Thursday, July 30, 2009

What I Ate: 7/29/2009

Just realized that I didn't post this last night! Oops. Will post today later on tonight!

  • 2 oz. teriyaki beef jerky - yep, back to the jerky. The BK chicken patty upset my stomach yesterday morning. This wasn't as bad. I needed dense protein that could keep me full for 5+ hours, and I have no stove, so... anyway. (160 kcals, 28g protein)
  • 2 scoops Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in Sbux venti iced decaf americano with SF vanilla syrup (220 kcals, 50g protein)
  • 6 oz. shrimp ceviche with onion, cilantro, mango, papaya, and of course lots of citrus juice - it was soooo good. There were no added sugar or oils. Picked this up at an adorable local restaurant here in Oakland called Tamarindo. I just wanted something that wasn't sandwich meat! The waiter was sweet and sort of cute, and they let me take the ceviche to go. (roughly estimating 160 kcals, 27g protein)
  • 3 wedges Laughing Cow Light herb & garlic cheese (105 kcals, 7.5g protein)

Total: 645 kcals, 112.5g protein, 69.8% kcals from protein.

The plan for tomorrow is to get rid of the cheese. It's an unnecessary temptation.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

What I Ate: 7/28/2009

  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in homemade iced decaf coffee with a splash of SF Torani chocolate syrup and SF Torani vanilla syrup (110 kcals, 25g protein)
  • 1 BK tendergrill chicken patty (150 kcals, 28g protein)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in Sbux tall iced decaf americano with SF vanilla syrup (110 kcals, 25g protein)
  • 9 thin slices of deli turkey breast (68 kcals, 12g protein) and 1 tbsp. of mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein) and 2 wedges of Laughing Cow Light garlic & herb cheese (70 kcals, 5g protein)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in homemade iced decaf coffee with SF Torani Irish Cream syrup - this is like my special nightcap! (110 kcals, 25g protein)

Total: 623 kcals, 120g protein, 77.0% kcals from protein.

Had a light workout this morning before the bar--just 33 minutes of Walk Aerobics to get me awake and alert. I felt bad for it being so short and non-strenuous, but I'll hopefully get back to my real sweat-inducing and lengthier workouts once this ordeal is over!

Monday, July 27, 2009

What I Ate: 7/27/2009

Just a few hours left until the Bar exam! OMG!

Today was a nice day. I did some leisurely last-minute studying and memorizing of things and went strolling around downtown Oakland. I also made up some new mnemonic devices. For example, "If people steal the cotton candy, stop crying!" That one's for a contracts Statute of Frauds question. Also, "I need strong men for every mama!" In addition to a mantra urging men not to abandon their kids and baby-mamas, that is a mnemonic for the products liability theories in tort - intent, negligence, strict liability, implied warranty of merchantability, implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose, express warranty, and misrepresentation. Haha.
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in Sbux tall iced decaf americano (110 kcals, 25g protein)
  • 1 Burger King tendergrill filet - yeah, I know... But I tried this again today and it was awesome. This BK's tendergrill filets aren't greasy, so it was perfect! It seemed just like something I'd cook at home. In fact, because dense protein is so filling, I'm planning to have this every morning for breakfast and have the shakes for lunch! (150 kcals, 28g protein)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in Sbux tall iced decaf americano (110 kcals, 25g protein)
  • 1 egg white crepe with 6 slices deli turkey and 1 tbsp. yellow mustard (80 kcals, 14g protein)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in homemade iced decaf with Torani sugar-free chocolate syrup for an extra yummy chocolate boost and a dash of Torani sugar-free Irish Cream syrup - there's a discount grocery store across the street from my hotel and they had large bottles of these syrups for less than $5/each! (110 kcals, 25g protein)

Total: 560 kcals, 117g protein, 83.6% kcals from protein. Yumm-o!

If you couldn't tell, I'm protein-loading. Planning to continue this throughout the week for maximum stamina and energy.

I also went back to the gym this morning, just 33 minutes on the treadmill. The fitness center doesn't open until 6 and I should be there tomorrow am by 7:30, so I'm planning to get up at 4 AM and just do the "walking tape" (i.e., Leslie Sansone Walk Aerobics sans the actual video), get showered and dressed, look over my outlines really briefly, eat and take vitamins, and leave.

