week two... day 8

Alright, today's the first day of week two. I'm just glad I got through the weekend not messing up too much... although I know I didn't accomplish very much. I know I still have a lot I must do this week. I feel like everyday I must make an effort to accomplish everything that's on my plate. I really want to do well in this new plan. I want to be good, to make changes, see changes... overall, just do the best I can.

Anyway, same goals, same plan.. let's just hope I do them better! Btw, I got my Nike + iPod kit working again. Silly me, I just needed to reset my iPod. I felt so stupid. :P It's okay.. all should be well now. :)

Okay, here's what I've eaten/plan to eat for today:

BREAKFAST:
- 1 poached egg (70 cal)
- 1 whole wheat bread, toasted (100 cal)
- 2 turkey bacon slices (40 cal)
- 1 small banana (75 cal)
- 8 oz fat-free milk (90 cal)

AM SNACK:
- 1/2 orange (40 cal)

LUNCH:
- TBD (400 cal)

PM SNACK:
- 1/2 orange (40 cal)

DINNER:
- 3 oz pan-seared salmon (130 cal)
- 1/4 cup white rice (50 cal)
- some steamed green beans (40 cal)

EVENING SNACK:
- 8 oz fat-free milk (90 cal)
- 1 mini shortbread cookie (40 cal)
- 1/2 plum crumble bar (40 cal)

TOTAL CALORIES: 1245

Plan workout: Stretch, Abs, Pilates

Update later :)

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UPDATE:

1. Eat between 1,100 to 1,250 calories per day -- YES! (1,245 calories)
2. Walk/run 10,000 total steps per day -- NO! (only 8,241 steps... bad, i know)
3. Run at least 10-15 miles a week -- TBD (none so far)
4. Drink 2 glasses of milk per day -- YES! :)
5. Eat at least 2 servings of fruit per day -- YES! :)
6. Eat at least 2 servings of veggies per day -- NO, only one
7. Two stretch/pilates sessions a week -- TBD
8. Two strength training sessions a week -- TBD
9. Two abs sessions a week -- TBD

TODAY'S PIGGY BANK: $2

TOTAL PIGGY BANK: $11

i ran my first 5k today... day 7

Yes, I ran my first ever 5k this morning (I mean first ever, due to the fact that I did it on my own... it wasn't part of school, x-country, etc). Boy, it was tough. The first half was uphill and OMG... I just remembered telling myself, c'mon... you only have to go as far as the orange cone.. then you can turn around. Anyway, I'm just glad I survived it. The great thing is that I did it in 33: 20 or something... around there somewhere. I like sprinted the last 200m and OMG.. I just remembered this nasty tummy feeling as I got closer to the finish line. Anyway, I think I did pretty good, considering the fact that I did go past this one girl who was in front of me almost the entire time (apart from the beginning of the race and the end).. cuz I sprinted past her the last 200 meters. :)

Anyway, I'm just super proud of myself that I did my first race. They give you a ribbon and all w/ the actual event and date printed on it, I think. Oh, I think I mentioned this before, but what's great about this race is that it's right across the street from my house. It was super neat to wake up this morning, walk over there at 8am and register.. then show up 5mins before the rest to sort of get ready for it, join the pack of runners, etc.

Overall, I'm just proud of myself. I think I did fabulous. :)

Btw, just discovered my Nike+ iPod running kit died on me today. Nike+ iPod sucks! I have to take it back and try to get a replacement from the Apple store or get a refund from Amazon where I purchased it. Man, they just suck... seriously, they do.. cuz I've only used it like 9 times! Crazy not-so-cool product, I swear! Ugh! Nike+ iPod totally sucks here. Ahhhhh!!!!

Alright, here's what I've eaten/plan to eat for today:

BREAKFAST:
- 2 homemade pancakes w/ blueberry + 1 tbsp syrup (180 cal)

AM SNACK:
- 8 oz fat-free milk (90 cal)
- 1 small banana (95 cal)

LUNCH:
-1/2 teriyaki chicken w/ noodles, rice & steamed veggies (400 cal)

DINNER:
- the other half of teriyaki chicken w/ noodles, rice & steamed veggies (400 cal)
- 1 cup salad mix w/ red bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, 1/2 boiled egg + italian dressing (100 cal)

EVENING SNACK:
- 8 oz fat-free milk (90 cal)
- 1 plum crumble bar (80 cal)
- 3 plums (50 cal)

TOTAL CALORIES: 1485 -- too much!

