Eat very slowly, mindfully, taste every flavour and texture.
Update to yesterday's menu...I bought Alpro Soya dark chocolate 'pudding' and a small bag of dark chocolate chips when I shopped yesterday. So last night I substituted my evening snacks for a cup of the pudding with 10g of chocolate chips mixed in and a mug of light hot chocolate (a 215 cal choccie fix!). My husband has decided to start baking bread and rolls (white which we never eat) so his French bread stick with sesame seeds on top was ready to bake after dinner. Had two small pieces of that after the chocolate fix! It was soooo good! No guilt though. Had about 1800 cals total. The scale has been going down a little almost every day and I don't really want it to keep going down.
I've noticed changes such as abs routines getting easier, more muscle in my thighs, a bit more muscle in my glutes but still a long way to go (not exactly a health issue but pure vanity)
Sort of a rest day but doing the housework. Starting another book. I've been reading a lot more since I got my Kindle for xmas even though I've got tons of books on my shelves that I intend to read someday.
Menu:
B: porridge/raisins/almonds/skimmed milk, tea with milk
L: salmon/light mayo on 2 slices wholegrain bread, yogurt
S: grapes, clementine
D: veggie curry & rice, salad, drink, more of dh's French breadstick
S: 2 gingerbread cupcakes, hot chocolate
Teas and water
TOTAL: 1624
Progress as of today: 35 lbs lost so far, only 0 lbs to go!
Umpqua on 02/10/2012:
That chocolate fix sounds wonderful and so does today's menu. Have a good one!
thenewMLE on 02/10/2012:
Yeah, the temps have been wild! I have only worn a jacket once this "winter" and we have only burned 1 fire. I like cool to slightly cold, and we just haven't had that. We have run the AC every day since before Christmas so this drop has been very anticipated. It seems like every cold front would stall or back up before it got to us and we are VERY low on rain this year. It is very disturbing that the weather patterns seem to be unpredictable or even unprecedented! I was on a chocolate craving too - I added a tablespoon of unsweetened chocolate to my steel cut oats this morning and enjoyed that. I will have to try to make some pudding. Reading the diaries gives me all kinds of wonderful ideas! Enjoy your day (and your French bread - YUM!)
thenewMLE on 02/10/2012:
Oh, and I forgot to say that I am driving 3 hours north to get that 40 degree weather. We are still in the 60's!
moogy on 02/10/2012:
Oh! I have been hinting for a Kindle for my birthday in April, fingers crossed!! I admire you resisting the bread, I keep mine in the freezer and only defrost what I need. Love your chocolate fix annie:) Excellent work:)
selina on 02/10/2012:
I used to love the smell in the house when I baked bread! Yum! Enjoy your books!
V on 02/10/2012:
Just curious if you know how many calories you need to maintain your current weight? Maybe the reason you are still losing weight is your daily caloric intake is still in "loss mode"?? Especially since you amped up the workouts..Anyhoo I am happy to hear that you are enjoying your new foods guilt free. there is no need for guilt when you are doing such an amazing job <3 Have a good day my friend!!
sweetpea1977 on 02/10/2012:
mmm,fresh baked bread. A true weakness of mine!!
My trainer has done a lot of ab work with me since day one (about 10 months) and I have noticed A LOT of improvement with my core. I used to struggle with balance on the BOSU ball at the beginning, but it barely moves now. Push ups and planks are pretty easy now too. I love it!
So, it sounds like you will have plenty of room for a few indulgences on your vacations. Good for you! :)
B: porridge/raisins/almonds/skimmed milk, tea and milk
L: 2 wholegrain toast with pbj, packet of baked crisps, yogurt
S: clementine, banana
D: veggie curry & rice, salad w/walnuts, drink
S: glass of red wine, apple bran muffin
Teas & water
TOTAL: 1743
Progress as of today: 35 lbs lost so far, only 0 lbs to go!