I went to the exam site today, and it made me very happy I'm not staying in the official bar hotel. Lots of nervous people walking around; it was hampering my good qi! I'm not sure what tomorrow holds in store, but I'm going into it as calmly and positively as possible.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

What I Ate: 7/26/2009

A travel day...

Which tends to mean a poor eating day for me, and sadly this time was not an exception. I forgot to go to the grocery store yesterday to get vegan jerky, but I did bring egg crepes and lots of protein powder out to California with me. But I packed that all in my big luggage, which meant I had nothing to eat most of today. I even had fast food again! (Shame, shame, shame.)

  • About 1/2 red delicious apple - it was 4 AM and the airport was so cold and loud that I couldn't sleep. No peel, of course. (about 55 kcals, 0g protein)
  • About 2 oz. teriyaki beef jerky - I was so mad about this. I paid $8 at the airport for a big bag because it's WLS-friendly, but I really am not a fan. And my food scale was in my checked luggage, so I guessed at how many ounces I was eating. (about 160 kcals, 28g protein)
  • Subway roast chicken breast patty with spicy mustard, lettuce, and tomato. This was hilarious because Subway is *all about* bread, but I didn't get any. The sandwich lady seemed very confused at first, but she did at least cut me a little deal on it. There was a Burger King next door, but I figured Subway is a safer bet (given my stupidity in getting into this situation) because they just heat the prepackaged food up in a microwave, while Burger King grills it and probably adds grease to it. I trust Subway's nutrition propaganda more than BK's. (about 120 kcals, 15g protein)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in my favorite Sbux drink (110 kcals, 25g protein)
  • The rest of the bag of jerky - fabulous dinner, let me tell ya (120 kcals, 21g protein)

Total: 565 kcals, 89g protein, 63.0% kcals from protein.

Not a great food day because of all of the fake stuff and preservatives and processed-ness, but I'm not going to beat myself up over it at this particularly hectic time. I will just avoid making it a lifestyle. And given the subpar travel preparation I did, the ending stats could be a lot worse.

The Starbucks is a block away from my hotel, which is one block away from the Bar exam facility (yay!) So my plan during the bar is to have protein shakes for lunch, which will keep me full, hydrated, and energetic. I brought extra scoops of protein for this purpose.

Also, my hotel has a fitness facility and I went there today, which was great. 35 minutes on the treadmill and a little weightlifting too.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

What I Ate: 7/25/2009

Today is my last day in New Haven before I head out to California. Yay! (or something.) If you pray, your prayers are needed! And if not, warm, happy thoughts and positive vibes would be great too :-)
  • 2 links apple maple yummy scrumptious chicken sausage (140 kcals, 12g protein)
  • 1 egg white crepe (30 kcals, 6g protein) with 4 slices chicken lunchmeat (50 kcals, 10g protein) and 1 tbsp. spicy mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein)
  • 1 egg white crepe (30 kcals, 6g protein) with 6 slices deli turkey lunchmeat (45 kcals, 8g protein) and 1 tbsp. spicy mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein shake in tall iced decaf americano with SF vanilla syrup from Sbux (110 kcals, 25g protein)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein shake in tall iced decaf americano with SF vanilla syrup from Sbux (110 kcals, 25g protein)

Total: 525 kcals, 92g protein, 70.1% kcals from protein.

Yum-a-lum! I love those sausages. I'm getting to this weird giddy emotional state pre-bar. I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing but it's fun! I think it's because I'm excited to visit downtown Oakland for the first time. Yay!

Oh wait: I have a confession to make and I keep forgetting it. A couple of nights ago (Thursday?) I posted my food before I ate it because I don't have reliable internet at home. Well, I went home and had both my scheduled shake AND a 1/2 ounce of those pesky Trader Joe's marcona almonds. So, add 95 calories and 3g of protein to that day. I was so disappointed in myself for caving in to temptation. It was fine in terms of daily calories--it's not like I went over some kind of limit. 600 calories in a day is totally acceptable (in fact, some would argue I should be eating more than I do.) But it's a bad habit to eat random, unscheduled, unnecessary stuff like that. And my stomach didn't agree with my decision either!

