Operation :: Goddess

Breakfast: Yogurt, and coffee.

Lunch:

Dinner:

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+

Exercise:

Energy Level: Completely ennervated. Which was probably caused by the fact that I had to clean up cat shit first thing this morning. I mean, FIRST thing. And it was all over the house. Upstairs on the landing. On the stairs. On the *wall* beneath the railing. In a trail from the bottom of the stairs, through the kitchen, and out into the garage. Oz was apparently having a bad morning.

Posted by Laura at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments

Okay, that's it.

There is only one food group I've been consistently eating from, and that's the junk food group. I noshed ALL WEEKEND long. Yesterday was the worst. I mean, breakfast was okay - I had chocolate Malt-O-Meal (which is actually not too horrible, nutrition-wise). And I had, like, half of a Toaster Strudel (Calvin made two and I scarfed a couple of bites). For lunch I had a bean burrito, and a handful or two of chips. But, hah! Get this laughable dinner: More chips (salt-n-vinegar, my own personal nemisis), three pieces of baklavah (not as bad as it sounds, since these pieces were literally 3/4 inch square), and a raspberry dreamsicle.

What the fuh? I'm eating like a twelve year old babysitter, clearing out the cupboards.

Today I'm trying to start anew. Although I'm aware that I'm still eating way too much bread. But fruit and veggies are going to make a reappearance in my life, and junk food is going to disappear. I'm probably setting myself up for failure, here, so close to the holidays. But if I make a concerted effort the rest of the time, I can allow myself the treats during the festivities.

Posted by Laura at 7:32 AM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Whole wheat toast, yogurt, and coffee.

Lunch: Ham sandwich on whole wheat, an apple, baby carrots, and a V-8. (Hah! That's what I *brought* for lunch. Then my friend asked me to go to lunch with her, and we went to Sonic. I have NO willpower whatsoever.)

Dinner: Shepherd's pie.

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+20+10 = 50oz.

Exercise:

Energy Level: "Today is the first day of the rest of my life." Ugh. I got up early and was at work by 7:00. This will be part of my new routine as I attempt to take full advantage of the overtime offered to me. So far, though, it hasn't been too painful to be here. That might be because I went to bed at 8:30 last night. Yes, 8:30. After watching "The Wizard of Oz". And then my mommy gave me a cup of warm milk and read "Where The Wild Things Are" to me until I fell asleep. Yeesh.

Posted by Laura at 6:54 AM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Uh, kinda slept through it. Then I had coffee. At noon.

Lunch: Grilled ham-n-cheese, chips, ginger ale.

Dinner: A burrito made with leftover roast, refried beans, cheese, and salsa. I opted for the "healthy" choice and declined Calvin's offer to deep-fry it, as he was doing to his.

Water: (goal = 100oz) I have no idea. Not much.

Exercise: I should just take this out.

Energy Level: It was a busy day, and I actually didn't poop out. I even managed to stay up past midnight without too much bother. Go me.

Posted by Laura at 2:48 PM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Coffee, and yogurt.

Lunch: Lemon chicken, fried rice, 1 wonton, 1/2 eggroll, and tea at Silver Lake with Calvin.

Dinner: Nachos, a strawberry margarita, a nuts-n-berries shot, and Bailey's on ice.

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+20+10 = 50oz

Exercise:

Energy Level: I wonder if I've put way too many chemicals in my body. I'm still pretty fatigued, but I feel a whole hell of a lot better since I stopped taking the medication that was messing with me. I've also been out of my allergy meds for about four days. I still take an inhaler for my asthma, and sometimes I worry that all the stuff I suck into my lungs (a rescue inhaler, and a steroid inhaler) can't be good for them.

Calvin did some research on the web and thinks I may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I certainly do have a number of the symptoms, so this is something I'm going to bring up to my doctor when I meet with her in about 10 days.

Posted by Laura at 9:02 AM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Just coffee. (Yesterday I didn't have breakfast, and Tuesday I had peanut butter toast and coffee.)

Lunch: Portabello mushroom calzone, Sprite. (Yesterday I didn't have breakfast. Tuesday I had a ham sandwich, but it doesn't count because I threw it back up again about 20 minutes after I ate it. Eeeewww.)

Dinner: Pot roast with boiled potatoes and gravy, salad, milk. Then later, a fat-free ice cream popcicle type thingy. (Yesterday I had pizza with pineapple and ham, some Pringles, and an apple. Tuesday I had BBQ beef ribs, au gratin potatoes, and corn.)

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+20+10 = 50oz (Tuesday and Wednesday I didn't even come close to my goal.)

