BAD case of the "I don'wannas" yesterday, probably because I didn't get the workout in first thing. I had a morning appointment, got involved with other projects, and finally after much procrastinating got off my butt and started Core Synergistics at 6:30 p.m. It was hard. Immediately after, I did pooper scooper patrol and mowed the lawn, for my extra session.
But this morning, I was determined to start the day off better! I laid out my exercise togs the night before and got dressed first thing in the morning. Had a delicious breakfast of homemade Greek yogurt, so thick it was almost cheese (love it like that)! with fresh berries and a handful of walnuts, waited just long enough to let it settle, and dove into Cardio X. It really works best for me when I get the workout done before noon. If it drags on, it's hanging over my head all day long, and I don't like that.
One of the things that really helped me before was getting into a food routine. For a long time I had exactly the same breakfast and snack almost every day --- nonfat Greek yogurt with fruit for breakfast, an apple with two tablespoons of homemade peanut butter for my afternoon snack. I never got bored with this, and one of the advantages is that it helps your caloric intake stay pretty stable, without too much thinking on your part. I'm falling back into a similar routine because it is WHAT WORKS. Breakfast is either the yogurt or a smoothie (cup of unsweetened chocolate almond milk and sometimes half a cup of nonfat yogurt; cup of frozen berries or a frozen banana; scoop of chocolate whey protein, sometimes a little vanilla extract, sometimes a little maple syrup if it isn't sweet enough). Lunch is a big salad of some sort --- right now I'm loving topping spinach with lentil or edamame hummus and a handful of wasabi edamame for a tiny burst of crunch and heat.
I'm also addicted to my homemade protein bars, and can't wait to try a few variations next time I make them. They're delicious and very satisfying after a workout, or mid-afternoon when I need a little something but don't want to spoil dinner.
Speaking of dinner, this has been my recent downfall and where I don't do as well. Or rather, after dinner. That's when I want a dessert, or an extra glass of wine (or both), and also when, at the end of a long day, enjoying the company of my houseguest, I am most tempted to give in. This is where I really need to kick in some technique. Put the wine bottle and the dessert away after serving one portion; don't linger in the kitchen area. And keep my list on hand, in case I need reminding ... or maybe I should just hang a pair of my "skinny jeans" over the kitchen table to remind me that filling up the glass or plate a second time is not going to help me get into them!
Greg, congrats on your almost-five-pound loss and on your stylish blog. I'm going to give it a shout out in a post soon. Writing certainly helps ME be accountable, and I hope it helps you too.
Rebecca, I feel your pain, especially the late-night post-show munchies. When I know I'm going out after a show, I plan to be able to eat something. If it's going to involve carbs (when does it not?) then I make sure I'm getting some high-quality protein with it --- one more reason why midnight breakfast is one of my faves. A nice veggie omelette with a pancake satisfies ALL my late-night cravings!
Ann, thanks for your comments. I've thought about doing cleanses before, and done some reading on them, and am not convinced of their benefits. Some people swear by them and others think they're a lot of hooey. There doesn't seem to be any scientific proof that they're helpful. So if they work for you and you like them, go for it ...I'll pass. I'm pretty sure they would be counterintuitive to good singing ... you need energy to sing, and the last thing you want is anything messing with your digestive system. Now, yoga and stretching are indeed very useful for singing, and ones I often recommend.
Posted by: Cindy | August 30, 2011 at 04:34 PM
Hi Cindy - I've been enjoying reading your blog. I just wanted to make a comment. If you haven't already done so, it's a good idea to first cleanse and detox your body from toxins before embarking on a new diet. Yoga is also an important part of detox because the deep breathing and stretching helps your digestive system with the cleansing out process. Also aids with singing. Thought these couple of tips may encourage you and your readers. http://www.fitnessbootcampindiana.com
Posted by: Ann | August 30, 2011 at 04:07 PM
My downfall, exactly. I am right on target all day, then ka-BOOM after dinner hits. It does not help when friends are over, and I crave a 2nd glass. This is when Pellagrino is my friend (I normally only drink filtered water, so something sparkly is "special") and I get to hog the whole bottle. Still...I sometimes cave in, (last night I am lookin' at YOU) and before I know it I have enjoyed one too many glasses of wine. Nonetheless, I have done well this week...walked to work, yoga and (almost) no sugar. Had a bite of husbands chocolate risotto. And I'm down a pound.
When the opera season starts, after dinner will be a performance, so this issue will resolve itself...sort of. Thats when the getting home at midnight I'm starving blues kick in. But I will face that when I get there in a few more weeks.
Posted by: RebeccaNYC | August 25, 2011 at 08:40 AM
Yes it is the After Dinner Zone. That is my critical trigger/ red zone. It requires the most monitoring, if I am to be successful. BTW, I'm happy to report my first week on my own 90 Day Challenge. I'm down 4.8 lbs! (big men get a discount ya know). See the details at my own blog. Www.themayorofslimville.com I threw it up this week. Writing may help me be more accountable. It will take some time to get my voice, but so far it's fun.
Posted by: Tokyocowboy | August 24, 2011 at 07:39 PM