fitness

Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin Eater!

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Remember that old adage from elementary school?

“Cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater!”

Never has it been more true for this yo-yo. Not only have I been cheating on my Paleo diet, I’ve been cheating with… you guessed it… PUMPKIN!

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is back at Starbucks and it happens to be my greatest weakness:

This is the same sign that will adorn the gates of Heaven. Or Hell. Probably both, except it's calorie-free at the Northern gates.

This is the same sign that will adorn the gates of Heaven. Or Hell. Probably both, except it’s calorie-free at the Northern locale.

I normally try to avoid both pure sugar and dairy, yet I find it nearly impossible to this time of the year.  Late August through the holidays = kryptonite to us pumpkin-lovers!

Why, oh why, did a cruel Barista feel the need to introduce me to this decadent temptation two years ago?

I’ve been an addict ever since.

If you can resist the lure of these sirens, you're a f*cking saint. Image Source: http://media.northjersey.com/images/1028F_starbuckspumpkin40p.jpg

If you can resist the lure of these sirens, you’re a f*cking saint.
Image Source: http://media.northjersey.com/images/1028F_starbuckspumpkin40p.jpg

And, since I’m cheating with these dairy killers (even ordering the nonfat version with no whipped cream, it’s still over 260 calories for a grande – and I never get less than a venti!), I’m allowing myself to have my other dairy favorite:

SOOOOOO GOOOOOOD!!!

SOOOOOO GOOOOOOD!!!

Chobani Nonfat Plain Yogurts!

At least these protein-packed dairy-bombs feature far less sugar (just 7g!) and deliver a whopping 18g of protein – so it’s probably one of the healthiest of all cheats. Of course, dairy is normally eliminated from the Paleo diet due to the mucus-development that ensues and the gastrointestinal disdain your stomach feels for you after it’s passed through… but damn, it’s so good.

So, yeah, between PSLs and Chobani dream-cups (my new nickname for ’em), I’ve been cheating my way right to the scale the last 48 hours. Although, I don’t plan to weigh myself this week until Friday (I’m really trying to get down to 1-2x per week versus daily), so I won’t actually know what damage I may be causing to my Paleo weight loss success for a few more days.

On that note, I can really go for a latte before my workout tonight!

Bon appetit, my friends!

~Tori

Farmer’s Markets – The Way to Go!

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One of the most common things I hear from people hesitant to “reform” their eating habits is that it’s “too expensive” to eat more fresh fruits and veggies. A few years ago, I likely would have believed that. Anyone who goes into their local Publix to stock up on fresh staples knows that you can easily drop $50 on a week’s worth of fresh fruits and veggies – and that’s if you go for what’s on sale and/or in season.

Fortunately, most cities – big or small – feature a weekend Farmer’s Market which is the BEST place to go if you’re focus is to get healthy on a budget.

My grandmother stayed the weekend with me (she just turned 71 on 8/30 – wish that lady a Happy Birthday, would ya?!) and we made it a point to hit TWO Farmer’s Markets this morning.

The first market, featured at Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando, I picked up the following:

  • One GIANT eggplant: $2
  • Yellow squash (5): $2.50
  • Carton of fresh cut, organic watermelon: $4
  • Fresh mango, skinned and sliced: $4
  • GIANT sweet onion: $1 (see picture below)
  • Poblano peppers (2): $1
  • Organic apples (4): $3
  • Organic pears (2): $1.50
That is one of the biggest onions I've ever seen. It must weigh two pounds.

That is one of the biggest onions I’ve ever seen. It must weigh two pounds.

At the second market, at the beautiful Lake Lily in Maitland, I was thrilled to discover the prices were EVEN LOWER:

  • Sweet potatoes (2): $1.25
  • Bunches of green onion (4): $2
  • Mixed peppers (4): $1 (what a steal!)
  • Fresh, chopped broccoli: $1.25
  • Limes (4): $1
  • Kale: $1.50
  • Bunch of Chives: $1

Seriously, look at this haul:

I forgot to take a picture BEFORE I started prepping the veggies, so don't judge the plastic baggies in the back corner.

I forgot to take a picture BEFORE I started prepping the veggies, so don’t judge the plastic baggies in the back corner.

This is EASILY enough fruit and veggies to last me a week (minimum) and I spent less than $30 in total for everything. To be honest, the pre-cut watermelon and mango were splurge items, as the Lake Lily market had whole mangoes for just $0.75 each. The same goes for watermelon: I could have purchased a WHOLE watermelon for just $3, but I know how lazy I am when it comes to preparation, so the $8 I spent on those two items was more out of expected apathy than thrift.

For less than it costs for a meal out for two (no cocktails, no appetizer), I literally have enough fresh fruits and veggies to eat for two weeks on my own. As a reformed vegetarian, I could happily live on veggies myself for weeks, but my husband, a die-hard carnivore, begs for steak, chicken, or fish as an accompaniment. Still, factoring in a package of organic chicken at Publix (currently on sale), a bag of wild Alaskan salmon, and the BOGO on baby back ribs at Fresh Market, I will literally feed my husband and I for less than $60 this week and it’ll all be fresh, mostly organic, and HEALTHY.

