Trying to figure out the truth about protein is getting confusing. Bodybuilding/bodybuilders often recommend a much higher daily protein amount compared to USDA recommendations. I read and read and read about protein...
http://www.webmd.com/diet/protein-shakes
...hmmmm. Let me give you a little personal history on bodybuilding. I did a bit of bodybuilding a little over a decade ago. I was very active at the time. I was skating, bodybuilding, doing Brazilian Jujitsu, and taking some pro wrestling classes. I drank two protein shakes a day. And I gained weight fast. In fact, I put on 60 pounds in 6 months. However, all of it wasn't muscle. It was the first time I really had any body fat on my body and tons of water weight from creatine (it has been a downhill struggle ever since).
The thing is, as I think back about my body then, I always think that I didn't have big muscles, but that I carried some protein shakes around in my muscles. It was as if the muscles weren't my own. Now, the idea of having bigger muscles does interest me, but I want to feel like they're mine and I don't want them to be covered in fat. So...I'm not doing the protein shakes. I am eating a snack protein bar everyday though. Why? Because it is super easy way to get a sweet treat at work with a protein bar (that doesn't have sugar). It is also a great way to have a sweet snack when I let my son have a bit of candy.
Other than the protein bar exception, I'm going to stick with whole food protein sources. After all, I don't want to look like a bodybuilder. I want to be "in my best shape" and that means strong and flexible with great cardio. Overall fitness is certainly not just having big muscles.
Plus, I found these websites about protein:
http://weighttraining.about.com/od/nutritionforweights/qt/protein_howmuch.htm
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/body-building/the-best-protein-foods-for-building-muscle.html
It seems that I get enough protein by eating right to maintain and even grow muscle. So, while the rest of the world is supplementing, I'm going to continue improving my physique and health without any bloating shakes. I've been eating three eggs and some plain (well, cinnamon on top) oatmeal for breakfast. That is 23 grams of protein first thing in the morning, and each meal and snack adds on to that protein count. By the days end I'm getting more than enough protein.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Sugar
I've become a label reader these days. I look for a few select words:
high fructose corn syrup
sugar
I have given up sugar once before (for about a month), and this time around I was going to allow myself a sweet treat each week, but I'm not going to give myself that splurge day for sugar. I'm not going back this time either. I'm going long-term sugar free.
British Article on Sugar
Now, keep in mind, this is not the naturally occurring sugar that you find in foods. I'm fine with fruit. I have, however, given up all those sweets that I so craved before. I have started eating some sugar free candy and I've started buying some protein bars that don't contain sugar.
Opposing position on sugar free candy
If you read that link you'll see the negatives on sugar free candy. I'll say this: CANDY IS CANDY. It is meant to be eaten very sparingly as a treat. I'm talking about a small pack of Russell Stover Sugar Free candy over a week and not a pack everyday. However, as the following link shows, some people who are trying to lose weight may not be able to eat sugar free candy at all:
Sugar Free Candy
Me? It seems that my body is cool with the sugar alcohols (although if you eat TOO much you will know...they're a laxative). I'm not going to push the envelope. I will use sugar free candy as an occasional treat rather than a normal daily snack. I'm thinking, maybe, once a week like I would have used a "real" sugar treat.
In other news: I shaved my beard down to stubble today so I can better see the returning jawline. Still needs some work, but I'm on my way.
Next blog post: Protein Supplements. I said I wouldn't, but will I?
high fructose corn syrup
sugar
I have given up sugar once before (for about a month), and this time around I was going to allow myself a sweet treat each week, but I'm not going to give myself that splurge day for sugar. I'm not going back this time either. I'm going long-term sugar free.
British Article on Sugar
Now, keep in mind, this is not the naturally occurring sugar that you find in foods. I'm fine with fruit. I have, however, given up all those sweets that I so craved before. I have started eating some sugar free candy and I've started buying some protein bars that don't contain sugar.
Opposing position on sugar free candy
If you read that link you'll see the negatives on sugar free candy. I'll say this: CANDY IS CANDY. It is meant to be eaten very sparingly as a treat. I'm talking about a small pack of Russell Stover Sugar Free candy over a week and not a pack everyday. However, as the following link shows, some people who are trying to lose weight may not be able to eat sugar free candy at all:
Sugar Free Candy
Me? It seems that my body is cool with the sugar alcohols (although if you eat TOO much you will know...they're a laxative). I'm not going to push the envelope. I will use sugar free candy as an occasional treat rather than a normal daily snack. I'm thinking, maybe, once a week like I would have used a "real" sugar treat.
In other news: I shaved my beard down to stubble today so I can better see the returning jawline. Still needs some work, but I'm on my way.
Next blog post: Protein Supplements. I said I wouldn't, but will I?
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Week 5 is on!
I both ended the weekend and started this week craving a hamburger. I watched my friend Mike eat one at lunch Sunday as I ate a veggie wrap (that didn't have all the ingredients listed on the menu...I noticed Y.A. Deli!). I was so jealous of that burger.