Friday, July 24, 2009

What I Ate: 7/24/2009

Today was a crazy day. I woke up incredibly exhausted after having a long, detailed nightmare about the MBE (the multiple choice portion of the Bar exam.) I actually fell asleep last night doing practice MBE questions, so it's not surprising that I dreamt about them. At any rate, I decided that meant I needed to take a break. I had errands to run anyway - I leave late tomorrow night for New York and fly out to San Francisco early Sunday morning. Eating was weird today (I had fast food - argh); the whole day was weird. But the break was much-needed.
  • 2 slices roast beef (60 kcals, 12g protein) with 1 slice American cheese (60 kcals, 3g protein) and 1 tbsp. mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein)
  • 1 Burger King tendergrill chicken filet with lettuce and tomato - didn't eat the bread, obvi (200 kcals, 28g protein, very rough estimate on the calories because it seemed a little greasy)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in tall iced decaf americano from Sbux with SF-vanilla syrup (110 kcals, 25g protein)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in homemade iced decaf (110 kcals, 25g protein)

Total: 545 kcals, 93g protein, 68.3% kcals from protein.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

What I Ate: 7/22-23/2009

      I don't have reliable Internet at home, so I couldn't post yesterday's food when I got home. So, here's my report from both today and yesterday. I haven't actually had the last shake yet, but I'm on my way home from the library to have it now!

      Thursday, July 23, 2009

      • 1 Egg Beater crepe with 2 slices honey smoked turkey breast and 1 tbsp. spicy mustard (85 kcals, 16g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in a tall iced decaf americano from Sbux (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 1 Egg Beater crepe with 1 slice roast beef and 1/2 slice American cheese and 1 tbsp. spicy mustard (95 kcals, 13.5g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in a homemade iced decaf (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 1 Egg Beater crepe with 6 slices of the thin smoked deli turkey and 1 tbsp. spicy mustard (80 kcals, 14g protein)

      Total: 480 kcals, 93.5g protein, 77.9% kcals from protein.

      Can you see how much my culinary sophistication has declined? Basically, all I eat is sandwiches wrapped in eggs instead of bread.

      I did decide to can the workout for today so I could study. It's dire straits...dire straits right now...

      Wednesday, July 22, 2009

      • 1 Egg Beater crepe (30 kcals, 6g protein) with 2 oz. Starkist herb & garlic tuna (90 kcals, 13g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in Starbucks iced decaf americano with SF-vanilla syrup (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 1 Egg Beater crepe (30 kcals, 6g protein) with 6 slices thin deli-turkey (45 kcals, 8g protein) and 1 tbsp. mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein)
      • 1 Egg Beater crepe (30 kcals, 6g protein) with 1 slice deli roast beef (30 kcals, 6g protein) and 1/2 slice American cheese (30 kcals, 1.5g protein) and 1 tbsp. mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in Starbucks iced decaf americano with SF-vanilla syrup (110 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 510 kcals, 96.5g protein, 75.7% kcals from protein.

      Can you tell I'm really into these Egg Beater/egg white crepes? :-) It's like being able to have a sandwich, and they make life *so* much easier at this most unfortunate time (6 days before the bar.)

      I did get my 35-minute elliptical ride in this morning, which is happy-making. I also got several practice essays done. Tomorrow: I think maybe a half day MBE. I was planning to do a full day, but I'm increasingly frightened by the essays and whether I'll have enough law memorized for all of the California-specific subjects to be able to even make up something that sounds reasonable when the big day comes.

      I think I may skip the workout tomorrow? I don't want to make that a habit. Or I could just work out in the middle of the day instead of in the morning... but that's another precedent I don't want to set. We'll see.

      Tuesday, July 21, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/21/2009

      • 1 Egg Beater "crepe" with 1 link of the apple maple sausage - I was running low on egg white crepes, but Target didn't have any cartons of egg white. I made do with Egg Beaters. I think the Egg Beater version is a little tastier, but the egg white crepes look more like bread, which is nice. Egg Beater crepes have 5 more calories and 1 more gram of protein. (100 kcals, 12g protein)
      • 1 sugar-free Jolly Rancher - I got these for the bar exam to keep my mouth lubricated since we can't have water in the testing area and wanted to taste-test them (10 kcals, 0g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in a medium iced decaf coffee from Publick Cup (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 1 Egg Beater "crepe" (30 kcals, 6g protein) with 6 slices of thin-sliced deli smoked turkey breast (45 kcals, 8g protein) and 1 tbsp. spicy mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in a tall iced decaf americo with sugar-free vanilla syrup from Starbucks (110 kcals, 25g protein) and 0.5 oz. Trader Joe's Marcona almonds with rosemary - they've kept so long because I keep them in the freezer. (95 kcals, 3g protein)
      • 1 egg white "crepe" (25 kcals, 5g protein) with 1 slice deli roast beef (30 kcals, 6g protein), 1/2 slice American cheese (30 kcals, 1.5g protein) and 1 tbsp. spicy mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein) - this was the last of my egg white crepes.