Exercise: (None Tuesday or Wednesday)

Energy Level: So Monday I went to the doctor, and she told me my fatigue could be caused by any number of things (duh). They took some blood, and I am to go back in two weeks. She also gave me some nasal spray for my cold symptoms. Dude, this stuff made me SO SICK that I went home early on Tuesday and didn't go to work at all on Wednesday. Hence the no eating until dinner on Wednesday. I'm not sure why dinner stayed down on Tuesday night, but not lunch. TMI, I know. The scale tells me I've lost another pound because of this nonsense, so, you know, silver lining and all that.

Posted by Laura at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments

Portion Control

Do you know how to determine portion sizes? Take this quiz, and if you totally bomb (like I did), read this article for some "handy" tips on determining serving sizes.

Posted by Laura at 9:57 AM | Permalink | Comments

Water - The Other Side of the Story

I don't necessarily believe this, but it's always good to consider differing opinions.

Posted by Laura at 9:49 AM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: 1/2 bagel with cream cheese, coffee. (Yesterday I had oatmeal with banana, and Saturday I had oatmeal with banana.)

Lunch: Chicken caesar pasta salad from Fazoli's. (Yesterday I had 1 cheeseburger and a small fries from McD's. Saturday I had a salami sandwich.)

Dinner: 1.5 cups Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper. (Yesterday I didn't eat dinner because I had popcorn and a few chocolate almonds at the movies. Saturday was the AcronymCo winter party and I had baked salmon, pasta salad, and mixed veggies. Plus a slice of gingerbread and some chocolate mousse for dessert. And there were drinks.)

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+20+20 = 60oz (Saturday and Sunday I didn't even come close to my goal.)

Exercise: (Nothing Saturday and Sunday, unless you count all the walking I did on Saturday, clothes shopping with Marie and Calvin.)

Energy Level: Fatigue is getting worse. I have a doctor's appointment today, so I'll update on what I find out. Saturday I woke up at around 10:00, had a nap from 4:00-5:00, and was absolutely WIPED OUT when I went to bed at 12:30. Sunday I woke up at 9:30, had a nap from 3:00-4:00, and was dragging ass by 9:30. Today I woke up at 6:15, hung out with Calvin until 6:30 when he left, went back to sleep until 7:00, dragged ass through my morning routine, and now at work I feel like if I close my eyes for five seconds, I'll be asleep. There has *got* to be something wrong with me.

Posted by Laura at 9:43 AM | Permalink | Comments

Are You Pooped?

So lately I've had a noticeable lack of energy. I know at least part of it is not exercising - that's a known method for increasing one's energy. Last night Calvin and I dedicated to start working out every day, no exceptions, beginning this weekend. It's good to have a partner who helps motivate me, and I him.

Another obvious thing to prevent fatigue is to get enough sleep. This article reveals how many people believe they're getting enough sleep, when they're really not. I usually go to bed around 10:00 or 10:30 on week nights, and get up around 6:00. That gives me 7.5 to 8 hours. But we usually fall asleep with the TV on. Perhaps a better way to get a good night's sleep is to darken the room and turn the T.V. off.

Stress is another major cause of fatigue. Yes, I have been stressed. Mainly at work - I wrote my bi-weekly report this morning and it was three pages long when I was done! This article has some suggestions for stress relief. I'm not big on the whole meditation/yoga/find your happy place/oohhmm thing. I can, however, learn to better identify my triggers, burn off my stress with exercise, and lean on Calvin as my "support network". A couple of nights ago I spent an hour sitting with him on the patio, just describing some of the things I'm working on and some of the things I'm going through, and it made me feel a lot better.

This article has a bunch of links to help you identify your resons for being fatigue and overcome it.

Other sources here and here.

Posted by Laura at 9:47 AM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Oatmeal and coffee.

Lunch: Roast beef sandwich, a handful of chips, apple sauce, and a V-8.

Dinner: 1/2 of a combo burrito and 1/2 of a bean burrito from Taco Bell.

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+20+10 = 50oz

Exercise:

Energy Level: This is ridiculous. I'm tired *all the time*. I'm going to research this and post the results here.

Posted by Laura at 9:28 AM | Permalink | Comments

Pretzels Are Off My List

Are you eating any of these ten infamous snack foods? Sorry, folks, pretzels are on that list!

