X-Rated Holiday Fun?

Saturday, December 14th

Breakfast:  In case you forgot...Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; almond milk; frozen blueberries; coffee with pumpkin spice creamer.

Lunch:  Southwest Salad (the bag from Jewel) and I added chicken.  I ate maybe a 1/3 of the bag, and I never put the full amount of dressing on.

Snack:  Ate about a tablespoon of Nutella right out of the jar

Dinner:  We had our FITT-RX Holiday Party.  Tons of really great food...mostly appetizers

I consumed:  5 beers (why don't I just get it out there), 2 potato skins with sour cream; 2 crackers with cheese; 3 crackers with this awesome blueberry cheese roll thing; 3 apple slices with baked brie; 4 chips and quacamole; a handful of dark chocolate pretzel crisps; a handful of chocolate popcorn; a few veggies dipped in a jalapeno yogurt dip; 2 pieces of pizza.  All over the span of 4 1/2 hours or so.

Secret Santa gifts were brought anonymously and we all picked numbers to see who got to go first. Basically, 1 goes, then 2, yada, yada, yada...but there are options to steal gifts.  Gifts could be stolen up to 2 times, and if yours got stolen you could steal someone else's or pick from the land of unopened gifts. Any who, I stole some scented soaps to which then they got stolen.  So I chose to pick from the pile of unopened gifts.  I see this beautiful velvety feeling red box.  Looks so beautiful, PURE, and innocent.  It is begging my name.  As I open...here is what I get.

Balls Key chain

Tampon Flasks

Midget Man Love Doll that is NOT wearing underwear

I see these amazing, wonderful, HORRIBLE gifts and the first thing I do of course if blow up the doll!  Yes, he IS amazing...NOT!  But it was a good laugh, and the commentary during the blow up process was priceless.  Thanks, y'all!  I promise this gift will be traveling...so we'll see who gets it next!

We hang for a while, then head over to the Snuggery to meet friends for a drink (Vodka Tonic).  We only stayed for a few minutes, because we had an early morning the next day.

December 15th

We get up early and off we go to my son's hockey game in Hoffman Estates.  To get the troops rolling we promise Dunkin' Donuts to jump start their engines.  A success...

Breakfast:  Dunkin' Donuts Sesame Bagel with cream cheese and a coffee with skim milk.  Now let me tell you...they slather on cream cheese.  Holy cow...I always ask for just a little bit of cream cheese, but they never listen.  I bet there was close to a 1/4 cup of that stuff on the bagel.  I scrape most of it off and eat it.  It wasn't very good.  :(

Lunch:  1/2 Nutella and banana sandwich

Dinner:  Baked Pasta and an apple

Dessert:  I baked my Christmas cookies today.  12 dozen lemon zest cookies, and a couple dozen meringue cookies.  I ate 3 of the first and 2 of the second.  Oh, and let's not forget the lemon zest cookie dough. LOVED...I will stop at that.

December 16th

Breakfast:  The "usual"

Snack:  Apple

Workout:  Today, I worked out alone at the studio.  A rare occurrence, but much needed.

Tabatas:  Box jump burpees/Rowing; Bike/Push ups;Battle Ropes/Mountain Climbers; Plank.  Then 1 set of assisted pull-ups; side planks (1 minute each side), and 4 v-sits (20 secs each).  Workout lasted approximately 30 minutes.

Lunch:  Rotisserie chicken; brown rice; grape tomatoes

Snack:  Nuts over Chocolate Luna Bar

Dinner:  My husband's work party was at a Chicago Bulls game.  We were in a box which meant....THE DESSERT CART!!!!!  Love, love, love...the dessert cart.  I had pulled pork (no bun), potato chips and these amazing dips they serve, a small helping of macaroni and cheese; amazing salad (most of my plate), and a chicken wrap.  During the game, I had 3 beers and a couple bottles of water.  To top it off...look below.  I ate 1/2 of it.  The piece was monstrous.

Yes, that piece of carrot cake IS the size of the basketball court.

December 17th

Breakfast:  The usual

Snack:  Apple

Lunch:  Rotisserie chicken; brown rice; grape tomatoes

Dinner:  Chicken Quesadillas and 3 meringue cookies

I always drink water, but never write down how much.  I need to be better and watching my water intake.

December 18th

Breakfast: You know...

Lunch:  Jen and I went to NU Crepes and split the BBQ Chicken and the B5.  The B5 is a breakfast one that's on the "healthier" side.  I'm sure still loaded with calories with the actual crepe.

Snack:  Peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a piece of string cheese

Dinner:  My usual breakfast and 2 meringue cookies.  Those cookies are soooooo good.  Dang!

December 19th

Breakfast:  same

Lunch:  I met some friends for lunch at Pazzi di Pizza.  It's located in Elmhurst and really good if you want to catch a great lunch or dinner sometime.  I had some bread with olive oil, a veggie panini and a side salad. Oh, and I got talked into (peer pressure) a glass and a half of wine.  

Snack:  An apple with peanut butter

Indulgence:  3 meringue cookies....CRAP!!!

Dinner:  That night I participated in a cookie exchange.  I bring 13 dozen, I bring home 13 dozen.  This is where my blog goes downhill.  My goal is to get rid of these as quickly as possible before I eat everything!!! At dinner, I had a small piece of a chicken enchilada roll, salad, and a couple really good turkey, cheese, and cranberry quesadilla triangles.  I had 2 beers and some caramel and cheese popcorn.  Then, I go home and taste test 4 different cookies!

Done for the evening...stay tuned...
Jill

Elf brought crap...