      Total: 595 kcals, 91.5g protein, 61.5% kcals from protein.

      I was really hungry today for some reason, so I added the nuts because they have fat and thus are filling. I'm fine with this, as long as it doesn't get out of hand. I also went to the gym this morning--35 minutes on the elliptical.

      Monday, July 20, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/20/2009

      • 1 egg white "crepe" (25 kcals, 5g protein) with 2 oz. Starkist herb & garlic tuna (90 kcals, 13g protein)
      • 1 egg white "crepe" (25 kcals, 5g protein) with 4 slices of deli chicken (50 kcals, 11g protein), 1/2 slice American cheese (30 kcals, 1.5g protein) and 1 tbsp. mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in a tall iced decaf americano with sugar-free vanilla syrup from Starbucks (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 2 slices honey smoked deli turkey (50 kcals, 10g protein) with 1/2 slice American cheese (30 kcals, 1.5g protein) and 1 tbsp. spicy mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in a tall iced decaf americano with sugar-free vanilla syrup from Starbucks (110 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 530 kcals, 97g protein, 73.2% kcals from protein.

      I went to the gym in the morning for 35 minutes on the elliptical. I think from now until D-Day (the Bar exam, which is throwing me for a loop), I'm going to get in as many 35-minute cardio workouts as I can, but not going to worry too much about resistance or making it last an hour. It's important that I exercise, but at this most frightening time, I could spend that extra 25-30 minutes learning about real property (or wills, or trusts, or community property, or torts, or criminal procedure, or any of the numerous subjects for which I am not adequately prepared.)

      What I Ate: 7/19/2009

      • 1 egg white "crepe" with 1 slice of deli roast beef and 1/2 slice American cheese (85 kcals, 13g protein
      • 2 links of Al Fresco All Natural apple maple chicken sausage - a special, very tasty Sunday treat! These have a pretty high fat and sugar content, with 4 grams of sugar in each link and 3 grams of fat (including 1 gram of saturated fat), but I figure they are okay as long as I'm not eating them every day. They are made completely from ingredients that we can all pronounce. Aside from the sugar, their nutritional content is the same as an egg. I still have 4-5 of them left, so I might just eat one link wrapped in an egg white crepe or something. Some other flavors, like country style with sage and thyme, Buffalo style, and spinach & feta, are more WLS-friendly. Of course, I'm still enticed by the sugary ones, like wild blueberry and mango chipotle sausage. (140 kcals, 12g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in Starbucks tall iced decaf with sugar-free vanilla syrup (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 2 slices deli honey turkey breast and 1 slice deli roast beef (80 kcals, 16g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in homemade iced decaf (110 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 525 kcals, 91g protein, 69.3% kcals from protein.

      No gym today - went to church instead, and there was no time once it was over since the gym is only open from 10 AM-2PM on Sundays in the summer! (Boo.)

      Saturday, July 18, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/18/2009

      • 1 egg white "crepe" (25 kcals, 5g protein) with 4 slices of deli chicken breast lunch meat (50 kcals, 11g protein) and 1 tbsp. mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein)
      • 1 egg white "crepe" (25 kcals, 5g protein) with 2 slices deli roast beef (60 kcals, 12g protein) and 1 tbsp. mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in iced decaf coffee (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 2 slices deli honey smoked turkey breast with 1 slice American cheese (110 kcals, 14g protein)
      • 1/2 scoop Inspire peanut butter cookie protein with 1/2 scoop Matrix perfect chocolate protein in 4 oz. water (about 126 kcals, about 24g protein) with 1/2 of the pluot- decided to finish it anyway. (40 kcals, 0g protein)

      Total: 556 kcals, 96g protein, 69.1% kcals from protein.

      I wound up going to the gym today after all! I got in 45 minutes on the elliptical before they closed up shop, for a supposed burn of about 475 calories. I know that's incredibly inaccurate, even more than usual, because this particular machine tends to overestimate even more than the average elliptical machine. However, it was a nice vigorous workout and I sweat a lot, so that's great in my estimation.

