Whirlwind Recap

What would Christmas be without a decorated goose?

I know I keep disappearing.  Don't take it too personally.  It seems when I first started blogging I looked at any and all opportunities to find some great "story" to share and now it's about finding the time/energy to share whatever few great "stories" happen my way.  The longer I go without blogging, the more annoyed I get with the prospect of trying to catch up on my blog.  Does that make sense?

So, with that I do a quick recap of events.

Christmas
As some of you know, for 33 years, I have spent Christmas in Chicago.  With the upcoming arrival of the first grandchild to my parents, our family opted out this year because we couldn't stomach the idea of younger sister Linda having the baby without us being around and we also couldn't stomach the idea of spending Christmas sans Linda and Craig.

We all gathered to my parent's house on Christmas Eve and ate too much food and watched Christmas movies.  Older sister Cathy, brother-in-law Jay, and I all decided to stay at my parent's house for the long weekend.

We all gathered again at my parent's house on Christmas Day and ate too much food, watched Christmas movies, and opened up presents from my parents.  Normally we would have exchanged our sibling "Secret Santa" presents, but we decided to wait until New Year's Eve so that brother Eddie and sister-in-law April would be able to join us.



I lost our competition because my door knob was disproportionate to the door and house. But I'm not bitter...oh no. 



The whole line-up - Jay's, mine, my mom's, and Cathy's.  Cathy won.  Whatever.

Linda, Craig, and Coco just a few days before Ethan's arrival.

My cute mom and dad.

Nephew time
My nephew, Ethan Edward, was born on December 28th.  He was a whopping 10 lbs, 4 oz and measured 21" in length.  Linda and Ethan remained in the hospital until New Year's Eve day.  Linda started her own blog, so for more info go here.

Sweet Ethan on his birth day.

too cute for words

It's hard work being this adorable.

New Year's
What a great way to bring in the New Year!  We got to enjoy our little Ethan and we had Eddie, April, my aunt, my uncle, and my two double cousins - Nicole and Danielle all in from out of town to share in the excitement and anticipation of a brand new year filled with wonderful opportunities!  We also had our sibling "Secret Santa" gift exchange, ate too much, watched my dad play Bejeweled, and brought in the New Year in the Spa sipping on champagne.

Freebirding
While my two double cousins, Nicole and Danielle, were in town, I made sure they experienced a burrito the right way - a la Freebirds (vs. the wrong way - a la Chipotle's which they do have at home back in Chicago).  Danielle opted for the daintier "Hybird" while Nicole and I want all hungry-hungry hippos and ordered "Monsters".  The verdict:  those cRaZy girls prefer Chipotle.  Whatever.

Nicole with her spinach Monster

Danielle with her wheat Hybird

A toast to the New Year - Freebirds style!

Wedding
What does a year look like without a family wedding?  I don't remember.  We have had one every 1 to 1.5 years in our family for the past 5 years.  This year, we all gathered in Springfield, IL for my cousin Anna's wedding to her new bride, Nicol, on Jan. 14th.  I have two words for you:  Photo Booth!  Have you ever been to an event with one of these things?  OMG - soooo fun!  My cousin Rachel and I kept going in there - sometimes by ourselves and sometimes with a group and laughed the night away. 

Chicago
I was supposed to drive back with my family to St. Louis to grab our flight back to Houston, but work duties called me to Chicago instead, so I caught a ride with double cousin Nicole and her boyfriend Justin back to Chicago.  I spent the next 3 days in meetings designed to improve the operations of our company.  Have you ever spent 3 full days in meetings?  Wow - it was really hard for this girl with A.D.D. who is used to multi-tasking the days away.

Now what?
Those of you who "listen" to me FB or Twitter, know that I like My Fit Foods.  I'm just sooo not in a cooking mode right now.  I haven't been for quite a while, actually.  My Fit Foods has fresh prepared meals you can just pick-up, warm-up, and eat.  I've gained back a lot of the weight I had lost.  I'm not happy about this, but not being happy about it doesn't change the situation.  I've tried to restart South Beach time and time again and I keep failing.  My mom thinks this is because I enjoy life's challenges and I already conquered South Beach (um...before the weight gain) so now I need a new challenge.  Younger sister Linda and her hubby, Craig, have started Weight Watchers Online.  I've decided to follow in their footsteps - so basically I'm food tracking and I'm eating most of my meals via My Fit Foods.  I'm kinda squashing most of my racing for now because I've not been training and it's becoming a bit of a joke (that isn't funny).  I have plans to get back into the groove, one mile at a time.

So...please forgive me for getting behind in my blogging and blog reading.  I will make a concerted effort to stay on top of such things moving forward!

Cheers to a Happy and Healthy New Year!

blah

I'm in a funk.  A bad funk.  I do nothing but work, think about work, play my Zuma Blitz on Facebook to zone out, read from my current book (Wither by Lauren DeStefano) to zone out, and/or watch my latest obsession on Netflix (Eureka) to...yeah, you guessed it...zone out.  The zoning out is my version of survival mode to get me through this awful summer at work.

I've put on quite a bit of weight over the past few months.  I'm terribly embarrassed over this.  It's not just from a lack of movement.  My diet plan has just been non-existent.  Well, to be fair...every day I wake up with a plan, but my follow-thru sucks.

I've been getting sleep, finally.  That's a plus.  I'm just not happy, though, and my lack of happiness combined with my stress is causing some emotional eating.

I don't have a plan on how to get on the right track.  I know that I have to get this excess weight off of me STAT.  It is making me uncomfortable in mind, body, and spirit.  I used to be so proud of myself and now...I just feel...discouraged, disappointed, disgusted...

My training for my upcoming half marathon is a joke.  You would think I have 4 months before the race by the way I've so nonchalantly done absolutely nothing in preparation. Tonight I managed a pathetic two miles - mostly walking.  My body hated it.  My mind rebelled.  My heart is just...not right.

I have thought about dropping from my race, but well...isn't that just too easy?  What about the next one on Oct. 9th?  Or Oct. 29th?  Am I just going to continue to fall deeper and deeper into a hole I can't get out of?

No...I'm going to face the music and do The Hottest Half.  I just know it isn't going to be pretty and that I deserve the wretched results.

So...until 8/12 when I leave for Dallas...I vow to move every day in someway.  Let's see what I can do in 3 1/2 weeks.  I may still be struggling emotionally, but it's time to put the big girl pants on and do something about it.

making lemonade

My cute mom has always said if you don't have something nice to say, then you shouldn't say anything at all. Well...I suppose all of our cute moms have told us that a time or two.  I've been kinda quiet lately.  It's so unlike me.  It even makes me uncomfortable when I'm on mute.

Bottom-line is I've just been...blah.

