Holy Crap... I leave on holidays in one sleep... as kids would put it! 6 hours and I will be getting up to go on holidays! Tomorrow morning, I am heading to HOLLYWOOD for 4 days, 3 nights and I am so excited. My first holiday.... Thank god my sister is coming with me because I would be a nervous wreck the entire trip... Likely sitting in the hotel too overwhelmed to do anything and too indecisive to figure out what to do. Yup, that's me... A Giant Ball of Anxiety! Who would have thought, eh?? But I am getting excited. Nervous. But excited. I hope I meet some hot celebrities while I'm there! :-) I'll post some pics!!
On a side note, I have not blogged for several days, but I have 2 very valid excuses. The first one is that I was exhausted after my 6 hour Spin-a-thon that I completed on Saturday afternoon... Yes, 6 hours, a total of 300 minutes after breaks for fluid, potty and some snacks. I raised a total of $1,000.00 and donated my Mary Kay prize of $2,000.00 to the Strong Kids Foundation, I think an overall successful day!
Then, reason number two, I got food poisoning! NEVER trust potato salad with only a few days left on the expiry date. BAD news. So Saturday & Sunday, I slept... Monday and Tuesday, I was recoving... Wednesday I was packing and, Thursday, here I am... blogging and heading to bed. First of all, best food poisoning cure, eat a cup on plain, cooked white rice! It absorbs all the ickiness in your stomach and pulls it through... I felt better within a few hours! AND... stay hydrated, I got dehydrated and I felt even sicker!
Today is the last day of February, Gluten-Free February! Challenge #2 of 2013 is complete and A HUGE SUCCESS! I am now one of those people with a dietary restriction (sorry Mom), but I am remaining gluten-free! Both Jason and I have found that we both feel better, are less bloated and are losing weight (him way faster than me) and we are both happy. We have found excellent alternatives and realized that eating clean and healthy is how we want to live, along with actively and that if going to continue for the next 10 months of 2013 and beyond.
Although I have only lost 5 lbs while during the month of February, I am happy with that amount, but I have decided that the month of March, I am going to make my challenge to be to lose 10 lbs by March 31st, 2013! Starting March in LA, I think, is going to be a great motivator and, likely, the best place on earth to find reasonable healthy clean food! My scale at home broke, so I am not obsessing about my daily weigh in's, but my weekly weigh-in's at Weight Watchers are far more exciting and I have to be good or feel healthy and successful. Thank you for staying with me for the month of February. I promise to blog more when I get back and post pictures and keep you up to date with my March Challenge!
Off to bed, early morning flight!
Much love.
Ashley - Challenge
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
GF - Day #20: Partners for Success
So this morning, while getting my ass handed to me in boot camp, I realized something... I work out so much harder with a friend. I brought along my friend Amanda to her first fitness class and, although I know she is just starting where I was a year ago, I felt obligated to work my hardest. I didn't want to a) look like a hypocrite (spouting the vurtues of a working out, but then not put in effort while there) and b) slack on form and effort and teach her an incorrect way of doing something.
That being said, I also got uber competitive. Ian knows what I can and cannot do, so he called me out right away to do better and work harder, but there was a girl there who was doing extra as well, so immediately, I wanted to be the best. Even though I wasn't the best, I worked pretty hard and I didn't even start bitching until the end. I mean, mind you, it was 6:45am and I am pretty sure I didn't even wake up until sometime after 7:00am, but I think I did fairly well. Next time, I will continue to act like I am the best there, just like in the boot camps before at the Y, until I am the best one... I got better because I WANTED better.
Speaking of better, from personal experience, I think bringing Amanda really helped... Even though I think she might hate me, I know she will appreciate it later. I needed someone a year ago to be accountable to and to meet up with and to inspire me. Sherri was that person for me and although Sherri is still my favourite work out partner and a great friend, I want to be that same inspiration for Amanda as Sherri was for me. I know Sherri worked harder because she wanted to be better and always showed up when we made arrangements to do so and didn't want to disappoint. I aspired to be the same and I got pretty good. I know that Sherri hasn't had the best few months and isn't quite back to where she was nor have the energy yet, but I hope when she does come back, I can help get her back to where she got me... And hopefully with Amanda being around, we can all be each others inspirations. Amanda needs someone to help her and I would love to be that person. Who doesn't love making new friends, anyway, especially ones with similar goals!?!?!