Umpqua on 02/09/2012:
I love your goal up top! And the dark chocolate chips are wonderful. They give me my chocolate fix but I don't find them as irresistible as milk chocolate chips. Have a good one!
selina on 02/09/2012:
Eating mindfully is my goal, too! Have a great day!
supercheese on 02/09/2012:
Have a good one annie!!
Maria7 on 02/09/2012:
Shopping sounds like fun! :-)
moogy on 02/09/2012:
Looks like a good day annie:)
Scale said 130.0 first thing this morning. I tried on my travel trousers just after lunch and they fit fine - enough extra room in the waist with a full stomach. I want to wear these on our upcoming trip. Before we go we've got a big dinner at friends' house, and two days and nights at another friends' house. I want these to still fit when we leave 2 weeks from Friday!
Managed to capture the sun this morning before it disappeared up into the thick cloud layer.
Workout:
45 mins spinning on my exercise bike (2 mins stand, 2 mins sit, etc)
Menu:
B: porridge/raisins/almonds/skimmed milk, tea with milk
L: lean ground steak on 1 slice wholegrain bread with light mayo & tomato, yogurt
S: small glass apple juice (leftover from apple muffin recipe), 2 clementines
D: soup, multigrain seeded bread w/light spread, salad w/walnuts, drink (my salads are spinach or other dark leaves, a bagged mix of iceberg/grated carrots/cabbage, cucumber, tomato, celery, walnut pieces, 1 TBSP of fat free vinaigrette)
S: 2 gingerbread cupcakes, hot chocolate
Teas & water
TOTAL: 1512
Progress as of today: 35 lbs lost so far, only 0 lbs to go!
V on 02/08/2012:
It was a beautiful but brief sunrise <3 You are doing such a great ob maintaining Annie, I am sure you will be just as successful on vacay.Have a good day!!
selina on 02/08/2012:
It was no fun spending my whole trip to England in bed, but at least it was a very nice hotel - I've seen the hotel in UPS adverts, recently. Yes, I'll definitely go back - I want to check out all those places that husband and daughter visited, while I was in bed. And eat fish and chips, haha
We have the worst health care system than most countries I have ever live in. I'm lucky I have good health insurance, but many people don't. In fact, in this country, it doesn't matter much if you have health insurance or not if you get seriously sick. Most people who go bankrupt because of health issues DO have health insurance - the insurance companies just don't cover all the bills. Case in point: my friend was diagnosed with cancer of the blood last fall. Both she and her husband have health insurance through their jobs, but because the treatments she has to have are so expensive and the insurance does not cover 100%, they had to have a fund raiser over the holidays to avoid having to sell their home. Many generous friends helped her out and that's all nice and wonderful. But what really angers me is that one has to ask for charity in order to take care of one's health, even though we have been paying health care premiums our whole working life. In fact, she'll have to have another fund raiser soon. This is so backwards and unfair and I can't wait for the government to come up with universal health care in this country, like in all other developed countries. It's an embarrassing situation, in my opinion. Sorry for the ranting...
selina on 02/08/2012:
Your sunrise is absolutely beautiful! Have a great day!
supercheese on 02/08/2012:
yay for 130!! congratz!!
supercheese on 02/08/2012:
and that is a beautiful sun! where are you from??
getmebackto150 on 02/08/2012:
menu looks great! Your photo is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Have a good one:)
Umpqua on 02/08/2012:
I can't believe your trip is coming up so soon - you are VERY well prepared to face your food challenges!
Maria7 on 02/08/2012:
Beautiful photo! Hope you are having a good day. :-)
moogy on 02/08/2012:
Whoo Hoo for loose pants annie! I am so impressed with your spinning, you really have build up some endurance there:) Good for you:)
Good day! Sunshine this afternoon after morning fog.
I almost always pack early so am getting out the summer clothes for my trip in over 2 weeks and deciding which ones to bring.