Work has been kicking my booty.  I've been putting in a lot of hours and it doesn't end when I leave the premises.  I feel as though there has been a war waged against me within the organization and there is no waving of a white flag in sight.  I have two choices here.  I can cry over the spilled milk or I can make lemonade.  Me thinks that since milk will surely spoil in this heat, the better bet is lemonade.

Shall we talk about my half marathon training?  It's non existent.  I'm so very proud of this.  not.

We could always discuss my healthy eating...oh, but let's not make a liar of me as healthy eating hasn't been happening here.

Let us not forget about my sleeping habits.  I'm lucky to get 5 hours a night and even if I do, it's interrupted.

Yep, this is why I haven't been blogging cuz I'm a Debbie Downer full of disappointments.

How do I get back on the right track?  Why oh why am I so easily derailed?  How can I be proud of me again?

Several years back I was shopping in Old Town Spring and found this little figurine in a shop.

I had to buy it because I thought it too precious and it came with such a good message - worth reading and remembering.

Today I choose to count my blessings - they are plentiful.  Today I choose to spotlight my accomplishments and not my shortcomings.  Today I choose to celebrate the fact it is a new day filled with new opportunities for change.  Today I choose to walk away from the pity party.  It's time to make lemonade, y'all (but...with Splenda perhaps)  ;)

Cheers to a HAPPY day!

"The Same Game" and a Recipe

Can you believe I actually cooked?  I know, right?  It's been a long, long time since I've posted a recipe.

I've been kind of disgusted with myself lately...I've so not been on the wagon.  It's quite frustrating because back when I first started my lifestyle changed, I was so committed...so focused and it was...easy.  Then my injury happened and well...I guess I've been in kind of a funk since then.  It seems every week I "try" to recommit only to fail.  Has this ever happened to you?  Please tell me I'm not alone.  I've said it before...I'm terribly undisciplined.  Sure, sure...I have it in me to be disciplined, but it takes soooo much work (can you just hear my whine?).  ;)

I came up with a new idea.  I'm calling it "The Same Game".  I plan on eating basically the same thing for breakfast and lunch every single day with a healthy light meal for dinner (at least that's this week plan - hahaha).  Yeah, I have no idea how long I will be content with this, but for now, here goes:

Breakfast - a Jay Robb smoothie made with unsweetened almond milk and a banana.  I can, of course, opt to turn this into a green monster by adding spinach.

Lunch - a peanut butter and jelly sammy with a Carb Master yogurt and either a colored pepper or a cucumber. I am, of course, using Simply Jif as it has less sugar than regular PB.  My jelly of choice is Polaner's Sugar Free Orange Marmalade.

Snack - fruit.  This week it's blackberries as they were on sale at Kroger for $1.00.

Dinner - a bag of frozen veggies with some kind of light meal preferably sans bread carbs (meaning no rice, pasta, sweet potato, or bread)

I am allowing myself the addition of a Clif's bar or a Larabar on workout days for additional fuel.  I also recognize that because I am a social butterfly of sorts (read:  single girl), there will probably be a dinner outing once a week in which case I will do my best to plan ahead and choose my selections wisely.

Okay, enough about all that business.  Onto my recipe.  Every day Allrecipes.com sends me their recipe of the day.  Today's was Cheesy Chicken Meatballs.  I thought this sounded yummy, so I clicked on the link.  See the original recipe for yourself by going here.

I wouldn't be me if I didn't change up a recipe to make it my own, now would I?  First of all, the grocery store I went to didn't have ground chicken which forced me to make Cheesy Turkey Meatballs instead.  The original recipe also called for vegetable oil to be added to the meat mixture.  This addition didn't make sense to me and seemed unnecessary.  I read the reviews to see if anyone left this ingredient out, but all anyone mentioned was swapping olive oil for the vegetable oil which totally makes sense IF the oil is necessary.  I consulted with younger sister Linda and my cute mom and they both agreed the oil could most likely be nixed (and they were right).

CHEESY TURKEY MEATBALLS

Ingredients

1.25 lbs 97% lean ground turkey
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup of Italian Cheese & Herb Cooking Creme
1/4 cup of Reduced Fat Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup of Panko bread crumbs
1 TBSP Italian seasoning
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp Adobo seasoning

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Spray the bottom of a cookie sheet with Pam.  Mix all the above ingredients together and form into balls.  I used an ice cream scooper and made large meatballs.  Warning - this is VERY messy.  In total, I made 15 meat balls.  Bake for 17-18 minutes.

The Dish

I wanted to make a "pasta" dish with spaghetti squash, but after having no luck in finding a spaghetti squash in two different stores, I gave up and went for zucchini instead.  I sliced up my zucchini in thin slices and then boiled it.  I then drained it and plated it.  Next, I topped my zucchini with fire-roasted diced tomatoes and a bit of shredded Parmesan cheese.  I have to say the dish was delightful and I look forward to having it again tomorrow night.  Oh and yes...it is South Beach Friendly (Phase 2 because of the bread crumbs).

I'm also hoping to post a new recipe each week!

Have you ever played "The Same Game"?

revamp

Yesterday morning I Tweeted the following:

today is a new day and I'm going to be doing things a little bit differently

What did I mean by that?

Well, a wise woman I know (someone near and dear to me who I call mom) has this saying that goes something like this, "if you always do what you've always done, then you are always going to get what you've always gotten." 

I'm not happy with several aspects of my life right now.  I know that if I get some of it right, then most of the rest will fall into place.

4 MAJOR areas of my life need revamping - sleep, food, exercise, and attitude

They are all interconnected.

I am requiring 7 hours of sleep a night.  I know I have required this before and not followed through.  Believe it or not, I am capable of following a plan.  I will prove it to you (and me)!  =)

I am requiring a food journal of sorts.  Being a South Beacher does not mean calorie counting, BUT we all know calories do count.  I want to be aware of what I'm putting in my mouth as I have been quite guilty of emotional eating lately.  I downloaded an application for my phone (My Fitness Pal) and I have started documenting my food.  This way I can eat within my plan, monitor the calories I'm consuming, AND be accountable for everything I'm putting in my system.  I've also come to realize that it's okay to feel hungry.  What a concept!  Let's just accept that and move on.

I am requiring cross training.  I have found myself relying solely on running.  Isn't that what got me into trouble to begin with (think pelvic stress fracture)?  I was supposed to be incorporating cross training as soon as I was released back to running.  Yeah, that lasted 3 weeks.  Bad Kim!  I need to do a minimum of 3 runs per week, but I also need to be cross-training twice a week with weights and/or cardio.  Consider it done!