Helping others, even though I am not in my best shape YET, really helps me with my goals. I find that, even if I'm just helping people get started like I did a year ago, I have a reputation to maintain and people looking up to me makes me even more accountable. The gluten-free challenge is very much like this as well! I tried it before and I failed, miserably, but now that Jason is doing it with me, I feel that I need to stay strong and too my word in and remain gluten-free, resist temptations and continue to be creative and healthy, for the both of us, with my cooking and shopping. He is doing amazingly well, I am so proud of him as I know he is of me!
Well, this is all for now. Work out with friends, be each others inspiration. Set up friendly competitions and work toward beating them, together!
Much love!
xoxo
That being said, I also got uber competitive. Ian knows what I can and cannot do, so he called me out right away to do better and work harder, but there was a girl there who was doing extra as well, so immediately, I wanted to be the best. Even though I wasn't the best, I worked pretty hard and I didn't even start bitching until the end. I mean, mind you, it was 6:45am and I am pretty sure I didn't even wake up until sometime after 7:00am, but I think I did fairly well. Next time, I will continue to act like I am the best there, just like in the boot camps before at the Y, until I am the best one... I got better because I WANTED better.
Speaking of better, from personal experience, I think bringing Amanda really helped... Even though I think she might hate me, I know she will appreciate it later. I needed someone a year ago to be accountable to and to meet up with and to inspire me. Sherri was that person for me and although Sherri is still my favourite work out partner and a great friend, I want to be that same inspiration for Amanda as Sherri was for me. I know Sherri worked harder because she wanted to be better and always showed up when we made arrangements to do so and didn't want to disappoint. I aspired to be the same and I got pretty good. I know that Sherri hasn't had the best few months and isn't quite back to where she was nor have the energy yet, but I hope when she does come back, I can help get her back to where she got me... And hopefully with Amanda being around, we can all be each others inspirations. Amanda needs someone to help her and I would love to be that person. Who doesn't love making new friends, anyway, especially ones with similar goals!?!?!
Helping others, even though I am not in my best shape YET, really helps me with my goals. I find that, even if I'm just helping people get started like I did a year ago, I have a reputation to maintain and people looking up to me makes me even more accountable. The gluten-free challenge is very much like this as well! I tried it before and I failed, miserably, but now that Jason is doing it with me, I feel that I need to stay strong and too my word in and remain gluten-free, resist temptations and continue to be creative and healthy, for the both of us, with my cooking and shopping. He is doing amazingly well, I am so proud of him as I know he is of me!
Well, this is all for now. Work out with friends, be each others inspiration. Set up friendly competitions and work toward beating them, together!
Much love!
xoxo
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
GF - Day #19: Trying New Things
Well, duh, obviously if I am going to be gluten-free, I've clearly been forced to try new things, but I am not talking about food today... I am talking about life, in general!
I have tried MANY new things in the past year... Gluten free is one of them (including things like quinoa, kale, dragon fruit and many other items), but I also did spin class (which is amazing), I took up Tabata Training, I ran obstacle courses, Caveman Boot Camp, etc etc etc. All things these things are connected as one lead into the other and the next bumped into the next one. I wanted to lose weight, then I needed to exercise, but I got bored of exercising, so I signed up for races that I needed to train for, which lead to getting a trainer and eating better and so on and so forth!
The main "new" thing I tried this year was believing in MYSELF and what I was worth. I began to realize that there were so many areas of my life that I was just 'settling' with less than I deserved. I was too content... I didn't strive for better, I didn't strive to make myself happy, which, in reality, should always be your first priority, above everything else. So I began to try new things, I got involved with Politics as it has always been an interest of mine... I joined the gym and started taking classes which helped me begin to feel better about myself, I joined Weight Watchers to help me lose weight and feel accountable for my own actions and join in with other people who are struggling the same way I am. I also realized that the relationship I was in wasn't making me happy anymore... It was making me sad. And although it was extremely difficult to do, I had to be open and honest and let him know it was time for me to find something new in my life.