Some alternatives? Popcorn (air popped with a sprinkle of parmesan). A handful of nuts. Pickles. Veggies dipped in hummus. An apple or celery with nut butter. A hard-boiled egg. Sliced tomato with a thin slice of mozzerella (broil it or microwave it for a sec to melt the cheese). Fruit sorbet. A cup of yogurt sprinkled with granola. To channel Emeril for a second, kick your snacks up a notch! Why settle for the same old tired crap? Think of alternatives that are much better for you, great tasting, and just as quick and easy as grabbing a handful of chips.

Posted by Laura at 9:49 AM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Just coffee and water.

Lunch: Salami on whole wheat, carrots, an apple, and V-8.

Dinner: Chinese pork ribs are crock-potting as we speak.

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+20+20+10 = 70oz.

Exercise:

Energy Level: I was actually able to roll myself out of bed fairly decently this morning. We'll see how the day goes.

Posted by Laura at 7:32 AM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Luna bar.

Lunch: Turkey on 9-grain with sprouts and tomato. I wanted chips but didn't buy 'em. Ah, for the small triumphs.

Dinner: Pasta with tomato sauce. Cup of milk.

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+20+20=60oz

Exercise: (Me, singing to the elliptical machine) "Tonight's the night!" (Later: I did it!)

Energy Level: I think it must be the time change, and the waking up in the dark. It's completely thrown my clock off, and it's taking FOREVER for me to get the hang of it. I had to have a cup of coffee at noon, even though I tried not to have any today (note that I didn't have any for breakfast, as I usually do). Of course, today at work kicked my ass even harder than yesterday, so I really do have a valid reason for being tired.

Posted by Laura at 6:12 PM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Egg, cheese and bacon on an english muffin, apple juice.

Lunch: A portabello mushroom sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and roasted red pepper, cole slaw, iced tea.

Dinner: Chicken, rice, and a glass of wine.

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+20+20=60oz

Exercise: Man, what the hell is *wrong* with me! I'm so without energy.

Energy Level: One helluva day at work. Still no vitamins. Mouth still hurts. I'm a big whiney baby who needs to take a nap.

Posted by Laura at 3:25 PM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Oatmeal.

Lunch: 1/2 chicken salad sandwich and 1 cup of pasta salad w/Diet Coke at Paradise Bakery.

Dinner: 1/2 salami sandwich, a handful of chips, and a bunch of raw carrots.

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+20+20=60oz

Exercise: Tonight I am destined for elliptical glory. (Later: Yeah, right, who am I kidding?)

Energy Level: Very low. I slacked off and didn't take my vitamins the past few days. Mouth still hurts. Damned dentist.

Posted by Laura at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Coffee. And later, apple juice.

Lunch: An italian sandwich (#16), small, on an onion roll, a handful of chips, and Sprite at Togo's.

Dinner: None. Went to the dentist. Mouth is useless. (Later: I had some tomato soup and crackers.)

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+20=40 oz.

Exercise: Does rolling around on the couch and groaning count?

Energy Level: WAAAAAHHHHHHHH

Posted by Laura at 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments

A Question of Cravings

Sarah asked: "Could you explain how chromium helps beat down cravings?"

Basically, what Chromium does is help your body regulate its blood sugar and insulin levels. The dips in our blood sugar levels are what cause us to have cravings. If your blood sugar level is maintained throughout the day, the dips don't occur, and neither do the cravings. Increasing the amount of protein in your diet can help here, too - it's a good source of energy that lasts longer than energy from carbs, and doesn't spike your blood sugar levels. Carbs are broken down into sugars by the body, which raises the insulin level. Having some carbs in your diet is good for you, though, so don't eliminate them! Finally, a lot of people mistake simple thirst for food cravings. Try drinking a full glass of water the next time you want to go to the vending machine at work.

Insert standard "I ain't a doctor..." disclaimer here.

Additional information can be found at:
http://health.discovery.com/diseasesandcond/encyclopedia/1884.html
http://www.ivillagehealth.com/library/onemed/content/0,7064,241012_248522,00.html
http://www.ivillage.com/diet/experts/wlcoach/articles/0,5050,165535_8402,00.html
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1674.50178

Posted by Laura at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Raisin toast with peanut butter, Starbucks.

Lunch: Salami on rye with lettuce, tomato, and onion. Doritos. (I'm emotionally eating right now - I think they're making "the" decision about whether or not I get the job today at 1:00.)

Dinner: Chicken, rice, and wine.

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+20+20=60 oz.