Tuesday, December 10th

It is the holidays after all, and our elf, Bob, decides to do silly things.  What he did today is NOT silly.  In fact, he broke a huge rule in our house...he bought POP TARTS!  Now my kids know that they get Pop Tarts only when we are in a hotel.  That's it.  Well this bugger brought them to my kids today!

Bonus points if anyone knows whose Christmas card is under the box!

Workout:  I participated in the 5:40am boot camp with our FITT-RX clients.

Breakfast:  Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk; coffee; pumpkin spice creamer

Lunch:  I polished off the leftover lasagna.  I couldn't leave a 1/2 portion in the 9X13 pan, so I opted to 1 big piece.

Snack:  Mini Cashew cookie Larabar

Workout:  I taught Boot Camp Express at 4:00, and had a blast participating with everyone!  They kicked ass.

Dinner:  I ate my cereal concoction (again...), and had an orange.

Late night snack:  Popcorn

Wednesday, December 11th

Bob, our Elf, decided it would be a great idea to bring the kids Nutella from the North Pole.  Mom doesn't buy it, so he did.  Just an FYI - my son decided to put an order in for the next day...potato chips.  Won't happen...

Not our elf, but of course if you google it, you'll find an elf with Nutella!  And what's up with the cat?

Breakfast:  Yes, you all know...

Lunch:  I had a Green Monster smoothie.  My Green Monsters are mixed in my food processor.  Throw in 2 tablespoons peanut butter (I used chocolate PB2 today), 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 cup almond milk, and 3 cups spinach (I only had 1 cup or so this time).

Workout:  Jen and I went to Flywheel Chicago for a Spin Class.  Super cool place in the Gold Coast that kicked my butt.  It was 45 minutes of me trying to keep up with everyone else.  No Joke!  I bet I was consistently 20-30 RPM's behind every time he asked us to ramp it up.  WOW...can you say "leg burn?"

Snack after the workout:  Apple

Snack:  Chocolate Peppermint Stick Lunabar; string cheese

Later snack because I was starving:  I dipped pretzels in cream cheese and strawberry basil jelly.  It's awesome and usually supposed to be an appetizer for a party.  Not this time!

Dinner:  A piece of pork roast with brown rice and brussel sprouts.

Dessert;  Mint chip ice cream

Thursday, December 12th

Breakfast:  Same

Morning Snack:  Peanut Butter Cookie Mini Larabar

Workout:  TRX with Carrie and a workout with Vince. Nice double workout today!

Lunch:  Due to my double workout, I found it appropriate to eat a Nutella Banana Sandwich on whole grain break.  Better yet, I only ate a half sandwich.  It was amazingly good!

Dinner:  Leftover pork with brown rice.  Our neighbor shared some of their freshly made gingerbread.  It was awesome!  I had one piece.

Late night snack:  Pretzels with cream cheese and strawberry jam.

Friday, December 13th

Breakfast:  Same as always

Lunch:  Rotisserie chicken (maybe a cup's worth) apple; piece of gingerbread

Snack:  Coconut Chocolate LunaBar

Not sure what happened this afternoon, but apparently what's written down is Blue Moon, Henry Weinhards beer, Pirate's Booty.  Perhaps, a late afternoon snack on a Friday??

Dinner:  Chipotle Sofritas bowl made "My Way", and iced tea; a piece of Gingerbread

Later that evening:  3 pieces of Two Brother's pepperoni pizza...I blame my husband.

The food log from this day was definitely a Friday the 13th!

ET and DA BEARS!

December 6th

Breakfast:  Same ol', same ol'  Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk; coffee; pumpkin spice creamer.

Workout:  TRX Boot Camp aka another beating from Jen

Lunch:  Kale Smoothie from Mariano's and a caramel apple sample that was the size of half my pinky finger.

Snack:  S'mores Luna Bar

Dinner:  Tator Tot Casserole (2 helpings cause I made it AWESOME!)  It was a combination of mixed veggies, chicken, and cheese topped with Tator Tots.  Water

Impulsive move:  15 Reeses Pieces;  I believe the last time I ate Reese's Pieces, ET was still in the theatres!

Still cry every time...

That evening we had a Christmas party and we met friends beforehand for a couple drinks at Francesca's in Elmhurst.  I had 2 pieces of fried calamari (ate because it was staring at me), a very dirty martini, and a Texas Mule.  At the party, I had 3 beers.  Food wise, I indulged in 4 crackers with jelly and cream cheese (this concoction will show up in later posts), a handful of candied walnuts, a handful of chocolate pretzels with walnuts on top, and a brownie.  Have I mentioned I love sweets?

December 7th

Breakfast:  Same.  Shocker.  Tea (never drink tea, but it sounded better than coffee)

Lunch:  Apple with peanut butter; Turkey and cheese sandwich

Dinner and fun:  That day we went to see our friend play hockey at the Allstate Arena.  Afterwards, we headed to Toby Keith's in Rosemont.  Had 3 beers there, along with a 1/2 carrot (all that was left), a hot wing, mozzarella stick, and I think a fried zucchini.  Then we headed to a Mexican place nearby where I had a margarita, chips, salsa, guacamole (let's just say lots), and shrimp enchiladas, beans, and rice.

We headed back to Elmhurst and ventured into the Snuggery.  We ordered one of those whatdoyoucallit, tall thingys and polished it off together.  It was maybe 2 or 3 beers a person.

To cap off the evening, I ate 3 frosted sugar cookies that our sitter made with the kids.  So good!

December 8th

Late Breakfast:  blah blah blah

Snack:  Lemon Zest LunaBar (awesome)

Dinner:  Lasagna, southwest salad from Jewel, and a piece of Focaccia bread; 3 sugar cookies

Late night snack:  Orange

December 9th

Breakfast:  same

Lunch:  Leftover lasagna, southwest salad, and a piece of Focaccia bread.

