Day 15: Row, Row, Row your boat...

This trip to Regina has been so physically exhausting...who knew?  Today I had the pleasure of joining my friend Bobbie and her work friends in the Dragon Boat race here in Regina.  It was great to see everyone, but also to do something so physically active that I know my body is going to feel it in the morning.

 That is one thing about me, regardless of my size I love healthy competition.  Especially in sports, I will go hard until I am about to puke if it means the difference between winning and losing.  It's like I become a frickin' olympian or something for that brief time that the competition is occurring.  Either way, it feel incredibly good and I am extremely grateful to Bobbie for asking me to join her today.  Otherwise I would have done nothing more than walked around taking pictures (and probably shopping :P).

So I started the day off with a good breakfast of 2 whole eggs and one egg white plus a pear!  I love pears and Ryan's mom had a few of them here at the house so I was so excited!  Sometimes it's the small things in life, right?

We had our first race at around 11:00 and it was a bit of a gong show, but whatevs, after that it was time for lunch, so I headed to Brewsters with Bobbie and her sister and her sister's boyfriend.  I perused the menu but came across something so amazing that I HAD to have it!  I was NOT disappointed:

Quinoa Sweet Potato Chili

I am going to attempt to make it at home, it was so spectacular and I could have eaten it for days.  So yummy and not too heavy as we had to head back to the race for our next heat.   This time we did a bit better which was good for our team's confidence.  

The last heat we were all feeling good and exhausted, but ready to really do it right this time.  So we were givin' her on the lake then all of a sudden we hear screams from our drummer and look up....we hit another boat in the race and dumped their steerer into the lake.  I have never laughed so hard.  God, it was funny, but also not t the same time.  Definitely an interesting turn of events for us.

Anyhow, we finished off the day around 5:00 pm at which time I came home, nibbled on some turkey pepperoni and 2 oz of cheese, headed out to grab stuff for my shop and came back and enjoyed a healthy salad.  But I think I didn't eat "enough" today for the amount of activity that I did because tonight I was super snacky and was tempted by the Root Beer in the fridge.  (Enough that I opened it and drank 2 sips before feeling like crap and setting the rest aside!)  But I was (and still am!) quite hungry feeling.  So next time I will need to have a few more smaller snacks earlier in the day and up my water intake a bit more.

But overall, today was great! I fit into a medium shirt (booyah!) and that of course is great for the self confidence, but more importantly I had a fantastic time being outside and getting wet in the boat!

Date: August 31, 2013!

Current weight: 240 (on Ryan's mommy's scale)

Goal for the day: Dragon boating!!!

What is your plan for food today?

B: 2 whole eggs, 1 egg white plus a piece of fruit

L: quinoa sweet potato chili

S: turkey pepperoni and cheese

Su: salad with spinach, turkey, fresh mozza, and light greek dressing

Planned water intake: 108 oz (5 water bottles full)

Day 14: The Teri Hofford Program

I have made it 2 full weeks attempting this clean eating thing and I have to say I have noticed the following thus far:

1) I have WAY more energy and less ups and downs through the day

2) I want to do more things and try new things: recipes, sports, walking, etc.

3) Weight loss and healthy eating is a good topic of conversation.  Everyone has opinions on it, everyone has struggled with it in some aspect, and everyone wants to know WHAT WORKS.

Well, let me start off by saying, I don't know what works.  I will know what works for me, but I cannot say the same for anyone else.  Too many times we want that quick fix, the magic pill, the perfect program to tell us what to do and not to do.  The thing is, if we would actually just LISTEN to our body, then that is the perfect program to tell you what to do and not to do.

For example:

When I drink milk or eat ice cream, my intestines feel like they are going to explode and makes for some VERY awkward situations.  Conclusion = don't do that.

When I eat bread or bread related products, my face looks puffier, my skin looks pasty, and I feel tired.  Conclusion = maybe cut 'er down a bit.

When I drink pop of any flavor I get immediate dull headaches, diet pop being the worst. And I don't EVER get headaches...Conclusion = just...don't.

When I eat a colorful salad with a nice grilled salmon, my taste buds AND my tummy are ridiculously happy.  Conclusion = Keep it comin'!

When I drink water continuously throughout the day, I don't get cravings.  Like, at all.  Conclusion = fill 'er up!

These are things that I have noticed in the past, but not enough to care about cutting them out or changing what I am doing.  But for this "project" I am focusing on feeling and looking my best, and I find that I don't want to give my body a reason to work harder.  I don't want to stress it out and make it sad.  I love my body.  I only have one.  I need to literally forgo my "wants" for falsely delicious treats, and really participate in the stuff that makes my tummy and organs smile.