      Friday, July 17, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/17/2009

      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in iced decaf coffee (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 1 egg white "crepe" (25 kcals, 5g protein) filled with 2 slices of roast beef (60 kcals, 12g protein) and 1 tbsp. of spicy brown mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein)
      • 1 egg white "crepe" (25 kcals, 5g protein) filled with 1 slice of honey smoked deli turkey (25 kcals, 5g protein) and 1 slice of American cheese (60 kcals, 4g protein)
      • 2.5 oz. sauteed shrimp with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, Splenda, and red pepper flakes (about 80 kcals, about 13.5g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in iced decaf coffee (110 kcals, 25g protein) with 1/2 medium pluot - an apricot/plum blend that I saw in the grocery store and just had to try. It was good, but I probably won't have the other half since they are apparently known for their high sugar content. (40 kcals, 0.5g protein)

      Total: 540 kcals, 95g protein, 70.4% kcals from protein.

      I went to the gym this morning, but my workout wasn't that great. I just did 30 minutes on the elliptical and a few resistance exercises. I know I won't be able to go tomorrow - I have appointments tomorrow mid-morning and the stupid gym opens at like 10 and closes at 2 PM on the weekends!

      What I Ate: 7/16/2009

      So, I've gotten tired of just eating naked chicken breast and lunch meat, so I decided to do the "egg white crepe" thing so I could make "sandwiches": You just take a small bit of egg whites (I used 3 tbsp. of the Egg Beaters egg whites), put some nonstick spray in a pan, and make a very thin disc of egg white. Then, you can fill them with whatever you want. I got this idea from somewhere else, but I can't remember where - Bariatric Eating? So I had 2 egg white crepe sandwiches today! Each disc, made with the product I used, has 25 calories and 5 grams of protein!
      • 1 egg white "crepe" (25 kcals, 5g protein) with 1 slice deli roast beef (30 kcals, 6g protein) and 1 tbsp. spicy mustard (5 kcals, 0g protein)
      • 1 egg white "crepe" (25 kcals, 5g protein) with 1 slice honey smoked turkey breast (25 kcals, 5g protein) and 1/2 slice American cheese (30 kcals, 2g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in iced decaf with Splenda (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 3 oz. Starkist tomato pesto tuna (105 kcals, 19.5g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in iced decaf with Splenda (110 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 465 kcals, 92.5g protein, 79.6% kcals from protein.

      Gym time yesterday was great. 60 minutes on the elliptical for a supposed burn of 580 calories.

      Wednesday, July 15, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/15/2009

      • About 1/4 cup of lowfat cottage cheese with a packet of Splenda - I had originally made a 1/2 cup serving, but I just didn't feel like eating that much. (about 45 kcals, about 7g protein)
      • 2 slices honey smoked deli turkey breast (50 kcals, 10g protein) with 1 slice deli roast beef (30 kcals, 6g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in iced decaf coffee (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 2 Bariatric Advantage chocolate calcium citrate chews (30 kcals, 0g protein)
      • 3 oz. shrimp with garlic, soy sauce, ginger, Splenda, and 1/8 cup edamame - totally simple, delicious, and clean-tasting, and it totally curbed my recent urges to visit a Japanese restaurant (about 135 kcals, about 19g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in iced decaf coffee (110 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 480 kcals, 92g protein, 76.7% kcals from protein.

      No workout today, since I had such a bad one yesterday. I think my body needed a day off, but back to it tomorrow!

      Tuesday, July 14, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/14/2009

      • 3 oz. chilled sauteed shrimp (about 90 kcals, about 17g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in a large iced decaf coffee from Publick Cup (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 2 slices deli roast beef (60 kcals, 12g protein) with 1 slice deli honey smoked turkey breast (25 kcals, 5g protein) with a splash of apple cider vinegar (2 kcals, 0g protein)
      • 1 Primal Strips Texas BBQ soy jerky (81 kcals, 10g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in homemade iced decaf coffee (110 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 478 kcals, 94g protein, 78.7% kcals from protein.

      I also had a morning workout, but it was quite bad. I think my body was tired. It was just 30 minutes on the elliptical, for a supposed burn of 275 calories.