That being said, I don't regret anything. I do wish that I worked harder over the winter months to stay active, but if you live in Barrie you know that winter here is a total wasteland and getting out of my cozy pajama's and bed when it's -30 C is a feat in itself. I also tried much harder to meet new people. I approached my trainer to start an outdoor boot camp class and I invited people and he invited people and a lot of them I am still good friends with! This year, I plan to become a good runner. I know I started the C25K a few weeks back, but its not a smart thing to try to begin in the winter months. Running outside is a hugely important part of the C25K and doing it on a treadmill is just not a great idea, it kills the knees and doesn't give you the real feel for running. However, I have not given up totally, I have been running on the track at the YMCA on a regular basis to ensure the work I have already done doesn't go to waste.
It's funny how even the little changes can make you feel so good. For example, I got a new Windows 8 phone, instead of my usual, comfortable, familiar Blackberry... I love it and even just this little change seems sooooo huge. Also, I met a great guy who is so encouraging and respectful and sweet. He makes me smile about everything and, even when I am annoyed or aggitated, he is so diplomatic and centred that he makes me see things so much differently. Not over reacting and thinking sensibly about things is a very new things to me! Irrational used to be my middle name. But overall, the BIGGEST change is realizing that I deserve to be happy. Setting goals, being with the most amazing guy ever, being in shape, working out and being fit because I love it, not because I have to... All changes that I am thankful for just because I decided to try something new.
So, take a moment, examine your comfort zone... Now.... Figure out a way OUT of it! You won't regret it, I promise you! A year from now, you will look back at old you and be so happy you made the change!
I have tried MANY new things in the past year... Gluten free is one of them (including things like quinoa, kale, dragon fruit and many other items), but I also did spin class (which is amazing), I took up Tabata Training, I ran obstacle courses, Caveman Boot Camp, etc etc etc. All things these things are connected as one lead into the other and the next bumped into the next one. I wanted to lose weight, then I needed to exercise, but I got bored of exercising, so I signed up for races that I needed to train for, which lead to getting a trainer and eating better and so on and so forth!
The main "new" thing I tried this year was believing in MYSELF and what I was worth. I began to realize that there were so many areas of my life that I was just 'settling' with less than I deserved. I was too content... I didn't strive for better, I didn't strive to make myself happy, which, in reality, should always be your first priority, above everything else. So I began to try new things, I got involved with Politics as it has always been an interest of mine... I joined the gym and started taking classes which helped me begin to feel better about myself, I joined Weight Watchers to help me lose weight and feel accountable for my own actions and join in with other people who are struggling the same way I am. I also realized that the relationship I was in wasn't making me happy anymore... It was making me sad. And although it was extremely difficult to do, I had to be open and honest and let him know it was time for me to find something new in my life.
That being said, I don't regret anything. I do wish that I worked harder over the winter months to stay active, but if you live in Barrie you know that winter here is a total wasteland and getting out of my cozy pajama's and bed when it's -30 C is a feat in itself. I also tried much harder to meet new people. I approached my trainer to start an outdoor boot camp class and I invited people and he invited people and a lot of them I am still good friends with! This year, I plan to become a good runner. I know I started the C25K a few weeks back, but its not a smart thing to try to begin in the winter months. Running outside is a hugely important part of the C25K and doing it on a treadmill is just not a great idea, it kills the knees and doesn't give you the real feel for running. However, I have not given up totally, I have been running on the track at the YMCA on a regular basis to ensure the work I have already done doesn't go to waste.
It's funny how even the little changes can make you feel so good. For example, I got a new Windows 8 phone, instead of my usual, comfortable, familiar Blackberry... I love it and even just this little change seems sooooo huge. Also, I met a great guy who is so encouraging and respectful and sweet. He makes me smile about everything and, even when I am annoyed or aggitated, he is so diplomatic and centred that he makes me see things so much differently. Not over reacting and thinking sensibly about things is a very new things to me! Irrational used to be my middle name. But overall, the BIGGEST change is realizing that I deserve to be happy. Setting goals, being with the most amazing guy ever, being in shape, working out and being fit because I love it, not because I have to... All changes that I am thankful for just because I decided to try something new.
So, take a moment, examine your comfort zone... Now.... Figure out a way OUT of it! You won't regret it, I promise you! A year from now, you will look back at old you and be so happy you made the change!
Monday, February 18, 2013
GF - Day #18: Extra Holes in my Belt
So its been almost 3 weeks gluten free and for anyone who doubts it, I will happily be an example for you. I haven't been following Weight Watchers are closely as I used to... I am still measuring and weighing my foods and eating as much fresh veggies and fruit as possible instead of junk food, but I am enjoying the art of cooking and creating recipes far more than I used to. With a gluten free lifestyle you have to think and it is paying off.
