grannyannie - Monday Apr 01, 2013
(Healthy food-fitness-getting back to ideal weight)
Weight: 140.0
Today I am grateful for sunshine!
This is a Bank Holiday and the gym didn't open till 10, so I got a later start than normal plus had to pick up a few things afterwards before I caught the bus. So, shorter than normal gym workout.
I'm noticing a change in my shape - disappearing saddlebags, bigger calf and thigh muscles, and harder abs and waist. I wonder if the scale is reflecting muscle gain and my goal should be 130, not 128. Guess I'll decide as I get closer to it.
Workout at gym:
35 mins spin bike - except for 5 min warm up and 5 min cool down the bike's programme wanted me to stand (hill/run/jumps) the entire time! I had to take a few 15-30 second breaks for water and catch my breath, but otherwise kept up. Seriously intense!
10 mins elliptical
3 sets of 12 on 3 resistance machines
cables/pulley for triceps - 3 sets of 12
Workout at home:
7 min video routine for triceps/arms (this is starting to feel too easy, so I'll need to look for a tougher one - either that or get some wrist weights and use those with this video)
Progress as of today: 27 lbs lost so far, only 12 lbs to go!
Puddles on 04/01/2013:
Your doing good Annie have a great day.
supercheese on 04/01/2013:
YAY for change!!!! saddlebags lol
hollybelle on 04/01/2013:
I think you are on to something about the muscle gain......
getmebackto150 on 04/01/2013:
Yay for sensing a change in your shape... That always makes me so very happy! Have a great day!!
thenewMLE on 04/01/2013:
Work it girl!! I'm sure with the workouts you are gaining muscle and muscle tone. Your foods sound great today. What is the bank holiday? Is it for Easter or something else? I went to the bank Friday to deposit a check and cash one for my daughter and they were closed which surprised me because they are now always closed on a Saturday and I didn't think they could be closed 3 days in a row. Oh, well, I'll have to find time before I leave Thursday for Oklahoma. Enjoy your day!
grannyannie on 04/01/2013:
This bank holiday is for Easter Monday but we get a lot of bank holiday Mondays that just don't mean anything at all.
OhioRaven on 04/01/2013:
I'd like to SEE my abs someday :v)>
Umpqua on 04/01/2013:
That's awesome that you're noticing a change in your shape! My abs are the first place I gain and the first place I notice it when I lose fat. I'm sure you're making progress so don't worry too much about the scale!
grannyannie on 04/01/2013:
First place I notice as well. Layer of fat over all that muscle yet though! :)
V on 04/01/2013:
Great job at re thinking your goal weight, as long as you are healthy and fit and you feel good about what you are wearing, the number on the scale isn't as important..Oh RYC, thanks you are a Machine as well and Yep Committed is a great place to be ;) LOL Have a great evening my friend!
grannyannie - Sunday Mar 31, 2013
(Healthy food-fitness-getting back to ideal weight)
Weight: 140.0
Happy Easter to those who celebrate!
Not a workout day but certainly wasn't a rest day. Day 2 of doing a top to bottom cleaning/reorganizing in the kitchen. No one would have looked at it before and said it wasn't clean, but I know it's cleaner. Doing a really thorough job this time. Saved the worst jobs for last - cleaning the stainless steel hood over the cooker and the stainless steel hob. We don't use the oven much except for occasional baking so it doesn't need it. Also still need to clean out the pantry closet and the fridge. I actually enjoyed cleaning today as I had made a playlist on my Ipod of the Beatles songs I like best - had 3 hours of them. So I sang along while I cleaned and organized. Fortunately, hubby didn't have to hear me as he was out.
grannyannie on 03/31/2013:
Yep. I have the entire collection.
Puddles on 03/31/2013:
We are definitely of the same era. The Beatles my teenage years. I also have all their albums that is how old I am. LOL LOL - and I too enjoy their songs. I know what you mean when you say only you know it was dirty. It also gets to me when I know but nothing shows. Have a great day and your doing a great job.
grannyannie on 03/31/2013:
LOL. I don't have the albums any more but bought the remastered set of CD's a few years ago. I saw them on Ed Sullivan in 1964 just before my 12th birthday! :)
Yea, who but me will know if the knick knacks on the kitchen window sill are dusty or not?!