Last, but not least...attitude.  I'm a quitter.  I know this.  I'm my own worst enemy.  I know this.  I'm a self-saboteur.  I know this.  WAIT A MINUTE.  I have been all these things.  Just because I have been doesn't mean I still need to be, if that makes any sense.  I am the one who makes the choice of which path I follow.  I can choose a path of positive thinking.  I can follow the mantra of "if at first I don't succeed, try try again".  I can stop being a defeatist and start being a realist.  Getting to my goal weight is going to take time, patience, and a whole lot of hard work.  Getting to my fitness goals is going to take time, patience, and a whole lot of hard work.  Since when have I shied away from hard work?  The patience issue...well that's the ticker for me, now isn't it?

I just signed up for another half marathon - The Chicago Monster Dash - October 29th.  This is the 4th official one for the year.  I've yet to sign up for the See Jane Run October 9th Austin half and the TriGirl 13.1 which should be returning to Humble (Houston area) in December.  Assuming I hit these 2, that will be 6 for the year.  Who is this girl?!  She is me.

I want to be eating 13.1 for breakfast.  That's something I won't have to journal - ha!

BUT for right now...let's just get me to my first half for the year, my first post-injury half for the year.  It will be here in less than 5 weeks and I'm not even close to being ready.  It's crunch time.

So, it's the dawn of a new day with a new plan to get me where I need to be.

Bring it.

back on the happy healthy train

I know I wrote about my PLAN for the new year, but I didn't explain that I was going back AGAIN to Phase 1 of South Beach.  Are y'all getting so sick and tired of me telling you that?!  Truth be told, I kept doing it and then I kept falling off the wagon.  My commitment and focus were lacking.  I really let this whole injury thing get me down.  I hate that.  Ah well...hopefully there won't be another.  If there is, however, hopefully I can be a bit more responsible in how I handle it.  So, the point is I have a little bit of depression/holiday weight that needs some removable before I can even chip away at the rest of this extra baggage that's been keeping me company for so many years.  I decided the best way to do this was to return to old faithful with true commitment and a renewed spirit.

When I first started doing South Beach in July '09, I actually did Phase 1 for 6 weeks to really give me that jump start, though the program only calls for 2 weeks.  The difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 is really just that there are no bread carbs and no fruit in Phase 1.  Bread carbs, in South Beach terms, consist of wheat bread, brown rice, wheat noodles, sweet potatoes, etc.  This go-around, I am going for 4 to 6 weeks on Phase 1 before moving to Phase 2.  The point of Phase 1 is to get you in control of your cravings and to detox your body.  I can already (after a solid one week) feel the difference.  I can go to the grocery store without salivating as I pass the bakery section.  I can go to a restaurant without longingly looking at menu selections I can't eat.  This, my friends, is progress.

So, what have I been eating?  Well...I typically make one or two meals a week.  For breakfast, I usually eat a green monster protein shake.  This is by no means a low calorie meal, mind you.  Since I cannot put a banana in it (no fruit, remember), I like to add a tablespoon or two of peanut butter to the mix.  My favorite protein powder is Jay Robb.  I tried to fight it because it's a bit pricier than some others, but the nutritional content and the taste can't be beat.  I take a cup of either skim milk or Blue Diamond chocolate unsweetened almond milk and put it in the blender.  I then add one scoop of my chocolate Jay Robb Whey Protein Isolate and the peanut butter.  I use the Simply Jif peanut butter because it has less sugar in it than regular peanut butter.  Next, I add in my spinach.  I don't measure...I just throw in a whole bunch.  I go ahead and blend and then I add in my 6 ice cubes or so.  I drink it on my way into work and it typically lasts me until lunch.

For lunch, I ate my pizza chili all week long.  I accompanied it with cut up colored peppers.  Did I ever tell you I don't ever eat cooked peppers?  It's true.  I hate them cooked.  I love them raw.  I buy them in the little multi colored 3 pack - red, yellow, and orange - and then I cut all 3 up and split them up into 3 baggies for lunch.  It's cheaper when you buy them in the 3 pack than when you buy them independent of one another.  I also eat either a sugar free / fat free jello pudding (my fave is the dark chocolate) OR I have one of those Carb Master yogurts from Kroger.  Now since it's the no fruit Phase, I eat the new Chai Vanilla flavor.  Yum!

For dinner, a few nights I ate egg salad (no bread, of course) accompanied by some roasted yellow squash and zucchini.  One of the nights I didn't have as much left over as the other two nights, so I accompanied it with a piece of chicken Italian sausage.  Another couple of nights, I ate a rotisserie chicken I had gotten from H.E.B. along with some veggies.  I then eat whichever I did not have for lunch - the pudding or the yogurt.

I have had 2 restaurant opportunities to choose wisely since I jumped back on this healthy happy train.  The first was last weekend at Family Lunch.  We went to Texas Roadhouse.  I ordered the grilled pork chop and for my two sides, I got the broccoli without butter or oil and the chili.  The second was at this week's Family Lunch.  We went to BJ's Brewhouse.  I ordered the bowl of chili, a side salad with no croutons and ranch dressing on the side (I do the fork dip method), and then a bowl of steamed veggies (no carrots, no butter, and no oil).

I mostly drink water, except in restaurants where I always seem to order iced tea.

This coming week's meal:  Crockpot Beef Stroganoff served over spaghetti squash - stay tuned for my recipe blog!

The Plan Part 1: Health & Fitness

A new year for most means resolutions.  Let's face it...many resolutions will be made, but not so many will see their way through the year.  It's sorta human nature.  Why?  We get bored...  We get tired...  We get lazy...  It's too hard...  We don't want it bad enough...  Take your pick.  All of the above, perhaps?

2009 started off as a year full of intentions and fizzled out turbo fast.  I somehow picked it back up in July and started on my weight loss journey losing 65 lbs by Christmas.  I also incorporated regular exercise into my life at that time, as well.  For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was on the right path.

2010 started off as a year full of continuing what I had begun in July, but with a new twist...a new challenge...RUNNING!  I managed to lose another 40 lbs, I ran my first 5K, my first 10K, my first half marathon, and many other races.  I dealt with my first two injuries, as well - first hip tendonitis for 4 months in my right hip, and then an anterior superior iliac spine avulsion (pelvic stress fracture).  I weigh less than I have since I entered into high school and with the exception of my little pelvis issue, I feel great.  I didn't maintain my weight loss goals, however.  You see, for 10 months I practiced abstinence from the foods I was not allowed to eat.  Once I started allowing the occasional treat, it was like opening the flood gates and it became harder for me to manage the diet portion of my weight loss, so I became stagnant in that arena.