Dinner:  We went to the COLDEST BEARS GAME I have EVER been to.

Thank God the company was great!  Bears win!

Before the game, I had amazing chili, one piece of great steak, about 8 chocolate peanut clusters (ugh), chips and guacamole (before it froze), and 3 beers.  At the game, I had 2 beers and hot chocolate.

Beer froze within minutes...no joke.  Went to the warm ladies room to thaw and drink it.

If I had to say anything about restarting my food journal, it's definitely making me eat more fruit and second guessing my food choice and amount I eat.

Enjoy your weekend!  

Jill

Holiday Food Journal, Chipotle, and a trip to McD's

What started the "IDEA"...

I've been journaling since December 3rd, and wasn't sure if it would actually make it to blog form.   I challenged myself to a Holiday Food Journal, and probably one of the dumbest (and smartest) things I ever considered.  Every time I do this to myself, my hope is that others will consider to do the same, or at least become more mindful eaters.  That's all.

Tuesday, December 3rd

Workout:  It was Tabata Tuesday at 5:30 am Boot Camp...I participated in maybe 80% of it.

Breakfast:  Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen raspberries and blueberries; almond milk (this will probably be the same breakfast every day...if it's different I will let you know.)

Coffee with Pumpkin Spice creamer.

Workout:  4.5 mile run

Lunch:  Jen and I went to NU Crepes and split The Blonde and The Cali (no ham); coffee with 1/2 & 1/2

Snack:  Greek yogurt with less than a tablespoon of honey

Dinner:  Turkey burger on bun; ketchup; pickles, and I cooked up some spinach with red peppers and salad dressing (oil spray so veggies wouldn't stick); 1 tator tot; water

Wednesday, December 4th

Breakfast:  yada yada yada

Elijah's Almond Cafe au Lait with skim milk (recommended by the owner and so good!)

Morning Snack:  apple

Workout:  Vince...for those of you who know...you'll appreciate...30 minutes of pure "fun".

Lunch:  Chili

Afternoon Snack:  Luna Bar Chocolate Nut Brownie

On the way to hockey practice:  I did a HUGE NO NO!  I picked up the kids from Religious Ed and forgot to pack a snack for the ride to hockey.  We (gulp) drove through the McDonald's drive thru.  I can honestly say that I do not remember the last time I did that.  Needless to say, the kids were happy.  I grabbed a iced vanilla coffee to go.

Dinner:  I grabbed whatever I had and mixed it together.  Ingredients:  Quinoa; turkey burger, cream of mushroom soup, and mixed vegetables.  Ate probably a cup of the meal, then mixed Chocolate PB2 together and dipped a banana in it.

Thursday, December 5th

Breakfast:  yep, same

Morning snacks:  banana; apple; blueberry Luna Bar; couple nuts, and a small piece of white chocolate

Lunch:  Sofritas bowl from Chipotle.  If you don't know about Sofritas...I love it.  Heck, even my husband liked it.

Let me share a little about a typical Chipotle experience.  It's typical for me, not sure how it is for you...here goes...

Before:  In a bowl, I would mix brown rice (they put a large amount in bowl), black beans (probably 1/2 the amount of the rice), chicken, fresh salsa, sour cream (they plop a huge amount all over what's already in), cheese (too much in my opinion), and quacamole (OMG...the serving is huge), and whatever lettuce they can fit in the bowl which is not a lot.  FYI:  Guessing the price of avocados has gone up since it used to be FREE.  Now you get charged.

After or in my words...Jill's Way...In a bowl I ask for a smaller amount of brown rice (maybe 1/2 cup), black beans (I say a lot and they'll put in about 3/4 cup), sofritas (tofu and it is the consistency of ground beef and tastes a bit like chicken with a spicy kick...good stuff), fresh salsa, a little sour cream (maybe a tablespoon), cheese (sprinkled on lightly), quacamole (maybe a 1/4 cup)...ticks me off that it costs the same amount, but it's sooooo much less of it, and lettuce (I get so much more, and usually ask them to put more on since there's more room in the bowl now.

Healthier and it's so good:)  You don't want to see my face when they put too much sour cream and guacamole on...has anyone seen my "look?"  Just ask my husband...or one of the guys at the studio.

Snack:  sugar snap peas (larger lunch always equals smaller snack, or vice versa)

That evening we had an event at Fleet Feet called Diva Night.  It was so much fun and the turnout was fantastic.  Kudos to Ashley and Jason for putting on such a great event for the deserving women of Elmhurst and surrounding communities.

Of course there was food and wine, and I did not have dinner yet.

Diva Night food and drink:  1 glass of red and 1 glass of white wine; 2 appetizer size tortilla wraps, 2 small pieces of cheese and 2 olives; crackers with hummus.  Appetizers are the devil...I pick and pick and pick and pick...

Later that evening, I headed over to a friend's house.  I had a couple beers, cheese, crackers, hummus, pretzel chips, and a chocolate chip cookie.

Not the best of nights, but not the worst:)

That's the end of what I'm sharing on this post.  I can guarantee you some interesting food choices, and with the holidays comes more alcohol.  YEP...I still can't believe I'm doing this.

Until next time...make healthy choices and get your workouts in!!!

Jill

Summer Date Night Fun Run Moment I Live For!

slack·er

 noun \ˈsla-kər\

Definition of SLACKER

1

: a person who shirks work or obligation; especially : one who evades military service in time of war

2

: a person and especially a young person who is perceived to be disaffected, apathetic, cynical, or lacking ambition

— slacker adjective

Well, I beg to differ that I'm a slacker, however keeping up with this blog has proven to be incredibly difficult.  The good news is that I actually did keep my food journal for most of the 2 weeks, but it was hard!

