Muppet's melting in August

[Trying4Thin]

I envy you...

I wish I had a mountain bike of my own. The treadmill is to outdoor walking, as stationary bikes are to outdoor biking...You cant compare the two! Each require different muscles and different intensity levels. I would kill to bike outside in the fresh air. I want to actually GO somewhere instead of just reading a mile readout. How can you truly grasp how far you have gone if you cant actually "experience" doing it? I have seen 50+ miles on my display; but it doesnt mean much because my starting place is always the same as my ending place...the livingroom. But you can actually go somewhere new. That has got to be exciting. Why not plan ahead where you want to bike to, drive it in your car to figure out the miles and then time yourself for the trip? Then you can figure out how far you went and how to work on bettering your times. I think that would be a great monthly challenge; especially since the weather is going to be getting cooler. The best time of the morning to work out is around 6-9am and I am stuck at work. =P Or early evening too. I make the boob tube tape my shows and then I dont have an excuse to miss the gym. I dont think you have to worry about bulking up big time. Those people suck down lots and lots of body building protein etc and lift mega weights. So no worries. Personally woman that are that ripped are kinda freaky looking. But I admire their dedication to their craft. Sure thin and super skinny are "in" but muscle tone is sexy to most. Just like being obese is dangerous, so is being skin and bones.

[Missy]

Great job on your workout today. I was impressed to see that after your bike ride, you were still going to do yoga! That's awesome! Hearing you talk about riding your bike makes me wish I had my bike here (it's at my parents place). I always used to go for bike rides when I was in high school, I would go at least once a day. I never brought it when I moved here because I thought it would be too awkward for me to carry up the 3 flights to my apt...but maybe I should now that I lift heavy weights...the bike will probably seem light to me now! Keep up the great work, you are a true motivation.

[muppet]

I ride on a designated bike trail. I know I'm lucky. It's scenic -- through trees, by water, over bridges.... It's where I walk too. There are markers every half mile, so I usually know exactly how far I go, but I just didn't pay attention today. I also went off the main trail a bit. I have a speedometer thing on my bike, but it's either broken, or needs a new battery. I took my ipod with me today. I've always felt like I shouldn't use it, when riding, but since it is a hiking/biking trail, I don't feel as vulnerable. And, I dont' turn it up so loud, that I can't hear what's going on around me, like I do when I go for my walks.
It will be back on the bike tomorrow. My left heal hurts -- don't know if I bruised it or what- so I'm going to give it a break for awhile. It did feel better today, after biking, instead of walking, so hopefully it will be good as new before long.
I took measurements today, but I think it's going to be hard to measure progress there. It was a little different, each time I would try, so it's going to have to be a significant difference, for me to be able to tell. I guess that's why you don't do that very often!
I bought some power bars today, to have on hand when I don't have time, or the choices to eat right. They taste like a candy bar, with maybe a few less calories, but at least they have some nutrition. I figure it's better to have one of those, than to let myself get too hungry, and then pig out.
I had the most wonderful snack tonight. Fat free yogurt, with sliced fresh nectarine, and a bit of Grape Nuts thrown in for crunch. Wow--it was all so good together! I could eat that every day. Too bad it's so tough to find good fresh fruit. You just have to take advantage of what's in season.
I've also been enjoying the fruits from our garden. Cucumbers and tomatoes are coming out our ears! The sweet corn is done, and was nothing special. But the cukes, and tomatoes are divine! We also have eggplant---going to try eggplant parmesian tomorrow.
I baked a cake today, and made home made frosting -- didn't touch it!
The lean cuisine brick oven pizzas are wonderful! Best microwave pizza I've ever had! I loved it -- the crust got just crispy enough -- I had the BBQ chicken, and it was soooo good!
Ok -- I'm being very random here -- and I think it's time for me to shut it!
Good night everyone!

[muppet]

40 minute bike ride this morning, and then 30 minutes, upper body workout. I went 6.5 - 7 miles on my bike. I had to cut it a little shorter than I wanted, because I had to get everything done before I had to take my daughter to gymnastics. Well, I suppose I didn't have to, but I wanted it done and out of the way.
I let myself go too long without eating, and was really hungry, so I tried one of my power bars. They really aren't for me to eat at home, but I have a ton of things to do, and I wanted to see if they can really satisfy me and keep me going. I tried the plain chocolate one, and it was GROSS~ Kind of like a tootsie roll, but not as sweet, and kind of grainy. But, I ate it, and right at this moment, chocolate doesn't sound all that great -- even the good stuff!
I only got one of this flavor -- and I know not to get any more. Unless it could realy keep me turned off of chocolate-- then I could eat one a week, if necessary!
I followed the directions for my upper body workout. 2 exercises for each muscle group -- three sets of each exercise. I thought I might be ready for 10 pound weights, but I think I'll stick with my 5 pounders, for the time being! I'm still going to move up, but I think I'll let myself get used to it, before in increase the weight.
Well, as I said -- I have a ton of things I want to get done today. Hope you're all having a great day!
Carol

[Missy]

haha I remember once when we bought those protein bars that they sell, we had a couple different flavours and I almost puked from all of them. They tasted horrid. I commend you for eating it though, very brave of you to tough it out..lol! Maybe if you eat enough of them, the taste will start to grow on you and it won't be such a shock to the system anymore.

