OMNOMNOM my lunch today was super delicious, and I am so proud of myself for improvising this that i am actually going to write it down.

Whole Grain:

1 serv. whole grain pasta

Protein (vegetarian):

1/2 cup chickpeas

Plant-based fat:

2 TBS basil pesto sauce

Produce:

1 cup baby spinach

1/4 cup smoked sun-dried tomatoes

1/2 cup sweet yellow cherry tomatoes, halved

Starting back into after-work workouts after becoming uncomfortable with my fitness level. It’s too bad, because I loved getting to chill with my roommate for a few minutes every day, but if I don’t do it first thing after work, there’s just no other time to get it done. And I’ve been sick a lot and getting flabby, so apparently I’ve got to reprioritize.

Goals are to 1) lose fat to look better and make my YMCA wellness works person proud. Going for 140 lbs by New Years… Very challenging, but doable. 2) rebuild some basic muscle tone for vanity purposes/improve body strength and control for dancing. 3) rebuild some cardio conditioning to increase enjoyment of dancing and fun runs.

It’s winter now, so running is no fun with it dark outside by the time I get home. But all this started between me and the treadmill, and I AIN’T AFRAID TO GO BACK! *crazy eyes*

Plus now I have someone to show off to! ^_^

The plan:

1) oatmeal for breakfast every day, with walnuts and fruit. High-cal, fast, filling, balanced and heart-healthy. (Remember: breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper.) I also like a glass of soymilk, for protein, and because it’s tasty and comforting like a coffee ritual without provoking anxiety. [+ 440-550 cal.]

2) walking on my lunch hour. We don’t have showers, so I can’t run. (I sweat a lot) =/ but I discovered a walking path at the plant across the street, and it’s worth it to get some sunshine and burn off some energy mid-day. [- 200-250 cal]

3) strength/balance classes @ 6:30 Monday= yoga, Tues= Pilates fusion, Wednesday = kettlebells (which I hate, but it’s only 30 minutes for Michelle Obama arms, a sturdy dance-follow back, and hopefully some butt shape eventually) Thurs= Pilates fusion Friday= rest Saturday= kettlebells @ 12:15 Sunday= rest [- 100-160 cal/day]

4) Cardiooooo..! Treadmill time after class m-th. starting with my current continuous run time, and multiplying by 110% every day. Ha yes I am going to literally give 110%. This starts me slow and accelerates the challenge because math. In 2-3 weeks I’ll be back to my old 30 minute runs, which I miss dearly. Fridays = rest Saturday = fun run Sunday = long walk [- various calorie values]

5) Diet: After trying the multiple-small-snack method of eating, I’m returning to 3 whole meals a day. I think frequent snacking just kept food constantly on my mind and made me feel hungry all the time.

Like breakfast, lunch and dinner will follow RFFMBT guidelines of a whole grain, a protein source, 1-2 servings of produce, and a plant based fat in every meal. I have my MyFitnessPal categories set up this way so I can keep track. I’m starting with a goal of 1400 net cal/day and will edge down as my body adjusts and my cardio segments become more productive.

6) dancing: Whenever possible, because I love it. Theres usually social dancing in town 3 times/week, plus I need to practice some stuff myself.

7) bedtime: FKKIN GO TO SLEEP!! 11 at the latest, c’mon now! Why do I stay up so late when I know it makes me tired? Ugh. Lady. Sleep.

Okay so i've been cooking but i'm behind on recording them blah:

cashew veggie rice bowl -- very satisfying and tasty AND nutritions to boot

salmon with tomato-onion relish -- do i even have to explain this is delish?

A lot of smoothies -- Since smoothies don't involve real cooking, I'm going to let these count at a rate of 3 smoothies = 1 recipe.

Toast combos -- I've been making Creative Toasts a la Rabbit Food for my Bunny Teeth blog, which also don't involve a lot of cooking so 3 toasts = 1 recipe

I'll post sample/example smoothie and toast recipes later. Right now I am enjoying the successful results of my latest smoothie/drink/thing, that i developed myself. Theoretically this will help put me to sleep on time at night, while simultaneously satisfying my sweet tooth and squeezing in one last serving of vegetables:

Can't You Sleep Little Bear(?) Nighttime Smoothie:

1 cup vanilla almond milk

1/2 cup frozen chopped leaf spinach

1 bag of sleepytime tea

1 TBS raw almond butter

1 TBS honey