Let's trace my eating steps:

Wednesday, June 12th

Breakfast:  Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk; coffee with the fixin's (by that I mean non-fat creamer)

Lunch:  Apple and a Larabar

Snack:  Popchips

Dinner:  Spinach salad with low fat dressing; spaghetti with 2 meatballs; 2 beers

Evening Snack:  Peanut Butter Crunch Cliff Bar (not the best choice)

Thursday, June 13th

Breakfast:   Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk; coffee with the fixin's.

Run:  9.5 miles with a Cliff Shot at mile 5

Lunch:  Peanut Butter and Jelly on whole grain white bread; apple

Dinner:  Ham and Cheese on whole grain white bread; corn on the cob with a bit of margarine

Dessert:  Brain Freeze's awesome peanut butter chocolate chip ice cream in a cake cone.  Junior scoop!

Friday, June 14th (my mom's birthday!)

Breakfast:   Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk; coffee with the fixin's.

Lunch:  Chocolate Chip Cliff Bar; Apple

Dinner:  We had some friends over for dinner and I very much enjoyed a turkey burger on a bun with lettuce, onion, tomato, and ketchup.  My friend brought over this amazing green bean, olive salad, with other stuff that I can't remember.  AWESOME!  A few Wavy Lay's with French onion dip; chips 'n Mexican caviar from Costco; 3 (ugh!!!) MINI Red Velvet Cupcakes with frosting; one Sierra Mist with Effen Cucumber Vodka (amazing and a must try!); and 3 Redd's Ale introduced to me by my friend, Liz:)

Saturday, June 15th 

Disclaimer:  I'm reading this now, and all I can say is "huh??"

Breakfast:  Cliff Bar

Lunch:  Devoured the rest of the Green Bean Casserole from the day before.

Snack:  2 Red Velvet MINI Cupcakes (so tasty!)

We headed to a friend's house to watch the Hawks game and I'm a SUCKER for appetizers!

Appetizers for the evening...

Wheat Thins served with a cream cheese spread and Jalapeno Pepper Jelly; Chips 'n Mexican dip; 1 piece of DiLeo's Pizza; 1 mini cannoli; carrots and ranch; 4 beers; a chocolate pudding shot

YES!!  I will share the pudding shot recipe.

1  cup of whipped cream vodka

1 cup milk

1 packet of pudding mix (I used chocolate)

1 tub of cool whip

canned whipped cream for garnish (I omitted)

any other garnishes you might want

SQUEEZABLE paper shot cups

***If you are making pistachio, only use 3/4 cup vodka and add 1/4 cup of Amaretto  (garnish with whipped cream & crushed pistachio nuts) **

Sunday, June 16th (Father's Day)

Breakfast:   Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk; coffee with the fixin's (by that I mean non-fat creamer)

Lunch:  Scoops and Taco Dip; watermelon; sausage (no bun); potato salad; 2 Corona Lights

Dinner:  Potato Chips; carrots; tomatoes; Polish Sausage; lettuce salad; a small Scotcheroo ( I will not give the recipe, because you do not want to know the calories!); Leine's Summer Shandy and 2 Redd's Ales

Monday, June 17th

Breakfast:  Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk; coffee with the fixin's

Lunch:  Egg Harbor's Key West Crepes and they are great!  

Snack:  Apple and a Scotcheroo

Fleet Feet's Pub Run which I highly recommend!

Dinner:  I had a piece of pizza; a salted caramel chocolate thingy; and a beer

Tuesday, June 18th

Breakfast:   Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk; coffee with the fixin's

Lunch:  Peanut Butter and Jelly on whole grain white bread

Snack:  banana

Dinner:  Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk (can't get enough!)

Wednesday, June 19th

Breakfast:   Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk; coffee with the fixin's

Lunch:  1/2 of a seafood 'n crab Subway salad

Snack:  Luna Bar - White Chocolate Macadamia

Dinner of appetizers:  Chips 'n salsa; 7 grain Kashi Pita chips with cheese; a 312 beer and 2 Bud-A-Ritas (spelling???)

I should say that a few of these evenings have involved watching Chicago Blackhawks games!  And now I can clearly say that they are STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!

Thursday, June 20th

Breakfast:   Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk; coffee with the fixin's

Run:  9 miles of heat and humidity.  Enough said...

Lunch:  Meathead's no bun grilled chicken with roasted peppers, avocado, lettuce, pineapple, pickle, and tomato

Snack:  Chocolate Chip Cliff Bar and a coffee

Dinner:   Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk (I just can't get enough!)

Evening Snack I am so not proud of - Frozen Sugar Cookie Dough (Yes, I have those moments too!)

Friday, June 21st (this is where it all fell apart)

Breakfast:   Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk

Lunch and snacks:  no idea

Summer Date Night Fun Run:  The 3rd Fridays of the month from May thru September, Fleet Feet and FITT-RX get together, in conjunction with a restaurant in town for a run.  Last month we were at Doc Ryan's, and this time we were at Pints.  The idea is to get couple's out for a run together then have dinner and drinks afterwards.  We had a fantastic group and met quite a few new people:)  My favorite was listening to a girlfriend say to her boyfriend that she didn't know if she could go the entire 4 miles.  He encouraged her to finish, and SHE DID!!!  I was so excited for her!  Times like that make me smile, and keep me loving what I do for a living. BEST JOB EVER!

Dinner:  The Spartan Burger (substituted turkey burger) with waffle fries and a couple Summer Shandy's.  I had a hot wing, and somebody ordered these awesome cheese covered waffle fries and I couldn't resist not having a few.

I know I said I'd do it for 2 weeks, and I was supposed to go to June 24th.  It just didn't happen.  Life Happens.  It's all good, but writing the darn food down is so easy to do, yet so hard to remember sometimes.  Also know that I drink lots of water; not just beer:)  On a side note, I honestly can't remember the last time I drank skim milk.  I cut it out about the same time I quit drinking pop.

