For today dinner I decided to make the collard greens I bought last week.
Chopped the greens, sauted them in a little coconut oil and garlic cloves.
Add half steamed sweet potato cubed, a splash of Bragg Liquid aminos, balsamic vinegar and little water.
Let them steamed covered on a medium heat for 10 minutes or so.
I don't eat dark leafy greens often enough, except for spinach, which I eat twice a day. I really like the taste and texture of this dish and I will definitely add more dark leafy greens in my diet from now on.
Happy week
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Chili con Tempeh
Tampeh is one of my favorite source of protein. At first I simply cut it into strips and cook it with Bragg liquid aminos and balsamic vinegar, I love it, simple and full of flavor, but lately I have been trying to find new ways to prepare it.
So this is my chili con Tempeh.
I rarely mesure anything when I cook, so feel free to substitute ingredients etc.
In a pan I heat 1/2 tsp of coconut oil, add 1/2 onion finely chopped, 1 or 2 cloves of garlic minced and half orange sweet pepper cut into small cubes. Let sautee' on a medium/low heat for few minutes. Add a package of Tempeh 8oz (I use WetSoy organic) crumbled, mix it with the onion etc. let cook for few minutes then add chili spices (chili powder, cumin) I used Simply organic vegetarian chili, add one can of three beens organic, undrained, mix well and let cook on a low heat for aboult 10 minutes, you can add hot water as needed if too dry.
Serve on a huge plate of crispy lettuce and sprinkle with some shredded vegan cheese if you like (little bit goes a long way), I use little bit of flaxseed oil on the lettuce to boost my omega 3 intake.
Buon Appetito :-)
So this is my chili con Tempeh.
I rarely mesure anything when I cook, so feel free to substitute ingredients etc.
In a pan I heat 1/2 tsp of coconut oil, add 1/2 onion finely chopped, 1 or 2 cloves of garlic minced and half orange sweet pepper cut into small cubes. Let sautee' on a medium/low heat for few minutes. Add a package of Tempeh 8oz (I use WetSoy organic) crumbled, mix it with the onion etc. let cook for few minutes then add chili spices (chili powder, cumin) I used Simply organic vegetarian chili, add one can of three beens organic, undrained, mix well and let cook on a low heat for aboult 10 minutes, you can add hot water as needed if too dry.
Serve on a huge plate of crispy lettuce and sprinkle with some shredded vegan cheese if you like (little bit goes a long way), I use little bit of flaxseed oil on the lettuce to boost my omega 3 intake.
Buon Appetito :-)
Sunday
Finally Sunday (my Saturday :-)), made some wholesome pancakes for us, having a almond chai latte and catching up with things.
The workout is going good, I am able to lift heavier in just one week and that gives me hope.
I am trying to leave my pride out of the gym and instead work at my best. Of course things are not going to be the same they were 10 years ago or heck even 3 years ago. I am fighting a demon here and I am not really sure if it is psychological or actually a physical problem. My heart has been giving me hard time for almost a year now, I discovered that most of the symptoms were cause by a general anxiety, we are talking about around the clock heart palpitations! A nightmare. Then after extensive reading I came to the conclusion that all the symptoms and anxiety were cause by perimenopause, that at the contrary of what many people are led to belive, can plague a woman's life as early as 30, and last several years.
So I bought few books on the subject that deal with the situation with natural remedies. One mandatory fix that all the authors agree with, was diet and exercise, DUH! Rule number one is to avoid simple sugars and carbs like the plague, they stress your adrenal glands even more, then the use of different supplemnts and natural progesterone cream, if needed. It took me more or less 3 months taking the supplements like magnesium, calcium, B complex, an adrenal fatigue supplement (My adrenal were so burned out after a year of high stress due to the symptoms and heart overwork), multivitimin and a natural progesterone cream (not a under control and the dizziness gone for good. Also the anxiety level went down 100%. I did have few panic attack last year and once I realized what they were I manage to win over them, but after the supplements and cream I have not had another episode. I do feel anxious at time but I feel I can control that.
The only problem I am dealing with right now, is a nasty feeling of shortness of breath, more precisely I can't take a deep breath, it feels like my lungs can't fill up or empty out, this usually cause me a little bit of anxiety because it comes in waves and I start to feel winded after few attempts of deep breathing. Now of course I have not seen a doctor yet, once we don't have insurance, second I always feel silly if this end up to be an anxiety reletad problem. Anyway this happen also when I workout, so you can imagine how that feels when I am trying to pump the volume with weights or doing my cardio. I will eventually see a doctor and I am more incline to go see an holistic one, with a different approach, I think that suites me better.