I made the apple bran muffins yesterday. Husband didn't like the mushiness of the apples, but I thought they were fine. I just found them 'boring'. So I'll tweak the recipe next time with some tips I've been given. Won't need to bake for a while as I still have frozen gingerbread cupcakes and the apple muffins.
Workout:
45 mins tae bo/jump rope
5 sets of 6 routines w/weights
4 sets of lower body toning
4 sets of abs
'girl' push ups (on knees instead of toes) - 4 sets of 5 (I will work my way up to 'real' pushups!)
Progress as of today: 35 lbs lost so far, only 0 lbs to go!
supercheese on 02/07/2012:
I think my goal in life is to bake more healthy foods and you have been giving me some great ideas!
V on 02/07/2012:
I am sure you are doing the countdown til vacay :) Have a wonderful day and RYC, hahaha ;) Righto!
selina on 02/07/2012:
Yay for the summer clothes in the middle of the winter! I went to Egypt in January 2 years ago and there was a bit of a chill in the air... I hope Marroco is warmer! Leek and pea soup sounds heavenly!!!!
getmebackto150 on 02/07/2012:
menu and exercise looks great! Have a good one:)
legcramps on 02/07/2012:
Nice workout! Have a great day today :)
Umpqua on 02/07/2012:
I realized this morning we are out of muffins! I'll have to bake some up soon, they are quick and easy when we're on the go. I hope you're having a great day!
sweetpea1977 on 02/07/2012:
Sorry the muffins were boring. The last time I made apple bran muffins, I marinated raw apple chunks with some of the sugar from the recipe as well as some cinnamon. So good!
hollybelle on 02/07/2012:
We had sunshine today even though it wasn't predicted! To cold to ride bike today and snow still predicted late tonight (Just an inch or so). Hurry Spring!
selina on 02/08/2012:
Westminster Abbey: I wanted to visit it but I was so sick in bed for 5 days while in London and ended up doing nothing! I did visit the clinic and was able to verify that their health care system is superior to ours in the US.
selina on 02/08/2012:
70's in Morocco sounds PERFECT!
sweetpea1977 on 02/08/2012:
I guess it couldnt hurt. You may have to let them marinate in the fridge for a while so it gets a chance to absorb. I think adding some "apple pie" spices would spruce it up if they arent in your recipe already. Making your own apple pie spice mix will ensure that no added sugar is put into the recipe. Here is one I found: 1/2 t. cinnamon, 1/4 t. nutmeg, 1/8 t. allspice, 1/8 t. cardamom, which makes 1tsp.
Good day ladies! We're getting fog, sun, fog, sun.... but at least we never got the snow like England did. Anyway, I like to hear the ships toot their horns in the fog.
Just baked some apple bran muffins and if they are good I'll post the recipe. Not tasting one until my evening snack.
Workout:
45 mins spinning on my exercise bike - 2 mins standing, 2 mins sitting, etc etc
Menu:
B: porridge/raisins/almonds/skimmed milk, tea with milk
Progress as of today: 35 lbs lost so far, only 0 lbs to go!
selina on 02/06/2012:
Amazing spinning workout! your muffins sound yummy ;) the fog must be beautiful over that body of water (lake?). I can almost hear those horns sounding in the fog...... Have a great day!
Umpqua on 02/06/2012:
The muffins sound good and it must be so peaceful to hear the ships tooting their horns. I hope you have an excellent day!
supercheese on 02/06/2012:
Have a good day annie!!
V on 02/06/2012:
So you lucked out and didn't get snow huh?? You don't get much snow over there compared to Michigan right?? I am sure your muffins will taste yummy Annie :) Have a good day!!
liza36 on 02/06/2012:
It's nice you can resist fresh baked items until later. For me, I'd have to sample it right out of the oven. I'm sure they will be tasty.
thenewMLE on 02/06/2012:
Let me know how the muffins come out! Have a great day - have you started any packing yet?
WII on 02/06/2012:
You go girl!! Building muscles, endurance, and stamina! WOO HOO!
