Nancy’s Weight loss Journey 5 Yrs & Counting

I CAN’T RUN FROM WORK ANYMORE! The sun and I can never be friends. Here’s the problem - genetics! I have dark Asian skin - kiss the sun for 10 min. and I turn 1 shade darker and it lasts for over a year almost. I always hide from the sun. Winters are my favorite time of the year because I stay the lightest I’ll be all year. With the time change I can’t run until after 6:30pm. I know there are many people who pays for tans but I don’t and I don’t like being darker. Shoot, give me a full day in the sun and I can be as dark as you know who we shall not name *Rod* shhhhh!!

With this realization I opted to run at the gym. Plus side got there 1 1/2 hr before yoga and started. Oh man I was loving my run! There was a guy next to me who kept me going. We ran and ran 40 min later I get a tap - ahhhhhh gym is maxed and I went 20 min over the max time during a full day. So I got off, peed, drank water and jumped on a different treadmill for a 13 min. walk.

I have to tell you I am so proud of my progress! I mean less then 3 weeks in I increase my speed - cut my miles to under 10 minutes per mile and ran 38 minutes straight - no walk except warm up and cool down. Actually its 9.50 per mile! My goal this month was to get to 11 min per mile by end of March - I’m there!!!!

What did I accomplish today? 330 push -ups actually got in 350 push-ups! :), 4 mile run, 1 mile walk and 1 hour yoga + + 10 min abs with Nygel - snuck into their Set class.

My run goal for this week - do 5 miles on the streets with 1 mile walk in 65 min. Maybe this Friday……..???

I’m tired now. Gonna go eat, chat with my honey and come back to check on my buddies!!

*DISCLAIMER* As always, what I write about is not professional opinion…just my opinion base on my experience.  I promised my girl Dagny a blog about why I don’t do crunches or full sit-ups.

You want flat abs as many of our buddyslimmers here desire.   Despite the facts, many people still think they can get flat abs if they just keep doing enough ab exercises. We think we can’t reach this goal because we’re doing doing something wrong. The reality, getting six-pack abs is hard and, if you haven’t seen yours yet, maybe it’s not what you’re doing that is preventing you from getting them.

The truth is, flat abs are difficult to get.  I will never have flat abs but I’m ok with that.  I want to look lean all around.

Wanna know what you really need for flat abs?

Despite what you think, ab exercises are NOT the number one thing you need to do for flat abs. In fact, getting flat abs requires hard work, commitment and something else you have no control over: genes.

The only way to get flat abs is to lose body fat and you already know what that requires:

1.  Regular cardio exercises

2.  Strength conditioning overall 2 to 3 times a week

3.  Healthy eating

Why I am not a fan of crunches and sit-ups

1000 sit ups and crunches a day and still no abs! “1000+ reps of ab work four days a week is an amazing feat of endurance, but that’s not how you get abs! You probably have outstanding development in your abdominal muscles. Unfortunately, if your abs are covered up with a layer of fat, you won’t be able to see them no matter how many crunches or sit ups you do. You “get abs” from reducing your body fat and you reduce body fat mostly through diet and cardio.” From a body building article.

So, what should you do?  What would I suggest?  My suggestion, strive for a strong core.  Your core is your powerhouse.  Weak core, not as much strength to carry through intensive workout.  Strong core…..you will kiss some nice a$$.  It doesn’t matter if you kickbox, swim,bike, run,walk, lift weights, practice yoga, pilates, climb mountains, run a marathon, swim a triathlon, you need a strong center.

What’s makes up your core?

From an article. Strengthening your ‘core muscles’ on a regular basis is one of the most important things you can do. These muscles include everything from your chest to your pelvis, with the abdominal muscles and lower-back muscles being the most important. Good ‘core strength’ is vitally important for complete fitness!

I am so not a fan of crunches either.  Only do them when I have to as warm-up mainly if anything.  Other then that I recommend yoga, pilates and push-ups to gain core strength.  A consistant yoga and Pilates practice will help you strength your core thus give you a lean look, the one we all strive for.  Push-ups because it’s my favorite single body conditioning regimen.  I hope to add my 400 puhs-ups into my routine real real soon.

Mat-based Pilates – the most popular form of Pilates.  This is a series of exercises performed on the floor using gravity and your own body weight to provide the resistance.  The central aim is to condition the deeper, supporting muscles of the body to improve posture, balance and coordination.