Well I thought these imformation might be of use to other women that are experiencing weird and scary symptoms in their lives right now. This was. without a doubt the scariest, most confusing and debilitating experience I have ever had in my life, so I think I should share it.
Ok going back to the workout, diet and supplements. I have bought some vegan multivitamin, vegan CLA (helps metabolize fat more efficently) and vegan DHA, since vegan might be at risk of low levels. The diet is still the same, I have indulged in few piece of chocolate, my vegan one, since well after all I need to do a quality check right!? LOL
I am happy with the fact that my workouts seem to be easy to follow even though they are challenging, I like where I am going.
The workout is going good, I am able to lift heavier in just one week and that gives me hope.
I am trying to leave my pride out of the gym and instead work at my best. Of course things are not going to be the same they were 10 years ago or heck even 3 years ago. I am fighting a demon here and I am not really sure if it is psychological or actually a physical problem. My heart has been giving me hard time for almost a year now, I discovered that most of the symptoms were cause by a general anxiety, we are talking about around the clock heart palpitations! A nightmare. Then after extensive reading I came to the conclusion that all the symptoms and anxiety were cause by perimenopause, that at the contrary of what many people are led to belive, can plague a woman's life as early as 30, and last several years.
So I bought few books on the subject that deal with the situation with natural remedies. One mandatory fix that all the authors agree with, was diet and exercise, DUH! Rule number one is to avoid simple sugars and carbs like the plague, they stress your adrenal glands even more, then the use of different supplemnts and natural progesterone cream, if needed. It took me more or less 3 months taking the supplements like magnesium, calcium, B complex, an adrenal fatigue supplement (My adrenal were so burned out after a year of high stress due to the symptoms and heart overwork), multivitimin and a natural progesterone cream (not a under control and the dizziness gone for good. Also the anxiety level went down 100%. I did have few panic attack last year and once I realized what they were I manage to win over them, but after the supplements and cream I have not had another episode. I do feel anxious at time but I feel I can control that.
The only problem I am dealing with right now, is a nasty feeling of shortness of breath, more precisely I can't take a deep breath, it feels like my lungs can't fill up or empty out, this usually cause me a little bit of anxiety because it comes in waves and I start to feel winded after few attempts of deep breathing. Now of course I have not seen a doctor yet, once we don't have insurance, second I always feel silly if this end up to be an anxiety reletad problem. Anyway this happen also when I workout, so you can imagine how that feels when I am trying to pump the volume with weights or doing my cardio. I will eventually see a doctor and I am more incline to go see an holistic one, with a different approach, I think that suites me better.
Well I thought these imformation might be of use to other women that are experiencing weird and scary symptoms in their lives right now. This was. without a doubt the scariest, most confusing and debilitating experience I have ever had in my life, so I think I should share it.
Ok going back to the workout, diet and supplements. I have bought some vegan multivitamin, vegan CLA (helps metabolize fat more efficently) and vegan DHA, since vegan might be at risk of low levels. The diet is still the same, I have indulged in few piece of chocolate, my vegan one, since well after all I need to do a quality check right!? LOL
I am happy with the fact that my workouts seem to be easy to follow even though they are challenging, I like where I am going.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
First week
Today is one week I started the program. No new progress after my initial loss of 3.5 lb and 7% of body fat which it is already pretty good anyway. I Usually don't drop pounds really fast, and in a way it bothers me but I know better.
The workouts got a lot better, after the first one, now I am able to lift heavier and complete the entire routin, so huge improvment since day one, where I couldn't finish the third round.
Food wise I am doing good. I have not had a piece of bread in more than a week and I feel great.
I still have hard time waking up earlier and I am hoping that in a couple of weeks that will change back, I used to be a morning person that woke up at 4 am to do my workout, go to the kitchen to do the chocolates (for who doesn't know me I own a small chocolate company, yeah I know) and then ready to start my day time job at 7. Now not so much. I still have to do all those things but not as quite as efficient as I once was.
For example yesterday, was a tiring day, I worked all weekend making chocolates for Father's day, stayed up late woke up early, finish up everything, went to work, finish some more chocolates in between, delivery all the chocolates to the stores, go home fit my workout before hubby and kidos came home, get in my meal and theres everyone at home now, gotta to clean up the kitchen, mopping and do laundry, fit my dinner (still too late) and have a few moment to relax before heading to bed , which was still too late! Well I am little bit tired today as well, but I am sure it would have been worse if I wasn't eating the proper food and working out.