All I know is that right now, these small changes are making a world of difference to my body and in return, to my soul.  I even shared that fabulous pancake recipe with my photoshoot peeps and Ryan's mom tonight!! They were quite impressed by the deliciousness of this easy recipe.  (Either that or we were so starved from the shoot that anything would have tasted good. Just kidding.  They are amazing.)

In addition to that, I went out for lunch prior to the photo shoot with Chrissy and my friend, Darla.  We headed to the Freehouse here in Regina and I enjoyed a mediterranean wrap with sweet potato fries (and I did indulge in the dip...) and then on the way out to the photoshoot I participated in a granola bar and apple, graciously donated by Ryan's momma.

As for exercise, we headed out to the badlands in South Saskatchewan for our photoshoot and Raylene convinced me to climb up (I only went half way) the incredible rock formations.  I was out of breath by the time I got there. But the main fact is that, I got there!

Date: August 30, 2013!

Current weight: 240 (on Ryan's mommy's scale)

Goal for the day: Climbing up the steepest hill I have ever climbed (in barefeet)

What is your plan for food today?

B: Greek yogurt with honey, a handful of blueberries,  a tbsp of chia seeds and a tbsp of oatmeal

L: mediterannean wrap with sweet potato fries

S: apple and granola bar

Su: 1 protein pancake, 2 turkey pepperoni sticks, 2 oz of cheese, and a small caprese salad

Planned water intake: 108 oz (5 water bottles full)

How do I feel: See above.

Day 13: Feeling Fine...and then I ate ice cream...

Yup.  That's right.  I had a small vanilla soft serve ice cream at the Milky Way in Regina tonight.  I am not saying that this is the most horrid act to commit, but for MY body however, dairy does not produce the most pleasing effects, not to mention I really haven't had too much dairy in the last week and a bit.  Needless to say, I am feeling it right now.  Ugh.  On the plus side, I was super amused by the sign at the Milky Way.  What the hell is a sprinkle dinkle?

So, as you can see I drove to Regina from Swan River today.  I enjoyed driving with my windows down, bugs getting cut in half and falling into my hair, and the sun turning my left arm in a lovely dark shade of brown, whilst my shaded arm stayed its lovely shade of light tan.  The drive itself thankfully was pretty uneventful.  I never snacked and drank copious amounts of water and 1 Large cup of coffee.  

I shopped a bit at the Value Village in Yorkton and then booked it to Regina where Ryan's family took me out to the yacht club at Regina Beach for dinner.  The picking was pretty slim so I settled for the Cuban Chicken Salad and it was quite delightful and filling. I may or may not have snuck a few fries from Grandma E's plate as well....

Despite my few indiscretions today I have to say I am noticing my stomach feeling less bloated these days which is absolutely fantastic feeling.  I like that my boobs are once again bigger than my belly yay!  I still have a ways to go, but I feel pretty good and know that the treats and bits that I enjoyed today cannot become a recurring staple like they have in the past.  For myself I have to remember that 95% of the time I need to eat clean, healthy, and smart and 5% of the time I can enjoy the not so fine things in life if I choose to.

Date: August 29, 2013!

Current weight: 240lbs (on Mrs. Ledgerwood's scale)

Goal for the day: Not very much exercise today :(

What is your plan for food today?

B: rice cakes, pb, and banana

S: none

L: Tim Hortons whole wheat toasted turkey bacon club, no cheese or sauce

S: 2 turkey pepperoni sticks

Su: Cuban chicken salad

Planned water intake: 108 oz (5 water bottles full)

How do I feel: Not very good at the moment, thank you small ice cream :P

Day 12: Pancakes A Plenty

Today I woke up to the most amazing fog ever!! It was so beautiful, so before anything else I rushed outside to grab some sweet photos and then came back in to whip up some stellar protein pancakes as suggested by Chantelle (see previous blog entry).

Anyhow, she okayed me giving out the recipe and it is definitely worth a try!  Not only are these beauties absolutely delicious, but they are also incredibly filling!!  Top it off with some natural pb and you have yourself the most delicious thing EVER!  Seriously, make these amazing things and enjoy yourself because they are packed with protein and high in fiber (thanks oatmeal!)

(I used a non-teflon pan and so, the tops and bottoms stuck to it :( but it was delicious nonetheless...afterwards I switched to a teflon pan and had pancake looking pancakes)

I should also mention that I am uber surprised at my brother.  Last night for supper he ensured that my burger had no sauce on and we had healthy yam fries!  Nummy!