2011 is the year of finishing what I started.  I will reach my weight loss goals.  I will reach my fitness goals.  They go hand-in-hand, I realize.  By weighing less, I will be a better, stronger runner.  I will once again train for a marathon (Houston Chevron 2012) and hopefully, this time, injury will not prevent me from seeing it through.  I am working on a plan.  It is not practical to go the abstinence route, but on the same token, I need to practice a little better discretion on what I choose to splurge on.

Goals =

50 to 70 lb continued weight loss (the window exists because I've never known a normal weight as an adult (well since I was 8 years old, for that matter), so I have no idea what will look good / feel good on my frame) following the South Beach Diet

minimum of 50 miles per month = 600 miles for the year (368.6 miles in 2010)

complete 4 half marathons (already picked them out cuz that's how I roll)

compete in a minimum of one race a month (yes, even in the horrid wretched summer heat)

compete in my first mini triathlon (and if I like it, do a second one)

cross train with a concentration on arms at least 2x per week

cross train with one 24 hour fitness class per week

train for 1 marathon

work towards a 36 minute 5K (previous 5K PR is 39:40)

bring my lunch to work every day (unless I have a scheduled lunch date with a friend)

There are my goals!  What are yours?

By the way...My Christmas post is totally coming...I just haven't uploaded my pics yet cuz work has been a bit nutty!

Pot Roast: South Beach Style

We all have a vision of what pot roast is supposed to look like and taste like.  It's down home deliciousness, that's what it is!  I mean what's not to love about meat, gravy, veggies, and potatoes that can simmer all day long while you are at work or at play?!  Unfortunately, the vision we all have in our heads is not one that is going to get me to my goal weight on the diet plan I have chosen, so I have created a new vision of pot roast, one in the style of South Beach.

Ingredients:

1 - 2 1/2 lb tender chuck roast
2 yellow squashes - chopped
2 zucchini squashes - chopped
1 onion - diced
celery - sliced
mushrooms - sliced
garlic - minced
1 large can of crushed tomatoes
1 packet of slow cooker pot roast seasoning
salt & pepper

Directions:

First I cubed up my chuck roast just to help it cook and break apart better.  I then put half the can of crushed tomatoes in the bottom of my crock pot and whisked the entire packet of pot roast seasoning mix into it.  I added the roast.  The night before I had done all my dicing, slicing, and chopping so that the morning would be easy breezy.  I added in my onion, zucchini, yellow squash, 'shrooms, and some garlic.  I then topped off the veggies with the remaining half a can of crushed tomatoes and then I sprinkled some salt and pepper on top the whole shbang.  I set my slow cooker to 10 hours on low and let it do it's magic while I went to go earn my income.

When I walked in the door after work, my nose was delighted with the aroma of my creation!  After scooping out a hearty portion in a bowl, my mouth was delighted with the taste of my creation!  Now, your eyes can feast upon (and hopefully be delighted by) the look of my creation!

I ended up eating it as if it were a stew since Phase 1 does not allow me to pile this bad boy on top of some starchy like substance.  It was filling and delicious!  I *heart* crock pots!!!

back to basics

I made a decision BEFORE I raced my half marathon that when I finished it (starting today, Monday, 10/25), I was going back to South Beach, Phase 1 for two weeks.

Question #1:  Why wait until after my half?  Well...I don't know how a lack of bread or fruit carbs is going to affect my body during intensive exercise.  I was unwilling to risk a possible negative effect on a race of that magnitude (or...a race at all, for that matter).  I am willing to risk it for a long Saturday training run.

Question #2:  Why is it necessary to take the step backward at this point in the game?  Well I've been quite stagnant in my weight loss for a LONG time now.  I've also found myself eating way more than is necessary and even eating off of my diet plan (during non special occasions) using that age old excuse that "I've earned it because of the running".  This is a dangerous game to play, by the way.  I've been having big time cravings for the sugar and more often than I care to admit, I've caved into the cravings.  I don't need to be eating that junk.  This leads me to the decision to remove the cravings which means returning to the basics.

Question #3:  How can I handle running without carbs?  Naturally carbs exist in most food that we eat, so I'm not opting to have a meal plan without carbs for a 2 week period, but rather I'm limiting where the carbs are coming from.  I can fuel before my runs with a protein shake, eggs, and/or Canadian bacon (as an example).  I can fuel during my long runs with string cheese, nut butters, and/or nuts.  I will eat veggies (which have carbs) with each meal.  I will consume dairy products (which have carbs) with each meal.  Where there is a will, my friends, there is a way.

Question #4:  Won't it be hard to go back to Phase 1 after having been on Phase 2 for well over a year?  Yes, it will be hard.  Isn't that the point?  For so long when it felt like everything else was spinning out of control in my life, I was able to control my food.  I don't feel like I have that control over my food anymore.  I'm taking back the control. 

I'm still a good 50 to 65 lbs heavier than I need to be.  I think sometimes it gets frustrating to know that I've worked hard for over a year to lose over 100 lbs just to know that isn't good enough or long enough.  I then find myself letting that frustration get the best of me.  I started a journey back on July 6th of 2009.  It was not a mission I took lightly and it is not one that I will quit.  It is a life long journey.  There will be hills, there will be valleys...I am the constant and I am strong.  I can do this.  I will do this.

Phase 1 recipes coming soon!

I run to be...

FREE!

It's true - it kicks my booty every time, the run does, but it never ceases to amaze me how freeing it feels to be able to do something I never thought was possible.  Lauren posted her weekly Workout Wednesday, Get Your Sweat On!  post asking the question how do I run?  It followed her post yesterday explaining how she started running.  Here's my story:

My friend Meliska trained for her very first marathon.  I remember being in awe of her mileage.  How could she do that?  When she actually completed the race (on 6/22/2008 in Alaska, no less), I was so proud of her - I mean there were literally tears of joy in my eyes for her accomplishment when I was sent the picture message of her proudly wearing her medal.   Could I ever do that?  No way, Jose.  BUT...it was in the back of my mind.

When I started my new healthy lifestyle back on July 6, 2009, I got the diet part down easily.  I mean there was a list of food I could eat from and a list of food I couldn't eat from...with a little bit of creativity and sometimes some gray area, I made it work and was very successful.  I exercised, too, but I wasn't really challenged.  I started off trying to do Zumba.  Zumba and I didn't get along very well.  I then headed over to the pool for some water aerobics.  I started off doing it twice a week and then moved onto three times a week.  Occasionally I would throw the elliptical machine into the mix for good measure.  Once 2010 was coming into view, I knew I wanted to change the game.   Silly me was thinking spin class initially, but apparently there was a bigger plan for me brewing.

Younger sister Linda started training for the Aramco Houston Half Marathon in July '09.  In December, I started wondering if maybe I should consider training for that very same race for '11.  I had this grand plan of running as many 1 miles as possible in January and as many 2 miles as possible in February and as many 3 miles as possible in March and...well, you get the picture.  Come December I would be running 12 miles and that would put me in perfect position to run a half marathon in January 2011.  It was just a thought...