Today is Monday, July 1st, and I'll write down what I ate today.

Breakfast:  Pop Quiz!

Morning Treat:  Elijah's Iced Nonfat Chai Tea Latte

Lunch:  Egg Harbor's Joe's Healthy Skillet which has 490 calories.  Not bad!  The dry English muffin (with jam) was 180, fresh fruit, and water.

Snack:  Apple

Snack:  Skinny Pop while dinner was cooking.

Dinner:  Johnsonville 4 cheese brat; brown rice; lettuce salad with tomatos, cucumbers, croutons, and ranch dressing.  Let me just say that mixing the brown rice and brat was simply awesome!

Workouts of course are happening too!  Over this time period, I'm continuing to run 3 times a week due to an upcoming 1/2 Marathon; got my ass handed over to me at the studio with Miguel's Cardio Boxing Circuit; TRX; and joining in on a boot camp or 2.

Tonight at bedtime, my son came down to tell me his agenda for the morning:
"Mommy, I'm going to get up early and do 8 push ups, 6 sit ups, and 4 Burpees."  Atta boy!  Another proud moment!  Role modeling positive behaviors has its rewards!  Now I just have to tell him that's his first set.  He'll do 2 more after that!

Some clients have no idea...

Clients expect those in the fitness industry to be positive role models.  While true...do those in the fitness industry feel pressure to BE those positive role models?  I hope so!  HOWEVER, as "that person" I'll be the first to say that I do not live a life that is on nuts, berries, supplements, and greens.  Furthermore, I try really hard to get my workouts in, but some days it's just as hard as any everyday Joe or Jane.  I blame it on work and kids:)  LOVE BOTH, but they just get in the way sometimes.  HA!

With that said...while workouts can be missed, eating can go awry too.  And boy oh boy, I'm getting back on the saddle again.  I knew I fell off when I ate:

• a bowl of Lucky Charms at 10:00pm a couple nights ago
• making dinner for my family last night, and ate 2 pieces of leftover Armand's pizza as an appetizer 
• OH YES, when I finished the Puppy Chow left in our RAGNAR Relay van and didn't want to share it with my daughter
• UGH...and when I scarfed down chocolate chips with peanut butter filled pretzels

When I journal, those things may happen...but definitely not nearly as much.

OK...so what the heck am I saying here?  I'm saying that I'm jump starting my MINDFUL eating today and journaling for 2 weeks.  The last time I did 10 weeks and it about KILLED me.  But this short getting back on the horse type of journaling will help.

I'm going from Tuesday, June 11th to Monday, June 24th.

Tuesday, June 11th

Breakfast:  Kashi GoLean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen blueberries; almond milk; coffee with creme brulee syrup (sugar free) and french vanilla creamer (sugar free).

Lunch:  Chipotle Carnitas Bowl (I wanted chicken, but it was gonna take a couple minutes.)  On my bowls, I ask for a little brown rice, lots of black beans, little sour cream, little cheese, fresh salsa, lots of lettuce, and this time I had a little guacamole.  Iced tea with a lemon.

Snack:  Apple (remember my mantra...big lunch, light snack; light lunch, larger snack)

New to my regimen has been a women's multi-vitamin and fish oil.  After I turned 40, I decided it was time to start taking my vitamins.  I started putting the bottles on the window sill above the sink so I can SEE them.  I'm a huge out of sight, out of mind person so I need that visual to keep me from forgetting.  YES, I'm getting older...not old...older:)

Dinner: Breakfast for dinner.  1 egg, 2 egg white scrambled eggs (little skim milk) mixed with ham, green pepper, zucchini, onion, spinach, cheese, and a slice of avocado.  So good!  Drank my cocktail of Key Lime Sparkling water from Jewel mixed with Coconut La Croix.

OK, there's my first day...unless I have a snack later.  I promise to post if I do:)

Disclaimer:  This all came about when I offered to journal with a client.  Who wants to join in on the 2 week fun?  No need to tell me...just do it!!

Been a while...but it DID get completed!

So back in early March, I typed this food journal up only to find out later it deleted. Let's see...it only took me 6 weeks to retype it. I bet you're even more amazed that I still had it:) Since then, so much has happened in my life and it only makes me more grateful for my family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

During this weekend of eating and drinking below, I know I had a YMCA Fundraiser and a 6.55 No Frills Fun Run, that was indeed FUN! In my original blog, I typed up stories about the weekend and how much fun it was...but for the life of me, I can't seem to explain Friday's dinner of pizza, vodka, and ice cream. Oh well...it must've been real memorable. HA!
Thursday, February 28th

Breakfast:  Oatmeal; dried fruit; coffee with the fixin's

Lunch:  Jamba Juice; Salted Nut Roll mini Larabar

Snack:  Granola

Dinner:  Apple with PB2; cornbread chicken potpie

Evening Snack:  Popcorn; then later got hungry and mixed (UGH!!!) chocolate chips, graham crackers; and vanilla ice cream together.  It was good!

Friday, March 1st

Breakfast:  Kashi Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen berries; almond milk

Lunch:  Egg Harbor Roasted Veggie Skillet; water

Dinner:  Pizza; Vodka; Ice cream concoction from earlier (can't remember what the vodka was mixed with, but what a combo!  Something to be proud of...I think not.

Saturday, March 2nd

Breakfast:  1/2 bowl Kashi Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen berries; almond milk

Lunch:  Chipotle Chicken Bowl (YUM!)

Dinner:  Chicken; veggies; potatoes; salad; a few beers.