Also, I made blueberry crisp last night!  Yay for me!!  While this has a bit of sugar and flour (I used Ryan & Amy's milled organic flour) it also has oatmeal and fresh fruit.  I had a bit and left the rest for my brother (he was complaining about wanting apple crisp the night before.)

As well, my photoshoot yesterday was at a house at the end of our road so I made sure to walk there (about 1/4 mile) and back as well I was chasing after their kids for a good hour.  As well, Aubree and I went swimming in the river yesterday.  Not hard exercise, but I was outside and I was enjoying the fresh air and this blazing heat.

So yes, I am spending a fair bit of time outside which is great and have started a new photo project which has me climbing into the bush, running back and forth from the tripod, and jumping a lot, so that should help!! I am most excited though, as ballet starts in about 2 weeks!!!! YAY!!

Date: August 28, 2013!

Current weight: No idea

Goal for the day: Another walk down the river, plus the photoshoots this evening, jumping in the bush

What is your plan for food today?

B: protein packed pancakes!!

S: half a banana

L: left over burger

S:another pancake with peanut butter :D

Su: not sure yet

Planned water intake: 108 oz (5 water bottles full)

How do I feel: Good!  My energy is ridiculous!  No need for afternoon naps!  I am able to keep up with Aubree!! 

Day 11: Survival of the Fattest

You see what I did there?  Haha.  Anyhow, I am still kicking it in old Swan River, doing my photoshoots every second that I can, but I also maybe I should explain exactly what the farm means and why it is such a challenge.

Like anyone who goes away for vacation and uses that time as their free for all, I binge my face off at the farm.  For some reason the act of being here, playing outside, hanging out in the river makes me want to eat constantly, eat chips (I don't even like chips!!), drink beer (I NEVER drink beer...it makes me bloat like crazy), and consume large quantities of coffee in lieu of water.  It is the weirdest thing ever.  But considering I come here quite frequently in the summer for photoshoots, I really need to lock this down!

(for the record, I didn't drink any of these..)

Thankfully, I have a friend on Facebook name Chantelle (I haven't met her in real life yet...) but she is a fellow photographer and also a fitness maniac, so she has been sending me some stellar recipes and I had the best intentions of making these protein pancakes that she sent me the recipe for but the internet went down this morning due to the lovely thunderstorm.  Anyhow, hopefully tomorrow will be the day when I can make up a batch of these sweet beauties to take with me when I head to Regina on Thursday.

As for eating yesterday I did have to go to a photoshoot that was about 40 minutes away, so I had to grab something quick from Tim Hortons.  I grabbed their chicken snack wraps (2) and chowed down on those, but felt quite yucky afterwards, so I don't think I will be ordering those again.  Once I got back from my photoshoot I was able to head to Extra Foods and stock up on some good stuff: Greek yogurt, blueberries, small packs of protein powder (not the best kind, but the best kind in Swan River), quick oats, egg whites, etc.  So I felt a bit better.

Other than supper, the rest of the day was pretty good, I ate my rice crackers with natural peanut butter and added a banana to them to make it different.  Aubree liked it so I mushed up some for her in a little bowl and we ate it together:

Today I started the morning off with yogurt and blueberries with the quick oats.  Nummy (but I would have rather had the pancakes) and for lunch I took my brother out to a local restaurant and had a cranberry, chicken cream cheese wrap with sweet potato fries (homemade).  It was pretty delicious and the chicken was actual chicken breast, not the deli kind.  So yay for that!  Also, the wrap was loaded with tons of veggies: lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, etc.  Top that off with a bottle of water and I am set for the rest of the day until dinner.  I have to head out to another photoshoot at 5:00 and then get to shoot my brother and his wife (sounds funny, right??) after that, so it will be a busy evening!

Exercise wise, I get to play with Ms. Aubree.  And if you have never played for an hour with a 1.5 year old, then you won't understand the amount of energy that needs to be expended.

Well, I have to head off to my photo shoot now, so I shall see you all tomorrow!

Date: August 27, 2013!

Current weight: No idea

Goal for the day: Another walk down the river, plus the photoshoots this evening

What is your plan for food today?

B: greek yogurt with blueberries and a smidge of protein powder

S: 1 rice cake with pb/banana

L: whole wheat wrap with chicken, cream cheese, veggies and sweet potato fries

S:peppers

Su: not sure yet

Planned water intake: 108 oz (5 water bottles full)

How do I feel: I keep getting up earlier and earlier which is both awesome and annoying.  I like that I have more time in my day, but I hate having to put pants on sooner...