Linda ran the Aramco Houston Half on Sunday, January 17th.  I was so extremely proud of her.  I kinda got the running bug.  Meliska kinda preyed off of this.  That's when she hit me with the Rocket's Run.  I told her there was no way.  It was a 5K on January 31st - that meant 3.1 miles.  How could I do 3.1 miles when 3 miles were reserved for March???  BUT...Meliska can be persuasive, so...I signed up and ran it with both Meliska and Lauren and...it was amazing.  I cried at my triumph!  I had no rhyme or reason to my run/walk - I would just run as much as I could, take a walk break, and then start running again.

Melissa spoke to me about using an interval method - this is what she employed and she had a PR for her Rocket's Run.  I decided to do 3/1s. 

I had The Rodeo Run in February, the HEB Bayou City Classic 10K in March and then I started thinking that maybe, just maybe I could sign up for the full marathon in January.  It was around this time that I signed up to run my first half marathon.

I did the Tomball Bunny Run in April.  This time I had a Garmin Forerunner and I had a 4/1 interval method which made for a PR - yay!  My next race was the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon on 8/1.

Upon returning from the race, the very next weekend, I began training with Marathon Team Nam - a running group associated with a non-profit organization.  We train every Saturday.  My coach has encouraged me to drop my interval method to build my distance endurance.  This past weekend, I am proud to announce that I ran 9 miles without any walking breaks.

I have two more half marathons scheduled this year - The Houston Half on 10/24 and RunGirl 13.1 on 12/12.  My next race after that will be the Houston Chevron Full Marathon.

Now, ironically, Melissa had to take a step back from running when she found out she was preggers with Baby-D, so we were only able to do 2 races together.  We have big plans, however, for reuniting in many races to come once the baby is born and she is able to get back into the swing of things.

I've posted before about what a difference a year makes with regard to my weight.  What a difference a year makes with regard to my fitness!  I may not be anywhere near my goal weight YET.  I may not be anywhere near the speed I would like to be (total turtle right here, y'all), BUT I'm doing something I never thought possible.  It's the hardest thing I've ever done - physically, emotionally, and mentally, but I'm doing it step by step, mile by mile. 

When the run is complete, it feels like I balled up whatever was haunting me...whether it was fear, anger, sadness, loneliness...whatever...and squashed it.  For just a little while, nothing else seems to matter.  I am free of the stresses.  That's why I run.

What's the hardest thing you've ever done?
If you run, how did you start?  Why do you continue?

Check out this iPod Shuffle and iTunes giftcard Giveaway on Shut Up & Run's Blog:  http://twentysixpointtwoormore.blogspot.com/2010/10/commit-to-fit-and-ipod-giveaway.html

The Challenge and a new Casserole

I've officially challenged myself to hit the gym every day this week (or at least exercise as running outside will count).  What this means is a 4:30am wake-up on the mornings I decide to do the deed .  It didn't happen this morning, though that was my intention.  Apparently my little Sunday afternoon nap combined with a late night text message hurt my whole 7 hours of planned sleeping to make the early morning rise and shine happen.  =/

No worries, though...good thing I got a do-over after work tonight.

I thought long and hard about whether or not to get some running in and decided I should.  Then I thought long and hard about my chances of a successful run AFTER work with this ridiculous heat.  I opted to run at the gym on the treadmill.  Yes, I know...I'm a treadmill whiner, but at least I did it.  2 miles later (non-stop, I might proudly add - in other words without intervalling), I then hit the elliptical for 35 minutes and called it a night.  


I plan on changing it up a bit throughout the week so I don't get bored and then I'm hoping to turn this into a habit.  It may be asking a bit much to maintain a 5 day a week habit (in addition to my Saturday long run) since life happens, but well...let's just see what happens, shall we?

I also wanted to make sure that I had a food plan in place so that I wouldn't rely on eating out or quick fixes during the week.  I sort of created a meal.  I shredded chicken in the crock pot in some chicken stock.  Once it was cooled, I added a container of plain Greek yogurt for a creamy texture and added protein.  Note that when I made chicken tetrazini, I added cream of chicken soup, but I decided to forgo the soup this time around saving the calories.  I also opted to half the amount of whole wheat noodles and added in spaghetti squash.  Have you ever worked with spaghetti squash before?  Pre-South Beach, I had not.  Then, it became one of my best friends - especially pulling me through Phase 1.  I'm sure there are many different ways to bake one, but the way I do it is to poke lots of holes in it using a sharp knife.  I then put it in a 350 degree preheated oven for about 45 minutes.  After I take my spaghetti squash out of the oven, I carefully cut it in half (long way) and remove the seeds using a fork.  I then use the fork to make "spaghetti" strands and put them in a separate bowl.  Here are some pics.

I wanted to continue to pump up the veggies in my dish, so I roasted some yellow squash and zucchini squash with a bit of Olive Oil Pam and some garlic and rock salt.  I also added frozen chopped spinach.  I layered the squash and spinach in the casserole dish with the combination of  the chicken (still in the stock) with the yogurt and the spaghetti squash and my whole wheat spaghetti noodles. I then thought long and hard about neglecting the cheese, but gosh...I just couldn't do it.  Maybe one day, I'll find that kind of strength.  I just topped the whole concoction with a bit of shredded Parmesan and some Italian seasoning (though I admit fresh herbs would have been better) and behold...a fantastic meal chock full of veggies for the week.  Baked on 350 degrees until it was heated throughout and then wow!  Here's a pic of the finished product.

Have you challenged yourself this week?

might Kim return to Klein?

Yes, she just might (well more like she will)...BUT more on that in just a sec...


So I cut up tons o' veggies to bring to work with me for the week when I get the munchies.  I tried to commission my mom to cut up veggies for me (I'm convinced veggies taste best when she cuts them up) and then I tried to commission my dad to be a pack mule if my commissioning of my mom worked, but somehow apparently I'm not a good commissioner (which really sucks, by the way).  Oh well...  =P

Oh and just cuz I think it's hilarious, I have to share this with you.  I'm really thinking the coaching team for my marathon training is a bit over ambitious.  I got an email the other day that was a "heads up" of sorts regarding a 5K they are strongly encouraging us all to sign up for which just so happens to be sponsored by my high school alma mater, Klein High.  This irony, is not lost on me, by the way...I mean I HATED running the mile in P.E. class - it was like the worst kind of punishment EVER and here I am going to pay money to run 3 miles.  My oh my how life has changed.  Anyway, so the cRaZy part is that the race is on Saturday, September 11th beginning at 7:30am, but my running group is scheduled to run 7 miles that day.  So....the email actually stated that it would be interesting to see how we handle racing a 5K after having run 7 miles earlier.  Dudes....how much earlier?  I mean I am SLOW, so 7 miles is gonna take me over an hour and a half and we have to make it over to the high school in enough time for the race, so what time do we have to start running the 7 and what kind of shape am I going to be in to run the 5K?  I can guarantee there will be no PR for this race!!!  BUT alas....I'm always up for a challenge and I've already started commissioning (oh wait....there is that word again...maybe I'm not so horrible at it after all) some friends to join me, so BRING IT Klein High!