Update later. :)

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UPDATE:

1. Eat between 1,100 to 1,250 calories per day -- NO! (1,485 calories)
2. Walk/run 10,000 total steps per day -- YES! (11,124 steps)
3. Run at least 10-15 miles a week -- TBD (12.75 miles so far)
4. Drink 2 glasses of milk per day -- YES! :)
5. Eat at least 2 servings of fruit per day -- YES! :)
6. Eat at least 2 servings of veggies per day -- YES! :)
7. Two stretch/pilates sessions a week -- YES! (done)
8. Two strength training sessions a week --NO! :(
9. Two abs sessions a week -- NO! :( only one...

TODAY'S PIGGY BANK: $3

TOTAL PIGGY BANK: $9

first weekend day... day 6

Quick post. Walked close to 4.5 miles today. Did terrible yesterday. Had to pay myself $4. Was just way tired, didn't feel like walking to get to 10,000 steps... or eat that last serving of fruit/veggie & drink that last cup of milk. Very bad, I know. But I stayed within my calories so it's all good. :)

Alright, here's what I ate today:

BREAKFAST:
- 1 whole wheat bread, toasted (100 cal)
- 2 slices of turkey bacon (40 cal)
- 1 fried egg (80 cal)
- 8 oz fat-free milk (90)

LUNCH:
- chicken breast w/ bone stir-fry, w/ eggplants, r&g bell peppers (150 cal)
- 1/2 cup white rice (100 cal)
- some plums (40 cal)

PM SNACK:
- Rite Aid's 1/2 scoop rainbow sherbert & 1/4 scoop chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream (300 cal)

DINNER:
- 1-1/2 cup baby romaine w/ cherry tomatoes, salsa & shrimp (110 cal)
- 1 cup broccoli & cauliflower (50 cal)
- a small square of plum crumble bar (60 cal)

EVENING SNACK:
- 8 oz fat-free milk (90 cal)
- some plums (40 cal)
- 3 mini shortbread cookies (120 cal)
- 2 pieces plum crumble bar (130 cal)
- 1/2 slice white bread w/ freshly made plum jam (100 cal)

TOTAL CALORIES: 1600 -- yes, i know.. bad

-----------

UPDATE:

1. Eat between 1,100 to 1,250 calories per day -- NO! (1,600 calories)
2. Walk/run 10,000 total steps per day -- YES! (14,568 steps as of 8:25pm PDT)
3. Run at least 10-15 miles a week -- TBD (9.55 miles so far)
4. Drink 2 glasses of milk per day -- YES! :)
5. Eat at least 2 servings of fruit per day -- YES! :)
6. Eat at least 2 servings of veggies per day -- YES! :)
7. Two stretch/pilates sessions a week -- YES! (done)
8. Two strength training sessions a week -- TBD (still 1-1/2 to go)
9. Two abs sessions a week -- TBD (one session so far)

TODAY'S PIGGY BANK: $1

TOTAL PIGGY BANK: $6

4 lbs down... 10 more to go! :) day 5

Hey, guess what?!! I lost 4 lbs this week. OMG, right? This whole new plan is so far, so good. It's working! Now, the trick is to get through the weekend without screwing up. I know last night I went over my calorie count. But I felt I did it intentionally, not by mistake. I mean, what I meant was that I knew I wanted to go over. I had just ran 4.5 miles and was seriously starving afterwards. Honestly, I felt like I could eat a whole cow (well, not literally.. and not seriously :P), but you know what I mean. Anyway, after I got back from running, I had some dinner. I was very conscious of how many calories my dinner meal should be. Mum, Mark and the girls made homemade pizza last night. So being calorie conscious as I have been all week, I only took a small slice of pizza. Of course when I saw the baked drumsticks that Mum did along w/ the pizza on the kitchen counter, I automatically went for one. Took a bit, and then realized, OMG, what am I eating? After a few seconds pause to re-examine what I have just eaten, I checked the calorie count on the drumstick. When I discovered it was under 200 calories, I decided I could have the entire drumstick! Not bad huh? And to make it a decent meal, I added a side salad w/ some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a few carrot sticks. I like to think I did okay.

