Thursday, August 26, 2010

30 by 30 Thursday

This week, I started Level Two (again) of the 30 Day Shred. Holy Wowzers...it is kicking my bootie. Still running, but kind of getting frustrated that I cannot go longer without getting winded or increasing my pace. I feel like I have hit a plateau. I will continue to keep at it though.

Eating has been doing okay. I do pretty good throughout the weekday and then at nights and over the weekends I seem to be on an eating rampage. I am sure it has to do with my food choices because I should be getting in more veggies.

I'm sure you will agree with me when I say these posts are not the most interesting to read. I blog weekly about my journey to keep me accountable, but feel like ever week is the same. For that I apologize!

In an effort to spruce things up, I thought I would share some info I received in a newsletter from the boot camp I used to attend before my wedding (oh how I miss thee). The newsletter included a section about 12 Foods Experts Don't Eat.

12 Foods Experts Don't Eat
(Taken straight from the 8/26/10 AlaVie Fitness Newsletter)

Healthy Eats polled both their staff and nationwide nutrition experts to see which foods they avoid.

- Bottled Salad Dressing
“They are loaded with preservatives and are a source of added sugar that most people don’t realize. It’s so easy (and tastes so much better) when you make your own .” – Dana White
I have found some pretty tasty bottled salad dressings that aren't supposed to be too bad, I am going to have to go home and check the ingredients. I do love when my mom makes her own salad dressings, but mine always seem so bland.
- Gum with “Layers”
“When I first chewed this new gum with layers, I loved the bursting fruity flavor. But after reading the ingredient list, I’ll never chew this gum, which contains gelatin (animal-based) and partially hydrogenated coconut oil (trans fat) – again. While both ingredients are so small they’re virtually insignificant, I don’t think they need to be in gum, so I will never chew it again!”– Janel Ovrut
Never tried this type of gum and I guess I won't start!
- Raw Sprouts
“Although, I love the fresh, crisp taste of raw alfafa sprouts, I avoid eating them because of outbreaks of E. coli infections associated with them. With only about 10 calories per cup and a good dose of vitamin K, folic acid and cholesterol-reducing compounds called saponins, these tiny sprouts are a good-for-you food. However, I choose to steer clear of them by substituting sliced cukes, diced carrots and julienned basil leaves in my salads, sandwiches and soups.”– Victoria Shanta Retelny, a registered dietitian and owner of a nutrition & culinary communications consulting practice, LivingWell Communications, in Chicago.High
I LOVE sprouts on veggie sandwiches (and no I am not a vegetarian)!! I don't eat them too often, but I don't think I could go without. I think the good outweigh the possibility of the bad. E. Coli infections can come from a number of food. (Knocking on wood that I don't get and E.Coli infection the next time I eat sprouts!!!)
-Mercury Fish
“My husband loves swordfish, but I rarely buy it for him because of the high mercury content. I prefer to serve smaller fish which are lower in mercury to my family, like shrimp, scallops, tilapia and salmon.”– Keri Gans, MS, RD, CDN, Spokesperson, American Dietetic Association
I love shrimp and scallops, but I also love tuna. According to my research, tuna is okay in moderation and canned light tuna is lower in mercury than white tuna.
- Fake Foods
“I steer clear of foods the glow in the dark or smell like something that you’d never find in nature. My food philosophy is that the further we stray from real ingredients from the earth, the less healthful the food will be for us — and the more problems it will ultimately create for our Earth. Artificially neon-colored soft drink powder packets are definitely too oddly unnatural and heavily processed to ever be found in my shopping basket. Though I like to consider myself a food lover, not hater, my basic bottom line is ‘If you don’t need it, why eat it?‘”– Jackie Newgent, RD, recreational culinary instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education and author of Big Green Cookbook (Wiley, 2009).
