This is nice(r) - some goals

Things are looking up already. I'm feeling better.

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My cousin and I watched "Dream House" and thought it was okay.

So... I did not read. I'm watching "CSI" then reading my book not studying. I need to get on the ball!

I decided to write my meal plan for the week even though it's definitely Thursday now. Oops. :)

Thursday, March 1

• Egg whites + oatmeal; protein shake; chicken + onions; English muffin w/ 1/2 banana + PB; Chobani Champions honey-nana; chicken + spinach; rice cake
  
• LiveFit Day 18: legs!
• Work #1 & #2

Friday, March 2

• Same food as yesterday!
• LiveFit Day 19: shoulder & abs
• Work #1
• Finish studying chapter 2
• Make chocolate protein bars
• Nap
  
• Read Belong to Me
  

Saturday, March 3

• Shakeology; fancy grilled cheese sandwich, rice cake; PB & 1/2 banana on tortilla, chicken; protein shake
  
• TurboKick
• See Joy the Baker!
• Read Belong to Me
  
• Start chapter 3 study guide

Sunday, March 4

• Mint chocolate protein pancakes (heck yeah); baked curry sweet potato fries; protein shake
  
• Yoga
• Read Belong to Me
• Make maple kissed pumpkin muffins
• Study guide ch 3
  

Oh, I just realized tomorrow is March and that it begins another month! I have some goals this month:

• Finish Belong to Me
• Study one chapter each week to chapter 5!
• Read Catching Fire and The Paris Wife
• Catch up on Joy the Baker's podcasts!
• Bake maple kissed pumpkin muffins
• Go to San Juan Capistrano - plan trip on March 10th
• Get bike tire fixed.
• Do yoga once a week! I'm doing this a lot more recently.
• Stop spending so much... how?
• Make buffalo chicken sweet potato skins

I'll add more as I think of them...

What's on your March to do list?

Day 25: Artwork

Source: 28.media.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Julie on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Julie on Pinterest

Source: theweddingco.com via Julie on Pinterest

WIAW: Free [leap] day (LiveFit Day 17)

I've been quite the grump lately and I'll admit it. I'm not even actively trying to change my attitude. I just need sleep. Every morning, I get woken up. I sleep 11:30 or 12 to 7 everyday and this has always been fine until everyone started to fall asleep at 9PM everyday. Seriously, that's insane.

I'm also still sore and the soreness is pretty bad - I can barely sit down. :/ And tomorrow is leg day again!

Okay, on to today. I laid in bed for an extra 30 minutes trying to sleep before it was time to go.

Breakfast was the usual eggs and oatmeal, but I had made an egg white bake with peppers, spinach, soy cheese slice, and salt last night so it was much better!

I ate 1/4 of it for breakfast, 1/4 of it for lunch, and 1/4 as an afternoon snack. For lunch, I also enjoyed half an English muffin with the last bit of my chocolate banana bread hummus and half a banana.

And for my afternoon snack, I picked up Justin's honey peanut butter on the way home (thanks to a $1 off coupon) to go with the other half English muffin and some almonds.

In class, I made a to-do list. Costco didn't happen. :/ I'm watching "The Big Year" so I can return it then hitting the books tonight.

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My legs are still sore, particularly my hamstrings. My back is also a little sore from yesterday, and I'm sure today's workout will be tough: chest and triceps.

My chest and tris are especially weak. I would say triceps are my weakest.

• Wide pushups were okay, but I saved the last set till the end... and died.
• I can do incline dumbbell presses pretty well in my opinion and can't wait to get to 20 pounds.
• My chest flyes(?) need work, but unlike before in BodyPump, I feel these chest exercises in my chest and not my shoulders! :)
• I almost slid off the bench with decline flyes. How embarrassing would that be.
• One of the most surprising things: bench dips! They're comparable to narrow pushups, but I'm able to do them with a lot of struggling. However, I was able to do them and not completely struggle! I also fully used my triceps in this move. Woohoo!
• Another new move is the barbell tricep extension. It's another BodyPump move that previously hurt my shoulders as well. Not today! I really enjoyed it actually.
• I'm slowly developing my overhead tricep extension strength. Another yay.
• The last move with the cable extension was super difficult for me. Cables give me such trouble - I can do pulldowns but not this odd move. I'm not even sure it worked out my tris so much.

