated apples with skins intact (fiber is your friend)
Add liquid to dry ingredients and mix. Line two muffin tins with medium liners and then fill with batter. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the tops of the muffins are firm to the touch. Makes 24.
Calories per serving (1 muffin): 95 (2282 calories for the bowl of batter, just in case you make less than an even 2 dozen)
HAF*: LW
Baby Greens with Raspberry Vinaigrette
2 tsp olive oil
5 fresh or frozen raspberries
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp honey
sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
½ clove finely-grated garlic
2 cups baby greens
2 green onions, diced
¼ cup pecans, chopped
¼ cup red peppers, chopped
¼ cup fresh or frozen raspberries
Combine vinaigrette ingredients in a separate cup and mix to ensure honey is dissolved. Combine salad ingredients and toss in vinaigrette. Serves two.
Calories per serving: 176 (total), 58 (dressing) and 118 (salad)
HAF*: FO
*HAF (Husband Acceptance Factor):
LW: Lip wrinkle, will not try it (but you still make it because you like it).
FD: Feeds it to dog behind your back.
PP: Pushes it around on the plate to make it look like he’s eating it.
SE: He’s silent and doesn’t rave about it, but he does eat it.
FO: Food orgasm.
Anyhoo, lunch break is over so I guess it is back to work!
- Leya
Well, I am happy to say that my changes worked – I not only dropped the .5 pound gain from yesterday but lost a whole pound on top of that for a grand total of 7 pounds lost! Plus, I also drank water like a mad fiend, sucking back 2.5 litres over the course of the day. And I have to say that I am never hungry or dizzy, either, like I usually am with most weight loss eating plans I have tried. Actually, I am feeling really good. I’ve got tons of energy and I feel really happy. I guess that is what happens when I start eating based on my body’s needs and specific way of functioning instead of cutting calories across the board and not necessarily focusing on what my body is trying to tell me.
So, the plan today is as follows:
8:00 1 cup non-fat milk and a multivitamin
9:45 Apple spice whole wheat muffin with bran and oatmeal
11:15 1/3 cup Source yogurt
12:30 Curry beef lentil soup
Apple
1:45 1/3 cup Source yogurt
3:00 Chocolate banana raspberry muffin (recipe below)
4:30 1/3 cup Source yogurt
6:30 Athenian chicken (recipe below)
Roasted Greek potatoes
Mixed Greens with 1/8 cup Pecans and Raspberry vinaigrette
Recipes of the Day
Apple Spice Muffins
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup All Bran cereal
1 cup rolled oats
¼ cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cloves
Combine dry ingredients, make a well and set aside. In a separate bowl:
1 egg
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Beat with a beater, then add:
1 cup non-fat, plain yogurt
1 cup apple sauce
4 small, cored, grated apples with skins intact (fiber is your friend)
Add liquid to dry ingredients and mix. Line two muffin tins with medium liners and then fill with batter. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the tops of the muffins are firm to the touch. Makes 24.
Calories per serving (1 muffin): 95 (2282 calories for the bowl of batter, just in case you make less than an even 2 dozen)
HAF*: LW
Baby Greens with Raspberry Vinaigrette
2 tsp olive oil
5 fresh or frozen raspberries
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp honey
sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
½ clove finely-grated garlic
2 cups baby greens
2 green onions, diced
¼ cup pecans, chopped
¼ cup red peppers, chopped
¼ cup fresh or frozen raspberries
Combine vinaigrette ingredients in a separate cup and mix to ensure honey is dissolved. Combine salad ingredients and toss in vinaigrette. Serves two.
Calories per serving: 176 (total), 58 (dressing) and 118 (salad)
HAF*: FO
*HAF (Husband Acceptance Factor):
LW: Lip wrinkle, will not try it (but you still make it because you like it).
FD: Feeds it to dog behind your back.
PP: Pushes it around on the plate to make it look like he’s eating it.
SE: He’s silent and doesn’t rave about it, but he does eat it.
FO: Food orgasm.
Anyhoo, lunch break is over so I guess it is back to work!