I know I need to work on getting these foods out of my diet, but gosh darn, they are convenient and usually tasty.
- Conventionally Raised Meat and Poultry
“Although our diet has a plant emphasis. when I purchase meat and poultry for my family, it’s always grass-fed and organic. I’ve been concerned about antibiotic resistance for two decades. With superbugs like MRSA invading our beaches, we want to make sure there are antibiotics that work against these bugs for our children and their next generation.”– Melissa Halas-Liang, MA RD CDE, founder of www.superkidsnutrition.com
Same response as used above under 'Fake Foods'. Something I need to work on!
- Brains
“I can only think of a couple of foods I’d rather not eat. The main one is brains. I just don’t like the idea of eating them, but concern about prion diseases (remember mad cow?) provides a convenient excuse.”—Marion Nestle, professor of nutrition, food studies, and public Health at NYU and author of Food Politics and What to Eat
Whew, don't eat brains so I am good here.
- Products That Claim Too Much
I recommend my clients stay away from sports nutrition products that promise unbelievable results…—Nancy Clark, author of Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook and sports dietitian in the Boston-area
Not really an issue for me. Although I was thinking this morning that I should add protein powder to my smoothies. I eat a handful of raw almonds which seems to do the trick too.
- Artificial Sweeteners
“I avoid all foods with artificial sweeteners. I do not feed any foods with artificial sweeteners to my kids, and I also tell my clients to slash it out of their diet. First, I believe in fueling your body with real foods instead of chemicals, and also know there is mounting research suggesting artificial sweeteners can’t fool your brain and actually lead to sugar cravings, which is definitely not a good thing!”—Mitzi Dulan, RD, CSSD, Co-Author of The All-Pro Diet
Hmmmmm, I am very bad with this. Another thing I need to work on. I hear the benefits of not indulging in food with artificial sweeteners is huge!
- Well-Done Meat and Fish
“I avoid charred chicken or fish cooked to well-done at the barbecue. Although I love the flavor of the protein that’s become blackened or that is well-done, I don’t want to ingest the carcinogens, known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that form when the meats are cooked at a high temperature. So I stick to eating meats that are roasted or baked since the temperature isn’t as high and the dangerous carcinogens aren’t formed.”—Lyssie, Lakatos, RD, CDN, CFT, one of The Nutrition Twins and co-author of The Secret To Skinny
I don't like meat or fish well done. Love me some BBQ though.
- Non-Safe Plastics
“I do not microwave food in plastic, so I am careful to transfer foods to glass bowls, and check the number on the bottom of any plastics that we use in the kitchen, especially the kids plates and bowls.”—Elizabeth DeRobertis, MS, RD, CDN, CDE, Director of Nutrition Programs at Scarsdale Medical Group, New York and Founder of Westchester Nutrition Consultants.
I have heard this is bad, but I still do it. Another thing to work on.
- Farm-Raised Fish
“I feel strongly about purchasing and eating wild salmon as opposed to farm raised salmon. When I learned that fish “farmers” could select the color of their feed to match the color they wanted their salmon meat to most resemble, I was shocked. Eating wild caught Alaskan salmon may be a bit more expensive, but the in the long run, it provides more Vitamin D, less contaminates, less PCBs and a kinder environment for the fish. Cooking with high quality, natural ingredients also means a better-tasting meal, which results in a satisfied eater.”— Robin Plotkin, RD, LD a registered dietitian and Culinary & Nutrition Expert based in Dallas, Texas
We don't buy a lot of fish. Right now our freezer is full of Halibut that Mr. Pickle caught while he was in Alaska. I will keep this in mind though for if we ever start buying fish.