So, I ate one Monday night. A whole 1/2 pound of ground beef.
BUT! I got the 93% lean ground beef (compared to 80% ground beef used in most fast food joints) . The entire burger (I ate it with no bun btw) was 340 calories with 16 grams of fat, no carbs, and 46 grams of protein. For a side? A little Greek yogurt with some blueberries. All in all, the meal was about 450 calories, and it squashed my craving.
I sort of feel like cravings can be a good thing. I may be completely wrong, but it seems like, after eating vegetarian fare all weekend (Quinoa chili, lentil chickpea salad etc etc...) my body was telling me it needed some fat and a heavy dose of animal protein.
The workouts are going very well. I'm really enjoying both the running and strength training involved. It is cutting into my skate time, but I'm really enjoying the change of pace for now.
I am finding that I'm a little too fat loss focused. I should be thinking about health and fitness, and not appearances. But, I've seen such a big change over the first month, I guess it is normal to think about the physical changes.
So, I ate one Monday night. A whole 1/2 pound of ground beef.
BUT! I got the 93% lean ground beef (compared to 80% ground beef used in most fast food joints) . The entire burger (I ate it with no bun btw) was 340 calories with 16 grams of fat, no carbs, and 46 grams of protein. For a side? A little Greek yogurt with some blueberries. All in all, the meal was about 450 calories, and it squashed my craving.
I sort of feel like cravings can be a good thing. I may be completely wrong, but it seems like, after eating vegetarian fare all weekend (Quinoa chili, lentil chickpea salad etc etc...) my body was telling me it needed some fat and a heavy dose of animal protein.
The workouts are going very well. I'm really enjoying both the running and strength training involved. It is cutting into my skate time, but I'm really enjoying the change of pace for now.
I am finding that I'm a little too fat loss focused. I should be thinking about health and fitness, and not appearances. But, I've seen such a big change over the first month, I guess it is normal to think about the physical changes.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Picture Day. 1 month
I can't believe it has been four weeks already. It seems like I just started working out.
Well, here is the original inspiration pic:
Here is this morning's four week progress picture:
I can really tell the fat from my middle is melting away. I'm not sure if I've increased muscle size or just toned. Right now I weigh right at 165 pounds. I'd like to stay around 170 and gain some muscle as I continue to lose fat. I'm telling you, I can see a major difference in my body that nobody else (since they never see me shirtless) can see. Even my face is thinning out. CONFESSION TIME: I originally grew a beard to hide that my jawline was disapearing. I blamed it on age, but I'm sure subcutaneous fat (fat just under the surface of my skin) had a lot to do with it. When I'm comfortable enough, I'm gonna lose the beard (last time I did that, I regretted it...the lack of chin line again).
My current workout is:
Monday: Weights, bodyweight exercises and some isometrics upper body done as a circuit.
Tuesday: Run
Wednesday: Weights, bodyweight exercises and some isometrics legs done as a circuit.
Thursday: Run
Friday: Weights (including some slow motion), bodyweight exercises and some isometrics back and upper body done as a circuit.
Saturday: Yoga (1 hour)
Sunday: off
My dietary changes: Bread at only 2 meals per week. Nothing containing high fructose corn syrup or the word "sugar" as an ingredient, meat sources from poultry, eggs and oatmeal every morning for breakfast, almost exclusively drinking water (up to a gallon a day) with the exception of 1 cup of coffee (black) every afternoon etc etc etc...
Well, here is the original inspiration pic:
 | ||
| There is my belly and lack of muscle. |
 |
| Four weeks of healthy diet and training. |
My current workout is:
Monday: Weights, bodyweight exercises and some isometrics upper body done as a circuit.
Tuesday: Run
Wednesday: Weights, bodyweight exercises and some isometrics legs done as a circuit.
Thursday: Run
Friday: Weights (including some slow motion), bodyweight exercises and some isometrics back and upper body done as a circuit.
Saturday: Yoga (1 hour)
Sunday: off
My dietary changes: Bread at only 2 meals per week. Nothing containing high fructose corn syrup or the word "sugar" as an ingredient, meat sources from poultry, eggs and oatmeal every morning for breakfast, almost exclusively drinking water (up to a gallon a day) with the exception of 1 cup of coffee (black) every afternoon etc etc etc...
Monday, April 15, 2013
Week Four Begins.
Body Fitness:
One month of exercise and a healthy diet is just four days away. It is almost surprising to think that I haven't been through a drive thru for a meaty hamburger in nearly 4 full weeks, and that I've eaten french fries only once in all that time. I used to cruise through a drive thru at least two or three times a week before this.
I think I'm the only person who can see the changes so far (those that say they see them? Well, they're being nice and that is just fine). I added up today's caloric intake at about 1700 calories (100 under my target). It really does seem to center around eating ingredients rather than products. Ingredients are what they are. It is face value. An apple is an apple. Celery is celery. On the other hand, products have lists of ingredients. Now, I'm not saying I don't eat anything with a list of ingredients (I'm quite the fan of sausages made from birds), but I'm centering my diet around ingredients. An apple? A little over 100 calories. A candy bar will have 2 1/2 times the calories with less health benefits and won't fill you as well. I'm sold on the apples.