      Monday, July 13, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/13/2009

      • 3 oz. chilled shrimp, simply sauteed in nonstick spray with a little salt and soy sauce. Very delicious and clean-tasting (about 90 kcals, about 17g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in Starbucks grande iced decaf with sugar-free vanilla syrup (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 2.5 oz. mesquite chicken breast (about 100 kcals, about 20g protein)
      • 2 slices nitrate-free honey smoked deli turkey (50 kcals, 10g protein) and 1 slice of deli roast beef (30 kcals, 6g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in homemade iced decaf (110 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 490 kcals, 103g protein, 84.1% kcals from protein. :-)

      Today was super-busy, so I had to go to the gym early in the morning. It was actually nice. I did a little less than 47 minutes on the elliptical for a supposed burn of 450 calories (yeah right, but the calorie numbers are good for comparison purposes!)

      What I Ate: 7/11/2009

      • 2 oz. mesquite braised chicken breast (about 80 kcals, 16g protein)
      • 2 Bariatric Advantage chocolate calcium citrate chewy bites (30 kcals, 0g protein)
      • 1/2 scoop Inspire Peanut Butter Cookie protein and 1/2 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in a large iced decaf coffee from Publick Cup (130 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 3 oz. mesquite braised chicken breast (about 120 kcals, 24g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in homemade instant iced decaf coffee (110 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 470 kcals, 90g protein, 76.6% kcals from protein.

      I started off today at the gym, which was nice. Too bad I didn't keep up my diligence all day with studying. At any rate, I went for a little over an hour on the elliptical for a supposed burn of 570 calories or so.

      What I Ate: 7/12/2009

      • 2 slices Shaw's deli honey smoked turkey (50 kcals, 10g protein)
      • 1 scoop Inspire peanut butter cookie protein supplement in homemade iced decaf - this was NOT a great combo (132 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 1 Primal Strips hickory smoked soy jerky (99 kcals, 10g protein)
      • 3 oz. Starkist tuna filets with a teaspoon of spicy mustard and a little raw garlic (about 94 kcals, about 17.4g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein supplement in homemade iced decaf - this was MUCH better! (110 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 485 kcals, 87.4g protein, 72.1% kcals from protein.

      I did the "walking tape" (to Barefoot Contessa, Daisy of Love, and a few MJ tunes) for a lighter workout today: 35 minutes.

      Friday, July 10, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/10/2009

      • 2 oz. mesquite braised chicken breast (about 80 kcals, 16g protein)
      • 7 large strawberries (about 60 kcals, 0g protein) and about 24 dry roasted cashews - OOPS, I let free food get to me and had a bunch of protein-less calories :-( On top of this, I ate all of this by *grazing*, the gastric bypass patient's biggest enemy. There was a pile of trail mix sitting next to me during the test. I should have gotten up and moved. (about 275 kcals, about 7g protein)
      • 3 oz. mesquite braised chicken breast (about 120 kcals, about 24g protein)

      Total: 535 kcals, 47g protein, 35.1% kcals from protein. Booo!!!

      I was so depressed after a day-long practice test that I didn't feel like working out, but I dragged myself there and got in about 37 minutes on the elliptical for a supposed burn of 350 calories. It's better than nothing.

      What bothers me about the bar on some level is that I don't think I want to be a lawyer. I have a lot of lawyer-friends that I adore, but on some level I just don't identify with this profession. I want to be a law professor (really, I want to be a writer and lecturer), but that's seeming less likely as the days pass because of Yale Law School politics. In a way, maybe I shouldn't even care about passing the bar...

      In any event, I'm taking it. In Oakland, a place I've never been before. Why am I not taking New York, Virginia, Maryland, or South Carolina? (Because I'm crazy.) When I take it, I'm thinking about doing a three-day liquid diet, just to take the confusion out of food. I wouldn't have touched the cashews or strawberries today if they were strictly off-limits. My body has become so used to the protein levels I've been feeding it the past week or so that it reacted poorly to the strawberries and cashews. My stomach was hurting most of the time I was eating the cashews, but I ate them anyway. That's a compulsive eater for you. And even later today, my stomach was still feeling off, so I didn't eat anything else and fell way short on protein.