If anyone else is interested in partaking in this 5K, here is the website:  http://bearkatbash.com/.  It's $25 and is a timed event with a t-shirt and after-party to boot.  Who knew Klein put on such an event?!  I surely did not. 

I hope I have time to change from my 7-miler stinky running attire to fresh running attire for the 5K.  I'm just sayin'...the crowds will thank me.

it's GOAL time...

you know...instead of SHOW time...

So, I've been thinking that I really need to shave at least 24 minutes (and 39 seconds) from my half marathon time for the next one coming up on October 24th.

How do I plan on doing that?  Well...let's see...I have a plan, of course!

First of all, I want to shed 15 lbs before my race - I feel this is TOTALLY achievable since I have 11 1/2 weeks to do it AND killah willpower AND mega motivation AND some mad skillz.  I can do this through diet and exercise.  I will be sticking with my South Beach roots all the while watching the ol' portion sizes and making sure I'm eating plenty of veggies.  As for the exercise, I will be doing a blend of running and cross training - hoping to focus on cross training in the morning and incorporate running in the evenings 3 times per week (in addition to my long run on Saturdays).

Secondly, I now have the benefit of belonging to a running group.  I really feel like this is going to give me the the support, group comraderie, and accountability that was lacking in my solo runs.  I'm turbo excited about this.

Third, I will have home-town advantage this time around.

Fourth, I will have experience behind my belt.

Finally, I am going to properly stretch before and after each activity EVERY TIME no matter what!

Having a goal is key - it keeps you on your toes mentally and physically!  What kinds of goals have you set recently and more importantly, how will you reward yourself when you reach them?

Back to Basics

For the past 7 weeks, I haven't lost any weight.  I *totally* haven't deserved to lose any, mind you.  With the exception of this past week, I didn't gain any either, so I'm pretty proud of that.  I figure I will be an expert at maintenance when I get there.  =D  So what happened in general?  Stress happened.  I stuck to my diet plan - following The South Beach diet - BUT I have definitely eaten more than my fair share of calories.  I also have relied mostly on eating out as opposed to preparing my own food because of my additional work hours and lack of energy once I am home.  So what happened this past week...well I was CARBO-LOADING for one.  haha!  Secondly, I was tremendously stressed with work and with the upcoming race, so comforting myself with food - albeit South Beach acceptably, but not in the right quantities and not the right mix (in other words not enough veggies and definitely too many carbs).  Finally...my body is strongly objecting to my half marathon.  I went for my massage yesterday, and Sarah (super massage therapist and awesome friend) reported that my legs are VERY inflamed right now - this means some water retention is going on, folks. 

So, post massage last night, I went to the grocery store and bought cucumbers, celery, a package of colored peppers, bananas, blueberries, a bag of baby spinach, grape tomatoes, avocados, 96% lean beef, greek yogurt, my Kroger brand Carb Master yogurt, and some mini Baby Bell light cheese.

During my lunch break, I will hit up Walmart for the rest of my grocery needs.

Oh, I read an article recently that discussed the importance of eating your water (versus just drinking it).  That's why veggies are so important!!!  They have tons of water in them (source here) - specifically cucumbers and tomatoes (both 97% water) and zucchini (95% water). 

Here is my meal plan for today:

Breakfast
Kroger Brand Carb Master yogurt
banana
Bobo's Oat Bar

Lunch
reduced sodium Deli-Select turkey
low carb pita
hummus
celery
cucumbers
mini Baby Bell cheese

Dinner
taco salad
    taco meat
    baby spinach
    avocado
    grape tomatoes
    black beans
    black olives
    reduced fat mexi-blend cheese
    greek yogurt
    salsa

Dessert
    blueberries

I will add back in exercise as soon as my body isn't sore...starting off with lower impact cardio like the exercise bike and the elliptical.  Full Marathon training begins on Saturday with a 3-mile run.  What's 3 miles?!  ;)

How's your eating going?  Do you write down what you eat or wing it?  Do you follow a specific diet plan? 

What a Difference a Year Makes

It's been one whole year since I started my new lifestyle - one filled with healthy eating, exercise, and boundary establishing (I haven't talked a whole lot about that last one, but I will in future posts).  I wish I had blogged back then so that you, my faithful readers, and I could really see the full transformation.  I think it's more than just physical. 

Until earlier today when Lauren posted her interview with me where I spilled all, only my closest friends and my family knew what really triggered my whole need for change.  I'm going to share it with you now.  It's quite embarrassing, really.  At younger sister Linda's wedding on March 21, 2009, my size 24 bridesmaid dress (which should have been a size 26) split open.  At the time, I blamed it on the dress getting caught on the bottom of the chair and me scooting the chair.  That part is true, mind you, but that alone didn't cause my zipper to rip the entire length of the dress.  Let's face it - it was busting at the seams because I was at my all-time heaviest weight.  This is not something I am proud of, but it is a fact.  My mom had brought a beautiful lace shawl in case my sister got cold and had left it upstairs in the bridal room, so older sister Cathy went up to get it.  Then sister-in-law April  tied the shawl just so to get me through my Maid-of-Honor speech and toast.  Afterwards, I was able to slip out, drive home, change into a different dress, and make it back to the reception - all in about 20 minutes (thank God the facility was so close to the house).  I was humiliated.  You think that would have made me jump on the wagon right then and there, but apparently I had a little more emotional downward spiraling to do before I got my act together on July 6, 2009.  Then there was no looking back.

I feel like a whole new me.  I'm doing things I never would have thought possible and I'm doing it all with a rejuvenated spirit!  Although I've lost 106 lbs, I still have another 60+ lbs to lose.  Even once those pounds are gone it will be a forever battle, but it's a battle I'm willing to fight because I never want to feel so unhealthy and so uncomfortable in my own skin ever again.  It's funny to gleefully go to doctor appointments (versus dreading them) because I know I will get a "good job" instead of a lecture.  It's awesome to know the aches and pains I have are from running or other forms of exercising and not from excessive weight on my joints and bones.  It's empowering to see the changes in my body.  It's so many different emotions...