I'm not even nervous about the (shirtless) picture on Friday anymore. Bring it on!
Soul Fitness:
It is also just four days away from my quest for "Soul Fitness." Now, I realize there isn't a good quantitative measure to show the fitness of a soul (and the qualitative would be pretty tough to figure out as well). I can only say that I'm continuing to look at the theater. I've just finished watching a biography on Spalding Gray. Spalding Gray became a hero of min the first time I accidentally came across Swimming to Cambodia. His storytelling was magical. His ability to captivate and the absolute honesty of his work was bracing.
I was a young kid (well, youngish around 1989) who wanted to be a writer, and I wanted to tell my story. Here was this guy who did just that so well that you could film it, and it was entertaining for a full hour and a half! One person sitting down and telling their story might just be THE most honest act in the world. And you find the similarities between that person and yourself. You find the commonality between us through the act of storytelling no matter where that person is from or how different their experiences might be from our own.
I'm picking up a monologue I started some time ago. Let's see where that takes me.
One month of exercise and a healthy diet is just four days away. It is almost surprising to think that I haven't been through a drive thru for a meaty hamburger in nearly 4 full weeks, and that I've eaten french fries only once in all that time. I used to cruise through a drive thru at least two or three times a week before this.
I think I'm the only person who can see the changes so far (those that say they see them? Well, they're being nice and that is just fine). I added up today's caloric intake at about 1700 calories (100 under my target). It really does seem to center around eating ingredients rather than products. Ingredients are what they are. It is face value. An apple is an apple. Celery is celery. On the other hand, products have lists of ingredients. Now, I'm not saying I don't eat anything with a list of ingredients (I'm quite the fan of sausages made from birds), but I'm centering my diet around ingredients. An apple? A little over 100 calories. A candy bar will have 2 1/2 times the calories with less health benefits and won't fill you as well. I'm sold on the apples.
I'm not even nervous about the (shirtless) picture on Friday anymore. Bring it on!
Soul Fitness:
It is also just four days away from my quest for "Soul Fitness." Now, I realize there isn't a good quantitative measure to show the fitness of a soul (and the qualitative would be pretty tough to figure out as well). I can only say that I'm continuing to look at the theater. I've just finished watching a biography on Spalding Gray. Spalding Gray became a hero of min the first time I accidentally came across Swimming to Cambodia. His storytelling was magical. His ability to captivate and the absolute honesty of his work was bracing.
I was a young kid (well, youngish around 1989) who wanted to be a writer, and I wanted to tell my story. Here was this guy who did just that so well that you could film it, and it was entertaining for a full hour and a half! One person sitting down and telling their story might just be THE most honest act in the world. And you find the similarities between that person and yourself. You find the commonality between us through the act of storytelling no matter where that person is from or how different their experiences might be from our own.
I'm picking up a monologue I started some time ago. Let's see where that takes me.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Sugar, Protein, Pictures, and Circuits
I've been thinking a lot about my diet and the effects of different foods on my body. After all, I am now one week away from "picture day." In one week I have to post a picture of my shirtless body (gotta keep my word). I need to make as many smart (i.e. fat-burning) decisions as possible. Not that I haven't seen some great changes over the first few weeks. I feel like I'm much more toned, and I can see improvements in my belly. Still, I want it all and I want it now. Yeah, that is impossible, but I don't want to sabotage getting the maximum results by eating the wrong foods.
I've been eating a lot of fruit and flavored yogurt. Fruit? Sugar. Yogurt? Sugar. One thing I've not eaten is meat. If I'm trying to cut down on carbohydrates, I should cut them out even further. I've stopped eating most breads and almost all refined sugars. So, if I cut out a large chunk of the sugars in the yogurt and limit the fruit (no, I'm not giving up something as healthy as fruit) I should be able to cut down further some of the calories. In their place, I'm going to add some low fat meats. I went with chicken and turkey sausages. They're easy to cook, portion controlled, and darn tasty while still being super low in fat and carbohydrates. Perfect.
Since my rough day, things have picked up. I'm still running for distance (I haven't switched to sprints yet), but I've started hitting my body in different ways in my workouts. I've found that I really like to work out in a circuit. My first leg workout went well in a circuit routine (Wednesday is now leg day). I've changed my weights workout to be a weight/body-weight resistance circuit. I like to keep moving quickly from exercise to exercise, it makes me feel like I'm maximizing my workout time with efficiency. Plus, the addition of new body-weight work moves my muscles in a little different way. I'm also thinking about adding some isometrics and some plyometrics after week four (I'll write about those when I start them). I've read about using new and different workouts to keep stressing your muscles in new ways every so often.
So, in one week from today we'll see the results of the first month!
