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Monday, October 31, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
The 6 Types Of People You Meet In The Gym
1. Workout Barbie
Workout Barb (WB) has a beautiful, proportioned body that she has obviously worked hard to get. She lifts heavy and looks great doing it. However, she is Workout Barbie because the gym is her whole life. She talks about being there to train for a couple hours in the morning, then comes back in the evening to do some cardio. Sounds hardcore until you realize this is all she has outside of work (assuming she works). She wanders the gym talking to everyone and wedging herself into conversations. This makes me sad, but not enough not to hate her perfect butt.
2. Half-a-shirt Guy aka Meathead
His shirt sleeves have been cut off or look like the top half of that horrifying over the shoulder banana hammock swim suit. He has a huge upper body and grunts like he's in labour during every lift. While irritating to be around, this one is at least handy if you need a spot.
3. Lululemon Model
Her hair and makeup are more perfect than mine on date night. Her clothes are cute and flattering and have never had a drop of sweat touch them. Most often she is found on the elliptical or walking on the treadmill at a ridiculous incline while holding on to the top (does this bother no one but me!?).
4. Wannabe Meathead
A close relative of Meathead, this guy often has a huge upper body but toothpick legs. He is in the gym every day but only does bicep exercises - at least 10 of them. It looks like he's moving through a circuit since he's on different equipment in different parts of the gym, but he's crafty like that. They are all bicep curls - often in the squat rack.
5. The Untrained Trainer
There are some fantastic trainers out there. This is not one of them. He or she moves indecisively and tends to copy whatever exercise the person close by is doing. They don't watch their client during any exercise, but especially not difficult or potentially dangerous ones like squats, deadlifts, bench, or cleans. Will leave said client to fling around kettlebells while they play on their iPhone. This is a particularly dangerous creature.
6. The Unattractive Working Girl
This is my tribe. I'm in the gym to work and if there's makeup on my face, it's because I didn't take it off after work. My gym clothes are ratty and often too big. My hair refuses to stay up and behaving. May or may not wear an enormous brace on the knee/elbow/ankle which gives the appearance that they are bionic. They are not. Have you seen the gym episode of How I Met Your Mother? These are the Robins.
What kind of gym creature are you?
Workout Barb (WB) has a beautiful, proportioned body that she has obviously worked hard to get. She lifts heavy and looks great doing it. However, she is Workout Barbie because the gym is her whole life. She talks about being there to train for a couple hours in the morning, then comes back in the evening to do some cardio. Sounds hardcore until you realize this is all she has outside of work (assuming she works). She wanders the gym talking to everyone and wedging herself into conversations. This makes me sad, but not enough not to hate her perfect butt.
2. Half-a-shirt Guy aka Meathead
His shirt sleeves have been cut off or look like the top half of that horrifying over the shoulder banana hammock swim suit. He has a huge upper body and grunts like he's in labour during every lift. While irritating to be around, this one is at least handy if you need a spot.
3. Lululemon Model
Her hair and makeup are more perfect than mine on date night. Her clothes are cute and flattering and have never had a drop of sweat touch them. Most often she is found on the elliptical or walking on the treadmill at a ridiculous incline while holding on to the top (does this bother no one but me!?).
4. Wannabe Meathead
A close relative of Meathead, this guy often has a huge upper body but toothpick legs. He is in the gym every day but only does bicep exercises - at least 10 of them. It looks like he's moving through a circuit since he's on different equipment in different parts of the gym, but he's crafty like that. They are all bicep curls - often in the squat rack.
5. The Untrained Trainer
There are some fantastic trainers out there. This is not one of them. He or she moves indecisively and tends to copy whatever exercise the person close by is doing. They don't watch their client during any exercise, but especially not difficult or potentially dangerous ones like squats, deadlifts, bench, or cleans. Will leave said client to fling around kettlebells while they play on their iPhone. This is a particularly dangerous creature.
6. The Unattractive Working Girl
This is my tribe. I'm in the gym to work and if there's makeup on my face, it's because I didn't take it off after work. My gym clothes are ratty and often too big. My hair refuses to stay up and behaving. May or may not wear an enormous brace on the knee/elbow/ankle which gives the appearance that they are bionic. They are not. Have you seen the gym episode of How I Met Your Mother? These are the Robins.
What kind of gym creature are you?
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Day 61: After This Week, I'll Take It
Starting Weight - 152.4lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Day 13 - 147.7 (-0.4lbs)
Day 20 - 146.6 (-1.1lbs)
Day 27 - 145.8 (-0.8lbs)
Day 41 - 146.4 (+0.6lbs)
Day 54 - 143.9 (-2.5lbs)
Day 61 - 143.6 (-0.3lbs)
Total Lost = 8.8lbs
Tom's Weight - 216lbs
Day 20 - 206lbs (-10lbs)
Day 27 - 206lbs
Day 41 - 204lbs
Day 61 - 204lbs
Total Lost = 12lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Day 13 - 147.7 (-0.4lbs)
Day 20 - 146.6 (-1.1lbs)
Day 27 - 145.8 (-0.8lbs)
Day 41 - 146.4 (+0.6lbs)
Day 54 - 143.9 (-2.5lbs)
Day 61 - 143.6 (-0.3lbs)
Total Lost = 8.8lbs
Tom's Weight - 216lbs
Day 20 - 206lbs (-10lbs)
Day 27 - 206lbs
Day 41 - 204lbs
Day 61 - 204lbs
Total Lost = 12lbs
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Day 54: Oh Hai Tim Hortons
Starting Weight - 152.4lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Day 13 - 147.7 (-0.4lbs)
Day 20 - 146.6 (-1.1lbs)
Day 27 - 145.8 (-0.8lbs)
Day 41 - 146.4 (+0.6lbs)
Day 54 - 143.9 (-2.5lbs)
Total Lost = 8.5lbs (what the shit?)
Tom's Weight - 216lbs
Day 20 - 206lbs (-10lbs)
Day 27 - 206lbs
Day 41 - 204lbs
Total Lost = 12lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Day 13 - 147.7 (-0.4lbs)
Day 20 - 146.6 (-1.1lbs)
Day 27 - 145.8 (-0.8lbs)
Day 41 - 146.4 (+0.6lbs)
Day 54 - 143.9 (-2.5lbs)
Total Lost = 8.5lbs (what the shit?)
Tom's Weight - 216lbs
Day 20 - 206lbs (-10lbs)
Day 27 - 206lbs
Day 41 - 204lbs
Total Lost = 12lbs
Monday, October 3, 2011
The 5 Best Tips For Starting To Lift Weights
I was comparing gym habits with a coworker the other day. She weight trains, but "wouldn't be caught dead" in the main weightlifting area (vs. the women's only section). That got me thinking, what are the top things I wish I had known when I started lifting weights?
1. There's Nothing Wrong With Lifting in the Women's Section
Um, provided you're a woman, I suppose. This area is usually far less busy, generally quieter, and consequently you'll have more equipment options. In theory. If you're comfortable here, rock on.
2. The Main Section Gives You More Options
A women's section may be missing crucial equipment - I'm talking about no bench press or squat rack, more often than not. Can you work around it? Yes. But if you're paying for the full gym experience, you should feel comfortable taking advantage of everything the gym has to offer.
3. Don't Be Afraid of the Bench Press or Squat Rack
Yes, these machines are intimidating at first. There are no diagrams on the side, and as a free weight machine you may feel like you're more likely to injure yourself or drop the weights. However, it is infinitely worth it to master these exercises. Start light, ask for help, and don't be afraid to go slow.
4. Get a Spotter - or Just Ask for One
Having a spotter is like adding plus ten to your strength for every lift. Last week, with no spotter I dropped the weight for my six set after three; today, I pushed 15 pounds more with my spotter there. It's a weird mental thing, but it works. If you don't have a regular gym buddy, don't be afraid to ask for a spot from a trainer or even someone working out near you. Just remember to ask in between sets (you'd be surprised how often people talk to me in the middle of a set!), and look for someone who is a) strong enough to do it and b) looks comfortable with the exercise you're doing. Asking someone to spot me for a squat in between his free weight shoulder raises has backfired, and there's nothing worse than having a spotter you don't trust (minus ten to strength).