Here are my thoughts for today. I have realized that my body is doing much better than in the past several months, not only because I am working out, but also because my protein intake is higher than has been in a while. Since I turned vegan I learn alot about food and how to prepare different type of plan base ingredients, I am thrilled about that, but my body does a lot better on a slightly higher protein, lower carbs diet, which sometimes vegan diets aren't. I know many vegan don't agree with a high protein diet and I understand, but my body needs this, everyone is different, never forget that, it is critical to find what works best for you.
Here is how I alternate my plan base proteins; sprouted tofu, tempeh (I go with the organic whenever possible), lentils, quinoa, chickpeas and beans in small amount. Also I try to keep my fruit intake to not more that 3 piece a day, usually in the morning with my protein shake, mid morning with my seeds and mid afternoon after workout, if it was up to me I would eat fruit all the time, but cannot forget that fruit has lot of sugar in it and it does make a difference when you are trying to drop body fat, remember too much sugar if not used turn into fat even fruit :-P.
The protein shakes also help a lot, for my morning and mid afternoon meal.
The one I use the most for now is made from peas, rice, cranberry and artichoke proteins, 25 gr of proteins per serving, interesting huh.
Today is my cardio, yesterday I lifted weights in a circuit and I pushed really hard so I am pretty sore :-)
I am looking forward to some rest later today, after my workout of course.
The workouts got a lot better, after the first one, now I am able to lift heavier and complete the entire routin, so huge improvment since day one, where I couldn't finish the third round.
Food wise I am doing good. I have not had a piece of bread in more than a week and I feel great.
I still have hard time waking up earlier and I am hoping that in a couple of weeks that will change back, I used to be a morning person that woke up at 4 am to do my workout, go to the kitchen to do the chocolates (for who doesn't know me I own a small chocolate company, yeah I know) and then ready to start my day time job at 7. Now not so much. I still have to do all those things but not as quite as efficient as I once was.
For example yesterday, was a tiring day, I worked all weekend making chocolates for Father's day, stayed up late woke up early, finish up everything, went to work, finish some more chocolates in between, delivery all the chocolates to the stores, go home fit my workout before hubby and kidos came home, get in my meal and theres everyone at home now, gotta to clean up the kitchen, mopping and do laundry, fit my dinner (still too late) and have a few moment to relax before heading to bed , which was still too late! Well I am little bit tired today as well, but I am sure it would have been worse if I wasn't eating the proper food and working out.
Here are my thoughts for today. I have realized that my body is doing much better than in the past several months, not only because I am working out, but also because my protein intake is higher than has been in a while. Since I turned vegan I learn alot about food and how to prepare different type of plan base ingredients, I am thrilled about that, but my body does a lot better on a slightly higher protein, lower carbs diet, which sometimes vegan diets aren't. I know many vegan don't agree with a high protein diet and I understand, but my body needs this, everyone is different, never forget that, it is critical to find what works best for you.
Here is how I alternate my plan base proteins; sprouted tofu, tempeh (I go with the organic whenever possible), lentils, quinoa, chickpeas and beans in small amount. Also I try to keep my fruit intake to not more that 3 piece a day, usually in the morning with my protein shake, mid morning with my seeds and mid afternoon after workout, if it was up to me I would eat fruit all the time, but cannot forget that fruit has lot of sugar in it and it does make a difference when you are trying to drop body fat, remember too much sugar if not used turn into fat even fruit :-P.
The protein shakes also help a lot, for my morning and mid afternoon meal.
The one I use the most for now is made from peas, rice, cranberry and artichoke proteins, 25 gr of proteins per serving, interesting huh.
Today is my cardio, yesterday I lifted weights in a circuit and I pushed really hard so I am pretty sore :-)
I am looking forward to some rest later today, after my workout of course.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Starting All Over Again
It's been a year or so since my last entry. I have let myself go, not feeling well and having few issues didn't help. I managed to overcome few of them, still battling other. In general I have never felt the same as I was before, not sure what cause my physical decline but it is annoying and at time frightnening.
Just recently, Tueasday the 7th, I have gather my will power and decide to get back in shape, the idea of been just plain out of shape and giving up on myself, just can't be!
So I am going to write all my food and all my workouts here, on a daily basis if I can, to ensure I stick with my program and also and most important of all, that I actually remember what I did and if it works well, can repeat and or share with others.
So here it goes.
My Food
I do change here and there but mostly keep the same type of foods and combiantions.
Breakfast
Protein shake with one serving of either Naturade Soy free Veg Protein booster or NitroFusion Mutli source protein powder, frozen banana slices (I buy lots of bananas, we eat some fresh and the rest I cut into slices and freeze them on a cookie sheet, then put them in a ziplock bag), a TSBS of almond butter, stevia and 1 1/2 cups of unsweetned almond milk.