I've been eating a lot of fruit and flavored yogurt. Fruit? Sugar. Yogurt? Sugar. One thing I've not eaten is meat. If I'm trying to cut down on carbohydrates, I should cut them out even further. I've stopped eating most breads and almost all refined sugars. So, if I cut out a large chunk of the sugars in the yogurt and limit the fruit (no, I'm not giving up something as healthy as fruit) I should be able to cut down further some of the calories. In their place, I'm going to add some low fat meats. I went with chicken and turkey sausages. They're easy to cook, portion controlled, and darn tasty while still being super low in fat and carbohydrates. Perfect.
 |
| Chicken sausage with fresh, vine ripe tomato, kale and some herbs. |
So, in one week from today we'll see the results of the first month!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Water My Thinking?!
First off, I'm thinking about water. I've read a bunch about water intake, and I'm pretty sure my way too much coffee-drinking butt has been dehydrated for a long time. Not serious, health disabling dehydrated, but not properly hydrated to reap health and weight benefits. It seems, and I'm no expert on this, but drinking water actually helps you lose weight. Even CNN ran a story on drinking water to lose weight. It helps curb appetite (feel like snacking? drink some water.), it makes a person less bloated (your body isn't holding in water in fear of not getting enough), and if you're properly hydrated you'll be able to do more reps in your workouts without feeling fatigued.
My friend Kim pointed out some great flavored waters as well. Cucumber, lime, lemon? Sounds great!
That was only part of this post, though. The truth is that today has been the hardest day I've had. Here I am, in the beginning of week three, and I'm exhausted and craving a big, greasy burger and sweets (tons of sweets).
It all started at 2:30 a.m. this morning when my neighbor woke me up coming home. Follow that up with a 4:00 a.m. alarm to be at work by 6:00 a.m. (three hours earlier than normal) and skipping breakfast only to stare at cheesy sausage and egg biscuits, fresh donuts and cookies all day. Yeah, it was a rough day to eat right. Luckily, the water kept my appetite down for the most part (I drank about 3/4 of a gallon), but I didn't really eat much of anything all day.
Ten hours or so later, I left work and headed home. So, I went for a run that was really more of a walk. Well, there were a couple minutes of running involved, but it was pretty much a 30 minute walk. I finally ate dinner and felt a little better. I kept it healthy, but probably didn't take in 1,000 calories today...way too few calories. I have to be sure not to skip breakfast anymore. See, until I started this quest/blog/whatever I'm doing, I hardly ever ate breakfast. Today, I felt like I never really got going because I skipped breakfast. It kickstarts the metabolism and offers the calories to give a first burst of energy. Couple that with hydration...I'm ready to sleep and try again tomorrow.
My friend Kim pointed out some great flavored waters as well. Cucumber, lime, lemon? Sounds great!
It all started at 2:30 a.m. this morning when my neighbor woke me up coming home. Follow that up with a 4:00 a.m. alarm to be at work by 6:00 a.m. (three hours earlier than normal) and skipping breakfast only to stare at cheesy sausage and egg biscuits, fresh donuts and cookies all day. Yeah, it was a rough day to eat right. Luckily, the water kept my appetite down for the most part (I drank about 3/4 of a gallon), but I didn't really eat much of anything all day.
Ten hours or so later, I left work and headed home. So, I went for a run that was really more of a walk. Well, there were a couple minutes of running involved, but it was pretty much a 30 minute walk. I finally ate dinner and felt a little better. I kept it healthy, but probably didn't take in 1,000 calories today...way too few calories. I have to be sure not to skip breakfast anymore. See, until I started this quest/blog/whatever I'm doing, I hardly ever ate breakfast. Today, I felt like I never really got going because I skipped breakfast. It kickstarts the metabolism and offers the calories to give a first burst of energy. Couple that with hydration...I'm ready to sleep and try again tomorrow.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Definitions
While each of us will have a different ideal mental image of a fit person, I'm sure we'll all have a similar definition for physical fitness, I wonder how you might define spiritual and mental fitness?
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/think-well/201105/three-keys-optimum-mental-fitness
They seem to believe mental fitness comes from relaxation. In my mind it was more about using my mind while spiritual fitness was more about relaxation and stress relief.
http://www.genalivings.com/what-is-spiritual-fitness/
I like the idea of taking 100% responsibility in life. I like the idea of a daily journal as well. I'd be willing to start a private daily journal (as in offline) to explore my spiritual fitness.
http://www.genalivings.com/free-spiritual-fitness-assessment-test/
I thought this little test was interesting. I scored a...well, that is private, I suppose. I will, however, hold on to this link and re-take the test later down the line. It points out a lot of interesting spiritual and mental fitness points that I hadn't thought of.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/think-well/201105/three-keys-optimum-mental-fitness
They seem to believe mental fitness comes from relaxation. In my mind it was more about using my mind while spiritual fitness was more about relaxation and stress relief.
http://www.genalivings.com/what-is-spiritual-fitness/
I like the idea of taking 100% responsibility in life. I like the idea of a daily journal as well. I'd be willing to start a private daily journal (as in offline) to explore my spiritual fitness.