Maria7 on 02/06/2012:
Apple bran muffin...oh my! YUM! :-D
moogy on 02/06/2012:
You reminded me of hearing fog horns as a little girl:) Nice menu today annie:) I forgot to mention that I measured out each muffin amount with an ice cream scoop - you probably do this anyway:) Have a lovely day with the sun and fog, better than snow!!
moogy on 02/06/2012:
Maybe spice? cinnamon goes well with apple, maybe a pinch of nutmeg? or even turn them into ginger ones, 3teaspoons for a kick:)
selina on 02/06/2012:
A sea lock just in front of your house with all the activity - how wonderful!
The gym I go to is a 24 hr gym as we are given keys to come and go at out own convenience. It's staffed during work hours, from 10am - 8pm. I guess, on weekends they leave earlier. Or maybe they left because of the ball game. Anyway, I was "gym alone" last night, haha
Justine6Robert3 on 02/06/2012:
Excellent job on the spinning....I haven't tried a spinning class yet but I know they're difficult and really good for you! Amazing work out yesturday too! I still enjoy my tae-bo tapes from time to time ....still a good work out for cardio and toning! Beautiful pic on your previous diary, looks like you have a lovely view from your home :)
Then after I was full I had a packet of baked crisps which were not on my menu for today. Why? Because I was really hungry by the time I had lunch, and I wolfed the food down w/o really tasting it because I was at the computer. So I was unhappy that I didn't really get to enjoy the grilled cheese and craved some salt. Ugh!
selina on 02/05/2012:
Annie, you have an amazing view! I had a great view of the sunrise when I live in Geneva, but nowadays, I have a row of townhouses across the street blocking the view :( I love your photography - please keep posting!
Great job on the workouts! Building muscles is good!
moogy on 02/05/2012:
I can't resist crisps, can't have them in the house. They need eating while they are fresh!! LOL The rest of the day was excellent though annie:)
h82bfat on 02/05/2012:
You're not alone!! I can't buy anything that resembles a potato chip - not even the crisps. I tear 'em all up! I get Sun Chips for my dghts school lunches becus they are the only chip-like product I've found that I won't devour in one sitting.
moogy on 02/05/2012:
Ah! See, that's the difference, I would eat them all in on go. I do however have lots of other things in the house, choc chip cookies (for when I don't feel like baking), good 70 & 85% chocolate, and the children's sweets which I resist without any problems. I guess we all have our week spots. Like I couldn't have Cadbury's chocolate in the house either, that would slide down nicely, I don't know how many people are in those that share a family size block. I don't share, I will buy you one, but you are not having any of mine!!! LOL
moogy on 02/05/2012:
You are probably fast asleep by now but I just wanted to let you know about the gingerbread recipe. I made it following a muffin method, wet into dry, the recipe works well but I would put in an extra 1teaspoon of ginger. The cooked mixture sticks to muffin cases (probably because it has no fat), so next time I will just spray the tin. It makes 15 cakes/muffins and each has 105 cals, I used spelt flour:) Hope that helps:) Oh, cooking time 25 mins.!
Hello ladies! Hope you are all having a great weekend. Your comments and support are always appreciated.
Did something right in yesterday's workout as my inner thighs are sore today. I do several routines that are specific to each part of my thighs and my glutes. One fairly new routine I do is squats on tiptoes. I've also realized I've been letting my knees go past my toes when doing squats which is hard on knees, so I'm using a mirror to correct the posture and I've noticed a big difference in how effective they feel.
Keeping the calories on the low side until my last two pair of trousers (the smallest ones) have a bit of extra room in the waist.
Workout:
40 mins of spinning on my exercise bike
the rest of the housework I got diverted from earlier this week to plan a London trip
Menu:
B: porridge/raisins/almonds, skimmed milk, tea with milk
Hubby made some luscious French bread which was irresistable so instead of 2 gingerbread cupcakes for an evening snack I had 3 pieces with some light spread. About 400 cals. Brought me up to just under 1700 which is still okay on maintenance, but I want to lose at least a pound so I'll makeup for it.