Sunday, March 3rd

Breakfast:  Coffee with the fixin's; Kashi Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen berries; almond milk

Lunch:  1/2 turkey burger on a bun; nachos; bloody Mary; blue moon

Snack:  Orange

Dinner:  Kale salad; pork chip; puppy chow; water

Monday, March 4th

Breakfast:  Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble; frozen berries; almond milk; coffee with the fixin's

Lunch:  coffee with the fixin's; banana; kale salad

Snack:  Lemon Larabar; puppy chow

Dinner:  Kale Salad; oatmeal bites

Evening Snack:  Popcorn

Yes, one of the more boring blogs...but I completed the 10 weeks, and that was my goal.  I'll continue to sporadically log my food and drink intake, and I guessing in the future, I'll challenge myself to another few weeks of journaling.  If anything, it really gets me back to reality and puts me back on track.  A good reason why everyone should try it!

Keep strength training! 

Keep up with the cardiovascular training! 

And if you want to see results faster?

 Keep up with FOOD JOURNALING!

Calorie Density 101

CALORIE DENSITY

What the heck is calorie density?  This is something I've been meaning to write about and I hope it comes in handy when it comes to your food choices.  It's quite simple.  An article I will link you to is going to explain it very well, but here is the gist...

1 cup of strawberries is 50 calories

1 donut hole also equals 50 calories

In order for you to feel fuller, you would have to eat the cup of strawberries instead of the one donut hole even though the caloric intake was the same.  Comprende?    Another example is to measure out 300 calories of broccoli as opposed to 300 calories of Oreos.  Which food would give you more of?

For more info, check out:

article - http://www.calorieking.com/learnabouts/What-Is-Calorie-Density_MTAyMg.html

great video! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gTLpTq1nQk Finishing off Wednesday, February 20th

Finishing out Wednesday, February 20th
Popcorn
Greek Yogurt topped with strawberries and honey

Thursday, February 21st

Breakfast:  Kashi Go Lean and Special K with berries mixed; frozen berries; almond milk; coffee; creamer

Morning Snack:  Apple; Mini LARABAR UBER Salted Nut Roll

Lunch:  Egg Harbor Sweet Potato Tot Skillet (sweet potato tots, cheese, egg beaters; English muffin with butter and awesome jam); water

Tonight I helped celebrate a friend's birthday at a place in Hinsdale called CINE.  I highly recommend eating here because the food and atmosphere are great.  Come with your family, friends, date, etc...  We split everything because it's really hard to pick just one thing.  So this is what we split between 5 girls.

Appetizers:
Chips; salsa; guacamole - Yes, I loved and ate probably too much.
Trio of Empenadas

Entres:
Carne Asada
Chile Rellano
White Mole
CRUD...I think they're was a 4th entre and can't remember.

Dessert:
Cinnamon Churros with Chocolate and Blackberries

Drink:
Pre-dinner drink before our cabbie picked us up:  Paloma and so good.  Cine serves it as well.
Pride and Passion Drink
Margarita
Blue Moon

Post-Dessert when I got home:  One of those stupid Chocolate Chip Cookies Wade brought home from Corner Bakery.  Just gotta keep them out of the house!

Friday, February 22nd


Breakfast:  Kashi Go Lean and Special K with berries mixed; frozen berries; almond milk; coffee; creamer

Lunch:  Turkey Chili with a dollop of Greek yogurt

Snack:  I shared a banana and an apple with my son.  I dipped mine into the PB2, but he didn't like it.  I don't mind, because it's a mommy snack.  Just a side note:  PB2 appears to be kind of expensive, however, I have to remember that I still have to mix it with water which makes it a bit more than what it appears to be.

Pre-dinner drink:  Miller Lite

Dinner:  Wade and I took the kids to Salseria in Elmhurst.  I had a Hornitos Margarita, beans, and 1/2 of my tilapia burrito.  Oh, yes, and chips and salsa.  Water too.

Bunco treats:  I had 2 Spotted Cow beers; 8 peanut butter stuffed pretzels; too many chocolate granola yogurt bites; 3 small pieces of chocolate; a few sweet potato chips, and this really good chip dip with tortilla chips.  This was throughout the evening, and too much in my opinion.

Saturday, February 23rd

Breakfast:  Kashi Go Lean and Special K with berries mixed; frozen berries; almond milk; coffee; creamer

Late Morning Lunch:  This morning we had a surprise 7AM TRX class for our clients.  I came in, taught the class, then returned before 10AM for an amazing presentation by Dr. Dana Celar.  She shared with our clients what foods to eat in 2013.  She brought in samples and shared her recipes with us.  I brought my daughter in as well, and boy oh boy, was she loving all the healthy eats.  Here is what we enjoyed:

Kale Chips; Tumeric-Ginger Cauliflower; Blueberry Banana Smoothie with Flax Seed; Acai Breakfast Bowls Cereal; Quinoa Pilaf;  and 60% Cacao Dark Chocolate.

Snack:  Apple/Banana split with my son; PB2

Dinner:  Long story short...all of you Elmhurstians should've gotten something in the mail from the Elmhurst City Centre about if you spend $200 in a restaurant that accepts Elmhurst City Centre Gift Certificates, you'll get a $25 Elmhurst City Centre gift certificate.  WOW...I'm not writing that sentence again, but it's a long one.  Anywho, they offered this incentive to Elmhurst City Centre merchants before this program went out to the public.  Jen and I went crazy, and then invited another business to join us in our craziness to see if we could get the maximum amount of gift certificates possible.  The only difference is that it wasn't limited to restaurants only...in was any business that was part of the Elmhurst City Centre program.  OK...this story is longer than I expected.  We collected $300 in gift certificates.  THE END.