Just remember to learn the different breath for yoga and Pilates.  Never ever hold your breath.  You instructor, well I can tell because you will look stiff.  Breath, do your exercise and get those sexy abs.

ONE MORE THING - WHY SEXY BACK???  If you want to have nice abs - you must work on having a strong back!!!! Don’t forget, everything ties into together.

I missed last night’s class because I was tired and Rod wants me home.

I just got back from a kickboxing class and it was the bomb!!!!!!!!!! I am so pumped!

Can’t wait for weights and yoga tomorrow.  Weights is my own interval routine.

On the food front - I think I hit 2000 calories no problem probably 1700-2000!!!  Darn darn people!!! Why did they bring chocolate into the house!!!!!!!!!!!!   I know I set a goal to eat that much but I am mad I did.  Makes no sense but it’s done.  And I didn’t enjoy the chocolate. AUNT FLOW is so on her way to my house.

I ate sooooo well all day, but I snapped just a bit and ate more then I intended tonight.   It’s all good, first high cal day due to chocolate but good food all day long.  Night done…looking forward to tomorrow.

BLUSH!!!

About my friend Nolan’s win on Lifetime’s Blush:

Nolan Robert has just been voted the top makeup artist on the season one finale of Lifetime’s “Blush,” taking home a deal with makeup line Max Factor. From his first challenge on the show, Nolan set the bar with a keen eye for beauty, a high level of creativity, and a genuine grace that won the show’s judges over in the end.

One of the ten contestants chosen from thousands around the country, Nolan has now won a contract as a professional artist with Max Factor, a cash prize of $100,000 and the opportunity to work as a makeup artist for an upcoming InStyle magazine photo shoot. Hosted by Vanessa Marcil, in each episode, the contestants, who all lived under one roof in Los Angeles, competed in different makeup competitions designed to test the skills and personality traits necessary for success in their field.

I miss hanging out with my friends. I did see him last Monday.  Guess what he’s doing the the $100,000?  Saving it for him and his boyfriend!  Smart guy!

This PHOTO IS FROM FEBRUARY 2008.  Nolan is in the Red bandana.  We always wore our bandanas and coordinate accordingly - except for that day.  I was about 185 lbs and that was my first class in a long time. I was huffing and puffing through it.  I was out of SHAPE!!  My girl in the pink Stephanie and I were soul sisters.  That’s her first professional kickboxing class as instructor!  The original gym we went to they cancelled class - we had 50 people.  Ended up going to a different spot and we followed her.  We had fun.  She and I are no longer hanging out like we once did.  One day…I pray we can resurrect our friendship.  I miss her.

SO GLAD I STARTED ON BUDDYSLIM FAITHFULLY IN APRIL OF 2008.

DAY 70 OF NO NITE TIME EATING - 70 days in review

70 days ago I decided to attack my  night time eating issue.  I remember wow, day 1, how long is this gonna last?  How hard is this gonna be?

See, I would eat about 1500 - 1800 calories by 9pm.  Then I would eat again, at 11pm or so when my honey picks up fast food.  I was maintaining maintaining maintaining.  I knew what my problem was.  I knew I had to take it one day at a time.

In 70 days I ate after 9pm 5 times - once because I didn’t get in enough calories, 3 other times just because I couldn’t control the urge and the 5th time two nights ago because I wanted apple.

I used to sleep walk and eat.  I would eat and eat and eat at night.  No control.  Didn’t matter if I did 2 or 3 hours at the gym, I was eating like a hog at night.

It took 30 days before the habit finally took shape.  I remember around day 45 when I finally felt in control.  Then I stopped counting days because it was a part of my life by now.

When I first got sick last week I was hungry the first day.  Day 2 on, I had no appetite.  What I did, I continued to take in lots of liquids and always ate an apple.  It was around the 5th day before I started having an appetite.  I said to myself, what was it about being sick that made you not want to eat?  I don’t know what it was.  All I know was, I finally felt in control!!!  I wanted to continue feeling in control but I was afraid my appetite will return and so will the excess eating.

Well, today is day 70, I’ve been doing very well.  I still have urges to eat, but I won’t allow the urge to control me.  I earned my 2nd quarter!  Yah Debbie!  #2!!!

I am a night time eater.  With that I knew I have to eat light during the day, always have breakfast and save my calories for my last meal, unless it’s an exercise day.  I also am fond of fruits, not craving processed food or sugar as much because so much of it has been eliminated from my diet.  I don’t crave salty food either because most of what I eat is not salty, unless it’s the pizza  that my wonderful sister bought!