Progress as of today: 35 lbs lost so far, only 0 lbs to go!
selina on 02/04/2012:
Wow, I'm in wonder to see how precise you are with the exercises! I hope your thighs feel better soon. Your foods are amazing - yum!
Umpqua on 02/04/2012:
Good for you for making adjustments in your posture. I work out in the living room and don't have a mirror, I should probably bring one in because I'm sure there are minor tweaks I could be making, particularly with my yoga poses. Have a good one!
moogy on 02/04/2012:
I am impressed that you are using a mirror to do your exercising. Now there is a confident woman!!! Good for you annie:) Where is the recipe for the gingerbread cupcakes? I can't find one on the forum, am I blind or are you keeping it a secret? LOL
moogy on 02/04/2012:
Yes, I am obviously blind, there was the recipe. I am blaming it on old age:) Thanks annie:)
moogy on 02/04/2012:
Yes, treacle is very sticky but an essential in my cupboard for when I make malt loaf, a much requested treat from my daughter:) How about this recipe for you ginger bread http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=165386 I am making this recipe in muffin cases on Monday for the children. Maybe you would like this one:)
thenewmle on 02/04/2012:
Hey Grannie! Hot French Bread is always irresistible!! I can't wait to reach maintenance so I can have an occasional piece of good bread. I now have more energy from the lack of sugar in my system and since I have been walking and riding I now feel like I don't want to sit down and do nothing. I actually tried to do some crunches but it was immediately interrupted by 4 dogs trying to lick my face! I'll have to figure out another place to try. Have a great weekend!
Horn_Of_Plenty on 02/05/2012:
how awesome is the loose pants feeling!? my pants were lose also, just the littlest bit, and it felt GREAT! it is the BIGGEST motivator to continue, when your clothes start to slowly get bigger and you know that you're going to need a new pair of pants maybe next month!? that's good! just bad that we have to BUY them...why can't new clothes be free if we lose weight?! haha
Went overboard on the gingerbread cupcakes yesterday even though they didn't come out as well as I'd hoped - heavy but with a nice flavour. Also went overboard on the spicy dark chocolate on a couple of days. Didn't get a workout in yesterday. So I'm lightening up on the calories for a few days.
I'm wondering if it's a good idea to lose a pound or two before we start these upcoming holidays - as a credit - like I did before xmas? Or is it better to just deal with any possible gain after we return?
Ok, got out the trousers I intend to wear to Morocco (lightweight, lots of secure pockets) and although they aren't tight there is no extra room in them at all. And I get bloated a LOT (probably from too much fluid intake and swallowing too much air when I eat?). The scale hasn't changed more than tenths of a pound (always says 131.something) but I feel like some weight has shifted to my waist and hips.
We're spending two days with friends just before we leave for Morocco, and I'm expecting to be offered lots of non-weight-conscious food and drink but I'll try to at least keep the portions small. Other than walking to the pub and maybe a walk on some trail through the woods, no other exercise.
So I'm going to keep the calories down until then and keep the workouts to 6 days a week.
Workout:
45 mins tae bo/jump rope
5 sets of 6 routines w/weights
4 sets of lower body toning
4 sets of abs
Menu:
B: porridge/raisins/almonds, skimmed milk, tea
L: liver pate on 1 slice toast, pbj on 1 slice toast, yogurt
S: clementine, grapes
D: veggie chili & rice, salad w/walnuts, drink
S: hot chocolate, 2 gingerbread cupcakes (they are very small!)