Yesterday when getting dressed, jeans that I bought on clearance after Christmas seem to be falling off of me and I had to move to the next whole, inward, on my belt in order to keep them up. My bra is too big and even my underwear seem to be falling off. Brand new dress pants I got for my birthday in October, well, I'm swimming in them. I am losing my midsection fat quickly... And I'm not the only one. I have lost about 5 lbs since I went gluten-free, my boyfriend has lost, easily, 10 lbs. I can actually see the difference. So if you are able to do this for a few weeks, you will see a difference. However, I recently learned that you can't get tested for a gluten intolerance if you are already living gluten free... So if you want to try it and get tested, you need to do one or the other, you can't do both or the test won't pick up the intolerance or allergy.
Anyway, moving on. I am vowing that, beginning tomorrow, I will not miss a day of blogging. My alarm is set on my phone for 10pm to write a new post. I am feeling very good lately, so there is no excuse, whether I am lacking motivation or not. This Saturday is my Spin-a-thon... The 6 hour spin class to raise money for the Strong Kids Campaign at the YMCA Simcoe Muskoka... I'm just over half way to my goal of $1,000.00 and could really used your help. Please help by taking a moment to donate to my cause. Your help is very appreciated as this is a very important ride for me and my friends.
As I vow to be better, I will be writing to you tomorrow about daily goals and scheduling. I have calendars for March and April will steadily increasing daily activities that you can follow along with me!
Dedication is important. Perseverance is key. Anything is possible as long as you take the first step.
xoxo
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
GF - Day #13: Slacking!!!!
Ok, I admit it.... I have been a slacker lately.
Why is it that I can write and tell everyone else how to stay motivated and on track and to be positive, but I am having such a hard time myself!!! I am finding that I have so many good intentions, but so little energy, very frustrating. I wanted to talk about fitness today, but, I think I need to talk about my general frame of mind!
Anyway, I have been, for the most part, keeping up with my work outs, averaging 4 per week. This past Monday at Fit Camp, we did a pretty intense cardio kick boxing session and I was ready to die by the end of it... However, I think I would take it again, it was good! It runs on Tuesday evenings at 6:15pm and I think I am going to join. Routine seems to work for me. Monday night is Fit Camp and I never miss it, Wednesday nights I generally work at my part-time jobs, Thursdays, when I'm available, I should be alternating being Gravity, Spin and Work Outs... I think I need to buy a GIANT desk calender to keep track of all this stuff. I need to have obligated classes so I feel like a jerk waud if I don't go to them.
My boyfriend got up this morning at 4:30 to drive to Kingston for 9:00am, so I went to the gym this morning and I did a brisk "low-intensity" (ie Fat Burning) cardio work out and an abs work out (50 sit-ups, 30 push ups and a 1 minute plank). I truly hate the weather right now, when I get up and it's cold and dreary out, I don't want to go to the gym, but I love the habit of doing so, so once I get back from Hollywood, it begins, 3 times a week, minimum, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursday! No excuses! If anyone is wondering where I go and would like to join me, I currently work out and attend classes at the YMCA and their Program Schedule is very busy, with lots of variety and options. Have a peak, it is worth the look.
As for gluten-free, it is going well. I saw my dermatologist today and he can't get over the difference with my eczema and dermatitis. I don't think I will be going back to gluten when all of this is over. I am finding plenty of stores are offering lots of Gluten-free options now, which is great. Last night at Costco, we got Quinoa Chocolate Chip cookies, Nut & Seed Granola Bars and I got a new cook book that is all gluten-free dinners, breads and desserts. I'd like to try as many of them as possible. Clearly, a lot of people have issues with gluten, it is the up and coming discovery of what GMO's can do to your body. GMO, or Genetically Modified Organisms, are becoming to far away from what nature intended, stripping food staples that were once nurishing and healthy down to the bare minimums, full of chemicals and, well, ickiness. If I made more money, I would go totally organic... Fruits, Veggies, Meat, Dairy... However, studies have shown that even those market organic can still still some of the same pesticides, anti-biotics and issues as regular groceries. I guess its wisest to just eat clean and ensure each item is as minimally processed as possible.