5. Find a Gym Buddy
Gym buddies are great. They push you to go on days you don't want to, they help you push more weight, and they keep you accountable if you're slacking. It never ceases to amaze me how willing others are to help you out and share knowledge, so take advantage! Just make sure you find someone you can trust and ideally who matches where you are in your training (at least relatively).
1. There's Nothing Wrong With Lifting in the Women's Section
Um, provided you're a woman, I suppose. This area is usually far less busy, generally quieter, and consequently you'll have more equipment options. In theory. If you're comfortable here, rock on.
2. The Main Section Gives You More Options
A women's section may be missing crucial equipment - I'm talking about no bench press or squat rack, more often than not. Can you work around it? Yes. But if you're paying for the full gym experience, you should feel comfortable taking advantage of everything the gym has to offer.
3. Don't Be Afraid of the Bench Press or Squat Rack
Yes, these machines are intimidating at first. There are no diagrams on the side, and as a free weight machine you may feel like you're more likely to injure yourself or drop the weights. However, it is infinitely worth it to master these exercises. Start light, ask for help, and don't be afraid to go slow.
4. Get a Spotter - or Just Ask for One
Having a spotter is like adding plus ten to your strength for every lift. Last week, with no spotter I dropped the weight for my six set after three; today, I pushed 15 pounds more with my spotter there. It's a weird mental thing, but it works. If you don't have a regular gym buddy, don't be afraid to ask for a spot from a trainer or even someone working out near you. Just remember to ask in between sets (you'd be surprised how often people talk to me in the middle of a set!), and look for someone who is a) strong enough to do it and b) looks comfortable with the exercise you're doing. Asking someone to spot me for a squat in between his free weight shoulder raises has backfired, and there's nothing worse than having a spotter you don't trust (minus ten to strength).
5. Find a Gym Buddy
Gym buddies are great. They push you to go on days you don't want to, they help you push more weight, and they keep you accountable if you're slacking. It never ceases to amaze me how willing others are to help you out and share knowledge, so take advantage! Just make sure you find someone you can trust and ideally who matches where you are in your training (at least relatively).
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Day 47: I Will Breathe
Starting Weight - 152.4lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Day 13 - 147.7 (-0.4lbs)
Day 20 - 146.6 (-1.1lbs)
Day 27 - 145.8 (-0.8lbs)
Day 41 - 146.4 (+0.6lbs)
Total Lost = 6lbs
Tom's Weight - 216lbs
Day 20 - 206lbs (-10lbs)
Day 27 - 206lbs
Day 41 - 204lbs
Total Lost = 12lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Day 13 - 147.7 (-0.4lbs)
Day 20 - 146.6 (-1.1lbs)
Day 27 - 145.8 (-0.8lbs)
Day 41 - 146.4 (+0.6lbs)
Total Lost = 6lbs
Tom's Weight - 216lbs
Day 20 - 206lbs (-10lbs)
Day 27 - 206lbs
Day 41 - 204lbs
Total Lost = 12lbs
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Day 28: 5 Tips For Choosing Protein Powders
Hurray and huzzah!
Let's talk a bit about protein powder. I wasn't a big fan of including protein powder meal replacements in my plan because I believe eating whole food is usually better for you. However, there are a few points to consider when selecting a product that can make it work for you. P.S. I am not a nutritionist, I just play one on the internet.
1. Use
What are you trying to achieve? Do you want a meal replacement or a meal additive? For a meal replacement, you'll need to have a protein and carb component, but an additive (as in, you're making protein bars, muffins, ice cream, whatever) can (and probably should) be straight up protein.
2. Goals
Are you trying to cut weight? Put weight on? Where do you lack in your daily macros? If you find you're often over on carbs, make sure your supplement doesn't have too high of a carb count. If you find you can never hit your protein levels, look for products that will help you achieve your numbers. Is your diet low in carb? High in protein? Balanced? I recommend breaking out a day's worth of food on a tracker program like MyFitnessPal.com so you can see which products will work best with your eating habits.
3. Preferences
I am very sensitive to consistency. A powder that doesn't dissolve well is not for me. Also, consider what you're mixing it with; if you plan to mix with milk, the taste may be masked somewhat, but in water, all you're going to taste is the powder flavour. I hate the taste of artificial sweeteners, so I look for products that don't use aspartame, sorbitol, or sugar alcohols (or that are at least low in them).
4. Sensitivities
I'm lactose-intolerant (or sensitive, or something), so I look for powders that are low in lactose. Based on trial and error, I know I have trouble with whey protein unless it's an isolate or isolate-blend.
5. Don't Switch Unless You Have To
I learned this one this week. I switched flavours (not even brands) and hated the new one. Once you find a brand and flavour that works for you, only switch if something changes, or you get so sick of it you can't stomach having it anymore. Ideally, your supplement provider will let you test out the flavours in store before you buy (like Reflex does) or have a good return policy (like GNC does).
If you're curious, I currently use the BSN Syntha-6 powder as a meal replacement in the Chocolate Milkshake flavour and GNC Whey Iso-Burst in French Vanilla for making protein bars/ice cream (apparently this product is no longer on their site?).
Let's talk a bit about protein powder. I wasn't a big fan of including protein powder meal replacements in my plan because I believe eating whole food is usually better for you. However, there are a few points to consider when selecting a product that can make it work for you. P.S. I am not a nutritionist, I just play one on the internet.
1. Use
What are you trying to achieve? Do you want a meal replacement or a meal additive? For a meal replacement, you'll need to have a protein and carb component, but an additive (as in, you're making protein bars, muffins, ice cream, whatever) can (and probably should) be straight up protein.
2. Goals
Are you trying to cut weight? Put weight on? Where do you lack in your daily macros? If you find you're often over on carbs, make sure your supplement doesn't have too high of a carb count. If you find you can never hit your protein levels, look for products that will help you achieve your numbers. Is your diet low in carb? High in protein? Balanced? I recommend breaking out a day's worth of food on a tracker program like MyFitnessPal.com so you can see which products will work best with your eating habits.
3. Preferences
I am very sensitive to consistency. A powder that doesn't dissolve well is not for me. Also, consider what you're mixing it with; if you plan to mix with milk, the taste may be masked somewhat, but in water, all you're going to taste is the powder flavour. I hate the taste of artificial sweeteners, so I look for products that don't use aspartame, sorbitol, or sugar alcohols (or that are at least low in them).
4. Sensitivities
I'm lactose-intolerant (or sensitive, or something), so I look for powders that are low in lactose. Based on trial and error, I know I have trouble with whey protein unless it's an isolate or isolate-blend.
5. Don't Switch Unless You Have To
I learned this one this week. I switched flavours (not even brands) and hated the new one. Once you find a brand and flavour that works for you, only switch if something changes, or you get so sick of it you can't stomach having it anymore. Ideally, your supplement provider will let you test out the flavours in store before you buy (like Reflex does) or have a good return policy (like GNC does).
If you're curious, I currently use the BSN Syntha-6 powder as a meal replacement in the Chocolate Milkshake flavour and GNC Whey Iso-Burst in French Vanilla for making protein bars/ice cream (apparently this product is no longer on their site?).
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Day 27: I Loves Me Some Cheat Day
Starting Weight - 152.4lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Day 13 - 147.7 (-0.4lbs)
Day 20 - 146.6 (-1.1lbs)
Day 27 - 145.8 (-0.8lbs)
Total Lost = 6.6lbs
Tom's Weight - 216lbs
Day 20 - 206lbs (-10lbs)
Day 27 - 206lbs
Total Lost = 10lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Day 13 - 147.7 (-0.4lbs)
Day 20 - 146.6 (-1.1lbs)
Day 27 - 145.8 (-0.8lbs)
Total Lost = 6.6lbs
Tom's Weight - 216lbs
Day 20 - 206lbs (-10lbs)
Day 27 - 206lbs
Total Lost = 10lbs
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Day 20: Cheat Day and Weight Update!