http://www.genalivings.com/free-spiritual-fitness-assessment-test/
I thought this little test was interesting. I scored a...well, that is private, I suppose. I will, however, hold on to this link and re-take the test later down the line. It points out a lot of interesting spiritual and mental fitness points that I hadn't thought of.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Sifting and Drama
I've been doing some research on physical fitness. Well, I started out doing some research. I ended up sifting through all the differing opinions people have about what is right or wrong in diet and physical fitness. I read vegans who said that we eat too much protein to bodybuilders saying we don't eat enough. I read something about aerobics causing cancer. I read about how eating too much fruit is bad for you. I read so much that I gave up reading. It seems everyone has a million different reasons why they're right, and it was all just too much for me.
One thing that made sense: Taste the rainbow! We're talking whole food fruits and vegetables (not candy). Red peppers, pink grapefruit, purple grapes, green asparagus...basically, eat a variety of fruit and veg. Well, that makes sense.
Another thing that made sense: Figure out what you want to look like and see what people that look like that do. Well, that makes perfect sense, and it totally makes me rethink running. I don't want to look like a runner, really. Well, at least HOW I run. I'm thinking about sprints. Look at a distance runner. Look at a sprinter. I'd rather have a sprinter's body than a distance runner. Hmmm....maybe sprints tomorrow morning? Perhaps a bit of both? I'm prone to hamstring problems so sprinting might be against me.
I'm hoping I get up early tomorrow. I'd like to begin doing all my training in the early a.m. starting tomorrow.
Oh, drama. After the inspirational night at the theater Friday, I went into total theater mode. I listened to a recording of a play, watched the film adaptation of two plays, and finally watched the blockbuster film version of Les Mis. I feel like I need to continue my long forgotten theater education over the next months. Perhaps this is one of the key aspects of my mental/spiritual fitness (becoming one with too much forgotten part of myself)?
One thing that made sense: Taste the rainbow! We're talking whole food fruits and vegetables (not candy). Red peppers, pink grapefruit, purple grapes, green asparagus...basically, eat a variety of fruit and veg. Well, that makes sense.
Another thing that made sense: Figure out what you want to look like and see what people that look like that do. Well, that makes perfect sense, and it totally makes me rethink running. I don't want to look like a runner, really. Well, at least HOW I run. I'm thinking about sprints. Look at a distance runner. Look at a sprinter. I'd rather have a sprinter's body than a distance runner. Hmmm....maybe sprints tomorrow morning? Perhaps a bit of both? I'm prone to hamstring problems so sprinting might be against me.
I'm hoping I get up early tomorrow. I'd like to begin doing all my training in the early a.m. starting tomorrow.
Oh, drama. After the inspirational night at the theater Friday, I went into total theater mode. I listened to a recording of a play, watched the film adaptation of two plays, and finally watched the blockbuster film version of Les Mis. I feel like I need to continue my long forgotten theater education over the next months. Perhaps this is one of the key aspects of my mental/spiritual fitness (becoming one with too much forgotten part of myself)?
Friday, April 5, 2013
Soul Fitness
We all have our ways of being/feeling one with the rest of humankind. For some this might be through religious services; for others it is a different social network, perhaps people we grew up with or met via past school or work experiences. I'll tell you, there is one special thing that makes me feel connected with people: The theater. Seeing an actor on a stage speaking in front of me...I lose myself in the activity I'm watching. It happens in a way that no flat image on a film or television screen can. Those living, breathing souls onstage engulf me.
It was great timing that I could see a show this week. My life has been devoid of several things for some time. I haven't had a relationship in years. Since getting divorced, I've become a recluse only leaving the house to go to work, take my son somewhere, or go skate. I haven't been in a play in well over a decade now. At one time I thought I would be a constant on a stage. I love love LOVE acting. I love writing scripts. I love one person standing under a spotlight shining down on them as they speak these words that were not originally their own, but they have internalized to the point that they have become there own and, in fact, they are yours now as well. As you watch, you are the character just as the actor is. God, theater is amazing!
And, like poetry, it is too far forgotten both by the general public and, unfortunately, by me. Well, just as I am going for physical fitness over these next 8 months, I am also going for mental and spiritual fitness. After having a 2+ mile run and a couple hours of skating, it was time to get a spiritual workout tonight.
I went to see Threads by Jerre Dye. This isn't a play, but a collection of scenes and monologues he has written over a period of some time. In all honesty, I felt tears well up in my eyes within the first few minutes of watching the very first scene. For the next hour, it was a constant wave of emotions. It was wonderful. Call it voyeuristic living, but I lived for a time with those people on that stage tonight, and I love them all for it. I urge all of you in Memphis to see this collection, and become a part of it. For the rest of you, visit the theater and see a play as soon as you can. See if you have the same reaction I have.
For me, I am going to up my spiritual fitness level. I have decided to get on a stage at some point in the near future. I don't know how or when, but I have a knew goal.