Day 10: Giv'er Giv'er, Swan River!

Well, I made it to my destination yesterday and had a pretty good day. I hate my peppers on the way to Swan River, drank a L black coffee and consumed 2 bottles of water on the short drive.  I did eat my peanut butter on rice cakes for breakfast yesterday so I wasn't tempted to grab a muffin at the McDonalds where I got my coffee.

Then, when I arrived to Swan River, Agricultural Days was going on at the Museum, so my brother and his family and myself went along because Amy's flour was being used to make the bread in the clay ovens!  Awesome!  I did help myself to a slice of the bread, but I slathered it with farm honey instead of margarine or jam.  It was quite delicious and it is really cool to see how they make everything.

I had plans on eating lunch in Swan River, but as far as restaurants go there wasn't anything I could just take home with me, so Ryan offered me some sheep sausage when I got home so I chowed down on a few pieces of that as well as a banana.  Then last night, he was extremely considerate of my current dietary requirements and they made healthy turkey burgers with fresh herbs, he even went light on the BBQ sauce for my burgers (he was going to nix it all together, but forgot when he was painting the others).  I had a bunch of salad with a bit of Italian dressing and Amy had whipped up some fries using this cool fry cooker thing where it only takes 1 tbsp of olive oil, so they were healthy!  In addition to that, I went for a long walk down the river because it was freaking hot, so the water felt nice on my legs.

Then I headed into town where I did my photoshoot and Ryan had asked me to pick up some goodies for him and Amy as they were going to snuggle in and watch a movie last night.  He asked me to get a bag of chocolate covered almonds and fuzzy peach slices.  Have you ever wanted something so bad, you can actually imagine what it would feel like to eat it and put it on your tongue?  Seriously, this was the fight I had with myself for the 20 minutes it took me to get from Swan River out to the farm as I look at those two baggies just sitting there, tempting me.  I am proud to say I did NOT indulge in any of them, during the drive or even later that night.  I just bought a large bottle of water and consumed it all night.  Yay me!

Saying no is getting easier, it's just finding the right things, which is incredibly hard in small towns and when traveling.  Of course, most addicts go through treatment before facing their biggest fears in the real world.  Not me.  I start this fun little adventure less than a week before I know I am off traveling about for 2 weeks.  Then again, I have never been one to take things slowly.  If I am going to face my fears I may as well do it now.  As well, I was tired of making up the excuse "well, I'll just start after..." The thing is, next year I will be camping quite a bit and traveling for weddings a lot, so I need to make sure I know what I am doing anyway.  If it's a lifestyle, it has to happen now and cannot wait for the following Monday.  So I urge you, if you are interested in changing your life in any form, do not wait until [insert excuse here] is over.  Start on a random Tuesday or on a Thursday afternoon.  Because if you don't decide to do it through the hard times, you won't be able to do it long term.

Date: August 26, 2013 Swan River drive time!

Current weight: No idea

Goal for the day: Another walk down the river, plus the photoshoot this evening

What is your plan for food today?

B: 2 eggs with spices

S: 1 rice cake with pb

L: Meat and veggies

S:peppers

Su: Chili

Planned water intake: 108 oz (5 water bottles full)

How do I feel: I feel confused in my emotions because I am frustrated that there aren't any healthy options, but that is only because I am stopped over and staying with someone else.  If I was to stay put and have something to cook on (fire, BBQ or stove) then it would be a lot easier to prep for short road trips, snacks, and meals.  Because I am always in transit, I find it difficult and get frustrated at the lack of options.  

Day 9: Shhhhhh

Don't make too many loud noises.  It was a late night last night, plus I may or may not have indulged in a bit of wine plus the consumption of a few shots after meeting up with an old friend from high school.

At weddings I shoot I definitely do not drink, but this one was a different kind of wedding. First off it was for my good friends, Nikki & Janz.  Secondly, we are in Clear Lake and everyone was extremely relaxed and the party got started early.  I was doing fine with a single glass of wine (as usual) but then Chris, my friend from school, offered to do a shot.

And well, you know how these things go and soon another guy in the wedding party bought me a shot.  So yes, I consumed my daily quantity of food in the form of beverages.  Though I played it safe (aside from the wine) and drank the hard liquor and to be fair I sweated so much during the day and during the reception I would be surprised if there was any alcohol left in my system.  But to be safe, I walked home (clocking more miles on my exercise! Yay!) and will have to trek back to my car this morning, thus ensuring I get my exercise in for the day!