Wooooo cheat day!
Starting Weight - 152.4lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Day 13 - 147.7 (-0.4lbs)
Day 20 - 146.6 (-1.1lbs)
Total Lost = 5.8lbs
Tom's Weight - 216lbs
Day 20 - 206lbs (-10lbs)
Total Lost = 10lbs
Starting Weight - 152.4lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Day 13 - 147.7 (-0.4lbs)
Day 20 - 146.6 (-1.1lbs)
Total Lost = 5.8lbs
Tom's Weight - 216lbs
Day 20 - 206lbs (-10lbs)
Total Lost = 10lbs
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Day 18: Does Living Clean Mean No Social Life?
Yesterday we went to a dinner party at our friends' new house. This is one of the hardest parts about living clean: socializing. It was a BYOM (Bring Your Own Meat) barbecue, so I could control that. I offered to bring salad, so I could control that. But when you're actually there and the lovely hosts have out snack food and keep offering you wine, beer, whatever you like, it's hard. Really hard. And these are people who get being on a clean living streak - she was until very recently a national level athlete. But even the people who get it can't make it easy you on. It takes a lot of dedication and, to be honest, deciding on an acceptable level of cheating.
We went and I did not have a drink. I ate the food I had brought with me, in the portions I had planned, but I did have probably five tortilla chips with the guacamole the hostess made. Not exactly on script, but I did manage to avoid dessert.
Just have to keep on truckin'
We went and I did not have a drink. I ate the food I had brought with me, in the portions I had planned, but I did have probably five tortilla chips with the guacamole the hostess made. Not exactly on script, but I did manage to avoid dessert.
Just have to keep on truckin'
Monday, September 5, 2011
Day 15: Protein-y Recipes
First, a quick weight update!
Starting Weight - 152.4lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Day 13 - 147.7 (-0.4lbs)
Blech, the dreaded weight loss plateau. Trying not to think about it too much.
I tried this recipe today: Protein Packed Super Fudgy Brownies. I modified it to leave the icing out and subbed vanilla protein powder for the sugar. They turned out fluffy and cake-like, but not very chocolatey. I think it needs chocolate protein powder and maybe a bit of Stevia (although I hate using sweeteners).
Tomorrow I am going to try Protein Ice Cream because it sounds AMAZING. The quest continues to find high protein, low carb, lactose-free recipes.
Starting Weight - 152.4lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Day 13 - 147.7 (-0.4lbs)
Blech, the dreaded weight loss plateau. Trying not to think about it too much.
I tried this recipe today: Protein Packed Super Fudgy Brownies. I modified it to leave the icing out and subbed vanilla protein powder for the sugar. They turned out fluffy and cake-like, but not very chocolatey. I think it needs chocolate protein powder and maybe a bit of Stevia (although I hate using sweeteners).
Tomorrow I am going to try Protein Ice Cream because it sounds AMAZING. The quest continues to find high protein, low carb, lactose-free recipes.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Day 7: One Week Down!
Only eleven to go! Shit.
Numbers for Tom:
430-500 calories per meal (2580-3010 cals per day)
37.5-44 grams of protein per meal (225-263 grams per day)
48-56 grams of carbs per meal (290-338 grams per day)
9.5-11 grams of fat per meal (57-66 grams per day)
Numbers for Tom:
430-500 calories per meal (2580-3010 cals per day)
37.5-44 grams of protein per meal (225-263 grams per day)
48-56 grams of carbs per meal (290-338 grams per day)
9.5-11 grams of fat per meal (57-66 grams per day)
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Day 6: That's Pretty Much A Week, Right?
Woooooo cheat day!
I love cheat days. They really do help keep me on track during the week, and I never eat as poorly as I plan to, which is good. During the week I'm all IMMA EAT THREE POUNDS OF GUMMY BEARS AND ALL THE TIMBITS but once the cheat day actually comes, I'm much better.
We did our weigh-in today for fun before the cheat day. I may weigh in again on Monday for the sake of consistency.
Starting Weight - 152.4lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Obviously, I'm happy about this. But I'm also cautious; I've seen my weight plummet in the first week or two of a program, then level off, or worse come up, for the rest of the time. I'm going to try and stay optimistic though!
I love cheat days. They really do help keep me on track during the week, and I never eat as poorly as I plan to, which is good. During the week I'm all IMMA EAT THREE POUNDS OF GUMMY BEARS AND ALL THE TIMBITS but once the cheat day actually comes, I'm much better.
We did our weigh-in today for fun before the cheat day. I may weigh in again on Monday for the sake of consistency.
Starting Weight - 152.4lbs
Day 6 - 148.1 (-4.3lbs)
Obviously, I'm happy about this. But I'm also cautious; I've seen my weight plummet in the first week or two of a program, then level off, or worse come up, for the rest of the time. I'm going to try and stay optimistic though!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Day 5: Keep On Truckin'
Oh boy am I tired. I'm pretty sure I had lots of great ideas about what to post, but they seem to have vacated my brain. Some highlights...
- It was a great weight-lifting day. I think the extra calories from my diet re-tooling really helped.
- We are BBQ-ing salmon at 9pm. Because we can.
- Tomorrow is a cheat day!!!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Day 4: Food And More Food
Food is a constant challenge for me. I like to have guidelines! with numbers! so I know if I get a gold star or not for the day. I am always worried that I'll try really hard and stick to the rules, then not have it work for me. Today I read this, which was really interesting. For me, it means my nutrition should break down like this:
Protein: 150-175grams
Carbs: Weight Day - 150 grams
Cardio Day - 75-112 grams
Fat: Weight Day - 37.5-45 grams
Cardio Day - 45-60 grams
Which is a lot more protein and a lot less carbs than I have now. Modifications, yay!
Protein: 150-175grams
Carbs: Weight Day - 150 grams
Cardio Day - 75-112 grams
Fat: Weight Day - 37.5-45 grams
Cardio Day - 45-60 grams
Which is a lot more protein and a lot less carbs than I have now. Modifications, yay!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Day 3: With A New Recipe!
Today is a lower body weight day. It's going to suck in an awesome way (if that makes sense).
I discovered/tried out a new recipe today, and it was delicious! A modification of this Canadian Living recipe.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp (45 mL) lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper
1 can (19 oz/540 mL) Blue Menu Bean Medley, drained and rinsed
1 can (6 oz/170 g) tuna, drained and broken into large chunks
2/3 cup (150 mL) diced cucumber
2/3 cup (150 mL) thawed corn
Yum! Makes four servings so each serving is 184 cals, 29 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fat, 9 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar.
I discovered/tried out a new recipe today, and it was delicious! A modification of this Canadian Living recipe.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp (45 mL) lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper
1 can (19 oz/540 mL) Blue Menu Bean Medley, drained and rinsed
1 can (6 oz/170 g) tuna, drained and broken into large chunks
2/3 cup (150 mL) diced cucumber
2/3 cup (150 mL) thawed corn
Yum! Makes four servings so each serving is 184 cals, 29 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fat, 9 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Day 2: Ow
Well you sure can tell when you haven't been in the gym for a while. I am soooorrreeeee.
The food is still good, cravings aren't too bad although I had a wicked sugar/caffeine withdrawal headache last night. I'm still struggling to find a balance between my caloric needs and balancing carbs and protein. I still look at carbs as bad and protein as good (which, of course, isn't strictly accurate). How do you hit enough calories without blowing the other two out of the water? Especially protein. I've been told to hit 75 grams per day for my weight. I'm at about 100 grams per day. Frustrating!
Today is a cardio day, so T and I are off to a spin class in a few hours.