I just mixed 1 1/2 scoops of protein with water for a simple post-workout shake.

Finally, dinner and it's real chicken instead of soy and a combo my cousin recommended: rice cake and peanut butter. I had been meaning to buy rice cakes since it fits into the LiveFit plan.

And before bed, a Chobani Champions honey-nana. I got a 4-pack on manager's special for $2.49. :)

Day 24: Gratitude

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Source: tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

Falling foward (LiveFit Day 16)

I can barely walk! My belly is full and my legs are extremely sore. I'm not sure if it's a late reaction from yesterday or because I redid single-leg deadlifts today. Anyways, I might fall on my face.

I was woken up and not necessarily tired - just grumpy. Breakfast made me feel better: egg whites and oatmeal.

Then I went about 5-10 minutes later to the gym. Luckily, it wasn't packed today.

Oops, blurry. Today is LiveFit Day 16: biceps and back. More exercises!

• While on the elliptical, I eyed the gym for the machines I needed and easily found the hammer strength lat pull down. I enjoy working my back! I can push myself with 80s for about 5 reps.
  
• I did the same weight with the wide grip lat pulldowns & seated cable row.
  
• New for back was the back extension and t-bar row. I like the back extension a lot and am glad I get to do it. I could have used a heavier weight with the t-bar, but I couldn't lift anything and put it back. I used a barbell since I didn't see any loose bars for loading.
• On the bicep front, I did so much better! I started with preacher curls since the machine was free and alternated between 30s and 40s.
  
• I was more comfortable with alternating hammer curls - 12.5s were perfect and I didn't struggle this week. I tried to pick up the 15s but to no avail.
• The barbell curl has always been problematic for me. I did 10s on each side (20 lbs altogether) in BodyPump and was in pain usually. However, 20 was perfect today. I did one set with 25s and realized that my right arm is weaker! Wha??
• Finally, the incline dumbbell curl was awkward. I thought it would be easier since I had weight on my back, but this was not true. I had to have more control of my arms...
• Since I rushed my workout yesterday, I finished off with 2 sets of single-leg deadlifts. I felt them though my back hurt a little from it.
  

I'm not sure what this part of my arm is called but it's my favorite! Not my bicep and not my shoulder really.


My traps(?) are also quite developed, and I don't work at them...

While I took these pictures, I wanted to show my painted toesies. Right foot not so bad, but the left one has a more pronounced bunion. I'm keeping track of them so I won't need surgery... well, ever!

This is getting picture heavy, but here's now I'm doing on the LiveFit program:

Battle scars/stretch marks on my stomach. I have them on my upper thigh too.


I made myself a post-workout protein shake with unsweetened chocolate almond milk and 1/4 c. of Fage 0% since I'm still waiting on the bananas to ripen. I also packed my lunch - same thing as the last few days: English muffin with egg whites, soy cheese, and spinach.

After work, I took my cousin out for ice cream. Dinner came soon after: sweet potato with nutritional yeast, onion powder, and chipotle powder, 1/2 boiled eggplant with spaghetti sauce, mini peppers, and soy chicken tenders on a bed of spinach.

This made me so full. I had to take my plant enzyme, probiotic, and drink an apple cider vinegar drink then walk around before I felt less pregnant...

We needed regular 2% milk and almond milk for me so we headed to Trader Joe's. I also found a Pure Protein shake.

My manager at my night job had this last night. Considering she's got a fantastic body and is a doctor of holistic medicine (or something like that), I trust her. I looked at the stats and was right:

Honestly, it's not much more protein per calorie than my protein powder, but I don't like my protein powder with water and almond milk ups the cals. I'll have to find more of these!

I spent the rest of the night so far reading ALL of the February Foodie Penpal posts and responding to a ton of them. I loved seeing all the granola and bars - everyone seems healthy. I saw lots of Justin's Nut Butter and Dark Chocolate Dreams.

And now I have the TV on and it's "American Idol." I never watched these shows, but it seems I've gained an affinity for them as of late.

"Asians can not only score high on the SAT but can also sing." - Heejun Han

I'm voting for him. Let's get it. ;)

I'm stopping this madness (at 10 when it ends) and putting in "The Big Year." I rented it this morning and can't wait to see it! I love actors like Steve Martin.