Mid Morning snack
30 gr of sunflower or pumpkin seeds, one container of organic rasperries (6 oz)
Lunch
3-4 oz of tempeh, cooked with spices (I use sloppy joe type or mexican etc.)
large salad with spinach, cucumbers, sweet peppers etc, lemon jucice and olive, flax or almond oil. steamed veggies.
Mid afternoon snack
Protein banana "ice cream" I put a cup of frozen banana slices in a food processor with one serving of my protein powder, also Hemp would e a great choice or a mix of them as hemp doesn't have as much protein amount as pea protein etc. almond butter, stevia and enough unsweetned almond milk to make a creamy soft ice cream. If this is my post workout meal I skip the fat and use mostly protein and carbs.
Dinner
One cup of Lentil stew (I cook the lentils in a little it of coconut oil, add enough water to cook, little bit like a risotto, add water as it evaporates, I also add some sun dried tomatoes or veggies etc. if you like)
Or 1/3 to 1/2 of sprouted tofu block (a 14oz one)pan fried in a non stick pan, with little it of coconut oil, garlic, cumin or garam masala spices, salt. A large salad, steamed veggies, 1/4 of a steamed sweet potato (medium size).
I don't eat the potato everyday, I usually do 3 days of very low starchy carbs, then on the 4th day I carb up, adding the sweet potato for lunch and dinner. I am not eating bread or oatmeal, only because I really don't digest them well, and when I am on a higher protein diet with lots of fiberous carbs, I do a lot better.
I haven't been very hungry in the morning, usually it happens at the beginning when my body has to adjust to the higher protein intake.
On Sunday I make pancakes for the boys and I have few. They are made with whole wheat flour, amaranth flour, almond flour, unsweetned almond milk, stevia, apple sauce, soy yogurt, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, vanilla, baking powder.
I served mine with a blueberry cinnamon compote and cut bananas, and an almond chai latte, Yumm!
So this is my food log, it has been working pretty good so I am not changing it for now, until I am where I want to e body fat wise.
Body Stats as for today (Start weight 159.5, start Body fat 27%)
Weight 156 lb
Body fat 20.2% after (less than 6 days on the plan)
For my workout routin I use a plan I took from bodybuilding.com
It is a circuit training alternating muscle groups, moderate cardio on alternate days and rest in between. I like it so far, I will following it for the 12 weeks then if my body fat and the overal feeling are were I wanted to be I will switch to the muscle building plan.
I like their plan because it allows me to train in a short amount of time, working all the muscles group quite well and with intense, lots of compound exercises so I love it.
I am fairly high motivated, I am trying to keep my eyes on the prize and enjoy the process too and also keeping it realistic without loafty goals.
So this is it for today, I am really looking forward to shed more BF and build some serious muscle. Maybe in a year I will be where I always wanted to be and never quite reach it :-)
I will measure my weight every Tuesday (I dont own a scale so I do my weight in at work :-))
Just recently, Tueasday the 7th, I have gather my will power and decide to get back in shape, the idea of been just plain out of shape and giving up on myself, just can't be!
So I am going to write all my food and all my workouts here, on a daily basis if I can, to ensure I stick with my program and also and most important of all, that I actually remember what I did and if it works well, can repeat and or share with others.
So here it goes.
My Food
I do change here and there but mostly keep the same type of foods and combiantions.
Breakfast
Protein shake with one serving of either Naturade Soy free Veg Protein booster or NitroFusion Mutli source protein powder, frozen banana slices (I buy lots of bananas, we eat some fresh and the rest I cut into slices and freeze them on a cookie sheet, then put them in a ziplock bag), a TSBS of almond butter, stevia and 1 1/2 cups of unsweetned almond milk.
Mid Morning snack
30 gr of sunflower or pumpkin seeds, one container of organic rasperries (6 oz)
Lunch
3-4 oz of tempeh, cooked with spices (I use sloppy joe type or mexican etc.)
large salad with spinach, cucumbers, sweet peppers etc, lemon jucice and olive, flax or almond oil. steamed veggies.
Mid afternoon snack
Protein banana "ice cream" I put a cup of frozen banana slices in a food processor with one serving of my protein powder, also Hemp would e a great choice or a mix of them as hemp doesn't have as much protein amount as pea protein etc. almond butter, stevia and enough unsweetned almond milk to make a creamy soft ice cream. If this is my post workout meal I skip the fat and use mostly protein and carbs.