The food is still good, cravings aren't too bad although I had a wicked sugar/caffeine withdrawal headache last night. I'm still struggling to find a balance between my caloric needs and balancing carbs and protein. I still look at carbs as bad and protein as good (which, of course, isn't strictly accurate). How do you hit enough calories without blowing the other two out of the water? Especially protein. I've been told to hit 75 grams per day for my weight. I'm at about 100 grams per day. Frustrating!
Today is a cardio day, so T and I are off to a spin class in a few hours.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Day 1: Of Many, Many Days
I am so glad to be back in the gym. My muscles, on the other hand, may not agree with me. We actually got up early and went to the gym which was great. It's one of those things you hate doing at the time, but love once you're done.
I'm still having some challenges balancing my food but I'm hoping with a bit of trial and error this week. Same goes for the weight training since I can't seem to find a balance between lifting enough and lifting correctly.
We took before photos but they are so awful there's no way I am posting them. I will post my starting stats though.
Chest: 35"
Waist: 34"
Hips: 41"
Right Thigh: 23"
Right Calf: 15"
Right Bicep: 11.5"
Weight: 152.4lbs
Wow. Long way to go.
I'm still having some challenges balancing my food but I'm hoping with a bit of trial and error this week. Same goes for the weight training since I can't seem to find a balance between lifting enough and lifting correctly.
We took before photos but they are so awful there's no way I am posting them. I will post my starting stats though.
Chest: 35"
Waist: 34"
Hips: 41"
Right Thigh: 23"
Right Calf: 15"
Right Bicep: 11.5"
Weight: 152.4lbs
Wow. Long way to go.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Time for a Mon-tage
So since the last time I posted, I quit my job, moved to a different city, went on a two-week vacation back home, and got engaged. Holy shit!
After the stress of all that plus the fun times on vacation (shiny ring!), it is definitely time for a montage. I feel bloated and gross and generally unfit. So T and I are starting another round of Body For Life on Monday.
*insert obligatory "It's for real this time!" rant*
But I really hope this time is for real since a) I'm tired of feeling unfit and b) I don't want to look at my wedding pictures and think "EW" like I do when I look at the pictures from the weddings we were guests at on this trip.
So it's back to the gym and back to good food. I am a-scared to take our before photos, but it's time to go to DeVry (and get serious about success.)
After the stress of all that plus the fun times on vacation (shiny ring!), it is definitely time for a montage. I feel bloated and gross and generally unfit. So T and I are starting another round of Body For Life on Monday.
*insert obligatory "It's for real this time!" rant*
But I really hope this time is for real since a) I'm tired of feeling unfit and b) I don't want to look at my wedding pictures and think "EW" like I do when I look at the pictures from the weddings we were guests at on this trip.
So it's back to the gym and back to good food. I am a-scared to take our before photos, but it's time to go to DeVry (and get serious about success.)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Skinny Jeans Story
When skinny jeans came into fashion, there was an outcry – what person in their right mind who didn't have Kate Moss legs wear these things?! And yet, they persisted. "Oh, I could NEVER wear those," I thought when I saw them, but secretly, I coveted them. Slinky dark wash jeans with black high heels? Bright red ballet flats? ME WANT.
But I could NEVER wear those.
I used to work in Kensington Market in Toronto for a lovely Mexican/Italian man who owned a trendy little shop there. He told me I should wear skinny jeans. I snorted – yeah, right! But he was serious. He said I should show off my curves and what he called my "Brazilian body" (uhhh sure – I'm as white as white comes, but I do have a large butt, so I guess that's good?).
NOT going to happen. But still, my eye would catch on magazine spreads with models wearing skinny jeans, white t-shirts, and trendy hip-length vests with long silver chains around their necks (and of course, the giant sunglasses).
I've struggled with my weight since I left Toronto and went from walking EVERYWHERE and playing ultimate four nights a week to an office job where I drive back and forth (and still play sports four nights a week). When I moved out I thought, hmm, I could stand to lose ten pounds. That was two years ago, and I've GAINED ten pounds (from an injury) since then, lost most of it despite being in a car accident, and right now struggle just to stay at the weight I moved out here at, despite being quite active (I even completed my first triathlon this summer!).
So, this isn't a story of how I was fat, lost the weight, and now I wear my skinny jeans, hooray! There's nothing wrong with that story – but it isn't mine. And it won't ever be, not because I don't think I'll lose the weight I want to, but because I wear my skinny jeans right now.
Last Christmas I was shopping for new jeans online (which my astute partner saw and immediately shoved his credit card at me because he's awesome and hates shopping for gifts for me – fair enough) and I saw them. My dark skinny jeans in a style I knew fit me.
On sale.
DONE.
And they came and I loved them. Maybe I don't look like Keira Knightly in them, but you bet your ass I rock them with my black heels.
"Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today."
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
No-Carb/Low-Carb Meals That I Actually Like
I'm going to keep a running list here. Add yours in the comments!
1. Tuna salad with cucumber slices as "scoops".
2. Taco-less Taco salad - lettuce with taco seasoned beef, chopped tomatoes, sour cream (or sub shredded cheese).
3. Bunless hamburger - Hamburger (or bison or turkey or chicken etc.) patty plus all the non-carb fixins' (tomato, cheese, mayo, avocado, pickles, onion, etc.)
4. Guacamole or hummus with cut up peppers, cucumber, or carrots to dip.
5. Raw pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Delicious and snackerish.
6. http://www.marksdailyapple.com/buttery-catfish-in-a-creamy-shallot-sauce/
7. http://www.hivehealthmedia.com/paleoprimal-recipe-coconut-almond-chicken/
1. Tuna salad with cucumber slices as "scoops".
2. Taco-less Taco salad - lettuce with taco seasoned beef, chopped tomatoes, sour cream (or sub shredded cheese).
3. Bunless hamburger - Hamburger (or bison or turkey or chicken etc.) patty plus all the non-carb fixins' (tomato, cheese, mayo, avocado, pickles, onion, etc.)
4. Guacamole or hummus with cut up peppers, cucumber, or carrots to dip.
5. Raw pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Delicious and snackerish.
6. http://www.marksdailyapple.com/buttery-catfish-in-a-creamy-shallot-sauce/
7. http://www.hivehealthmedia.com/paleoprimal-recipe-coconut-almond-chicken/
Crickets
So apparently this blogging thing doesn't just happen on its own while I'm elsewhere. Huh.
I am currently in a Second Cup, and not worried about burglars because I am homeless(ish) for the next two weeks. Try robbing me now, burglars.
I'm not really homeless, but I am living out of a suitcase/my dear friend's spare bedroom. And I'm almost unemployed. My (voluntary) last day is two Thursdays from now (oh HAI stress!).
I have two weeks where my life is basically upside down and Tom is not even in the province. So obviously, time to lose ten pounds. I have weddings to attend! My food lately has been horrific and workouts minimal. It sucks; I feel shitty and my weight is back up to 151 which makes me cry. Yes, I know I'm not supposed to watch the scale, but I also feel bad, so I know it isn't just about the number.
Two weeks for a primal/low carb diet and hopefully some real exercise. I say hopefully because I am totally displaced. I don't have a bike, but I do have an exercise room down the hall, so hopefully I'll get on that. I think if this shock to the system can get me back down to 145, I'll be happy.
Wish me luck!
I am currently in a Second Cup, and not worried about burglars because I am homeless(ish) for the next two weeks. Try robbing me now, burglars.
I'm not really homeless, but I am living out of a suitcase/my dear friend's spare bedroom. And I'm almost unemployed. My (voluntary) last day is two Thursdays from now (oh HAI stress!).
I have two weeks where my life is basically upside down and Tom is not even in the province. So obviously, time to lose ten pounds. I have weddings to attend! My food lately has been horrific and workouts minimal. It sucks; I feel shitty and my weight is back up to 151 which makes me cry. Yes, I know I'm not supposed to watch the scale, but I also feel bad, so I know it isn't just about the number.
Two weeks for a primal/low carb diet and hopefully some real exercise. I say hopefully because I am totally displaced. I don't have a bike, but I do have an exercise room down the hall, so hopefully I'll get on that. I think if this shock to the system can get me back down to 145, I'll be happy.
