Running Progress

So I'm still on Week 1 of Couch to 5k.  It's ok because I finally was able to complete it!  The last few times (maybe 4 times) I couldn't run when it told me to run... I lasted 4-5 run cycles.  This time, I completed 8 of 8 cycles.  I'm quite excited.  I had to slow down my pace, but it allowed me to complete the day's program.  Looking forward to seeing more progress.  Slowly, but surely.

Eating-wise, I'm doing well. On track and focused.  I can't deny that some days are harder than others.

Green Machine

Remember when I mentioned Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead?  I attempted to do the juice fast but failed.  I felt really weak (but they do say that  you will feel that way within the first 3 days).  I didn't even make it til the end of the day! ha-ha! 

So why did I bring up the documentary? Well I really do enjoy juicing as part of my day.  It's a meal in itself, but it gives me a lot of energy and makes me feel full.  Unfortunately, my juicer died.  It's not a new juicer but I wanted it to last another year.  I was going to ask for (a better) one for our wedding registry.  However, I have a feeling I'll have to buy one and not wait til our August 2014 wedding!  Oh well.  At first, I thought it wasn't a big deal not to juice... but I've realized that I need it now that I haven't been juicing.  I was shopping at Target; getting ready for a new school year when I realized I haven't had my lunch. I was starting to get hungry (not starving).  I don't like to make myself "starve" too long as I tend to eat more that way.  I decided to grab a Naked drink.  I purchased the Green Machine and I might say, it's really good!!  I'd buy it again.  I'd rather juice my own but it's as close to juicing as I'll get for the sake of getting it fast.

Running IS hard

image credit: BaddMom.com

So today I began my exercise  journey... it's not easy!

I said it.  I hate it... I want to quit.

I'm following the Couch to 5K program.  Some people (maybe even you) might think Week One is a cake walk... not for me.  I didn't quit... but I lasted 4 cycles... the rest, I had to walk.  It was approximately 30 minutes on the treadmill... 90/60 jog/walk intervals are a lot harder than I thought.

As hard as it is... I can't quit.   

Happy Birthday!

 

image from: Pamela Caves Gifford

Today is my Mom's birthday.  She is my hero... and has shown lots of strength through all the adversities.  I want to fight like her.

Healthy Refrigerator

Today was a little busy, but still on track.  There were moments I did crave something "bad" but knew I was craving it not because of hunger, but because of stress.  I caught myself opening the fridge multiple times.  But good thing, I cleaned out the fridge and stocked up the fridge with lots of fresh goodness. 

I use to have tons of moldy veggies and fruits because they are left in the drawers and are forgotten.  I switched the organization of the refrigerator by putting all fruits and veggies and "immediate-go-to" food visible and the "after 6" items in the drawers - eggs and other dairy products.

With my bad habit of opening the fridge (even though the second, third... fifth time, nothing has changed inside the fridge), snack-proofing my fridge to a healthy zone makes the bad habit not so bad.

In short, these are 2 tips, try one of them!

• Pre-wash and chop all fruits (and some veggies - I heard washing leafy greens too soon before use will make them go bad faster? Not sure how true this is... but with all honestly, I don't easily "snack" on leafy green veggies... I just don't!)  When you pre-wash, it's ready to go into the mouth faster than opening a bag of chips!
• Snack-proof your fridge by making healthy food visible and processed/"after 6" food in the drawer.

 Do you do this too?  What are your refrigerator tips?  How do you overcome bad snacking?

VB6: Days 1-5 Meals

During my first 5 days, my meat intake has decreased incredibly!  I have one meat meal once a day - dinnertime.  My meat dishes weren't over the top indulgences, but I did enjoy going out to dinner multiple times this past week.

 For breakfast, snack, and lunch, I've had a combination of the following:

• Oatmeal
• Fruit
• Veggie Stir-fry with brown rice
• Fresh roasted red pepper hummus from the Cerritos Farmer's Market (I bought one container, I think I should have purchased more!  I can just eat this with veggies, spread in on a slice of bread, or add it to my sandwiches)
• Salad
• Roasted Veggie sandwich 
• Chickpea Ratatouille

My dinners the last 5 days:

• Rascal's Garden Salad with half a serving of grilled teriyaki chicken and brown rice. 
• The Boiling Crab: Shared 1 lb of shrimp, 1/2 lb sausage, and catfish 
• Yasai Japanese Grill: Garden Salad and grilled chicken and brown rice
• Garden Salad with tangerines and a 2 veggies kabobs (muchrooms, zucchini, onions)
• 2 Homemade fish tacos (seasoned fish, cabbage, and spicy fresh salsa)

2 Nights I had dessert after dinner:

• Small Pinkberry Orginal yogurt - so yummy! 
• Tapioca Express Oolong Milk tea with boba

I think the best part of this regimen is that I don't feel so restricted.  The worst thing that I can think of so far is going out with friends and having nothing vegan or vegetarian-like to eat.  The next best thing I can do is use my best judgement to select the healthiest option.

VB6... What is it?

photo credit The Vancouver Sun

VB6* in a nutshell:

• Eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
• No meat or dairy
• No processed foods

After "6:00"**, you can eat anything you want in moderation.

According to Mark Bittman's website, "[the VB6] eating plan involve[s] no gimmicks, scales, calorie-counting, or point systems—and there were no so-called forbidden foods."  This is the reason I gave it a go.

Here's a video of Mark Bittman on The Chew to explain his book and eating method:

Disclaimer:
*VB6 stands for Vegan Before 6.  I think the title is misleading because the word vegan is used loosely.  This may be offensive to true Vegans, however, let me explain.  I think Mark Bittman is trying say a "vegan-like-diet" or plant-based diet.  I don't mean diet in the terms of losing weight, but rather as the intake of food.  I respect the discipline of Vegans and Vegetarians.  I do not claim to be either. 

**6:00 pm is just an arbitrary time.  Basically, you can eat your "normal" meal at any time you choose.