Dinner
One cup of Lentil stew (I cook the lentils in a little it of coconut oil, add enough water to cook, little bit like a risotto, add water as it evaporates, I also add some sun dried tomatoes or veggies etc. if you like)
Or 1/3 to 1/2 of sprouted tofu block (a 14oz one)pan fried in a non stick pan, with little it of coconut oil, garlic, cumin or garam masala spices, salt. A large salad, steamed veggies, 1/4 of a steamed sweet potato (medium size).
I don't eat the potato everyday, I usually do 3 days of very low starchy carbs, then on the 4th day I carb up, adding the sweet potato for lunch and dinner. I am not eating bread or oatmeal, only because I really don't digest them well, and when I am on a higher protein diet with lots of fiberous carbs, I do a lot better.
I haven't been very hungry in the morning, usually it happens at the beginning when my body has to adjust to the higher protein intake.
On Sunday I make pancakes for the boys and I have few. They are made with whole wheat flour, amaranth flour, almond flour, unsweetned almond milk, stevia, apple sauce, soy yogurt, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, vanilla, baking powder.
I served mine with a blueberry cinnamon compote and cut bananas, and an almond chai latte, Yumm!
So this is my food log, it has been working pretty good so I am not changing it for now, until I am where I want to e body fat wise.
Body Stats as for today (Start weight 159.5, start Body fat 27%)
Weight 156 lb
Body fat 20.2% after (less than 6 days on the plan)
For my workout routin I use a plan I took from bodybuilding.com
It is a circuit training alternating muscle groups, moderate cardio on alternate days and rest in between. I like it so far, I will following it for the 12 weeks then if my body fat and the overal feeling are were I wanted to be I will switch to the muscle building plan.
I like their plan because it allows me to train in a short amount of time, working all the muscles group quite well and with intense, lots of compound exercises so I love it.
I am fairly high motivated, I am trying to keep my eyes on the prize and enjoy the process too and also keeping it realistic without loafty goals.
So this is it for today, I am really looking forward to shed more BF and build some serious muscle. Maybe in a year I will be where I always wanted to be and never quite reach it :-)
I will measure my weight every Tuesday (I dont own a scale so I do my weight in at work :-))
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
June 29th 2010
OK this weekend I did mostly cardio and some rear friendly exercises. I am sorry to say I am still plagued with a nasty cold.
My energies are very low and I have lots of muscles fatigue. I think I am going to see a naturopath, will set an appointment today.
I still have hard time with my appetite, I have to force food down sometimes, but I know I need it to healing my body and mind.
For lunch I am having a kamut salad, whole Kamut, colored bel peppers, green onions, dukes flakes, soaked almonds, hemp oil and just a hint of vegan mayonnaise. It is very good (I am sure would be much better if I could taste it 100%).
The weight went and keeps down, which in other times I would have loved, but right now I was hoping to build some serious muscles, must heal first, can't expect to build muscles, burn fat and fight whatever is tackling my body. Patience.
My energies are very low and I have lots of muscles fatigue. I think I am going to see a naturopath, will set an appointment today.
I still have hard time with my appetite, I have to force food down sometimes, but I know I need it to healing my body and mind.
For lunch I am having a kamut salad, whole Kamut, colored bel peppers, green onions, dukes flakes, soaked almonds, hemp oil and just a hint of vegan mayonnaise. It is very good (I am sure would be much better if I could taste it 100%).
The weight went and keeps down, which in other times I would have loved, but right now I was hoping to build some serious muscles, must heal first, can't expect to build muscles, burn fat and fight whatever is tackling my body. Patience.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
June 27th 2010
Sunday! It mean my first day off from work. I am still fighting the cold, the bronchitis is lingering but I think it might be towards the end of it.
I went for a jog-run this morning, it felt good, got some good coughs out of it. I need to do some vaporizations.
My food has been little bit off, since I haven't been hungry and I can't still taste food like it should, so no much enjoyment there, but I am going to plan a week worth of food so I am ready for when I get back to work.
I think I am going downstairs and do some rear focus exercises, before the little one wakes up <3<3.
Have a Happy Sunday.
I went for a jog-run this morning, it felt good, got some good coughs out of it. I need to do some vaporizations.
My food has been little bit off, since I haven't been hungry and I can't still taste food like it should, so no much enjoyment there, but I am going to plan a week worth of food so I am ready for when I get back to work.
I think I am going downstairs and do some rear focus exercises, before the little one wakes up <3<3.
Have a Happy Sunday.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday, June 25th 2010
I know I know I has been slacking here!
Today I did my workout but is the second one after Monday, I have not worked out in between. The only excuse I have is my cold has got the best of me, I haven't been able to eat properly, I actually lost 7 Lb since last time I check my weight and that was probably only couple of weeks!!! Not good, I mean I wanted to loose body fat of course, but loosing so much so fast is not healthy and causes lots of muscle mass loss. Definitely not what I was aiming for.