Wish me luck!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Clawing My Way Back
I'm finding it a bit tough to get back into my training.
I went for the world's saddest run last week, which involved shuffling about in five minute rounds for maybe 30 minutes. It was pathetic. I am having some legitimate breathing issues due to my back injury from my car accident (apparently breathing is important for running, who knew?). I had an x-ray done a day after the crash (adrenaline rush, I had it) and they said all was good to go. However, I do have some thoracic compression/pain issues, and a particular disc lower down that hurts like billion (scientific term) on occasion.
But the biggest problem I'm having is motivation. And I think a big part of that is stress. Tom and I are making BIG! LIFE! DECISIONS! which are generally causing me to be very tired and eat entire packages of Oreos.
HOWEVER.
The other day, I received a package in the mail (which is in itself exciting since we're in the middle of a postal strike) from Balancing Act Clothing. I won a giveaway on I Came To Run a while back which made me all swoony and happy. And the t-shirt I won is BEAUTIFUL. Seriously. It's soft and comfy and even Tom approved (odd for a t-shirt). So I went for a run in it.
And that run? Was AWESOME. (7.5km up and down a hill with a half km walk on either end to warm up/cool down – run time was about 45 minutes).
The moral of the story is that Balancing Act t-shirts make you a better runner, and you should go buy one right now.
Unfortunately, the apartment gnome hid my bathing suit so I couldn't get my swim in yesterday. Maybe I just need a Balancing Act swimsuit…
Today is a day off because I have massage/chiro and hopefully we will be able to find a plan that can help me breathe. 'Cause I'm kind of fond of it at this point.
Monday, June 6, 2011
*Yawn* *Stretch* How Was Your Week?
Ahhhh…that was a great week off.
I took the past week to "reboot" my training initiative after the tri. Instead, I focused on things like relaxing, and committing to a real plan-ahead-big-girl meal plan. Not in the sense of restricting foods – just a challenge to be a bit more organized and mindful of what we're eating and when. It's as much a money-saving plan as anything; when I don't plan meals, I don't buy all the ingredients I'll need, and then we just go out for food. Delicious, but pricey.
Alternatively, I buy a bunch of food that doesn't really translate to whole meals as well as it could. It's like buying all separate pieces for a wardrobe without ever considering what you could wear that shirt with. You'll still have clothes on, but it could be much more efficiently executed.
I find that having a meal plan helps me relax, because even if I don't make that EXACT MEAL on that EXACT DAY, I know I have two weeks' (in my case) worth of meals that I can swap around based on what I feel like eating that day. I also find it de-stressing to know that I won't be wasting as much food as I normally do (forgotten roasts that end up freezer burned, veggies that end up rotting in the fridge because I didn't realize they were there).
As for what I'm eating, I'm trying to cultivate a healthier approach to food in general. I've found that adding in "good" fats has really helped me to find that balance. I'm fuller longer, and I can be more sensible in my other choices because I'm not crashing. It's one great takeaway from the great no-carb fest.
Some of the foods I used to avoid like the plague because they were fatty and now I eat and love GUILT FREE:
Nuts – I don't eat these often, mostly because I was raised in a NUTSAREEVILKILLTHEM household. Also, sometimes they make my mouth itchy.
Seeds – Raw pumpkin seeds are AWESOME.
Cheese – I eat this in moderation mostly because sometimes dairy makes my stomach swell until I look eight months pregnant. Not pretty.
Cream – That's right; 18% cream in my coffee every morning. I can hear the shocked whispers. You'll get fat! Use skim milk! Scary fake creamers! ANYTHING BUT FATTY FATTY CREAM!
Here's the thing. Cream has less milk sugar than skim milk. When I use cream, I'm fuller, longer. And when I use cream, it's enough flavour that I don't need to add sugar to my coffee. And less sugar is good in my book.
Whole eggs instead of just always the whites – I still eat egg whites some mornings, but if I want a whole egg, I go for it.
Olive oil and balsamic vinegar as salad dressing – it's delicious. And filling. And it makes my coat glossy.
The other take-aways from the big bad diet have been that veggies are delicious and every meal doesn't need a carb to be complete. If you hate "diets," consider challenging yourself to have a veggie at every meal. You'll be surprised how it fills you up and helps you avoid making less healthy decisions.
Making an omelette in the morning? Toss in some chopped peppers and tomatoes. Throw together a green salad for lunch (they make them premade in plastic containers now, how hard is that?), and make sure you have a seasonal veg with dinner (seasonal means cheaper, generally better tasting, and it will ensure that you don't just eat carrots with every meal!).
Hopefully, we can think about food more in yum, this makes me feel good way, rather than a guilt-induced panic over the piece of bread you had earlier (oh…is that just me?).
Setting a new training plan from now until I go home for a visit. Details to follow!
P.S. I made this recipe yesterday and it was delicious. Slow cookers are AWESOME.
Monday, May 30, 2011
TRI TALK: The Epic Conclusion
Well, it's over and done. And you know what? It was awesome.
We had early start times of 7:20am (Tom) and 7:25am (me – he gets a head start, no fair!). We had to be present and registered an hour before our start times (!) so we were up bright and early. We biked to the pool because a) we had to bring the bikes anyway, b) it's only 2.5km from our house, and c) there was very limited parking on site. When we left the house on our bikes, it was MAYBE 5 degrees Celsius. I was less than impressed and dreading the transition where I had to run out of the pool in only my bathing suit in 5 degree weather. That part wasn't so enjoyable.
Overall, though, it was great. The weather did warm up to be a very nice day by the time we were running, and I brought sufficient layers of clothing so that I didn't freeze completely on the bike section.
The Breakdown!
Swim time: 27:21
Bike time: 1:11:44
Run time: 54:32
Total time: 2:33:36.1
Which means…
· I finished #217th overall (don't have a total number of participants yet though)
· I finished #18th in my age/gender group (women 19-29)
Goals
A Goal – Beat Tom :P (definitely not going to happen)
· I totally beat Tom in the swim (sure, he had a cracked collarbone from rugby the day before and I only beat him by 24 seconds, but I'm counting it as a win)
· I was also only a minute slower than he was on the run, and if I had known that at the time, I think I could have pushed harder to beat him
B Goal – Finish in less than three hours
· I finished in 2 hours 33 minutes. WIN!
C Goal – Finish
· I sure did!
I took 2 minutes off my PB for the swim (yay!), and about five minutes off my PB for the bike. The run was kinda craptacular. I ran the first half (down the hill), but walked a lot coming back up. However, my time was pretty reasonable at only 4 minutes over my indoor PB. The race was very well organized, and it was really fun to see my name show up with a ranking (something that doesn't happen with charity races!).
Most importantly, I survived!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Now I HAVE To Do This
It has been horribly cold and rainy and overcast all week. This is our typical May long weekend weather, albeit a few days late. I am sensibly concerned about the weather for this triathlon because I hate running about the city while soaking wet. Perhaps this is unreasonable. However, since I live in a province where it snows every damn month of the year (the first year I was here, the only month it didn't snow was August. True story.), I think of it as good survival instincts.
Here is the current forecast for Sunday (a large improvement over the one from a few days ago which said NO SUN FOR YOU and also here's a 12 degree high):
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| TheWeatherNetwork.ca |
I had one of the worst runs every last night, which included me stopping at 4.5km to have a cry, then back to finish at 5.5km, despite planning to do 10km, or 8km if I beat my PB time (ahahahahaha). My knee was grumping at me, and it just set off a chain of "why can't I control anything in my life, and nothing goes according to plan, and some things are so up in the air and WHY CAN'T THE CAT AND DOG GET MARRIED AHHHHH". When Tom got home, I was lying on the couch with ice on my knee, and what must have been an impressive scary face because he took one look and said "um, should I go get some chocolate?" - hands off, he's mine.