      I also can't seem to move on from Michael Jackson. I know how ridiculous this is. You'd think a personal friend of mine had passed away from the way it's affecting me. But I'm still overly emotional about it. I've spent a ton of money on memorial booklets and things, and I'm listening to his music constantly. Last night I remembered that my high school junior year original oration, which took me to the quarterfinals in the national speech and debate tournament, started with me singing "I Want You Back" (my longtime favorite J5 tune.) The choice of music was random, as my oration had nothing to do with anything that song discusses. I just loved Michael Jackson, and during high school I was particularly obsessed with the Jackson 5 and other 1970s relics. Anyway, there are so many moments of my life that his music has heightened and intensified, and I'm so sad that he's gone. Just to get through these last 2 weeks of bar prep, I'm cutting myself off from listening to the music. I will finish mourning in August!

      Thursday, July 9, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/9/2009

      • 2 oz. mesquite braised chicken breast (about 80 kcals, 16g protein)
      • 1/2 scoop Inspire Peanut Butter Cookie protein powder, with 1/2 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder, with iced decaf coffee and a few packets of Splenda (about 121 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 3 oz. mesquite braised chicken breast (about 120 kcals, 24g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder with iced decaf coffee and a few packets of Splenda and Sweet & Low (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 2 Bariatric Advantage calcium citrate chews (30 kcals, 0g protein)

      Total: 461 kcals, 90g protein, 78.1% kcals from protein.

      As promised, back to the gym today. 46 minutes on the elliptical for a supposed burn of 445 calories, plus a little resistance training (and I do mean "a little.")

      Wednesday, July 8, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/8/2009

      • 3 oz. braised chicken breast with Worcestershire sauce (about 120 kcals, 24 g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein supplement in iced decaf coffee (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 3 oz. braised chicken breast (120 kcals, 24g protein) with one slice of Target deli ham (20 kcals, 3.3g protein)
      • 1 scoop Inspire Peanut Butter Cookie protein shake - just ordered! (132 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 502 kcals, 101.3g protein, 80.7% kcals from protein.

      Spent six hours this afternoon getting my hair did. I hate it. But in any event, I'm headed back to the gym tomorrow.

      A Gift from Michael Jackson?

      I haven't updated on my weight for a while, but for the past couple of weeks, I've been in the 250s. This week, I've been in the low 250s, but I've never gotten a number lower than 250.

      Last night, a few hours after Michael Jackson's beautiful memorial service, I weighed myself - and the scale went as low as 249.3. Probably, the water I lost from all the crying during the service knocked my weight down briefly! This morning, I was back up to 250.5...but it's only a matter of time until I'm officially rounding to 200 instead of 300!

      Thank you, Michael - if not for helping me lose weight, for all of the pathbreaking music and wonderful memories. :-)

      Tuesday, July 7, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/6-7/2009

      Right now I have irregular internet access, making these updates difficult. Looking forward to the next 3 weeks being over so I can get out of horrible New Haven!

      Monday, July 6:
      • 2 oz. braised chicken breast with soy, garlic, and paprika (80 kcals, 16g protein)
      • 2 slices nitrate-free deli turkey (honey smoked) (50 kcals, 10g protein
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in iced decaf coffee with Splenda and Sweet & Low (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 3 oz. braised chicken breast, with 2 tbsp. spicy brown mustard (135 kcals, 24g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein in iced decaf coffee with Splenda and Sweet & Low (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      Total: 485 kcals, 100g protein, 82.5% kcals from protein. (Great day!)


      Tuesday, July 7:
      • 2 slices nitrate-free deli turkey breast with spicy brown mustard (60 kcals, 10g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in iced decaf coffee (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 3 oz. braised chicken breast with spicy brown mustard (130 kcals, 24g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in iced decaf coffee (110 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 410 kcals, 84g protein, 82.0% kcals from protein.

      I've basically been eating meat, drinking shakes, and mourning Michael Jackson for the past 2 days. What a beautiful memorial service earlier today. I honestly feel like I've lost a family member, and part of my childhood. What an incredible loss. I pray that his adorable children survive and thrive with the support of the Jackson family.

      Sunday, July 5, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/5/2009

      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in homemade instant iced decaf (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 3.1 oz. grilled chicken from Gourmet Heaven (134 kcals, 24g protein)
      • 1/2 cup lowfat 2% cottage cheese with 1 packet of Splenda (90 kcals, 14g protein)
      • 2 slices sandwich honey smoky turkey (50 kcals, 10g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in homemade instant iced decaf (110 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 494 kcals, 98g protein, 79.4% kcals from protein.