So… what’s your excuse for NOT eating well again?

I’m pretty sure this is significantly cheaper than dining out 3x per week and picking up fast food the other days.

Bon appetit, my friends!

~ Tori

Up, Down, and In-Between

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This week has been all over the map.

I feel like I’m on a roller coaster of weight, flipping upside down and defying gravity one moment only to have the G-force throw me back into the seat with a humbling thud in the next.

I’ve watched the scale go from 139.2 down to 133.2, then back up to 138 today, all in less than a week. I can only attribute it to water fluctuations, as I’ve been eating relatively normal (a little more than normal, but nothing substantial) and I’ve still hit the gym four times in the last five days.

I’m trying to not let it get to me and instead focus on the fact that I no longer fit into 75% of my wardrobe (good thing) and that I have to grab both a size 4 and a size 6 when I go into a dressing room, as I’m now somewhere in between the two sizes versus sitting solidly in the larger.

I would seriously ring this bell to have someone scratch my back. Sometimes those tags are REALLY itchy. Image Source: http://s3-media3.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/KXY6lr0ez5WwPmPq8Me2Kw/l.jpg

I would seriously ring this bell to have someone scratch my back. Sometimes those tags are REALLY itchy.
Image Source: http://s3-media3.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/KXY6lr0ez5WwPmPq8Me2Kw/l.jpg

I have some pretty MAJOR news coming up regarding my weight loss journey that I’m not quite ready to share, only because I fear jinxing it. I hope to announce it on here some time next week; I’m just waiting on confirmation of a few dates before I make it publicly known.

To give some hints:

  • No, I’m not pregnant.
  • No, I’m not having cosmetic surgery of any kind.
  • This relates to my WRITING just as much as it does to my weight loss.

I promise, I won’t keep the suspense going too long. I’m basically bursting at the seams, eager to tell everyone, but I know how quickly things get thrown off course and I certainly would hate to have to come back here to recant my words. As soon as I can safely announce the news, I’ll be back on here to tell the world!

Until then, my friends – BON APPETIT!

~ Tori

 

 

Steady Progress

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For the second weekend in a row, I maintained control.

CONTROL.

No binge eating or drinking. No diet failures. CONTROL.

This morning, I was 133.8 on the scale.

I really ought to wipe down my glass scale once in a while.

I really ought to wipe down my glass scale once in a while.

MY LOWEST WEIGHT SINCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

I worked out Saturday. I took a long walk on Sunday. Outside of a HUGE dinner (with friends) on Saturday night, I watched my calories, ate clean, and didn’t splurge.

My goal is to be under 128 by October 4th, 2013.

While it is a bit frustrating that I can’t “spot-reduce” this weight loss (my weight all seems to be coming off of my rib cage/waist and not the much needed thighs/hips area), I’m still making steady – and HEALTHY – progress.

Seriously. No more weight needs to come off of my rib cage. These thunder thighs would love to see some trimming, though.

Seriously. No more weight needs to come off of my rib cage. These thunder thighs would love to see some trimming, though.

Just 5-6 more pounds until I hit my goal.

GYM. CLEAN EATING. GYM. CLEAN EATING. GYM.

I can do this.

Bon appetit, my friends!

~ Tori

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My Reward for a 90+ Run!

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My Reward for a 90+ Run!

This delicious baby is a Paleo chocolate cupcake from Infusion Tea, an organic tea house in College Park (Orlando.)

It’s made with a blend of coconut and almond flour, bananas, raw cocoa, eggs, and deliciousness. Seriously, it’s like an orgasm in your mouth. Moist, chocolatey, and rich.

I spent over 90 minutes running on the treadmill (burning over 1,000 calories, I might add) so I thought I deserved a little treat after dinner.

YUM!

Today’s weight: 135.0

Bon appetit, my friends!

~ Tori

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Trying not to jinx myself…

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Trying not to jinx myself...

I have a really bad habit of jinxing myself through this blog, as I tend to brag about breaking weight barriers or setting a new PR at the gym only to follow it up with a tragic and depressing slump.

All I will say is that I’ve hit the gym five times per week for five straight weeks. The GymPact app is truly a blessing for me.

I’m a cardio-monster lately and have even made it a point to do a strength-training circuit at least twice per week, despite my utter aversion to the “boys section” of the gym.

My weight today? 135.6.

I’m not going to get too excited, because the weight seems to be coming off a little faster than is normal [and healthy], so chances are this is a bit of water weight.

However, I do seem to be making steady progress and I’m feeling really good about myself.

My goal is 128.5 by October 4th, 2013 [my graduation day from college] and, if I keep this pacing up, it seems like it might be a possibility.

On that note, it’s time for dinner. And a cupcake.

[only one cupcake, of course.]

Bon appetit, my friends!