Tangalyn~ on 03/31/2013:
hope u have a happy easter :)
hollybelle on 03/31/2013:
Yes, I can only "surface clean" so long before I have to get in and "deep clean". Usually a couple - three times a year. I want to take it even further this time and get rid of excess and unused things like clothes, shoes, EVERYTHING. I am just in that mood to do it.
grannyannie on 04/01/2013:
I do it about twice a year, sometimes 3. I get rid of stuff when I do it as well.
V on 04/01/2013:
Happy Easter to you as well, although I am a day late, LOL I am sure you are excited to get back in the gym today! Go gettum Annie :)
grannyannie - Saturday Mar 30, 2013
(Healthy food-fitness-getting back to ideal weight)
Weight: 140.0
Today I am grateful for my amazing family!
Trying to put a dent in my list of projects/chores so today I'll do the kitchen - cupboards, windows, cooker, etc etc. The sun is out and it's not freezing so husband will be out working in the garden today.
Puddles on 03/30/2013:
Good morning Annie - You have a long list of work. Easy does it - I am doing the same my to do list is getting a little bit shorter. Have a great day.
grannyannie on 03/30/2013:
Very long list! It's small painting jobs, spring cleaning type jobs - cleaning closets, sanding the garden benches, sanding and re-oiling the beech kitchen counters (hate that one). No rush, but want them all done by the time family visits in Sept.
grannyannie - Friday Mar 29, 2013
(Healthy food-fitness-getting back to ideal weight)
Weight: 140.0
Today I am grateful that I have a home, food, clean water, as so many people lack those.
The lemon poppyseed spelt bread I made yesterday was good. Not low-cal but I can calculate the calories in grams. I made it with white spelt but I also bought wholegrain, so I'll try the next batch with that.
The gym will be re-opened on Saturday but I never go on weekends, so I'll go back on Monday. I've missed the gym.
Workout at home:
60 mins exercise bike (not nearly as strenuous as the spin bike!)
Umpqua on 03/29/2013:
I didn't realize there were white and whole grain spells. Always something new to learn. Hope you have a great weekend!
hollybelle on 03/29/2013:
Sounds wonderful - I may try bread AGAIN - glutton for punishment, I guess.
V on 03/29/2013:
Have a wonderful evening Annie <3
horn_of_plenty on 03/29/2013:
if you are trying to cut calories, almond milk is the way to go. it's super low in calories - only 30 or 40 per cup!!! so it's a great filler...like in cereals...and then you can have something along with the cereal, like a cheese stick, or yogurt, or nuts...you can eat more, for less!
grannyannie on 03/30/2013:
I always use skimmed milk in my porridge and tea - a bit more calories - 35 in 100ml so a cup would be about 70 I think. I'll give it a try though.
grannyannie - Thursday Mar 28, 2013
(Healthy food-fitness-getting back to ideal weight)
Weight: 140.2
Today I am grateful that we don't have the snow everybody else has, although it's too cold!
Trying out some new bread in my bread machine. Never had spelt so I'm making a lemon poppyseed spelt which will be ready soon after I get back from spin class and shopping.
Gym is still closed. All blocked off with scaffolding all around it. Roof needs serious repair. Miss the machines at the gym, but I can still workout at home.
Progress as of today: 26.8 lbs lost so far, only 12.2 lbs to go!
OhioRaven on 03/28/2013:
Mornin' Annie. Did you get anything good at the health food store yesterday ? Warm wishes coming your way, Annie.
grannyannie on 03/28/2013:
Mornin'. Just got some spelt flour. Eating the lemon poppyseed spelt bread I made right this minute. :)
hollybelle on 03/28/2013:
I'll tell you, I cannot make bread to save my life! It almost always fails! Many told me that if I used a Bread Machine it HAD to turn out, but nooooooo. So I envy those who can actually make bread! Then again, if I could I would be tempted to eat the WHOLE loaf! Have a great day, Annie!
grannyannie on 03/28/2013:
I always use the machine, but when I do the French I only do dough cycle and do the rest myself. I make hubby's bread that he has for toast and it used to rise nicely, but now it's flat. Still tastes great though. This spelt bread came out very nicely.