What are your thoughts??

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Hot and Imature

So while some of you have been enjoying hot temps during the past couple of months Nor Cal has been a bit cooler than usual. That was until yesterday. We FINALLY got some heat and I know some say it was too hot, but I loved it (granted I was in an office with AC most of the day). I love summer for the hot days and warm nights. Here is my car temp around 5:30 last night!!!

The downfall of such heat...running outside yesterday and today have been rough!! And there was a huge fire on Mt. Diablo yesterday. And I am drinking so much water to stay hydrated I am waking up in the middle of the night to pee (I know, TMI - sorry). Minus the fire (as of this morning it was 80% contained) I am all for the high temps.

On a totally unrelated note, I thought I would share with you how immature my sis and I are. While shopping in Alameda on Sunday, we stumbled across a store with these hand figures with adjustable fingers. Without second thought we left the hand as pictured below and couldn't stop laughing about it.

Aren't we horrible?!?!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Weekend Review

Another fun/busy weekend for the books. Didn't get too many pics...shocking, I know!

Friday night Mr. Pickle made us a yummy dinner. We were going to go to the movies, but dinner ended up taking longer than expected so we stayed home and watched TV.

Saturday morning Mr. Pickle and I took my grandpa out to breakfast and spent some time with him at his house. Once we left in the afternoon we ran a few errands. Then we headed to Sacramento to have dinner with a friend of ours at my favorite sushi restaurant (Mikuni). After dinner we attended a house warming party for some of our other friends. They just moved into a beautiful home in West Sacramento. I guess we are all growing up!!! We came home Saturday night, so we left around 9:30 to make it home at a decent hour.
Sunday was spent at some of our other friend's house in Alameda. They are renting a cute little home a block away from a bunch of shops, restaurants and bars. While we were on the "walking tour" of Alameda, us girls ended up at La Pinata for chips and salsa/guacamole and a drink. Afterwards we headed back to the house and hung out while the boys BBQ'd. The weather was perfect and the company was wonderful. A great time in Alameda!! And yes, we did take the "driving tour" as well!!
Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Favorite Fridays

This week's Favorite Friday topic is:
Book (Genre: Chick lit!)

I feel like this is a subject I could go on and on about since I am a huge fan a chick lit. But I have narrowed it down to some of my faves!

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sopie Kinsella - Loved the book, wasn't a huge fan of the movie (although I adore Isla Fisher). I have read one other in the Shopaholic series and enjoyed it as well.

Cocktails for Three by Madeleine Wickham - I read this a while ago, but recall not being able to put the book down. I literally didn't go to sleep until I finished it.

Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger - LOVED this book and the movie (although the book was better).


Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger - Dug this as much as I did Devil Wears Prada.

What's your favorite?? Link up to Jen's blog!!

Photos from Google Images

Thursday, August 19, 2010

30 by 30 Thursday

Not much new to report. Since I have been feeling better, I have been diligent about doing the 30 Day Shred before work and then doing a run on my break. I had been on Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred before last week and I decided to go back to Level 1 this week. On Monday, I will go back to Level 2. I keep pushing myself with running and continue with my Yoga class every Thursday night.

At this point, activity is know a part of my day and not something I have to force myself to do. Plus, I love putting a sticker on my calendar every day I get my activity in :)

Eating still needs improvement, but I have been eating a lot of fruit. I will be so sad when my options are apples, oranges and bananas. I am loving cherries, all different types of berries, watermelon and white nectarines.

I can do this!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Hard At Work

Puka the Dawg got to come to work with me a couple of days last week. I just love when he gets to come to work with me and he likes it too, but he thinks working is R-O-U-G-H!!!

Whew, who knew working could be so exhausting?!?!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Weekend Review

WOW, what a weekend. I was in San Francisco for the majority of the weekend celebrating the last few days of singlehood of one of my lovely girl friends!!
Friday night I headed to SF to have a girls night in with the bride-to-be, her sister and a few others. We sat around drinking wine and catching up.

Bride-To-Be

Ladies with the Limo

Saturday morning we all met up at the bride-to-be's apartment and enjoyed some tasty snacks and mimosas before jumping in a limo to go wine tasting in Napa. We hit up our favorite winery Bell first. We had a wonderful time taking in the beautiful weather on the patio while tasting wine and enjoying a picnic (made by the bride-to-be's mom). Everyone LOVED the wine and the company (our wine pourer was awesome). If you are ever looking for a new winery to try out, I highly recommend Bell.


Bell

Next stop was another fave of ours Raymond. We were late for our tasting, but they were able to work with us. We tasted some yummy wine and enjoyed the grounds to take some pictures. This is another great winery to hit up if you are in the area.

Raymond

After we were good and buzzed we hoped in the limo to get back to SF in time for our 6:30 dinner reservations. However, since we were all still full from our picnic and all the wine we consumed, we decided to go back to the apartment and hang out for a bit. We had an evening full of girl talk and decided later on that we needed some sushi. I am a big fan of sushi so I am always in for that!! After sushi, we hit up our favorite white trash bar and danced/drank the night away.



Sushi Dinner


Jello Shots at Butter

Although we were all struggling a little (some more than others), we made it to our 10:30 brunch reservation at Lime. This place was awesome. It is a hip restaurant/lounge that plays hip hop, has decent priced (and yummy) food and bottomless mimosas. Our server was fantastic and never let our glasses get empty.

Cheers to the Bride-to-Be at Lime


Very fun way to end the weekend. Well, that and hitting up Nordstrom's Rack before heading home and taking a nap!!!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Favorite Fridays

This week's Favorite Friday topic is:
Way to De-Stress!