I guess my mindset right now is satisfaction. A new relationship is making me comfortable and since I am going out and doing things in the evenings, I am not getting to sleep early enough to get up at 6am. I am happy though. But I am refusing to get so comfortable that work outs and dieting go by the way side. They are important to me, I want to be fit and run races and obstacles and be strong! I need to put on my "Strong is the New Skinny" tank top and rock that motherf**ker like it's no one's business! Sure, I am a big girl, and I can be a big girl as long as I am strong, fit and healthy! Over the summer, I had a few people who counted on me and who I could count on to ensure I was working out, those people aren't as available anymore so it's up to be to do the best I can do! I KNOW THIS!
So, I am going to put this on my fridge and look at it EVERY morning to ensure complacency stays far far away from me!!
Why is it that I can write and tell everyone else how to stay motivated and on track and to be positive, but I am having such a hard time myself!!! I am finding that I have so many good intentions, but so little energy, very frustrating. I wanted to talk about fitness today, but, I think I need to talk about my general frame of mind!
Anyway, I have been, for the most part, keeping up with my work outs, averaging 4 per week. This past Monday at Fit Camp, we did a pretty intense cardio kick boxing session and I was ready to die by the end of it... However, I think I would take it again, it was good! It runs on Tuesday evenings at 6:15pm and I think I am going to join. Routine seems to work for me. Monday night is Fit Camp and I never miss it, Wednesday nights I generally work at my part-time jobs, Thursdays, when I'm available, I should be alternating being Gravity, Spin and Work Outs... I think I need to buy a GIANT desk calender to keep track of all this stuff. I need to have obligated classes so I feel like a jerk waud if I don't go to them.
My boyfriend got up this morning at 4:30 to drive to Kingston for 9:00am, so I went to the gym this morning and I did a brisk "low-intensity" (ie Fat Burning) cardio work out and an abs work out (50 sit-ups, 30 push ups and a 1 minute plank). I truly hate the weather right now, when I get up and it's cold and dreary out, I don't want to go to the gym, but I love the habit of doing so, so once I get back from Hollywood, it begins, 3 times a week, minimum, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursday! No excuses! If anyone is wondering where I go and would like to join me, I currently work out and attend classes at the YMCA and their Program Schedule is very busy, with lots of variety and options. Have a peak, it is worth the look.
As for gluten-free, it is going well. I saw my dermatologist today and he can't get over the difference with my eczema and dermatitis. I don't think I will be going back to gluten when all of this is over. I am finding plenty of stores are offering lots of Gluten-free options now, which is great. Last night at Costco, we got Quinoa Chocolate Chip cookies, Nut & Seed Granola Bars and I got a new cook book that is all gluten-free dinners, breads and desserts. I'd like to try as many of them as possible. Clearly, a lot of people have issues with gluten, it is the up and coming discovery of what GMO's can do to your body. GMO, or Genetically Modified Organisms, are becoming to far away from what nature intended, stripping food staples that were once nurishing and healthy down to the bare minimums, full of chemicals and, well, ickiness. If I made more money, I would go totally organic... Fruits, Veggies, Meat, Dairy... However, studies have shown that even those market organic can still still some of the same pesticides, anti-biotics and issues as regular groceries. I guess its wisest to just eat clean and ensure each item is as minimally processed as possible.
I guess my mindset right now is satisfaction. A new relationship is making me comfortable and since I am going out and doing things in the evenings, I am not getting to sleep early enough to get up at 6am. I am happy though. But I am refusing to get so comfortable that work outs and dieting go by the way side. They are important to me, I want to be fit and run races and obstacles and be strong! I need to put on my "Strong is the New Skinny" tank top and rock that motherf**ker like it's no one's business! Sure, I am a big girl, and I can be a big girl as long as I am strong, fit and healthy! Over the summer, I had a few people who counted on me and who I could count on to ensure I was working out, those people aren't as available anymore so it's up to be to do the best I can do! I KNOW THIS!
So, I am going to put this on my fridge and look at it EVERY morning to ensure complacency stays far far away from me!!
Well, I am off for today! I am going to get back on this train, big time, and continue to push and motivate you all! In the mean time, I am a former research analyst and if you have any topics you'd like me to discuss and research for you, please let me know. If you have any words of encouragement for me, then share! Please! Anything will help!
