This does not imply however that I have not continued my health routine. That never truly ceases. Not even when I reach my ideal weight and size, because then its maintenance time. I am pretty much the same size and weight as the last "vlog" posted below. I have varied about 5-8lbs since that video was recorded and posted, some weeks I am heavier, some lighter, all depends on the time of the month. In general however, I have pretty much stayed the same. I’ve had some health problems to blame, hormonal shifts that suck my energy and deprive me of my beloved and intense cardio workouts. Probably the main culprit of my plateau. However, never one to give up, despite the challenge that might arise, here is my plan of attack!
2011 Health and Fitness Goals:
- Achieve all A's in my health report card. Want very low and healthy numbers in everything from my cholesterol (which is under 200, but could be lower) to my sugar and glucose levels. Also want to keep a higher metabolism (last time I tested it was at very good.)
- comfortably fit into a pair of size 12 or skinny jean size 14s. (I have one pair of size 12s that fit, but I want to be able to fit into most normal 12s. Its the right "size" for me. I am still teetering between regular 14s and some smaller 16s thanks to my large behind:)
- Lose between 20 -25 lbs or reduce at least 10-12 inches all over my body, whichever comes first. However, I really like my friend Vero's philosophy, its more about just feeling completely satisfied and happy with myself and full of energy more than a number on the scale.
- Drink at least one of my incredibly healthy green juices a day. (lately I’ve been slacking off to 2 or 3 a week.)
- Stick to cardio and strength training at least 6 days a week but make it fun, interesting, and always switch it up.
- Keep a food journal.
- Drink lots and lots of water.
- Use positive self-affirmations and feel proud of my accomplishments along the way.
- Get to bed by latest 11 p.m. every night.
- Accomplish all of this by latest June 2011.
In order to stay true to number 6. Today I decided to document my food diary with pictures for a whole month. From Jan 31st (since its a Monday) to February 28, I will be documenting everything I eat and drink on a daily basis. The hubby and I have commenced a modified eating plan (I refuse to use the word diet, or to mentally restrict myself with it's definition). We have called it the European Low-Carb plan. It is not an extreme low-carb plan like Atkins or South Beach. It is reasonable, delicious and varied. It also has been known to help some lose up to 10lbs in 2 weeks! It is high on protein, veggies and certain fruits. It allows for olive oil, yougurt, cheese, olives, nuts, and real, organic whole grain bread (we will begin to make our own soon). It also allows for certain juices, squeezed fresh from the fruit, herbal teas, coffee and stevia. It does not allow for any refined or processed carbs or any white bread, pasta, white rice, potatoes, sugars of any kind - includes none of my beloved brown rice either. It allows for a plethora of food combinations and delicious recipes and I am excited to share and document my menu with you below:
Day One (Jan 31)
Breakfast: 1 cup of non-fat Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of oatmeal, cooked in water, 1/4 apple, diced, 3 small frozen chunks of mango, handful of walnuts and a little stevia and cinnamon. 1 cup of coffee, black.
Lunch: 1 1/2 cup of shredded romaine lettuce, 1/4 finely diced red onion, 1 small romaine tomato - sliced, 1 boiled organic egg - sliced, 1 piece of cured ham - shredded. 1 mozzarella stick, cut into chunks. Vinaigrette made out of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil (evoo.) 1 piece of toasted whole grain bread.
Snack: Green juice made out of carrots, broccoli, kale and half an orange. 3 almonds.
Dinner: Two small ground turkey patties made with diced onion, green pepper, mushroom, garlic, organic multi-herb seasoning, salt, and pepper, cilantro. Topped with one slice of low-fat Swiss cheese (one of the lowest-fat cheeses.) Cauliflower and Broccoli mash made with salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of low-fat sour cream for 2 servings of mash (only 50 calories.) Blanched Zucchini and a few tomato slices, 1/2 cup of POM juice, made from 100 percent concentrate pomegranate. no sugar. no chemicals or preservatives.
Dessert: 1/2 organic apple and 5 almonds and a cup of herbal tea with no sugar. (sorry no picture of that.)
I apologize about the poor quality of the pictures, they are all taken with my Blackberry. As I plan to do this at least 5 days a week I will be using the most convenient method to document, which is my mobile phone!
Exercise: 40 minutes of Cardio.
End of Day One. Please comment away and let me know if you like what you see and hear:)