Teas and water
TOTAL: 1562
Progress as of today: 35 lbs lost so far, only 0 lbs to go!
supercheese on 02/03/2012:
OOO hmm....I think its whatever you'd like! For me? I usually deal with the weight afterwards lol
sweetpea1977 on 02/03/2012:
Oooh, interesting question! I am very lenient with food choices while on vacation, since I rarely have the opportunity to go on vacation. So, if it were me in your exact position, I'd probably step it up a notch to rev my metabolism up as much as I can and lose a few pounds so I can enjoy my favorite foods with less guilt. :)
V on 02/03/2012:
Well I guess that all depends on how you feel Annie..Are you planning to get some workouts in on vacay? I am sure you will be getting alot of walking and swimming in, right? How healthy is the cuisine in Morocco and how much indulging do you plan? I say do what you feel to make your vacay stress and guilt free...Have a good one <3
selina on 02/03/2012:
Sounds like you have a great plan in preparation for Morocco. Good job!
Thank you much for the link you sent - I remember looking it up a couple of years ago. Looks fantastic for a recovering catholic!
Umpqua on 02/03/2012:
I agree with the other ladies, do whatever feels best for you. I do think if you end up gaining a few pounds on the vacation that once you return to your usual lifestyle you will lose them quickly. I'm glad you're enjoying those cupcakes despite their weirdness ;)
thenewMLE on 02/03/2012:
Have a great time on your trips and I'm sure when you return to your regular INTENSE schedule of exercise, you will be just fine!! Have fun. Thanks for the heads up on the almonds. I am actually using them to boost my calories since I have been hitting under 1200. By a handful, I have about 10 -12 almonds which should be about 10- 15 grams. I am still trying to get comfortable with grams because we measure in cups and ounces and it is about 1/4 cup for a snack. Have a great weekend!!
sweetpea1977 on 02/03/2012:
Sounds like a good plan to me!
moogy on 02/03/2012:
Love the plan Annie, it would be nice to have a little 'room' in those trousers before the eating begins! LOL I bet you look great:)
Yesterday was housework day. I got the living room cleaned and tidied, the laundry room, and swept the kitchen floor so I could wash it. Planned on cleaning bathrooms after lunch. Break time. Lunch. And then while eating lunch (not mindful, I know) ...
...saw on Facebook that Thich Nhat Hanh (my fave Buddhist monk) is going to be in London the end of March. Mentioned it to hub and he said he had just found out that his favourite concert (St. Matthew's Passion) is the 1st of April in London. Hmm.. so I spent the rest of the afternoon researching a trip to London. So we've booked the hotel for 4 nights, the train (1st class!!), the tickets to hear Thich speak, the concert. There's also a massive group meditation with Thich in Trafalgar Square while we are there. !!!
Plans for today are thrown out of whack as well. Drove hubby to bus stop this morning and then did grocery shopping. Found wholemeal pastry flour at the health food store! Making unsweetened applesauce because you can't buy it here. So....Gingerbread cupcakes today.
So sometime today I'll work out, I think!
Workout: ???
Menu:
B: porridge/raisins/almonds, skimmed milk, tea
S: it is 0C/32F outside. Not used to that here! So when I got home had tea with milk and one of those yummy Sesame Snaps that jumped onto the counter at the health food shop.
L: finally getting my cheeseburger! Cheeseburger made with lean ground steak, low fat cheddar, mayo, tomato slices, 2 slices wholegrain bread, packet of baked crisps, yogurt Mmmmm
S: 2 clementines
D: veggie curry & basmati rice, salad, drink
S: 1/2 litre diet coke (yea, I know, but I rarely drink it), gingerbread cupcake
Teas and water
TOTAL: 1757
Progress as of today: 35 lbs lost so far, only 0 lbs to go!
sweetpea1977 on 02/02/2012:
Wow, a trip to London too. How awesome!! Take pictures please! :)
Yay, its cheeseburger day!! :)
selina on 02/02/2012:
I'm so envious of your going to see Thich Nhat Hanh, enjoy! Looking forward to hearing from you more about the mass meditation in Trafalgar Square when the time comes. Maybe we'll see you in the papers, ha! Have a happy and mindful day!
