Back to School

So I'm officially back in Winnipeg, and it feels great! I didn't think I'd ever make it.

I'm happy to have found out today that Red River has a fitness centre! It's small but seemingly perfect. I can't wait to get in there and start going cardio crazy!

Since I just moved into my new place as of yesterday, I'm a bit limited on the grocery front. So today, I ate two pieces of whole wheat toast with pineapple and pear jam and OJ. For lunch I had a quick (and free) hotdog at school with a half of a coke zero. For snack I had some whole grain crackers with hummus, some pretzels, and a piece of the baked dessert that Sharilyn made. For supper I had apple slices and peanut butter. For a movie snack I had a few more pretzels and another piece of that damn dessert...and another coke zero, that I have yet to finish.

My exercise for the day would be walking from graham avenue to Red River-twice. All together that would be about a good 40 minutes, plus all the walking I did at school today, and on the way to and from bus stops. I'm utterly exhausted, after a horrible night's sleep- my new neighbours take the shape of a bar, where they played outdated 90's country (achy breaky heart) really loud with loud applause as accompaniment- Needless to say I had a less than desirable time of slumber. I'm going to bed right away however, and I'm packing some gym clothes so as my lovely college tourguide said today I can "work on my fitness". It's about time. Walking didn't do much for me when I was back home. I hate the idea of running outside, and therefore a good elliptical should do me wonders. I haven't checked lately but I believe I am still at the same weight as last reported. No numbers need be mentioned.

Until next time,

Renee

Mundane Monday

It's another Monday and it feels like a fresh start- yet again. Since I last wrote, it turns out I didn't gain the ten pounds I thought I had (major relief)! So currently I weigh 181 pounds, and my measurements are: Bust- 42.5 inches, Waist- 35 inches, and Hips- 45 inches. The only good thing about this is the fact that when I was looking up my BMI (which is atrocious) it said that an unhealthy waistline is anything more than 35 inches. So I'm just making the cut for being 'healthy'. However, my BMI is 31.1 meaning I am 'obese' according to the chart. My healthy weight range according to my body mass index is 107.8 pounds to 145.1 pounds. I haven't been within my healthy weight range since highschool 3 years ago! I am currently 36 pounds away from the end of the healthy range.

My goal weight will range from 115-130 pounds, meaning I have about 50-65 pounds to go. It's such a large number, yet I feel I won't be satisfied until I reach that weight again. I can remember being 14 and wearing a size 7 jean, a far cry from what I can squeeze into now. I figure if I buckle down and TRULY committ, I can lose about 8-10 pounds a month, and in 6 to 7 months from now I will be where I want to be. Though I am giving myself a year. A year from now to get to atleast 130 pounds.

In order to get to that goal, I have a plan of action which includes the following:

• Cut out some alcohol
• Drink more water
• Do cardio at least 3-5 times a week for at least 30 minutes
• Limit carbs
• Eat more veggies/fruit
• Do not drink pop or sugary juices- only water, tea and milk
  
• Do not consume food after 7:30pm
• Do not forget the rules on weekends!

So far I'm finding the hardest rules to adhere to are cutting the alcohol, keeping up with cardio and the weekend thing. These three are probably the most essential, so I should probably step it up, a million times over. Right now, I'm gonna go work out!

Wasted Weekends

So, I've been living a constant pattern of trying to diet and be healthy during the week but then when the weekend hits, I ditch the food journal and start drinking and eating irresponsibly. I'm still struggling with staying motivated. I wonder if I'll ever man up and start taking this seriously...

I guess right now on the plus side my dad is so lame that there's no food in the fridge, so there goes any worry about temptation. I feel dreadful however in my decision to use my last few free dollars to buy my own snacks-cherry almond chocolate, pretzels and curry flavored rice chips. It all just sounds so appetizing. Maybe I shouldn't write about the indulgent foods I shouldn't be eating.

I've also noticed that I need to start writing in this blog more often. I think since the summer, I may have gained ten pounds. It's horrifying it really is. I can't even stand to think about it, but I'll have to- everyday it is a constant reminder that I must take action to achieve the results I want.

Instead of writing about my inspirations again, I will write down a couple healthy recipes that I want to try.

Thai Chicken Marinade

400 ml can of coconut milk
125 ml (1/2 cup) peanut butter
30 ml (2 tbsp) fish sauce
30 ml (2 tbsp) red or green curry paste
10 ml (2 tsp) granulated sugar
60 ml (1/4 cup) chopped coriander (cilantro)
6-8 chicken breasts

Mix coconut milk, peanut butter, curry paste, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Then stir in coriander. Makes about 360 ml (2 1/4 cups) marinade. Before marinating, cut shallow slashes in chicken breasts. Marinate minimum of 30 minutes to overnight before grilling. Can also be used to marinate 1.5 lbs shrimp (marinate for 30 minutes).
*Serve with jasmine rice or stir fried veggies
*Keep chicken refrigerated while marinating
*Grill 5-7 per side

Banana Cake

3 moist brown bananas
2 eggs
dark brown sugar
grape seed oil or butter
all purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
cinnamon
nutmeg
walnuts

Mash all ingredients with a masher, butter a cake pan, cook until finished at 350 degrees.