So we took these GC's, grabbed our husbands, and headed off to 100 South for dinner.  I started off with a Ketel One Dirty Martini with Blue Cheese Olives.  We split a couple appetizers which were clams and oysters.  I love the heel of a loaf of bread, so I cut a very small piece.  My dad loves the heels too:)  I then ordered a side salad with balsamic vinaigrette and an Effin Cherry Vodka with Sprite.  For my entre, I enjoyed the Filet trio with a baked potato (sour cream only) and broccoli.  My drink topper for dinner was a Cool Collins.  The entire meal was fantastic.  I also downed quite a bit of water as well.

This was my meal.  I scraped 1/2 the sour cream off the potato, and ate 2 1/2 of the filets.  The middle one with blue cheese was my least favorite.

This beauty was Veal Parmesan, I think.  This picture is taken because quite honestly, it's the biggest plate of food I have ever seen.  Seriously, this pic does not do justice.  I think 4 meals were eaten due to this massive plate of food!

Did anyone watch Desperate Housewives?  If so, remember the scene where Bree's son brought home his girlfriend for dinner?  She took a picture of her food.  I thought it was weird like a lot of people probably did.  Well...I'm that girl now.

We headed to Pints after dinner and I had a vodka tonic.  We also bought SOCO Lime shots for the table.

Then, we had a few people who'd never been to The Club.  Helloooo????  You so need to go to The Club, and if you go there, we must bring you in through the BACK DOOR.  I had a Blue Moon.  What a fun night!  My cheeks hurt from laughing.  Never a dull moment.

Sunday, February 24th

Breakfast:  Kashi Go Lean; frozen berries; almond milk; coffee; creamer

Lunch:  Better 'n Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam Sandwich on Whole Wheat bread

Snack:  apple; pb2; 1/4 c. cottage cheese; pistachios

Dinner:  Birthday Dinner for my mother in law.  Baked Chicken breaded with smashed French Onion; potato salad; a few potato chips; lots of mixed fruit; carrot cake and ice cream.  I DID NOT eat the bread and butter.

Monday, February 25th

Breakfast:  Kashi Go Lean cereal; frozen berries; almond milk; coffee; creamer

Late-Morning Run:  Jen and I ran 5.39 miles.  Yes, I add that .39 in there because at first I only agreed to run 5.  See?  There she goes again...slave driver.  She knows I'm kidding...or am I?  I'm thankful for her, because I don't know if I'd be ready for this weekend's run if it wasn't for her encouragement to get out and train.

This weekend we are supporting a fundraiser called The No Frills Fun Run.  The cool thing about this run is that it's a 1/2 marathon course, but you're only asked to run what you feel comfortable doing.  My husband and I are going to run 1/2 of the 1/2.  It might be a slushy, snowy course, but honestly, who cares...if it helps a worthy family through a tough time, then I'm game!

Lunch:  Seafood 'n Crab Salad from Subway

Snack:  Apple; pb2; pistachios

Dinner:  A repeat from breakfast.

Tuesday, February 26th

Breakfast:  Kashi Go Lean cereal; frozen berries; almond milk; coffee; creamer

Morning Snack:  Kiwi (I knew this was a healthy choice, but didn't realize just how fantastic it is until Dr. Celar told us!); coffee; creamer

For more info on the benefits of kiwi: Click here!

Dr. Celar was telling us about how people in the US don't typically eat the skin of a kiwi.  I mean it is rather hairy if you ask me.  However, I have been known to chomp right through it...skin and all:)  Like I did this time.  People in Australia and New Zealand do it, so why don't we?

Lunch:  Chipotle Chicken Bowl; I'm really careful about how these are prepared.  I decrease the brown rice, increase the black beans, and drastically reduce the amount of sour cream and cheese.

Snack:  Oatmeal with Flax Seed.  After microwaving it, I throw in frozen berries for yumminess and to decrease the temperature.

Dinner:  Baked Chicken; cooked spinach; potato salad; and 3 Samoa girl scout cookies.

Evening Snack:  Popcorn and a piece of gum

Wednesday, February 27th

Breakfast:  I mixed Special K with berries and Kashi GoLean together; almond milk; frozen berries; coffee; creamer

Snack:  Kiwi (skin and all) and a Cashew Cookie mini LARABAR

Lunch:  Lunch was at 2:15, so thank goodness I had that morning snack at 9:00am.  My breakfast was at 5:15am before boot camp, so the morning snack was needed, plus it helped me get through my busy day.  A haircut and taxes were during the lunch hours so they needed to get done first.  OK, lunch was the rest of my Turkey Chili with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Dinner:  On Sunday, I made some meals for my in-laws and had some leftover "filling" for a chicken pot pie.  I didn't have biscuits, flour, pancake mix, or pie crust to finish out the dish.  So tonight I see it in the fridge and realize I had cornbread mix in the pantry.  I whipped some up, covered the chicken and veggies, threw it in the oven, and set the timer for 25 minutes.  I was starting to feel hungry so instead of eating the tortilla chips or graham crackers staring at me, I ate an apple.  After 25 minutes, the pot pie was not done.  I'm guessing because the filling was cold from being in the fridge and the cornbread wouldn't bake as fast because of that.  I set it for 8 more minutes.  I'm hungry.  So, I make a spinach salad with goat cheese, sunflower seeds, yellow and red peppers I chopped up, and dressing.  I gobble that up.  I check the pot pie.  Still not done.  I set the timer for 7 more minutes.  What can I do instead of invading the tortilla chips?  YES, I'll start a load of laundry.  Done.  The timer goes off, and FINALLY I can eat the pot pie!  It was great. After my meal, I did have 3 Samoas (a high calorie dense food, ugh...).

Oil is not just for cooking anymore!