All in all, it’s taken me 70 day to break in a good habit.  I have 30 more days to go.  I hope I can stop counting soon.  With night time eating almost under control, I am also able to control what I eat and how much I eat during the day.

My tip - we all have Day#1 of something…..you will fall once or twice or three times.  The important thing is to never give in, never give up and sooner or later, you will win the battle!

Yesterday, 2 hours before gym time and in preparation for my workout I tried to get my fruits in. I started with a big peach but it didn’t taste right. I went on to my pear and it didn’t taste right either. I ended up eating a nectarine and some of my chili. Well, my 3pm snack didn’t sit too well with me. I started having a stomach ache right away.

So I went to the gym still feeling full, which normally doesn’t happen because I give mself 2 hrs to digest my food. So I felt bloated and my tummy was playing with me. I got to the gym 1/2 hr before kickboxing so my instructor called me in to participate in step. I had fun; I looked goofy because I rarely do steps but I did my thing and considered that my warm up for kickboxing. I was having a hard time in kickboxing because I still felt bad; but did it and got a good sweat, not my best work, but enough to get a good hour in. Then came yoga. Did that but felt queasy the whole time.

The food poisoning hits full force once I got home. On top of feeling sick I was up till about 4am because Rodney was working on an art project. Luckily for me, this FP had a short run; just 12 hours.

I think the peach was bad and it went through my system really quick.

Hoping for a better day today. I’ve been forgetful lately - last week was my workout shoes, today my workout bras. Normally I have extras in the car but lately I’ve been too busy to check. So gotta go home midday to get it so I can do weights and some cardio for 2 hours. No classes today - just my own routine.

Reasons why we have a hard time losing weight. And how I loss weight and hopefully permanent weightloss

Our environment
We are a nation dependent on easy transportation – that of automobile, train, plane, etc.
In an ideal world I would not drive to work. The best mode of transportation would be bike. It would be a great exercise, about 10 miles to and from work. Problem is the safety factor. Even though there are bike lanes I’m afraid I’ll get hit by one of our many car happy people who likes to drive 50 mph in a 30 mph zone.

Prepackaged food and Fast food crazed nation.
Albeit it economic or social reasons, many of us eat fatty fast food and prepackaged food. It’s fast, easy and cheap. All that stuff in the middle aisles of the grocery store are bad for us – usually made with unhealthy fat, a ton of salt and sugar which leads to food addiction.

A quote I found that I find so true “If you don’t feel happier being lighter than you do when indulging in the momentary gratification of eating food which is bad for you, then figure out why. The human mind and heart are opaque, and hard to untangle. If self-destruction (Thanatos) or self-sabotage is ultimately more rewarding than being lighter, then you have to ask yourself why that is so and work until you get the answer. Yes, we all resist admitting we have a problem we can’t solve, and there is still a stigma about seeing a psychiatrist or counselor. But there’s really no substitute for understanding what’s going on inside you. I did it (for depression), and I recommend it. Many people would be better off spending the money they waste on diets (wasted in the sense that their weight loss is only temporary) on some counseling to resolve the issues which underpin their unhealthy lifestyle.”

I completely agree. When I lost my first 70 lbs, I was not happy. Even though I was lighter and fit into clothes I only dreamt of, I was not happy with me; thus I was not happy with my weight loss. Ultimately I gained 30 lbs back.

Instant gratification and I want a pill solution.
You see those ads on TV – Lose 30 lbs in 30 days or take this pill and you’ll lose weight without changing your food habit or exercise, etc…or try this fast or that fast.

They are full of BS. You can waste your money on propaganda; personally I’d take that money and invest in a personal trainer or gym membership. It doesn’t work and will never work in my opinion. There is no shortcut. Simple as that. Either you commit yourself to it or you will continue to yo-yo diet for the rest of your life. Evolving a healthy lifestyle takes daily effort and a lot of discipline. There is no instant gratification. You will have good days and bad. Embrace it all because it will make you stronger at the end of the day.

Cutting calories is only part of the equation; exercise is essential.
Another great quote: “The diet industry is built upon the edifice of calorie-counting; exercise is always mentioned, but basically it is dismissed because it’s unprofitable to everyone but gyms. If going to a gym works for you, then great; if it doesn’t, then you have to find some other way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.” I love going to the gym because I found classes and exercise that sparks my interest. If the gym doesn’t work for you, find activities that would work for you. Oh, and not having time is a poor excuse for not exercising. We can find time – again, it’s all about commitment to you.