Puddles on 03/28/2013:
I do make bread from scratch but the reason I don't anymore is because I love it way toooooooo much. There is nothing like the smell of fresh bread cooking in the house. My Grandson loves his bread and even at 7 has a joy of cooking. I will be teaching him how to do this once I move closer to them. Have a great day Annie.
grannyannie on 03/28/2013:
Yea, the smell can drive me nuts when I'm hungry. I rarely eat the normal bread I make for hubby's toast as it's just too heavy to use for sandwiches. But I'll sometimes have one thick slice for pbj toast. Mmmm...
getmebackto150 on 03/28/2013:
Oh my that bread sounds amazing! Your menu looks great. Hope you have a good day:)
grannyannie on 03/28/2013:
Thanks. Bread is yummy.
supercheese on 03/28/2013:
bread sounds awesome!!! Homemade bread is always 10x better and yummier! Im a big fan of spelt bread too
grannyannie on 03/28/2013:
First time I've tried spelt bread. Bought some white and wholegrain flour. Yum!
liza36 on 03/28/2013:
The poppyseed bread sounds delicious. Way to go with your home workouts. You always impress me with what you do.
grannyannie on 03/28/2013:
Thanks Liza. I have big motivation - I don't want to be a frail, weakling of an old woman! I'd love to keep feeling 20 years younger than I am.
thenewMLE on 03/28/2013:
Your bread sounds great. I have never tried spelt, but I have been soaking the whole wheat flour and pastry flour overnight in buttermilk to break down the husk and make it easier on the digestion to make the muffins. My last bread was a multi grain raisin bread that I did with whole wheat flour, rye flour and little bread flour. The dough went through the dough cycle on the machine and then rolled it out and brushed it with cinnamon, brown sugar and raisins - rolled it up like a jelly roll and put it in a loaf pan and baked it. Yum... Can you post your poppyseed bread recipe?
grannyannie on 03/28/2013:
I tried spelt because I've heard it's good for you and is easier to digest, not that I have trouble digesting bread. So you may want to try that. Your bread sounds yummy, but I'm afraid I'd eat the whole thing. I would post the recipe but it's in metric. Should be easy to find one online.
Umpqua on 03/28/2013:
Nom nom on the bread. I've seen a lot of recipes with spelt and have never tried. it. I usually use white whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour in my recipes - need to check out the spelt.
grannyannie on 03/28/2013:
The bread I make for hubby's toast is called Country Grain and has wheat flour, wheat flakes, rye flour, malted barley flour. I add sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and linseeds. A heavy bread good for toast and too heavy for sandwiches.
V on 03/28/2013:
Your bread sounds extra nummy :P Hope that it warms up nicely for you guys..Have a great evening my friend <3
grannyannie - Wednesday Mar 27, 2013
(Healthy food-fitness-getting back to ideal weight)
Weight: 141.6
Today I am grateful for the internet, Skype, my family, and the mostly blue sky!
Gym is closed for repairs until at least Friday, but since all the classes are held in a different building they have offered extra classes. So I've signed up for a spin class today, as well as my usual Thursday class. If the gym is still closed on Friday I'll go to a spin class then as well.
The class time clashes with the bus times, so I'll have time to do some shopping before class (health food shop). Class ends at 1pm and it'll be 50 minutes before the next bus, so I'm going to have lunch at a cafe. I'll try to stick to a non-cream soup and a roll (resist the butter) and a cuppa tea. If the weather was nice I'd just bring a lunch and eat outside in the town square or on a bench along the waterfront.
getmebackto150 on 03/27/2013:
I guess classes are definitely better than nothing, but I'll bet you cannot wait for it to be fully operational! have a good day!!
grannyannie on 03/27/2013:
Spin classes are a serious workout, and I also work out at home, so I'm good.
V on 03/27/2013:
Hope your bus schedule worked well for you today..i am sure you miss your normal routine but thank goodness the repairs will be done in a few days..Thanks for the nice comment :)
grannyannie on 03/28/2013:
Worked out fine but I had to rush through lunch so I didn't miss the bus and have to wait an hour.
grannyannie - Tuesday Mar 26, 2013
(Healthy food-fitness-getting back to ideal weight)
Weight: 141.6
The gym/pool is closed due to storm damage and might open tomorrow. I will do another taebo/jump rope routine even though this is not a workout day. If the gym is closed tomorrow I'll do the same in addition to my strength training. Thursday's spin bike class is not affected as it is held in another building.
Updated weight. I did so well the first 9 days after our travels, then backslid badly. I have 11 weeks to get back to goal. The only big challenge I will have before then is the first two weeks of May when our Ugandan daughter stays with us. I'll have some treats in the house for her like chocolate chip muffins, ice cream and chocolates. And she really loves chicken so she and hubby can have BBQ'd thigh and drumstick and I'll just get myself some slices of chicken breast.