Ending Friday, February 15th

Dinner:  Homemade pizza with whole wheat crust (yuck!), cheese, and 7 thick sliced pepperonis.  I burnt the roof of my mouth BADLY (Today is Wednesday, and I still need to chew gently).  I stuck to 2 pieces, and to avoid eating a 3rd, I made a spinach salad with red onion and red peppers and poppy seed dressing.  I also enjoyed 1 Samoa cookie.

Evening Snack:  popcorn and water

Saturday, February 16th

Breakfast:  1/2 Special K with Red Berries Cereal and 1/2 Kashi Triple Berry Crumble; frozen berries; almond milk; coffee; creamer

Lunch:  Chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat bread.

Snack:  Apple; Apple Pie Larabar

Dinner:  I took the kids to Fratello's (kids eat free on Tuesdays!) for dinner.  I ordered the Salmon Chopped Salad, and when it came I began to eat it.  After a few bites, I realized they gave me the wrong salad.  They fixed the screw up, and I gobbled it right up.  water

Evening Snack:  PB2 and an apple

Sunday, February 17th

Breakfast:  Kashi Triple Berry Crumble; frozen berries; almond milk; coffee; creamer

Lunch:  Roasted tomato soup with oyster crackers; pineapple; 2 samoa cookies

Afternoon treat:  Elijah's non-fat Cafe au Lait with cherry almond syrup; apple

Dinner:  I had leftover BBQ chicken so I looked up online to see if I could find a recipe for BBQ Chicken Salad.  Google is awesome.  Found one.  I cut up 1 BBQ chicken breast and added red onion, celery, 1 T. light miracle whip, and 2 T. BBQ sauce.  Mix and enjoy.  I had it between 2 pieces of whole wheat bread.  1/2 cup cottage cheese with pineapple chunks on top.

Evening Snack:  Popcorn

Monday, February 18th

Breakfast:  Kashi Triple Berry Crumble; frozen berries; almond milk; coffee; creamer

Morning Snack:  apple

Lunch:  Subway Seafood 'n Crab Salad; unsweetened tea mixed with lemonade

Afternoon snacks:  coffee and a Kind Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan Bar;  The bar was put in the flowers I got from Wade on Valentine's Day.  I'm glad they did, because it was good!

Dinner:  I made Turkey Chili in the crock pot.  I substituted sour cream for Greek Yogurt in the chili.  You would never know the difference.  1/2 of a Better 'n Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam Sandwich.

Turkey Chili  - 7 servings

1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey (browned)

1/4 c. onion - diced

1 celery stalk - diced

1/4 c. red pepper - diced

1 can black beans

1 can stewed tomatoes

1 can tomato sauce

1/2 can - water (I filled the tomato sauce can 1/2 way)

 

Heat in the crock pot on low for 6-8 hours.  1 serving is 191 calories.  If I put the dollop of greek yogurt, that might add an additional 20 calories maybe?  I say 7 servings, but I'm wondering if it's a bit more.

Evening Snack:  We ate dinner early, then headed to watch Marco play hockey.  When we got back, I had a small bowl of Kashi Triple Berry Crumble cereal with frozen berries and almond milk.  I just love that stuff!

Tuesday, February 19th

Breakfast:  EEEEKKKK!!!!!  I'm out of frozen berries:(  I had Special K with Red Berries cereal with almond milk; coffee; creamer

Morning Snack:  I had clients all morning and I was starving by 10:30.  Anyway, the only thing in the studio to eat are these protein bars.  Sidebar:  Come to think of it, I forgot about all of the Larabars we have.  Damn!  Anywho, back to the protein bars.  These bars have 310 calories.  That's just way too much for a snack, so I took a less than 1/2 of it and ate it.  Maybe 130 calories worth.  What's left of it is sitting next to me as I type.  Looks good, but nope, I'm not eating it even if it's loaded with protein.

Lunch:  Turkey chili with a dollop of Greek Yogurt

Afternoon Snack:  Apple

Dinner:  I went to Mike's Meat Market (OMG...the best place!) and bought twice baked potatoes with cheese and bacon and chicken breast stuffed with fresh vegetables and asiago cheese.  So this is what I had:

1 stuffed chicken breast with veggies - the cheese all melted out of it and was all over the pan
1/2 twice baked potato (these are big and so fantastic)
2 helpings:  Mixed greens salad with almonds, feta cheese, red onion, and pear - champagne dressing This salad was sooo good!
Shredded carrots and grape tomatoes sauteed in grape seed oil (very tasty)
Wine

Speaking of Grape Seed Oil, I'd like to share other uses for it.  As well as, Coconut Oil.
101 Uses for Coconut Oil
Other Uses for Grape Seed Oil

Dessert:  I was telling a couple friends about the PB2 and PB2 Chocolate so I mixed some up and served it with apples.

Evening Splurge that I blame on the wine:  Pistachios; 2 graham crackers with PB2 spread over it and drizzled with chocolate chips.  So awesome, but probably not the best choice since I had a couple more handfuls of chocolate chips afterwards!

Wednesday, February 20th

Breakfast:  I ran to Costco and bought more berries!  The crumbs of Kashi Triple Berry cereal mixed with Special K with Berries Cereal; frozen berries; almond milk; coffee; creamer

Lunch: Turkey Chili with a dollop of Greek yogurt

Snack:  Apple; rest of the protein bar I was talking about earlier.

Dinner:  1/2 of a leftover stuffed chicken breast from last night.  I ate it cold, because nuked chicken makes me gag.  A leftover twice baked potato; and leftover salad from last night too.  Probably the best leftovers I've had in a long time!!!!

Enjoy your evening!  I'm off to a TRX class soon at the studio.  Gonna get a good workout compliments of Vince!  I need it.  It's been tough getting my workouts in lately.