Getting my piggies done. Ahhhhhh.
(Although I don't discriminate against any kind of pampering.)
Going along with getting a pedicure (at least for me) is reading a book or magazine which is another way I like to de-stress.
I may just go do this tonight after work. A great way to start the weekend.

Head on over to Jen's blog to play along.

Pic from Google Images

Thursday, August 12, 2010

30 by 30 Thursday

This week has been a little rough. With feeling under the weather and not sleeping well, on top of a trip to the ER with my grandpa at 2:00 - 4:00 am last night (he is fine) it has taken everything in me to get in some sort of activity for 30 minutes a day. I have somehow managed, plus I got quite an upper body workout canoeing on Saturday, however I haven't done the 30 Day Shred once this week!!

Part of me is proud that I didn't blow off exercising all together, but the other part of me is disappointed because the activity I have gotten in hasn't been excellent. Plus, my eating has been less than stellar...especially with camping over the weekend.

I know I should just accept that these type of weeks are going to happen and not let it get to me, but I can be so hard on myself. I am very competitive, even if it is with myself and it has gotten to the point that I feel guilty if I miss a workout!! From one extreme to another.

When I was younger and obsessed with my weight, I would let working out rule my life. I would go to the gym in the morning for like two hours and would go back if I felt like I ate poorly or if I was bored. Very obsessive. I am glad I am not to that extreme, but I have to be aware and listen to when my body tells me to take it easy.

Here's to a better upcoming week!!!!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Curious To Know

Do you have a job you like, or better yet, love?
Would you take a pay cut to have a job you felt better suited your interests?
How do you/did you know what you really wanted to do when you grew up?
I was reading an article in a magazine this morning about women who left their jobs to do something they really wanted to do. It also listed several facts of the percentage of people who work at jobs that they don't feel fulfilling or they aren't passionate about.

It made me wonder how many people were really happy in their jobs and how they came about finding such a job.

I would love to have gone into something to do with fashion because it very much interests me, but I am not fashionable. I also thought about going into advertising, but I am not very artistic. I know there are other arenas in these industries I could always explore that fit my abilities, but I never felt like I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up...and lo and behold I am growing up pretty fast!!!

What is your dream job?

Pics from weheartit

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Random Ramblings

- Is there some secret trick to popping all the kernels in a bag of popcorn with out burning the already popped popcorn? I don't know why, but it drives me crazy seeing all the unpopped kernels at the bottom of the bag.

- My posture is HORRIBLE and no matter how hard I try I always tend to go back to slouching. My poor posture is really taking a toll on my neck/back. Anyone have any good tips??

- Just to tell you how wonderful my mother can be, she gave up her hour and a half massage so I could take it since my back has been so out of whack. Luckily her massage therapist was able to fit her in after me so I didn't feel so bad. Thanks mom (and massage therapist).

- Have you ever had an acupressure massage? Although I wouldn't turn down a regular massage, the acupressure seems to work wonders on my muscles. Sometimes it does hurt, but mostly a good hurt.

- I wish Cesar Millan would come fix my dog's issues. He has severe separation anxiety and aggression (due to an adverse reaction of some separation anxiety medication a stupid vet put him on). I hate that he isn't the sweet, sensitive, loving dog to everyone that he is to us. I am calling a trainer today, but don't think I didn't look into to see if Cesar could come to the rescue first (he is only auditioning in So Cal right now).

- Why cannot I not stare at a computer screen (especially at work) for more than 20 minutes without getting dry eyes. I feel like such a nerd having to use a humidifier every day, not to mention the humidity messes up my hair and make-up!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Weekend Review

Another fantastic weekend for the books!!! We went camping in the Russian River area to celebrate my sister's birthday.

Although some headed up to our campsite on Friday afternoon, I wasn't able to get off work early and made the journey up on Saturday morning. The day entailed good times while canoeing down the Russian River. We got on the river around 11:30 and made it to the end around 5:00. We had a wonderful time with 5 different canoes holding a total of 11 people. Unfortunately we were warned not to take any valuables in the event we tipped over so I didn't bring my camera. However some braver souls in the group did, I just don't have any of their pics yet.
Our Tent Camp

My Sister and her boyfriend's tent mansion

Our friend's tiny tent

Mine and my friend's tent

The camping crew

After a long day in the sun we were all pretty beat. We headed to the campground, got cleaned up and changed into warm/dry clothes and made dinner. This was followed by some fun around the campfire. Too bad we were all too full to have smores. (I know, a crime to go camping and not make smores!) I think we all made it to bed before midnight.