Friday, February 8, 2013
GF - Day #8: Shopping
It's amazing the information that is out there relating to Gluten-Free living. Today I read the entire Prevention "Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight" book from Shopper's Drug Mart and it had tonnes of information. It talked about Superfoods, which includes Seeds & Nuts, Healthy Fats, Leafy Greens, Legumes, Lean Proteins and Berries, all of which will help you remain satisfied and lose the weight from your belly, but also ensure you receive all necessary nutrients. There were plenty of recipes as well that seemed to be very interesting that I am looking forward to making. One interesting thing I found out today that I did not know was that, by law, ingredients must be listed in order by volume on a package. Interesting! When shopping, the healthy foods generally have less than 5 ingredients or are in the closest form to their natural form. The best choices are generally come from the outside aisles in a grocery store. These all seem like pretty simple tips, but they are things were don't often think about!
I have been doing a LOT of meal planning lately as my boyfriend and I are trying to ensure we stay on plan as much as possible. Last weekend, we made a detox salad and a veggie soup, as I mentioned. This weekend, I will be making a Sausage/Lentil/Potato soup and a chili for lunches for the week. We also picked up some rice chips, pecans and walnuts, rice cakes, popcorn, granola, fruits and veggies and some nut crackers. I find that my cravings are definitely a lot less than they used to be since I cut out gluten and I feel more satisfied throughout the day. Meal planning has many benefits, including saving money. If you sit down and design your menu for the week and a grocery list to go with it and head to the grocery store on a slow evening, generally Wednesday nights, with a pen and list in hand, you will stay on budget and shop more effectively, limiting the chance that you will buy junk food and give you more time to properly evaluate every choice you make. Also, never go on an empty stomach (reduces impulse buying) and be sure to shop the upper and lower shelves as the richest, less healthy foods are generally placed directly at eye level in the middle racks.
There are many options when it comes to dieting. Often, even the way you talk about your diet can prove effective. If you say you "Can't" eat something, it signifies deprivation and often triggers you to cave. If you say you "Don't" eat something, it should determination and will power, increasing your chances of successes. Case in point, often a diet doesn't have to be a 'diet' per se. Now that I am not eating gluten-free, I am generally just 'thinking' more carefully about every item I put in my mouth and reading the packages on everything I buy that isn't fresh. Dieting can be fun and easy and quickly become a lifestyle just be making it work within your life, instead of making your life evolve around you diet. I realized this week that, as I am vowing to stay gluten-free, there is a very little chance that I will be stopping for a quick fast-food meal as there are next to no items on any restaurant menu that is gluten-free, maybe just a chili or baked potato. Because I know the effects of eating gluten and I am feeling the changes of not having it in my system, it is easy for me to say "I don't eat gluten" or "I don't eat fast food" because I simply don't need it and don't want to have the same issues as before.
Change your view on dieting... Instead of being on a diet, decide that you are eating clean or healthy or well.... Shop like an informed consumer, not blindly, not while hungry and not on impulse. It is amazing what you learn by just reading the label. Next time you shop, plan your meals for the week, bring a list and a pen to cross off each item, go after a good dinner so you aren't starving and go on a slow evening, like Wednesday, when you won't be rushed, bothered or frustrated by those around you. I bet you will feel a lot better about your decisions later, as well as your spending, if you follow these rules. And be sure to stock up on your Superfoods! :-)
Tomorrow I will be writing about Accidental Exercise. Hope you enjoy.
I have been doing a LOT of meal planning lately as my boyfriend and I are trying to ensure we stay on plan as much as possible. Last weekend, we made a detox salad and a veggie soup, as I mentioned. This weekend, I will be making a Sausage/Lentil/Potato soup and a chili for lunches for the week. We also picked up some rice chips, pecans and walnuts, rice cakes, popcorn, granola, fruits and veggies and some nut crackers. I find that my cravings are definitely a lot less than they used to be since I cut out gluten and I feel more satisfied throughout the day. Meal planning has many benefits, including saving money. If you sit down and design your menu for the week and a grocery list to go with it and head to the grocery store on a slow evening, generally Wednesday nights, with a pen and list in hand, you will stay on budget and shop more effectively, limiting the chance that you will buy junk food and give you more time to properly evaluate every choice you make. Also, never go on an empty stomach (reduces impulse buying) and be sure to shop the upper and lower shelves as the richest, less healthy foods are generally placed directly at eye level in the middle racks.