What difference has a year made to you?

oh a little bit of this and that...

I lowered my goal weight by 25 lbs.  No worries, my little lovebugs, this 25 lbs by no means will make me too skinny.  The thing is, I have been over-weight since I've been 9, so I was trying to be fair to myself when I set my initial goal weight.  I wasn't looking to be super skinny...I was just looking to be normal...to be healthy.  I actually know that my initial goal weight would put me in a healthy category, but I realize now that I won't be happy with myself there because I know that I am capable of going further and becoming even healthier.  It's also really difficult to set something like this without really knowing what will look right / be right, you know?!  It would be one thing if I had once been a normal size, then gained weight and was just trying to get back to my fighting weight.  At this point, I'm 44.4 lbs lighter than I've ever been since high school even.  Weird, huh?! 

The scale does some super weird things.  I will go 2 or 3 weeks without any loss and then BAM! I will have a nice loss to make up for it.  I recorded my weight loss on 5/31 to be at 102.6 lbs down.  I lost absolutely nothing 6/7 and had the same problem on 6/14.  I went to weigh in on Monday, 6/21, and BAM! I had lost 3.8 lbs for a total of 106.4 lbs down.  What makes it especially odd is the fact that I felt I was a total chow hound last week (and I'm not referring to my Father's Day feast or the slice of my brother-in-law's birthday cake I ate) and I hardly got any exercise in at all as a result of a VERY stressful week at work.  I think sometimes the scale doesn't give you what you deserve when you deserve it, but eventually it comes around.  =)

For the record, although I felt I was a chow hound, I still ate within my diet plan.  I truly do feel that is the secret to my success.  No matter what the situation whether it be boredom, sadness, joy, stress, hunger, or whatever that initiates the ravenous beast within, I stick to the general guidelines.  I've recently discovered some new products (well not necessarily new to the world, but new to me) and thought I would share.  Though these might not be South Beach stamped, I read labels like nobody's business and determine whether or not things are acceptable based on other things that I know are acceptable, if that makes any sense.  Basically, not everything is black and white, so I call the gray area my interpretation of the diet.  Here are some examples:

We all know I love my Guittard extra dark chocolate chips.  They have 6 grams of sugar in them for 30 chocolate chips.   They are simply devine, but since they don't come in single servings, I have to rely on my CONTROL to stick to the 30.  Let's face it...I'm not always in control, so I don't always have these tasty little morsels in my home.  BUT, alas...a girl needs a chocolate fix from time to time.  Older sister Cathy suggested the Snickers Marathon Energy Bar.  They are only 150 calories with 11 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, and 9 grams of sugar.  It's a party in my mouth and has some nice nutritional info to boot.

Additionally, I discovered Bobo's Oat Bars at H.E.B.  Now H.E.B. sells them for $2.50 a piece, but if you buy them on Amazon.com, they are a little over $2.00 a piece.  There are 10 different flavors to choose from, too (apricot is my fave).  These are good for breakfast with maybe a glass of ice cold skim milk.  They are 180 calories, 3 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and 9 grams of sugar.  I would liken it to a cross between a muffin and a really soft oatmeal cookie.  ***UPDATE:  apparently I need to learn to read a label correctly - the nutritional information I listed is for 1/2 the bar, not the whole bar...I apologize for the mis-information.  Let this be a lesson to us all about making sure we fully read/understand what we are putting in our mouths at all times***

The Laughing Cow came out with their new flavors recently.  I picked up the Light Queso Fresco & Chipotle and had it for lunch today spread on whole wheat sandwich thins.  It was creamy, spicy, smoky...I'd even go so far as to call it zippy.  For only 35 calories per wedge, it's a great spread on some sort of bread or even celery.  I know some people put it on potatoes (not allowed on South Beach, though), too.  The Hungry Girl also uses The Laughing Cow cheese wedges in several of her recipes.


Okay, that's all I have for you for now other than to tell you that I also seem to have a HUGE hummus problem lately.  I can't get enough of that stuff.  You know what?  If I just happened to run out of whole wheat pita, I'm pretty sure I could just grab a spoon and start digging in.  Don't judge me!  =P

100 LBS GONE, but not forgotten

In 47 weeks, I've shed 100 lbs (well 102.6 to be exact). That's 5 dress sizes (as I mentioned in my Sunday Funday blog). This means I've lost 31.25% of my body weight and that I'm just over 2/3 of the way to meeting my weight loss goal.



Here is a BEFORE picture of me. This was taken at younger sister Linda's pre-wedding Luau on March 20, 2009. I was quite the chunky monkey!

Here is an IN PROGRESS picture of me taken on May 31, 2010. Note that I did not say AFTER because I'm not done yet. =)

Big difference, huh?

How did I do it? Well if you are just tuning in, I started the South Beach diet on July 6, 2009. With the exception of the fact that I eat full fat cheese in restaurants or at parties (because God forbid I were to give up cheese when offered), I stick to the plan 24/7. I only swayed from my diet while on vacation in Playa del Carmen earlier this month - that was after 10 months of being a good little dieter...er...life style changer.

Other than that, I have incorporated a good healthy dose of exercise in my life. I started off trying a couple of Zumba classes, but alas...though an amazing workout, they kinda stressed me out since I never really could get the moves down. Next I moved onto water aerobics. I started off doing it twice a week and then moved on to three times a week. Occasionally, I would go to the gym and do the elliptical for 30 minutes, as well. Starting in January, I took up running and did a few local 5Ks and even a 10K. Now I'm training for my very first half marathon which is on August 1st in Chicago! Besides running, I've given yoga a try (and plan on going back when it works into my schedule) and I continue to workout at the gym on the elliptical and the recumbant bike. Once my half marathon has been run, my training will begin for the Houston Full Marathon (eeek)!

In my very first post, I discussed how many times I had tried and failed on the dieting front. There really is something to be said about *finally* being in that right state of mind to embark upon that journey...successfully. I was miserable with the way I looked and the way I felt. Carrying around an extra 100 lbs is no laughing matter. I still have aches and pains, mind you - but those are from intense exercise and there is a certain feeling of pride that comes from that kind of hurt.

I never ever preach about what diet plan any person should be on, it is just important to pick a HEALTHY one that works with your life style and then to be FAITHFUL to it. I specifically chose South Beach for me because I wanted something that did not require me to keep track of calories or journal my food, but that would rid this body of cravings. With the exception of that whole Chocolate Stat incident last month, it's done just that for me! It is also of great importance to just MOVE - whether it be walking around the block, taking a class at the gym, or doing an exercise DVD in the comfort of your own home.