~ Tori

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GymPact WORKS!

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20130809-173210.jpg

So, I’ve just finished my fourth week using the GymPact app.

As you can see, I have NOT skipped a workout in four straight weeks. Other than one week with a hectic work schedule, I’ve committed to five workouts every week and bet $10 each time that I’d follow through.

Funny how dedicated you can be when money is on the line, right?

My weight is down slightly (137 this morning) despite a voracious appetite, so all of my cardio must be adding up.

Ah, the power of a Hamilton.

Bon appetit, my friends!

-Tori

The Poem of the Yo-Yo

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Mondays.

Really, that’s all that needs to be said. Anyone that has followed this blog for more than a week knows that Mondays are the day of the week that are most painful for me as a yo-yo dieter.

Ashamed of my weekend. Determined for my week. Depressed. Committed. Sad. Prepared.

An endless cycle.

WW_weight_loss_yo_Yo

I decided a poem was in order.

Because, really, how can you be depressed when something has a lovely cadence and the words rhyme? A well-constructed poem can make a eulogy sound like a nursery rhyme.

So here goes:

Victoria was a dieter,
Who counted every bite.
She tracked each tiny morsel,
And logged it all by night.
She found the time to run,
She hardly ever skipped the gym.
Every effort that she could make,
Her attempt to live life slim.
Turning down a slice of pizza,
Saying no to each cupcake.
Her will power was infallible,
Her calorie allowance wasn’t fake.
She huffed and puffed and cried,
The sweat, it always poured.
Yet her body rarely changed,
The scale, she, too,abhorred.
You’d think one day she’d adjust,
And learn to love her frame.
But an act of biased futility,
Is a handcuff just the same.
And so she’ll keep on counting,
Deprivation will be her law.
Until one day she wins the battle,
When her self-doubt does withdraw.

Hoping for a good week,

~ Tori

Too much of a good thing?

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Everyone has a favorite.

A favorite color. A favorite food. Favorite pair of jeans. Shoes.

Place. Person. Pet.

[Shhhhhhh. Don’t tell anyone, but I sort of like my boy Chihuahua a bit more than my girl. Proof is that he has his own Facebook page and she doesn’t. Whoops!]

Everyone is guilty of having favorites in almost every aspect of their life, including their fitness regime.

I happen to have a favorite type of cardio exercise: the elliptical machine.

If you've followed this blog for a while, you probably realize that's not ME in the photo.

If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you probably realize that’s not ME in the photo.

Image source: http://www.ellipticals.us/

I don’t know what it is about this machine in particular, but I can literally spend 90+ minutes on it and feel great. The TV distracts me, I’m often rocking out to some killer tunes, and in some cases, I’m reading a book for the duration of the workout.

Unfortunately, you can have too much of a good thing.

I’m extremely guilty of not diversifying my workout. I have a tendency, especially when I’m tired or not motivated, to do the exact same exercise [60-90 minutes on the elliptical] every time I go to the gym.

For the past three weeks, other than one super motivated day in which I did a strength circuit, I’ve ONLY done the elliptical machine as my exercise.

Yeahhhhh.

The same machine. Always for 60-90 minutes. Every week, 4-5x per week.

As you can probably guess… it’s not helping my weight loss. In fact, as of this morning, I’m up a pound from my starting weight on June 11th.

It’s frustrating, because, despite the repetitious-aspect, I’m putting in effort. I leave the gym pouring sweat. I feel an ache in my legs the next day, which is normally a good indicator that I’ve given those muscles a pretty strenuous workout.

Why isn’t that enough?

I was reading a few fitness articles online and I discovered there are a couple of major CONS to doing the same workout over and over.

  • For one, you’re more prone to injury! As this article by Body4Life states, doing the same workout over and over creates a “repetitive-task” response, which can lead to an increased chance of injury.
  • The workout becomes less effective. As you continue to do the same workout over and over, your muscles learn the motion and it requires less energy/effort to mimic the action. Practice makes perfect – but, in this case, it means the workout provides less overall caloric burn because it’s not a challenge to your muscles anymore.
  • You won’t see the same results. If you continue doing the same exercise over and over but expect different results [aka, new definition or muscle development], you’re going to be sorely disappointed. [get it? sorely disappointed?! I’m such a pun-artist!]

So, with all of that being said, I guess I’ve fallen into the cardio-rut and it’s time to overhaul my workout a bit.

I hate to say this, Mr. Elliptical-by-the-Door, it’s time to take a break. I need to see other machines.

facebook-break-up

That treadmill is looking mighty sexy. And I’m pretty sure Mr. Stairclimber has been checking me out all night. Don’t get me started on the rowing machine… he’s been dying to bend me over since he laid eyes on me.

Don’t be upset. We can stay friends. I’ll still visit from time-to-time. I’m just not ready for a committed relationship at this point, you know?

I’m glad you understand. I love you and I’ll never forget the joy – and the sore buttocks – you’ve brought me.

Bon appetit, my friends —

~ Tori