Anyway, after dinner I decided to bake some cookies. I've been itching to bake all week. Earlier in the week I had made some shortbread cookie dough. I had originally scheduled to bake them tonight, but last night... I just felt the urge to cook/bake/do something in the kitchen. It must have came from that long run I just did. I don't know... I was like one crazy machine who couldn't stop working or something! :P Anyway, baked plenty of cookies last night. By the end of the night, I wasn't sure how many calories I had eaten, whether I had gone over my calorie count or not (since I couldn't get online to check... this blog is my food journal, btw). So I decided I would go ahead and have some cookies. And it was okay to go over my calorie count.

Lalalalala... it's all good. I lost 4 lbs this week, so I'm happy. Let's hope I do good next week. I don't expect to lose another 4 lbs, but at least to maintain or lose 1/2-1 lb! :)

Okay, here's what I've eaten/plan to eat for today:

BREAKFAST:
- 2 Jennie Lean turkey bacon slices (40 cal)
- 1 fried egg (80 cal)
- 8 oz fat-free milk (90 cal)

AM SNACK:
- 1 small banana (95 cal)

LUNCH:
- Eating Right Lemongrass Chicken (230 cal)

PM SNACK:
- 1 medium orange (75 cal)
- 4 oz fat-free milk (45 cal)

DINNER:
- 2 tacos - 4 mini corn tortillas w/ chicken, black beans, guacamole, salsa & cilantro (500 cal) -- ate so much, ahh! i feel fat!!
- 8 oz fat-free milk (90 cal)

TOTAL CALORIES: 1080

Update later. :)

----------------

UPDATE:

1. Eat between 1,100 to 1,250 calories per day -- Okay, only 1,080 calories... well, as long as it's not over 1,250 calories, so this is okay. =P
2. Walk/run 10,000 total steps per day -- NO, 6,574 steps... got way tired.
3. Run at least 10-15 miles a week -- TBD (9.55 miles so far)
4. Drink 2 glasses of milk per day -- NO
5. Eat at least 2 servings of fruit per day -- NO
6. Eat at least 2 servings of veggies per day -- NO
7. Two stretch/pilates sessions a week -- YES! (done)
8. Two strength training sessions a week -- TBD (still 1-1/2 to go)
9. Two abs sessions a week -- TBD (one session so far)

Today's piggy bank deposit: $4 --- oh well, better try tomorrow. :)

TOTAL PIGGY BANK TO DATE: $5

still going at it... day 4

Alright, today's Thursday. That means the DSE runners' club hold their usual summer running series at Lake Merced tonight. I've heard about it on active.com, but have never attended one. I think I'm going to go tonight and run that 4.5 miles. I really just want to try it and see how I do. The DSE club is also the one that's holding the 5k/10k event this weekend. I'm pretty sure I'm going to run in this weekend's race.

Anyway, we'll see how today goes... I really hope I do go out and run that 4.5 miles tonight w/ the other runners who's participating in the running series. I guess we'll see.

So, I think I did pretty decent yesterday. I went out last night and ran (or I guess you can say "jogged") 2 miles. Lately I've been trying to get my time/pace lower. Before the last two runs, my pace was at 12 minutes and something. Now, it's down to like 11 minutes and something seconds, which isn't so bad... it's kind of like a whole minute faster. Anyway, my goal is to run at an 11 minute pace (at least!) for the Nike+ Human Race at the end of the month.

Oh, speaking of the Nike+ race, I just found out that neither Mark or I will not be down in LA in time to pick up our runners' packets. I feel so silly!! Our flight doesn't arrive until after midnight Saturday night and according to the Nike+ website, we have to pick up our packets days before the event. They will absolutely not have packet pick ups the day of the event. Ahhhhhh! Now, I have to try to see if Lindsay or anyone in LA can pick up our packets for us. It sucks, cuz I hardly know anyone! There's Lindsay... and then there's KB's bf... and that's it! If those two can't do it... I guess I'll have to change my flight and leave SF way before Mark on that Saturday to get down there in time to pick up our packets before they closes. Well, stay tune for this story I guess.