It was great timing that I could see a show this week. My life has been devoid of several things for some time. I haven't had a relationship in years. Since getting divorced, I've become a recluse only leaving the house to go to work, take my son somewhere, or go skate. I haven't been in a play in well over a decade now. At one time I thought I would be a constant on a stage. I love love LOVE acting. I love writing scripts. I love one person standing under a spotlight shining down on them as they speak these words that were not originally their own, but they have internalized to the point that they have become there own and, in fact, they are yours now as well. As you watch, you are the character just as the actor is. God, theater is amazing!
And, like poetry, it is too far forgotten both by the general public and, unfortunately, by me. Well, just as I am going for physical fitness over these next 8 months, I am also going for mental and spiritual fitness. After having a 2+ mile run and a couple hours of skating, it was time to get a spiritual workout tonight.
I went to see Threads by Jerre Dye. This isn't a play, but a collection of scenes and monologues he has written over a period of some time. In all honesty, I felt tears well up in my eyes within the first few minutes of watching the very first scene. For the next hour, it was a constant wave of emotions. It was wonderful. Call it voyeuristic living, but I lived for a time with those people on that stage tonight, and I love them all for it. I urge all of you in Memphis to see this collection, and become a part of it. For the rest of you, visit the theater and see a play as soon as you can. See if you have the same reaction I have.
For me, I am going to up my spiritual fitness level. I have decided to get on a stage at some point in the near future. I don't know how or when, but I have a knew goal.
Week 2 Training Diary
Let's see...the general tone of the workouts was set last/beginning of this week, but I did make a few changes.
1. I added new exercises to my watch t.v./weight lifting routine.
2. Instead of using jumping rope as an alternative to running, I have been using it as a warm up for running. Jumping rope is fun for a few minutes, but it gets boring quick. I found out I would hate doing a 30 minute jump rope routine.
3. I started working my abs. After all, if there isn't much muscle there when the fat is gone, I'll just look weak and skinny.
It has been wet and rainy. Instead of pining away to skate or squeegeeing the park dry to skate, I've been running.
I have been using the RunKeeper app on my phone to track my running via gps. What I like about it is that it not only tracks distance, calories burned, and the length of time committed to the activity, but it also sends me an email every time I reach a new personal best. That personal best could be distance, pace per mile, elevation ran...it only sends one email a minute or so after you complete your target. In fact, I did an extra block on my last run just to be assured that I would get an email. It gives each run a goal.
On a different note, I went and bought a new shirt yesterday. Big deal, right?
Well, no, it isn't a big deal, but I've spent so much time thinking of my appearance (hey, if I'm going to be fit, I want to look fit). No, this isn't some kind of spandex shirt or something ridiculous like that. It is, however, a bright color. The vast majority of my wardrobe is black or blue. I feel comfortable blending in to the world in black and blue. This new, bright shirt will not blend in. I will stand out, and I want to wear it when I feel comfortable standing out. Hmmmm....how long will it sit in the drawer before I feel the confidence?
1. I added new exercises to my watch t.v./weight lifting routine.
2. Instead of using jumping rope as an alternative to running, I have been using it as a warm up for running. Jumping rope is fun for a few minutes, but it gets boring quick. I found out I would hate doing a 30 minute jump rope routine.
3. I started working my abs. After all, if there isn't much muscle there when the fat is gone, I'll just look weak and skinny.
It has been wet and rainy. Instead of pining away to skate or squeegeeing the park dry to skate, I've been running.
I have been using the RunKeeper app on my phone to track my running via gps. What I like about it is that it not only tracks distance, calories burned, and the length of time committed to the activity, but it also sends me an email every time I reach a new personal best. That personal best could be distance, pace per mile, elevation ran...it only sends one email a minute or so after you complete your target. In fact, I did an extra block on my last run just to be assured that I would get an email. It gives each run a goal.
On a different note, I went and bought a new shirt yesterday. Big deal, right?
Well, no, it isn't a big deal, but I've spent so much time thinking of my appearance (hey, if I'm going to be fit, I want to look fit). No, this isn't some kind of spandex shirt or something ridiculous like that. It is, however, a bright color. The vast majority of my wardrobe is black or blue. I feel comfortable blending in to the world in black and blue. This new, bright shirt will not blend in. I will stand out, and I want to wear it when I feel comfortable standing out. Hmmmm....how long will it sit in the drawer before I feel the confidence?
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Pizza. Burgers. Week 2 Complete.
When over the last week did I become a calorie counter?! I've never been a calorie counter. After years and years in the kitchen, I never even thought about calorie counting except when I was writing an article for publication. And then, I just hoped nobody would ask me about calories! Well, in theory losing weight is very simple. You decrease caloric intake so your body burns fat as energy. Simple enough, right?
Of course, it is the temptations of everyday life that get in the way. Enter Wednesday of week two. My son was adamant that pizza night was going to stay pizza night this week. It is a tradition, after all.