V on 02/02/2012:
Enjoy you burger :P I want to hear all about your visit to London! Have a good day Annie <3
liza36 on 02/02/2012:
What a wonderful London trip you have planned.
Umpqua on 02/02/2012:
The London trip sounds awesome, what great timing! Sorry the cupcakes didn't work out. They're denser than regular cupcakes, but shouldn't be heavy at all. I had to look up treacle, sounds like it would work but maybe it threw off the consistency? As long as they're tasty I guess it's all good!
Umpqua on 02/02/2012:
RE the excess skin, I'm pretty lucky with that. I thought I had some on my belly but I'm pretty sure at this point that it's still FAT that needs to be gotten rid of. I guess I'll see what I'm contending with as my measurements hopefully go down. I use lots of cocoa butter and royal jelly to try to combat it too.
thenewMLE on 02/02/2012:
Thanks Granny, that 1.5 pound a week is what I am aiming for. I am 5'8" but no where near as active as you! Sweetpea sent me out to a calculator site and it determined for my age and weight I should take in 1900 calories to maintain and 1400 to lose, so maybe I have been under the mark. I have a calorie counter journal that I use that maps out your protein, carb and fat intake and lets you track your goals. But you plug in your goals and I had 1200 as my calorie goal since it looked like that was the target for most people that were being successful losing weight. I love you ladies for keeping me on my journey!!
selina on 02/02/2012:
Thanks annie! I've read about the Plum Village as he mentions the place in his books - I hope you (me, too!)can get to go there some day!
biscottibody59 on 02/02/2012:
Not familiar with this man myself, but sounds like a great trip for you--enlightening as well. Glad you're getting to go!
Sunshine this morning but very cold. I'm amazed at how the scale stays the same every morning within tenths of a pound! Got two trips this month and into March, and hoping that won't change by more than a pound or two. Will spend a couple of days with friends, one of whom is American and loves to cook Mexican food with margueritas, and make us bacon rolls for breakfast. Yummy but not exactly a low cal low fat couple of days. It'll be fun though as we haven't seen them in ages!
Then we begin our journey to Morocco the 24th with 11 or 12 days of eating out. I've come up with a toning workout that I can do standing as I'm sure the floors in our villa will be tile or stone (wall push ups, standing abs, glutes/hips/legs). I'm sure there will be a lot of beach walking, although it won't be a cardio workout. As soon as we come home I'll be eligible to join the gym at an OAP rate (senior)!
Workout today will be housework.
Menu:
B: porridge & pb, skimmed milk, tea
L: grilled cheese sandwich with low fat cheddar, yogurt
Waist - 31 1/2 (still a lot of excess skin around my middle)
Hips - 38
Thighs - both are 20
Biceps - both are 11 (hard to measure because I still have excess skin)
Progress as of today: 35 lbs lost so far, only 0 lbs to go!
V on 02/01/2012:
Great measurements Annie!! Hey I still am at it with the skin as well.The arms are almost there and the abs are taking a little longer and slowly getting there..I use "Palmer's Cocoa Butter" on the excess skin and stretch marks, it is a good investment :) have a good day <3
thenewMLE on 02/01/2012:
That's exciting about your trips! I think it is wonderful that you are planning ahead on how to handle your exercise. Seeing old friends is like a trip back in a time machine - doesn't matter how many years have past, you feel like you are right back where you left off!
selina on 02/01/2012:
Awesome! Sounds like you are looking forward to your 60th b-day! Marroco sounds like a lot of fun! Take lots of photos!
liza36 on 02/01/2012:
It's exciting to look forward to a great trip. I'm impressed you have your exercise plan already. That's a mark of great success - planning!
liza36 on 02/01/2012:
By the way, congratulations on being smoke free for 19 years!
WII on 02/01/2012:
Congrats on being smoke free, I am smoke free now for 7 years and couldn't be happier! That was the best decision I made with my health and what helped me to begin to look at other aspects of my health! So congratulations! Enjoy your visit with friends and your upcoming trip, sounds great! Rock your senior status!