      No workout today, sadly.

      Saturday, July 4, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/4/2009

      • 1/4 cup lowfat 2% cottage cheese (45 kcals, 7g protein), 2 slices/38g Target sliced deli ham (45 kcals, 6.7g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in homemade instant iced decaf coffee with 3 packets of Splenda and 1 packet of Sweet & Low (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 1/2 cup lowfat 2% cottage cheese (90 kcals, 14g protein)
      • 1 oz./3 medium shrimp (30 kcals, 5.6g protein) and 2 oz. chicken breast tenderloin, on bamboo skewers with simple seasonings (80 kcals, 16g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in homemade instant iced decaf coffee with 3 packets of Splenda and 1 packet of Sweet & Low (110 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 510 kcals, 99.3g protein, 77.9% kcals from protein.

      Today, I watched the CNN Michael Jackson special, Man in the Mirror, instead of renting another movie. I'm still really sad about this! It was like a delayed onset emotional reaction. I wish I could go to the memorial service in LA, or some alternate memorial service for him.

      What I Ate: 7/3/2004

      The liquid diet didn't seem to be helping me lose weight, so I went back to regular food today.
      • 3 slices deli ham from Target - should probably stop eating this as it has nitrates (60 kcals, 10g protein)
      • 1/2 cup 2% lowfat cottage cheese (90 kcals, 14g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein supplement in homemade iced decaf instant coffee - I think the ones I make at home are the tastiest! (110 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 4 oz. sweet buffalo BBQ chicken breast tenderloins on bamboo skewers - yum!! with about 2 tbsp. of nonfat Fage Greek yogurt to cool off the spice, same function as blue cheese dressing with buffalo wings (about 175 kcals, 34.5g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein supplement in homemade iced decaf instant coffee (110 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 545 kcals, 108.5g protein, 79.6% kcals from protein.

      Today's workout was light. The gym was closed for the holiday. I rented Seven Pounds and did Leslie Sansone's Walk Aerobics to it for 35 minutes. (I will have more to say about the wonders of Walk Aerobics in a post-bar blog post.) Seven Pounds was not high cinema and was very predictable, but it was a decent cathartic sad movie for me. I'm still very much in mourning over Michael Jackson's passing.

      Thursday, July 2, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/2/2009

      Day 2 of liquid diet revisitation:

      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in iced decaf from Publick Cup (115 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in iced decaf americano with sugar-free vanilla syrup from Starbucks (115 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 2 scoops Inspire PURE flavorless protein in 1 cup of Progresso French onion soup (150 kcals, 25g protein)

      Total: 380 kcals, 75g protein, 78.9% kcals from protein.

      At the gym, I went for 65 minutes on the elliptical for a supposed burn of 629 calories. I'd planned a fourth supplement, but it was so late when I had the soup that I decided to put it off until tomorrow.

      Wednesday, July 1, 2009

      What I Ate: 7/1/2009

      After all of the confusion and annoyance of yesterday, I've decided to do my own spin on a "Liquid Protein Train" (LPT), which is an idea from Bariatric Eating's message board, at http://www.beforeandafterhelp.com/. (For a really good explanation of the LPT, click here.) Traditionally, an LPT is three days and designed for people who have allowed carbs to creep into their diets, or those who are generally off-track. The LPT is about 5-8 protein shakes a day, with a minimum of 800 calories a day. It is also possible to do a modified LPT by having solid dinner at night.

      I'm doing this my own way: However many days I want, 4-5 shakes a day. I'm not off-track, but I'm confused, so maybe an LPT will set me aright. Maybe it will jump-start my weight loss again too?
      • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate in a large iced decaf from Publick Cup (115 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 1 scoop Matrix perfect chococolate in a venti iced decaf americano with sugar-free vanilla syrup from Starbucks (130 kcals, 24g protein)
      • 2 scoops Inspire Pure unflavored whey protein isolate in 1 cup Progresso French Onion soup (150 kcals, 25g protein)
      • 1 scoop Matrix perfect chocolate in 8 oz. water - this was *much* better in water than in coffee (120 kcals, 23g protein)

      Total: 515 kcals, 97g protein, 75.3% kcals from protein.

      At the gym today, I went for 50 minutes on the elliptical for supposedly 512 calories burned.