I'm looking forward to some clothes shopping while we are in the US in June - especially since I will be a my ideal weight by then. I want to get some clothes for our trip to Thailand next January. Already have a dress for the wedding (hubby's niece) but also want to find a tankini, some capris with deep pockets, some sundresses for walking along the beach.
Workout at home:
45 mins tae bo/jump rope
Have a long list of household projects to get done like painting jobs, spring cleaning, etc. So I'll choose one and do it today. Since the new furnace/hot water tank is in our utility room now, it had to be rearranged. Lost some storage space but hubby put up 3 shelves for me on the walls yesterday and everything is all organized. Just need to paint the walls as it's been years since I've done it.
Puddles on 03/26/2013:
You are certainly a globe traveler. Everything will work out. You are doing good. Have a great day. We both have house stuff to do today.
grannyannie on 03/26/2013:
Thanks! Gotta be positive.
getmebackto150 on 03/26/2013:
You travel so much!!! That is amazingly wonderful! I hope to travel half as much as you some day (hopefully) soonish:) LOL... Good job getting some workouts in at HOME... I love your attitude.. yes you WILL be at goal in June and you will enjoy the clothes shopping in the states to the max!!!
grannyannie on 03/26/2013:
If we won the lottery we'd be travelling 6 months out of every year!
Umpqua on 03/26/2013:
Great attitude, Annie. I know you will meet your goal, you've proven that you know how to get the job done!
legcramps on 03/26/2013:
Atta girl! You can do this; have a great day with whatever you choose to do!
V on 03/26/2013:
I LOVE that you say that you WILL be at goal by June and i know you can do it Annie!! You are a champ! Hope ya had a stellar day <3
biscottibody59 on 03/27/2013:
Keep on moving forward--you'll make it easily! Stay vigilant:-)
grannyannie - Monday Mar 25, 2013
(Healthy food-fitness-getting back to ideal weight)
Weight: 140.2
Dinner Saturday night was very enjoyable. Didn't count my calories yesterday. Our guests brought us homemade soda bread and scones, so I ate some of each yesterday. No idea the calorie content and I don't like guessing. Cookies are gone, ice cream is gone, no more bottles of opened wine.
No gym today. Storm damage from high winds so it's closed until??
Umpqua on 03/25/2013:
It sounds like you had a wonderful dinner party - the foods and beverages sound amazing! I hope you have an excellent day.
V on 03/25/2013:
I am subscribed to your page :) Happy to hear that your dinner party was a hit! That stinks about your gym, hope it isn't closed a long time, that must have been some really gusty winds.. Hope you have a wonderful day Annie <3
supercheese on 03/25/2013:
hahaha sounds like a great weekend!! Have a good one annie!
Puddles on 03/25/2013:
Glad to hear party was good. Your picture are always so nice. Have a great week Annie.
legcramps on 03/25/2013:
Glad your dinner party went well! I know you'll get your workouts in whether that gym is closed or not ;)
getmebackto150 on 03/25/2013:
glad to hear all the unhealthy food is gone... Oh No about the gym!!! I hope the damage is minimal and they are back open soon!! I hear you on the diet soda, it also makes me feel like I've had a treat... I personally think its ok in moderation from time to time as just that, a treat, not a daily drink:) Have a good one!!
grannyannie on 03/25/2013:
I think it was roof damage at the gym from high winds. Possibly open on Weds, if not I can still workout at home like today. Thursday spin bike class is in a different bldg so can still do that.
grannyannie - Saturday Mar 23, 2013
(Healthy food-fitness-getting back to ideal weight)
Weight: 140.2
Busy today. Guests coming this evening (a couple). Just having my lunch break now.I will get in my home workout routine this afternoon. No excuse not to do it as it takes one hour. Already made the pasta sauce, baked the French bread, grated the parmesan, made the garlic butter. Just need to do a bit of a cleaning around the house.