Sunday morning we woke up early and sat around the camp fire a little more before starting breakfast.

We made pancakes with the best invention ever!!

&

Have you ever seen these?? The best invention ever when it comes to making while camping!!

Unfortunately I didn't realize the cap was screwed on tight before I went to shake it and the batter flew all over me!!!
Shortly after breakfast we got camp cleaned up and headed to Tomales Bay to eat Oysters. The weather was beautiful and the oysters were delish.



Got home, took a shower and napped/lounged the rest of the evening before I crashed at 9:00.

Pancake Batter Pics from Google Images

Friday, August 6, 2010

Favorite Fridays

This week's topic is...Favorite Friends Character!!
I loved Friends and still watch re-runs whenever they're on even though there isn't an episode I haven't seen. I love all the characters for one reason or another, but if I had to choose my fave, it would have to be Joey Tribbiani (played by Matt LeBlanc).
Joey was a fun loving, good looking, woman chasing, joke telling, kind hearted guy. He loved his meatball sandwiches and pizza just as much as he loved women, but when it came down to it, he was a great guy who had a wonderful relationship with his friends.
Who is/was your favorite?? Head on over to Jen's blog to play along.

Pics from Google Images

Thursday, August 5, 2010

30 by 30 Thursday

Starting Monday, I moved up to Level 2 in the 30 Day Shred. HOLY MOLY, hardcore stuff. I was sore for a few days, but think my body is getting used to the pain. I am a sore sight when I am doing the video in my family room at 6:00 in the morning, hair everywhere, panting, sweating and beet red. Afterwards I literally jump in a cold shower!!!

I am still running about four days a week and it doesn't seem to get easier. My guess is because I am pushing myself harder. I am actually surprised my calves get so stiff after I have been running for this long. In the past, I hadn't felt much stiffness this late in the game, but in the past I haven't been this heavy, so I guess there I have it.

I signed up for another 6 week yoga class and am happy to say that a friend is joining me. I am really enjoying yoga and am finding that I am getting more flexible just doing it once a week. A great change of pace workout wise.

I have been eating a lot of fresh fruit. I love all the yummy fruits this time of year. I actually have been making a fruit smoothie every morning and eating a handful of almonds. My go-to snack has been cherries and white nectarines. Mmmmmm. I wish these were in season year-round.

Mr. Pickle said he is noticing results and I am noticing them too. Just for kicks I measured my calf and compared to my pre-workout measurement from May and I have lost an inch. This was big for me because in the past I would gain weight but never see it in my legs, this time around I noticed it in my legs too. I was happy to see the hard work is in fact paying off even if I am no where close to fitting into my skinny jeans. Patience!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Picture's of my friend's daughter for her invitations to her 1st Birthday Party
AHHHH-dorable!!!!!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Weekend Review

Since our anniversary was on Monday, we decided to celebrate over the weekend.

Friday night my family and I took my Grandpa out to dinner to celebrate his 88th birthday. I love my Grandpa and am so blessed to have such a wonderful relationship with him. I hope he lives another 88 years!!!


Saturday morning Mr. Pickle and I went back over to my Grandpa's to spend some time with him and take him out to breakfast. He was in a terribly bad accident last October where here ran off the road over a cliff and was hanging upside down for several hours before the CHP Helicopter found him via his cell phone signal. Therefore, he no longer drives and is too stubborn to have a caretaker. My family and I take turns visiting him and taking him to run errands.

Saturday afternoon we relaxed for a bit before heading to San Francisco for a sushi dinner, drinks and to see Wicked. I was very impressed with the show and would highly recommend it to anyone. Mr. Pickle didn't think it was too bad either!!




Sunday morning I slept in until 11:00 am (went to bed around 2:00 am). Technically I didn't wake up, I was woken up by Mr. Pickle. I can't tell you how long it has been since I slept in that late!!! I must have really needed the sleep. After going our to lunch and running a few errands we spent the remainder of the day bumming around the house and doing Sunday chores.

It was nice to have a relaxing weekend while still having a few fun events thrown into the mix!!