Alright, here's what I've eaten/plan to eat for today:

BREAKFAST:
- 2 homemade blueberry pancakes, made w/ 1/3 cup fat-free milk & 1/4 cup blueberries (200 cal)

AM SNACK:
- 8 oz fat-free milk (90 cal)
- 1 small banana (95 cal)

LUNCH:
- Lean Cuisine Shrimp Stir-Fry (230 cal)
- water

PM SNACK:
- 1 fuji apple (55 cal) -- OMG... was it just me or was it the fruit?! it made me super sleepy!

DINNER:
- 1 small slice of homemade pizza w/ cheese, tomatoes, r&g peppers, turkey bacon & sauce (200 cal)
- 1 small (2 oz) chicken drumstick w/ skin (150 cal)
- 1 cup baby romaine w/ cherry tomatoes, cucumber + 2 tsp italian dressing (50 cal)

EVENING SNACK:
- 8 oz fat-free milk (90 cal)
- 4 small homemade cookies (160 cal) -- couldn't help it but try my new shortbread cookies... they were delicious!

TOTAL CALORIES: 1320

Intended workout: 4.5 mile run @ Lake Merced w/ DSE Running Club (let's hope I can complete this within an hour?!! ahhh!)

We'll see... stay tune! :)

---------------------

UPDATE:

1. Eat between 1,100 to 1,250 calories per day -- NO! (1,320 calories... that's okay, i ran 4.5 miles!)
2. Walk/run 10,000 total steps per day -- YES! (19,418 steps)
3. Run at least 10-15 miles a week -- TBD (9.55 miles so far)
4. Drink 2 glasses of milk per day -- YES! :)
5. Eat at least 2 servings of fruit per day -- YES! :)
6. Eat at least 2 servings of veggies per day -- YES! :)
7. Two stretch/pilates sessions a week -- YES! (done)
8. Two strength training sessions a week -- TBD (still 1-1/2 to go)
9. Two abs sessions a week -- TBD (one session so far)

Okay, I know Iwent over my calories for today, but that's okay. I figure I ran 4.5 miles. Oh boy was it far.. or the farthest distance I've ever tackle nonstop (w/out walking, anyway). Well, I baked some delicious shortbread cookies last night. They were sooooooooooo good! Some lime meltaways, cranberry & poppyseed shortbreads... mmm, mmm, yummy! :)

Alright, more tomorrow. Tomorrow's weigh-in day... I won't I do good. :)

weight loss in sight? day 3

Alright, it's only been two days since I've officially started this new thing. So far, I'm doing really well. I've looked at my calorie count as if it's money or something. So yes, for example, I only have 1,250 calories to spend each day. I find it that I'm more cautious and aware of what I put in my mouth these days. Seriously, for example, I don't want to waste 250 calories on junk food. I could spend 250 calories on an actual lunch meal! Just the other day I dreamt that one of my cousins baked some cupcakes. She's not typically a sweets baker, but she attempted to make some cupcakes. In the dream, I found myself downing two whole cupcakes with tons of frosting. Then I realized, OMG... I've just eaten two cupcakes. That's probably like 700 calories... what was I thinking? And now I have to go through the rest of the day w/ 550 calories left and it's only 9 a.m.? OMG!!! Suddenly I woke up and realized it was only a dream... but seriously, this new plan I've set up for myself is really making me aware of the kinds of foods I eat, want to eat and should be eating.

Recently, just these past couple of days, I've noticed that usually towards the end of the day I still have about 100-150 calories left to spend. It's always so tempting to spend it on sweets or junk food. It's still hard for me, but I'm trying to get through it slowly. I think I used my last few extra calories on a small green salad w/ deli meat and some baked cheetos. I know last night I couldn't resist the Neopolitan ice cream sandwich in the freezer. It was seriously calling my name. So with a few calories left to spare, I decided to half it w/ Mark. It was quite good and just satisfied my taste buds.