Personally, I try to work out every inch of my body through lots of cardio, strength conditioning, yoga for flexibility and peace of mind and Pilate’s for a strong core. From breathing to sweating, each activity is important and vital to successful weight loss.

I also find setting mini goals helps me. I get excited when I set small goals because they are easy to tackle; thus if I can tackle a small goal I can tackle any goal.

A month ago if someone said to me, “in one month you will do 200 regular push-ups” I would look at them like they are crazy. But I did it. I set mini goals and worked my way up. Meeting goals encourages me to go further and push beyond my comfort zone.

Exercising isn’t enough–you have to change what you’re eating, too.
NO DIETING!!!!!!

Eating well is something advocated on buddyslim time and time again. Eat healthy food and everything else in moderation. Drink your water, eat your fruits and veggies, get your fiber in, and take your vitamin. Don’t deny yourself of anything. If you crave something, just have it NOT the whole box but a small portion. Portion control is key, as many of us know.

I notice we have a lot of soda addicts on BS. Just think of it this way, if you were to drink a can of regular soda it has about 150 calories, two of those and you should be in the gym and on the elliptical for 40 minutes or so to burn it off. Cut the soda and you save 300 calories easy.

Water, it doesn’t taste like anything but so important in the weight loss process. Additionally, water gives you beautiful glowing skin – less make-up for ladies who wears too much already. I get less and less acne these day and I contribute that to my water intake.

And if you do binge or give in to your craving – DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP FOR IT. Just let it go and move on.

Deprivation doesn’t work. Being moderately good does work.
It’s ok to have a slice of pizza or some fries once in a while. Deprivation leads to only one thing – binging.

Weight loss takes time.
From personal experience I can tell you that losing weight takes a lot of time and effort. But don’t ever give up; eventually the changes you’ve made will be noticeable.

IE – as many of my buddies know from previous bogs I was at a plateau for 3 months. Many times during that period I felt discourage but I NEVER GAVE UP. Even though I was not losing “weight” my body was changing. My face is smaller, neck bones are showing, my toes don’t look fat, my fingers look slender – even though the scale show the same number over and over again, my healthy habits were paying off big time.

So take pictures ladies – of your progress – so on those bad days look at them and remind yourself of how far you’ve come on your journey.

”Diets don’t work because they are a priori temporary. Make changes in your daily habits, which will automatically stay with you your entire life. This isn’t as hard as it seems. Some morning yoga or Tai Chi Chuan, an afternoon or evening stroll, finding a low-calorie dessert you like, these types of things aren’t that difficult. “

Reward yourself when you meet goal. Whether it’s a new outfit, candy bar, date night, favorite dinner – reward yourself for your effort and you’ll continue on meeting goal.

After almost 3 weeks of eating right it came crashing down big time last night.  I was a bit prepared; I knew it was lurking somewhere and it was a matter of time before it reared it’s ugly head.

Despite planning my evening meal with 2 light meals, temptation played a role in my demise.   After 45 min. on the elliptical, I bought steamed fish to go with my rice.  Got home and ate that as it’s a planned dinner.  But between that and my last meal I ate a fried Asian dessert, just one - in the past I can eat 4 or 5 in one sitting.  I forgot that today the apt. complex manager was buying the tenants pizza.  So what do I do?  Yep, had a slice.  Then I eat my planned 2nd meal of rice and beef soup.  Do I stop?  NOOOOOOOO, so Rodney comes home at 9:30 and he has a lot of Chinese food - rice and BBQ pork.  Of course I ate some.  This is the first time I ate a meal after 8pm but the point is I fell off the wagon. 

I don’t feel too bad about it because I needed a day of trying to stay on plan and what not but I didn’t want to eat that much food.

I don’t give up easily because I knew Friday was around the corner.   This morning got up and went to my 5:45am kickboxing class and amped that up a bit.  Then I did 25 min. of morning yoga.  To offsett the fatty food from last night I’ll eat an extra serving of nonfat yogurt.  I will also do some cardio and finish it off with my yoga class.

 Losing weight, staying healthy, eating right and exercising is something I want to do for the rest of my life.   There will be many more bad days but I always keep a positive attitude and tell myself this day too shall pass and it’ll be ok.  Just never give up and never give in.

