Final Check-in on 2010 Goals

Hi folks. It's been a while. I will catch you up on my progress (or lack thereof, or regression) when I have time.  In the meantime, it's become 2011 and I haven't checked back in on those goals yet.  I also need to set my 2011 goals.  I am not sure whether I'll have 50 in 2011, but I like this method overall.

WEIGHT, BODY SIZE & HEALTH

-Reach 188 pounds - an "overweight" BMI. MET. Though right now, I'm a couple pounds over that and back up in "obese" territory. It will only be a momentary stay. I've had issues with night binging the past month or two.
-Reach 154 pounds - a "normal" BMI. Not met at all and probably won't ever be met in this life.
-Maintain or get below 154 pounds at the end of the year. Totally didn't happen in any way, at all. I don't think my body will get that low in weight, though it should be lower than it is now.
-Wear a size Small shirt. MET (although I am in Mediums again right now - ARGH)
-Buy at least one bra from Victoria's Secret. MET, although VS doesn't make my size so now I get them from eBay.
-Unsubscribe from Lane Bryant's mailing list. MET.
-Get labs of my vitamin levels drawn at least once. MET, though I'd like to get it done again because my ferritin and Vitamin D were a little lower than I'd prefer.
-Revisit my surgeon for at least one check up. MET in early March, even though I never wrote up my recap. He was pleased with my weight progress.
-Go to the dentist for a teeth cleaning and go to the gyno. Not met.  I really need to go to the dentist.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & ADVENTURE
-Complete the Couch to 5K program. Not met on purpose.
-Register for and complete at least 3 "races" of any length. Walking them is fine. Not met. I did the Charleston Cooper River Bridge Run and registered for the Outer Banks Half Marathon, but the people I was supposed to do Outer Banks with didn't get back to me, and I wasn't motivated enough to do it on my own. I think I'll revisit this goal for 2011.
-Go hiking at least 3 times. MET. Went twice at Carrick Creek at Table Rock and once at the Clemson Botanical Gardens.
-Go fishing at least once. MET! My family did this for my birthday.
-Go to a yoga studio, preferably for bikram or "hot" yoga, at least once. MET - and it has been glorious.
TRAVEL (none met. My September "travel time" wound up being focused on Michigan; I traveled up there with my grandmother to see my dying great aunt.)
-At least once, travel to a country I've never visited. Not met.
-Visit Los Angeles. Not met.
-Visit at least one state I've never been to, preferably Texas. Not met.

READING (This was a big flop.)
-Read Pierre Bourdieu, Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste. Not met.
-Read Frantz Fanon's The Wretched of the Earth (nope, I've never read it all the way through.) Not met.
-Read Mitchell Duneier's Sidewalk. Not met. Checked it out from Library, but didn't get through it. Wound up reading "Honky" by Dalton Conley instead.
-Read Mitchell Duneier's Slim's Table: Race, Respectability, and Masculinity. Not met.
-Read Katherine S. Newman & Victor Tan Chen, The Missing Class: Portraits of the Near Poor in America. Purchased, but only partially read.
-Read Katherine S. Newman, No Shame in My Game: The Working Poor in the Inner City. Not met.
-Read Mary Patillo's Black on the Block: The Politics of Race and Class in the City. Not met.
-Read William Julius Wilson, More Than Just Race: Being Black and Poor in the Inner City. MET.
-Read William Julius Wilson, The Truly Disadvantaged: The Inner City, the Underclass, and Public Policy. Checked out from the library and partially read, but not completed.
-Read William Julius Wilson & Richard P. Taub, There Goes the Neighborhood: Racial, Ethnic, and Class Tensions in Four Chicago Neighborhoods and Their Meaning for America. Not met.

PROFESSIONAL
-Finish revising my SAW for publication. Not met and I realized that I didn't want to meet it. That paper has little to do with my new research focus, so I don't see the point of moving forward with it at this time.
-Build my personal website. Well, I started a new food blog, but I think the actual personal website will make more sense once I'm back in grad school (provided that I get in).
-Take the GRE and score above 700 on verbal and at least 650 on quantitative. MET!
-Pass the MPRE. MET.
-Gain admission to graduate school and/or get an appellate clerkship. In August, I modified this goal to "Apply for graduate school."  I've applied to several schools: Chicago, Duke, Harvard (2 programs there), Michigan, Penn, and Princeton so far, and Yale is due today. So MET.
-During any gap of time between my clerkship and my next job, write and publish at least one op-ed or an LTE in a major newspaper. I actually did publish an op-ed in a major newspaper - the Washington Post - but not during the gap of time between clerkship and job. I published it with the blessing of my job. I think it counts. :)
-Develop a sharper research focus. Met.
-Finish article review for Professor Schuck and email it to him. Not met. The idea of sending in an assignment from May 2009 seems ridiculous at this point.

COOKING & EATING
-Cook with or eat 20 ingredients that I've never tried. MET.
-Write at least 15 new recipes. Completed. Mostly on my new blog, Audacity of Cooking.
-Go to McClellanville or similar coastal area to purchase fresh seafood. Not met. I just never got back down there. I was supposed to swing by en route from Charleston to Myrtle Beach in August, but wound up going back home from taking the MPRE and then going to Myrtle Beach directly from Columbia.
-Dine in at least one of the following New York restaurants: Brad Farmerie's Public, Seamus Mullen's Boqueria, Eric Ripert's Le Bernardin, Dan Barber's Blue Hill in Greenwich Village or at Stone Barns, Wylie Dufresne's WD-50, Daniel Humm's Eleven Madison Park, Anita Lo's Annisa (when repaired), Geoffrey Zakarian's Town, Alex Guernaschelli's Butter, Aaron Sanchez's Centrico, Floyd Cardoz's Tabla, or Gramercy Tavern. MET! Ate at Butter in March.
-Dine at Sean Brock's McCrady's in Charleston. MET. Wasn't as great as I'd hoped, but I was comparing it to my experience at John Besh's August and perhaps that wasn't fair.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY
-Continue volunteering at the shelter through September 2010. This was a bust. As I explained in my last check-in, I never heard back from the project manager after my last meeting with the ladies. I am pretty sure I didn't do anything wrong, but she was never the easiest to contact via email.  Perhaps I should have been more aggressive in reaching out to her, but I'd started to feel like I was more of a burden on them, like they wanted to keep me around but didn't really need me to drive anymore.
-Volunteer somewhere other than the shelter at least once. Oddly, I didn't do this unless you count volunteering for extra projects at work. Work is now a legal services office, so it was actually the same kind of work I would have completely volunteered to do. Plus, I did  a yoga training for working with homeless, overweight, mentally ill, and addicted communities that was built up around the idea of service - but I haven't volunteered anywhere yet. ::sigh:: looks like a fail.
-Watch all five seasons of The Wire. MET! And it was amazing. I am so glad I did this. Season 4 absolutely blew my mind; I am still haunted by it months later.
-Watch the Roots miniseries (nope, I've never seen it - no one revoke my "black card" please.) Yet again, I forgot about this. Shameful. I can't decide whether to add for 2011 or not?
-See at least two live theater shows. Not met. I forgot about this one.
OTHER
-Write at least ten relatively lengthy emails to catch up with friends/colleagues with whom I haven't spoken recently. Nope. Just one.
-Have at least 5 meaningful conversations about religion/faith/spirituality. Not really.
-Go to karaoke at least once. Yes! Finally, on the weekend of December 19th. It was so fun.
-Pay off my credit cards completely at least once (they may still have a balance at the end of 2010.) MET!
-Own my own car/get my current car off my mother's insurance. Not met, not on a fellowship salary . . .
 
Goals Completed: 23/50
Goals Deliberately Abandoned: 8
 
Weight, Body Size & Health Goals Met: 6/9
Physical Activity and Adventure Goals Met: 3/5
Travel Goals Met: 0/3
Reading Goals Met: 1/10
Professional Goals Met: 6/8
Cooking & Eating Goals Met: 4/5
Culture & Community Goals Met: 1/5
"Other" Goals Met: 2/5

What I Ate: November 22, 2010

I'm getting back on track after a full weekend of sugar craziness. More on that later.

• Vanilla spice protein frosty: 1/2 scoop Matrix vanilla protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), 2 tsp. FF/SF vanilla pudding mix (10 kcals, 2g carbs), 1/2 scoop 1% cottage cheese (81 kcals, 14g protein, 3g carbs, 1g fat), 1 tsp. ground flaxseed (10 kcals, 0.5g protein, 0g NET carbs, 0.7g fat), maple extract, about 1 tsp. each cinnamon and allspice (12 kcals, 1.4g net carbs), 1/2 tsp. nutmeg (6 kcals, 0.3g net carbs), 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom, 1/4 tsp. ground ginger. Total - (174 kcals, 26g protein, 7.7g net carbs, 1.5g fat).
• Sbux decaf with 2T half and half (40 kcals, 0.8g protein, 1g carbs, 3.4g fat), 5 Truvias (2 kcals), and 4 Splendas (12 kcals, 3g carbs.) Total - (54 kcals, 0.8g protein, 4g carbs, 3.4g fat).
• 1 serving pasta-less lasagna (about 158 kcals, 18.3g protein, 9.6g net carbs, 3.1g fat).
• Sbux coffee with 3T half & half (60 kcals, 1.2g protein, 1.5g carbs, 5.1g fat), 5 Truvias (2 kcals), and 4 Splendas (12 kcals, 3g carbs). Total - (74 kcals, 1.2g protein, 4.5g carbs, 5.1g fat).
• 1 serving pasta-less lasagna (about 158 kcals, 18.3g protein, 9.6g net carbs, 3.1g fat).
• Egg-white omelet: 3 egg whites (48 kcals, 10.8g protein, 0.6g carbs, 0.2g fat); 2 slices turkey bacon (80 kcals, 10g protein, 2g carbs, 2g fat); about 30 grams butternut squash (14 kcals, 0.2g protein, 2.8g net carbs, 0g fat), about 100 grams spaghetti squash (28 kcals, 0.6g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat), about 20 grams onion (8 kcals, 0.2g protein, 1.4g carbs, 0g fat), about 10 grams elephant garlic (14 kcals, 0.6g protein, 2.8g carbs, 0g fat), a sprinkle of parsley. Total - (about 192 kcals, 22.4g protein, 14.6g net carbs, 2.2g fat).
• Chocolate spice protein frosty: 1/2 scoop Matrix perfect chocolate protein powder (60 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1.5g net carbs, 1g fat), 1 tbsp. Hershey's regular cocoa (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), 2 tsp. SF/FF chocolate Jello pudding mix (10 kcals, 2g carbs), 1 tsp. ground flax (10 kcals, 0.5g protein, 0g NET carbs, 0.7g fat), 1/2 scoop 1% cottage cheese (81 kcals, 14g protein, 3g carbs, 1g fat), sprinkle of cinnamon, ginger, allspice (5 kcals), 5 packets Truvia (2 kcals). Total - (178 kcals, 26g protein, 7.5g carbs, 2.7g fat).

Total:
988 calories
113 grams of protein
57.5 NET grams of carbohydrate
21.1 grams of fat.

Walked 2.7 miles to work, then did an intermediate yoga class at Quiet Mind tonight. I took the bus most of the way home which was supposedly going to save time so I could make yoga class, but it turns out I would have gotten home faster just walking the whole way! I don't miss taking the bus at all.

What I Ate: November 14, 2010

• Vanilla-strawberry protein frosty: 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), 2 tsp. FF/SF vanilla pudding mix (10 kcals, 2g carbs), 1/2 scoop 1% cottage cheese (81 kcals, 14g protein, 3g carbs, 1g fat), 1 tsp. vanilla extract (12 kcals), 2T Splenda granular (12 kcals, 3g carbs). Total - (170 kcals, 25.5g protein, 9g net carbs, 1.8g fat).
• About 2.5 oz. raw cashews after church
• Roast chicken, spinach, and baked beans from James Hoban's Irish restaurant in Dupont Circule. Met some girls there for brunch. I shouldn't have ordered anything; should have just concentrated on the company. First off, I wasn't hungry. Second, I should have known the food would be terrible - it's an Irish pub and I know Irish pubs well enough to know they aren't known for their cooking. The roasted chicken sounded like it was going to taste good because of the sage, but it was way undersalted and overcooked (breast was soooo dry.) Also, I asked them to omit the potatoes, but potatoes were ALL OVER the plate. But brunch was fun anyway.
• Nibbles at the Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show. I went to see Paula Deen live. At the end of the expo, I tasted a bunch of little things on the theory that this was a one-time event. I had tiny tastes of all kinds of stuff - Grand Marnier/chocolate pecan, white chocolate pecan, amaretto pecans, Paula Deen's seafood dip on a cracker, some random pumpkin cake, these utterly delicious fruit preserves on bread, these weird cookies that were designed to pair with wines (in flavors like apricot/sage, peanut butter chocolate, salted something, rosemary, espresso, etc.), sweet potato bread . . . hmm, I think that was it.
• Sbux decaf with SF hazelnut syrup, 5 Truvias (2 kcals), and 5 Splendas (15 kcals, 4g carbs). Total - (17 kcals, 4g carbs).
• Sbux decaf with SF hazelnut syrup, 5 Truvias (2 kcals), 4 Splendas (12 kcals, 3g carbs), and 3T half & half (60 kcals, 1.6g protein, 1.5g carbs, 5.2g fat). Total - (74 kcals, 1.6g protein, 4.5g carbs, 5.2g fat).
• Ungodly amount of cashews! This time, roasted and salted . . . ARGH.

Weight this morning: 179.2. Uptick deserved between Pouch Party binging and Starbucks cashews. Also, I am in PAIN from the Ashtanga yoga class, so my body might also be retaining a little water due to muscle fatigue. I was expecting worse.

Exercise was walking all over DC (5.8 miles): from home to church, to the Farmers' Market, to brunch, to the food expo, and then back home.

What I Ate: November 9, 2010

• Chocolate-maple protein frosty: 1/2 scoop Matrix perfect chocolate protein powder (60 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1.5g net carbs, 1g fat), 1 tbsp. Hershey's regular cocoa (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), 2 tsp. SF/FF chocolate Jello pudding mix (10 kcals, 2g carbs), 1/2 scoop 1% cottage cheese (81 kcals, 14g protein, 3g carbs, 1g fat), 1 tsp. maple flavoring, 2T Splenda granular (12 kcals, 3g carbs). Total - (173 kcals, 25.5g protein, 10.5g net carbs, 2g fat).
• Sbux with 2T half and half (40 kcals, 0.8g protein, 1g carbs, 3.4g fat), 5 Truvias (2 kcals), and 4 Splendas (12 kcals, 3g carbs). Total - (54 kcals, 0.8g protein, 4g carbs, 3.4g fat).
• 3 oz. chicken, mostly dark meat (about 187 kcals, 23g protein, 0g carbs, 9.7g fat).
• Sbux with 2T half and half (40 kcals, 0.8g protein, 1g carbs, 3.4g fat), 5 Truvias (2 kcals), and 4 Splendas (12 kcals, 3g carbs). Total - (54 kcals, 0.8g protein, 4g carbs, 3.4g fat).
• Salad with 2 oz. raw spinach (13 kcals, 1.6g protein, 0.8g carbs, 0g fat), 10 grams zucchini (3 kcals), 30 grams green peas (25 kcals, 1.6g protein, 2.8g net carbs, 0g fat), 50 grams charred green beans (20 kcals, 1g protein, 3g net carbs, 0.5g fat), 12 medium shrimp (72 kcals, 12g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), 1 large olive (15 kcals, 1.5g fat), and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Total - (148 kcals, 16.2g protein, 5.8g net carbs, 2g fat).
• 1 serving (120 grams) homemade chili con carne (149 kcals, 16g protein, 6g net carbs, 5.5g fat) and large hard-boiled egg (72 kcals, 6.3g protein, 0.4g carbs, 5g fat). Total - (221 kcals, 22.3g protein, 6.4g carbs, 10.5g fat); 1 100-calorie pack almonds (100 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 9g fat); and 1 Babybel cheese (50 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 3g fat).
• Between 1.5 and 2 oz. raw cashews from Whole Foods (post-yoga meal) - probably unwise
• Unwise eating - not because of what it was but because I didn't need the calories: About 1 portion of my pasta-less lasagna (135 kcals, 15g protein, 8g carbs, 2.6g fat) and a lot of chicken (both breast and dark meat).

For exercise, I walked both to and from work (a total of 5.4 miles.) I also went to a (lame) Flow 1 class at Flow Yoga, right next to the Whole Foods. I like Flow Yoga, but I didn't care for this particular class. It was also SO CROWDED afterwards that any calmness I gathered in class was completely gone by the time I got out of there. I still want to go and try a class with their Anusaran, Megan Davis, but my 2 class for $20 is up and I just got a special on Groupon for 4 Boundless Yoga classes for $35. So for the next month or so, I'll be visiting Boundless. Even though the class was lame, it was still good to get back on my mat. I hadn't practiced in two weeks!

Weight this morning: 179.6.

What I Ate: November 5, 2010

I'm starting to really see why I regained those 18 pounds. When I don't fully plan my day, I eat a heck of a lot of food! Not because I can physically eat a lot - I can't - but I'm sometimes eating things that are calorically dense like eggs and nuts. I've also been ingesting a million calories a day from Splenda! In addtion, I've been staying up too late in recent weeks, which has always resulted in eating more.

This day was terrible nutritionally, but I at least I see the types of things I'm doing wrong.

• Vanilla-strawberry protein shake: Vanilla strawberry protein frosty: 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), 2 tsp. FF/SF vanilla pudding mix (10 kcals, 2g carbs), 1/2 scoop 1% cottage cheese (81 kcals, 14g protein, 3g carbs, 1g fat), 1 tsp. vanilla extract (12 kcals), 2T Splenda granular (12 kcals, 3g carbs). Total - (170 kcals, 25.5g protein, 9g net carbs, 1.8g fat).
• Starbucks bold (caffeinated) with 2T half and half (40 kcals, 0.8g protein, 1g carbs, 3.4g fat), 4 Splendas (12 kcals, 3g carbs)
• Cashew attack. Well, not really. I actually affirmatively decided to eat these. I'm guessing about 2.5 oz.? (390 kcals, 13g protein, 19g carbs, 31g fat)
• 2 portabella mushroom caps (44 calories, 2g protein, 8g carbs, 0g fat), 2 large hardboiled eggs (144 kcals, 12.6g protein, 0.8g carbs, 10g fat), and mustard Q sauce (about 15 kcals, 2g carbs). Total - (203 kcals, 14.6g protein, 10.8g carbs, 10g fat). I definitely overate here. Would have been very satisfied with just one of the mushrooms and eggs!
• Starbucks decaf with 3T half and half (60 kcals, 1.6g protein, 1.5g carbs, 5.2g fat), 10 pumps of SF vanilla syrup, 3 Splendas (9 kcals, 2g carbs)
• 1 serving (120 grams) homemade chili con carne (149 kcals, 16g protein, 6g net carbs, 5.5g fat) with 8 medium steamed shrimp (56 kcals, 10.6g protein, 0.8g fat). Total - (205 kcals, 26.6g protein, 6g net carbs, 6.3g fat).
• Starbucks decaf with 2T half and half (40 kcals, 0.8g protein, 1g carbs, 3.4g fat), 8 Truvias (3 kcals), 4 Splendas (12 kcals, 3g carbs). Total - (55 kcals, 0.8g protein, 4 carbs, 3.4g fat).
• Chocolate-maple protein frosty: 1/2 scoop Matrix perfect chocolate protein powder (60 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1.5g net carbs, 1g fat), 1 tbsp. Hershey's regular cocoa (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), 2 tsp. SF/FF chocolate Jello pudding mix (10 kcals, 2g carbs), 1/2 scoop 1% cottage cheese (81 kcals, 14g protein, 3g carbs, 1g fat), 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp. maple flavoring, 3T Splenda granular (18 kcals, 5g carbs). Total - (179 kcals, 25.5g protein, 12.5g net carbs, 2g fat).
• Over the course of the night, 3 of a new cannelini bean-based red velvet cupcake (336 kcals, 16.5g protein, 21g net carbs, 17.4g fat). OOPS. This is why it would have been better for me to keep a running tally of my calories instead of totalling them up only after the fact. I actually had no idea I'd had so many calories during the rest of the day. I guess getting back into tracking, given my slightly different food needs now, is harder than I thought. This is probably why I had the regain in the first place . . .

Weight Friday morning: 182.6.
Work is insane (but insanely fun) right now, so I didn't get a chance to get to the gym. But I did walk the over 2.5 miles back from work, so that's at least something (I try to do that on days that I have to miss the gym.)

I miss yoga!!! I haven't been in over a week now and, while of course I could practice at home, I miss going to a studio. I just haven't had the time.

What I Ate: September 30 - October 2, 2010

Weird last three days. I might have to go back to measurement. My weight is creeping up!

Basically, I've been making two big mistakes. (1) I've been eating the right foods, but probably too much of them. Even the nuts aren't rescuing me. (2) I've been eating very little through the day, but eating a lot at night. (1) is a much bigger issue than (2), but (2) makes me feel gross so I consider that a problem as well.

On Thursday, I had a protein frosty in the morning and at night. Through the day, I ate soynuts, raw cashews, and a few almonds, plus half and half in my decaf coffee. I also had a pouch of Starkist tuna before bed.

On Friday, I had a protein frosty in the morning and at night. I had half and half in my coffee, and a few ounces of almonds. I also ate some of the okra, corn, and tomatoes my grandmother canned for me with 1 Light Flatout.

On Saturday, I had a protein frosty in the morning and half and half in decaf coffees. But then I didn't actually eat anything else until about 4 pm, and I definitely had gotten the shaky cold sweats. :( I was walking to Whole Foods which is pretty far from my house, and I guess my body couldn't take the activity with the lack of food. I decided I would eat a few raw cashews once I got to the store. But in my shakiness and slight disorientation/panic, I bought WAY too many, like a half pound! Of course I ate them all by the time the day was over. I also ate too much roasted chicken (I roasted it for the week, and my taste test turned into a full on meal) and had a couple spoonfuls of a creamy chicken and broccoli soup I also made for the week. I also had more roasted chicken breast with 1 sundried tomato light Flatout. So again, the problem was not what I ate, it was apparently how much I was eating.

I will admit I didn't get to work out on Thursday or Friday. Work was very hectic on Thursday, and I went in early both days to finish an assignment. I planned to go to yoga after work on Friday, but I was 5 minutes late. (I love the bus, but it was very aggravating that day.)

On Saturday, however, in addition to walking a ton, I tried Ashtanga yoga for the first time. The class was taught by Antonella at Quiet Mind Yoga. I could tell she was a little taken aback by the number of new faces, and she warned us that it was an advanced class and that she wouldn't slow down. (I had no idea this class was "advanced" before I arrived; the class title is simply "Ashtanga" and there's no mention of "advanced" in the description, so I assumed it was all levels.) At any rate, I loved this class. It wasn't so fast that I couldn't keep up. Plus, I usually enjoy a bit of a challenge in yoga. There were several poses I couldn't do, but that was true for lots of people in the class, even some of the obvious old-timers. We did a few poses that I love, including Wheel, Plow, and Shoulderstand. I had an awesome time and plan to dabble in a little more Ashtanga.

This is an aside, but even with my stupid weight issues, I'm still feeling pretty awesome. It is simply amazing to be able to do all the physical things I can do now. I am still ultra-thankful for my RNY.

What I Ate: September 1, 2010

Yay! It's September, my favorite month. I love the transition from summer to fall. A time of new beginnings. And a time of my birthday :-)

• Mocha protein frosty with 1/2 scoop chocolate Isopure, 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese, a little SF/FF chocolate pudding mix, and 1/2 sleeve Starbucks VIA (instant coffee)
• 2 T half and half in a Starbucks venti decaf coffee
• A handful of nut and dried fruit mix. I was very careful to focus on the nuts and to only have a tiny bit of the raisins and dried cranberries. Sugar, for me = massive weight gain. Even -- especially -- fructose (fruit sugar)!
• Vanilla latte protein frosty
• A teensy bit of Marble Slab ice cream. I was walking past the store and got the tiny spoon samples of Nutter Butter and Peanut Butter. I was curious what the difference in flavor was. The Nutter Butter has a stronger peanutty flavor compared to the
• About 12 oz. of a 14 oz. container of Muscle Milk Light, 4 oz. in
• Protein waffle mania continued (which y'all don't even know about, because I haven't talked about my obsession with protein waffles on here): Turkey bacon & fat-free cheddar waffle with an over-well egg and Mrs. Butterworth's sugar-free syrup. Followed up with some raw cashews.
• Chocolate protein frosty with 1/2 scoop Isopure, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, SF/FF pudding mix, AND a couple T sugar-free Reddi Whip. The Reddi Whip wasn't as good as I thought it would be. I'll give it a few more tries.
• Butternut squash oven "fries" with rosemary, salt, and pepper. I was just trying to see if the fries would work, and the plan was to have them for lunch the next day. Yeah, they were mush. Tasty mush, but mush.

For exercise, I went to Sunrise Flow at City Yoga SC this morning. It was awesome! We worked on hanumanasana, which looks like this:


Obviously, mine didn't quite resemble that . . . lol. But trying it was fun anyway.

What I Ate: August 4, 2010

• Mexican chocolate protein frosty: 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), pinch of cinnamon, Splenda, SF chocolate, vanilla, and praline syrups. Total - (140 kcals, 26.5g protein, 7g carbs, 0g fat).
• 1/4 cup whole milk in venti decaf coffee from Sbux (38 kcals, 2g protein, 3g carbs, 2g fat).
• Gourmet lunch deliciousness: 2 oz. Jennie-O extra lean turkey ham, thinly sliced and sauteed (60 kcals, 8g protein, 2g carbs, 3g fat), 50 grams mashed delicata squash that I got at the all-local farmers' market weeks ago (39 kcals, 0.4g protein, 5.7g net carbs, 1g fat), 43 grams sauteed mushrooms (18 kcals, 1.9g protein, 1.3g net carbs, 0g fat), and 1 handful of arugula (10 kcals, 1g protein, 0.6g net carbs, 0.2g fat). Total - (127 kcals, 11.3g protein, 9.6g net carbs, 4.2g fat).
• 30 grams roasted and salted soy nuts (150 kcals, 11g protein, 6g net carbs, 8g fat).
• 5 oz. Oh Yeah! in grande iced decaf americano from Sbux (78 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 3.2g fat).
• 1 package (2 servings) Sahale Snacks barbecue/ranch almonds (280 kcals, 10g protein, 10g net carbs, 22g fat).
• Strawberry protein shake: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), SF vanilla syrup, water, Splenda, lotsa ice. Total - (135 kcals, 26.5g protein, 6g carbs, 0.8g fat).
• Another strawberry shake, this time with random flavors added: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), 1 tsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder (3 kcals, 0.3g net carbs), SF vanilla and toasted marshmallow syrups, cinnamon, water, Splenda, lotsa ice. Total - (138 kcals, 26.5g protein, 6.3g carbs, 0.8g fat).
• 1/4 block lite firm tofu that I marinated and baked - so delish (55 kcals, 8.7g protein, 2.5g carbs, 2g fat).

Total:
1,141 calories
134g protein
47.0% kcals from protein
51.4g net carbs
18.0% kcals from net carbs
43g fat
33.9% kcals from fat.

Wednesday's exercise was "Sunrise Flow," a gently heated relatively slow-paced vinyasa class. The instructor contacted some of us regulars and irregulars the day before class to encourage us to attend. She lured us in with promises of backbends, and I LOVE backbends. It was well-worth rolling out of bed at 5:30. We did various versions of eka pada rajakapotasana (one-legged king pigeon pose), lots of cobras, a couple bridges, half frog (one of my favorites), dolphin, some variations on down dog, anuvittasana, and some other stuff.

What I Ate: August 3, 2010

• Mint chocolate protein frosty: 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), SF chocolate, vanilla, and mint syrups. Total - (140 kcals, 26.5g protein, 7g carbs, 0g fat).
• 1/4 cup whole milk in venti decaf coffee from Sbux (38 kcals, 2g protein, 3g carbs, 2g fat).
• 4 Eggface bites with turkey ham, fat-free cheese, and onions (84 kcals, 14.4g protein, 2.1g net carbs, 4.8g fat) and 1 serving of my June 30th batch of roasted veggies (50 kcals, 2.8g protein, 7.5g net carbs, 0.3g fat) served over about 1 cup of arugula (6 kcals, 0.6g protein, 0.4g net carbs, 0.2g fat). Total - (140 kcals, 17.8g protein, 10g net carbs, 5.3g fat).
• 9 oz. vanilla creme Oh Yeah! (142 kcals, 20.5g protein, 2g carbs, 5.8g fat) in 3 decaf coffees with 3 LaNouba sugar-free marshmallows (40 kcals, 8g net carbs). Total - (182 kcals, 20.5g protein, 10g net carbs, 5.8g fat).
• 30 grams roasted and salted soy nuts (150 kcals, 11g protein, 6g net carbs, 8g fat) and 1 oz. raw almonds (164 kcals, 6g protein, 2.3g net carbs, 14.4g fat). Total - (314 kcals, 17g protein, 8.3g net carbs, 22.4g fat).
• Cinnamon protein pancakes: 1/4 cup fat-free cottage cheese (40 kcals, 7.5g protein, 2.5g carbs, 0g fat), 2 tbsp. Egg Beaters (15 kcals, 3g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 scoop Nectar vanilla bean torte protein powder (90 kcals, 23g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), baking powder, 2 tbsp. SF praline syrup, cinnamon, Splenda, 2 tbsp. FF ICBINB (10 kcals) and 2 tbsp. SF Mrs. Butterworth's syrup (10 kcals, 2g net carbs). Total - (165 kcals, 33.5g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat).
• Chocolate protein frosty with peanutty hint: 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), SF chocolate, vanilla, and peanut butter syrups. Total - (140 kcals, 26.5g protein, 7g carbs, 0g fat).

Total:
1,119 calories
143.8g protein
51.4% kcals from protein
50.3g net carbs
18.0% kcals from net carbs
35.5g fat
28.6% kcals from fat.

I'm cultivating an at-home yoga practice, with emphasis on vinyasa. I like a more active practice with a few complex (for me) poses thrown in. For example, I like to do lots of sun salutations, but then build toward a "party pose" like camatkarasana ("Wild Thing") or natarajasana ("Lord of the Dance") - haven't tried the latter yet, but it's on tap soon.

But even with vinyasa yoga, I still gotta get my cardio in. So I did 35 minutes of yoga at home, then went to the office gym for 32 minutes on the elliptical.

What I Ate: August 2, 2010

• 1 oz. raw almonds (164 kcals, 6g protein, 2.3g net carbs, 14.4g fat).
• Basic chocolate protein frosty: 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), DaVinci SF vanilla and chocolate syrups. Total - (140 kcals, 26.5g protein, 7g carbs, 0g fat).
• 4 Eggface bites with turkey ham, fat-free cheese, and onions (84 kcals, 14.4g protein, 2.1g net carbs, 4.8g fat) and 1 serving of my June 30th batch of roasted veggies (50 kcals, 2.8g protein, 7.5g net carbs, 0.3g fat). Total - (134 kcals, 17.2g protein, 9.6g net carbs, 5.1g fat).
• 1 serving roasted lite firm tofu (45 kcals, 7g protein, 2g carbs, 1.5g fat).
• 1 Pure Protein vanilla cream shake in 3 decaf coffees (160 kcals, 35g protein, 2g net carbs, 1g fat) with 3 sugar-free LaNouba marshmallows (40 kcals, 8g net carbs) and Torani SF chocolate syrup. Total - (200 kcals, 35g protein, 10g net carbs, 1g fat)
• 1 square Sweetriot unBar 70 (70% dark chocolate with cocoa nibs and raisins) (45 kcals, 0.7g protein, 3.8g net carbs, 3.5g fat). I thought I was getting something else, but oh well. I don't like my chocolate quite this dark but it was OK.
• 1/2 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g carbs, 4.5g fat) in an Sbux quad espresso with SF vanilla syrup.
• Cappuccino protein frosty: 1/2 scoop Nectar cappuccino protein powder (45 kcals, 11.5g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), SF vanilla, chocolate and praline syrups. Total - (135 kcals, 26.5g protein, 6g carbs, 0g fat).
• Chocolate protein pancakes with chocolatey pancake syrup: 1/4 cup fat-free cottage cheese (40 kcals, 7.5g protein, 2.5g carbs, 0g fat), 2 tbsp. Egg Beaters (15 kcals, 3g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 scoop Nectar vanilla bean torte protein powder (90 kcals, 23g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), baking powder, 2 tbsp. SF chocolate and vanilla syrups, cinnamon, Splenda, 2 tbsp. FF ICBINB (10 kcals) and 2 tbsp. SF Mrs. Butterworth's syrup (10 kcals, 2g net carbs). Total - (165 kcals, 33.5g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat). These were so good! The trick to good protein pancakes is to avoid overcooking them. There is a delicate balance between making sure they are done enough on one side so they don't crinkle up when you try to flip them, but that they aren't even close to being overdone. My Saturday batch was way overcooked and tough, but tonight's were phenomenal. Yay.

Total:
1,138 calories
168.4g protein
59.2% kcals from protein
47.2g net carbs
16.6% kcals from net carbs
30g fat
23.7% kcals from fat.

I'm working on expanding my at-home practice of yoga, for a few reasons. First, serious yoginis don't just practice at the studio (unless they have unlimited funds, I suppose.) Yoga is meant to be practiced daily. Second, I'm about to take a $13,000 cut in my annual salary while moving from a state with one of the nation's lowest costs of living to a place with one of the highest costs of living. I gotta be a little more frugal. That might mean, for example, finding a studio where I can get free classes by volunteering and/or practicing at a studio only once a week or so.

All of that to say, I got some at-home vinyasa in today! Just 20 minutes in the morning before leaving Anderson because I was afraid I'd be late to work; but I did 37 minutes in the evening before bed.

What I Ate: July 30, 2010

::Sigh:: The nuts don't seem to be working for me anymore. I was at 171.2 this morning, a full pound gain from yesterday.

• Eggnog protein frosty: 1/2 scoop About Time birthday cake protein powder (52 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0g net carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tsp. SF/FF white chocolate pudding mix (5 kcals, 1g carbs), pinch of salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, DaVinci SF egg nog syrup. Total - (137 kcals, 27.5g protein, 6g carbs, 0g fat).
• 1/4 cup whole milk in venti decaf coffee from Sbux (38 kcals, 2g protein, 3g carbs, 2g fat).
• 4 Eggface bites with turkey ham, fat-free cheese, and onions (84 kcals, 14.4g protein, 2.1g net carbs, 4.8g fat) and 60 grams peaches (24 kcals, 1.3g protein, 4.8g net carbs, 0.1g fat). Total - (108 kcals, 15.7g protein, 6.9g net carbs, 4.9g fat).
• 1 Pure Protein frosty chocolate shake in 3 decaf coffees (170 kcals, 35g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat) with 3 LaNouba sugar-free marshmallows (40 kcals, 8g net carbs). Total - (210 kcals, 35g protein, 11g net carbs, 9g fat).
• 1 oz. soaked raw almonds (164 kcals, 6g protein, 2.3g net carbs, 14.4g fat).
• Chocolate-praline protein frosty: 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), 1 tsp. FF/SF chocolate pudding mix (5 kcals, 1g carbs), SF praline syrup. Total - (145 kcals, 26.5g protein, 8g carbs, 0g fat).
• Chocolate protein pancakes with chocolatey pancake syrup: 1/4 cup fat-free cottage cheese (40 kcals, 7.5g protein, 2.5g carbs, 0g fat), 2 tbsp. Egg Beaters (15 kcals, 3g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 scoop Nectar vanilla bean torte protein powder (90 kcals, 23g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), baking powder, 2 tbsp. SF praline syrup, cinnamon, Splenda, 1 tbsp. FF ICBINB (5 kcals) and 2 tbsp. SF Mrs. Butterworth's syrup (10 kcals, 2g net carbs). Total - (160 kcals, 33.5g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat).
• Butterscotch protein frosty: 1/2 scoop About Time birthday cake protein powder (52 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0g net carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1T. SF/FF butterscotch pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), pinch of cinnamon, DaVinci SF praline syrup. Total - (147 kcals, 27.5g protein, 8g carbs, 0g fat).
• 1 serving roasted lite firm tofu (45 kcals, 7g protein, 2g carbs, 1.5g fat).

Total:
1,154 calories
180.7g protein
62.6% kcals from protein
52.2g net carbs
18.1% kcals from net carbs
31.8g fat
24.8% kcals from fat.

Friday's activity was 75 minutes of hot yoga. The class was killer because I hadn't practiced in about a week and a half (terrible!)

What I Ate: July 21, 2010

• Cinnamon bun protein frosty: 1/2 scoop About Time birthday cake protein powder (52 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0g net carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), large pinch of cinnamon, salt, DaVinci SF French vanilla, cookie dough, and dulce de leche syrups. Total - (132 kcals, 27.5g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat).
• 1/4 cup whole milk in grande iced decaf americano from Sbux (38 kcals, 2g protein, 3g carbs, 2g fat).
• Leftovers salad: 70 grams shredded cabbage (17 kcals, 1g protein, 2.3g net carbs, 0.1g fat), 20 grams sauteed portabellas (10 kcals, 0.4g protein, 0.6g net carbs, 0.4g fat), 25 grams chopped green bell pepper (7 kcals, 0.2g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat), 15 grams parsley (6 kcals, 0.5g protein, 0.5g net carbs, 0g fat), 1.25 oz. Whole Foods fat-free sharp cheddar (50 kcals, 10g protein, 1.3g carbs, 0g fat) and 2 strips Applegate Farms uncured turkey bacon (70 kcals, 12g protein, 0g carbs, 6g fat) with a dressing made of 2 tsp. dijon, smoked paprika, white wine vinegar, Splenda, and a few other seasonings (about 15 kcals, 1g net carbs). Total - (175 kcals, 24.1g protein, 6.7g net carbs, 6.5g fat).
• 1/2 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! in 3 decafs (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g carbs, 4.5g fat).
• About 1.25 oz. thai curry cashews from Earthfare (213 kcals, 6.2g protein, 10g net carbs, 16.3g fat).
• Strawberries and white chocolate protein frosty: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), SF white chocolate syrup, lotsa ice. Total - (135 kcals, 26.5g protein, 6g carbs, 0.8g fat).
• Red velvet protein frosty: 1/2 scoop About Time birthday cake protein powder (52 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), 1 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g net carbs), DaVinci SF vanilla and chocolate syrups. Total - (157 kcals, 27.5g protein, 9g carbs, 0g fat).
• 0.5 oz. Target brand garlic blanched almonds (85 kcals, 3g protein, 1g net carbs, 7.5g fat). I'm not sure if I like these.
• About 0.75 oz. Target brand dill pickle cashews (120 kcals, 3g protein, 6g carbs, 9.8g fat).

Total:
1,165 calories
135.8g protein
46.6% kcals from protein
48.2g net carbs
16.5% kcals from net carbs
47.4g fat
36.6% kcals from fat.

Exercise today was 40 minutes on the elliptical in the morning and 75 minutes of Basic Yoga tonight.

What I Ate: July 6, 2010

Detox. Sweet detox.

I'm doing a modified liquid diet for the next few days (shakes all day, a light dinner.) I'll do it as long as I feel like doing it.

• 1/2 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! protein shake in 4 shots of decaf espresso from Sbux (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g carbs, 4.5g fat)
• 1 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! in 3 decaf coffees (220 kcals, 32g protein, 3g carbs, 9g fat)
• Strawberries and white chocolate protein frosty: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), SF white chocolate syrup, lotsa ice. Total - (135 kcals, 26.5g protein, 6g carbs, 0.8g fat).
• I continue my adventures with potato replacements: 176 grams kohlrabi chunks, boiled until soft and then browned (47 kcals, 3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 0.2g fat) and 6 grams sorrel, with a cheese sauce made with 2 tbsp. FF ICBINB (10 kcals, 1g carbs), 1 oz. Whole Foods fat-free monterey jack and cheddar cheese (40 kcals, 8g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), dried oregano, sprinkles of garlic and onion powder, paprika, thyme, pepper, salt, Stevia in the Raw, vinegar, DaVinci sweetening syrup (5 kcals, 1g net carbs). Total - (102 kcals, 11g protein, 7.5g net carbs, 0.2g fat). Gosh, this was yummy comfort food. Some of my kohlrabi didn't get as done as I would have liked, but they were still good and the ones that were cooked soft were very yummy and potato-esque. I love this veg!
• Cookies & cream protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat) and 1 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1/2 scoop Matrix Cookies & Cream protein powder (65 kcals, 11.5g protein, 2g carbs, 1g fat), ice, water, SF cookie dough syrup, Hershey's SF chocolate syrup (8 kcals, 2g carbs). Total - (168 kcals, 26.5g protein, 12g carbs, 1g fat).

Total:
735 calories
112g protein
61.0% kcals from protein
30g net carbs
16.3% kcals from net carbs
15.5g fat
19.0% kcals from fat.

Drove back early this morning, so no morning cardio. Instead, I went to all levels yoga tonight after work. Kind of a mistake? That was so painful. The instructor had us hold moves a really long time instead of doing flow, and my thighs were just not having it. She also had us do core work, which I have never experienced in a yoga class before.

What I Ate: July 2, 2010

• 15 Miss Meringue sugar-free chocolate meringues (48 kcals, 6g protein, 3.6g net carbs, 0g fat).
• Strawberries and white chocolate protein frosty - with no pudding mix! It was still great!: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), SF white chocolate syrup, lotsa ice. Total - (135 kcals, 26.5g protein, 6g carbs, 0.8g fat).
• Roasted vegggie sandwich: 1 serving of my June 30th batch of roasted veggies (50 kcals, 2.8g protein, 7.5g net carbs, 0.3g fat) and 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat) on 1/2 Light Italian Flatout (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat). Total - (120 kcals, 10.1g protein, 14g net carbs, 2.1g fat). I love this, but it's kinda carby.
• 1 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! in 5 decaf coffees (220 kcals, 32g protein, 3g carbs, 9g fat)
• Roughly 1 oz. raw cashews (163 kcals, 5g protein, 7g net carbs, 12g fat)
  Pizza night! 1 Light Italian Flatout (90 kcals, 7g protein, 9g net carbs, 3.5g fat), 1.5 oz. Whole Foods fat-free mozzarella (60 kcals, 12g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 8 turkey pepperoni, chopped (35 kcals, 4.5g protein, 0g carbs, 1.8g fat), 16 grams Vidalia onion (7 kcals, 1.2g net carbs), and 58 grams vine-ripened tomato with oregano, basil, and garlic (16 kcals, 1g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat). Total - (208 kcals, 24.5g protein, 14.2g net carbs, 5.3g fat).
• Another neapolitan protein frosty: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), 1 tbsp. Hershey's cocoa (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), SF white chocolate and French vanilla syrups, lotsa ice. Total - (145 kcals, 26.5g protein, 7g carbs, 0.8g fat). My OH friend Nikki has reinterpreted the neapolitan shake and posted it on her blog, Bariatric Foodie. I think hers probably tastes more "real" than mine; she uses real strawberries and all. Very fancy!

Total:
1,039 calories
130.6g protein
50.3% kcals from protein
54.8g net carbs
21.1% kcals from net carbs
30.0g fat
26.0% kcals from fat.

Went to hot yoga tonight, where we focused on backbends. Yay. No urdhva dhanurasa though. Boo.

What I Ate: July 1, 2010 (Happy July!)

Me and the scale continue to have some kind of standoff. I don't understand the thing at all. I actually may not be getting enough sleep, which I've heard can affect water retention (and thus, leads to water weight gain - haven't found any studies that verify this, however). I overslept this morning, so I missed my planned hour on the elliptical that I was really looking forward to. I was annoyed, but my body really needed the rest.

Unintentionally, I had a vegetarian day! I miss being a veggie. I was on the side of light and love for about 4 or 4.5 years, then I transitioned to being pescatarian for health reasons and because living in SC as a vegetarian was unmanageable unless I wanted to eat hush puppies for every meal. I was pescatarian for about 1.5 years. Then, when I decided to have RNY and thought I'd need the meat for protein, I went on a fried chicken bender - Chick-Fil-A, KFC, Popeye's, I had it all! But I'm toying with the idea of going back, at least to pescatarianism. I love protein supplements, so really there's no reason to eat meat. The only concern is that, as I get farther out, I might need denser foods like meat that take a long time to digest to keep the surgery working for me.

Anyway, food:

• Chocolate-caramel protein shake: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (10 kcals, 1g carbs), SF dulce de leche syrup. Total - (140 kcals, 26.5g protein, 7g carbs, 0g fat).
• About 2 tbsp. half and half in a Starbucks decaf brewed coffee (40 kcals, 1g protein, 1.6g carbs, 4.6g fat)
• OMG delicious roasted vegetable sandwich: 1 serving of my June 30th batch of roasted veggies (50 kcals, 2.8g protein, 7.5g net carbs, 0.3g fat) and 1 oz. Whole Foods fat-free cheddar (40 kcals, 8g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat) on 1/2 Light Italian Flatout (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat). Total - (135 kcals, 14.1g protein, 13g net carbs, 2.1g fat). This was one of the most delicious dishes I've eaten since surgery, seriously - and completely (lacto) vegetarian. This is the kind of simple food that lets me know that I could happily go back to vegetarianism or at least pescatarianism. The only thing I'd miss is my turkey bacon!
• 1 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! in 2 decaf coffees plus 1 Starbucks grande decaf iced Americano with SF vanilla syrup (220 kcals, 32g protein, 3g carbs, 9g fat)
• 10 large raw cashews from The Fresh Market (about 120 kcals, 3g protein, 5g net carbs, 10g fat)
• Crazy delish vegetarian egg white omelet: 1/2 cup All Whites (60 kcals, 12g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 55 grams summer squash (9 kcals, 1g protein, 1.3g net carbs, 0.1g fat), 3 finely chopped green olives (15 kcals, 1.5g fat), 1 oz. Whole Foods fat-free cheese (40 kcals, 8g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 3 basil leaves, a little garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried rosemary, and preserved lemon (5 kcals, 1g net carbs). Total - (154 kcals, 25g protein, 7.3g net carbs, 1.6g fat).
• Chocolate peanut butter cookie protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Inspire peanut butter cookie protein powder (66 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0.5g fat), 1 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (10 kcals, 1g carbs), 1 tbsp. SF/FF chocolate Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g net carbs), SF peanut butter and dulce de leche syrups. Total - (171 kcals, 27.5g protein, 9.5g net carbs, 0.5g fat).

Total:
980 calories
129.1g protein
52.7% kcals from protein
46.4g net carbs
18.9% kcals from net carbs
27.8g fat
25.5% kcals from fat.

I was feeling crappy about myself for oversleeping and not working out, then I randomly attempted urdhva dhanurasana (wheel pose) tonight before Bethenny's Getting Married. I didn't expect to make it at all - but I did it! I did it FOUR times, perfect form, straight arms and everything! That made the whole day better :-)

What I Ate: June 26, 2010

Again, no totals for today. I estimated them for lunch based on online information, but I couldn't estimate the calories in the grilled veg salad at dinner because they were coated in some kind of vinaigrette.

• 1 sample pack of vanilla Unjury protein powder (100 kcals, 20g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat) in 1/2 cup skim milk (45 kcals, 4g protein, 6g carbs, 0g fat), dissolved into 1 Starbucks iced decaf Americano. Total - (145 kcals, 24g protein, 10g carbs, 0g fat). This was delicious! Vanilla Unjury is actually quite tasty! I'd never tried it before due to rumors it tasted gross.
• 25 grams organic raw cashews (139 kcals, 4.5g protein, 7.5g net carbs, 11g fat)
• About 3.5 oz. deli meat, including turkey, ham, and 1 slice of roast beef (about 100 kcals, 15g protein, 2g carbs, 4g fat), 1 slice full fat cheddar cheese (113 kcals, 7g protein, 0.4g net carbs, 9.3g fat), 6 olives (about 40 kcals, 0g protein, 0.5g net carbs, 3g fat), 2 slices tomato (6 kcals, 1g net carbs), 2 lettuce leaves (2 kcals), 2 packets Gulden's spicy mustard (8 kcals). Total - (269 kcals, 22g protein, 3.9g net carbs, 16.3g fat).
• 1 serving (1 oz.) Jack Link's teriyaki beef jerky (80 kcals, 15g protein, 3g carbs, 0.5g fat)
• Dinner at Woodford Reserve, a bourbon distillery in Lexington, KY: Delicious grilled vegetables (mushrooms, carrots, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes), delicious steamed green beans with garlic, and relatively tasty grilled chicken breast. For dessert, I had 13 (one serving) Miss Meringue sugar-free chocolate meringue cookies (40 kcals, 5g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat). There was some kind of unappealing dessert of fudge with raspberries and bourbon sauce; I very slightly tasted it but ate less than half a bite. However, my big mistake was eating a ton of the vegetables! I wanted to have more room for them, so I ate the veggies first and saved the meat for the end - but that was dumb, because I still overate and couldn't get through the chicken.
• 1 sample pack of chocolate Unjury protein powder (100 kcals, 20g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat) in 1/2 cup skim milk (45 kcals, 4g protein, 6g carbs, 0g fat). Total - (145 kcals, 24g protein, 10g carbs, 0g fat).
• 18 grams Blue Diamond natural almonds (102 kcals, 3.8g protein, 1.9g net carbs, 9g fat)

For exercise, I did 40 minutes of treadmilling and 15 minutes of yoga on my nifty travel yoga mat. I played in the pool for about an hour in the afternoon, but I don't think that counts :-)

What I Ate: June 23, 2010

Well, happy yummy day! I went to yoga twice, plus got to work on my own stuff at work, so I'm very happy. Plus it's Top Chef night and I'm going out of town tomorrow. Good things all around.

• Vaguely chocolate protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), SF dulce de leche and French vanilla syrups, lotsa ice. Total - (130 kcals, 26.5g protein, 6g carbs, 0g fat).
• Tuna and almonds: 1 2.6-oz. packet Starkist Chunk Light tuna (80 kcals, 18g protein, 0g net carbs, 0.5g fat) and 1 100-calorie pack natural walnuts & almonds (100 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 9g fat). Total - (180 kcals, 22g protein, 2g net carbs, 9.5g fat).
• 1 Pure Protein frosty chocolate shake in 4 decaf coffees (170 kcals, 35g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat).
• 13 (one serving) Miss Meringue sugar-free chocolate meringue cookies (40 kcals, 5g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
• Crazy omelet salad: 1/2 cup All Whites (60 kcals, 12g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 54 grams summer squash (9 kcals, 0.6g protein, 1.3g net carbs, 0.1g fat), 2 strips Applegate Farms no nitrate added uncured turkey bacon (70 kcals, 12g protein, 0g carbs, 3g fat), 40 grams avocado (80 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carbs, 7.5g fat), a handful of arugula (about 10 kcals, 0.5g net carbs), a little apple cider vinegar, preserved lemon, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard (about 10 kcals, 1g net carb). Total - (239 kcals, 25.6g protein, 4.8g net carbs, 10.6g fat)
• Cookies & cream protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat) and 1 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1/2 scoop Matrix Cookies & Cream protein powder (65 kcals, 11.5g protein, 2g carbs, 1g fat), ice, water, SF cookie dough syrup, Hershey's SF chocolate syrup (8 kcals, 2g carbs). Total - (168 kcals, 26.5g protein, 12g carbs, 1g fat).
• 0.5 oz. fat-free mozzarella cheese (20 kcals, 4g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat)

Total:
947 calories
144.6g protein
61.1% kcals from protein
31.3g net carbs
13.2% kcals from net carbs
22.1g fat
21.0% kcals from fat.

As mentioned above, I went to yoga twice today, once in the morning ("warm and slow flow") and again in the evening (basic.) I did yoga for 2.5 hours today, which is pretty sweet.