Workout at home:
7 min video routine for triceps/arms
dumbbells - 3 sets of 12 - 7 routines
side dips with dumbbell
squats
lunges w/dumbbells
thighs/glutes with ankle weights
planks (full and alternating)
push ups
triceps dips
thigh master
abs-4 routines
bridge (for glutes)
Menu this evening:
Starter:
To put on cracked pepper crackers, rough oatcakes, homemade bread: smoked salmon, smoked salmon terrine. Salad with mixed dark lettuce/spinach, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, celery, radishes
Mains:
penne pasta with homemade veggie pasta sauce (Quorn mince), garlic bread
Tangalyn~ on 03/23/2013:
hope u have a nice time with ur guests :)
grannyannie on 03/23/2013:
Thank you! I'll enjoy every bite and sip as it'll be a while before I can splurge again.
biscottibody59 on 03/23/2013:
Enjoy your party and good company!
grannyannie - Friday Mar 22, 2013
(Healthy food-fitness-getting back to ideal weight)
Weight: 140.2
Today I am grateful for good food and wine!
We are thrilled that our Ugandan 'daughter' has been granted a visa to come to the UK (second time) so she can volunteer for 14 weeks at a religious community. The visa also gives her 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after for visiting us. Just bought her airline ticket as the religious community doesn't pay for that. She arrives on May 2nd.
This is our daughter, Doreen, and her 'other' mum at her graduation party in January.
Busy today. Gym this morning, then picked up the car from the garage, then grocery shopping (which I usually do on Thursday as Friday is too crowded!). Guests coming tomorrow for dinner and this time I am doing the cooking. I have baked oatmeal raisin cookies which aren't very sweet (our guests don't like too sweet anyway and neither does hubby). After dinner I will put the French bread in the machine and set to the 3 1/2 hour dough cycle and let them rise overnight. Will make the pasta sauce in the morning and then reheat it when I make the pasta in the evening.
Workout at gym:
30 mins spin bike
10 mins treadmill
5 mins rowing machine
3 sets of 12 on 6 resistance machines
cables/pulley for triceps - 3 sets of 12
I will do my home strength workout either this evening or tomorrow.
Teas & water and I've broken down and bought diet soda which I've been off for weeks. It makes me feel like I'm getting a treat in the evening instead of looking for something to snack on.
TOTAL: under 1800 (too high)
Progress as of today: 26.8 lbs lost so far, only 12.2 lbs to go!
MzLovely on 03/22/2013:
Hope you have a great day :):)
legcramps on 03/22/2013:
good food and wine... yep, definitely grateful for that as well ;)
hollybelle on 03/22/2013:
Wonderful news about your "daughter" coming to UK to visit for so long. 1800 isn't so bad.....hang in there. You are the queen of your workouts! Go, Annie!
grannyannie on 03/22/2013:
Thanks Holly. The wine made the difference in the calories. After guests tomorrow I'm getting strict again!
Puddles on 03/22/2013:
Wonderful news. Have a great weekend.
biscottibody59 on 03/22/2013:
Something so cool to look forward to--great picture BTW! Great work as usual with the workouts, etc:-)
Good to see you got your house back to yourselves!
Fortunately, hubby didn't have to hear me as he was out.
I want to get some clothes for our trip to Thailand next January. Already have a dress for the wedding (hubby's niece) but also want to find a tankini, some capris with deep pockets, some sundresses for walking along the beach. 
Your doing good Annie have a great day.
supercheese on 04/01/2013:
YAY for change!!!! saddlebags lol
hollybelle on 04/01/2013:
I think you are on to something about the muscle gain......
getmebackto150 on 04/01/2013:
Yay for sensing a change in your shape... That always makes me so very happy! Have a great day!!
thenewMLE on 04/01/2013:
Work it girl!! I'm sure with the workouts you are gaining muscle and muscle tone. Your foods sound great today. What is the bank holiday? Is it for Easter or something else? I went to the bank Friday to deposit a check and cash one for my daughter and they were closed which surprised me because they are now always closed on a Saturday and I didn't think they could be closed 3 days in a row. Oh, well, I'll have to find time before I leave Thursday for Oklahoma. Enjoy your day!
This bank holiday is for Easter Monday but we get a lot of bank holiday Mondays that just don't mean anything at all.
OhioRaven on 04/01/2013:
I'd like to SEE my abs someday :v)>
LOL! You will!
Umpqua on 04/01/2013:
That's awesome that you're noticing a change in your shape! My abs are the first place I gain and the first place I notice it when I lose fat. I'm sure you're making progress so don't worry too much about the scale!
First place I notice as well. Layer of fat over all that muscle yet though! :)
V on 04/01/2013:
Great job at re thinking your goal weight, as long as you are healthy and fit and you feel good about what you are wearing, the number on the scale isn't as important..Oh RYC, thanks you are a Machine as well and Yep Committed is a great place to be ;) LOL Have a great evening my friend!
:)