Also I have need struggling with anxiety. Apparently I had one episode of panic attack while back and I have been dragging into anxiety since then. Not sure why and how, but it is frustrating and in ways debilitating. That is another reason why I wasn't able to eat much, my stomach is very upset most of the day.
I am working on it though, I am not going to let it control my life anymore, I made it, it's mine, I can change it back!
Anyway today I have done the second cycle of the weight training, total body approach. Those Bulgarian split squats are killer especially after 3 sets of sumo deadlift!
My legs are wobbly again, need to nourish those muscles!
Having oatmeal for breakfast.
Happy Friday
Today I did my workout but is the second one after Monday, I have not worked out in between. The only excuse I have is my cold has got the best of me, I haven't been able to eat properly, I actually lost 7 Lb since last time I check my weight and that was probably only couple of weeks!!! Not good, I mean I wanted to loose body fat of course, but loosing so much so fast is not healthy and causes lots of muscle mass loss. Definitely not what I was aiming for.
Also I have need struggling with anxiety. Apparently I had one episode of panic attack while back and I have been dragging into anxiety since then. Not sure why and how, but it is frustrating and in ways debilitating. That is another reason why I wasn't able to eat much, my stomach is very upset most of the day.
I am working on it though, I am not going to let it control my life anymore, I made it, it's mine, I can change it back!
Anyway today I have done the second cycle of the weight training, total body approach. Those Bulgarian split squats are killer especially after 3 sets of sumo deadlift!
My legs are wobbly again, need to nourish those muscles!
Having oatmeal for breakfast.
Happy Friday
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday June 23rd
I missed my entry for yesterday.
Woke up just little bit later than what I planned to, but fitted my workout anyway. I wasn't able to sleep all night, so I can't complain.
The cold is persistent and it makes working out and eating a bit challenging, but I do my best.
Haven't workout this morning, I was planning to do some light cardio, but I decided to sleep little longer :-P.
I am thinking I will go for a nice stroll with the boys later this evening.
I am looking forward to be finally cold and symptoms free soon, I can't stand this anymore.
Stay positive.
Woke up just little bit later than what I planned to, but fitted my workout anyway. I wasn't able to sleep all night, so I can't complain.
The cold is persistent and it makes working out and eating a bit challenging, but I do my best.
Haven't workout this morning, I was planning to do some light cardio, but I decided to sleep little longer :-P.
I am thinking I will go for a nice stroll with the boys later this evening.
I am looking forward to be finally cold and symptoms free soon, I can't stand this anymore.
Stay positive.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday June 21th
I think this cold actually turned into a sinus infection!
So my left side is still cloged up and can't hear from that side. head pressure its pretty annoying and makes me dizzy as well.
Well I cleaned up the refrigerator and made a big batch of recovery pudding with some modification of my own.
I am going to make some eggplant pizzetta today. Grilled topped with a raw tomato sauce(with sun dry tomatoes), fresh basil et voila', huge spinach salad and I should be good for lunch, might have some of thata pudding for dessert though.
I can't taste anything and this made eating a little bit tricky.
I also been craving sweets and carbs, I guess because my body it is fighting the infection and try to keep muscles. I have lost some weight this weekend and unfortunately I think it's the wrong type of weight. Gotta keep the food steady and nutricious, if I want to build real strong lean mass. It is easy to lose body weight when you follow a clean vegan diet, if you dont eat enought. Funny never had this problem before :-)
Planning my workout for the week, and maybe I will find the strenght to go do something later.
Have a great day.
So my left side is still cloged up and can't hear from that side. head pressure its pretty annoying and makes me dizzy as well.
Well I cleaned up the refrigerator and made a big batch of recovery pudding with some modification of my own.
I am going to make some eggplant pizzetta today. Grilled topped with a raw tomato sauce(with sun dry tomatoes), fresh basil et voila', huge spinach salad and I should be good for lunch, might have some of thata pudding for dessert though.
I can't taste anything and this made eating a little bit tricky.
I also been craving sweets and carbs, I guess because my body it is fighting the infection and try to keep muscles. I have lost some weight this weekend and unfortunately I think it's the wrong type of weight. Gotta keep the food steady and nutricious, if I want to build real strong lean mass. It is easy to lose body weight when you follow a clean vegan diet, if you dont eat enought. Funny never had this problem before :-)
Planning my workout for the week, and maybe I will find the strenght to go do something later.