 My moms recently told me again, that this is the smallest I’ll ever be and I will NOT lose anymore.  I wish she would be more supportive but I refuse to believe her.  I know I can lose more and will lose more and be healthier and stronger then ever.  As long as I believe in me it doesn’t matter what others think.     

Food Log

Exercise Log

I made it! I can do the happy dance today.

Day 14
I have a better grasp on grazing and eating overall. The first few days were hard but after a week it became second nature. I had a great 3 day weekend and I was pleasantly surprise I kept within plan and did not graze nor did I gorge myself to death on the delicious Kenyan food made by Rodney’s mom. I had chips and ice cream during the day and in moderation. These days a small handful of chips or a 1/3 cup of ice cream is as filling as a whole bag of chips or a pint of ice cream. I enjoy food, the process of eating. I take my time and engage all my senses. I actually look at what I’m about to put in my mouth, smell it, like the smell of fresh toast is amazing. I chew slower so I it last a little longer. I now have a good relationship with food because it no longer controls me. I control what is eaten, the quality and when I eat. For my homemade lunches at work, I buy higher end, organic food because it’s just for me. I stock up on chicken breasts and have been experimenting with different recipes and it’s been tasty and fun.
I don’t crave junk food the way I used to. That was a biggie, especially with Rodney eating fast food late at night so he can gain weight.

So today, almost 100 days into my return to buddyslim, I exercise daily, eat healthy and high quaity food but I also give myself treats here and there with no guilt. I hope 100 days from now I am on plan and even smaller and healthier then I am today. This time around I can honestly say I enjoyed the process - I love my workout routine, love my exercise, love the food I eat and love me. I can finally say it without feeling weird - I finally love myself.

Food Log

Exercise Log

Thank you so much to everyone who supported me through my fried jumbo shrimp ordeal.  Could you imagine if I caved in and ate 1 1/2 pound of fried shrimp?  What a disaster - but averted because I have you guys to support me.

So over the weekend, my other half, the love of my life FINALLY had an ah ha moment.  When I came back home from being at the gym for 3 hours on Saturday, he looked and me and said, “You really like working out huh?  It’s like how I feel about speeding.”  That, my dear friends, is what I needed.  Yesssss! He gets it - he finally has.  That I go to the gym to workout out, not socialize for the most part, not goof off but to sweat and stay healthy.  He finally understands that it’s my alone time and I enjoy it so much.  I get a rush from working out and it gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment with each session.  I challenge myself to go harder, get in another minute when I think I can’t do it anymore, to do an extra set of chest presses when my arms and chest are shaking - it’s the thrill of knowing that I am a challenger and a winner.   Three hours is alot of time to him to spend there but for me it feels like it’s only been minutes since I entered the facility.   

I hope in time he accepts my weightloss and start telling me I’m beautiful again instead of telling me he misses my fat.  Hey, one day at a time right?  For now it feels good knowing  that he’s starting to accept my enjoyment in working out.

Food Log

Exercise Log

I posted this a couple of weeks ago on the Fitness Fanatics forum.  In those weeks I’ve seen a difference in core strength.  I’ve forgot about this simple piece of equipment but after finding it deflated in my closet I decided to bring it to work and use it as a chair.  The first few days I could only do about 2 hours at a time as my lower back would ache - this is due to a weak back - something I’ve been working on for a while now.  As the days progressed I started using it more and more; today I sit on it for 8 hours at a time.  On the weekend I take it home; my honey likes to use it too.  It’s so versatile.

In the 8 hours on the ball I constantly move, bounce on it, dance with it; go to youtube and watch turbokick videos and move my upper body along with the video.  I can also balance on the ball with no foot support for 10 minutes at a time;  aiming for 15 this week.  I feel the affect in my class.  In my yoga class I can hold poses much longer, side planks - no problem, one leg up and all.  I also notice I have a little more umph to put into the step portion of the sculpt class; Pilates last night was actually easier then normal.  The zigzags in turbokick is now additional ab workout to my ball exercise.  Overall I love using my ball as a chair.

These balls are cheap - you can find one for your height at stores such as Ross and TJMAX for about $14.  

10 Reasons to Use an Exercise Ball as Your Chair
I recently came across this article, which talks about using an exercise ball as your home or office chair. I have used an exercise ball as a chair before, and it was thoroughly enjoyable. Here are some of the benefits of using an exercise ball as your chair. Whether you spend your desk time at the office, or studying at home for that next exam, office ball chairs can help you in many ways.