There are two easy ways to tell my stress level: what am I eating, and how am I running. Considering the M&M cookies I just inhaled as well as last night's breakdown, we can safely put me in the Stress Code Red category. The triathlon is causing me stress, but mostly it's Big Life Decisions ™ that are all hanging in the balance right now until further moves are made. Last night I was seriously considering pulling out of the race, but I told one of the managers at work about entering it (d'oh) and he told the entire team in a meeting today (double d'oh).
Also, because apparently my amnesia has sufficiently kicked in, I may be doing the MS Ride in June (160km in two days). That's a lot shorter than the RTCC (220km in two days), so it'll be a piece of cake, right? RIGHT?!
I need more cookies.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
It's Not You, I'm Just Hiding From My Triathlon
It's Wednesday. My triathlon is on Sunday.
*hyperventilates*
I'm pretty sure someone is mucking about with the speed at which I perceive time (I blame Tom, he is an astrophysicist after all).
As someone who has never run a proper race of any kind, I'm a tad smidgey-bit intimidated. I've done charity "races" which are not races at all; this is a bit different obviously, but I kind of feel like I'm defaulting to approaching this one the same way: "go out, don't die, finish, have milkshake".
My training is all over the place this week and last. Soccer just started, so I'm training with my team as well as subbing on a few others, but I'm mostly hiding from my triathlon-specific workouts (good plan, self). I suspect Future Erin will be very angry at Past Erin for this decision. At the same time, all I can think is, will run more distance run really make a difference at this point? Will practicing biking soaking wet make it any less uncomfortable during the race (an emphatic NO on this one).
Tom was in Vegas this weekend, will play rugby on Saturday, and then do the tri with me on Sunday. None of his training has been tri-specific (he trains a lot – just for rugby, not triathlons). I suspect he will still kick my ass time-wise, which makes me put on my annoyed pants.
Here's a time breakdown:
Erin – Best Times | Tom – Best Estimated | |
1km Swim | 29:30 | 29:00 |
26km Bike | 76:00 | 60:00 |
8km Run | 50:15 | 50:00 |
TOTAL ESTIMATED: | 2:35:45 | 2:19:00 |
Holy crap, I am the slowest turtle at turtle school. Following Emilie's suggestion of A, B, and C goals, here's what I hope to do:
A Goal – Beat Tom :P (definitely not going to happen)
B Goal – Finish in less than three hours
C Goal – Finish
I should be fine to hit the swim time. I've been consistently coming in just under 30 minutes (and frustratingly unable to get any faster). The bike is a bit of a crapshoot; Tom is a much better cyclist than I am, riding a much nicer and faster racing bike (while I will be tugboating along on my hybrid mountain bike). I haven't been training on the race route for this section because it's fracking annoying to bike it if the road isn't closed (which it will be for the race). Also it's an exceptionally boring route to train on; it's four loops up and down a main road.
The run I expect will be slower than my best time, partly because I set that time inside and severely up my turtle quotient when I run outside, and partly because it will be done after a 1km swim and 26km bike.
Seriously, whose idea was this? Mine, you say? Oh right. Can I blame my concussions?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Not Enough
Emilie over at I Came to Run posted about anger today. I'm not just linking because I heart her and I won her recent giveaway because I am totally her favourite Canuck. She listed a bunch of things that are making her mad these days, and a few stood out for me (because I'm convinced she secretly lives in my head).
I’m angry because I can’t just look in the mirror and accept what I see;
I’m angry because I work so hard on so many things, and at the end of the day I still feel like I’m not good enough;
Every morning starts with the same thought process for me. Groggily dragging myself to the other side of the room to shut off my alarm clock, glaring at Tom as he semi-consciously rolls over into the warm snuggly pit of body heat I just vacated, and assessing what happened yesterday. I don't know that I did this as often before my concussion, but I imagine lots of people (even those without traumatic brain injuries) do this.
My morning assessments include two major questions: did I work out yesterday and what did I eat. And these questions are always centered on a delicate subject: deserving. Did I do enough to deserve a day off/lighter workout? Did I eat well enough to deserve to weigh less today? Did I eat well enough to deserve sugar in my coffee/a muffin/any other food "reward"?
I've been trying lately to focus on the positive changes I can see in my body – my legs feel stronger, for one – rather than the continued avalanche of negative things about my body (my weight is sneaking back up, this gut WILL NOT LEAVE, I swear I used to fit smaller clothes). It's tough; most days, it really sucks. There are few things more frustrating than working hard at something only to not see the results you really want.
Some days, it's harder than others to take a deep breath and push through.
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Pregnancy Isn't Contagious, Right?
I'm in my mid-twenties now (almost), so I guess it shouldn't be surprising that all around me people are getting married and having babies. I have no problem with this; weddings mean wearing a pretty dress and getting drunk and eating cake celebrating with friends. The first of my childhood friends is getting married this summer and I'm incredibly happy for her. But goddamn it's going to be weird to watch her walk down the aisle. Another, more recently made friend is also getting married this summer, and it's also going to be a bit strange, but far less so to watch her exchange vows (also, insanely happy for them).
Each year my soccer team loses players as their eggos turn to preggo. And it's wonderful; the babies that result are adorable, and I genuinely enjoy being around them. We had dinner with friends of ours and met their three-month old daughter for the first time (OMG CUTE). When we go home this summer, we'll see my pretend nephew (as in, he's Tom's nephew, not that he doesn't exist), who will be nearly two years old – we haven't seen him since he was about five months old. When we go back in December, I'll hopefully get to meet my very first cousinlet/cousinlette (my cousin's first baby).
On Mother's Day, Tom and I went for our standing brunch date and the restaurant was handing out carnations to the moms. While I was paying, the manager asked if I was a mom yet – a legitimate question since she needed to know if I should get a flower or not. After saying no, she leaned in and asked "Do you plan to be a mother someday?".
Um, sheesh lady, I'm trying to do math and work out a tip, isn't it a bit early to be asking me lifestyle questions like that?! While we do see you once a week for bacon and eggs, I'm not sure my own MOTHER has asked me that!
This isn't to say that I'm feeling like everyone is getting married and procreating but me; rather, it's more like I hope we still have common ground and that our friendships don't change (too much) with these major life events. Let me put it this way. When someone tells me they are pregnant (and that person is around my age), my reaction is still "Oh! Is that a good thing?" Yes, my mouth does hurt from shoving my foot in there.
I wonder a bit if my personal timeline is that far off from what's expected of a woman my age (not that the expectations are going to influence my decisions, but really, is it so unheard of to not be taking those steps at 24?).
I wonder a bit if my personal timeline is that far off from what's expected of a woman my age (not that the expectations are going to influence my decisions, but really, is it so unheard of to not be taking those steps at 24?).
Guess I'll just have to brush up on my Aunt skills.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Run, Run, Pant, Pant
Yesterday I ran (most of) the route I'll be running for the triathlon. I didn't run all of it because of construction and time constraints. It was a pretty decent run, about 8km in total (7km actually running) and it took me about an hour (50 minutes for the run part - so Jimmy-Bob slow). I'm still getting used to running outside, so I don't mind my pace lagging a bit.
Running outside is still not my favourite for one simple reason: I know those hoots and hollers from passing cars aren't because I look so sexy running (I don't). I like to pretend they are only yelling encouraging things, but let's face it, if my imagination was that good I would have thought of Harry Potter. Maybe they are just enjoying my junk in the trunk; it has been known to bring various suitors to my "yard".
Now that you are sufficiently horrified by that image, it's time for TRI TALK!
Here's the breakdown:
1km swim (in a pool)
26km bike (not in a pool)
8km run (also not in a pool)
Here are the concerns I'm having:
1. The pool will be so filled with people that I will be constantly running into other people's feet, or having other people run into my feet .I don't feel very good about either foot situation.
2. The transition from pool to bike. The actual "getting out of the pool and onto a bike" seems simple enough. Except that I'll be wearing a bathing suit. And be wet. Neither of which are ideal conditions for biking (let alone running).