Umpqua on 02/01/2012:
Excellent measurements Annie! I also like your plans to exercise during your trips and I can't wait to hear about Morocco.
thenewMLE on 02/01/2012:
I just recently visited with some 1st grade friends that we hadn't seen in 35 years!! We met with them and their 20 something kids at a bar on Bourbon St. to hear a classmates daughter sing. It was funny, because as different as we all looked, the personalities were the same! It was like time had stood still for a little while. Thirteen classmates came. It was really fun.
glycrina on 02/01/2012:
I still ssmoke cigarettes when I go out. I hate that I am addicted. I am getting better but I am unmotivated to quit. I didn't have one cigarette during my week long vacation but had like six when I got home.
V on 02/01/2012:
I am not sure of how you feel about pushups BUT they are very helpful for tightening up, especially the tricep pushups..
hollybelle on 02/01/2012:
Age DOES have its privilege - and I say take advantage of every one of them! hahahaha
sweetpea1977 on 02/02/2012:
Dang, I wanna hang out with your American friend, lol. I love Mexican food, margaritas (especially ones made with Cabo Wabo tequila), and anything involving bacon. Are the bacon rolls rolls with bacon baked in them or are the items of food with bacon wrapped around them?? If these are foods you dont run across often, enjoy yourself. Just be sure to stay active, even if its just a long walk with your American pal.
I CAN NOT wait to hear about your trip to Morroco. You will have to post a ton of pictures of the scenery and the foods you eat either here or on FB. :)
I do several routines that are specific to each part of my thighs and my glutes. One fairly new routine I do is squats on tiptoes. I've also realized I've been letting my knees go past my toes when doing squats which is hard on knees, so I'm using a mirror to correct the posture and I've noticed a big difference in how effective they feel.
That chocolate fix sounds wonderful and so does today's menu. Have a good one!
thenewMLE on 02/10/2012:
Yeah, the temps have been wild! I have only worn a jacket once this "winter" and we have only burned 1 fire. I like cool to slightly cold, and we just haven't had that. We have run the AC every day since before Christmas so this drop has been very anticipated. It seems like every cold front would stall or back up before it got to us and we are VERY low on rain this year. It is very disturbing that the weather patterns seem to be unpredictable or even unprecedented! I was on a chocolate craving too - I added a tablespoon of unsweetened chocolate to my steel cut oats this morning and enjoyed that. I will have to try to make some pudding. Reading the diaries gives me all kinds of wonderful ideas! Enjoy your day (and your French bread - YUM!)
thenewMLE on 02/10/2012:
Oh, and I forgot to say that I am driving 3 hours north to get that 40 degree weather. We are still in the 60's!
moogy on 02/10/2012:
Oh! I have been hinting for a Kindle for my birthday in April, fingers crossed!! I admire you resisting the bread, I keep mine in the freezer and only defrost what I need. Love your chocolate fix annie:) Excellent work:)
selina on 02/10/2012:
I used to love the smell in the house when I baked bread! Yum! Enjoy your books!
V on 02/10/2012:
Just curious if you know how many calories you need to maintain your current weight? Maybe the reason you are still losing weight is your daily caloric intake is still in "loss mode"?? Especially since you amped up the workouts..Anyhoo I am happy to hear that you are enjoying your new foods guilt free. there is no need for guilt when you are doing such an amazing job <3 Have a good day my friend!!
sweetpea1977 on 02/10/2012:
mmm,fresh baked bread. A true weakness of mine!!
My trainer has done a lot of ab work with me since day one (about 10 months) and I have noticed A LOT of improvement with my core. I used to struggle with balance on the BOSU ball at the beginning, but it barely moves now. Push ups and planks are pretty easy now too. I love it!
So, it sounds like you will have plenty of room for a few indulgences on your vacations. Good for you! :)