I gave in very easily (I was really hungry) and we got a cheese pizza. A delicious, cheese covered flat loaf of bread. I could easily have eaten half of the pizza. In fact, here is how it generally goes down:
The kiddo eats two pieces. I eat three or four. That leaves two pieces leftover for me to consume after he goes to bed. Boom. One large pizza devoured in one evening.
Averaging at 240 calories per piece means that I was consuming 1,440 calories in pizza on Wednesdays. Holy crap that is a lot! No wonder I'm counting some calories!
So, I got myself a grapefruit from the fridge and ate it while the kiddo started in on the pizza. In fact, I ate the entire grapefruit before ever touching a slice of pizza. Then, I ate two pieces of pizza (80 calories for the grapefruit and 480 calories for the pizza = 560 calories). Then, instead of picking up those leftover pieces, I ate an apple for a snack. I got to have some pizza (so I'm not feeling left out) but I reeled in the amount to something reasonable. Which leads me to Thursday, and my extreme desire to eat a hamburger!
Burger King has introduced a Veggie Burger to the menu. I tried it. It was good. However, if the calorie counter from about.com is right, this sucker isn't too healthy. According to this web site it has 420 calories with 16 grams of fat. The Burger King website says 410 calories and agrees on the 16 grams of fat. While this isn't terrible, it isn't low calorie. I had one, but declined to make it a combo so no extra 400+ calories of fries and no added calories or sugar of a soda. Instead, I brought the burger home and had an orange as a side making the whole meal about 500 calories.
I'll post about the end of the week fitness tomorrow as this post is getting too long today.
Of course, it is the temptations of everyday life that get in the way. Enter Wednesday of week two. My son was adamant that pizza night was going to stay pizza night this week. It is a tradition, after all.
I gave in very easily (I was really hungry) and we got a cheese pizza. A delicious, cheese covered flat loaf of bread. I could easily have eaten half of the pizza. In fact, here is how it generally goes down:
The kiddo eats two pieces. I eat three or four. That leaves two pieces leftover for me to consume after he goes to bed. Boom. One large pizza devoured in one evening.
Averaging at 240 calories per piece means that I was consuming 1,440 calories in pizza on Wednesdays. Holy crap that is a lot! No wonder I'm counting some calories!
So, I got myself a grapefruit from the fridge and ate it while the kiddo started in on the pizza. In fact, I ate the entire grapefruit before ever touching a slice of pizza. Then, I ate two pieces of pizza (80 calories for the grapefruit and 480 calories for the pizza = 560 calories). Then, instead of picking up those leftover pieces, I ate an apple for a snack. I got to have some pizza (so I'm not feeling left out) but I reeled in the amount to something reasonable. Which leads me to Thursday, and my extreme desire to eat a hamburger!
Burger King has introduced a Veggie Burger to the menu. I tried it. It was good. However, if the calorie counter from about.com is right, this sucker isn't too healthy. According to this web site it has 420 calories with 16 grams of fat. The Burger King website says 410 calories and agrees on the 16 grams of fat. While this isn't terrible, it isn't low calorie. I had one, but declined to make it a combo so no extra 400+ calories of fries and no added calories or sugar of a soda. Instead, I brought the burger home and had an orange as a side making the whole meal about 500 calories.
I'll post about the end of the week fitness tomorrow as this post is getting too long today.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Sucker, Television, and Yoga
I'm a sucker for several things:
1. Cornrows
2. Manicured toes
3. Fendi capri pants
4. Cupcakes
And the cupcakes my friend/co-worker, Lindsey, makes are awesome. I ate three and regretted it the whole time (and loved them the whole time). Then, I went skating for a couple hours (built up a great sweat but who the hell knows what kinda calories a skate sesh burns?!).
What next? Fast food, of course. Well, not bad though. I picked up a Subway Veggie Delight sub with no cheese and all the veggies on their 9 grain with oats bread. In fact, I've been adding up some calories everyday and I'm not taking in over 2,000 each day despite the fact that I'm not going hungry at all. In fact, it seems that, once you cut out the fried foods, most of the meats, and eat whole food ingredients, you really cut down on the calorie count.
Television. It seems that the brain rotting boob tube is actually a great exercise tool. Huh?!
Well, doing yoga on DVDs is the obvious first point. I am finding that I like to do my post-run cool down as a yoga workout. It stretches all of those muscles back out and feels great.
Secondly, let's see...I love British Mysteries, and I can easily watch three hours of British Mystery shows in one night. So, to give that a healthy twist, I now lift weights while watching them. I felt a little stronger this week so I upped my weight to 40# each dumbell and I did an overall upperbody workout (2 sets of each exercise listed below):
Military Press
Tricep Press up
rows
bench press
flyes
concentration curls
shrugs
push ups (using the dumbells as push up bars)
1. Cornrows
2. Manicured toes
3. Fendi capri pants
4. Cupcakes
And the cupcakes my friend/co-worker, Lindsey, makes are awesome. I ate three and regretted it the whole time (and loved them the whole time). Then, I went skating for a couple hours (built up a great sweat but who the hell knows what kinda calories a skate sesh burns?!).