I've been asked how I plan to celebrate this 100 lb. mark. I didn't have any specific plans...probably because I know I'm not done. Though I know I shouldn't reward myself with food, I did allow myself to indulge *slightly* on this Memorial Day. I went to lunch with my Amy. We decided to be adventurous (for us, this means we went to a restaurant we have never been to before). I had a margarita. It was amazing. The rest of the meal (fajitas, no rice, double beans) was South Beach friendly. After lunch, I went to my Meliska's house for a BBQ. There, I had a little bit of crockpot mac 'n cheese. It was just a taste, definitely not on the diet, but mmmm...it was good. Thanks to Greggy-D for that bite of heaven! Later in the day, I had a scoop of dirt cake that Greg's cousin Amanda made. She told me she made it with sugar free pudding, South Beach approved Cool Whip, reduced fat oreos, and some gummy worms. So, with the exception of the oreos and the gummy worm, it wasn't soooo bad. haha!

I guess I will just start planning my REAL reward for when I reach my goal weight - which will hopefully be by the end of the year. In the meanwhile, I will continue my healthy eating and my exercising (with a strong focus on running) and fully enjoy my increased energy and rejuvenated spirit.

Over Packer???

I don't know if I'm a random packer or an over-packer. Maybe a little bit of both OR maybe, just maybe I'm ingenious.

Below is something I bought last year from Amazon.com when I went on a cruise with my siblings. It's a straw beach mat that you can either put directly in the sand or up in your beach or pool chair.

Then there is this nifty little pouch I also purchased last year from Academy. It is waterproof and ideal for holding your iPod, camera, and anything else you may be concerned about getting wet.

Since we are going all-inclusive and I'm going to try to stay on my diet as much as possible, but still enjoy myself, I was trying to think of some things I could bring with me to help. Of course I'm bringing a box of snack bars with me. Though I mostly eat South Beach snack bars, there are some Atkins bars I eat depending on the nutritional information (Atkins has a tendency to be a much higher fat diet). I discovered these bars a couple of weeks ago and really enjoy them. They are 120 calories, 5 grams of fat, 8 grams of fiber, and 10 grams of protein.

Since I started my journey over 10 months ago, I have SEVERELY cut back on the alcohol consumption. I very rarely drink...first and foremost, it's empty calories. Secondly, it goes straight to my head. Finally, it doesn't really fit in with my training schedule. I do recognize, however, that being at an all-inclusive resort on a vacation means that I most likely will partake in some drinking, BUT I want to minimize the amount of sugar/calories I consume. Technically, South Beach allows wine. I'm a wimpy wine drinker and sometimes wine makes me feel sick. My solution...I figure I can always order a shot of vodka, a bottle of water, and a glass of ice. I will then add a portion of a packet of this (or any other flavor I so choose):

Can't forget the sunscreen! I'm bringing 2 different SPFs - 15 and 30 and in the spray-on variety because I find it provides a nice even coverage and dries quickly. I also bought a separate SPF 30 face specific sunscreen because I have worked very hard to get my face acne-free and I plan on maintaining it that way. I also purchased lip balm with SPF 45. I can't stand when my lips are chapped or burned. To complete the skin-care portion, what trip to the tropics should be embarked upon without aloe vera (just in case)?!?!

Last, but not least...what trip would be complete without a travel gnome? My friend Meliska gave him to me a long, long time ago (we became friends over a mutual love for the movie Amelie, garden gnomes, scary movies, and all things European). I forget him every time I go on vacation, but NOT THIS TIME! He is already in my suitcase and ready to go on his very first trip! Be on the look-out for pics from my trip - it might be like a Where's Waldo kinda deal! =P

I *HEART* Pizza

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's amore (for a big pizza pie, at any rate)! Pizza used to be one of my favorite foods, did you know?! I mean honestly, what's not to love? Depending on how you order it or make it, it's an all-inclusive kinda meal - all four food groups in one delightfully tasty treat. Mmmmmm.....

Being originally from Chicago, I do enjoy my Chicago style pie. Whenever we visit the ol' relatives, we almost always manage to sneak in some Lou Malnati's. The last 2 times I've been to Chicago, we somehow didn't have the time to partake in the gluttony. I can't say I was heartbroken as it probably would have been difficult to watch everyone eat it and that is definitely something not on The South Beach diet.

When I was in Chicago for my annual management meetings back in November, however, some of us were hungry one evening and so my brother ordered some regular pizza and had it delivered to the hotel we were staying at. I always admit that the only cheating I do on my diet is full fat cheese in restaurants versus reduced fat (since that is rarely, if ever an option). I ate the cheese/sauce off the pizza leaving the crust behind. That's the only "pizza" I've had since I started my life style change in July with the exception of my own little low carb / low fat / low calorie version I created.

I take a low carb small tortilla (either Mission or South Beach brand) and I add some diced fire roasted tomatoes (out of the can). I then add 2% Italian cheese blend, turkey pepperoni, and if I'm feeling a little zesty, I throw on some green olives. I then sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning on top and throw it in the oven on 350 degrees until the cheese is all melted and the tortilla is all crispy. It may not be the real deal, but it's pretty darn tasty for a healthy-ish substitute.

My friends have all been AMAZINGLY supportive of my quest for a healthier me. They are soooo cute about always making sure I will have options wherever we are going to eat. It's Greggy-D's bday on Sunday (the big 30, to boot) and he decided he wanted an ol' fashioned pizza party at a place called Star Pizza down in Rice Village which we celebrated tonight. Mellie Bellie called me up on Thursday night to "break it to me". See...this is how thoughtful my friends are...they are worried about my diet when it's their birthday celebration. I pride myself on being quite adaptable, though, so I said no worries...I can always find something to eat anywhere I go. A few minutes later, however, I called my Meliska back up and told her how excited I was because while scoping out the menu to decide on a salad, I noticed that Star Pizza offers up a whole wheat crust option. Eureka!!! I can eat whole wheat crust, my little buttercups!!! Kim had herself some real pizza! What a delectable treat - a perfect way to celebrate Greggy-D's entrance into the wonderful world of 30 and a fantastic way to carbo-load before tomorrow's 8 miler part deux. I decided on the small veggie pizza and I only ate 1/2 (which was plenty). Broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, and zucchini were generously covering every inch of my pizza (I opted out of the green pepper since I don't do cooked peppers EVER). It was fabulous! After dinner, we walked over to an ice cream place called Amy's Ice Creams. They had such interesting flavors like avocado and lavender. Had I not been fully committed to my plan, I would have totally tried one of those just to be wild and crazy, but alas...I brought a South Beach Fiber Fit chocolate bar with me and ate that instead. Let's hear it for preplanning!

You know what??? The only thing that was better than getting to eat my yummy pizza tonight was the fact that I got to enjoy that experience with such fantasmic company! =D