There are many options when it comes to dieting. Often, even the way you talk about your diet can prove effective. If you say you "Can't" eat something, it signifies deprivation and often triggers you to cave. If you say you "Don't" eat something, it should determination and will power, increasing your chances of successes. Case in point, often a diet doesn't have to be a 'diet' per se. Now that I am not eating gluten-free, I am generally just 'thinking' more carefully about every item I put in my mouth and reading the packages on everything I buy that isn't fresh. Dieting can be fun and easy and quickly become a lifestyle just be making it work within your life, instead of making your life evolve around you diet. I realized this week that, as I am vowing to stay gluten-free, there is a very little chance that I will be stopping for a quick fast-food meal as there are next to no items on any restaurant menu that is gluten-free, maybe just a chili or baked potato. Because I know the effects of eating gluten and I am feeling the changes of not having it in my system, it is easy for me to say "I don't eat gluten" or "I don't eat fast food" because I simply don't need it and don't want to have the same issues as before.
Change your view on dieting... Instead of being on a diet, decide that you are eating clean or healthy or well.... Shop like an informed consumer, not blindly, not while hungry and not on impulse. It is amazing what you learn by just reading the label. Next time you shop, plan your meals for the week, bring a list and a pen to cross off each item, go after a good dinner so you aren't starving and go on a slow evening, like Wednesday, when you won't be rushed, bothered or frustrated by those around you. I bet you will feel a lot better about your decisions later, as well as your spending, if you follow these rules. And be sure to stock up on your Superfoods! :-)
Tomorrow I will be writing about Accidental Exercise. Hope you enjoy.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
GF - Day #5: Differences...
Gluten-free is a good thing... So far. I had a very busy weekend away, so I didn't get to blog! But on the plus side, I got a new phone, the Samsung Ativ S with Windows 8 (Strongly Recommend) and I can now blog while on the go if I want to, so no more missed days.
So, back to Gluten-free! First off... Both mine and my boyfriends eczema have began to improve... as my Dermatologist suspected it might... And the bloaty feeling is starting to go away. I am eating less food, but better food, and not feeling hungry. On the weekend, I made a slow cooker soup with a tonne of veggies (celery, carrots, turnips, leeks, onion, tomato, snap peas and green beans), beans (mixed and red kidney) as well as a can of sliced up stewed tomatoes, 2 litres of low sodium vegetable broth and seasoning. The recipe called for kale as well near the end of the cooking process, but I didn't put it in because, well, I forgot.
Also, I made a food processor salad (or a slaw) with cabbage, broccoli, carrots, swiss chard, sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and oil oil. It is mean to be a detox salad as it is high in fibre and it cleans you out, which is great. We have been taking these for lunches and they are great. We have also been filling up on fruits and veggies. For snack, we have had some nuts and seeds, popcorn, rice cakes, veggie straws, rice/nut crackers with cheese, Popchips, Pickles & Beats, Rice Works, turkey pepperoni sticks, Lucy's gluten-free Sugar cookies, fresh made granola and, last but not least, smoothies.... Green Smoothies, Chocolate Smoothies, Vanilla & Fruit Smooties, you name it, I'll try it!
I am disappointed that I still have a full box of my favourite biscotti from Costco that I didn't even tough. And muffins in my freezer, but at least I have snacks for company. The major benefit is that I have to truly think about and evaluate every food decision I make. I know what to look for and I am finding that it is very difficult to eat on the run if you don't have a snack packed. Fast food (McDonald's, Wendy's Tim Horton's) are all out of the question, unless you get a salad, but even then the dressings usually have gluten in them. So it really is an eye opener.
I am enjoying staying away from alternatives as well... I am finding exploring the basics very exciting and it is nice to feel good about what I am eating again. Hopefully this week of goodness shows on the scales at Weight Watchers this week. I have also been doing Fab Ab February, which is a graduating series of Sit-Ups, Push Ups and Planks that progressively get more diffult. The last day is the day I leave for Hollywood, which I'd like to point out is now 24 days away! I am so excited. Hopefully I can keep up all theses things until then.
Must run.
Good night all.
xoxo
Ashley
So, back to Gluten-free! First off... Both mine and my boyfriends eczema have began to improve... as my Dermatologist suspected it might... And the bloaty feeling is starting to go away. I am eating less food, but better food, and not feeling hungry. On the weekend, I made a slow cooker soup with a tonne of veggies (celery, carrots, turnips, leeks, onion, tomato, snap peas and green beans), beans (mixed and red kidney) as well as a can of sliced up stewed tomatoes, 2 litres of low sodium vegetable broth and seasoning. The recipe called for kale as well near the end of the cooking process, but I didn't put it in because, well, I forgot.