3. The bike ride isn't a big 26km loop; it's four loops up and down a goddamn hill. I haven't even done it yet – that's how mentally exhausting I find that route.
4. I'm going to have to bike and run while wet, cold, and WEARING A SWIM SUIT.
This was a terrible idea.
Monday, May 9, 2011
My Adult Acne Story
"When did I become one of those girls with dozens of beauty products, none of which are expendable? It used to be a touch of mascara, dab of Coppertone, zip, bam, boom, out the door." – Rory Gilmore
I had that exact thought yesterday after I got home from Shoppers Drug Mart. A lovely young woman helped me colour-match a new foundation because I'm actually too tan to wear the one I normally do. SHOCKING, I know. She also set me up with some sweet bronzer for my collar bone area because it was either that or, in her words "get more sun". Thanks?
She quickly redeemed any lost points by loading me up with free makeup swag. When I got home, I realized my makeup now explodes out of two kits – and that doesn't include what I have stashed under the sink. This is probably a normal state for many women; I, however, never wore makeup until basically my first year of university, because of my acne.
I've had severe bacterial/cystic acne for most of my life. Think of the worst zit you've ever had: bright red, giant and painful. That's what I had all the time. From the time I was ten until I graduated university, I never had a single clear skin day. Not one. I've gone through every type of treatment – birth control pills, any and every brand sold over the counter, prescription face washes and creams, wacky home remedies, antibiotics, Proactive, and finally, after putting it off for more than a year, a round of Accutane (Isotretinoin).
You know those low-quality commercials on during day time TV that advertise law firms looking for patients who have taken X drug and experienced Y side effects? Accutane is now featured in one. The scary list of potential side effects include kidney and liver damage (for which you're monitored with blood tests every two weeks while on the drug), increased risk of suicide and severe fetal defects – serious enough that by law, a woman must be on birth control pills to be prescribed this medication. I know what you're thinking – why didn't I take this sooner?
The side effects I did experience were severe drying of the skin, lips and eyes. I'm not talking about oh, my skin's a bit dry today. I mean I had a day moisturizer and a heavy duty night one, and if I missed applying either, my skin would start to slough off in hours. I had eye drops and lip balm with me at all times. I also couldn't spend much time outside, because you are at risk for severe sunburns. Isotretinoin basically changes your skin's make up, so I ended up a lot paler than when I started, and I don't tan as easily as I once did.
Rather than really clear up my acne, Accutane changed it - specifically, what parts of my face were the worst. Overall, it did get better, but it did not cure my skin condition. I am lucky enough that now, at 24, I seem to have found a combination that works for me (BECAUSE I KNOW YOU'RE INTERESTED):
· Keracnyl by Ducray facewash
· Active Moist moisturizer by Dermalogica
· CoverFX water-based foundation (NaturalFX)
· Skin prep scrub (about three times a week) by Dermalogica
Diet reduced in refined carbs/gluten/lactose
Everyone is different, and what works for me may not work for you. For some, a course of Accutane may be entirely worth it – and I can't really say for sure it wasn't for me. After all, who knows if my skin prior to Accutane would have reacted the same way as my post-Accutane skin to this regimen?
What I wish I had known back then is this:
· Your diet matters
· You need to use products faithfully for at least four weeks before seeing true results
· Consistency matters – don't skip washing or moisturizing ever, if you can help it
· The right make up can not only give the appearance of nicer skin, it can actually help maintain and create nicer skin.
· Bad skin needs moisturizer too.
· Stop wearing that stupid hat. You don't look as cool as you think you do.
But since I can't go back in time, I'll settle for being here, playing with my free, pretty make up.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The One About Coffee
I loves me some coffee. Home brew, cappuccino, latte, Americano, Coffee Crisp, these are all good things. Don't even get me started on chocolate covered coffee beans or dark chocolate Toblerone which isn't technically coffee but I'm pretty sure has 18 times the caffeine (there's 24 hours wide awake I won't get back – worth it).
My options in the morning are 1) brew some tasty Vanilla Hazelnut coffee at home 2) hit up Timmies 3) Second Cup 4) Starbucks 5) Gas station coffee and as a terrible, terrible last resort, 6) the coffee at my office.
The coffee at my office is bad. I've tried brewing it different, filling it with creamer, filling it with creamer and sugar, filling it with creamer and sugar and International Delight French Vanilla and nothing helps. While I am a big fan of coffee, my willingness to hit up the Java Stop in the closest Shell station proves that I'm not a coffee snob. My favourite coffee shop is one back in Kensington Market. It's actually a breakfast-type restaurant where I used to get a proper-sized (read: big ass) to-go cup with a proper-sized (think of a baby's head) made-on-the-premises muffin and head off to work. The owner was awesome and despite never knowing my name, always had my order ready to go before I even stepped in the shop.
*Sigh*
I haven't found anything like that here yet, although there are some great coffee shops out Jasper way. Bit rough to hit those on the way to work though.
ANYWHO.
This morning I left without brewing at home because I forgot (what? It was early) and I opted not to go to Tims despite what the voices in my head were telling me. When people talk about Tim Hortons the conversation usually goes like this:
"Tim Hortons coffee is terrible."
"Don't you go there everyday?"
"Yes. And if I miss a day I will cut you."
'Nuff said. So now I am stranded at work, coffee-less. I made myself a cup here and took one sip. Then it sat beside me, cream curdling and floating to the top. I just can't do it. This coffee makes me think there is no such thing as a loving God and if there is, he definitely drinks tea. *Lightbulb* I'm off to the tea cupboard (doesn't every office have a tea cupboard?). It's no coffee, but I'll take what I can get at this point. And that's where I find this.
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| Celestialseasonings.com I don't know what Bengal tastes like, but I know I'm not going to find out. |
You're welcome.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Be Vewry Vewry Qwuiet
You may have noticed that I haven't mentioned my knee lately.
SHHHH!!! It'll hear you! It can sense weakness.
It's actually been holding up pretty well (*knocks on every available surface*) which my awesome RMT thinks is because my hamstrings are getting stronger, thus keeping my knee in line. So it turns out I was right – running is both the cause of, and answer to, my knee problem.
In other training news, I've found that my distance runs (or runs I do as the second half of a brick workout) come with what I can best describe as joint pain in my knees. Now I feel old. Thanks a lot, training. Yesterday I did 19km on a stationary bike followed by a 5km run. I felt really good (except for the joint pain) and I'm hoping the weather will hold/I can trick my bike back into rideable shape so I can try out the bike tri course this afternoon.
On a completely unrelated note, I need a cup of coffee. I learned today that making bad coffee stronger does not make it better. Who knew?
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Wow, I Published This Without A Title - It Really Is Rambly
It's May.
May is TRIATHLON MONTH.
(For me and Tom, not the world at large.)
*Hyperventilates*
I started with my first pretend brick workout yesterday. Brick workouts are where you combine two (or all three, I guess) of the events into one workout. So, for example, yesterday I rode my Tom's bike to the pool, swam my 1km, and then biked home. I intended to bike half of the cycle route, but the bikes and I, we weren't getting along. I dug mine out of my car and realized a crucial part (the little knob that HOLDS ON MY FRONT TIRE) had gone missing, so I took Tom's bike, which I realized later had no air in the tires. Oops. (I ruv roo?)
So my bike is out of commission until I can take it in. And yes, I intend to do this race with my giant not-a-road-bike because I am stupid too cheap to buy a new bike BAD ASS.
All in all, I like the idea of doing brick workouts for the same reason I like the idea of doing a tri in the first place – I get bored with one exercise. However, I somehow just realized that I will have to do the bike and run in my wet bathing suit and I'm none too pleased about that. Our first outdoor soccer practice is tonight as well, so I'm going to have to rework my workout schedule. Yay schedules!
Or not. Just got a text cancelling practice due to cold, crappy weather. Bah.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Apparently I'm An Indoor Cat
So running outside? Nothing like running inside.
Granted, this was only my second run outside this season, and my first attempt at the course for the triathlon. Also, I'm back on the no-carb because I'm a sadist it's the only way I seem to lose weight.