Well, I hope this is the start of something beautiful... because when I stepped on the scale this morning, it read 106. Let's hope this number sticks for Friday's weigh in. :)

Alright, let's see what I've eaten/plan to eat for today:

BREAKFAST:
- 2 homemade blueberry pancakes - made w/ 1/3 cup fat-free milk instead of water! (200 cal)
- 2 tbsp syrup (105 cal)
- 1 slice turkey bacon (35 cal)

AM SNACK:
- 8 oz fat-free milk (90 cal)
- 1 small banana (95 cal)

LUNCH:
- Lean Cuisine Salmon Mediterranean (230 cal)

PM SNACK:
- 2 small plums (60 cal)

DINNER:
- Veggie burger >> 2 oz Gimme Lean ground beef style patty, 1 whole wheat bread, salad greens, cherry tomatoes + ketchup & mustard (150 cal)
- 1 cup salad greens w/ cherry tomatoes, cucumbers + italian dressing (70 cal)
- 1 cup steamed cauliflower (30 cal)
- 3 french fries (35 cal)

EVENING SNACK:
- 2/3 cup fat-free milk (60 cal)
- 8 pieces of Lays baked cheetos (30 cal)

TOTAL CALORIES: 1190

Updates to come later. :)

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UPDATE:

1. Eat between 1,100 to 1,250 calories per day -- YES! (1,190 calories)
2. Walk/run 10,000 total steps per day -- YES! (10,481 steps)
3. Run at least 10-15 miles a week -- TBD (5.15 miles so far)
4. Drink 2 glasses of milk per day -- YES! :)
5. Eat at least 2 servings of fruit per day -- YES! :)
6. Eat at least 2 servings of veggies per day -- YES! :)
7. Two stretch/pilates sessions a week -- YES! (did the second one today)
8. Two strength training sessions a week -- TBD (still 1-1/2 to go)
9. Two abs sessions a week -- TBD (one session so far)

so far, so good... day 2

I did great yesterday, I think! I accomplished everything on my goal list and didn't have to deposit any dollars into the piggy bank. :) So far, so good I say. I didn't think I would have enough energy to go out and run last night, but I made myself go and I ran 3.15 miles! Yes, I haven't ran as much lately and was kind of itching to run more. Lately, I've only kept my running to 30 minutes max. Last night, I knew that if I wanted to run a 5k (3.1 miles), I would have to run longer than 30 minutes because there's no way I can complete a 5k in under 30. Anyway, my time was pretty decent. I did the 5k in 34-1/2 minutes... which isn't too bad, but I guess if you considered the fact that most of the running was on a flat surface, then maybe it's not super correct?! I don't know, I figure a typical 5k course would include some hills. Of course my run last night did include some stairs climbing, semi-step hills, etc... but most of it was around this huge soccer field and I don't think there was any incline in that at all. :P

Anyway, so there's a 5k/10k happening across the street by my house this Sunday. Again, I think I'm going to do it. After last night, I feel like I should at least try. If I ran a pretty flat surface under 35, I think I can run this Sunday's 5k course in 40 or at least 45. I know the time's not great, but it'll be a start... especially when I have the 10k Nike+ race at the end of this month.

Alright, here's what I've eaten/intend to eat for today:

BREAKFAST:
- 1/2 cup white rice (100 cal)
- 2 bites of eggplants (30 cal)
- 2 slices of turkey bacon (70 cal)

AM SNACK:
- 8 oz fat-free milk (90 cal)
- 1 small banana (95 cal)

LUNCH:
- Eating Right Orange Glazed Chicken w/ white rice & broccoli (300 cal)
- water :)

PM SNACK:
- 1 kiwi fruit (50 cal)

DINNER:
- Thai salad >> 2 oz Gimme Lean veggie ground beef w/ mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, Thai salad seasoning + lime/fish sauce dressing (150 cal)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli (55 cal)
- 1 small turkey meatball (40 cal)

EVENING SNACK:
- 8 oz fat-free milk (90 cal)
- 1/2 ice cream sandwich (85 cal)
- random food bits (50 cal)

TOTAL CALORIES: 1205

Stay tune... :)

------------

UPDATE:

1. Eat between 1,100 to 1,250 calories per day -- YES! (1,205 calories)
2. Walk/run 10,000 total steps per day -- 10,218
3. Run at least 10-15 miles a week -- TBD (3.15 miles so far)
4. Drink 2 glasses of milk per day -- YES! :)
5. Eat at least 2 servings of fruit per day -- YES! :)
6. Eat at least 2 servings of veggies per day -- YES! :)
7. Two stretch/pilates sessions a week -- TBD (one session so far)
8. Two strength training sessions a week -- TBD (lower body today, 1-1/2 to go)
9. Two abs sessions a week -- TBD (one session so far)

YAY! I accomplished all my daily goals, I don't owe any dollars! :) Good luck to me tomorrow.