Also, I made a food processor salad (or a slaw) with cabbage, broccoli, carrots, swiss chard, sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and oil oil. It is mean to be a detox salad as it is high in fibre and it cleans you out, which is great. We have been taking these for lunches and they are great. We have also been filling up on fruits and veggies. For snack, we have had some nuts and seeds, popcorn, rice cakes, veggie straws, rice/nut crackers with cheese, Popchips, Pickles & Beats, Rice Works, turkey pepperoni sticks, Lucy's gluten-free Sugar cookies, fresh made granola and, last but not least, smoothies.... Green Smoothies, Chocolate Smoothies, Vanilla & Fruit Smooties, you name it, I'll try it!
I am disappointed that I still have a full box of my favourite biscotti from Costco that I didn't even tough. And muffins in my freezer, but at least I have snacks for company. The major benefit is that I have to truly think about and evaluate every food decision I make. I know what to look for and I am finding that it is very difficult to eat on the run if you don't have a snack packed. Fast food (McDonald's, Wendy's Tim Horton's) are all out of the question, unless you get a salad, but even then the dressings usually have gluten in them. So it really is an eye opener.
I am enjoying staying away from alternatives as well... I am finding exploring the basics very exciting and it is nice to feel good about what I am eating again. Hopefully this week of goodness shows on the scales at Weight Watchers this week. I have also been doing Fab Ab February, which is a graduating series of Sit-Ups, Push Ups and Planks that progressively get more diffult. The last day is the day I leave for Hollywood, which I'd like to point out is now 24 days away! I am so excited. Hopefully I can keep up all theses things until then.
Must run.
Good night all.
xoxo
Ashley
Saturday, February 2, 2013
GF - Day #1: Not missing anything yet
Day one was interesting. I feel good and I don't feel like this is going to be very difficult, so far.
I woke up and made a green smoothie. This consisted of:
1/2 avocado
handful of both spinach and kale
1 banana
1/4 cup fat free vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
2 tsp ground flax seed.
This was surprisingly yummy. You don't taste the leafy items and it went down quite smoothly. I was pretty hungry by lunch time, I think I need to add some whey protein powder to tie me over just a little longer. Or have a good snack... I did have a light Baby Bell mid-morning, but it wasn't quite enough.
For lunch, I had brought 1.5 cups of Thai Coconut Curry soup (pick it up at Costco... SOOOO good) with a hand ful of carrots, a turkey pepperoni, an apple and an orange. That made me quite full.
For dinner, I had some potato salad, a bit of cheese and 1/2 a navel orange. For some reason, however, I was horribly craving chocolate, which is odd for me. So, I did the total college thing to do and had a tablespoon of Nutella. It was sooo yummy, and gluten-less, but it had a not so great affect on my stomach.
Other bonus, I ran for 30 minutes at the gym and did some heavy weight lifting. So far, I am feeling good and I'm not 'missing' anything as of yet. I lost a full pound this week at WW and I am looking forward to reporting more later about day #2!
xoxo
A
I woke up and made a green smoothie. This consisted of:
1/2 avocado
handful of both spinach and kale
1 banana
1/4 cup fat free vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
2 tsp ground flax seed.
This was surprisingly yummy. You don't taste the leafy items and it went down quite smoothly. I was pretty hungry by lunch time, I think I need to add some whey protein powder to tie me over just a little longer. Or have a good snack... I did have a light Baby Bell mid-morning, but it wasn't quite enough.
For lunch, I had brought 1.5 cups of Thai Coconut Curry soup (pick it up at Costco... SOOOO good) with a hand ful of carrots, a turkey pepperoni, an apple and an orange. That made me quite full.
For dinner, I had some potato salad, a bit of cheese and 1/2 a navel orange. For some reason, however, I was horribly craving chocolate, which is odd for me. So, I did the total college thing to do and had a tablespoon of Nutella. It was sooo yummy, and gluten-less, but it had a not so great affect on my stomach.
Other bonus, I ran for 30 minutes at the gym and did some heavy weight lifting. So far, I am feeling good and I'm not 'missing' anything as of yet. I lost a full pound this week at WW and I am looking forward to reporting more later about day #2!
xoxo
A
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