Reasons Why Running Outside Currently Sucks
1. I feel very, very slow.
2. My stride seems to go straight to hell. Shuffle run, anyone?
3. There are CARS.
4. There are PEOPLE in those cars. And they are looking at me shuffle run my big bum around.
5. I can't zone out the way I can when I'm running around an indoor track (sort of like a greyhound if a greyhound took a lot of sedatives).
6. The tri route starts 2.5km from my house. If I walk there and back, that's another hour added on to my workout.
7. I can't calculate my distances as accurately as I can inside. I like my numbers, even if they don't like me.
Reasons Why Running Outside Doesn't Suck
1. Fresh air! Sunshine!
2. I have to use different muscles since the terrain and elevation changes.
I think it's going to take some getting used to, this running outside business. I can only hope it kicks in before the race next month.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The "Reality" Of Beauty
The campaign for "real women" shows up quite often these days. This morning I read Mishelle's post on Curvy Girl Guide called "Real-Sized Style Icons". The post lists her top ten “Real-Sized” Fashion and Style Icons. I get what her point is here; she verbalizes herself quite neatly.
"After all, this is not a cookie-cutter world. We are all different, and that should be embraced in our society, not shunned."
She then lists ten celebrities who all fit a particular body type. While these women are unquestionably beautiful, I have an issue with labeling them "real women". Real women come in all shapes and sizes, even slim.
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Via WetPaint.com. |
This is Kasia, the "fiercely real" competitor on America's Next Top Model. Can someone please tell me what makes her more "real" than the Cycle 15 winner, Ann?
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| Via Starcasm.net |
The way we label each other matters. It's like condemning a woman for being "barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen". The point of gender equality wasn't to keep women from being stay at home moms. It was to empower them with the choice to do so or not. Telling women that real beauty is looking like Christina Hendricks is no different than saying they need to be a size zero to be attractive.
It is exciting to see more body types represented in the media as attractive, and I understand the urge to rally around that excitement and shout "see! I am beautiful!" I get it. But for those women who don't fit this facet of beautiful, we need to be better. We need to rise above any one definition, because no matter what size it is, it's inadequate. We need to stop pointing to any one type of body and identifying it as the standard of beauty. Instead, why can't we push a message of individual beauty? Who you are at your core and the choices you make are what make you attractive.
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Real beauty for me. |
Monday, April 25, 2011
Rants And Updates
It's been a rough couple of days back-wise (SIGN!*) which means I couldn't work out as much as I wanted. I missed a run *frown* which was especially hard since Tom went on a run without me and I stayed behind, watching Criminal Minds and eating staring longingly out the window. I am trying to be good and rest when I'm hurting so that I don't make it worse (bet you can guess how well THAT's going).
The funny thing is that I can run, bike, and swim usually completely pain-free. I can also lie down (like a CHAMP). What I can't do is sit. Which makes for awkward times at work, and at home when I always feel lazy for lying down instead of sitting like a normal person.
/Injury Du Jour Rant
In other news, we are heading out to Jasper sometime soon (try and schedule around THAT burglars) for a rugby tournament which I plan to photograph. Hooray for using my expensive camera! I haven't purchased a decent telephoto lens for it yet, but I'm hoping to take advantage (tee hee) of the higher fps to get some good action shots.
/Nerdy Photography Talk
If you are a runner, or a person who likes to read good blogs, check out my new BFF (only she doesn't know it yet – creepy FTW!) over at I Came To Run. But don't enter her giveaway. THAT PRIZE IS MINE.
Only five weeks until my first triathlon! SCARED!
*Tom holds up a pretend sign every time I complain about my back or knee. Apparently I mention it a lot. I think that is a wild exaggeration.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Feelin' Fine
Yesterday was a pretty awesome day. I woke up feeling refreshed and energetic. I stopped to buy gas on the way to work and bought a lottery ticket for the hell of it. I won $15 (book the cruise!). It was sunny and lovely and warm out (uh, Edmonton warm, so about 10 degrees). Work went by quickly and without major incident. And my workout was AWESOME. It was a swimming day, and although I didn't set a PB for my race length (1km) due to some goggle malfunctions, I did set a PB for my overall distance (1.7km). Sweet! I felt strong and confident in my movements in the water.
I got home and made dinner, did laundry and cleaned up. I felt great. Apparently carbs = happy, even minimal carbs!
I find it amazing the disconnect that exists between our mind and body. We seem so reluctant to associate our moods and feelings with the way we treat our bodies in terms of food and exercise (and just overall). I wonder, what is it that creates this distance? Something I've been mulling over lately.
If all one of you is interested, you can see my workouts and times on my RunKeeper profile. Add me to your StreetTeam if you are on this site! http://runkeeper.com/user/E3Writing/profile
If all one of you is interested, you can see my workouts and times on my RunKeeper profile. Add me to your StreetTeam if you are on this site! http://runkeeper.com/user/E3Writing/profile
Monday, April 11, 2011
Day Six and Seven: The Final Results!
So after a brutal six days, Tom and I kyboshed the total no-carb diet. My urine turned orange on Saturday (how's that morning coffee tasting?), which Dr. Google informed me is a sign of ketones, an indicator of anemia, liver disease, and/or diabetes. Now, obviously one day of this does not mean I have any of those conditions; what it does mean is that my body was in distress. Ketones are formed when the liver glycogen stores are depleted (Wikipedia). I knew that part of the no-carb process was to deplete that store in order to force your body to draw energy from fats and proteins instead of carbohydrates (which are a "cheap" form of energy). But there is something that doesn't feel right about forcing my body into that kind of distress.
The symptoms we experienced during this diet were:
1. Bitchiness
Let's just say it was a good thing Tom was away for work most of the week.
2. Stomach pain/severe nausea
It was bad. To be fair, I think a lot of this came from suddenly eating a ton of cheese (I usually never do) and eating high sodium, high fat meats like turkey/chicken pepperoni snausages or whatever they are.
3. Fogginess/confusion/utter stupidity
We would forget words. There were several times I didn't feel safe to drive. It was almost like being buzzed all the time without it being any fun.
4. Weakness and general sucking for workouts
I added 15% to my swim time, and a whopping 20 minutes to my bike time (BRUTAL). I felt awful during my workouts and my times really suffered.
5. Losing weight very quickly
My starting weight was 153.2 pounds. The lowest I weighed during the six days was on the fifth day at 144.5 pounds. That's an 8.7 pound loss in five days (!). While the numbers are fun to look at, I can't believe that this is a healthy way for me to shed pounds. And the way I felt was honestly not worth it. I was sleeping 9-10 hours a night and still needing an hour nap each day. I woke up dreading the day because of what I would have to eat; everything I could eat made me nauseated. Opening the fridge would actually make me choke back bile (and not just because I haven't cleaned the fridge in a while).
There are some positives to take away from this experiment.
1. I do consume a lot of easily removed carbs.
Although delicious, I don't NEED to have sugar in my coffee every day. A meal doesn't HAVE to have a bread component to be complete. Eating three yogurts and two pieces of fruit a day is probably excessive.
2. Eating more veggies is easy if I pay attention to it.
One meal I really enjoyed on this diet was tuna salad (with mayo) that I ate using cucumber slices as "scoops". It was like dipping tortilla chips (same crunch) and I didn't need bread to eat my tuna (although I do love me some tuna sammich).
3. Planning meals makes a huge difference.
If you're just grabbing food, you make poor choices. A little planning ahead can mean you eat with purpose instead of mindlessly. On that same note, it is VERY easy to mindless eat carbs. It's as if your body doesn't have an off switch to tell you that's enough. When you are eating protein or fat foods, your body has a trigger finger on that off switch, and it'll let you know when enough's enough.
For the next week (at least), we're still eliminating refined carbs (sorry Shreddies, I still love you!) and milk. We've added back in fruit and potatoes in limited amounts. Hopefully that will help us find a bit more balance.
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