You are doing really awesome with your workouts lately too, I am very impressed. I hope that you seen some change in yourself by taking your measurements. I know you said you got different readings, but it's always good to see! I usually take mine once a month on my own..and the gym does my fit test every 3 months so they check everything too. I bet you are doing awesome though, keep up the good work!

[Trying4Thin]

I think it takes a special kind of person to be able to eat a protein bar. I am not one of them. I tried a Power Bar and it has grainy and gross too. There was only one I liked and I forget the name of it. But most are carb and sugar heavy so I dont touch them. I love the chocolate malted Kashi bars but they make themselves look healthy; when really they are nothing more than glorified candy bars. Check out the ingredients...Not much better than a milk carton filled of chocolate whoppers. My daily LA Lites make me feel like I am cheating enough.

Good job with the biking. Soon you may be running errands on your bike and not in your car! With rising gas prices; that could be a great alternative. Even my little VW Jetta is slurping through way too much fuel these days! Keep on trucking!

[muppet]

Yeah, I know they really aren't a great alternative to a healthy snack, but I do think they're ok, in a pinch. And, while I wasn't in a 'pinch' today, I just wanted to taste it.
I've never been one of these to be able to eat a breakfast bar, or a slim-fast bar, or shake instead of a meal. I really do prefer real food.
Other one's I've had though, really are good. And, like you say, you feel like you're cheating.
I just like the idea that I can throw one of these in my purse, and not have to worry about it spoiling, or anything like that. It will be there if I ever need it. I do find myself in situations where I know I really need to eat something, and there's really nothing to be found, other than complete junk. And that stuff really doesn't help.

[muppet]

I just got back from my bike ride. The old Carol tried to talk me out of it. I slept in today -- only till 8:00am. But letting myself do that, made me want to be lazy the whole day. I tried to say I have a lot of work I should be doing, and I should just skip it today. I tried to say I haven't taken a whole day off from exercise for more than 10 days, so I deserved a break. I even tried to tell myself I'd do it later.
But, I ignored the old me. I said, housework will still be there when I get back. And even if I worked at it all day, there would still be more tomorrow. I might not have much time tomorrow and Friday for exercise, so the excuse that I deserved a day off fell flat, because I'm probabaly going to be getting a few!
And, the 'I'll do it later' thing has never worked for me.
So I'm quite proud of myself that I drug my butt out there and did it. I pushed myself-- I am now soaked with sweat. I'm a little disappointed -- I kicked the first big hill's butt, when I started out, and I wanted to do the same to the last one, and I really tried. But I had to switch to a lower gear. I wanted to stay in the higher gear, and just push through, and get it over with faster. I reached deep down, but I was just out of gas, I guess. So, I'm disappointed that I didn't do it, but I'm proud of my effort. And, it's not like I got off, and pushed my bike or anything. I have seen these hills do that do a lot of people. Not seasoned riders, of course, but people out for a relaxing bike ride -- I think those hills are a little more than they wanted!
I got my speedometer to work again. I think it needs a new battery. I took out the old one, to see what kind it was, and when I put it back in, it started to work again. I dont' know for how long--I just have to remember what kind it is, and to pick one up next time I'm shopping.
I switched my breakfast from 2 pieces of toast , and green tea to 1 egg, 1 piece of whole grain toast, and orange juice. I don't know why -- but I love to eat the same breakfast every day. ( the toast and green tea was a step up from the bagel and cappuchino I used to have!) I've also started taking a multivitamin, and a calcium supplement. Anyway -- the change in routine is going well. I'm hoping the added protien will keep me from getting so hungry mid morning. So far, I'm doing fine. But the real test will be when school starts. I'm really hoping to avoid the preschool snack. Unless it's fruit, or veggies -- which it is quite a bit. But we also serve lots of high-carb snacks -- and not the kinds of carbs I should be eating!
We'll see how it goes!
I've also done some stretchiing, and will do some more, and some abs as well. I was going to do a pilates video, but I really don't want to. I think I can do a good enough job on my own. I like to watch tv, and do it. I'd rather watch an old 'All In the Family' rerun, and Mari Windsor, or Denise Austin! I probably don't get quite as good of a workout, but something is better than nothing -- and laughter is great too!

[Missy]

Once again, great workout!!

I am the same way, I have the exact same breakfast every morning. I have 2 omega 3 eggs, 2 pieces whole grain toast, 1/2 a banana..and usually either a cup of green tea or a cup of skim milk.

[Trying4Thin]

Great job dragging yourself to workout. Half the battle is deciding to do it. The other part (and argueably harder part) is DOING it. I hate going to the gym; but once I am there, it's all business.

The next time "Lazy Carol" tries to sabotage your routine tell her this...

1) Biking is good for my body and health
2) Biking is all about ME time....no dealing with problems, in laws, chores etc.
3) Your Nano needs attention too!
4) Exercise is good for your mind and self esteem too
5) Exercise is the key to unlocking the "new and improved you"
6) It gives you bragging rights!!
7) It's FUN!!