Have a great day.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunday 20th 2010
This darn cold is taunting me! The left side of my head hurts with feeling of fullness, like having a baloon inside. I also feel very dizzy and fatigued, I thought the cold was on its way out and it might be, but is making me pretty miserable at this moment.
I am going to try to rest as much as I can with two kids unleashed around :-)
Unfortunately I dont feel very motivated to do anything. I can't smell or taste anything, its frustrating and it is causing me to be little anxious, which lately it is my normal way to be.
Well I am hoping for a full recovery and looking forward to a week filled with new projects and good health.
Happy Sunday.
Tip of the day;
When we make pancakes at home (vegan) I use whole wheat flour, I add some oat flour, flaxseed meal and some hemp proteins. With this recipe I know my boys start their day with the right foot :-)
I am going to try to rest as much as I can with two kids unleashed around :-)
Unfortunately I dont feel very motivated to do anything. I can't smell or taste anything, its frustrating and it is causing me to be little anxious, which lately it is my normal way to be.
Well I am hoping for a full recovery and looking forward to a week filled with new projects and good health.
Happy Sunday.
Tip of the day;
When we make pancakes at home (vegan) I use whole wheat flour, I add some oat flour, flaxseed meal and some hemp proteins. With this recipe I know my boys start their day with the right foot :-)
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Saturday June 19th 2010
So yesterday was a rough day. This cold is still tormenting me, it feels like is changing, from strep throat to cold to bronchitis! I was pretty miserable and tired. My appetite was almost nonexistent.
Today its little better, I have slept with the humidifier right next to me, the cold feels down to my longs though. I manage to gather energies to go downstairs and do my 2nd workout with weights: Hypertrophy.
My legs are toasted! Especially my shins and quads.
I eat some of the left over recovery pudding, I am still not too hungry. Managed to have spare time to make my super pancakes for the boys :-), added some hemp protein in there too.
Today is my Friday work wise, I am looking forward to rest and feel better, I want to have plenty of energies for the kids this weekend.
I still need to keep my workout schedule and definitely do few stretching sessions in between, I am little bit tight and stiff at the moment :-P
Had some cinnamon apple cereal with almond milk for breakfast (the cereal recipe from Thrive of course).
Happy Saturday
Today its little better, I have slept with the humidifier right next to me, the cold feels down to my longs though. I manage to gather energies to go downstairs and do my 2nd workout with weights: Hypertrophy.
My legs are toasted! Especially my shins and quads.
I eat some of the left over recovery pudding, I am still not too hungry. Managed to have spare time to make my super pancakes for the boys :-), added some hemp protein in there too.
Today is my Friday work wise, I am looking forward to rest and feel better, I want to have plenty of energies for the kids this weekend.
I still need to keep my workout schedule and definitely do few stretching sessions in between, I am little bit tight and stiff at the moment :-P
Had some cinnamon apple cereal with almond milk for breakfast (the cereal recipe from Thrive of course).
Happy Saturday
Thursday, June 17, 2010
June 17th 2010
Wake up at 5 this morning, I know it doesn't sounds like much, but I haven't been able to do that in a while. Even though I am generally a morning person, in the past few months I have been tired and just barely waking up to go to work (sometimes late!). I am assuming that the incredible raw dinner I had last night had something to do with it :-)
So I did a kick ass (literally) workout. Sprints, swings and bridge, all targeted to work those critical rear parts :-P
Oh they were worked already! My legs are wobbly.
I made the recovery pudding from the book and had it right away after the workout. It is pretty good but I could only have few spoons of it, it is very filling, and I only made half recipe.
I also made the apple cinnamon cereals, very yummy, I don't have hemp milk, its kinda pricy right now, and so are hemp seeds, so I used almond milk to go with it, also very filling and satisfying.
I checked my body fat with my caliper, not the super fancy ones, its one spot measuring one, so I am aware isn't too precise. Anyway body fat is at 22.2, I believe it might be higher, but as long as I always check with the same method it will be ok. I haven't weight myself in a bit (last time was when I went to the doctor few weeks ago) it was around 145. I will check again even though I am not too concerned about the weight, I am aiming to maximum muscular building and maximum fat loss, while I gain strenght, stamina and overall health.
I will keep experimenting with food in this first phase, then once I have a solid base to work on I will finalize the nutrition plan and see what works better for me.
Happy Thursday
So I did a kick ass (literally) workout. Sprints, swings and bridge, all targeted to work those critical rear parts :-P
Oh they were worked already! My legs are wobbly.
I made the recovery pudding from the book and had it right away after the workout. It is pretty good but I could only have few spoons of it, it is very filling, and I only made half recipe.