Exercise:

Energy Level: The bed was soooo cozy this morning (I think it got down to around 40 degrees last night, and as usual we had the windows wide open in the bedroom). It was hard for me to get out of bed, and I think I may be coming down with a cold. But, like yesterday, I feel better after Starbucks. I think I'm going to bring in some tea bags to stash in my desk at work - tea is better for me than coffee. Although AcronymCo serves tea, too. So I don't *have* to buy the Starbucks. It's a weakness - I go into the cafeteria, and the Starbucks is sitting next to the tea, but I pick the Starbucks every time.

Posted by Laura at 7:35 AM | Permalink | Comments

Pretty much starting over.

I ate a salad for lunch today, and it tasted almost too green. I had an apple for a snack at about 3:30, and it was almost too sweet. Clearly, I have been eating too much Halloween candy, ice cream, and carbs and my tastebuds have lost their affinity for all things healthy. Like right now, my taste buds and tummy feel unhappy after that apple, and all I want is the bag of salt and vinegar chips I know are in the cupboard at home.

I won't do it, though. I think I'll have to up my chromium to get me over these cravings humps. I was doing really well there for a while, pretty much not craving anything between meals at all. Yea verily, I have fallen off the wagon. Water intake has been laughable lately, too, which I know would also help fight the cravings. It just doesn't "taste" good to me right now. Which is my own darn fault. I know that if I force myself to drink at least 80-100 oz per day for a few days, after that I won't *have* to force myself any longer.

Finally, I need to stop allowing my TV schedule to overrule my workout schedule. I am perfectly capable of watching my favorite programs (Buffy and 24 tonight!) *while* I work out, it's just much more fun to sit on the couch and have Calvin rub my feet. It's a never-ending circle - I'm tired, so I don't work out. I don't work out, so I'm tired. And on. And on. And on. The only way to get over the hump is to *bust* my hump, force myself for a few days, and beyond that it'll get easier.

It is true, and I know it. It's just a matter of pretty much starting all over again, I guess.

Posted by Laura at 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Raisin toast with peanut butter, coffee.

Lunch: Southwest chicken salad.

Snack: Apple.

Dinner: Baked Ziti, bruchetta, wine.

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+20+20=60oz

Exercise: I'm determined to work out tonight (update: I did). I mean, WHY is an hour a day, five days a week too hard to dedicate to? So, tonight it's at least 20 minutes on the elliptical (probably while watching 24)(update: I did), followed by some lower body weight training (update: I didn't). Still can't do much with my arms because of my STUPID elbows.

Energy Level: Better after Starbucks.

Posted by Laura at 7:33 AM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Yogurt (peach), a Luna bar ("Key Lime Pie" - not the most disgusting thing I've ever eaten, but pretty darn close), and coffee.

Lunch: Chicken sandwich, fries, and a Coke at Wendy's with Calvin.

Dinner: Baked salmon, rice pilaf, asparagus, and wine.

Water: (goal = 100oz) 40 oz.

Exercise: Tomorrow. Really.

Energy Level: Good enough to get through the work day, not good enough to fold laundry in the evening.

Posted by Laura at 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Coffee.

Lunch: Leftover chinese food.

Dinner: Pork roast, baked potato, and salad. With a glass of White Merlot.

Water: (goal = 100oz) I've surely reached the goal.

Exercise: Raking and shoveling, my friends. Raking and shoveling.

Energy Level: Pretty darn good, considering the above.

Posted by Laura at 8:51 AM | Permalink | Comments

Food for thought...

Have you fed your brain lately?

Posted by Laura at 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments

Question for the Blogger experts

You see how I'm getting a weekly listing of archive pages in the left hand frame of the blog? How do I have just a link that says "archives" that you click on that takes you to the list of weekly archives? Can I automate that, the way it's automated now? I don't want to have this blog for say, the next ten years, and have a list of archive pages a mile long down the side of my blog. Any help out there would be really appreciated. E-mail me or just use the comments. Thanks!!!

Posted by Laura at 9:01 AM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Coffee.

Lunch: 1/2 tuna fish sandwich.

Dinner: Chinese food (spicy beef & veggies).

Water: (goal = 100oz) No clue, but I don't think I drank much.

Exercise: None! Yeah, someday I'm going to get off my lazy ass.

Energy Level: I felt normal. Not terribly energetic, not slothful.

Posted by Laura at 8:58 AM | Permalink | Comments

Breakfast: Coffee, and a Luna bar.

Lunch: 1/2 italian wrap, 1% chocolate milk.

Snack: PB+J

Dinner: 1 bean burrito from Taco Bell.

Water: (goal = 100oz) 20+20 = 40pz (bad, bad girl)

Exercise:

Energy Level: Tired today. I slept like the dead last night, too. No pun intended.

Posted by Laura at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments