In an effort to streamline my mornings and make sure I get out the door with my mid-morning green smoothie, I made up some freezer packs last night. I didn't take pictures, but the idea came from Pinterest (big surprise).
In sandwich size zip top bags, I threw in a handful of spinach, a half a sliced banana, and some frozen fruit. I did several mixes...pineapple/blueberry, pineapple/mango, blueberry/strawberry. This morning, I just grabbed a pack, threw it in the Magic Bullet, added water and whirled away. That saved me the time from getting out all the different bags of fruit, the spinach and slicing a banana. Ok, so it doesn't sound that hard, but it was super easy this morning. No thinking invovled.
After making my smoothie this morning, I will say the frozen spinach leaves didn't blend as smoothly as the fresh leaves. I think next time, I might try blending the spinach with water first and freezing this mixture into ice cube trays. Then I'll just put a cube or two in each freezer pack.
I also threw together some smoothies for the kids' lunches. I've had these Ball brand plastic freezer containers for a while, purchased just for this reason, but I've yet to use them. It didn't take long at all last night, especially since I had all the fruit out making my packs.
For SB, I made a smoothie she really enjoyed last week as breakfast...banana, pineapple, blueberry, and milk. One totally full Magic Bullet's worth, made 3 almost-full containers. For Ryan, I have to keep his simple...banana, chocolate syrup and milk. I did add some flaxmeal to his to see if that helps his tummy issues.
I put the screwtop lids on and stuck the smoothies in the freezer. This morning, Chad just put those in with the rest of their lunches. I'm hoping by lunch they are thawed enough to drink/eat. My biggest worry is that they use Pack Its, and I'm not sure if they'll stay too cold to thaw.
If they like the way theirs turn out, I may try blending up my smoothies and freezing them as well. I'm guessing if I took them out of the freezer in the morning and set them on my desk, they'd be perfect by my conference period.
I also have dinner in the crockpot for tonight...terriyaki beef. I am planning on steaming a bag of Asian vegetables and making some fried rice or noodles. I love knowing I don't have to worry about dinner.
It's amazing how a little prep work and planning makes such a big difference.
Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts
Monday, February 11, 2013
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Freezer breakfasts, part 1
I've been wanting to do this for a while, but I just never seem to be able to get it done. But...I've found that if I just never sit down on a Sunday afternoon, I can get all sort of things done!
I'm working on making some freezer breakfasts so I can make sure that we have a healthy breakfast even when we're in a rush in the mornings. Today's freezer breakfasts are all savory. I'll do another batch of sweet ones later.
First up, Freezer McMuffins!
To begin, you'll need ramekins. I only had 4, so that's how many I made. If you have a large muffin tin (not just standard sized), you could use it. If this works well, I'll have to figure out a way to make this in a larger batch to save even more time.
Crack an egg into each greased or sprayed ramekin. Break the yolk and add salt and pepper if desired. Place the ramekins on a cookie sheet and bake at 375 for about 20 minutes, until cooked through.
Layer the English muffin (I used 100 calorie, whole wheat ones) with half a piece of colby/jack cheese and a couple slices of Canadian bacon. Place the cooked egg on top and let cool before wrapping and freezing. According to everything I can find, these should cook in the microwave in 1-2 minutes.
My best guess on the nutritional content: 240 calories, 9 g fat, 10 g protein.
Second up, Egg Muffins, not to be confused with the McMuffins above.
Beat 8 eggs with a splash of milk and salt and pepper if desired. Place desired fillings into greased muffin tins before pouring mixture on top. I used spinach, red bell pepper and mushrooms for veggie muffins for me and bacon bits and cheese for the kids (and husband). Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes, until set. Let cool and freeze in serving sized portions.
If I'd thought about it sooner, I would have added some corn salsa I had in the freezer to some of the cups. Oh, well...there's always next time.
These kind of stuck to the pan, even though I sprayed it. I read a tip somewhere that you could add a little salted water to the bottom of the pan to prevent that. I may have to try it next time. The ramekins worked so much better for the first type of egg.
Each veggie muffin, by my best guess, has about 85 calories.
Each bacon, cheese muffin probably has about 135 calories.
Stay tuned for Freezer Breakfasts, Part 2 (probably next weekend). I think I'll make some scones that you can make by freezing the dough and baking fresh from the freezer and maybe some more breakfast cookies. I've made the cookies before and really like them (especially as pre-run fuel), but I didn't take any pictures while I made them. Plus, I need to make a double batch of them!
I'm working on making some freezer breakfasts so I can make sure that we have a healthy breakfast even when we're in a rush in the mornings. Today's freezer breakfasts are all savory. I'll do another batch of sweet ones later.
First up, Freezer McMuffins!
To begin, you'll need ramekins. I only had 4, so that's how many I made. If you have a large muffin tin (not just standard sized), you could use it. If this works well, I'll have to figure out a way to make this in a larger batch to save even more time.
Crack an egg into each greased or sprayed ramekin. Break the yolk and add salt and pepper if desired. Place the ramekins on a cookie sheet and bake at 375 for about 20 minutes, until cooked through.
 |
| The assembly line |
Layer the English muffin (I used 100 calorie, whole wheat ones) with half a piece of colby/jack cheese and a couple slices of Canadian bacon. Place the cooked egg on top and let cool before wrapping and freezing. According to everything I can find, these should cook in the microwave in 1-2 minutes.
My best guess on the nutritional content: 240 calories, 9 g fat, 10 g protein.
Second up, Egg Muffins, not to be confused with the McMuffins above.
 |
| I underestimated how many I could make with 8 eggs...I ended up adding 3 more cups. |
If I'd thought about it sooner, I would have added some corn salsa I had in the freezer to some of the cups. Oh, well...there's always next time.
These kind of stuck to the pan, even though I sprayed it. I read a tip somewhere that you could add a little salted water to the bottom of the pan to prevent that. I may have to try it next time. The ramekins worked so much better for the first type of egg.
Each veggie muffin, by my best guess, has about 85 calories.
Each bacon, cheese muffin probably has about 135 calories.
Stay tuned for Freezer Breakfasts, Part 2 (probably next weekend). I think I'll make some scones that you can make by freezing the dough and baking fresh from the freezer and maybe some more breakfast cookies. I've made the cookies before and really like them (especially as pre-run fuel), but I didn't take any pictures while I made them. Plus, I need to make a double batch of them!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Heaving myself back on the wagon
I think the biggest challenge for me is to view food as fuel and nutrition rather than enjoyment. That's not to say I can't enjoy my food. In fact, I think enjoying my healthier food is key to me sticking with it. I just think it's important to realize, at least for me, that what I put into this body of mine directly affects what my body can do and how I feel.
In the past, summers were when I actually ate less and healthier. That was before kids. And before this heat. When we spend our time outdoors and are active, I make better choices. When we're stuck indoors, I tend to snack. A lot. And not healthy stuff.
So, my diet has to change. Again.
I prepped tons of veggies to snack on...carrots, jicama, red bell pepper, etc. And the good thing is I'm actually eating them. I'm going to boil and salt some edamame tomorrow for a snack. I picked up some trail mix (not the healthiest, but I'll pre-portion them for snacks) and some fruit leathers.
Through my school insurance, I have access to an online "Personal Health Manager" that allows me to log and track my fitness activities and my food intake to earn points. When I first started my journey to lose weight, I earned enough points to get a $75 gift card to JCPenney's, which I spent buying new, smaller clothes. They don't have the gift cards anymore, so I'm not sure what I'm going to use my points on. It's been a while since I've entered my info, but I am trying to now. It really keeps me accountable when I know I'm going to enter my every bite. When I enter my food online, I can decide how much of certain treats to have and what swaps I need to make to keep withint my range of calories and food categories.
For example, one night this week, Chad was a sweetie and stopped to get stuff for dinner on his way home from work. Along with the planned hot dogs (yes, I know they aren't healthy), he brought home Cheetos, cookies and a Coke...the Coke was a treat for me because it had been a rough couple of days with the kids. It was a sweet gesture, and I appreciate it...bit to compensate for the treats, I had to make some wise choices so I could enter my food into my log without feeling guilty.
I've found a few meals and snacks that are really yummy and good for me.
For breakfast:
Breakfast Scramble Salad
An egg, crumbled turkey sausage (precooked), Laughing Cow Light wedge, red bell pepper, tomatoes and any other veggies that sound good, served over romaine lettuce or spinach...yes, greens in the morning!
Banana Toasty
A toasted whole grain bagel thin, spread with a tablespoon of peanut butter so it melts, topped with thin banana slices. This turns out so creamy and yummy!
 |
| Ignore the sad state of my bananas...I keep them in the fridge and they turn brown fast. |
Turkey and Red Bell Pepper Sandwich
Ok, this one is just like it sounds, but I do substitute a Laughing Cow Light wedge for mayo and cheese
I tend to cook normal dinners for our family and just watch what and how much I eat. I try to have healthy vegetables, like zucchini and squash, and fruits with dinner. I've managed to move us away from a lot of processed foods. I can substitute for myself pretty easily. For example, the night Chad brought home the cookies, Cheetos and Coke, I chose to skip the Cheetos and substitute with jicama sticks. I drank just part of the Coke. And I did indulge in a cookie with a half glass of milk. While these things might not have been good choices, the alternative (you know, the way it would have been just last week) would have been the Cheetos, all the Coke, and at least 2 cookies. So, see? Progress...all about progress.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia :)
Now that I've got that jingle stuck in your head, you're going to have to bear with me...today's post is going to have to be two-fold. I tried to figure out a way to make them separate, but they kind of go together.
I completed the Hotter Than Hades Virtual Half Marathon put on by Fitness Collaborative. The good thing about this one is that you didn't have to complete the 13.1 miles in one shot. Since I need to be averaging 13.1 miles a week to make my goal of 1100km in 2011, I wanted to do it all in one week, starting with my birthday on Monday.
My runs for the week looked like this:
Monday, my birthday: 3.1 miles in 32. 55, counting as my Moms Run This Town Fuelbelts Hydration Hustle Virtual 5K. It was a neat run for me as I remembered my "3 Miles at 30" just two years ago.
Wednesday, my son's birthday: 4 miles in 46:08.
Saturday: 6 miles in 1:16:42, quite possibly my slowest 6 miles ever!
Today's run was hot and hard. I was dripping sweat by mile 1. I felt decent by the time I hit mile 3. And then I really struggled between miles 4 and 5, taking a couple of walk breaks. I had forgotten, until about 5.25 miles, that I had planned on using an idea sparked by something I read in Mile Markers by Kristin Armstrong for today's run. I had to modify it...a lot...to make it work with what I had left in my run, but basically, what I did was thank God for and pray over each room in our house, one tenth of a mile at a time. I thought about the things I wanted each room to foster and develop, such as family fun in the living room and good conversation in the dining room. I also prayed for my kids, our relationships and my marriage using each room to keep me focused. I wish I had remembered this late night idea when I started the run.
Of course, just almost as soon as I walked in the door, I realized I should have worn my Super Mom BondiBand because I started cleaning up puke from my daughter just about that fast. That's the life of a mother runner, I suppose.
One thing I tried for today's run was chia seeds.
Yes, like that kind of chia.
I think the idea of trying chia seeds first popped into my head when I read Born to Run by Chris McDougall. And then I would see bits and pieces of information...just enough to keep reminding me about them. Some highlights I've found...
From Raw Reform:
Chia seeds are said to have:
•2 times the protein of any other seed or grain,
•5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones,
•2 times the amount of potassium as bananas,
•3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries
•3 times more iron than spinach
•copious amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, which are essential fatty acids...
From The Natural Health Yellow Pages:
Some other benefits (especially for runners)
Providing energy
Boosting strength
Bolstering endurance
Leveling blood sugar
Inducing weight loss
Then I realized that a local grocery store has started carrying bulk items like granola, beans and flax seed...and yes, they had a bin for chia seeds! The first time I checked, the bin was empty, but they had them this past week. I bought a small bag of them and kept forgetting to do anything with them. I had read that you should soak them in water the night before a run...and I could never remember to do that.
This morning, however, I quickly googled what to do with chia seeds before my run. One Runner's World forum person said you could mix them in water with a little honey and just drink before a run, which is what I did (using my Farmers' Market local honey...yum!). While these pictures are from tonight and not this morning, this is what it looked like at first.
By the time I had gotten my gear ready to go, they had "fuzzed" up a little bit, absorbing some of the water. I, surprisingly, didn't mind the texture or the little seeds in the water. The flavor was very mild, especially with the honey.
As for the run, it was so hot and sticky that I'm not sure how much good they actually did. And I went farther than normal, so it's hard to tell if it helped with endurance...I mean, I did finish the extra distance, so maybe that does say something.
I'm going to try them again. In fact, I had a glass tonight of the quick version while I was working on making a batch of the gel these little things make as they absorb water. You can use the gel like a Gu or other fuel or you can mix it into things like smoothies and yogurt. Here's tonight's work in progress:
If they look dramatically different in the morning, I'll post another picture.
What is about runners that make us what to try the newest, strangest, silliest things trying to gain some sort of edge? I'd understand if I was super competitive in races, but I know I will never win a race (or probably even my age division). Still, I am all for trying something that might help me run faster, last longer, or look better. First, it was getting a Garmin so I would know how far ago and just how slowly I'd gone. Then I started wearing Phiten necklaces because I hoped they'd give me a boost. Next I got blister-preventing socks (well worth it, by the way). I got fitted for shoes after running in a pair I'd picked out on my own for a very long time. The Stick and a foam roller have taken up residence in my living room. Now I wear compression sleeves and am drinking fuzzy little seeds.
I think there are a couple of things at play here. First, running takes us back to being a kid again...something I was reminded of as I was reading Mile Markers today. So it fits that we like to try out these new "toys" in our running. And second, I think these things give us some glimmer of hope that we will progress and improve and thrive. I'll hang on to that hope for now as I struggle through this hot, slow season.
Mileage Report:
Weekly: 15.15 miles
YTD: 433.5 miles
I completed the Hotter Than Hades Virtual Half Marathon put on by Fitness Collaborative. The good thing about this one is that you didn't have to complete the 13.1 miles in one shot. Since I need to be averaging 13.1 miles a week to make my goal of 1100km in 2011, I wanted to do it all in one week, starting with my birthday on Monday.
My runs for the week looked like this:
Monday, my birthday: 3.1 miles in 32. 55, counting as my Moms Run This Town Fuelbelts Hydration Hustle Virtual 5K. It was a neat run for me as I remembered my "3 Miles at 30" just two years ago.
Wednesday, my son's birthday: 4 miles in 46:08.
Saturday: 6 miles in 1:16:42, quite possibly my slowest 6 miles ever!
 |
| Who knew it took this much stuff to "gear up"? And I already had on my SpiBelt, Garmin and BondiBand! And my RoadID was still MIA as of this morning! |
Of course, just almost as soon as I walked in the door, I realized I should have worn my Super Mom BondiBand because I started cleaning up puke from my daughter just about that fast. That's the life of a mother runner, I suppose.
One thing I tried for today's run was chia seeds.
 |
| And yes, I picked a turtle on purpose...because that's what I feel like these days. |
Yes, like that kind of chia.
I think the idea of trying chia seeds first popped into my head when I read Born to Run by Chris McDougall. And then I would see bits and pieces of information...just enough to keep reminding me about them. Some highlights I've found...
From Raw Reform:
Chia seeds are said to have:
•2 times the protein of any other seed or grain,
•5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones,
•2 times the amount of potassium as bananas,
•3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries
•3 times more iron than spinach
•copious amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, which are essential fatty acids...
From The Natural Health Yellow Pages:
Some other benefits (especially for runners)
Providing energy
Boosting strength
Bolstering endurance
Leveling blood sugar
Inducing weight loss
Then I realized that a local grocery store has started carrying bulk items like granola, beans and flax seed...and yes, they had a bin for chia seeds! The first time I checked, the bin was empty, but they had them this past week. I bought a small bag of them and kept forgetting to do anything with them. I had read that you should soak them in water the night before a run...and I could never remember to do that.
 |
| Is it me or does this look like it should be illegal? |
By the time I had gotten my gear ready to go, they had "fuzzed" up a little bit, absorbing some of the water. I, surprisingly, didn't mind the texture or the little seeds in the water. The flavor was very mild, especially with the honey.
 |
| The fuzzier version |
As for the run, it was so hot and sticky that I'm not sure how much good they actually did. And I went farther than normal, so it's hard to tell if it helped with endurance...I mean, I did finish the extra distance, so maybe that does say something.
I'm going to try them again. In fact, I had a glass tonight of the quick version while I was working on making a batch of the gel these little things make as they absorb water. You can use the gel like a Gu or other fuel or you can mix it into things like smoothies and yogurt. Here's tonight's work in progress:
If they look dramatically different in the morning, I'll post another picture.
What is about runners that make us what to try the newest, strangest, silliest things trying to gain some sort of edge? I'd understand if I was super competitive in races, but I know I will never win a race (or probably even my age division). Still, I am all for trying something that might help me run faster, last longer, or look better. First, it was getting a Garmin so I would know how far ago and just how slowly I'd gone. Then I started wearing Phiten necklaces because I hoped they'd give me a boost. Next I got blister-preventing socks (well worth it, by the way). I got fitted for shoes after running in a pair I'd picked out on my own for a very long time. The Stick and a foam roller have taken up residence in my living room. Now I wear compression sleeves and am drinking fuzzy little seeds.
I think there are a couple of things at play here. First, running takes us back to being a kid again...something I was reminded of as I was reading Mile Markers today. So it fits that we like to try out these new "toys" in our running. And second, I think these things give us some glimmer of hope that we will progress and improve and thrive. I'll hang on to that hope for now as I struggle through this hot, slow season.
Mileage Report:
Weekly: 15.15 miles
YTD: 433.5 miles
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Choices
I'm working on making healthy nutritional choices these days. It's not easy. When I'm in school, I plan my meals, pack my lunch, make a snack ahead of time...but when I'm home for the summer, I can eat what I want anytime I want. Not good. Not good at all.
And I could beat myself up for the bad choices I make each day (M&M Blast, anyone?) or I can focus on the good choices I'm making and try to make more of those.
So...today's good choices:
1. I added red bell pepper and spinach to my turkey sandwich at luch...love it.
2. Instead of mayo (100 calories, 11 g fat) and a slice of cheese (50 calories, 2.5 g fat), I used Laughing Cow Light Mozzarella and Sundried Tomato cheese (35 calories, 2 g fat)...a savings of 115 calories and 11.5 g of fat
3. The kids and I made a fruit salad using fruit we had on hand for a side for lunch (with leftovers for juice pops for tomorrow and a side for dinner)...peaches, plums, apples, pears, grapes and bananas...yummy! And I didn't have chips since I had the fruit salad.
4. I added bell peppers and mushrooms to the sausage I cooked for dinner.
5. I added onions, mushrooms, tomato and spinach to the couscous for tonight's side dish. I'm loving this stuff! I did add some parmesan and Light Italian dressing, but it takes so little of it to add such a good flavor.
So, while there were some unhealthy choices sprinkled throughout the day, I'm working on making some good ones too.
One thing I'm looking into trying is chia seeds. They are supposed to be good for lots of things...weight loss being one of them. However, they are also supposed to help with hydration and are a good source of fiber, calcium protein, and omega 3 fatty acids. Supposedly, they can really help with energy levels during a run. Some of the things I've ready say that chia seeds can also lower cholesterol, and since I haven't been taking my meds, that might be a good alternative.
I had planned on doing a core challenge workout tonight, but yesterday's yard raking left me with a really painful right tricep today. I think I'll hold off until tomorrow.
And I could beat myself up for the bad choices I make each day (M&M Blast, anyone?) or I can focus on the good choices I'm making and try to make more of those.
So...today's good choices:
1. I added red bell pepper and spinach to my turkey sandwich at luch...love it.
2. Instead of mayo (100 calories, 11 g fat) and a slice of cheese (50 calories, 2.5 g fat), I used Laughing Cow Light Mozzarella and Sundried Tomato cheese (35 calories, 2 g fat)...a savings of 115 calories and 11.5 g of fat
3. The kids and I made a fruit salad using fruit we had on hand for a side for lunch (with leftovers for juice pops for tomorrow and a side for dinner)...peaches, plums, apples, pears, grapes and bananas...yummy! And I didn't have chips since I had the fruit salad.
4. I added bell peppers and mushrooms to the sausage I cooked for dinner.
5. I added onions, mushrooms, tomato and spinach to the couscous for tonight's side dish. I'm loving this stuff! I did add some parmesan and Light Italian dressing, but it takes so little of it to add such a good flavor.
So, while there were some unhealthy choices sprinkled throughout the day, I'm working on making some good ones too.
One thing I'm looking into trying is chia seeds. They are supposed to be good for lots of things...weight loss being one of them. However, they are also supposed to help with hydration and are a good source of fiber, calcium protein, and omega 3 fatty acids. Supposedly, they can really help with energy levels during a run. Some of the things I've ready say that chia seeds can also lower cholesterol, and since I haven't been taking my meds, that might be a good alternative.
I had planned on doing a core challenge workout tonight, but yesterday's yard raking left me with a really painful right tricep today. I think I'll hold off until tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Wednesday Wonderfuls
So what makes this Wednesday wonderful? Let's see...
*Only a day and a half left of school...and most of tomorrow will be spent at the local waterpark.
*I didn't have to cook tonight because we had plenty of leftovers.
*The kids crawled up on the bed with me this afternoon and let me rest for a few minutes after school.
*The calf cramp from yesterday has mostly disappeared...at least enough to let me run this morning.
*My husband and son brought me lunch at school, and of course, my little one charmed the socks off everyone around.
*I got to watch the video of my daughter's sign language choir performance...made me tear up a little. I can't believe she's almost done with kindergarten!
Maybe I should look at the "wonderfuls" a little more. It definitely changes my perspective...for the better.
I did realize today that I really, really have to get control of my afternoon eating. It's crazy. When 3 p.m. hits, all bets are off. I hate to admit it, but from 3-4 today, I had two little brownies, a 200-calorie bag of Goldfish and an M&M cookie. Yuck. Nothing in there's healthy in the least. And lunch wasn't good for me either today (at least not physically...seeing my husband and son did my heart good though). At least tomorrow's a new day.
*Only a day and a half left of school...and most of tomorrow will be spent at the local waterpark.
*I didn't have to cook tonight because we had plenty of leftovers.
*The kids crawled up on the bed with me this afternoon and let me rest for a few minutes after school.
*The calf cramp from yesterday has mostly disappeared...at least enough to let me run this morning.
*My husband and son brought me lunch at school, and of course, my little one charmed the socks off everyone around.
*I got to watch the video of my daughter's sign language choir performance...made me tear up a little. I can't believe she's almost done with kindergarten!
Maybe I should look at the "wonderfuls" a little more. It definitely changes my perspective...for the better.
I did realize today that I really, really have to get control of my afternoon eating. It's crazy. When 3 p.m. hits, all bets are off. I hate to admit it, but from 3-4 today, I had two little brownies, a 200-calorie bag of Goldfish and an M&M cookie. Yuck. Nothing in there's healthy in the least. And lunch wasn't good for me either today (at least not physically...seeing my husband and son did my heart good though). At least tomorrow's a new day.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Vitamins, supplements, etc.
After nearly tossing my cookies again this morning after taking my vitamins, I'm wondering if I need to think about switching something up. I'm happy with what I'm taking and the effects (well, except for that queasy feeling right after I take them). I can tell when I don't take them. Here's what I'm taking now:
1. Women's Metabolism Support one-a-day
2. B complex (this is my happy pill)
3. Magnesium (I'm almost positive this one keeps my headaches at bay)
4. Probiotic enzyme (and I can definitely tell when I don't take this one for more than a day or two...enough said)
I was taking CoQ10 to balance my cholesterol med, but since I haven't been taking that one like I should, I dropped the CoQ10.
I tried chromium (I think I'd read that it helped with weight loss) for a while, but it actually made me very angry feeling. As soon as I'd dropped it, those feelings went away.
And now, I'm trying fish oil. I got it a while back and then promptly (read: the next day) read that it might not be safe. Now, it looks like it is ok, so I started it tonight. We'll see how that goes.
My biggest goal is to get back in the habit of taking my calcium with vitamins D and K. I had thought about taking extra D and K, but for now, I'm just going to aim on getting the calcium chews in every day.
I guess the thing now is to figure out if I want to go through the hassle of finding what I want to take in a form that will a) be less likely to cause that weird puke-y, passing out feeling and b) be as effective as possible.
1. Women's Metabolism Support one-a-day
2. B complex (this is my happy pill)
3. Magnesium (I'm almost positive this one keeps my headaches at bay)
4. Probiotic enzyme (and I can definitely tell when I don't take this one for more than a day or two...enough said)
I was taking CoQ10 to balance my cholesterol med, but since I haven't been taking that one like I should, I dropped the CoQ10.
I tried chromium (I think I'd read that it helped with weight loss) for a while, but it actually made me very angry feeling. As soon as I'd dropped it, those feelings went away.
And now, I'm trying fish oil. I got it a while back and then promptly (read: the next day) read that it might not be safe. Now, it looks like it is ok, so I started it tonight. We'll see how that goes.
My biggest goal is to get back in the habit of taking my calcium with vitamins D and K. I had thought about taking extra D and K, but for now, I'm just going to aim on getting the calcium chews in every day.
I guess the thing now is to figure out if I want to go through the hassle of finding what I want to take in a form that will a) be less likely to cause that weird puke-y, passing out feeling and b) be as effective as possible.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Race for the Cure
Just one year after my mother-in-law's diagnosis of breast cancer, we walked as Patsy's Posse at this year's Race for the Cure. Amazing. Awesome. The whole family was in on the walk, 1-mile of family support. Grammy's two sisters, one niece, two grandkids (with one more cheering us on), husband, sons, my parents, and I all participated in RFC for her.
After the 1-mile walk, we stretched and warmed up for the 5K. With a 10K just two weeks ago, I just wanted to run strong. And I did. I finished in 31:30, which is actually my fastest yet. I wasn't in it for speed...but I was still a little disappointed that I didn't hit the 30 mark. My parents, on the other hand, rocked! My mom finished in 25 something and my dad was less than 30 seconds behind her! He tends to be faster, but I don't think he was feeling good today. She turned 50 in March...and I hope that when I'm 50, I can run a sub-30 5K! Heck, I hope I can do that by 40!
Even though I'm a little disappointed with my time, I realize that I ran a strong race, passed people, and did just fine. So much better than last year. And progress is progress.
The only drawback is that after the race I came way too close to passing out. I was on my way to grab an orange or banana and ran into someone I knew who I stopped to talk to...and I could barely focus on her face or words. Dad was with me though, so I knew if I hit the ground, I'd be fine :) I didn't though...but I did find the closest curb and took lots of deep breaths. The best I can figure out is I stopped too soon and my breathing became more "normal" before my body was ready for it to.
I did try some Power Bar Engery Gel Blasts in rasberry...two at the half-mile point because I just wasn't feeling strong. About a mile later, I felt them kick in. It wasn't anything magical or crazy, just a little kick of energy, enough to boost my confidence and move my legs.
I also carried a new water bottle. I've been carrying a water bottle for a while now and really like it. This one by Nathan has a strap with a pocket, perfect for those chews. It worked well.
I guess there was more than one drawback, I found that I had blisters again. I never had any blisters with my old shoes, even if they did remove two toenails. And now, with both my new pairs, I am getting them just about every run. Well, actually, that's not true. I didn't get any until the 18-mile training walk 3 weeks ago where I got many blisters at mile 2. Since then, I've gotten them after most runs. I let the fluid out on Tuesday, and babied them with some antibiotic ointment and band-aids, but they're back like a bad alien movie. They are coming up in the exact same spot every time...inside heels right where the bottom and side of my feet meet. I can feel the hot spot in the Asics, but I don't feel anything coming up in the Saucony shoes. I'm baffled but need to get this figured out before the 3-Day.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Getting nervous
So when I walk in my classroom tomorrow, I'll walk up to the board and change my race countdown to "1 day until Mrs. J's next 10K." And then I'll have a panic attack. I don't know why I get so nervous about races...and continue to race. It's not like I'm really that competitive, as in I never place. I just want to be there. And do well. For me.
I am trying to remember a couple of things: 1. Trust the training. I've done what I can to prepare for this. 2. Face the fear. If all I'm afraid of is not doing well, then what do I have to lose if I go all out? That I might do well. That I might fail. Either way, it's not life-ending. Or even life-altering. I'll hit the treadmill next week just like I always do. 3. It's supposed to be fun. Besides, I'll be outside running! And my family will be there. :)
I wish I'd had enough time to figure out a couple of things about what I prefer and what I handle in the form of nutrition. I'm going to carry a water bottle and take my beans at each water station. I'll leave Gu to figure out later. I am going to have a mini Clif bar before I run, and maybe a banana if I can grab one. I'll drink my G2 post-run and have some fruit. I'm hoping that will work.
And I'm going to wear my iPod, but I'm not going to start with it on. I really think I get distracted by the music and quit listening to my body. I know that I can go on long runs without it and end up enjoying my run so much more (and I'm faster, to boot).
Our local Y is starting a running class. I wish it was at a time I could attend. Even though I've been running a while now, I'd love to see what they have to say about how to run. I wish they'd had something like this a year or so ago. I'm sure there's so much I should have learned early on.
I'm falling asleep as I type. I have had to get up at 4:40 to run this morning because of early morning duty at school. It's killing me. Just one more day though! But I'm still going to hit the sack.
I am trying to remember a couple of things: 1. Trust the training. I've done what I can to prepare for this. 2. Face the fear. If all I'm afraid of is not doing well, then what do I have to lose if I go all out? That I might do well. That I might fail. Either way, it's not life-ending. Or even life-altering. I'll hit the treadmill next week just like I always do. 3. It's supposed to be fun. Besides, I'll be outside running! And my family will be there. :)
I wish I'd had enough time to figure out a couple of things about what I prefer and what I handle in the form of nutrition. I'm going to carry a water bottle and take my beans at each water station. I'll leave Gu to figure out later. I am going to have a mini Clif bar before I run, and maybe a banana if I can grab one. I'll drink my G2 post-run and have some fruit. I'm hoping that will work.
And I'm going to wear my iPod, but I'm not going to start with it on. I really think I get distracted by the music and quit listening to my body. I know that I can go on long runs without it and end up enjoying my run so much more (and I'm faster, to boot).
Our local Y is starting a running class. I wish it was at a time I could attend. Even though I've been running a while now, I'd love to see what they have to say about how to run. I wish they'd had something like this a year or so ago. I'm sure there's so much I should have learned early on.
I'm falling asleep as I type. I have had to get up at 4:40 to run this morning because of early morning duty at school. It's killing me. Just one more day though! But I'm still going to hit the sack.
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