- Leya
Surprised
Well, I was pleasantly surprised this morning. I was trying to scrounge up an outfit for the dance this weekend, and to my utter shock and amazement, one of my pre-pregnancy skirts actually fits me. I can do up the zipper and everything. It doesn't even look half bad...the "hang-over" roll is almost unnoticeable due to the "always slimming" black sweater that Mary lent me (you may not get this back Mary). As for my actual weight, I still haven't had the courage to get on the scale...I think I will wait until the mini chocolate bars get out of my system.
Amberly
Amberly
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Checking In
Well Leya, it sounds like you are doing ok this week, especially compared to me. Damn Cadbury for making such wonderful little chocolate bars. On Monday I ate around..mmm...I think 30, yesterday I maybe had 10 and today I am sitting at 8, although the day isn't over yet. Needless to say, I haven't stepped on the scale, as I know it won't be good to me.
We are heading to the farm tomorrow night for a whooping good time at Dub's grandparents 60th. My mom and dad are the band so it should be a real treat....at least Taylor will get a kick out of it.
There is a possibility that I may make it back in time for Phat Club on Sunday so you may see me at Leya's. Until then....happy dechubbing.
Amberly
We are heading to the farm tomorrow night for a whooping good time at Dub's grandparents 60th. My mom and dad are the band so it should be a real treat....at least Taylor will get a kick out of it.
There is a possibility that I may make it back in time for Phat Club on Sunday so you may see me at Leya's. Until then....happy dechubbing.
Amberly
Two Steps Forward and One Back
Just so you know, Lost is a repeat this evening. I think this news requires a moment of silence to contemplate Sawyer’s abs.
Apparently, pasta made with white flour is off the menu. Last night I couldn’t find the chili in the freezer and I didn’t have any chicken defrosted so I grabbed a container of home-made sauce and a package of fresh pasta from the fridge. While my calories were okay yesterday, my body rebelled against the white durum flour in the pasta and I am up .5 pounds. I know the gain is a direct result of diet as I’m not retaining water and followed a similar morning schedule to every other day (I weigh myself every morning before I shower). It’s also not a “time of the month” issue as it’s never that time of the month for me thanks to PCOS. It looks like white flour and other refined carbohydrates and me will forever be parting ways. Lesson learned.
So, the plan today is as follows:
8:00: 1 cup non-fat milk with a multivitamin and folic acid
10:00: 1 low calorie, whole wheat muffin
11:00: 1/3 cup Source yogurt
12:00: 1.5 cups Split Pea and non-fat Ham Soup with vegetables
1 small apple
1:30 1/3 cup Source yogurt
2:45 1 low calorie, whole wheat muffin
4:00 1/3 cup Source yogurt
6:30 Dijon Chicken
Mashed potatoes
1.5 cups baby greens with toasted almonds, red peppers and a raspberry vinaigrette
In total, it’s around 1300 calories, which I think is pretty adequate. I’ve also increased my dairy intake to a little over two servings and killed off the fudgesicles as a treat in the evening. If I really need something sweet after supper, I’ll add an herbal tea with 1 tsp honey and a dollop of non fat milk (bringing me up to 1400 cal).
As for activity (the other side of the equation), I walked to work this morning. I should also go far a walk at lunch (i.e. now) but drafting this post is more appealing. Also, I still haven’t picked up an aerobics DVD as Monday was Halloween and yesterday Kurt had the car all evening. So, with Lost and Veronica Mars being repeats (boo!), I will be going hunting for a decent workout. My current plan is to work out for 45 minutes, five days per week at 10:00 pm. Hopefully, when I finally get booked with a specialist to sort out the PCOS, I’ll be able to make an appointment with a nutritionist. I guess they have a little machine that you blow into to measure your metabolic rate. If I could find that out, I could further tailor my eating habits and menu to support my weight loss goals. It would also be good to get an expert opinion on how and what I’m eating, especially if I can’t eat like a normal person without putting on weight.