What protein powder do you use? Or are you a proponent of getting your protein in food? For the amount I want, I need the supplements. I love Tera's Whey bourbon vanilla and would get it all the time if I could afford it.
What's your favorite bicep exercise? Hammer curls work best for me.

February Foodie Penpal

I never had a pen pal growing up. My school didn't find a sister school in Japan to write to. I never met with anyone I didn't know until the internet. No, it wasn't that creepy - they were going to college with me.

So I was super excited(!) to see a foodie penpal. It sounded super easy, and indeed it was. I just sent Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean my e-mail and she added me to this huge list of bloggers/readers.

I was so excited I went out and bought everything on the first day! I sent my package to Emily over at More Than Just Dessert so you can read her reveal.

My lovely penpal was Alex of Yums and Loves, who sent me tons of sweets! Right up my alley.

Perfectly packaged. I need to remember that all of it should fit into a small flat rate box.


Check out all the deliciousness!

I looked away and my cousin opened my Jif chocolate silk. This was my favorite! I've never seen these, and I had to take them back from my cousin.

Another new-to-me item: the double dipped peanut butter & chocolate Flipz. I haven't seen them in our stores yet and loved it!

Alex, you must've known somehow that I have recently (very recently) developed a love for thinkThin bars. I haven't tried the peanut butter flavored one yet because I said to myself, I always get peanut butter... Well, there's a good reason for that - peanut butter is by far my favorite now. (Wait, maybe this was my favorite item?)

My package also included something else familar: Fran's caramels. My assistant manager adores them and shares with us sometimes, but I haven't had this before. It's a huge hunk of caramel and almost like a Snickers but so much better.

Speaking of traditional candy bars, I never liked Crunch bars and though the theo bar was reminiscent of Crunch bar, I absolutely loved it.

I didn't know Odwalla made protein bars. This one was chocolatey and did indeed taste like a brownie. ;)

Finally, the Reese's hearts! Such a classic goodie for peanut butter lovers and I didn't celebrate Valentine's Day this year (or ever really) so this made me happy.

Thanks Alex for the amazing package. You read me right - I'm all about my sweets.

Here’s a detailed explanation of the program:

• On the 5th of the month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
• You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
• The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
• You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
• Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you can choose to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.

Sound like fun? If you’re interested in participating for February, please send an email to Lindsay at theleangreenbean@gmail.com and include the following information:

• Your full name
• Your email address
• Your blog name/address
• Your twitter handle (if applicable)
• WHETHER YOU ARE A US RESIDENT OR CANADIAN RESIDENT. – this is SUPER important so I can get you on the right list!

You must submit your information by March 4th as pairings will be emailed on March 5th!

***PLEASE NOTE: if you send an email, you WILL GET A RESPONSE within 48 hours. If you don''t....please re-send your email or contact Lindsay via Twitter (@LeanGrnBeanBlog). Last month we had a few emails get lost as spam so we're trying to avoid that!

What, from my package, do you like most? Have you tried it?

Caught in uncomfortable (LiveFit Day 15)

This is late, but the Oscars were a bust. It ends early thankfully and the fashion recap begins. I wasn't a fan of any of the outfits. Emma Stone did okay.

Part of the reason I didn't like the dresses? The girls looked emaciated. Ew.

Or like a box?

Who do I like? Kat Dennings. "2 Broke Girls" is a fun show.

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All the while, I'm here snacking on hit of jalapeño tortilla chips after work. That's a no-no I suppose but I love the crumbs at the bottom and then salvaged myself with fat free cottage cheese. Then I tossed the tortilla chips in a rage - no joke. I shouldn't be eating it and I get mad at myself sometimes - waste of $3. It's not the worst thing ever and I probably need the extra 100 calories but I was in a mood. Real talk.

Another waste of $: coffee from Zinc Cafe.

It was cold though, and I had been stuck in hail and rain today. :/

My goal for the week: no spending money till Saturday. It's on Monday... but honestly, I don't need any more food - got it all.

Breakfast this morning was the usual: egg whites and the new to me blueberry cinnamon flax oatmeal.

My workout today was rushed. It's a longer workout and I wanted to make it to TurboKick.