I also made the apple cinnamon cereals, very yummy, I don't have hemp milk, its kinda pricy right now, and so are hemp seeds, so I used almond milk to go with it, also very filling and satisfying.
I checked my body fat with my caliper, not the super fancy ones, its one spot measuring one, so I am aware isn't too precise. Anyway body fat is at 22.2, I believe it might be higher, but as long as I always check with the same method it will be ok. I haven't weight myself in a bit (last time was when I went to the doctor few weeks ago) it was around 145. I will check again even though I am not too concerned about the weight, I am aiming to maximum muscular building and maximum fat loss, while I gain strenght, stamina and overall health.
I will keep experimenting with food in this first phase, then once I have a solid base to work on I will finalize the nutrition plan and see what works better for me.
Happy Thursday
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Recovery food
I am reading through the pages of "Thrive" and I really like the detailed explanations the author (Brendan Beazier) gives of the effect of stress ( many different type of it) on our body composition and general well being.
I have already got some supplies to try few of his recipes. Soaking some grain and nuts and sprouting some beans.
I am baking some sweet potatoes and I am going to try his ketchup and raw almond burger for diner. Yum
I am still fighting a nasty cold, so I am looking foward to get well faster following his suggestions, also I have decided to cut wheat (I use whole wheat bread and vital gluten to make seitan) for about two weeks to see if I start to feel better.
I also switched to Hemp protein instead soy.
Need to go get ready for tomorrow, I want to get my workout early, some sprints and other rear muscles friendly exercises :-)
Good night.
I have already got some supplies to try few of his recipes. Soaking some grain and nuts and sprouting some beans.
I am baking some sweet potatoes and I am going to try his ketchup and raw almond burger for diner. Yum
I am still fighting a nasty cold, so I am looking foward to get well faster following his suggestions, also I have decided to cut wheat (I use whole wheat bread and vital gluten to make seitan) for about two weeks to see if I start to feel better.
I also switched to Hemp protein instead soy.
Need to go get ready for tomorrow, I want to get my workout early, some sprints and other rear muscles friendly exercises :-)
Good night.
Workout
I finally organized everything for my lifestyle change. I have been procrastinating for couple of days to start my workout plan, but finally today I got my first serious workout, this morning, before heading to work at 6:40.
My muscles are rebelling, but I feel an overall feeling of welness.
Amazing how small changes can make a big difference.
I haven't been too well in the past few months and I don't know why.
I think I can change all of that, taking care of my self with a nice planned diet and workout routine.
I am reading "Thrive, the vegan nutrition guide to optimal performance in sports and life" from Brendan Brazier, I am just at the beggining and already loving it. I like books with technical and scientific background, and this is one of those. I don't know if I can go 100% raw but he also says you can use some of the recipes and menu to integrate your diet.
Going to finish reading it today so I can plan a better nutrition strategy. I think I want to try the "Recovery Pudding" right away, no more starving for hours after a heavy workout, I am changing my attitude about workout and food. It is going to be a lifestyle attitude and not just a 12 weeks fast fix.
My workout for now is consisting of a total body approach, since I haven't been working out seriously for quite a while (yes shame on me I know better!). Three days a week changing exercises, number of sets and rest time in between. It targets strenght, resistance and fat loss. I am going to follow it until my body is well on its way and has plenty of muscle mass. Then I will switch to a split workout routine, after reading that without the proper muscular structure to work on, it is useless to split muscles, especially for women.
Happy workout and happy life.
Vegan rocks my world!
My muscles are rebelling, but I feel an overall feeling of welness.
Amazing how small changes can make a big difference.
I haven't been too well in the past few months and I don't know why.
I think I can change all of that, taking care of my self with a nice planned diet and workout routine.
I am reading "Thrive, the vegan nutrition guide to optimal performance in sports and life" from Brendan Brazier, I am just at the beggining and already loving it. I like books with technical and scientific background, and this is one of those. I don't know if I can go 100% raw but he also says you can use some of the recipes and menu to integrate your diet.
Going to finish reading it today so I can plan a better nutrition strategy. I think I want to try the "Recovery Pudding" right away, no more starving for hours after a heavy workout, I am changing my attitude about workout and food. It is going to be a lifestyle attitude and not just a 12 weeks fast fix.
My workout for now is consisting of a total body approach, since I haven't been working out seriously for quite a while (yes shame on me I know better!). Three days a week changing exercises, number of sets and rest time in between. It targets strenght, resistance and fat loss. I am going to follow it until my body is well on its way and has plenty of muscle mass. Then I will switch to a split workout routine, after reading that without the proper muscular structure to work on, it is useless to split muscles, especially for women.
Happy workout and happy life.
Vegan rocks my world!
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