1. Forces proper spine alignment. Because an exercise ball is not stable, your body needs to try to balance itself on it. The perfect spinal posture is coincidently the easiest to balance with. Thus, your body will automatically try to align itself into the proper posture. This helps improve your spinal health, and decrease back pains.

2. Causes you to frequently change positions. An exercise ball causes to you to change your position often to balance. For example, if you turn 45 degrees to face the phone, your body will assume a new position. This helps reduce damage caused by prolonged sitting in the same position.

3. Fitness is at your fingertips. Another great thing about using this alternative to a chair, is that you can do stretches or mini-workouts whenever you want, without getting up. If you’ve ever stuck waiting for a minute or two, you can make productive use of that time with a quick workout or stretch. Because it’s much more convenient, you will probably do it more, thus resulting in better health.

4. Improve your balance. This one is very understandable. Sitting on an unstable surface all day will improve your sense of balance, as well as the reactions of your muscles. The result? An overall better balance, that can be observed out of the office.

5. Get that 6-pack you’ve been wanting. Your body primarily uses your core (abdominal) muscles to help compensate for changes in balance. Thus, your essentially getting a low-key abdominal workout. This may not sound like a lot, but consider the amount of time you spend on your computer at the office, or at home. Those hours can build up, and result in a strengthening of ab muscles.

6. Improves your circulation. Using an exercise ball will keep the blood flowing to all parts of your body, throughout the day. A desk chair on the other hand, reduces circulation to some parts of the body after prolonged use.

7. You’ll feel more energetic. It has been proven that staying in one position, will make you more tired, while moving around and being active with give you more energy. With an exercise ball as a chair, you will feel much more energized after you finish your work.

8. Burn up to 350 calories per day. More movement during the day = more calories burnt. Burning 350 calories per day = losing one pound of fat every 10 days. You may not burn quite 350, but nonetheless, it will help you stay fit.

9. Really cheap. Specialized exercise balls designed for sitting usage can range from $15 to $80. Much cheaper than buying an ergonomic chair, which can range anywhere from $100 to $400 and up.

10. C’mon, its fun! Who doesn’t like the idea of bouncing around on an exercise ball all day. Exercise balls are an exciting alternative to chairs, and may just give that spark of fun to your day.

Food Log

Exercise Log

 We had a terrible argument last night because he doesn’t want me to lose weight, he loves my “thicknes” (Fat in my eyes) and that things has changed since I started back on buddyslim and my normal workout regimen.  It’s disheartening to say the least because like my ex-husband, my boyfriend (he’s Kenyan), wants me to have a certain look but I want to slim down.  They love “thick” woman and that was the draw they had to me.  Darn mom for giving me a butt :).  Yes, I am stubborn and I want to do things my way.  But I’m looking at this as a blessing in disguise.  I came up with a plan that will work with both our schedule.  We are going out there, buy some hand weights, medicine ball, Swiss ball and Rodney Yee’s instense yoga series for workouts at home.  I told him he needs to become a part of my weightloss, slim down plan.  I will utilize him for couples workout with the med. ball.  He will not distract me during my yoga workout.  I will still continue with the gym for cardio, a couple yoga classes with my fav instructors and 1 session of lift.  The rest I can do with him.  He agreed that it’s a great plan.  It’s a good compromise.  Oh, I will continue doing my thing at the gym BUT it will be one that works for both of us.  Thing is I went from one extreme to another, an ex husband who didn’t spend much time with me to one who wants me around all the time.  But I also made him understand that I like my space and independence; I do my thing on my time because it’s not always about him.  

Ok, crouton….as I’m not sure if I will make it to the gym I really need to watch what I eat.  A few weeks ago I discover Mcdonald’s grilled chicken Casear Salad….the chicken is better then some I’ve had in pricier restuarants.  So, I calculated my calories for the meal, including croutons as I LOVE crouton.  Got there and ordered a Casear and a side salad, and I saw 2ea of crouton added to my order.  Paid and left just dreaming about indulging on crouton.  WELLLLLLL, they didn’t give me any.  At first I  was upset but after looking up the calorie count for 2 - total of 120 calories - I turned a frown into a smile.  Hey, that’s like 20 minutes of hard work at the gym.  Additionally I told them I don’t need the second order of dressing.  I can eat most salads with very little if any dressing at all.   That’s a saving of almost 200 calories.  So, eating wisely, I get to have good healthy food and save 360 calories.  Yeah me. 

Food Log