• I went UP in leg extensions! Woo! I didn't realize I was only supposed to do 10 reps!
• I used the Smith machine again and wanted to make sure I did the squats right... instead of hurting my back. I didn't feel it then but felt it after.
• I had a tough time with single-leg barbell deadlifts. I had to do them with a barbell after I fell over a few times with a dumbbell. My balance is so off as of late. More yoga? I'll try them again tomorrow (add-on). My back hurt from it. :/
  
• Lying leg curls was actually easy and I really pushed myself.

TurboKick afterwards was hard. I was sick of jumping so I just got down low, and that actually works better for me.

Oops, I forgot to take pics of my meals, but I had to pack them really quickly. However, I did great and enjoyed them pretty slowly today.

I had an egg white and soy cheese English muffin for lunch then a snack of Chobani 2% strawberry-banana and cinnamon almonds.

My dinner came at 6: 4 smart wings and a sweet potato with a tablespoon of almond butter.

Because of the rain, it was dead at work. Thankfully, we did a floor move and I thoroughly busied and enjoyed myself.

I don't do it... ever, but I'm clapping to "Rehab" sung by a contestant on "The Voice" and I'm glad Cee-Lo picked him! :)

I'm already in bed! I'm going to finish watching "The Voice" and maybe "Smash" and sleep!

Recap of LiveFit Week 2

This took me many hours and lots of patience as I attempted to watch the Oscars and have a snack. I messed up A LOT. Luckily, I learned how to fix it without having to start all over again.

The thumb on my other finger is still unfinished because of course, when it was done, I had to get under a blanket and turn of the light. That didn't work out...

Okay, I need to do a quickie post: recap of week 2 of LiveFit Trainer Phase 1.

Workouts
I felt stronger and more comfortable with the exercises this week. I did better in properly completing my sets and my muscles felt all the work. Strange... because when I did weights before (in BodyPump or circuit training), I didn't feel it for as many days as I have.

Rest days proved easier. I took two this week and only did yoga on the other rest day. Maybe it was because the 3 days of rest also were 3 days where I worked my second job. Resting resulted mostly from inconvenience (instructor out of town) and indecision. I liked rest, but my bottom's sore from painting my nails.

I'm glad and excited the workouts are getting my challenging though. More legs!

Nutrition
I loosened up a little this week, ate more sweet potatoes, and tried Jamie Eason's turkey burger and lots of tilapia. I didn't eat as many eggs as last week, only for breakfast.

I've been having a little too much nut butter though. I believe I could quit it - don't want to but should limit.

I like waking up to breakfast and then having a protein shake after.

Eating more is starting to be natural to me again. I am definitely towards the 1300 end now instead of barely making it over 1200 calories.

My diet comprises of lots of protein, carbs, and less fat.

How do I feel?
I feel fuller, but my body hasn't had any dramatic changes. My clothes still fit. My body is getting tighter I think.

My stomach is adjusting to the food so I'm taking probiotics and plant enzymes.

Today I ordered new multivitamins and BCAAs (Branch Chain Amino Acid) to retain muscle.

Do you paint your own nails? Or get manicures/pedicurs? I paint them myself all the time. I've had my nails done twice.
How long does it take you to do your nails? This took me a really long time. Now it's time to sleep!

Day 23: In Your Closet

Source: ohjoy.blogs.com via Julie on Pinterest

Bundling up for "chilly"

Packed meals: sweet potato fries with soy chicken in another container.


Protein shake and an apple cider vinegar drink with lemon, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and a strawberry garnish

It got a bit chilly so I "bundled up." Haha.

I picked up some on-sale oatmeal. They were out at one of the locations! I stocked up with a cranberry-ginger and a new-to-me flavor: cinnamon-blueberry-flax.

I went to Fashion Island to do some shopping. Nature next time when I have more time. I spent my hour at stores like Anthropologie. I would dress like exclusively in their clothes if I were richer.

...and Athleta with their gorgeous interior. I felt like I was either cheating or scoping out the competition for my job.

With some time left, I stopped by a new-to-me coffee shop and deli, Zinc Cafe. It's only a few blocks down from my job, but I never go any more south. It was an extremely cool space - much nicer than their Laguna Beach location. I got a big coffee in anticipation of work and a cookie to bring home to my cousin.

I'm watching the Oscars, but honestly, I'm not that interested. Instead, I'm playing with my uncle's iPad. It's okay, but with my laptop and iPhone, I don't need one.

I do like how my blog looks on it. :)

Time to relax. Nails are not lookin so good so I think it's time to do something with them.