Recipe of the Day:
Dijon Chicken
2 – 4 ounce (cooked weight) chicken breasts, bone-in
½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
1 tsp fine herbs (chives, parsley and tarragon)
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise
¼ cup plain, non-fat yogurt
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 green onion, chopped
1 tsp fine herbs
Combine the broth/wine, herbs and Dijon and pour over breasts, placed bone up in skillet. Cover and bring liquid to a boil, then drop heat to medium. Turn chicken after steaming for 10 minutes and, if skillet is dry, add ¼ cup water. Steam for an additional 10 minutes and remove from heat. In a microwave safe bowl or small sauce pan, combine the yogurt, additional mustard, mayonnaise, green onion and additional fine herbs. Warm either in the microwave or on the stove top to combine the flavours of the ingredients but do not bring to a boil. Place chicken on dinner plates and drizzle the sauce over the breast just before serving. Serves two.
Calories per serving: 200 (made with broth) and 215 made with wine
This recipe, by the way, gave Kurt a food orgasm so it is husband-friendly.
- Leya
Apparently, pasta made with white flour is off the menu. Last night I couldn’t find the chili in the freezer and I didn’t have any chicken defrosted so I grabbed a container of home-made sauce and a package of fresh pasta from the fridge. While my calories were okay yesterday, my body rebelled against the white durum flour in the pasta and I am up .5 pounds. I know the gain is a direct result of diet as I’m not retaining water and followed a similar morning schedule to every other day (I weigh myself every morning before I shower). It’s also not a “time of the month” issue as it’s never that time of the month for me thanks to PCOS. It looks like white flour and other refined carbohydrates and me will forever be parting ways. Lesson learned.
So, the plan today is as follows:
8:00: 1 cup non-fat milk with a multivitamin and folic acid
10:00: 1 low calorie, whole wheat muffin
11:00: 1/3 cup Source yogurt
12:00: 1.5 cups Split Pea and non-fat Ham Soup with vegetables
1 small apple
1:30 1/3 cup Source yogurt
2:45 1 low calorie, whole wheat muffin
4:00 1/3 cup Source yogurt
6:30 Dijon Chicken
Mashed potatoes
1.5 cups baby greens with toasted almonds, red peppers and a raspberry vinaigrette
In total, it’s around 1300 calories, which I think is pretty adequate. I’ve also increased my dairy intake to a little over two servings and killed off the fudgesicles as a treat in the evening. If I really need something sweet after supper, I’ll add an herbal tea with 1 tsp honey and a dollop of non fat milk (bringing me up to 1400 cal).
As for activity (the other side of the equation), I walked to work this morning. I should also go far a walk at lunch (i.e. now) but drafting this post is more appealing. Also, I still haven’t picked up an aerobics DVD as Monday was Halloween and yesterday Kurt had the car all evening. So, with Lost and Veronica Mars being repeats (boo!), I will be going hunting for a decent workout. My current plan is to work out for 45 minutes, five days per week at 10:00 pm. Hopefully, when I finally get booked with a specialist to sort out the PCOS, I’ll be able to make an appointment with a nutritionist. I guess they have a little machine that you blow into to measure your metabolic rate. If I could find that out, I could further tailor my eating habits and menu to support my weight loss goals. It would also be good to get an expert opinion on how and what I’m eating, especially if I can’t eat like a normal person without putting on weight.
Recipe of the Day:
Dijon Chicken
2 – 4 ounce (cooked weight) chicken breasts, bone-in
½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
1 tsp fine herbs (chives, parsley and tarragon)
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise
¼ cup plain, non-fat yogurt
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 green onion, chopped
1 tsp fine herbs
Combine the broth/wine, herbs and Dijon and pour over breasts, placed bone up in skillet. Cover and bring liquid to a boil, then drop heat to medium. Turn chicken after steaming for 10 minutes and, if skillet is dry, add ¼ cup water. Steam for an additional 10 minutes and remove from heat. In a microwave safe bowl or small sauce pan, combine the yogurt, additional mustard, mayonnaise, green onion and additional fine herbs. Warm either in the microwave or on the stove top to combine the flavours of the ingredients but do not bring to a boil. Place chicken on dinner plates and drizzle the sauce over the breast just before serving. Serves two.
Calories per serving: 200 (made with broth) and 215 made with wine
This recipe, by the way, gave Kurt a food orgasm so it is husband-friendly.
- Leya
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