What next? Fast food, of course. Well, not bad though. I picked up a Subway Veggie Delight sub with no cheese and all the veggies on their 9 grain with oats bread. In fact, I've been adding up some calories everyday and I'm not taking in over 2,000 each day despite the fact that I'm not going hungry at all. In fact, it seems that, once you cut out the fried foods, most of the meats, and eat whole food ingredients, you really cut down on the calorie count.
Television. It seems that the brain rotting boob tube is actually a great exercise tool. Huh?!
Well, doing yoga on DVDs is the obvious first point. I am finding that I like to do my post-run cool down as a yoga workout. It stretches all of those muscles back out and feels great.
Secondly, let's see...I love British Mysteries, and I can easily watch three hours of British Mystery shows in one night. So, to give that a healthy twist, I now lift weights while watching them. I felt a little stronger this week so I upped my weight to 40# each dumbell and I did an overall upperbody workout (2 sets of each exercise listed below):
Military Press
Tricep Press up
rows
bench press
flyes
concentration curls
shrugs
push ups (using the dumbells as push up bars)
Monday, April 1, 2013
Simplicity
Simple Living.
It sounds...well...simple.
It isn't. I look around my home and see clutter where there was nothing a month ago. I wonder why I have any desire to surround myself with "things" and I wonder what joy these "things" really bring me. Saturday afternoon I began clearing away excessive things. I pulled the rug from the living room, and took away a much too large coffee table. I took out the rug to give myself a better yoga space. When it was gone I noticed a new clearness to the room. It suddenly seemed so much more un-cluttered. With the coffee table gone the room was even more clean. It became very clear to me that I sometimes collect to surround myself with something as if it is a security blanket.
I vowed to unclutter my living space over the next week. To live more simply (perhaps a yard sale in the near future).
Simplicity.
Simplicity in exercise is one reason why I chose running as my primary cardio (coupled with my memories of going out for a long run and getting an amazing runner's high). But, what about rain days?!
I was looking out the window Friday morning, thinking about getting myself soaking wet by running in the rain. It wasn't that pleasing of a thought. I am not getting into this to become a dedicated runner. I want to be dedicated to physical fitness, mental fitness, and spiritual fitness. I am not trying to run a marathon. I'm trying to be in great shape for the big 4-0. So, I needed an alternative to running.
Well, it is also Easter weekend, and my kiddo is spending the weekend at daddy's house. So, there was a basket to fill (yes, with "things")! While perusing the local Tarjay, I had a brilliant idea. There, on the clearance rack in the sporting goods section, I found my new piece of exercise equipment. A jump rope! Now, I know, it is another "thing" I've brought into my home, but it takes up very little space and can provide a simple exercise with amazing cardio/fat burning abilities.
My first jump rope session was pretty weak. I'd hate to have anybody see me stumbling around like a fool (luckily it was dark outside). However, it doesn't take long to realize how much a jump rope is making you work. $5.00 well spent on a useful thing. Now to just get rid of some of those non-useful things!
It sounds...well...simple.
It isn't. I look around my home and see clutter where there was nothing a month ago. I wonder why I have any desire to surround myself with "things" and I wonder what joy these "things" really bring me. Saturday afternoon I began clearing away excessive things. I pulled the rug from the living room, and took away a much too large coffee table. I took out the rug to give myself a better yoga space. When it was gone I noticed a new clearness to the room. It suddenly seemed so much more un-cluttered. With the coffee table gone the room was even more clean. It became very clear to me that I sometimes collect to surround myself with something as if it is a security blanket.
I vowed to unclutter my living space over the next week. To live more simply (perhaps a yard sale in the near future).
Simplicity.
Simplicity in exercise is one reason why I chose running as my primary cardio (coupled with my memories of going out for a long run and getting an amazing runner's high). But, what about rain days?!
I was looking out the window Friday morning, thinking about getting myself soaking wet by running in the rain. It wasn't that pleasing of a thought. I am not getting into this to become a dedicated runner. I want to be dedicated to physical fitness, mental fitness, and spiritual fitness. I am not trying to run a marathon. I'm trying to be in great shape for the big 4-0. So, I needed an alternative to running.
Well, it is also Easter weekend, and my kiddo is spending the weekend at daddy's house. So, there was a basket to fill (yes, with "things")! While perusing the local Tarjay, I had a brilliant idea. There, on the clearance rack in the sporting goods section, I found my new piece of exercise equipment. A jump rope! Now, I know, it is another "thing" I've brought into my home, but it takes up very little space and can provide a simple exercise with amazing cardio/fat burning abilities.
My first jump rope session was pretty weak. I'd hate to have anybody see me stumbling around like a fool (luckily it was dark outside). However, it doesn't take long to realize how much a jump rope is making you work. $5.00 well spent on a useful thing. Now to just get rid of some of those non-useful things!
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