The biggest obstacle for me when shooting weddings is a number of things (and any wedding photographer will say the same, I am sure)  #1: there is no schedule for breaks or eating.  There literally is no time in the day where I can grab a snack, make sure I pee, and drink a lot of water.  It's just not happening until the reception.  The reason being is that I get paid to capture moments....moments that happen when no one else is looking.  #2: No control over what is being served for dinner/late lunch/snacks.  For example, tonight was actually a stellar meal.  There was chicken (I asked for 2 half breasts), caesar salad, buns, carrots, broccoli, roast beef, gravy, potatoes, etc.  Cupcakes and dainties made up the dessert.  I did pretty good avoiding the sweet stuff (aside from the liquid stuff) and ate lots of chicken and salad and carrots.  I didn't even eat 1 bun!!  And despite the internal battle in my brain (thanks, wine!) I even forgoed the cupcakes!

What's going to happen today?  God only knows.  All I do know is that I need to pour copious amounts of caffeine down my throat before hitting the road to Swan River.

Date: August 26, 2013 Swan River drive time!

Current weight: No idea

Goal for the day: 35 minute walk ending with me getting my car

What is your plan for food today?

B: rice crackers with pb

S: peppers

L: I'm not sure, but I will have to pick it up in Swan River

S:peppers

Su: chicken salad

Planned water intake: 108 oz (5 water bottles full)

Day 8: The Challenge, OH! The Challenge...

So, note: Clear Lake does not a healthy eating community make.  Yesterday I walked all around the community of Clear Lake looking for something that was not breaded, grainy, sweet, or saucy.  No such luck.  Because of the time at night I had to settle for a gluten free Greek pizza with a ton of onions, olives, and feta.  I only had 3 tiny pieces, but it was enough for me to be depressed and sad at the lack of options.

 So, I shouted out to my Facebook friends!

I got some really great feedback so I started today off on a much better foot!  I headed to the market as suggested by Amanda and snatched up some fresh green peppers (they still have a bit of dirt on them!).  There were a lot of other vegetables, but they were of the need-to-cook variety, which I don't have the ability to do in a motel.  In addition to that I saw a sweet campervan which I would love for traveling around in!!

I then meandered over to the Foxtail Cafe for a breakfast of Foxtail frittatta (eggs, bacon, goat cheese, onion), fruit and toast!  And coffee.   Of course coffee.  No wedding day is complete without ample amounts of caffeinated beverages.   As for the toast, I did treat myself to one slice (it was homemade! I couldn't resist! But normally I would have eaten 2 and then grabbed one of off my SO's plate) and some homemade jam!

Maybe it would be easier to eat clean if I had a stove or some sort of cooking apparatus (there was a guy at the market selling bison beef!).  I am finding it difficult to let go of the control of eating at home.  I guess I should get over it, I have a week and a bit left.  As well, tonight I will participate in the wedding dinner which is usually a surprise, but knowing the Manitoba crowd, there will be perogies, meat, potatoes, etc.  I am actually quite excited for the wedding today because it is a couple that I have known for awhile and have photographed forever.  They are both funny, outgoing, and loving people.  They also like to have a good time!  Yay for Nikki & Janz!

Oh! I almost forgot!  Yesterday as I was in Brandon I was trying to figure out what I could buy in the city to bring with me out to the lake and I went to Two Farm Kids, a health food store, but they really didn't have too much unless you would be cooking or baking.  But then I saw a sign for Katy's Kookies, protein cookie bars for buff ladies.  So I pulled a U-y and went into the shop.  She had every variety possible.  These things are a)home baked b)extremely healthy and low in calories and c) frackin delicious.  They were $4 a piece, but I could only eat half of one because of its ironic sweetness, so technically I had double the amount.  I picked up 3 so I would have one for a snack today.

One major change I have noticed in the last week is my ability to wake up early.  Seriously, ask my sister.  She would call at 11 and I would still be sleeping.  Lately, I have been getting up earlier than my alarm (which is set for 9) every day and am not sluggish in the least.  Even if I stay up until 2 am (like last night...).  My body is doing what my body is supposed to do.  Cool.

Date: August 24, 2013 WEDDING DAY!

Current weight: No idea

Goal for the day: 35 minute walk around Clear Lake

What is your plan for food today?

B: Frittatta with 1 toast and fruit

S: Kathy's Cookies

L: Leftover pizza (2 slice)

S:peppers

Su: whatever they will be serving me :D

Planned water intake: 96 oz (4 water bottles full)